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The Entertainment Factory merges with Sai Mehar Media
MUMBAI: Large format event producer The Entertainment Foundation (TEF) has announced a merger with Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation awardee and Sai Mehar Media founder Rajiee M Shinde.
TEF has various intellectual properties in the live entertainment and special events space, with a special focus on creating live stand-up comedy and music concepts. The company has produced and managed several large format events, live concerts, live stand-up comedy and mega productions.
Shinde holds an extensive experience of more than 20 years within the entertainment spectrum and has served as ex-CEO of Showbox, co-founder of PTC Network and business head ETC Punjabi of Zee Group. Over the last two decades, she has been instrumental in launching new channels, designing new IPs like Punjabi music awards, Punjabi film awards, reality shows, talent hunts, live events within India and abroad. She has also produced two chart-busting Punjabi films –Disco Singh and Zorawar featuring Diljit Dosanjh and Yo Yo Honey Singh.
Presently, her company Sai Meher Media is into releasing and distributing Hindi, Punjabi and Haryanvi songs, managing artists, providing celebrity shout outs and endorsements and syndicating content for OTT platforms and satellite channels.
TEF, along with Shinde, plans to introduce new IPs and multi-starrer events like music awards (Hindi, Punjabi and other Indian languages), Indian comedy awards (Hindi & Punjabi), music festivals, and theme based properties in the coming months.
The Entertainment Factory founder Mubin Tisekar said, “It is an honour to be working with someone of Rajiee’s stature and credit. Her experience and brilliance are sure to bring us success in our endeavour together. We plan to create more opportunities for the upcoming talent and show appreciation towards those that have shown trust in TEF and grown with us.”
“It is always a pleasure to work with professionals who are passionate about their work. I love the industry I hail from, and meeting fresh talent while giving them a platform has been my passion and goal,” stated Sai Mehar Media CEO Rajiee M Shinde. “With TEF, I hope we can reach out to more artists and provide them more opportunities with interestingly curated events and properties that can add value to the ever-blooming entertainment industry.”
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.
