News Headline
Sony Pictures India appoints media specialist Gayathiri Guliani
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Entertainment India has appointed Gayathiri Guliani as head of International Distribution for Indian language films.
With over 19 years of experience, media specialist Guliani will be responsible for distribution and syndication of local language content in overseas diaspora markets and to identify newer markets to expand the footprint of Indian movies.
A seasoned professional with experience ranging across broadcasting and motion pictures in international distribution and business development, Guliani has spear-headed the international distribution, marketing and syndication for over 26 films. Her last assignment was with Reliance Big Pictures where Guliani has worked on the successful movie, 3 idiots, which created a benchmark in being one of the highest overseas film grossers of all time. She has worked on other successful movies like Rock On, Jab We Met, Singh is King, Welcome, Ghajini to name a few.
Speaking on her appointment, Sony SPE Films managing director Vivek Krishnani said, “At Sony Pictures India, we are committed to strengthening our international distribution network for local films. With the growing overseas contribution of India movies, we are happy to have Gayathiri on the team, who with her vast experience will work closely with the global Sony Pictures offices and help drive the growth in the international business”.
Commenting on her appointment, Guliani said, “Sony is a brand with global vision, the leadership is iconic. It is a wonderful opportunity to be here and grow the international markets and take our Indian films to new frontiers. I look forward to a successful innings”.
Prior joining Sony Guliani has worked with brands such as Reliance Big Pictures, Studio 18, Sahara One Motion Pictures, Channel V, Star TV to name a few. She has been a recipient of ‘Young Achievers Award 2014’ by WWI (Whistling Woods International) Academy for her contribution in International Business. As part of her independent work, she was also honored by the Consulate General of China (2015) for promoting Indo-China bilateral and cultural exchange between both countries.
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.
