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Banijay Asia joins hands with MS Dhoni
MUMBAI: Banijay Asia, the production house, helmed by Deepak Dhar has partnered with Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd which is led by cricketer— Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with an aim to create engaging and exciting content across various genres.
The vision of this partnership is to create premium content that will be distributed across multiple platforms in Indian and South East Asian markets. Banijay founder and CEO Deepak Dhar said, “In this partnership, I am excited and looking forward to work with Suraj Singh, Mihir Diwakar, and Seemant Lohani to build the collaboration between Dhoni Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Banijay Asia.”
Dhar is bringing a plethora of content across different subjects. Credited with over two decades of expansive experience, he has also contributed greatly in changing the landscape of content across platforms and ruled the world of TRPs with some of the most talked about shows in the history of Indian Television like ‘Bigg Boss’, ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, ‘Khatron Ke Khiladi’ amongst the others.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni said, “The Bigg Boss, Mr. Deepak Dhar has been introducing disruptive content to the audiences since more than two decades. I am really excited to join hands with Banijay Asia, I am overwhelmed and looking forward to creating exciting content for my audiences. I hope with this partnership I keep up to the expectations of my fans who have been supporting me and looking up to me. In 2019, we promise to create energising, exciting and enthralling content for the audiences across platforms.”
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.
