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ESS introduces animated characters for TVS Cup
MUMBAI: Looks as if the competition is trying to emulate MAX’s successful “cricketainment” formula. If MAX had one animated tiger character doing its thing, ESPN Star Sports is going a step further. In fact four steps further.
As the action begins at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka on 11 April, when the first match of the TVS Cup 2003 will be played, television viewers across the country will get to meet four new faces on ESS.
ESS will be unveiling these characters during the tournament featuring India, South Africa and Bangladesh.
ESS has created Anda Bhai, Gilli Swamy, Yogi and Runjeet Singh – four animated characters that will pop up on the screen in tune with the on-field action, as the the live action unfolds on Star Sports, a company release says.
Ray Hume, director, cricket production for ESS was quoted as saying: “These four animated characters embody the spirit of the quintessential cricket fan passionate with a capital ‘P’, as they laugh and cry with the viewers through each match!”
Anda Bhai sneaks out sheepishly when a batsman goes out for a duck; Gilli Swamy gleefully uproots the stumps whenever a batsman is clean bowled; sunshade-sporting Yogi rules as the ‘other’ third umpire; and Runjeet Singh, the most enthusiastic of the lot does two special jigs for ace batsmen “to celebrate their centuries and half-centuries,” explains Hume.
It looks as if the characters have been created to strike a chord with viewers with different psychographic and demographic profiles. Perfetti India have signed on as sponsors for these characters with ESS for their brands Chlormint, Center Shock and Alpenliebe Lollipop.
The release mentions the following attributes of the animated characters:
Anda Bhai is a cricket-loving duck with a problem – he just can’t score! Anda Bhai hails from Hyderabad, and loves biryani (rice preparation) besides cricket. On the field he has an unenviable record. He has consistently never ever scored.
Gilli Swamy, another cricket fan with a special love – he just loves wickets! A resident of Kochi, he enjoys appams and stew.
Yogi – the ‘other’ third umpire from Patna! This astrologer, who hides behind sun glasses, is ever ready to come to the umpire’s aid when tricky decisions have to be announced. When not watching cricket this sweet tooth can be found gorging on jalebis and rabri at the local markets.
Runjeet Singh is a cricket fan with a special talent – he just loves runs and breaks into bhangra whenever the batsman scores a 50 or a 100. A resident of Jallandhar, Punjab, he loves colourful clothes (he has a special costume for cricket matches) enjoys his tandoori chicken besides big scores on the board. He has worked out two separate routines to celebrate the real big ones – 50s and 100s, and he does them both in great style.
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.
