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Priyanka Chopra’s production house appoints Petrina D’Rozario as COO
MUMBAI: Priyanka Chopra’s production house Purple Pebble Pictures has appointed Petrina D’rozario as the chief operating officer (COO). The production house has been jointly set up by Chopra and Dr. Madhu Chopra with an aim to produce good quality content across films (regional and mainstream) television and digital space.
D’rozario, in her new role, will oversee the content that comes into Purple Pebble and identify the right partners to work with who have the passion in the business of storytelling. She would also help develop business across the verticals and oversee the structure and day to day operations. Along with this, she will also be managing existing teams at Purple Pebble and develop IP across the verticals.
Petrina spearheads the shaping of WIFT India (www.wift.co.in) and is responsible for the development of the chapter’s strategy, network and aim to enhance the visibility of women working in film & television. She also sits on the board as the Founder President of WIFT India and on the International Board of WIFT (L.A) in the Communications and Marketing committee.
Speaking about her new role, D’Rozario said, “WIFT India was a great platform for me to meet some amazing talent from the industry. I have personally met people who have had scripts and asked for help to meet the right producers. Hopefully, I being in a position of whetting projects at Purple Pebble, can encourage some of these talented storytellers to reach out to me.”
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Madhu Chopra said, “Purple Pebble Pictures is a start-up production house with the heart of a lion. Fearless to explore and work on films across genres and languages. We have just started and have already completed two feature films. Our third film `Sarvann’ is due to release in December. Petrina joins us at the crux of imbibing a corporate culture to our modus operandi and with her experience we hope Purple Pebble Pictures becomes a production house that has the working style of a corporate and heart of a home especially to talent that needs a platform to showcase their abilities.”
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.
