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NBCU Brand Development Group names Black White Orange as India licensing agent
MUMBAI: NBCUniversal Brand Development Group has appointed Black White Orange as its licensing and merchandising agent in India and South Asia.
Under the agreement, Black White Orange will manage licensing for NBCUniversal’s expansive portfolio, including major franchises such as Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ Despicable Me, as well as Universal and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World and Universal’s Fast & Furious; upcoming films like Illumination and Universal’s The Secret Life of Pets; and classic films from the studio’s library, including Back to the Future and Jaws, amongst others.
As NBCUniversal enters into the Indian and South Asian markets for the first time, Black White Orange will unleash each film’s potential in the form of authentic licensed merchandise such as apparel, toys, stationery, gifts, novelty, back-to-school, home décor, innovative non-traditional categories and more. Black White Orange will establish, grow and expand NBCUniversal’s business in India, as well as in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and other South Asian markets.
“Through franchise properties including Fast & Furious, Jurassic World and Minions, NBCUniversal has seen massive box-office success in India,” said Black White Orange CEO and founder Bhavik Vora. “NBCUniversal’s library also includes many all-time classics, and the company has a blockbuster upcoming lineup. We are extremely thrilled & proud to bring these phenomenal properties to such a huge fan base in India on the consumer products platform.”
“The NBCUniversal portfolio boasts some of the biggest properties in movies and TV with fans that span across age groups, making it one of the most sought-after propositions in India,” added NBCUniversalBrand Development Group Consumer Products International SVP Marc Low. “We are truly excited to venture into the Indian and South Asia market, and we are delighted to have found a partner in Black White Orange. We are confident that its unique and promising strategic approach will build the Universal brand in India and South Asia and help us reach our fans in these key and growing territories.”
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.
