News Headline
PNC’s ‘Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena’ global release scheduled for 18 November
MUMBAI: As the festive season approaches, the multiplexes and cinema halls will have host of Bollywood releases. Joining the fray will be Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena from Pritish Nandy Communications Ltd (PNC) stable.
The movie is scheduled for 18 November. Directed by Suparn Verma, Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena stars Fardeen Khan, Feroz Khan and Koena Mitra. Star TV Network has acquired the telecast rights of the movie.
PNC has informed the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Inox Leisure Ltd, the entertainment arm of the Inox Group, will marks its entry into film distribution with Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena in territories of in Kolkata, Jaipur, Bangalore and Mumbai.
While, Dolly Films have acquired the distribution rights in the Delhi territory, K Sera Sera Productions have acquired the rights for Nizam (Andhra Pradesh) and CP-Berar. London-based Eros International has acquired distribution rights for overseas territories.
The Company has also announced the commencement of its next film, a romantic comedy — Pyar Ke Side Effects, directed by Saket Chowdhury and starring Mallika Sherawat and Rahul Bose.
The company is likely to release Ankahee in the first quarter of 2006. Directed by Vikram Bhatt, the movie stars Esha Deol, Amisha Patel and Aftab Shivdasani.
Awards
Hamdard honours changemakers at Abdul Hameed awards
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.








