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Prashant Gaonkar gets appointed as CEO of Alpha Pictures
MUMBAI: Prashant Gaonkar, a seasoned media professional with over 25 years of experience, has been appointed chief executive officer at Alpha Pictures Pte Ltd. Gaonkar, who joined the company this month, brings extensive expertise in content syndication, inflight and maritime entertainment, digital media distribution, and music licensing.
Throughout his career, Gaonkar has held key leadership positions at major media organisations, driving strategic growth and forging innovative partnerships across global markets.
Prior to his current role, he served as head of business development at NH Studioz, where he managed India’s largest film library with over 2,500 titles. His responsibilities included content syndication across linear and non-linear platforms, digital business operations on platforms such as YouTube and social media, and leveraging ancillary rights for inflight, maritime, and surface transport sectors.
Earlier in his career, Gaonkar held the position of vice president, content syndication, and revenue head for music and digital at Eros International. His tenure saw significant achievements, including expanding ErosNow’s music portfolio through partnerships with global streaming platforms such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music. He played a pivotal role in content licensing for broadcast TV and OTT platforms, as well as launching successful AVOD ventures on YouTube.
Gaonkar’s contributions to inflight entertainment are particularly noteworthy. He spearheaded content syndication initiatives for Eros, securing partnerships with over 59 international airlines and establishing a strong presence in African and European markets.
He also held the role of head of inflight entertainment at Crest Animation Studios, where he specialised in supplying programming to prominent airlines, including Air India, Emirates, and Gulf Air. Prior to that, he gained valuable experience as client services manager at both Dattaram Advertising and Shells Advertising, as well as marketing officer at Jasubhai Group.
A physics graduate from K J Somaiya College of Science and Commerce, Gaonkar has consistently demonstrated a strategic approach to media and content distribution, with a focus on scalability and sustainability.
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.
