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Weekend Unwind with: MX Player chief content officer Gautam Talwar
Mumbai: With another weekend upon us, it is time to unwind with the latest Q&A edition of Indiantelevision.com’s Weekend Unwind—a series of informal chats that peek into the advertising minds of business executives through a fun lens in an attempt to get to know the person behind the title a little better.
In this week’s session, we have MX Player chief content officer Gautam Talwar. Talwar has over 20 years of experience in the content and entertainment industries.
His last role in advertising was that of chief strategy officer for Rediffusion Y&R; after which he founded Culture Chaat Inc., a company targeted at producing culturally insightful content for kids.
Talwar has two Cannes finalist certificates for Axe for two consecutive years, as well as a New York Silver and an EPICA Silver. He also won the campaign gold award for the best integrated marketing campaign for 2005 for Axe for the MENA region and the Unilever internal gold award for global brand activation of Axe. In addition, he is a silver “Effies” winner for the PSI campaign (Balbir Pasha).
Talwar’s constant sources of inspiration are music, movies, and spirituality. He is endlessly fascinated by unearthing insights and motivations that drive human behavior.
So, without further ado, here it goes…
- Your mantra for life
Live in the moment.
- A book you are currently reading / plan to read
“The TV Showrunner’s Roadmap” – Neil Landau.
- Your fitness mantra, especially during the pandemic
Eat healthy/commit an hour daily to your body.
- Your comfort food
Peanuts & desserts.
- When the chips are down a quote/ philosophy that keeps you going
Jo man ka ho to accha jo na ho woh aur bhi accha (The plan for your life is always bigger than your imagination).
- Your guilty pleasure
TV news channels.
- When was the last time you tried something new?
Went camping in the desert last weekend. I also enjoy playing the guitar and cooking, which are newfound passions.
- A life lesson you learnt the hard way
Accepting WHAT IS!
- What gets you excited about life?
Telling stories.
- What’s on top of your bucket list?
A trip around the world by car.
- If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be too hard on yourself… eventually it all works out for the best.
- One thing you would most like to change about the world
Respecting nature and leaving a conflict free world for the next generation.
- An activity that keeps you motivated/charged during tough times
Following my passions even during tough times has always kept me motivated.
- What lifts your spirits when life gets you down?
My family/music and OSHO.
- Your go-to stress buster
My daughter.
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.
