ISCR’s 18th Conference Highlights Innovation and Patient Centricity
Mumbai, February 4th, 2025: Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR), an association of clinical research professionals, hosted its 18th Annual Conference at CIDCO Exhibition & Convention Centre, Vashi, Navi Mumbai on January 31 and February 1, 2025. Marking two decades of advancing clinical research in India, ISCR also celebrated its 20-year journey at the event. The conference welcomed participation from over 2100 delegates and featured 300 eminent speakers. It brought together a diverse group of experts to discuss key themes, including advancements in patient-centric approaches in clinical trials, ethics, artificial intelligence, innovations in data management, statistical reporting, medical writing, programming, and increased academic participation in research. All discussions revolved around the central theme: “Enhancing India’s Success in Clinical Research: Unifying Innovation, Technology, and Patient Centricity.” A key highlight of the conference was the launch of ISCR’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) paper during the inaugural session, highlighting the growing impact of AI and ML in clinical research.
Dr. Santosh Kadam, President of IMA Maharashtra, emphasized the importance of innovation and addressing unmet medical needs during his inaugural address. He highlighted how clinical research plays a pivotal role in ensuring that new medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and devices are thoroughly tested for safety and efficacy. Prominent industry thought leaders and experts like Dr. Arijit Nag (Tata Memorial Center), Dr Rahul Purwar (IIT Mumbai), Dr Ganesh Dakhle (AIIMS, Nagpur), Dr Kshitij Jadhav (IIT Mumbai), Dr Anant Patil (DY Patil Medical College, Nerul) etc. were part of sessions which discussed the evolving role of clinical research in healthcare. Other speakers at the event included representatives from leading R&D organizations such as Sun Pharma, Dr Reddy’s, Biocon Ltd. as well as other Multinational R&D organizations . They enriched the dialogue with valuable insights on cutting-edge technologies, innovative methodologies, and patient-centric approaches shaping the future of the sector.
The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in enhancing clinical trial methodologies. Interactive sessions like “Revolutionizing Dose Decision Making” and “Harnessing the Power of Statistics in Cancer Care” provided attendees with practical strategies for improving trial outcomes and patient-centric solutions. The event concluded with engaging panel discussions on preparing effective regulatory submissions and bridging data gaps using advanced statistical tools.
Highlighting importance of clinical research in India, Dr. Sanish Davis, President of ISCR, said, “The 18th Annual Conference exemplifies our commitment to advancing the discipline of clinical research in India by fostering collaboration and innovation. As methodologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, decentralized trials, adaptive designs, and patient-centric approaches rapidly evolve, this platform enables meaningful discussions on integrating these advancements into the Indian clinical research ecosystem. Together with academia , regulators, innovation driven R&D organizations and patients, ISCR aims to push the vision of Viksit Bharat to bring forth impactful healthcare solutions, prioritizing both quality and accessibility.”
In its journey to becoming a global leader in clinical research, India’s evolving policy landscape continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the research ecosystem. With ongoing regulatory advancements, the country is well-positioned to foster innovation, enhance patient outcomes, and establish itself as a hub for cutting-edge discoveries, innovations and clinical trials. Beyond the conference, ISCR actively builds public awareness about clinical research. In 2024, ISCR’s Run4Research engaged the public in discussions on its healthcare impact, reinforcing ISCR’s commitment to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering trust in clinical research.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s January 2025 Sales Reach 4,44,847 Units
Mumbai, February 3, 2025: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India today announced its sales numbers for the month of January 2025.
The company’s total sales for January’25 stood at 4,44,847 units, recording a 6% YoY growth. This includes domestic sales of 4,02,977 units and 41,870 units exports. The domestic sales for the month registered 5% YoY growth while exports grew 14% over the same period of last year.
It is worth mentioning that HMSI’s YTD FY25 (April’24 – Jan’25) total sales stand at 49,81,767 units. This includes domestic sales of 45,41,323 units and 4,40,444 units exports.
HMSI’s Key Highlights of January 2025:
- Product: HMSI introduced the updated OBD2B compliant versions of the Activa, Livo, and Dio with advanced new features. Moreover, the company’s premium motorcycle portfolio has been further strengthened with the launch of latest editions of the CB650R and CBR650R.
- Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: HMSI took the center stage at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, showcasing an exciting line-up of innovative and sustainable mobility solutions. The company announced the prices of the all-new ACTIVA e: and QC1. In addition, the CB300F flex-fuel, Honda’s portable electric scooter Motocompacto, Electric Racing Go-Kart and advanced battery swapping technology with the dedicated Honda Power Pack Exchanger e: were also on display.
- Road Safety: Expanding road safety awareness in India, HMSI promoted campaigns in 11 cities across India – Zirakpur (Punjab), Bhopal & Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh), Bahula (West Bengal), Ongole (Andhra Pradesh), Chiplun & Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), Davanagere (Karnataka), Palakkad (Kerala), Rajkot (Gujarat), and Dhanbad (Jharkhand). Additionally, HMSI organized Road Safety Convention with school principals in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) as a part of ongoing project – Mindset Development for our Future Generation. HMSI also hosted an engaging Road Safety Kids Carnival for school students at its Global Resource Factory in Manesar, Haryana.
- Motorsports: There was a double celebration in Saudi Arabia with a second consecutive Dakar Rally double podium for Monster Energy Honda HRC as Tosha Schareina and Adrien Van Beveren took 2nd and 3rd place at the 47th edition of this world-famous motorsport event.
MoveInSync GCC Conclave 2025 to Shape Next Phase of Growth in Hyderabad
Hyderabad, February 2025: Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government is set to preside over The GCC Conclave, hosted by Global leaders in enterprise commute, MoveInSync in collaboration with Humanize AI.
This exclusive conclave, scheduled on the 5th of February at Sheraton Hyderabad, will witness business leaders engage with the Government and discuss the roadmap for growth and acceleration of GCC in the State.
Commenting on the announcement of the conclave Cofounder and CEO of MoveInSync, Deepesh Agarwal said “India is set to record an accelerated growth in the GCC space, and the market is poised to double in another 5 years. There is no doubt that infrastructure, capacities, skill and talent will drive this growth and for this we need to prepare. A Deloitte study has reported that there are 1,600 plus Global Capacity Centres employing more than 1.5 million professionals and a projected market size of US$110 billion by 2030. This puts India-specially Hyderabad and Bengaluru as a cornerstone of global business innovation in the GCC ecosystem”
Deepesh further lauded Telangana’s efforts in building a vibrant ecosystem for growth of Global Capacity Centres, especially through Telangana’s ‘Vision for Life Science 2030’. However, he cautioned that on an average Indians are spending about 8.3 % of their day commuting for work which increased by about 1.6% in 2024.
Speaking about the conference, Jagdish Mitra, Founder & CEO of Humanize said, “We are seeing a paradigm shift in the Indian technology industry- GCCs, one of the fastest growing technology segments, are evolving beyond capability-driven hubs to become global centers of efficiency, automation and most critically, of innovation. AI, GenAI, and emerging technologies are not just enablers but we at humanize believe that they will be fundamental to redefining service delivery, talent orchestration, business impact and customer experience. Hyderabad is truly at the center (geographically and virtually) of the India tech revolution, with its dynamic ecosystem, is poised to lead this transformation – more than 120 GCCs have either set up or expanded in Hyderabad over the last 5 years. Telangana’s second ICT Policy – focusing on infrastructure, supporting innovation, promoting datacenters, IT parks and incubation centers, and emphasizing digital inclusion – has been instrumental in this growth. Having spent several years in Hyderabad, I’ve witnessed its remarkable progress firsthand. The GCC Conclave serves as a catalyst for collaboration, ensuring that technology, policy, and leadership converge to shape the future of enterprise evolution.”
Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary of the Industries & Commerce (I&C) and Information Technology (IT) Departments of the Telangana government and Chief Guest at the GCC Conclave will deliver the keynote speech.
The GCC Conclave will further witness key business leaders and officials participating in panel discussions. Sirisha Voruganti (CEO &MD, Lloyds Technology Centre India), Mamatha Madireddy (MD & Head, HSBC India Global Service Centres) and Jagdish Mitra (Founder & CEO, Humanize) will be speaking at the event. This will be followed by 2 panel discussions. The first panel will explore how GenAI and emerging technologies enhance service deliveries in GCC. This will feature MD, Evernorth, Ashok Venkatachalam and VP and MD, CC Site Leader of Kenvue Solutions India GCC, Rajesh Puneyani. The final panel discussion will detail Hyderabad’s growth story and highlight the City’s initiatives on sustainability, CRE and mobility infrastructure. This panel will be attended by VP, Product and Growth, MoveInSync, Ujjwal Trivedi, Partner and CFP of Gloplax, Rakesh Singhania and MD, Sonoco, Arvind Chittora.
K2 Infragen Limited Wins Prestigious Highway Project in Gujarat
Gurgaon, 4th February, 2025 – K2 Infragen Limited, one of the fastest-growing players in India’s infrastructure and EPC sectors, has secured a road project contract worth INR 142.14 Crores for the “Strengthening and Maintenance works/activities on the section from Km 0.00 to Km 123.454 of the Jetpur-Somnath Section (excluding Junagarh Bypass, 103 Km) in the state of Gujarat, under a Performance-Based Maintenance Contract (PBMC).” The contract was awarded by NHAI to M/s SRM Contractors Ltd. and will be executed by K2 Infragen Ltd.
This order further strengthens K2 Infragen’s credentials and enhances its ability to bid for direct contracts from NHAI in the future. With this addition, the company’s total order book under execution now stands at INR 550 Crores, providing strong growth visibility.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Pankaj Sharma, Managing Director at K2 Infragen, stated:, “We are honored to have secured this landmark project-our largest single order in the Roads & Transport infrastructure domain. While the scheduled completion is set for September 2026, we expect to complete most of the construction within this year. The company continues to secure significant contracts of NHAI while diversifying into the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. We have developed in-house expertise across design, procurement, and construction supervision, delivering comprehensive EPC solutions spanning roads, railways, water supply, and civil construction. By integrating AI-driven solutions to optimize efficiency in turnkey projects, we are reinforcing our position as a leader in multi-sector infrastructure development. Additionally, we are also actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC space, anticipating a major breakthrough soon and are actively engaging in discussions with financial institutions to enhance fund-based and non-fund based credit limits.”
Additionally, K2 Infragen is actively engaged in discussions with large financial institutions to enhance its banking limits, which will enable the company to:
- Execute the current order book efficiently.
- Continue bidding for attractive opportunities across various infrastructure verticals to further expand its order pipeline.
With a continuously expanding sales pipeline and enhanced execution capabilities, K2 Infragen is on track for consistent, sustainable growth over the next three years, driven by strategic expansion across India. The company is also making steady progress towards its vision of becoming a multi-sector, diversified infrastructure EPC player. Earlier this year, K2 Infragen secured significant orders in the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) and Railways sectors. Additionally, the company is actively exploring opportunities in the solar EPC sector and expects a major breakthrough soon.
Ishita Ganguly’s Chamkeeli Set to Be the Next Icon After Komolika
Some characters in Indian television leave a lasting impact—be it their iconic style, cunning ways, or memorable dialogues. One such unforgettable character is Komolika, played by Urvashi Dholakia, who redefined the on-screen vamp with her glamorous and bold persona. Now, actress Ishita Ganguly is stepping into the spotlight with a character that promises to rival such legends. As Chamkeeli in Shemaroo Umang’s Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, Ishita is ready to set the screen on fire with her fierce and mesmerizing presence.
Chamkeeli is not an ordinary character. With her striking scorpion tattoo, bold earrings, ring on her lips, and dazzling maangtika, she demands attention. Ishita herself is thrilled about playing this role, she said, “Chamkeeli is bold, fierce, and unapologetic. She believes every ruthless action she takes is justified to achieve her goals. I drew inspiration from Urvashi Dholakia’s Komolika, who made vamps glamorous and iconic. While Komolika is a benchmark, I’m hopeful that Chamkeeli will leave her own mark. Her look, her personality, and her dialogue ‘Chamkeeli jab chamake hai na, tab ache ache ka bulbva fuse ho jaave hai’ make her fun to play. From her mangtika to her tattoo, every detail of her look has me excited—the stylist and the makeup team have done a fabulous job!”
For Ishita, Chamkeeli’s look and persona have been a unique experience. “I’ve done many shows before, but none of them excited me as much as this. Everything about Chamkeeli, from her appearance to her personality, is fascinating. Even the makeup room is fun because the process of getting into Chamkeeli’s look is a whole vibe!”
At the core of Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain is the intense rivalry between Chamkeeli and Chaina for the haveli’s legacy. While Chaina fights for justice and tradition, Chamkeeli uses cunning and manipulation to achieve her goals. This clash of right versus wrong creates a rollercoaster of drama, emotions, and shocking twists that will leave audiences hooked
Fortis Memorial Research Institute & Pearl Academy Unite for Fashion Show Honoring Cancer Survivors’ Strength
Delhi-NCR, February 4, 2025: In an endeavour to create awareness around cancer and commemorate World Cancer Day, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, in collaboration with Pearl Academy, hosted a fashion show – ‘Together We Win’ to celebrate the courage, strength, and resilience of cancer survivors.
The event featured cancer survivors who had fought and triumphed over the disease, walking the ramp as models to showcase their incredible resilience. In a moving gesture of unity and support, around 10 Oncologists from Fortis Gurgaon also joined the survivors on the ramp, highlighting the collaborative journey from diagnosis to recovery. The fashion show served as both a tribute to these warriors and an initiative to raise awareness about cancer, with World Cancer Day approaching on February 4.
Approximately 35 participants, including cancer survivors and medical professionals, graced the ramp. The show unfolded in three acts: “The Fight,” “The Healing,” and “The Victory.” “The Fight” featured bold designs representing the initial struggle, while “The Healing” portrayed renewal and recovery with softer, soothing aesthetics. “The Victory” celebrated triumph, showcasing vibrant styles to emphasize the joy and strength found in overcoming cancer. The students and faculty of Pearl Academy, India’s leading creative education institution, worked collaboratively to style the models, providing garment upscaling, hair, makeup, and accessories. The goal was to spotlight the strength, positivity, and unwavering spirit of cancer survivors while inspiring others facing similar battles.
Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, commented, “India faces a tough battle against cancer in the years ahead, and Fortis, as a leading healthcare service provider, is taking new steps to treat and provide the best care to cancer patients. Our cancer survivors are an inspiration, demonstrating that life after cancer is not just about surviving but about thriving with confidence and dignity. This fashion show is a celebration of strength, resilience, and hope. At Fortis Gurugram, we remain committed to providing not only world-class treatment but also emotional and psychological support to empower every patient on their journey. Today, we applaud their courage and their unwavering spirit.”
Aditi Srivastava, President of Pearl Academy, said, “Through this partnership, Pearl Academy and Fortis Gurugram not only created an unforgettable fashion experience but also leveraged the power of fashion to empower cancer survivors. The show underscored the importance of community, breaking stigmas around cancer, and sparking crucial conversations about resilience and recovery. Fashion is more than glamour-it is an intellectual and cultural force with the power to inspire change. ‘Together We Win’ is a testament to how creativity, compassion, and purpose can come together to make a real impact. As future industry leaders, our students must understand that fashion is not just about aesthetics but also about storytelling, empowerment, and responsibility. Through initiatives like this, we reinforce the importance of our social responsibility, ensuring that fashion serves as a medium for advocacy, inclusivity, and social transformation. This show is not just about style—it is about strength, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.”
Alok Goenka, a cancer survivor who walked the ramp, reflected on his experience, saying, “I didn’t just fight cancer; I conquered my fears and rediscovered a zest for life that I thought was lost. This runway is my battlefield of victory, a place where fear and doubt are left behind.”
Seema Kumari, another survivor, shared her journey, “Hope is the light that guided me through the darkest times. It’s not just a feeling but a drive that pushes you to keep fighting, even when the odds seem insurmountable.”
Sanjay Dawar, a cancer survivor and passionate motorcyclist, shared, “Survival isn’t merely about continuing to live; it’s about thriving. Each day is a new ride, a chance to shift gears from merely existing to truly living with purpose and joy.”
India Winner Announced at National & Regional Awards
New Delhi, 4 February 2025: Sony India reveals Rajeev Gaikwad as India’s National Award winner for the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.
The National & Regional Awards programme is an initiative set up by Sony and Creo under its photography strand the World Photography Organisation to support local photographic communities around the world, with 56 countries taking part this year. Across this year’s Awards over 419,000 images from over 200 countries and territories were submitted to the Sony World Photography Awards 2025.
National and Regional Award winners were selected from the Open competition, which champions the best single images taken in the past year.
Rajeev Gaikwad was anonymously selected by judges for his photograph Phantom Bloom, entered into the Object category of the Open competition. Amidst a vast abandoned waste marble dumping yard in Kishangarh, Rajasthan, a lone tree reaches towards the sky, its bare branches a testament to its resilience. Hanging from the branch, the vivid burst of colour of the two bags introduces a touch of humanity. In this image, the photographer reflects on the delicate balance between nature and human presence in an unforgiving landscape.
Growing up on the surreal outskirts of Aurangabad, Maharashtra, I found inspiration in the dreamlike rural landscapes around me. Photography became my way of preserving moments and telling stories, blending realism with a touch of surrealism. My work focuses on capturing emotions, connections, and the beauty in the mundane. I Always aim to share my unique perspective and inspire others to see the world through a creative and thoughtful lens.
Commenting on his win, Gaikwad said: Being shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards is a surreal and humbling experience for me, I feel completely Blessed. It’s an honor to have my work recognized on this esteemed international platform.
As India’s National Award winner, Rajeev Gaikwad receives Sony digital imaging equipment and will be included in the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition and book.
The overall winners in the Student, Youth, Open and Professional competitions of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025 will be announced on 16 April and will go on display as part of the exhibition at Somerset House, London (17 April – 5 May 2025).
Check Point Software Shares Q4 and 2024 Full-Year Financial Results
India, February 4, 2025 —(NASDAQ: CHKP), today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.
Fourth Quarter 2024 Highlights
- Calculated Billings reached $959 million, an 11 percent increase year over year
- Remaining Performance Obligation (RPO): $2.5 billion, a 12 percent increase year over year
- Total Revenues: $704 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
- Product, License & Subscription Revenues: $463 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
- GAAP Operating Income: $254 million, representing 36 percent of revenues
- Non-GAAP Operating Income: $306 million, representing 44 percent of revenues
- GAAP EPS: $2.30, a 7 percent increase year over year
- Non-GAAP EPS: $2.70, a 5 percent increase year over year
Full Year 2024 Highlights
- Calculated Billings reached $2,658 million, a 9 percent increase year over year
- Total Revenues: $2,565 million, a 6 percent increase year over year
- Security Subscriptions Revenues: $1,104 million, a 13 percent increase year over year
- GAAP EPS: $7.46, a 5 percent increase year over year
- Non-GAAP EPS: $9.16, a 9 percent increase year over year
“We delivered exceptional fourth quarter results, a wonderful way to transition into my new Executive Chairman role. The success in the quarter was underscored by strong 8 percent revenue growth in our core Quantum Force appliance business, our industry leading Harmony E-mail solution, and expanded adoption of the Infinity platform.” said, Gil Shwed, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Check Point Software. “I would like to thank Check Point’s customers, partners, and the Global Check Point Team for their contributions to our continued success. I look forward to Check Point achieving new heights under the leadership of our new Chief Executive Officer, Nadav Zafrir,” concluded, Mr. Shwed.
“I would like to thank Gil and the Board for the opportunity to lead such an exemplary organization. 2024 was a successful year and provides a great springboard for 2025 and beyond,” stated Nadav Zafrir, Chief Executive Officer of Check Point Software. “My first one hundred days are focused on meeting with customers and partners to understand the key challenges they face in today’s unprecedented threat environment. From my conversations so far, I have become increasingly confident that Check Point is uniquely positioned to address the cybersecurity demands of enterprises worldwide. Check Point’s future is bright, and we are focused on driving market share expansion and taking growth to the next levels,” stated Mr. Zafrir.
“After a successful fourth quarter and 2024, we are starting 2025 with an expanded executive team to balance our corporate and Go-To-Market leadership roles, and bring even more attention to customer facing functions,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. Among the new roles joining the executive team is that of Chief Revenue Officer. Itai Greenberg will serve in this role, driving our global top-line revenue across our platform worldwide. He brings more than two decades of experience in product management and sales roles, having most recently served as Check Point’s Chief Strategy Officer and head of the Cloud and SASE businesses. Replacing Itai in the role of Chief Strategy Officer, we welcome Roi Karo to Check Point. Roi brings more than two decades of expertise in security, AI, and big data with a focus on strategy and planning.
In conclusion, after three successful years as Check Point’s President, Rupal Hollenbeck has chosen to conclude her tenure at the end of the first quarter and will remain available to support the smooth transition of the new executive team members. “I want to thank Rupal for her incredible work and dedication over the last three years during which the Go-To-Market organizations composition, reach, and focus was transformed all around the world. We wish her all the best in her future endeavors,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO of Check Point Software. “We welcome Itai and Roi into their new executive team roles. I am excited about the opportunities before us, and I am more confident than ever that the best of Check Point is yet to come,” concluded, Mr. Zafrir.
Financial Highlights Commentary
- Cash Balances, Marketable Securities & Short-Term Deposits: $2,784 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $2,960 million as of December 31, 2023. The decrease in cash is primarily a result of $186 million net of cash consideration utilized for Cyberint Ltd. acquisition in 2024.
- Share Repurchase Program: During the fourth quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $325 million. During full year 2024, we repurchased approximately 7.7 million shares at a total cost of approximately $1,300 million.
- Cash Flow: Cash flow from operations was $1,059, which included $18 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions, and acquisition-related costs were insignificant. This compares to $1,035 million in 2023, which included $39 million of costs related to our currency hedging transactions and $25 million in costs related to acquisitions.
For information regarding the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this release, as well as a reconciliation of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, please see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” and “Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information.”
Avinash Tiwary Reveals Why ‘The Mehta Boys’ Script Was Impossible to Resist
“The moment I read it, I knew that if I truly considered myself an artist, there was no way I could let go of this script”- Avinash Tiwary reveals his first reaction to the script of Prime Video’s The Mehta Boys
Prime Video’s upcoming Original movie, The Mehta Boys has already made waves on the film festival circuit with its deeply moving portrayal of the complexities of a father-son relationship. Ahead of its highly anticipated global premiere on the service, the film has piqued audiences’ curiosity with an emotionally charged trailer. Brought to life by a talented ensemble cast, including Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary, Shreya Chaudhry, and Puja Sarup in key roles, The Mehta Boys promises to leave an emotional impact on viewers with universal themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, complex human relationships. Avinash Tiwary steps into the role of Amay, a junior architect navigating a decade-long struggle to establish his career.
In an exclusive conversation, Avinash reveals his first reaction to the compelling script of The Mehta Boys and opens up about his experience working with veteran actor-turned-director, Boman Irani.
He revealed, “The moment I read it, I knew that if I truly considered myself an artist, there was no way I could let go of this script—I had to be a part of this film.I wasn’t sure how it would unfold until I met Boman Sir. He asked me to read a scene, and that’s when something magical happened. He stood up, I stood up, and before I knew it, he was giving me instructions, and I was responding instinctively. It all just clicked at that moment.Honestly this kind of creative connection is very rare and I knew we are on to something special.”
Recalling the rehearsal process, Avinash further added, “From that moment on, he made sure I harboured the same resentment toward him that Amay feels for his father in the film. He ensured I carried that feeling throughout. I know that most people who have worked with Boman Sir see him as a friend and mentor, but we intentionally created a different equation. I wasn’t supposed to see him as a friend. Every bit of Amay’s emotions—the struggle with authority, longing for validation, the unresolved tension—I lived off-screen too. Even now, I think a part of me is still that guy, who is seeking validation from Boman Irani.”
Marking Boman Irani’s directorial debut, The Mehta Boys is an Irani Movietone LLP production in association with Chalkboard Entertainment LLP. Boman Irani has also co-produced the film with Danesh Irani, Vikesh Bhutani, and Shujaat Saudagar, and co-written it with Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris. The Mehta Boys is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on February 7, in India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide.