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Gujarati greats shine at star-studded awards
MUMBAI: It was lights, camera, and plenty of Gujarati action as Mumbai played host to the glittering Gujarati Entertainment & Gujarati–Marwari Excellence Awards 2025, a night that sparkled with talent, tradition, and triumph.
Held at The Westin, Mumbai, the inaugural edition of the awards, curated by Bright Outdoor Media Limited, brought together the who’s who of entertainment and enterprise to celebrate creativity, culture, and business brilliance across 60 categories.
The evening opened with a lively panel discussion on “Future of Gujarati cinema – building visibility & growth beyond boundaries”, featuring film and television stalwarts like Manoj Joshi, Hiten Kumar, JD Majithia, Ojas Rawal, Bhakti Rathod, and Abhilash Ghoda, moderated by TV9 Gujarati’s Chirag Shah. The discussion explored how the industry can take Gujarati storytelling to global audiences.
The red carpet glittered with stars including Anang Desai, Rashmi Desai, Manasi Parekh, Manav Gohil, Urvashi Upadhyay, Hemant Kher, Komal Thakkar, and Sana Sultan, turning the evening into a true celebration of Gujarati pride.
The evening’s top honours celebrated a mix of cinematic excellence and inspiring personalities. Manoj Joshi was bestowed the lifetime achievement to Indian cinema Award, while Hiten Kumar was recognised as iconic actor in Gujarati cinema (Male). JD Majethia earned the outstanding contribution to Indian cinema award, and Manav Gohil won excellent performance of the year for his role in Jalebi rocks. Rashmi Desai bagged most popular actor for Mom tane nai samjay, and Komal Thakkar was named Inspiring personality of the year. Other notable winners included Urvashi Upadhyay, Sana Sultan, Ojas Rawal, and Bhakti Rathod, who each took home major accolades for their outstanding contributions.
The event also saluted visionary business leaders from the Gujarati and Marwari communities, recognising their contributions to innovation, trade, and entrepreneurship.
Powered by Sejal Realty, with Zamin Pvt. Ltd. as Land Deal Partner and Malabar Gold as exclusive jewellery partner, the evening shimmered with style, spirit, and substance.
“Gujarati entertainment and business communities have always stood for excellence and enterprise,” said Bright Outdoor Media Limited CMD Yogesh Lakhani. “This platform celebrates their contribution and marks the start of something much bigger.”
Echoing the sentiment, CEO Mukesh Sharma added, “This is just the beginning. Our vision is to make these awards a marquee annual event celebrating culture, talent, and success across India.”
With over 60 awards presented and spirits running high, the first-ever Gujarati Entertainment & Gujarati–Marwari Excellence Awards 2025 proved that when it comes to creativity and commerce, the community knows how to shine, brilliantly and proudly.
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.
