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Harshit Sahni steps up as senior director at Warner Bros. Discovery
MUMBAI: Big moves, bigger responsibilities—Harshit Sahni has taken on a new leadership role as senior director – cluster revenue head for factual & lifestyle, eurosport, international business – south Asia at Warner Bros. Discovery. With over two decades of experience in media, advertising, and revenue strategy, Sahni is all set to steer the business into new territories of growth and innovation.
Having already made an impact as cluster revenue head since September 2024, Sahni now takes the reins at a crucial time for the industry. With advertising dynamics shifting and digital transformation accelerating, he aims to push the boundaries of content monetisation and strategic partnerships in south Asia’s evolving media ecosystem.
His track record speaks volumes. At Warner Bros. Discovery and previously at Discovery Inc., Sony Pictures Networks, and Star News, Sahni has consistently driven advertising revenue, built strategic partnerships, and spearheaded innovative sales models. From launching ad-sales operations in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives to securing 80 per cent market share in key partnerships, he has been a key player in shaping the industry’s revenue streams.
A results-driven leader, Sahni has a history of crafting integrated advertising solutions, establishing new revenue streams, and pioneering business models that redefine commercial success. His ability to forecast trends, optimise advertising strategies, and execute high-impact campaigns makes him a force to reckon with in the world of factual entertainment and lifestyle content.
The future of factual & lifestyle media in south Asia looks promising, and with Sahni leading the charge, expect innovative advertising models, strategic brand partnerships, and bold revenue strategies that redefine content monetisation.
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.
