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Canon India introduces a new entity ‘Canon NorthStar’
Mumbai: Canon India takes a giant leap forward in the imaging industry with the launch of ‘Canon NorthStar’, an innovative one-stop solution platform inclusive of end-to-end advisory, equipment and associated services, by bringing together the finest technology companies and industry experts, to enable customers in setting up complete studio operations.
Derived from its namesake, ‘NorthStar’ embodies the guiding role in providing direction to aspiring studio owners by becoming the one-stop solution to address the burgeoning demand across diverse sectors such as production studios, broadcasting, OTT, podcasting studios, educational institutions, virtual production environments, YouTube channels, VR shoots and CGI shoots. Spanning across content creation, post-production solutions, light & audio solution, color grading, storage solution and more, the project aims to consolidate all these services under one holistic platform, catering to end-to-end needs of imaging workflow.
The initiative was launched in a grand ceremony held in Mumbai spearheaded by Canon India president & CEO Manabu Yamazaki along with Canon management, in the presence of platform partners, panel experts and eminent industry stalwarts.
Canon NorthStar service is structured into two tiers, firstly, the advisory layer, drawing on the expertise of esteemed panels featuring industry luminaries in cinematography, post-production, data storage, and more, offering invaluable insights and guidance on setup, equipment selection, and operational strategies tailored to individual needs. Some of the key panelists include Kavita Bahl (cinematographer/documentary), Nandan Saxena (cinematographer/documentary), Sapan Narula (DOP/ CG visual effects and post-production), Neil Sadwelkar (data storage/post-production), Vijay Bedi & Ajay Bedi(wildlife filmmaker/documentary), Simran Gill (cinematographer/documentary), Goutham Shankar (post-production/data storage), and Ratan Sil Sarma (director of photography & colorist).
The second layer includes delivering seamless integration of cutting-edge technology for a complete ecosystem setup by leveraging strategic partnerships with leading technology brands. These include Adobe (post-production solution), Western Digital (data storage solution), Dell (infrastructure solution) Sennheiser (audio solution), Aputure (light solution), SanDisk (flash storage solution), and Atomos (monitor solution), to offer best in class services in the field of imaging. The initiative successfully creates a single touchpoint for customers to access services from various brands, creating an efficient and seamless studio/production platform.
Speaking on the occasion, Canon India president and CEO Manabu Yamazaki said, “As the imaging industry continues to evolve, Canon India remains committed to driving innovation and empowering our customers. With ‘Canon North Star,’ we are not merely setting a new standard; we are redefining what it means to embark on the journey of production setup in the digital age. During COVID we realised the growing potential and upcoming demand of this sector and seized the opportunity to pioneer a first-of-its-kind, one-stop solution. As the industry continues to grow with rapid advancements in technology and emerging trends such as digital streaming platforms, 4K and 8K resolution, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), there is a need for a unified platform to cater to these requirements by providing adequate solutions and services under one roof, ensuring convenience and efficiency. Building onto our legacy of imaging technology, we are taking a big leap by setting up an end to end imaging ecosystem, bringing together leading brands and industry experts, thereby providing a catalyst for propelling industry growth.”
Use cases of ‘NorthStar’
From cameras and lighting to audio and storage solutions, ‘Canon NorthStar’ ensures clients receive a comprehensive solution advisory for unleashing their creative potential. The service is designed to address the unique needs of each use case, offering tailored solutions for:
- Production studios: NorthStar will offer expertise and advice from industry experts in complete studio set-up solutions for all levels of productions including AD films, Fashion, Lifestyle, and Jewellery designs
- Podcast studios: With the burgeoning trend of podcasting, ‘Canon NorthStar’ provides comprehensive setup solutions tailored to the specific requirements of podcast creators, ensuring seamless production and broadcast.
- Educational institutes: In the age of online education, universities and academies require sophisticated studio setups for virtual classes and pre-recorded educational sessions. ‘Canon NorthStar’ offers end-to-end solutions to facilitate seamless content creation and delivery
- Virtual production setups: From news and broadcast to VFX and CGI workflows, Canon ‘NorthStar’ offers cutting-edge technology solutions to facilitate immersive virtual production experiences.
- Colour grading studios: For professionals in the realm of colour grading, ‘Canon NorthStar’ provides the essential tools and expertise to achieve unparalleled visual quality and consistency
- OTT channels: With the rise of OTT platforms ‘Canon NorthStar’ empowers content creators to produce high-quality original content with precision and efficiency
Canon ‘NorthStar’ is a collaborative effort to empower consumers and businesses with the resources and guidance needed to build future-ready studios.
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.
