Factual
Filmy plans to launch in US and Middle East by mid 2006
MUMBAI: Sahara One Media and Entertainment plans to take Filmy, its Hindi movie channel, overseas three months after its launch in India. The first stop will be US and the Middle East.
“We will launch Filmy first in the US and the Middle East. We aim to take it to these markets three months after we launch it on 12 February in India,” said Sahara One Media and Entertainment chief executive officer Shantonu Aditya.
Sahara is also planning launch of its Hindi general entertainment channel, Sahara One, in the UK on the BSkyB direct-to-home (DTH) platform and the rest of Europe towards the middle of this year.
The channel is already available in the US on Echostar and in the Middle East on Pehla. “We have over 90,000 homes in the US since our launch in the third quarter of last year. We aim to launch in UK and the rest of Europe by the middle of this year,” said Aditya.
Speaking on movie acquisitions, Aditya said Sahara had acquired 88 films from the library of Eros. This was part of a barter deal which the two companies had struck when Eros took the overseas theatrical and home video rights of some Sahara movies.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
