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Star takes World Cup promotion to a different level
MUMBAI: The official broadcaster of Cricket World Cup 2015 for Indian subcontinent – Star Sports – is leaving no territory uncovered. The sports venture of Star India in association with Lowe Lintas + Partners has already unveiled a youth-centric campaign titled, #wontgiveitback, for the upcoming tourney. Soon after that the broadcaster roped in Amitabh Bachchan – the man with the deep baritone voice – as commentator. Bachchan will make his commentary debut during the India – Pakistan match on 15 February, 2015.
When questioned about the developments, sources in Star revealed, “Amitabh Bachchan’s inclusion in the commentary panel is a joint promotional activity between the upcoming movie Shamitabh and Star. Amitabh Bachchan has a great voice, and his joining the commentary panel is a huge achievement.”
As per information available with Indiantelevision.com, Bachchan is likely to be joined by Kapil Dev and Harsha Bhogle on the panel.
The #wontgiveitback video, through word of mouth, has gained appreciation as well as criticism. The video depicts aggressive team India responding back to opposition’s sledging and arrogance, they state they will give it back whatever oppositions puts against them. But they won’t give the World Cup back.
When asked about the entire preparation of the video Lowe Lintas + Partners’ national creative director Arun Iyer said, “We made the video keeping the entire country in mind but special attention was given to attract the youth of the nation. Aggression and attitude were the major elements we tried to depict. The video resulted in a lot of talk, with many criticizing the video terming it irrelevant considering the current performance of the Indian team. But what delights us is the fact that there is a huge portion of cricket lovers who liked the video irrespective of team India’s current performances.”
Star has already taken substantial steps to make the marquee event bigger and better and if sources are to be believed then Star Sports is soon going to launch another video focusing on the India – Pakistan match. With 10 days to go, the broadcasters are getting as innovative as possible to make the event a national blockbuster.
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.
