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Reliance-Viacom18-Sony deal finally off?
MUMBAI: For a long time, media has been reporting that a deal between the Reliance-owned Viacom18 and Sony Pictures Networks is just about to be struck. That it is definitely on. Then reports surfaced that it's off. Now, here's another one harping on the latter, saying the two are not getting into bed together.
On earlier occasions, the reasoning was that media and entertainment is too small a business for Reliance to want to continue with it; thus the assets it acquired from Raghav Bahl a few years ago would be jettisoned. Then, on others, when it appeared to have been forgotten, came the news reports that Sony wanted out as the valuation being demanded by Reliance was too high to be even considered by Sony.
And even as we totally forgot that the two were even talking to each other, came reports that an arrangement would be struck by the end September-2020. And how synergies would shine when the two wedded each other. We, at indiantelevision.com looked on, with sardonic smiles on our faces, ignoring all the reams of paper that were wasted. The end of September has come and gone, and there's been no deal, nada.
Now comes the news, that Reliance has opted out because it has had a change of heart and wants management control of the digital operations of the two firms – Voot, Voot Select, and SonyLiv and has suddenly developed a love for its media and entertainment vertical. That is a no-no for Sony.
"Media and entertainment is an essential pillar of Jio's business strategy," says a source. "Reliance plans to invest aggressively to grow the digital media business. There is a lot of interest from content companies and production houses in partnering with Reliance and Jio and investors are keen to back such a partnership.”
Hopefully, it stays that way. And we hope it is the last time that the media will pay attention to this two-year-old "developing" story.
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.
