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Sony Pictures Animation hires DreamWorks’ Kristine Belson as prez
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment has appointed Oscar nominee Kristine Belson as president of Sony Pictures Animation (SPA).
In her new role, Belson will lead the development and production of original material as well as current and future franchises, focusing on creating an environment that nurtures animators and artists. She will report to Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chairman and Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group chairman Amy Pascal.
Belson joins Sony Pictures Animation after spending nearly a decade at DreamWorks Animation, where, most recently, she executive produced How to Train Your Dragon and produced The Croods, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. She joined DreamWorks Animation in 2005 as head of development, where she oversaw the development and acquisition of all feature film projects for the company.
“I’m thrilled to have Kristine join the studio – I know she has a first-rate sense of story and a great eye for material. But she’s more than that: Kristine is a visionary who will make our animation studio a home where the animation industry’s best talent can come and make the films they want to make. I am confident Kristine will help SPA become an even more vital component of the way we construct our overall slate,” said Pascal.
Belson added, “Ten years ago I was lucky enough to join DreamWorks Animation, where I developed a deep understanding and love of the artistry of animation. I am now so charged up to be able to bring my experience and perspective to Sony Pictures Animation, to build on what they’ve begun and to reach new heights. I am deeply grateful to Amy, my first mentor, for giving me this incredible opportunity.”
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.
