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I didn’t feel self-conscious about being an Indian at the Emmys: Simone
MUMBAI: So she wowed everyone at the iEmmys. Her outfit was all the rage. But Simone Singh’s Emmys experience goes much deeper than all this.
Going to the international event was also a milestone, one where Simone represented her country among the cr?me of the television world – and was suitably awed with the regulated nature of the awards proceedings.
She reminisces, “The Emmys function was systematic and handled on a professional level. I went for a rehearsal the day before, where I went through the motions of my coming on to the stage and presenting an award. One can also rehearse with the camera and the tele-prompter if one wants to. They are, after all, years ahead when it comes organising these events.”
Simone points out a big difference between Indian awards and international ones. “We have song and dance items even in award functions, which they don’t. They are more experienced when it comes to managing the entire stage spectacle,” she stresses.
Simone Singh poses at the International Emmys awards function at Manhattan in New York, USA
For a friendly person like Simone, socialising was also not difficult. She was sitting with corporate media biggies like Alfred Kahn from 4 Kids Entertainment, Sonya Leszcynski from MTV Networks International, Paul Zilk, Laurine Garaude and Arthur Schweitzer from Reed MIDEM and Caroline Petit representing the United Nations.
The luncheon and evening cocktails also turned out to be quite interesting.
“At the table where I was seated, guests left their end of table to come to mine and introduced themselves. I had an interesting conversation with Arthur Schweitzer, the Frenchman seated beside me about France, because I love that place” Simone gushes.
“Then, of course, I had this girly chat session with UK actor Joanna Lumley. I was also quite keen to meet Sarah Jessica Parker because I follow Sex and The City regularly. But she was already on stage before I went backstage and she left soon after that, so I missed her,” she explains.
Simone says the Emmys was a great opportunity for her to meet people from different countries and culture
Even in the presence of so many important foreigners from around the world, Simone held her own. She didn’t feel any nervousness about going on stage at all. “Why, just two nights ago, I had hosted the Indian Telly Awards 2003. Why would I be scared of the Emmys?” she asks.
Simone says, “I had a great time talking to different people from various cultures. But I didn’t feel self-conscious about being an Indian among all these foreigners. The funny thing is everyone there was a foreigner. It was an international awards function and it had guests from countries like Austria, Belgium, Cuba and all over the world.”
Simone explains that she was determined to impress the audiences at the iEmmys. “I was representing my country and this was my way of showing them how well-spoken and cultured Indians are,” she says emphatically.
If all that’s been reported about her at iEmmys is to be believed, she sure did make an impact!
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.
