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Balaji Telefilms appoints Jyoti Deshpande as non-executive additional director
MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms has appointed Jyoti Deshpande as the non-executive additional director. The appointment, which was approved following a circular resolution by its board on 22 March, is in compliance with share subscription agreement entered into between Balaji and Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) on 22 July 2017.
Deshpande was the head media entertainment (M&E) business as president of the chairman’s office at RIL. The company said Deshpande is not liable for retirement by rotation and accordingly suitable proposal for her continuation will be put up for the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing annual general meeting.
On Thursday, the company had announced that Jyotindra Thacker, non-executive additional director of the company, has tendered his resignation with effect from 22 March due to his other pre-occupations.
In her new role at RIL, Deshpande will lead the company’s initiatives in M&E to organically build and grow businesses around the content ecosystem such as broadcasting, films, sports, music, digital, gaming, animation as well as integrate RIL’s existing media investments such as Viacom18 and Balaji Telefilms with a view to build, scale and consolidate the fragmented $20 billion Indian M&E sector.
Deshpande has over 25 years of experience in media and entertainment across advertising, media consulting, television and film. She has been part of the leadership team of Eros International Plc since 2001 and as Group CEO & MD has spearheaded Eros’ growth as a global leader in Indian filmed entertainment.
Prior to joining Eros in 2001, Deshpande has worked for five years in the field of advertising, media consulting and television with companies such as J Walter Thompson India, Mindshare, Zee TV and B4U. She has a bachelor’s degree in commerce and economics from Mumbai University and a master’s degree in business administration from SPJIMR, Mumbai University.
Shares of Balaji Telefilms were last trading at the Bombay Stock Exchange at Rs 129.05 as compared to the previous close of Rs 127.5. The total number of shares traded during the day was 38934 in over 304 trades.
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.
