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Applause Entertainment releases 18 premium drama series in 19 months
MUMBAI: The content ecosystem has witnessed a boom with the advent of streaming services and an upsurge in non-linear content consumption. Amidst the creative revolution, Applause Entertainment has produced 18 diverse shows in multiple languages in a short span of time.
Spearheaded by the media veteran Sameer Nair, the content creation studio has focused on a combination of smart originals of international formats, book to screen adaptations, and Applause Originals. It has created the official Indian adaptations of popular international shows including The Office, Criminal Justice, Hostages and Your Honor.
Applause is presently developing Indian versions of the hit series Call My Agent, Fauda and Luther. The studio’s latest offering, Scam 1992 The Harshad Mehta Story, is currently the highest rated show on IMDB in India (9.6) and #21 amongst the top 50 television shows globally. Shows produced by Applause are currently streaming on leading global video streaming services including Disney+Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, SonyLiv and MX Player.
Applause Entertainment CEO Sameer Nair said, “We are truly humbled by the phenomenal response from audiences for all our content. From Criminal Justice to Scam 1992, it’s been a delightful journey creating our shows, collaborating with best in class talent, creators and business partners! We are here to dazzle, delight, disturb and disrupt, and this is just the beginning.”
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.
