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Bobby Pawar joins Network18 to lead creative initiatives in branded content
Mumbai: News18 Studio, the branded content arm of Network18, has announced the appointment of renowned adman and former chairman & chief creative officer of Havas Group, Bobby Pawar as a creative consultant. In this role, Bobby will work closely with the network’s branded content team to lead creative initiatives and infuse innovative solutions into brand strategies.
With over 30 years in advertising, Bobby Pawar is a legendary figure known for his exceptionally effective work for numerous brands. He has received over 400 awards throughout his illustrious career, cementing his status as a leading creative force in the field.
Prior to joining News18 Studio, Bobby was chairman & chief creative officer at Havas Group. With successful stints as a CCO in Publicis and JWT India, he is credited with turning around the creative reputations and fortunes of these agencies. His advertising work, created for agencies in India and USA, has won more than 400 Indian and international awards.
Commenting on his new role, Bobby Pawar said, “It’s an exciting step for me to help create powerful brand stories through engaging content after having done my bit in conventional advertising. I am thrilled to join the talented team at Network 18 and use my experience to push creative boundaries for effective solutions. I look forward to helping create compelling content that not only entertains but also inspires and engages audiences, and equally creates impact for brands.”
Speaking on the new appointment, News18 Studio president S Shivakumar said, “At News18 Studios, we integrate newsworthy content with a story-first approach to drive conversations and achieve brand objectives. Having someone of Bobby’s stature with us will energise our creative endeavours and also inspire our young team. We look forward to Bobby helping us deliver more impactful solutions that resonate with our brand partners.”
As Network18’s branded content division, News18 Studio partners with purpose-driven brands to lead powerful conversations that contribute to nation-building. Brand partnerships play a key role in driving brand narratives, fostering a sense of community, and aligning with cultural movements, all while engaging stakeholders who shape the future. Through engaging storytelling, brands can communicate their vision, spark innovation, drive positive conversations, and make products and services more accessible and relatable to consumers.
News18 Studio’s recent high-impact initiatives include ‘Mission Swachhta aur Paani’ with Harpic, ‘Sanjeevani – United Against Cancer’ with Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts, ‘Period or Pride’ with Whisper and ‘Sustainable is Attainable’ with Tata Power, among various others.
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.
