Factual
Discovery channel to explore the richness of Odisha with a new broadcast
MUMBAI: Discovery Channel has launched a new programme Go India: Odisha which will showcase the picturesque landscape, the rich culture, the age-old traditions and the ancient monuments of Odisha. The broadcast premieres on 21 November at 7 pm. The show will be hosted by former Miss India- International, Gurleen Grewal.
On a quest to experience the culture of Odisha, Gurleen Grewal meets the renowned Odissi dancer, Sujata Mohapatra, and takes a few quick lessons on dance steps and mudras of the Odissi dance form.
Gurleen will also be seen meeting National award-winning craftsmen, while she apprentices as their assistant, and tries her hand at the beautiful pattachitra paintings along with world-famous ikkat weaving tradition.
To experience the thriving Buddhist tradition in Odisha, Gurleen will visit the largest Buddhist monastery, at Jirang in the Chandragiri district. While Gurleen is at the monastery, she gets a chance to watch a stunning masked dance performance, leaving her completely mesmerised.
According to former Miss India International Gurleen Grewal, “Go India: Odisha is a captivating programme that explores the beauty and history of Odisha, a state which has so much to contribute to the Indian art and culture scene. It is a detailed travelogue that will offer viewers a journey to discover the unknown and unique attractions of the state on Discovery Channel.”
Go India: Odisha will feature birder and photographer Panchami Ukil who takes Gurleen bird-watching at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Viewers will get to spot some, otherwise elusive, Irrawady dolphins at the Chilika lake. The viewers will also get a chance to visit Bhitarkanika National Park where extremely rare birds and massive estuarine crocodile are spotted.
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.
