News Headline
Essel launches Fun Republic multiplex in Mumbai
MUMBAI: Subhash Chandra continues his entry into different areas off the media and entertainment space.
E-City Entertainment (1) Pvt. Limited, the company spearheading the Essel Group’s foray into integrated entertainment destinations launched the Fun republic at Andheri West in Mumbai yesterday.
The launch of Xenon – the cinema multiplex at Fun Republic was kicked off with the screening of “Koi Mil Gaya”, Rakesh Roshan’s latest blockbuster with son Hritik in the lead.
Fun Republic, Mumbai is the second in a chain of nationwide integrated entertainment destinations being set up by E-City. The first in Ahmedabad became operational in 2001.
Twelve locations across 10 cities in the country would be up and running by end-2005, E-City CEO Atul Goel said. Rs 2 billion is the total investment in the project, Goel said, adding that the Mumbai centre had cost Rs 480 million. Four years after star of operations is what each centre would take to achieve break-even, according to Goel.
Also present at the opening were Zee Group chairman Chandra, Fun Republic chairman and Zee News head Laxmi Goel, superstar Amitabh Bachchan, Sahara Group advisor Amar Singh, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Chhagan Bhujbal. Papa Roshan and son Hritik were also in attendance.
Fun Republic Mumbai is equipped with four cinema auditoria and has a total installed capacity of 1272 seats. The branded concession stands are known as “Recess”. The complex is spread over a total area of 135,000 square feet with a provision to park up to 650 cars.
Besides the cinema multiplex, there is a food court and a shopping arcade. Book Bay, an integrated music and bookstore, and a virtual reality games arcade branded as Bingo are added features of the centre.
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.
