News Headline
Manisha Koirala does a ‘paisa vasool’ with Active Wheel
MUMBAI: Film producers these days are extracting some extra moolah from in-film publicity as products like Coca Cola, Hero Cycles, Paas Paas mouth freshener, Thums Up and Tata Safari have been spotted in movies time and again.
Taking that cue in a slightly different way is actor Manisha Koirala’s production house Moving Images for her maiden production venture – Paisa Vasool. The latest television commercial (TVC) for Hindustan Lever Limited’s (HLL) detergent Active Wheel plays on the film title Paisa Vasool which means money’s worth with reference to the product.
A still from the movie ‘Paisa Vasool’ starring Manisha Koirala and Sushmita Sen
Advertising agency Lowe India which handles the HLL accounts has made the TVC for Active Wheel and features Koirala in it. Moving Images approached Lowe’s in-house film tie-up section Lintertainment for this promotional exercise. Lowe then took the idea to the client (HLL) who was all for it.
Lowe India brand services manager Sudhendra Sharma said, “This ad for Active Wheel is a clutter breaking ad. Manisha Koirala is not endorsing the product; it’s just a tie-up between her production house and us.”
The ad has a couple talking about Active Wheel being totally ‘paisa vasool’ (money’s worth) in a shopping mall. Koirala who is in the same mall overhears their conversation and thinks they are talking about her movie which is titled Paisa Vasool. The couple wonders who has made ‘paisa vasool.’ Koirala approaches them thinking they are talking about her movie and tells them that she had made it. The woman in the ad tells her that they were not talking about the movie but about Active Wheel being ‘paisa vasool.’ The man tries to cover up and tells Koirala that he was talking about her movie Paisa Vasool. Koirala then says that whether it is the detergent or the movie both are ‘paisa vasool’!
Sharma said, “Although Manisha is not endorsing the product, this ad will surely have a brand recall.”
Apart from Koirala, Paisa Vasool stars Sushmita Sen and Makrand Deshpande and is directed by Srinivas. The movie is due to release on 9 January. While unique promotions, such as this one, are being initiated by the producers, it remains to be seen whether the movie does earth-shattering business at the box office when it releases this Friday.
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.
