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Nivedita Basu to head content and acquisition with Biiggbang Amusement
Mumbai: Biiggbang Amusement, the recently launched short-form OTT content platform has appointed Nivedita Basu as the head of content and acquisition. In her new role, Basu will be in charge of strengthening the platform’s content library.
Biggbang Amusement CEO and co-founder Sudip Mukherjee said, “We are thrilled to have Nivedita on board with us as her expertise and thorough knowledge of the industry will help Biiggbang Amusement to maximise potential. We strive to be the hub-spot for people who are time-sensitive and would indulge in snackable (read short form) content. With this shared mission, the team is moving with twice the force to build up a library with a mix of fresh and award-winning content from the (Indian) heartland and around the world.”
Basu is clear about the roadmap ahead particularly in these COVID-19 pandemic times and said “As content creators, we always keep track of audience preferences and their changing lifestyles. The lockdown witnessed a major shift in the way content is consumed. From binge-watching to now being duration-centric, the enhanced appetite of the audience has compelled creators to present crispier and fresh content to fit their utility. Biiggbang Amusement identifies with this vision. Together we will create a success story of a platform that is home to some remarkable content available for audiences anytime, anywhere.”
Basu carries an expansive experience that spans over two decades in production and television programming. Her previous stints included one with Channel V and she also helmed the role of producer at the Anil Kapoor Film Company besides being instrumental in developing the blockbuster international show ‘24’.
Donning the role of deputy creative director at Balaji Telefilms, Basu has also worked closely with producer Ekta Kapoor and revolutionized the Indian television soap industry. She has created more than 2,00,000 minutes of programming for several top Indian GEC’s that include Star, Zee entertainment, Sony, Channel Nine, 9X, Imagine TV, and SAB TV, the company said on Wednesday.
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.
