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Smith takes social media by storm with his appearance on Star Sports Cricket Live
Mumbai: Star Sports, the official television broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2023, is taking the world of sports broadcasting by storm with their innovative use of hologram technology. The broadcaster’s partnership with cricketer Steve Smith had been a major talking point among viewers and fans, and his appearance on the Star Sports show ‘Cricket Live’ through a realistic hologram had sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world. Smith was the number one trending topic on social media after his second appearance on the show for the opening week of the tournament.
Speaking on his holographic teleportation, Smith said, “It was brilliant to be there. It’s amazing what technology can do now. It was great to be in the studio talking to the guys about cricket and the IPL, so I really enjoyed it and it was good fun.”
Through the magic of technology, Smith was teleported from his home in Sydney to the Star Sports studio in Mumbai in a matter of seconds, providing viewers with an immersive and lifelike experience. The holographic teleportation technology used by Star Sports is state-of-the-art and has impressed fans and critics alike with its seamless and realistic rendering of Smith’s image.
Speaking to Star Sports, official television broadcaster of the TATA IPL 2023, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta spoke on how astonished he was when Steve Smith made his appearance on ‘Cricket Live’, “We were all sitting there, looking at the TV, the pre-match show, I was like okay he’s here, along with Finch and the other guys. I thought we’d catch up, and when the show got over, I was looking for him, where is Smithy? And I asked everybody where he is and they said he is in Sydney. For the first 10 seconds I didn’t believe them. I said ‘Nah you’re lying, it’s impossible.”
Former Australia captain Aaron Finch said, “If you look at the screen, it looks like 100 per cent he’s standing there. So it was a bit of fun, he went in for a hi-five, I went in for a hug!”
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.
