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Bhuvanesh Mendiratta steps into spotlight as MD of Miraj Cinemas
MUMBAI: The curtains have risen on a new leadership act at Miraj Cinemas. On 26 May 2025, the company appointed Bhuvanesh Mendiratta as its new managing director, succeeding Amit Sharma, who exits after a 14-year stint to explore new avenues.
Mendiratta has been no stranger to the Miraj marquee. As chief operating officer, he helped script the chain’s rise to India’s third-largest multiplex network, with 235 screens across 70 locations in 48 cities. In his new role, he will chart business strategy, lead daily operations, and drive future growth.
With two decades in entertainment and hospitality—including tenures at PVR and Cinemax—Mendiratta has worked across verticals like F&B, programming, and marketing. He holds a degree in Hospitality Administration from NCHMCT and an executive MBA in hospitality management.
“Bhuvanesh has been part of our core team for a long time and understands every aspect of the business. With his strong industry knowledge and execution skills, we believe he is well-placed to lead Miraj Cinemas into its next phase of growth. We are excited about what lies ahead”, said Miraj Group group CEO Arvind Jain.
In his first comments as MD, Mendiratta said, “It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m truly honoured to take on this responsibility. Our focus will remain on strengthening our presence, adding premium formats like IMAX and Neo-M, and creating the best possible experience for moviegoers across India”.
He also pointed to expansion plans targeting tier two and tier three cities with content strategies tailored to regional audiences and sustainable cinema formats.
Under Mendiratta’s direction, Miraj Cinemas aims to double down on premium screen formats, upgrade sound and projection tech, and deepen its national footprint—ensuring the story at Miraj continues to unfold on a bigger, bolder canvas.
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.
