News Headline
Star Movies: Getting the Right Picture
Among the English entertainment channels there was a fair bit of activity that Star Movies did. In order to add variety it aired the TV series Lost. In keeping with the show’s theme of mystery, adventure and intrigue, the promotion was driven by a teaser campaign that highlighted people who have been Lost. The thrust of this was also the microsite created at www.indya.com.
Traffic from the teaser communication was driven to the site. A watch-and-win contest on the website was held where participants were asked questions pertaining to the episodes just aired, and original merchandise from the show was given.
A series of “missing/lost” poster like creatives were used on outdoor sites like hoardings to build intrigue around the show. The band at the bottom of the teaser outdoors were masked with Star Movies logo, tune-in and sponsor logos to complete the communication and announce the show, thereby completing the communication.
On radio there was a five day intensive contest with original Lost merchandise as the big prize. One avenue for any English movie channel to advertise in in multiplexes. Major multiplexes in Mumbai and Bangalore carried Lost promotional branding and launch promos playing before the start of big theatrical releases.
Star Movies also had a presence on-ground. There was a two day activity in multiplexes in malls where activities like a special 15 minute audiovisual playing in the area were held. There were also quizzes on the show, Scream-o-meter where how loud one can scream for help if you are Lost was measured. There was also a special Lost jigsaw puzzle, which has to be put together in two minutes.
As far as direct marketing was concerned there was a special “message in a bottle” that took the form of a letter from the survivors of Oceanic Flight 815. The back of this detailed the show.
Meanwhile in Diwali the channel premiered Shrek 2. It did an outdoor campaign to push the film with key hoardings at the most prominent locations in Mumbai highlighting the film. Radio spots were usded and also trade e-mailers, which were sent out in order to target the trade community.
In order to build a closer connect with ad agencies an inside a Shrek Inflate paid a visit to agencies in Mumbai and happily obliged all those who wanted to capture a moment with him. Each picture was placed in a Star Movies branded photo frame that read “Shrek & Me” and was handed over personally by Shrek. Shrek also paid a visit to various publications.
Print ads carried the message “Shrek’s coming and look what he’s bringing with him… 100 Hours of Non Stop Blockbusters.” Online separate microsites were created for Shrek 2 and 100 Hours of Non stop blockbusters.
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.
