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Zee Entertainment inks content production deal with Japan’s TBS
NEW DELHI: Indian media conglomerate Zee Entertainment has inked a deal with Japan's Tokyo Broadcasting System Television (TBS) that will see the two companies jointly produce diverse content not only for India and Japan but also for the global market.
The first joint effort between Zee Entertainment and TBS will be The Spiceman Trails: Asia, a unique culinary travelogue that delves into spice roots and spice routes of the east.
"Its picturesque imagery, vivid landscapes, and brilliant hues take the audience across the continent in search of a wide array of spices, deep-rooted history, multifarious cuisine, and rich culture and traditions in a most entertaining way," the companies said in a joint statement.
TBS is one of Japan's largest media groups which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. In Japan, the company has operations in various areas of entertainment that include, free-to-air TV and radio, satellite TV, digital streaming and film, stage and event production.
On the other hand, Zee Entertainment is one of the largest media houses in India with 47 domestic channels across 11 native languages under its belt.
"We are thrilled to partner with an accomplished broadcaster like TBS on The Spiceman Trails: Asia. We look forward to curating and collaborating on other concepts across other entertainment genres," said Zee chief business officer Sunita Uchil.
TBS general manager of the international business center Takahiro Kawata revealed that his company is very excited to collaborate and work with Zee Entertainment. Kawata also added that he is looking forward to work with vibrant and creative people in India.
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.
