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GRB Entertainment sells titles to M-Net
MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment has sold several new programmes from its catalogue to an African subscription platform, M-Net.
M-Net acquired two seasons each of Raising Whitley (a poignant docu-series following actress Kym Whitley and her friends) and Deion’s Family Playbook (fun-filled and compelling real-life story of Deion Sanders, the only pro athlete to play in both a Super Bowl and a World Series) as well as the special Knight Life with Gladys (follow legendary singer Gladys Knight as she records a new album, goes on tour, and opens a restaurant).
Several docu-series were also acquired: Blackboard Wars (an inspiring series centering on a high school tarnished by failing academic performances and stigmatized by a culture of violence); two seasons of Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s (following the loud, loving and singing Montgomery family as they work to expand their restaurant empire, one soulful dish at a time); Flex and Shanice (husband/wife duo, actor Flex Alexander, ’90s pop singer Shanice (I Love Your Smile) and their extended family all living together under one roof); and 2 Fat 2 Fly (Corey and Ramone, best friends with big dreams for their small-town food truck business.)
“GRB is very proud to represent several top own programs for international distribution and are pleased to partner with M-Net to bring these rating winners to their audience,” said GRB Entertainment SVP international distribution Mike Lolato. “GRB is known for producing and distributing compelling character-driven programming and M-Net is sure to enjoy success with these shows.”
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.
