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Filmfare Awards to make a historic debut in Gujarat in early 2024
Mumbai: Gujarat, the vibrant state renowned for its rich cultural heritage and thriving film industry, is poised to leave an indelible mark on the stage of Indian cinema as it prepares to host the prestigious 69th Filmfare Awards. In a historic development for the Indian entertainment industry, the renowned Filmfare Awards is set to make its debut in Gujarat in early 2024. This remarkable milestone is made possible through a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Filmfare, a prominent brand under the Times Group, and the Government of Gujarat.
The MOU signing ceremony was graced by chief minister of Gujarat Bhupendrabhai Patel and Times Group managing director Vineet Jain, cementing an extraordinary alliance with the vision to position Gujarat as a global hub for tourism, investment, and the flourishing of the local film industry. Bollywood actor, Tiger Shroff, made a notable presence at the MoU signing event. This collaboration aims to showcase Gujarat as the premier destination for film production, capturing attention, boosting tourism, and fostering comprehensive growth.
The collaboration between Filmfare and the Government of Gujarat is set to create an ideal environment for filmmakers, artists, and cultural enthusiasts within the state. With the prestigious Filmfare Awards being held in Gujarat for the first time, the event will provide a magnificent platform for the state to showcase its rich culture and abundant tourism prospects to the global Indian diaspora.
Present at the MoU signing, Jain took to the stage and said, “This partnership between the Times Group and Gujarat Government leverages our respective strengths. The entertainment industry’s transformative power can boost tourism, revenue, and employment. Hosting the 69th Filmfare Awards aims to promote tourism and energize the local film ecosystem, enhancing Gujarat’s reputation as a soft power and global film production hub. We appreciate the Chief Minister’s unwavering support, which underscores the potential of public-private cooperation for positive change, economic growth, and state development.”
Sharing his comments, Worldwide Media CEO Deepak Lamba said, “For more than six decades, the Filmfare Awards have stood as a distinguished and reputable platform. This year, we are embarking on an exhilarating new journey by bringing the magnificence of the awards to Gujarat for the first time. Leveraging the awards’ global reach, our goal is for the Filmfare Awards to become a compelling catalyst for Gujarat Tourism. This association will surely help the Gujarat government to attract Indian and global productions, which can generate substantial revenue for both the government and local businesses. We have full confidence that this collaboration will foster innovation and creativity, unlocking new opportunities in the entertainment industry.”
Popular actor Tiger Shroff said, “It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be here. Filmfare and Gujarat hold a special place in my heart, with fond memories of my father winning a Filmfare Best Actor Award (Male) for Parinda. Thank you for having me today, and I’m certain it will be an amazing experience. A big thanks to the Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat for embracing the Indian film industry. Gujarat’s rich visuals and culture offer so much, and this partnership between Filmfare and Gujarat will undoubtedly create something spectacular, looking forward to it being our best show yet!
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.
