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Wizcraft to create Bollywood entertainment show for Dubai Parks & Resorts
NEW DELHI: Dubai Parks and Resorts, which is set to be the region’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination when it opens in October 2016, has joined hands with Wizcraft International Entertainment to create a Bollywood show for the Rajmahal Theatre.
In an agreement between the two, the Rajmahal Theatre situated in Dubai’s Bollywood Parks will reflects the beauty and wonder of India’s culture and architectural heritage.
The first Broadway-style theatre of its kind in the region, the 60,000-square-foot Rajmahal Theatre will feature state-of-the-art LED stage backdrops, along with VIP boxes and exclusive lounges for private events and galas.
Wizcraft uses the latest live entertainment technology to create immersive entertainment experiences for audiences across the globe.
Dubai Parks and Resorts CEO Raed Al Nuaimi said, “We are committed to providing an unforgettable experience for our guests, and we have partnered with the most creative minds in the industry that have a proven track record of producing world-class shows and events. We are very pleased to bring Wizcraft on board this unique project and we look forward to experiencing the excitement of the show when the first curtain rises.”
Wizcraft director Viraf Sarkari added, “Wizcraft has produced some of the world’s largest shows and events, and we look forward to creating the largest Bollywood musical ever produced. We are very pleased to bring the magic of Bollywood to audiences in Dubai, and we are proud to partner with Dubai Parks and Resorts.”
Alongside Bollywood Parks Dubai, the first phase of this unprecedented project will include LegoLand Dubai and motiongate Dubai – connected by Riverland Dubai, a retail, dining and entertainment walkway. The development will also feature Lapita, a Polynesian-themed resort catering to families. Dubai Parks and Resorts is projected to attract 6.7 million visits during its first full year of operation.
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.
