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Zee Network to co-produce 1st ever Indo-French film
MUMBAI: Zee Network, today, announced their first alliance with France TV and Silhouette Films to co-produce One Dollar Curry In India. This is the first initiative taken by an Indian television network to bridge the gap of producing cross-over films to appeal to Indian as well as international audiences.
While announcing the same at a press conference in Mumbai, Zee Telefilms CMD Subhash Chandra said: “With the success of cross-over films gaining tremendous momentum in the international markets, the Indian film industry, the largest in the world has finally got the attention that it long deserves. This co-production with France, which is also the first of its kind in India, is the first step towards producing cross-over films by Zee Network. This will also offer other companies in India an example to enter global markets thereby help grow the Indian film industry.”
According to a press release, One Dollar Curry is a cross-over film which revolves around an Indian immigrant Nishan (played by Vikram Chatwal) who makes it big in France by opening the first Indian mobile kitchen called ‘One Dollar Curry’, which sells Indian cuisine. The movie also stars Smriti Mishra (of the Sardari Begum fame) playing the role of Yamini, the young entrepreneurs fiancée, who along with Nishan’s friends try to steer clear of the umpteen hurdles and help him win his battles of life.
During the course of the press conference, Chandra stated that the film will be completed in a single schedule of 40 days and will be budgeted at Rs 100 million. The film will be released in October. Also, slated for an October release is Zee’s live-cum-animation feature film titled Bhagmati which is going to be made at a budget of Rs 430 million. Chandra mentioned that the the foreign partners co-producing the animation film had requested that some portions of the film should be reshot.
One Dollar Curry is the second film to be produced by Vijay Singh; whose first film Jaya Ganga was a huge success in France and other European countries. Silhouette Films is a London and New Delhi-based film house with a strong presence in France.
Vijay Singh, the director of One Dollar Curry said:”The success of the Indian cross- over films, proves the potential for Indian cinema globally. I am really happy to produce the first Indian film with an Indian theme for France with the backing of India’s largest media conglomerate.”
France TV president mark Tessier said: “We have been trying for a very long time to develop cinematographic co-operation between India and France and are pleased to be a part of this first co-production alliance between India and France. I am really happy to get associated with Zee Network, which is a leading television company in the world, and look forward to more alliances in the future. Lastly, I think the best person suited for this project is Vijay Singh whose association with France dates back to his journalism days and I am convinced he is the best choice.”
Headed by Marc Tessier, one of the leading cinema personalities of Europe, France TV is the most influential public television channel of France. To confront the Hollywood threat and to promote the production of quality cinema, France TV invests nearly US$ 150 million in French and European cinema annually, says a release. France TV is the co-producer of numerous quality box-office hits, the latest being the Oscar-nominated Amelie Poulain.
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.
