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The Lord of the Rings forges ahead with season three
MUMBAI: Middle-earth is calling once more! Prime Video has confirmed that The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is returning for a third season, with pre-production already underway. Filming is set to begin this spring at Shepperton Studios in the UK, marking a new chapter in Amazon’s most-watched fantasy saga. With over 170 million viewers worldwide, the series remains a powerhouse for Prime Video, driving record-breaking new subscriptions.
Returning to shape the next season’s visual spectacle is Charlotte Brändström, now stepping in as an executive producer and director, alongside Sanaa Hamri and new addition Stefan Schwartz. Brändström, known for her work on The Witcher and The Man in the High Castle, directed multiple episodes in The Rings of Power’s first two seasons. Hamri, a veteran of The Wheel of Time and Empire, is back after directing several episodes in Season Two. Schwartz, whose credits include The Boys, Luther, and The Walking Dead, joins the directorial lineup for the first time.
“The Rings of Power continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway,” said Amazon MGM Studios head of television Vernon Sanders. “The creative team has an extraordinary vision for what’s to come, and we can’t wait to delve even deeper into the legendary tales that shaped Middle-earth.”
The Rings of Power has become a defining title for Prime Video, boasting one of the platform’s biggest debuts and consistently drawing massive global engagement. Seasons one and two have been lauded for their epic storytelling and cinematic visuals, with both receiving certified fresh ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series is helmed by showrunners and executive producers J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, with Lindsey Weber, Justin Doble, and Kate Hazell also onboard. Brändström joins the executive producer ranks, ensuring continuity in the series’ grand vision.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
