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Planet Marathi OTT appoints Abhijit Panse as director of content
Mumbai: Planet Marathi OTT, the world’s premier Marathi OTT platform, has announced the appointment of acclaimed filmmaker Abhijit Panse as director of content.
In his new role, Panse will spearhead content identification, curation, and acquisition for the platform, while also overseeing a dedicated team tasked with pitching, producing, researching, and developing creative content. With a focus on establishing strategic direction and advancing long-term content objectives, Panse brings his extensive experience and creative vision to Planet Marathi OTT.
A luminary in Indian entertainment, Abhijit Panse boasts a versatile portfolio encompassing directorial, writing, producing, and acting credits. Renowned for his contributions to blockbuster films such as “RaanBaazaar” (2022), “Rege” (2014), and “Thackeray” (2019), Panse’s multifaceted talents have earned him widespread acclaim within the industry.
Talking about the appointment, Abhijit Panse commented, “ I have worked closely with Planet Marathi OTT for various projects and I am impressed by the sheer voracity of the team to change the game for Marathi content on the digital space. With me coming on board, I am excited to play a pivotal role in the content strategy and give more gems the right kind of push and a platform to showcase their brilliance”
Planet Marathi OTT founder Akshay Bardapurkar shared “We have had a fabulous working relationship with Abhijit Panse. He has a keen creative eye and the right aptitude to lead Planet Marathi OTT’s content journey. We are thrilled to have in on board and welcome him officially as a part of our family”
Established with a vision to expand the horizons of Marathi OTT and provide an exclusive platform for industry talent and stories on a global stage, Planet Marathi OTT has consistently delivered award-winning content that pushes boundaries and captures audiences’ imaginations. Boasting a diverse array of genres including romance, comedy, family drama, politics, crime, thriller, and satire, the platform has redefined the landscape of Marathi content in the digital sphere. Today, it stands as a beacon of excellence, housing the largest and most esteemed library of Marathi content on OTT platforms. The appointment of Abhijit Panse as director of content marks an exciting chapter in Planet Marathi OTT’s journey, symbolizing a continued commitment to innovation, quality, and the celebration of Marathi talent on a global stage. With Panse at the helm of content, the platform is poised to further elevate its content offerings and solidify its position as a trailblazer in the realm of digital entertainment.
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.
