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SIGMA 2003 off to a great beginning
MUMBAI: The first day of Sigma 2003 organised by The International School of Business and Media, Pune (ISB&M) in close collaboration with MAMI as part of the International Film Festival got off to a rousing start.
The seminar was inaugurated by Govt. of Maharashtra secretary and MAMI Trustee Govind Swaroop. Stalwarts from various fields of media discussed a number of topics affecting the industry today in this particular forum.
(L to R) Leslee Udwin, Govind Swaroop, Dr. Pramod Kumar, Akash Khurana and Nandan Khudyadi during the inauguration of SIGMA 2003
According to ISB&M president Dr. Pramod Kumar, “MAMI being the international Film Festival we mutually discovered that in the new era of changes in the film industry, corporatization theme is most appropriate.” He further added that commitment to commercial returns to the investor and therefore film completion guarantee is the key to professionalising the industry.”
British Actress and Producer of East is East Leslee Udwin delivered the keynote address. According to Udwin, “It is difficult but not impossible to break the existing mould and bring out something new. The most important part of a film is the story and you need to feel strong about the story.” She also spoke about her reincarnation in life and career as a theatre actress. Nimbus CEO Akash Khurana spoke on “Mind set Change” – the mantra for Media Corporatisation.
KPMG Corporate Finance executive director Rajesh Jain who also spoke on “Mind set Change” emphasised on seven aspects namely: script evaluation, pre-market survey, savings, financial cost reduction, risk reward sharing, documentation and exhibition and distribution.
The first day also saw eminent personalities speak on various topics like production consultant and production manager for the Oscar winning movie ‘Gandhi’ Alex de Grunwald, United India Ltd. consultant Ajit Gupta and Rajesh Jain spoke on the topic “Mind Set Change.” Adlabs Chairman Manmohan Shetty spoke on “New Cinema and Multiplexes.”
Coulmbia Tristar head publicity and acquisition Vikramjit Roy, producer and film-maker Rajat Kapoor, E-City CEO Atul Goel, Mukta Arts CEO Pankaj Sethi had a panel discussion on “Entertainment Destination – Multiplexes.” Leo Entertainment GM Sanjay Bhutiani spoke extensively on “Brand Placement in Movies” and so on.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
