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Sony & Impact to produce maiden wrestling show in Mumbai
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and IMPACT Wrestling will, for the first time in professional wrestling history, produce the North American-based wrestling promotion show in the bustling city of Mumbai. Episodes of the highly engaging sport which are usually shot in the Northern Subcontinent of America and distributed across the globe will now shoot a segment amidst the welcoming Indian audience.
The four-special action packed episodes with remarkable programming will be shot in a span of 2 days and telecast to an international audience. This would be the first opportunity for IMPACT Wrestling fans in India to engage with their favorite stars in India. The episodes will be shot in the famous entertainment hub of Film City on 30th and 31st May, 2017.
For decades, wrestling has bound Indian audience close together. This will be another chance for fans to come together and witness some of the well-known international wrestling Superstars. The craze among viewers in the audience is bound to reach another level when the especially-built wrestling arena will welcome some of the biggest names in Impact Wrestling such as Mahabali Shera and Sonjay Dutt. Fans will also see Alberto El Patron, Bobby Lashley, James Storm, Ethan Carter III, Davey Richards, Eddie Edwards, Low Ki, IMPACT Knockout Allie and many more.
Sony Pictures Networks India president – sports and distribution Rajesh Kaul said: “The partnership of the sports cluster of Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) and IMPACT Wresting to produce localized content in India is a landmark step from the Indian perspective as the episodes will be distributed internationally. It has always been our endeavor not only to showcase some of the best international content but also bring prime international properties like IMPACT Wrestling closer to the Indian fans.
Ed Nordholm, President, IMPACT Wrestling, Nashville, TN: “We are excited to make history as we embark on a tour of India, marking the first time an international professional wrestling organization has staged television tapings in this massive market. The reception in India has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re thrilled with the tremendous local support from Sony Pictures Networks India. Our hope is that this will be the first of many tours in India, a passionate market that has supported the IMPACT Wrestling brand for many years.”
Jeff Jarrett, Chief Creative Officer, IMPACT Wrestling, Nashville, TN: “I’m thrilled to be going back to India to produce new episodes of our flagship show IMPACT Wrestling that will incorporate the Sony SIX branding. These historic episodes will lead into our blockbuster 15th anniversary Slammiversary event July 2 on pay-per-view, so our fanbase in India can expect to see all our biggest stars in action.
SPN’s proposition is to ensure the visit of IMPACT Wrestling talent engage and entertain their fans in India and across the globe. To capture the attention, the broadcaster is encouraging the stars of IMPACT Wrestling to share their videos with fans while travelling to India. The stars of IMPACT Wrestling will also be experiencing local food and cultural activities. Select Indian fans will get a chance to mingle with some of their favorite wrestling Superstars. Other than the four IMPACT episodes from Mumbai, there will be specific India-centric storylines featured in each show.
Fans can tune in to Impact Wrestling on Fridays at 9:00 pm only on Sony SIX and Sony SIX HD.
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.
