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Sony Pictures Television & Hong Kong’s ATV in content deal
MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) and Hong Kong Asia Television Limited (ATV) have reached an agreement to present the brand new epic drama series The Stories of Han Dynasty to audiences in Hong Kong.
The contract was signed by Sony Pictures Television International managing director Todd Miller and ATV programme & external Affairs senior vice president Kwong Hoi Ying.
The 50 hour-long episodes airs on ATV at 10 pm from Monday to Friday.
The Stories of Han Dynasty, produced by China Central Television (CCTV), is shot in HDTV, with renowned cast and crew from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. SPTI had signed a licensing deal in June 2005 with CCTV’s programming licensing division, China International Television Corporation (CITVC) and acquired multi-year rights to distribute CCTV’s series in Asia, except in the People’s Republic of China and Japan.
The Stories of Han Dynasty is the story of two men, one of noble birth, one of unremarkable heritage, who join a revolution against the Qin government, forging a friendship that is soon threatened by political ambition and divided loyalties. After overthrowing the Qin dynasty, the two friends are maneuvered into a civil war where they must battle against one another and set aside their bond in order to appease the forces they lead. One shall stand; one shall fall in this epic drama about the politics of war.
The Stories of Han Dynasty stars Hu Jun, Xiao Rongsheng, Wu Chien-Lien, Kristy Yeung and Wang Gang. The executive producer is Yang Yubing. It is produced by Li Qingyu. Wei Hantao, Huang Weiming and Li Jiqiang are directors.
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.
