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Chhota Birbal to be released as live-action movie
NEW DELHI: After the launch of animation series Adventures Of Chhota Birbal in Cartoon Network earlier this month, the show’s Mumbai-based producer CB Media Ventures is planning to make a live-action movie on ‘Chhota Birbal’.
The movie, which will have some special effects and a few 3D characters, is scheduled to get over by the summer of 2004.
Marvin Fernandez, founder of CB Media Ventures, said recently, “We have already started working on the script for the movie. We are open to co-production – whether it’s related to production or distribution aspect of the movie. With the introduction of animation series, the property has already got positive response.” Fernandez said the budget for the film could vary between Rs 30-50 million.
CB Media was also running a contest through out October and has announced that it will crown a youngster ‘Chhota Birbal of the Year’.
About the contest, Fernandez said, “The television contest was targetted at the age-group 8-12, but the viewing is family-oriented. Our plan is to crown the ‘smartest kid’ as ‘Chhota Birbal of the Year’, through various questions and quizzes.”
CB Media is still working in conjunction with sponsors for the TV series. “We have done some pilot projects. Also, we have already roped in knowledge-based sponsors in categories related to computers, child saving plans and higher education for the show, who would be involved in promotions,” Fernandez, who doesn’t rule out the possibility of brand placements during the show, said.
As for the movie, Fernandez said that the role of special effects and even animation would be only to create excitement. “The movie will be based on live-action. We are yet to finalise the director and once it is decided, we will decide on the amount of special effects.”
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Cartoon Network to run contest around Chhota Birbal
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.
