News Headline
Essel shells out shares to FII to bail Zee, EPL
NEW DELHI: The promoters of Essel Group have placed 12,375,000 shares (three per cent of the equity share capital) of Zee Telefilms Limited (Zee) out of their personal holding with foreign institutional investors (FIIs). These proceeds will be used to pay dues to both Zee and Essel Propack Limited (EPL). This amount will clear the dues from the promoters to both the companies.
Enam Securities did this placement, pursuant to a mandate given to them a week ago.
The institutional investors who have purchased these 12.37 million shares are well known international investors keen on Indian media and entertainment stocks with a long-term perspective, says a statement from Zee today.
Essel group of companies chairman Subhash Chandra, as quoted in the statement, said: “Zee Telefilms Limited is going to receive the entire remaining dues. ” He adds, “In my interaction with shareholders, I had made a commitment of repaying the dues of Buddha Films Pvt. Limited (BFPL) at the earliest.”
The only dues outstanding from promoters to Zee were advances outstanding from BFPL.
Though these were business losses of Zee on account of marketing of cricket rights, the promoters of Essel Group had taken it on their own books. With this placement, the outstanding of promoters towards Zee would be paid off.
“We are happy to have as our shareholders institutional investors who have a long-term perspective about the company’s future prospect and growth”, according to Chandra, who added, “Essel Group has also taken a conscious decision to concentrate on media, entertainment and information led businesses.
“Placement of these shares re-establishes that the promoters of Essel Group will always stand by their commitment towards delivering real, sustainable shareholder value, the statement said.
Also read:
Zee seeks to clean convergence adventure from balance sheet
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.
