News Headline
Kartik Aaryan collaborates with Disney+ Hotstar for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign
Mumbai: With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup all set to begin on 2 June 2024, cricket fans across the nation are stoked as they cheer for the Men in Blue. Earlier this week, Disney+ Hotstar announced their collaboration with the young Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as he came on board as the face of the platform’s campaign, Free for All, Har Match Har Ball. As an extension of this campaign, Disney+ Hotstar has released another ad film reiterating their ‘Free on mobile’ offering for the tournament enabling all the cricket fans across the country to never miss any cricketing action.
Similar to the first film, this ad too is vibrant and captures the essence of India’s love for cricket. Set in a village, it showcases everyday scenarios like power cuts, or families fighting for the remote with a fun twist. Conceptualized by the Disney+ Hotstar team and directed by Vijay Maurya, the ad talks about Disney+ Hotstar’s ‘Free on mobile’ proposition, it also places emphasis on the app’s special data saver mode for matches so that viewers across the country can enjoy the tournament without having to worry about running out of data packages.
Kartik Aaryan said, “Cricket in India isn’t just a game; it’s a bond that connects us all, regardless of age or background. I remember eagerly waiting for school to end so we could play with friends, the joy of simply being together, irrespective of the result. Watching the World Cup with my family was a tradition filled with excitement and pride as we cheered for Team India. The thrill and my love for cricket will never fade.”
The first match will take place between the USA and Canada on 2 June 2024 at 6:00 AM IST. The ninth edition of the tournament will be hosted by the West Indies and the USA, with the event featuring 20 teams competing across 55 games for the right to be crowned ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 champions.
Get ready to witness the cricketing action live and free on mobile on Disney+ Hotstar starting 2 June 2024.
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.
