From Copyright Pioneer to Content Powerhouse: Akshay Kumar & Boney Kapoor Join NH Studioz's 70-Year Celebration of Narendra Hirawat

The gathering also saw the presence of renowned directors Madhur Bhandarkar and Inder Kumar, alongside key producers Kamal Badjatya (Rajshri Productions) and Narsimha Rao (Padmalaya Films).

The event was led by emcees RJ Nitin and film trade analyst Komal Nahta. Adding to the heartfelt tributes, a special video note was delivered by industry icons Dr. Subhash Chandra, Sheshagiri Rao, and Jeetendra Kapoor.

The celebration served as a tribute to Mr. Hirawat’s pioneering foresight, which transformed the studio into one of the country's largest content libraries, safeguarding over 3,500 cinematic treasures. Mr. Hirawat was one of the first in the industry to disrupt traditional distribution methods by acquiring entire film copyrights rather than fragmented territorial rights. This visionary approach, which began in the early 1980s, established the long-term strength and resilience of NH Studioz.

Reflecting on the studio's journey of continuous adaptation, Mr. Narendra Hirawat, Chairman, NH Studioz, stated: "The excitement, the uncertainty, it was electric. Everyone thought I was overpaying [for copyrights], but I knew I was investing in time capsules. Cinema is not just entertainment; it’s cultural memory. We are committed to ensuring these great stories remain preserved, revitalized, and accessible to audiences worldwide."

The presence of the second generation, who brought a digital-first mindset, was also highlighted, underscoring the company’s philosophy of “continuity with change”. NH Studioz continues to balance legacy with agility, using modern techniques to restore classics while also backing new productions and navigating the OTT space, exemplified by deals from licensing 16 films to Zee TV in the '90s to backing digital-first releases today.

The event concluded with a clear affirmation of the studio’s commitment to its founding principles, celebrating a legacy built on discipline, passion, and the belief that the best of Indian cinema is always worth protecting.