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Crest to raise up to $12 million through FCCBs
MUMBAI: Crest Animation Studios Ltd is planning to raise up to $12 million through the issue of foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs) for part financing three feature films.
The company’s US subsidiary, RichCrest Animation, had earlier signed a three-picture co-production and co-financing agreement with Lions Gate Entertainment. Crest’s contribution for these three projects would be around $30 million.
Crest’s board, which met today, has approved the raising of funds through issue of FCCBs. The company is looking at a mix of debt and equity to fund the film projects.
The first of the three CGI movies,‘Sylvester and the Magic Pebble’, is based on the Caldecott medal-winning story by William Steig, the creator of the blockbuster Shrek. The pre-production work on the movie is near completion, and the production plan is as per schedule for 2008 release.
Said Crest Animation Studios CEO AK Madhavan, “We are excited to begin work on the first full length 3D CGI movie that will come out of India. Today, all the key components for the movie, the story, the production facilities, financing and the most critical of all, distribution, are in place. The landmark deal has put Crest amongst the only seven studios in the world to have the capability of producing 3D movies in CGI space.”
Meanwhile, Crest has posted a net profit of Rs 4.6 million for the third quarter ended 31 December 2005, as against a loss of Rs 5 million reported during the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
Revenues rose nine per cent rise to Rs 72.9 million as compared to Rs 66.9 million for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Profit before depreciation, interest and tax (PBDIT) at Rs 24.2 million grew by 28 per cent.
For the nine months ended 31 December, Crest reported revenues of Rs 215.8 million, up 6 per cent from Rs 203.5 million during the corresponding period last year. Profit before depreciation, interest and tax (PBDIT) rose by 4 per cent to Rs 75.2 million, while net profit for the nine months increased to Rs 60.5 million from Rs 6.3 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.
