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Zee Tamil acquires ‘DNA’ format rights from Bomanbridge Media
MUMBAI: In a first for the channel, Zee Tamil has licensed the format of a show called DNA from the Singapore-based distribution and production agency, Bomanbridge Media.
The channel will produce 26 episodes of the show in Tamil. The format has previously been produced in Spain, Italy, Portugal and Indonesia.
Additionally, Bomanbridge Media has also inked a format deal with Vietnam’s Lasta Multimedia, which has licensed Beauty Academy created by A2G Creations. The format of Beauty Academy was previously sold in China on Dragon TV, and in Brazil on Globo TV.
“The ultimate test for an international TV format is in its ability to travel to distant lands, take on local flavours without losing its fundamental characteristics. We’re delighted that TV networks in South Asia are increasingly looking to us to bring them these winning formulas for non-fiction programming,” said Bomanbridge South Asia office head Arpit Agarwal.
“Bomanbridge Media has licensed other successful formats in the region such as NHK’s Dr. What and Miss Country Girl to China and are pleased to add the popular formats, Beauty Academy and DNA to the list. We look forward to working closely with Zee and Lasta Multimedia to help them create winning versions of these shows,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.
“We bring hot formats to the region, as Asian broadcasters continue to have an appetite for the genre,” Fleck added.
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.
