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Disney India announces key appointments in Studios
MUMBAI: Disney India has announced some key appointments in its Studios business. The Studio has an eclectic line-up coming up with a mix of Hindi, Hollywood and south films which includes Heropanti, Filmistaan, Pizza, Raja Natwarlal, Khubsoorat, Haider, P.K., Jagga Jasoos and Fitoor in Hindi, Maleficent, Guardians of the Galaxy in English, Sigaram Thodu, Anjaan, Purambokku, Yatchan in Tamil and many more.
Prakhar Joshi joins the Studio as a director and will head the India theatrical distribution. A veteran in the business with nearly 17 years of experience at PVR Cinemas most recently as head of programming, Joshi comes with diverse experience across verticals like film programming, movie distribution and cinema operations. He has been involved with the multiplex business in India since its inception and brings with him an in-depth understanding of the distribution and exhibition sector.
Sandeep Kumar Das joins the dynamic and experienced marketing team at the Studio, as associate director, marketing from Viacom18 Motion Pictures, where he has handled the campaigns of films like Kahaani, Chashme Baddoor and Queen amongst others. Prior to his stint at Viacom 18, Kumar was part of the marketing team at UTV and was associated with the highly successful campaigns of films like Dev D, A Wednesday, Aamir and No One Killed Jessica.
Lada Guruden Singh joins as head, Public Relations. Guruden was earlier in charge of Public Relations and corporate communications at Fox Star Studios, India. A published author, Guruden has been an entertainment anchor and journalist with the TV Today Network in Delhi and Mumbai.
The new appointees report to Studios marketing and distribution VP & head Amrita Pandey.
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.
