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Miramax appoints ‘Black Swan’ EP David Thwaites as VP film
MUMBAI: Miramax has appointed independent producer David Thwaites in the newly-created position of vice president, film, effectively immediately.
Reporting to Miramax executive vice president of film & TV Zanne Devine, Thwaites will head Miramax’s film production and development activities, as the studio continues its push into all new content areas, including film, television, acquisitions and co-productions.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the fantastic team at Miramax. I can’t wait to begin working on Miramax’s rich and diverse development slate, and I look forward to bringing in new projects for all of us to dive into,” Thwaites said.
Devine added, “We are very excited to boost our growing production and development activities with an industry executive of David’s caliber. David has great network reach, creative intuition and production savvy.”
Thwaites most recently produced Crouching Tiger II: The Green Destiny. He also served as co-president of production at Phoenix Pictures, where he led the development of many projects like Black Swan, What To Expect When You’re Expecting, Shanghai, License To Wed, Miss Potter and All The King’s Men.
Miramax’s next film is Mr. Holmes, which is directed by Academy Award winner Bill Condon and starring Academy Award nominees Ian McKellen and Laura Linney. The movie is set to release on 17 July, 2015. The 9th Life of Louis Drax with Jamie Dornan, Aaron Paul and Sarah Gadon is also in the release pipeline.
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.
