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Celebrity attorney Johnnie Cochran passes away
MUMBAI: Famous celebrity attorney Johnnie Cochran who shot to fame by defending O.J. Simpson has passed away of brain cancer. He was 67 years old.
During his career Cochran sued police departments for abusing blacks and other minorities before he took on Simpson as a client in 1994. The former football star turned actor was accused of killing his ex-wife Nicole and her friend Ronald Goldman in a fit of jealous rage. The police chasing Simpson was watched by millions on American television and can be regarded as the birthplace of reality television.
Cochran became pop culture reference on American television and film. For instance an actor with a wide grin played him as the character Jackie Chiles on the sitcom Seinfeld. Whatever the case, Jackie’s response was: “I am outraged!”
Cochran had his own show on Court TV. In an episode of South Park a star-studded fund-raiser had to be held so the character Chef could raise $2 million to defend himself against Johnnie Cochran in a lawsuit brought by a record company. The Cochran character employs a nonsensical Chewbacca defense.
An AP report adds that Cochran was regularly impersonated by comedian Tim Meadows on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. And comedian Chris Rock uttered a Cochran line in the movie Lethal Weapon 4 when his character was arresting a suspect. “You have the right to an attorney. If you get Johnnie Cochran, I’ll kill you.”
Cochran’s coined a signature phrase while defending Simpson- “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.” The phrase was spoken at a dramatic point in the trial after Simpson had trouble putting on a pair of bloodstained gloves the murderer was said to have discarded at the crime scene.
Another high profile client of his was pop icon Michael Jackson. Jackson settled a lawsuit filed by a teenage boy who claimed the singer molested him in 1993. The settlement figure has never been officially disclosed, but some reports put it at $25 million.
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.
