News Broadcasting
DD-DW co-production ‘Mumbai’ takes close look at India’s city of gold
MUMBAI: A documentary on the city of Mumbai co-produced by pubcaster Prasar Bharati and German television channel Deutsche Welle (DW) is soon to be telecast on national broadcaster Doordarshan.
The documentary titled (no prizes for guessing) Mumbai, which was co-produced for DW’s Transtel series Connecting Cultures, was presented to the media today at Mumbai’s Doorshan Kendra at an official screening precided over by Prasar Bharati CEO KS Sarma.
Mumbai was shot entirely in India’s commercial capital. The production of the documentary was jointly managed by Dr Stephan Kaemph of DW and Mumbai Doordarshan Kendra director Mukesh Sharma. Post production was completed at DW’s studios in Berlin.
DW will be dubbing the documentary in German, Arabic, English, Russian and some other languages. Prasar Bharati will be telecasting the documentary in English and Hindi and dubbing it into other regional languages as well.
Speaking about his experiences in making the hour-long film, Sharma said, “The USP of the documentary is that the world over broadcasting is getting very expensive and for a pubic broadcaster, it is not commercially feasible unless there is secured funding. I thought it was a good idea to capitalise on a co-production with the public broadcaster in Germany. Also, it is a very good way of showcasing Mumbai on a global platform. One also had to be very careful not to dwell on the not so attractive side of Mumbai. Although we have managed to weave in the uniqueness and the culture of Mumbai and also encompasses the city in a snapshot. For me, personally it was an excellent way of interacting with another culture and truly a learning experience.”
The shooting of the documentary took place in Mumbai, while the post production took place in Germany.
The MoU to co-produce the show was signed by DW Television MD Cristoph Lanz and Sarma last year.
Sharma said another co-production that was under consideration was to showcase Einstein’s theory of relativity as in 2005 the theory completes 100 years. Here, the show will be shot in Germany and post produced in Mumbai. An excellent way of collaborating crossover resources. Tentatively, the show will be funded by the Planetary Society of India. The format is still unclear and in the process of discussion.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
