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Zee Entertainment enters the Indonesian market
MUMBAI: Zee Entertainment Enterprise (Zeel) seems to be making all the efforts to make its presence felt across the world. It was just a few weeks ago that we reported the launch of a Bollywood channel, Zee Bioskop in Indonesia. Now, the Network taking a step further in the region has announced the opening of its office in Jakarta and appointment of Maria Liza Ginting as Indonesia country head.
While Zee Bioskop would air Bollywood blockbusters in the local language – Bahasa; another channel – Veria Living Channel launched by the Network will be one of the first wellness content channels in the region.
Zeel chairman Subhash Chandra said: “Indonesia and India share a lot of similarities when it comes to culture, values and entertainment appetite, in addition to being maritime neighbours. Indonesia is economically one of the fastest growing market with huge potential for Pay TV growth. I am confident these launches will flag off a new beginning for our venture and relationship between the two countries.”
Speaking at the press conference in Indonesia, Zeel business head – Asia pacific Sushruta Samanta said: “During the focused group research, we were amazed to see the massive response for our Bollywood content. Zeel holds the largest Bollywood library, which will aid Zee Bioskop in setting new records in the viewership trend. Indonesia is definitely a key market for our APAC expansion plan and opening of Indonesia office is a first step towards that direction.”
“Liza brings with her a rich experience across content acquisition and distribution and has a great understanding of local audience behavior. We welcome Liza to the Zee family and I am sure that she will take the business to new heights,” Samanta further added.
Ginting remarked: “I am very proud to be a part of this prestigious Group and being instrumental in bringing this much-awaited entertainment channel of international standard, specifically customised for local audience. The initial response from our distribution partners has been very positive and I am sure the channel will live up to its tagline – Bollywood Banget!!! (Truly Bollywood).”
Veria Living Channel which was launched in 2007 is currently available on satellite Apstar 7, will also be available in Indonesia for distribution. Its programming will cover a wide range including health, wellness and fitness shows bringing balance to modern living like Naturally Delicious, The Sweet Truth, Workout From Within, Rock Your Yoga, Model Guru Cameron, What Would Julienna Do? and The Genesis of Healing.
Zee Bioskop, a 24/7 Bollywood channel will showcase movies across all eras starring India’s most popular. The channel will also have programming line-up with shows – Gelitik Senin, Selasa Tak Gentar, Kencan Bintang, Legendaris, Sinema Rasa Sayang, Sinema Perdana Jumat and Blockbuster Akhir Pekan.
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.
