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MGM Home Entertainment takes control of key territories
CALIFORNIA: In a move that underscores the strength of its worldwide home entertainment business, MGM Home Entertainment Group has assumed full control of international operations in several key territories. These include Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
An official release informs that the decision to recapture distribution in these territories is consistent with MGM’s contractual option to reclaim back-room functions as part of its international distribution agreement with Rupert Murdoch’s 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.
The two companies are currently in advanced negotiations to have Fox continue to distribute and market MGM’s home entertainment product in the remaining international territories.
MGM Home Entertainment Group president and COO David Bishop said: “This is an inflection point in the growth of worldwide home video. DVD player penetration in the international marketplace is 12-18 months behind the US, and growth within our newly self-distributed territories is expected to double by 2006. With this move, we now control 75 per cent of international sales, marketing and distribution. This puts us in an excellent position to fully leverage our film and television library — the largest and most modern in the business — as well as MGM’s new film and TV content.”
In India, MGM has a 50:50 JV with the Subhash Chandra broadcaster Zee. Bishop continued elaborating on the new arrangement thus, “As our distribution partner, Fox has been particularly supportive of our international strategy from the outset, knowing our intention all along was to expand MGM’s self-distribution operations. We extend our sincere appreciation to Fox for helping facilitate this pivotal transition and look forward to further building upon our alliance going forward.”
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.
