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B.A.G. marks cinema entry with dubbed Telugu film
MUMBAI: Anurradha Prasad’s B.A.G. Films Ltd has announced that it has initiated its presence in the feature film segment with the launch of Telugu version of the movie Shirdi Sai Baba in Andhra Pradesh.
The movie was released on 11 August in Vijayawada, Eluru, Vizag and Kakinanda.
With this step, B.A.G. Films, which also enjoys a strong presence in the programming and new media (mobile value added) business segments besides running a media school, proposes to establish its presence in films.
Commenting on the performance during the quarter and year under review, B.A.G. Films managing director Anurradha Prasad said, “We are excited about the release of our first feature film and are happy that our presence in the segment has been initiated with an auspicious film like Shirdi Sai Baba. Going forward, B.A.G. Films proposes to produce small to medium budget films in various Indian languages, which will enable it to expand its presence in the segment.”
The film, which was originally launched in Hindi, was directed by Deepak Balraj Vij, music composed by Late Pandurang Dixit.
B.A.G Films dubbed the film in Telugu for which the songs have been translated in Telugu and re-sung by the great singer Padamshree Hariharan. The star cast includes Sudhir Dalvi, Shammi Kapoor, Dharmendra, Suresh Oberoi and Aushim Khetrapal.
The response to the movie has been very encouraging, as a result of which the company proposes to extend the release to other regions in the state.
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.
