Factual
Discovery establishes first-of-its-kind India advisory board
MUMBAI: In line with its stated ambitions for the India market, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific has appointed a special India Advisory Board comprising of pioneers and experts from corporate, digital media and public policy. This first of its kind board for the company outside the US, will provide counsel and insight to the India leadership team on strategic matters pertaining to business innovation and help Discovery navigate and tap into new growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving media landscape.
Members of the India Advisory Board include:
• S Narayan (chairman). Former Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister and former Secretary to Government of India; currently senior public policy advisor and visiting faculty at The University of Delhi and the National University of Singapore.
• Naina Lal Kidwai. Banker, past president of FICCI (India ‘s apex chamber of commerce and industry) and non- executive director on leading global and Indian company boards, deeply committed to the environment and head of the FICCI Sustainability Council and Global Commissioner for the New Climate Economy amongst others, and an active participant in public policy forums including government committees.
• Ali Hussein. Award winning digital media evangelist and former Head of Entertainment Partnerships, South Asia at Google/YouTube; currently media tech entrepreneur and board advisor.
“It is a privilege to chair the first of its kind Advisory Board for Discovery,” said Dr. S Narayan. “The network has been a mainstay in homes in India and around the world for decades and has looked to push the boundaries with new ideas, creative thinking and inspirational content. All of us are looking forward to the opportunity to advise a new leadership team that is energetic, entrepreneurial and innovative on strategic developments that will affect their future growth.”
Discovery Networks Asia Pacific president & MD Arthur Bastings said, “Discovery is thrilled to have such respected industry leaders advising our India leadership team and myself on matters crucial to the design and execution of our ambitious India strategy. The insights from this eminent group will be invaluable as we look to accelerate the transformation of our business and leverage new growth opportunities across South Asia.”
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.
