Factual
Discovery’s TIGERLAND follows people on the front lines trying to save the tiger from extinction
MUMBAI: Internationally acclaimed documentary TIGERLAND tells the story of two remarkable men separated by half a century who through sheer force of will and determination dedicated their lives to altering the fate of the Tiger. Directed by Academy®-Award winning filmmaker Ross Kauffman (“Born into Brothels,”) and produced by Oscar® winner Fisher Stevens (“The Cove”), TIGERLAND is the story about our relationship with one of the world’s most revered creatures.
Shot in India and Russia, TIGERLAND spotlights the efforts of Kailash Sankhala, the ever-passionate Indian naturalist and conservationist who was also famously known as the Tiger-Man of India. From Russia’s perspective, the documentary highlights the inspirational story of Pavel Fomenko, Director of Rare Species Conservation, World Wildlife Fund and his work towards protecting tigers. Tigerland will premiere in India on Discovery Channel and Discovery World HD on 29th July 2019 at 8 pm IST.
About a century ago, India was home to over 40,000 tigers, this number has since then fallen to a an alarming 2200 plus today. The documentary highlights the dire effects this depletion in numbers of the tigers has had on the environment and how important it is to save the majestic species to protect the ecosystem.
“The premiere of Tigerland is a continuation of our strategy of shining light on the important issue of Tiger conservation and raising awareness about this important issue globally,” said, Megha Tata, Managing Director – South Asia, Discovery Communications India. “As a corporate, we are already taking affirmative action to help conserve world’s most iconic and endangered species. Through Project CAT and our association with WWF India, we support tiger conservation initiatives on-ground to help secure wild tiger populations in critical sites.”
Talking in detail about the plight of tigers in the wilds of India today, Amit Sankhala, grandson of Kailash Sankhala, says, “The challenges that tigers face today are different from those of the time of my grandfather. Today, habitat loss and encroachment are the biggest threats to tigers. Mining, farming and roads, all put enormous pressures on the habitat.”
The documentary also explores the Siberian Tigers of Russia as Pavel Fomenko narrates the heart-warming story of the birth of the Bikin National Park to protect Tigers. Pavel recounts the heart wrenching truth behind the mystery of the missing tigers from the world species map.
TIGERLAND is produced for Discovery by RadicalMedia in association with Fictionless and Bloomfish Media; directed by Ross Kauffman, produced by Fisher Stevens, Xan Parker, Zara Duffy, and Ross Kauffman; cinematography by, Matt Powell and Ross Kauffman; edited by, Keiko Deguchi, A.C.E; music by, Nathan Halpern; executive producers Dave Sirulnick, Jon Kamen, Justin Wilkes, and John Hoffman. For Discovery: Jon Bardin, executive producer.
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.
