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ShortsTV inks content deal with Viacom18 Studios, expands Indian short films portfolio
Mumbai: ShortsTV, the world’s first 24/7 channel for short films, has inked a content deal with Tipping Point, the digital content production arm of Viacom18 Studios. As a part of the deal, ShortsTV has bagged the South Asia distribution rights of 15 short films featuring some of Bollywood’s top actors and directors.
ShortsTV’s depth of films is unrivalled, drawing from a growing catalogue of more than 13,000 Indian and international short films. With this new partnership, ShortsTV has added to its bouquet top Indian short films such as Maya, Geek Out, The Epiphany, Glitch, The Daughter-In-Law, Grey, Red Velvet, A(U)N Usual Day, On the Road, Joy Ride, Teaspoon, Tea, Kill Me with Love, Hidden Cricket and A Twist in Love.
These boundary-breaking stories, featuring popular actors such as Vicky Kaushal, Sayani Gupta, Mona Singh, Fardeen Khan span across genres as diverse as drama, thriller, adventure and mystery and are produced by Tipping Point.
ShortsTV chief executive Carter Pilcher said: “In line with our endeavour to bring the highest quality short entertainment to film buffs, we are delighted to partner with Viacom18 Studios’ Tipping Point to add the most popular Indian short films to our growing library. During these unprecedented times when people are indoors and looking for new entertainment options, ShortsTV is ready to deliver content extraordinaire from across the globe, to be enjoyed from the safety of our homes.”
Viacom18 Studios COO Ajit Andhare said: “In just over a year, Tipping Point as a young digital content brand, has managed to create content that cuts across demographics, set genres and formulas. Our latest association with ShortsTV for our widely appreciated short films is a step towards deepening that connect with discerning consumers. From licensing our content to top Indian OTT players like VOOT or global platforms like Netflix & ShortsTV – we will continue to connect stories to audiences across the globe.”
Debuting in India in 2018 first on Tata Sky, ShortsTV is now available across all leading DTH platforms reaching over 60 million households, providing short filmmakers an excellent platform to showcase their work. ShortsTV is available ad-free on Dish TV and d2h as ‘ShortsTV Active’ (channel 135), on Airtel Digital TV as ‘Airtel ShortsTV’ (channel 259) and on Tata Sky as ‘Tata Sky ShortsTV’ (HD channel 112 and SD channel 113).
In addition, ShortsTV has founded the Best of India Short Film Festival inviting filmmakers to make their submissions aiming to qualify more Indian short films for Oscar consideration. This year, the festival has already received more than 1000 entries.
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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.
