Factual
Megha Tata is Discovery’s pick for south Asia managing director
MUMBAI: This morning, we broke the news that Business Television India (BTVI) COO Megha Tata had put in her papers. Her last day at the business news channel would be 15 March 2019. We had an inkling that she would hop on to Discovery India as its India (more specifically south Asia) boss, filling a position that has been vacant since Karan Bajaj quit to set up his own venture. But pending confirmation, we did not put out the report.
This morning the confirmation came in as Discovery Asia Pacific sent out a release stating that the broadcast veteran and affable professional is indeed taking over Discovery Communications India as it south Asia managing director. She will be joining the firm effective 1 April 2019. A veteran of the media & entertainment industry, Megha has received multiple industry accolades in an illustrious career spanning more than 28 years. She has held leadership positions across eminent broadcasters such as BTVI, HBO, Turner International, and STAR TV.
Megha will be based in Mumbai and report to Discovery Asia Pacific managing director and Discovery International chief financial officer Simon Robinson.
“Megha is a seasoned professional, with an extensive and proven track record of leading multiple broadcast businesses in India. We are incredibly excited to welcome Megha, and her vision, at this important juncture as we aim to actualize the potential of such a key market,” said Simon Robinson. “I look to her leadership to provide a differentiated strategic direction to Discovery India with twin objectives of – accelerating growth in the core business and strengthen the product portfolio with new offerings in line with the evolving expectations of the market.”
Commenting on the development, Megha Tata, said, “Having been a passionate superfan of Discovery myself, I am really excited to lead Discovery’s mandate in the region. I look forward to working closely with the India management team to help build an aggressive growth path for the company in this rapidly changing media landscape.”
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.
