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Film shoots resume in Madhya Pradesh under Covid2019 norms
MUMBAI: Madhya Pradesh has become the first state to permit film production post the unlock. The state is taking all necessary measures to ensure shooting takes place safely. The government has come out with a set of standard operating guiding principles that need to be followed at film sets and by the crew at all places where filming takes place.
Moreover, Madhya Pradesh is a predominantly Hindi speaking state, making it more viable and manageable for Bollywood movies. The availability of production facilities, line producers, artists, local crew etc, makes it much more economical to shoot in.
Till now, more than 200 projects including feature films, TV serial/series, TVCs and reality shows have been shot in Madhya Pradesh, such as Stree, Sui-Dhaga, Kalank, Manikarnika, Luka Chhupi, Padman, Toilet ek Prem Katha, Bajirao Mastani, Paan Singh Tomar, Lion, C, Aarakshan, and Raajneeti, to name a few.
Recently, actors like Anupam Kher and Bhumi Phednekar have wrapped up filming in Madhya Pradesh for their movies. And a few shoots with actor Vidya Balan are in the pipeline around the last week of November.
Anupam Kher said, “It is picture wrap for our movie #TheLastShow!! What an amazing, creatively satisfying and courageous journey it has been. We will miss this time together. But I think we have created something, the memories of which will last us for a lifetime. ‘Thank you’ is a small expression to express our gratitude. But we couldn’t have created this gem without the help of #MPGovt, local authorities and people of #Bhopal. Especially @mptourism dept. Jai Ho to you all. #Film #PassionAndPaseenaFilms.”
Madhya Pradesh Tourism department is liable to coordinate with the different concerned departments for shoot permission on behalf of filmmakers. The state is working on a Film Tourism Policy to simplify the process of securing permission for shoots.
The vision of this policy is to make Madhya Pradesh a major filmmaking hub and generate a number of employment opportunities in the state.
MP tourism provides the following facilities to producers/directors:
• Dedicated film facilitation cell shall work as a nodal agency to ease out the shooting permissions through single window clearance system.
• Authentic shooting locations
• Film friendly authorities and strong government support
• Easy permissions
• Modern infrastructure and omnipresent hotels
• Favourable law and order condition
• Cost-effective infrastructure, crew, local talent and other skilful workforce
• Hindi speaking people, food/cuisine flexibility and ideal climate
Comfort of filming in MP:
· A dedicated online film web portal shall be created to provide a single-point interface and time bound clearance mechanism for filmmakers intending to shoot in Madhya Pradesh.
· All the applications shall be received through online mode by the film facilitation cell and action shall be taken in coordination with the concerned department for permission.
· The portal shall also act as a platform for information dissemination related to film tourism policy and shall also act as a forum for the dissemination and the rules, regulations, also provide information on grants and other utility services.
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.
