Factual
A+E Networks and TV18 launches FYI TV18
MUMBAI: A+E Networks and TV18 has begin soft run of factual and lifestyle channel- FYI TV18 on July 4. The channel will be fully launched in couple of days on all major DTH and analog cable platforms. Whether FYI TV18 will be categorised under factual entertainment or as a lifestyle channel is not yet clear.
FYI TV18 will have management hierarchy same as History TV18, headed by
A+E Networks|TV18 vice president and head of marketing Sangeeth Aiyer. A+E Networks|TV18 and President Strategy, Product & Alliances – Network 18 , MD Avinash Kaul will launch the channel this week.The channel will be live on all major DTH platforms. Tata Sky, Dish Tv, Airtel Digital, Videocon D2h are some. It will also be launched as HD channel. The tagline of the channel is life se milofy
The channel will be launched in all the major markets in languages like Hindi, English, Tamil, Telegu to name a few. Initially, the channel will have 100 hours of Hindi programming, with one of the prime shows hosted by fiction writer Chetan Bhagat. Another show will be Chef Vickey Ratnani’s Rivals in Law featuring actor Rohit Roy with his wife and mother.
There will be three locally produced shows in the beginning. The channel has launched the trailer on their facebook page today.
FYI also airs in Australia and Southeast 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.
