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Endemol Shine Studios names Sharon Hall as president
MUMBAI: Former Alcon Television Group president and Sony Pictures TV exec Sharon Hall has been named as president of Endemol Shine Studios.
At Alcon Television, she launched the studio’s TV division in 2012 and prior to that headed drama development at Sony Pictures TV, where she developed series such as Masters of Sex, Breaking Bad, Justified and Damages.
Endemol Shine Studios, the scripted division of Endemol Shine North America, is behind such series as AMC’s Hell on Wheels, DirecTV’s Kingdom and the upcoming Showtime series I’m Dying Up Here. Endemol Shine Studios currently has 19 series in development across 12 networks, including the U.S. adaptation of UK thriller Utopia at HBO.
“Sharon has helped conceive and develop many of the top dramas of the last decade and brings a great deal of experience and deep relationships with writers, producers and actors alike. We’re thrilled that she’s joining the Endemol Shine team and to have her working closely with our colleagues here and across the globe to develop the next wave of scripted hits,” said Endemol Shine North America co-CEOs and Endemol Shine Americas co-chairmen Charlie Corwin and Cris Abrego.
Hall added, “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining Endemol Shine, which is uniquely positioned globally as a leader in scripted programming. The company’s resources, especially the access to top talent and award-winning production companies, offer incredible opportunities. I’m looking forward to working with Charlie, Cris and our well-regarded team to keep the current momentum going.”
Hall has also had stints with MTM Television, BBDO Worldwide,
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.
