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Britney’s antics overshadow Justin’s wins at VMAs
NEW YORK: It was a night of kiss-and-tell at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA).
Justin Timberlake and Coldplay may have bagged the honours but Justin’s girlfriend Britney Spears got the attention by kissing Madonna. Not to be satisfied, Madonna also kissed Latin pop star Christina Aguilera during the opening performance of Like A Virgin.
In India, MTV will air the awards on 7 September at 1:30 pm. MTV is running a tongue-in-cheek poll about the kiss. The question asked is ‘How did Brit’s lip-locking performance stack up against her past VMA appearances?’
Coming to the business-end of things, Missy Elliott finally won a VMA after being nominated 17 times in the past.
Britney and Madonna share a tender girl moment
She won Video of the Year and Best Hip-Hop Video for Work It which came into the event with a pack-leading eight nominations. The hip-hop icon thanked the late Aaliyah in her acceptance of the top award, for which she brought out an enormous posse, including director Dave Meyers, producer Timbaland and her dancers.
Timberlake and Coldplay each earned three trophies, two better than Johnny Cash, who took only one of the six categories for which he was nominated — Best Cinematography. Timberlake paid tribute to the veteran Cash saying, “I want a recount. My grandfather raised me on Johnny Cash, I’m from Tennessee. I guess I share this with him in some cool way. He deserves a round of applause.”
Other multiple winners included Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love, for Best R&B Video and Best Choreography, and 50 Cent’s In Da Club, for Best New Artist and Best Rap Video.
The host, actor Chris Rock gained notoriety for his introductions of presenters, beginning with LeBron James and Ashanti. “He’s trying to be the next Kobe Bryant and she’s trying not to be the next victim” Rock said.
Controversial rap star Eminem won Best Video From a Film for Lose Yourself. The track was used in Curtis Hanson’s film 8 Mile.
There was more bad news for Jennifer Lopez following the disaster of the film Gigli which has become the laughing stock of Hollywood and film critics. She was one of the major losers on the night along with Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Nelly and No Doubt.
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.
