News Headline
HK through eyes of an Indian filmmaker on AXN
NEW DELHI: Action and adventure channel AXN from the Sony stable is trying out new marketing initiatives.
After a Bollywood film bonanza, AXN has partnered with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) to jointly create an innovative programming that showcases the excitement, action and adventure that Hong Kong offers to travelers.
Most travel related television programming is produced in a typical documentary style and created by television producers. `Roll & Action! Discover Hong Kong’ is innovative in that it features the creative work of three up and coming movie directors from the three hottest movie making countries in Asia – India , Thailand and Korea.
Each director has been engaged to film and produce two short “filmlets” on Hong Kong – one of which features one of three new star attractions in Hong Kong – Disneyland Hong Kong, Hong Kong Wetland Park and Ngong Ping 360 and the other simply their view and/or experience of Hong Kong.
“Last year AXN worked with HKTB on a movie odyssey featuring Bollywood and now we have picked up three directors from three countries to showcase Hong Kong, which is trying to project itself as the Hollywood of the East,” said Gregory Ho, VP, advertising sales, Sony Pictures Entertainment Networks, Asia.
According to Ho, the “innovative approach” to promoting Hong Kong not only breaks through conventional norms but is also entertaining.
The three directors had been given a free-hand to express their creativity
From India, there is Imtiaz Ali (worked in films like `Socha Na Tha’) for whom this is his first directorial venture on television.
Says David Leung, regional director, South and South East Asia, HKTB, “Our choice of having Imtiaz Ali direct the vignettes was driven by the fact that he is known as a ‘point of view’ director due to his very individualistic style. After seeing his directorial debut ‘Socha Na Tha’, we were looking forward to working with him and were extremely pleased when he expressed interest in this project.”
Ali has produced two filmlets, one of which is focused on Hong Kong Wetland Park and the other is his very own unique perspective of his experience in Hong Kong.
The other two directors who reflect their common passion for cutting edge film making are Kwak Jae Yong from Korea (My Sassy Girl) and Nonzee Nimibutr from Thailand (Nang Nak, Jan Dara).
Imtiaz Ali’s inspirational views on Hong Kong together with those of Kwak Jae Yong and Nonzee Nimibutr will start airing from 25 September on AXN.
Meanwhile, Ho also told Indiantelevision.com that AXN is well entrenched in the English entertainment TV market in India, which has seen “dramatic changes” over the last five years.
However, Ho felt that the Indian cable TV viewers is “spoilt for choice” as he gets too much for too little and probably doesn’t really appreciate all that he gets as broadcasters spend huge amount of money on quality programming.
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.
