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Sahara film unit to release animation film ‘Hanuman’ on 21 October
MUMBAI: Sahara One Motion Pictures will release its animation epic Hanuman on 21 October. The film is produced by Percept Picture Company in association with Silvertoon.
Hanuman is about the extraordinary journey of this mythical superhero — from his days as an adorable, miracle-working baby, to his ultimate triumph in the army of Lord Shri Ram.
Says Sahara One CEO Shantonu Aditya, “Animation has always been viewed as kids stuff, but Hanuman has the complete package of songs, storyline and excellent animation that will make it engrossing, inspirational entertainment for both, kids and grown-ups alike. Hanuman will provide fans of animation a whole new entertainment experience.”
This film has been directed by animation guru VG Samant. With painstaking efforts across a period of two years, Samant created over 200,000 individual images along with 40 individual characters for the film. He was backed by a vast creative team of cell animation artists, states an official release.
Hanuman has been recorded officially as India ‘s first indigenous animation film in the Limca Book of Records’ 2004 edition. It is also for the first time that a film has been dedicated to this great Indian mythological hero, with rare insights into his personality and character, the release adds.
The film has soundtrack composed by Tapas Relia. Playback singers including Shaan, Sonu Nigam, Palash Sen, Kailash Kher, Saapna Mukherjee, Madhushri and Sneha Path have sung for the film.
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.
