News Headline
Mukund Acharya joins SPNI as CTO to spearhead its digital shift across linear and OTT platforms
MUMBAI: Mumbai’s media corridors just got a new power player. Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has appointed Mukund Acharya as its chief technology officer (CTO), effective 19 June, 2025, in a move that signals the broadcaster’s intent to go full throttle on tech-first innovation across broadcast and digital platforms.
Acharya, who led engineering at Disney+ Hotstar (now JioStar), is no stranger to high-stakes rollouts. From handling the ICC World Cups of 2023, 2024, and 2025 to overseeing the JioCinema-Hotstar integration, the man knows how to deliver under pressure, at scale. With 29 years under his belt at names like Yahoo and InMobi, Acharya brings a rare blend of depth, dexterity, and digital muscle.
At SPNI, he will now oversee the Enterprise Technology Group (ETG), LIV Technology, and Broadcast Operations and Network Engineering (B.O.N.E.). His mandate? Lead SPNI’s transformation agenda, boost platform innovation, and align technology with evolving business goals—all while scaling both Sony LIV and the network’s broadcast empire.
“Mukund’s proven leadership in technology-led transformation makes him an invaluable addition to our team”, said SPNI MD & CEO Gaurav Banerjee, lAs we expand our digital and broadcast capabilities, his role will be critical in aligning our technology roadmap with our vision for growth and innovation”.
Acharya will report to Banerjee and work closely with the Sony LIV leadership as the platform gears up for its next evolution.
SPNI’s appointment of Acharya comes as the media house doubles down on hybrid distribution, preparing itself for the next decade of entertainment where scale, speed, and seamlessness will define winners.
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.
