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MediaLane and All Right Media announce three format deals in Europe
Mumbai: Iris van den Ende, founder & CEO of MediaLane, an independent production company with their main focus on creating high entertainment content accessible for a general audience, announces that one of their latest formats Stars on Stage, is optioned by several countries and the first episode is scheduled to air on RTL4 in The Netherlands in January ‘24.
The format, introduced last MIPCOM in partnership with Dutch distributor All Right Media, has been picked up by three major European territories already: Germany (Tresor TV), Spain and Italy.
Stars on Stage is an original shiny floor family prime-time entertainment format that will first premiere on Friday 5 January on commercial leading broadcaster RTL4 in The Netherlands.
The format follows eight celebrities competing to become a real musical theatre star and perform well-known Broadway and West End hits, live on stage. Each week one of the celebrities, who all have a different professional occupation and are all performing outside their comfort zone, will be eliminated until the best 3 remain for the ultimate final. The show promises a mixture of the most famous musical hit songs, dazzling performances and two great hosts who will guide celebrities throughout the entire show — a guaranteed night of family entertainment.
MediaLane’s CEO Iris van den Ende stated: “We are very proud to have found such amazing partners in Germany, Italy and Spain already and we are very excited to see how quickly Stars on Stage is taking off. The amount of interest has been overwhelming and we look forward to seeing the show on air in The Netherlands and hopefully soon also in other parts of the world.”
All Right Media’s Tanja van der Goes stated: “For me Stars on Stage is pure magical family prime-time entertainment that brings joy and happiness to the screen which is something we all need right now. Every little detail is right, and I can’t wait to bring it to many more screens in the near future.”
“Stars on Stage is both a simple and brilliant idea. Letting celebrities compete in a musical challenge, where they need to sing, dance and act is that kind of warm hearted and emotional entertainment format the viewers are looking for.” said Tresor TV (Germany) MD Axel Kühn.
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.
