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FremantleMedia acquires distribution rights to BBC Two’s ‘Simply Nigella’
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI) is set to satisfy the appetites of international audiences with its latest deal with BBC Productions for the global distribution rights (excluding the UK and EIRE) of Simply Nigella (6×30).
Starring the internationally renowned food writer and TV cook Nigella Lawson, Simply Nigella will make its debut to TV buyers at the upcoming MIPCOM and air on the UK’s BBC 2 later this year.
Inspiring and uplifting, Simply Nigella introduces viewers to a new-pared down approach to cooking and eating by demonstrating easy to prepare recipes that are designed to nourish the soul. The series delivers a true sense of balance between lightness and lushness with a mix of tasty everyday meals, crowd pleasing feasts and indulgent sweet treats.
Creating a handful of dishes per episode, Lawson showcases her talents in the kitchen, using each recipe to connect with the audience like never before. She shares the story behind each meal and focuses on specific ingredients revealing what makes them her favourites as well as divulging her culinary tips to ensure cooking is as stress free as possible. Lawson also ventures beyond the kitchen visiting local suppliers and independent food stores to source fresh quality produce to include within her recipes. From healthy breakfasts and gluten free goodies, to decadent desserts; Simply Nigella promises food that’s not only reassuringly simple but will appeal to every palette and make us feel more alive.
Lawson said, “Making Simply Nigella has been a joy, and it gives me such pleasure to be able to share these new recipes in a fresh and relaxed format with home cooks far and wide.”
FMI director of non scripted, UK, EMEA and Asia Pacific Angela Neillis added, “Simply Nigellas trips away the fuss of cooking to concentrate on the meals that make our lives happier, stress free and even more delicious. FMI is beyond thrilled to be working with the BBC and the gorgeously talented Nigella Lawson on this fresh new show which reveals her at her very best.”
Simply Nigella executive producer Jennifer Fazey said, “As Nigella says herself, Simply Nigella isn’t just about food that will make you feel good as you eat it – but as you cook it too. The real treat however is finding out how some of her new dishes came into being, as we watch Nigella tell us the stories of the eclectic people and places that have inspired her since she was last on our screens. The result is a mouth-watering menu bursting with flavour that will make you feel happy as you cook and eat. Who doesn’t want that at the end of a busy day?!”
Directed by Dominic Cyriax and executively produced by Jennifer Fazey, Simply Nigella will feature six episodes plus a one-hour Christmas special filmed in Kansas. The episode will see Lawson create a broad range of festive dishes and features her guide to stress-free cooking and entertaining over the holidays.
This global distribution deal sees Lawson join FMI’s ever expanding catalogue of culinary stars, which includes Jamie Oliver, Jimmy Doherty, The Hairy Bikers, Lorraine Pascal, Martha Stewart, Anthony Bourdain, Silvia Colloca, Anabel Langbein and Haylie Duff.
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.
