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Sameer Rao joining Discovery in senior role
MUMBAI: Sameer Rao, who was the creative director at UTV Studios in Mumbai, will be joining Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, in a senior position this week. A source confirmed the news of Rao’s move to one of the most dynamic networks on television which is devoted to creating quality non-fiction programming.
Although the alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, is reportedly joining Discovery formally on 25 November, his official designation could not be confirmed.
It was later made official that Rao joined as vice-president – real world products, south Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.
Prior to joining UTV in May last year where he conceptualised, ideated and developed scripts with screenwriters and directors, did cost/revenue analysis before approving feature film projects and oversaw pre-production, production, post-production and marketing of Hindi feature films, Rao worked with the acclaimed writer-director-producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s production company for over four years since November 2010 as the business head for films such as ‘3 Idiots’, Munna Bhai series and P.K.
Before joining Chopra, Rao invested over six years in Star India from January 2005 to November 2010, starting as an assistant vice-president and rising up to the level of general manager, where his responsibilities included management of the overall channel team involved in acquisition of movies, programming of slots, marketing and promotion and working with the ad sales team on revenue maximisation.
The trained chartered accountant was, earlier, the associate director at KPMG for two years. Later, he worked as a consultant to Arthur Anderson and then as the UBS AG manager.
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.
