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Homable Group and Perpetual Capital invest together and launch Astra Studios
Mumbai: Astra Studios, a bold new force in global creative technology, has been officially launched. Founded by the former senior leadership from MPC, The Mill and Technicolor India – Biren Ghose, RK Chand, Rajarajan Ramakrishnan and Shajy Thomas, the company is backed by a strategic investment from the Hombale Group, creators of India’s most successful storytelling franchises including KGF, Salaar and Kantara along with Perpetual Capital.
The rise of Machine Learning & Gen AI is disrupting every layer of content production, triggering a reinvention of creative workflows, talent dynamics, and business models in the industry. Blending decades of global expertise in Creative Storytelling, Visual Effects, Animation, Immersive & Experiential Media, the Astra Studios leadership team is poised to redefine how high-quality content is imagined & produced. With next-generation workflows and a focus on compelling, character-led storytelling universes, Astra is setting out to empower filmmakers, brands and content platforms alike.
“Astra is our launchpad for a creative revolution – a studio purpose-built for the future of content. We are fusing world-class artistry with cutting-edge emerging technologies. We will play in the arena where cinematic brilliance meets next-gen computer graphics. This will redefine how stories are designed, created, shared and experienced. India is at an inflection point in the global content arena, and Astra aims to lead that evolution, creating new jobs while continuing to partner creatives globally.” said Astra Studios founder Biren Ghose.
“We are supporting the vision behind Astra Studios to help grow stories and movie franchises across different platforms using emerging technologies. Astra’s founding team brings a wealth of talent and experience as well as global connectivity and passion for new technology. This will enable the Hombale Group to undertake projects with greater scope and complexity to create powerful new ‘story worlds’ for our franchise fandoms.” said Hombale Films founder Vijay Kiragandur.
Astra Studios’ core focus areas include:
●End to End Creative Solutions for Films, Series and Brand Campaigns – Ideation, Visualisation, VFX, Generative AI Solutions and Post-Production
● Development of original Character Universes and Global IP
● Immersive Experiences across brands, AR/VR and Location-based media
● Premium Animation for both Streaming and Theatrical formats
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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.
