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Balaji Tele net jumps to Rs 574.14m; total income at Rs 1.87b
MUMBAI: Despite the negative sentiment in the market about its performance, Balaji Telefilms has declared spiffing results not only for the last quarter of FY 02-03, but for the entire year too.
The net profit leapt from 290.15 million in the previous FY to Rs 574.14 million while its Q4 profit also rose to Rs 119.68 million (Rs 89.39 million in the previous corresponding quarter). Q4 total income has increased from Rs 348.71 million in FY 2002 to Rs 459.39 million.
The board of directors has recommended a final dividend of Rs 1.50 per share on par value of Rs 2 per share for the year ended 31 March 2003.
The net sales for the year grew 68-odd per cent to Rs 1859.65 million from Rs 1102.95 million while its other income was halved to Rs 14.91 million (Rs 28.14 million). The total income increased to Rs 1874.57 million (Rs 1131.09 million).
The operating profit has more than doubled to Rs 948.22 million from Rs 456.47 million. Ditto for gross profit which increased to Rs 947.63 million from Rs 456.08 million. The profit before tax has also grown twice to Rs 905.20 million as compared to Rs 445.42 million. The company’s reserves position has swelled to Rs 961.40 million as compared to Rs 558.5 million for the corresponding period last year.
The EPS (earning per share) reduced considerbly to Rs 11.14 as compared to Rs 28.16 for the corresponding period last year. The reason: in a bid to expand its investor base it split each Rs 10 face value share into a Rs 2 face value share in July 2002. In the process, it expanded the floating stock in the retail market.
The Balaji scrip ended the day at Rs 56.6 (up 0.35 per cent) on the Bombay Stock Exchange today and at Rs 56.60 on the National Stock Exchange. The 52-week high of the scrip as of today was Rs 579.90 and the scrip began the year around the Rs 80-mark. Since then, it has experienced a steady downward fall.
Balaji Telefilms’ TV shows and series have reportedly been losing viewer ratings in recent times, leading to discussions amongst financial analysts on whether the Ekta Kapoor run company has plateaued. Adding grist to that talk is the dislodging of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi from the number one ratings slot by Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand, produced by AK Productions, last week
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.
