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DD inks deal for French films with Canal France International
Doordarshan has entered into an agreement with France-based Canal France International (CFI) to telecast 26 French films on DD Metro beginning 5 July at 11 pm..
Pointing out that this was another step towards Indo-French cultural cooperation, DD director-general S Y Quraishi told a press conference in Delhi today: “We have entered into an MoU with CFI to telecast French films on DD which will be sub-titled in English and some of them will be dubbed in English too.”
According to Quraishi, the dubbing and subtitling will be done by CFI before the films are provided to DD which can also earn some revenue if the Indian pubcaster manages to market the films, which will certainly attract a niche audience, to advertisers.
“The agreement is for two years and after which we will review the status and even go in for revenue sharing with CFI if there is a scope,” the DG said.
Asked by indiantelevision.com whether DD can earn some revenue by telecasting French feature films, Quraishi said: “It is too early to comment on that, but we have asked our Mumbai office to look into the aspect of marketing these films so that some revenue can be generated.”
Even if revenue is not generated, DD is on a winning wicket as the dubbing and sub-titling are being done by CFI and the films are being provided to DD free of cost.
Speaking on the occasion, French ambassador to India Bernard de Montferrand said: “France has been attempting to see how it can improve the knowledge about the country in India and films are one way of doing it. Moreover, since India produces so many films, some of them which in recent times have been shown in France too (like Lagaan andMonsoon Wedding), we hope through this arrangement with DD, we will benefit.”
The present agreement is another step towards strengthening Indo-French commercial ties, what with this year’s Cannes Film festival almost awash with the Indian flavour.
Some of the French films which DD will screen beginning 5 July include An Indian in the City by Harve Palud, Fanfan the Tulip by Christian Jaque on 12 July, The Hickers on 26 July and Damned Nuisance by Edouard Molinaro on 14 August.
Meanwhile, DD has also signed an agreement with British broadcaster BBC to air AIDS-related shows on its regional networks.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
