Hindi
Sanskriti University awards doctorate degree to Hema Malini
Mumbai: Sanskriti University, a prestigious institution of higher education, proudly conferred the honorary doctorate degree upon the distinguished member of parliament, revered actress, and celebrated classical dancer, Hema Malini, during its grand fourth convocation ceremony held on 22 July 2023.
The fourth convocation of Sanskriti University marked a historic event as the institution recognised and honored Hema Malini’s exceptional contributions to the realms of arts, culture, and public service. The honorary degree was bestowed upon her in recognition of her exemplary accomplishments and invaluable contributions that have left an indelible mark on Indian society.
Hema Malini, affectionately known as the “Dream Girl” of Indian cinema, has graced the silver screen with her captivating performances in numerous Bollywood films, earning widespread acclaim for her unmatched talent and charisma. Beyond her illustrious acting career, she has also earned international acclaim as a prolific Bharatanatyam dancer, elevating the traditional dance form to new heights of artistic brilliance. Her unwavering dedication to preserving and promoting Indian classical dance and culture has garnered her admiration and respect both on the national and international stage.
In addition to her artistic prowess, Hema Malini’s dedication to public service as a member of parliament has been commendable. Demonstrating unwavering commitment and empathy towards her constituents, she has actively worked towards the development and welfare of her people and the nation as a whole.
Dr. Sachin Gupta, chancellor of Sanskriti University, had the honor of conferring the prestigious doctorate degree upon Hema Malini during the convocation ceremony. In his inspiring speech, he highlighted the extraordinary journey of Hema Malini, from her humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon and a revered public figure. Dr. Gupta emphasised that she has not only achieved excellence in her artistic endeavors but has also served as an inspiration to generations with her grace, elegance, and unwavering commitment to social causes.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Dr. Hema Malini expressed her profound gratitude to Sanskriti University for bestowing this esteemed honor upon her. She conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the university’s commitment to promoting arts, culture, and education. Furthermore, she encouraged the young graduates to pursue their passions with unwavering dedication and perseverance while making meaningful contributions to society.
The convocation ceremony witnessed a gathering of dignitaries, esteemed faculty members, and enthusiastic students, creating an atmosphere of joyous celebration of knowledge and academic excellence. It served as a testament to Sanskriti University’s commitment to recognising exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields.
Sanskriti University’s fourth convocation was truly a moment of pride and inspiration, as it celebrated the unmatched legacy of Hema Malini and applauded the academic achievements of its bright and promising graduates who are poised to make a positive impact on society.
Hindi
Remembering Gyan Sahay, the lens behind film, television and advertising
From a puppet rabbit selling poppadums to Hindi cinema, he framed it all.
MUMBAI: There are careers, and then there are canvases. Gyan Sahay, the veteran cinematographer, director, and producer who passed away on 10 March 2026 in Mumbai, had one of the latter. Over several decades in the Indian film and television industry, he turned lenses, lights, and the occasional puppet rabbit into something approaching art.
A graduate of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) in Pune, Sahay built his reputation as a director of photography across a career that stretched from the early 1970s all the way to the digital age. He was the kind of craftsman who understood that a well-composed shot is not merely a technical achievement but a quiet act of storytelling.
For most Indians of a certain age, however, Sahay will forever be the man behind the rabbit. His direction of the iconic long-running television commercial for Lijjat Papad, featuring its now-legendary puppet bunny, gave the country one of its most cheerfully persistent advertising images. It was the sort of work that sneaks into the national subconscious and takes up permanent residence.
His big-screen credits as cinematographer include Anokhi Pehchan (1972), Pagli (1974), Pas de Deux (1981), and Hum Farishte Nahin (1988). In 1999, he stepped behind a different kind of camera altogether, making his directorial debut with Sar Ankhon Par, a drama that featured Vikas Bhalla and Shruti Ulfat, with a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan for good measure.
On television, Sahay was particularly prized for his command of multi-camera production setups, a skill that made him a go-to technician for large-scale shows and reality programmes. In an industry that has never been especially patient with complexity, he was the calm hand on the rig.
In later life, Sahay turned teacher. He participated regularly in masterclasses and Digi-Talks, often hosted by organisations such as Bharatiya Chitra Sadhna, sharing hard-won wisdom on cinematography, the comedy of timing in a shot, and the sweeping changes brought by the shift from celluloid to digital. He was also said to have been involved in a project concerning a biographical film on Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy.
Tributes from the film industry poured in following the news of his passing, with colleagues remembering him as a senior cameraman who served as a rare bridge between two entirely different eras of Indian cinema. That is, perhaps, the finest thing one can say of any craftsman: he kept up, and he brought others along with him.
