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Jerome Paillard joins NFDC Film Bazaar as an advisor
Mumbai: Film Bazaar, an annual global film market organised by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) which takes place alongside the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), every year, has onboarded Jerome Paillard, the former executive director at the Cannes Film Festival market as an advisor.
Given Jerome’s substantial and unparalleled contributions to the film industry as the head of the world’s largest Film Market for 27 years, he will play an important role. He will work closely with Vineeta Mishra, head of programming at Film Bazaar who has worked in the media industry for 18 years with her previous stint at Book My Show.
Paillard’s contributions will be towards mentoring strategic guidance, sharing industry insights and fostering an environment conducive to creativity, collaboration, fostering participation of industry professionals engaged in Film Bazaar.
NFDC the joint secretary ministry of I&B and managing director Prithul Kumar expressed, “Film Bazaar this year is expected to surpass all prior years’ magnificence and grandeur. We work hard to support the business of high-calibre filmmaking while also providing a platform for the upcoming and talented young South Asian filmmakers.”
Jérôme Paillard added “I was lucky enough to take part in Film Bazaar in its early days, fifteen years ago, and again in 2023 when I was on the IFFI jury. I think Film Bazaar has a lot of potential, especially after this very successful year for Indian cinema, through many festivals around the world and especially in Cannes. I’m very happy to contribute to making this event even more effective for relations between South Asian cinema and the rest of the world.”
The objective of this year’s Film Bazaar is to be even larger, better, and more focused on young talented filmmakers. In addition to carrying on the legacy of Film Bazaar events from past years, the intention is to create new paths and possibilities for aspiring filmmakers in the upcoming edition.
The 18th edition this year, Film Bazaar will take place from 20th to 24th November at Marriott Resort, Goa.
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.
