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Alpha Marathi acquires cache of NFDC films
MUMBAI: With a clutch of prize NFDC-produced feature films in its kitty, Alpha Marathi is set to launch a six month long film festival in Mumbai theatres.
The films, which include the Jabbar Patel directed Ek Hota Vidushak, the critically acclaimed Doghi directed by Sumitra Bhave, Not Only Mrs Raut, Mukta and Amol Palekar’s Bangarwadi, will be telecast on the channel after a few screenings at the Essel promoted Fun Republic. The theatre screenings will be attended by the producers, directors and artistes of the films as well as by film critics, and the resultant discussions over the film will be aired on the channel later. According to Alpha Marathi head Nitin Vaidya, the films will be run in the theatre for some days, depending on viewer response.
Alpha Marathi has initially received favourable response with its innovative Nakshatranche Dene, a regular ground event showcasing literary talent, which is subsequently aired on the channel. The film festival of acclaimed new Marathi films follows the same strategy, with the intention of exciting viewer curiosity with the theatre screenings. The festival will kick off with EK Hota Vidushak, the last film to be scripted by noted literateur P L Deshpande before his death, and directed by eminenet filmmaker Jabbar Patel.
While the cost of acquiring this valuable cache from the NFDC library is not known, the films are targeted at the SEC A and B demographic, which rates these thought provoking films highly, but is unable to watch them in theatres, which are finding Marathi films an increasinly unviable proposition.
Among the films acquired by Alpha in the first phase are Mukta, the Jayoo and Nachiket Patwardhan directed and Limited Manuski as well as and Atyachar.
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.
