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Smirnoff Twist brings ensemble comedy ‘Flavors’ to India
MUMBAI: With innovations being the order of the day, Smirnoff Twist is all geared to promote its fare through an acclaimed comedy Flavors.
The comedy that is said to take a fresh, witty look at contemporary Indo American Life is set to release in India on 22 October 2004 with Smirnoff Twist as the presenting sponsor of the movie. This is the first time that Smirnoff is sponsoring a movie release in India.
Touted as a delightful, quirky ensemble comedy with colorful storylines Flavors, ingeniously highlights the humor in everyday life. The sponsor Smirnoff, in a company release, claims that the movie is a perfect match for its product Smirnoff Twist. Smirnoff Twist with their current range including Citrus, Orange, Raspberry and Vanilla, offers its consumers flavors to match their every whim and mood. Smirnoff Twist, a flavored vodka is made from natural fruit flavors.
Speaking of perfect matches, the producer of Flavors, People Group CEO Anupam Mittal says, “Multi- ethnic viewers around the world have been charmed by the innovative story telling format of Flavors, the story is woven around characters that are real, with minds of their own and very easy to identify with. In India, Smirnoff Twist is our presenting sponsor. Flavors is an attempt to offer this market world-class, sophisticated and enjoyable movies. Hopefully, we will achieve our goal!”
According to UDV India director marketing Santosh Kanekar, “Smirnoff Twist now brings to you Flavors in India. The concept of Twist Flavors- Citrus, Orange, Raspberry and Vanilla, which is to encourage our consumers to have fun by experimenting with new flavor combinations, blend perfectly with the movies platform of a fun-filled entertainer.”
Flavors will be promoted in India at Barista outlets across Mumbai, Banglore and Delhi. Tickets to the movie will also be available through a simple pub promotion where in by ordering a Smirnoff Twist one can win tickets to the movie, says the release.
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.
