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Forcing exhibitors is no solution for Marathi cinema revival: Ronnie Screwvala
NEW DELHI: Reacting to the Maharashtra government’s directive to all multiplexes in the state to screen at least one Marathi language movie in prime time, media and entertainment veteran Ronnie Screwvala said it was more important for the exhibition sector itself to “open its eyes to regional cinema.”
“Forcing some regulations on people but not enforcing it only creates problems,” he said.
Founder of one of India’s largest media and entertainment conglomerates – UTV, Screwvala launched his book with a coffee session with Karan Johar in an event held at the capital on 8 April.
“Inject humour and laughter and look people in the eye even when you are telling them about failures. Make failures completely acceptable, and it will work,” he voiced.
Screwvala has clearly learnt from his disruptions, and broke new ground by creating radio and television advertisements for his book Dream with Your Eyes Open, which he claims is not a biography about encouraging entrepreneurship.
Referring to his weekly television programme on ET Now, he said that was also about entrepreneurship and not about him. Screwvala opined that his own entrepreneurial journey had been filled with innovation and disruption.
Referring to his career in filmmaking and his 1997 film Dil Ke Jharoke Mein, he said, “Sometimes you are ahead of your times and therefore you fail.”
The basic thought is about how more people can be encouraged to venture into entrepreneurship of their own. The ambition and aspiration level has to be charged, instead of just providing infrastructure to people, he said.
Johar added that it is important to dream, but one should dream with one’s eyes open so that one can distinguish between what is right and wrong and rationalise.“Ronnie’s journey is an inspiration, to say the least. His innate ability to merge creativity with commerce is remarkable,” he said.
Rupa Publications managing director Kapish Mehra added that the publication of the book had in itself been an entrepreneurship and it had done a landmark sale of 50,000 for a first time author within a week of its launch.
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.
