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Showdiff signs on Sri Lankan ace bowler Muralitharan
MUMBAI: Ravi Shastri and Rediffusion DYR promoted talent management agency Showdiff Worldwide has announced the signing up of ace bowler and the world’s joint leading wicket taker in Test Matches, Muthiah Muralitharan.
The landmark deal marks the first instance of a Sri Lankan cricketer exploring commercial interests in India. Under the agreement Showdiff will handle all commercial endorsements and marketing commitments for the cricketing superstar in India. Muralitharan is currently the Joint World Record Holder for the maximum number of wickets (527) taken in Test Matches.
There have been a number of cricketers from across the world who have been signed up by Indian companies to promote their brand. Several international cricketers, including Steve Waugh, Brett Lee, Ricky Ponting, Stephen Fleming and most recently speedster Shoaib Akhtar have underlined the drawing power of world class cricketers for corporate India. The ever-smiling Muralitharan is expected to be a huge draw for Indian marketers given his remarkable record breaking successes in the face of significant adversity, an official release states.
Muralitharan is currently associated with the UN team which is dedicated to eradicating hunger from the underdeveloped nations across the world.
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.
