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Avi Armoza buys back Armoza Formats from ITV
MUMBAI: Avi Armoza made big news when he announced in 2019 that he was selling lock stock and barrell the production and formats company that bears his name to ITV Studios. Now, the spotlight is once again on him with his new announcement that he was buying back Armoza Formats from the UK production major.
The only difference is that the latter will own the catalogue it had acquired while Armoza will have ownership over all future formats it develops as well the exclusive right to produce ITV Studios formats in Israel. So around 100 titles including Still Standing, Marry Me Now and The Four will be the property of ITV, while ongoing productions between the two will have the status quo maintained. Among these are: the Israeli version of the ITV format Love Island which is about to begin airing on Free TV, three seasons of Come Dine With Me, and two seasons of the game show The 1% Club for Kan 11. Additionally, a new Arabic language version of Come Dine With Me is in production and The Chase in Arabic is being developed, as well as the original Armoza production, Cooking Up Memories, which is now on air for Makaan.
“Adapting to the changing needs of the market – exploring and finding new ways to do business has always been at the heart of Armoza Formats. I’m excited for the next chapter,” says the feisty Israeli creator Avi.
“I’m really pleased to continue to work with Avi as he represents our catalogue of award-winning formats, ” says ITV Studios managing director international production Lisa Perrin.
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.
