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FremantleMedia Global Drama appoints Vesper as Executive Vice President
MUMBAI: FremantleMedia, has announced the appointment of Christian Vesper as Executive Vice President, Creative Director, Global Drama. His job responsibilities will involve working closely FremantleMedia’s production companies as a development partner with a focus on bolstering the international scripted development slate. He will have the platform to connect leading international writers, producers, directors and actors with FremantleMedia’s production teams to develop high quality scripted programming. He will also have liberty to develop his own project. Vesper will report to FremantleMedia’s Director of Global Drama, Sarah Doole, while maintaining a base in both London and New York.
Christian Vesper said, “I’ve been a fan of Sarah Doole and the FremantleMedia team for quite some time. I’m impressed by what they’ve done in the drama space to date and can’t wait to continue this work with them. FremantleMedia has real global ambition with some of the best creative talent in the business around the world, and I look forward to helping bring FremantleMedia’s vision for drama to global broadcasters and audiences.”
The director of the house is delighted to have Christian on board. Expressing the same, Global Drama FremantleMedia director Sarah Doole, added: “It’s a real coup to have Christian join FremantleMedia’s Global Drama team. He is one of the most creative and editorially talented drama executives working in the business today, with a contact book that is brimming with the industry’s best-known and most-respected names. I’m thrilled that he’s joining us, and know he will bring his brilliant experience and expertise to the role, helping us to build our international drama portfolio even further.”
Vesper is a highly experienced media executive with a track record in identifying projects with broad international appeal and developing highly successful partnerships. He holds a long list of experience with 14 years at Sundance TV. His credits include The Last Panthers, with Sky Atlantic and CANAL+; Rebellion, with Zodiak Rights, RTÉ and Touchpaper TV; The A Word, with BBC One and Keshet and the critically acclaimed Deutschland 83 with UFA Fiction and FremantleMedia.
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.
