Factual
discovery+’s new original documents India’s space programme
Mumbai: Streaming platform discovery+ is coming up with its all-new original titled “India’s Space Odyssey.” The documentary premiering on 7 October, celebrates the 60-year-long successful journey of India’s space programme.
Produced by Miditech Studios, “India’s Space Odyssey” features former chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Dr G Madhavan Nair, along with other ISRO experts and space historians and researchers.
Using a combination of expert interviews, archive footage and graphic representations, the film documents India’s journey to pioneering space technology and becoming a leader in space exploration that was started by Dr Homi J Bhabha and Dr Vikram Sarabhai, and how their able successors like former president of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof Satish Dhawan, and Dr G Madhavan Nair scripted the success story with the SLV3- India’s first individual rocket launch vehicle, and more recently the ‘Chandraayan’ and ‘Mangalyaan’ missions.
“Since its inception the Indian Space programme has achieved significant feats, thanks to the contribution of all the people who have worked on it. We are delighted that a platform like Discovery is taking these initiatives to the people in an attempt to encourage and inspire them,” stated ISRO chairman and DOS secretary Dr K Sivan.
The docu-film will showcase the different technologies developed by ISRO including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) which recorded a success rate of 95 per cent and is the workhorse of ISRO’s satellite launch programme, and its most ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ programme which will be India’s first manned mission to space.
The actor and space enthusiast R Madhavan will narrate the film in Hindi. “Curiosity has brought humans to where we are today, and it will continue to do so. I thank Discovery India for this wonderful learning opportunity, and I feel honoured to have lent my voice to a project that could inspire future generations to embark on their quest to explore space,” said the actor.
“Discovery is invested in being a worldwide leader of original edutainment with an immersive range of space-related documentaries and is now bringing a detailed and truly inspirational documentary on the much-appreciated Indian Space Programme,” said Discovery Inc South Asia original content head Sai Abhishek. “We believe India’s Space Odyssey will delight Discovery fans and draw in all the space enthusiasts from across the country.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
