Factual
Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February
MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all geared up to premiere a tale of international trains connecting Indian, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The series titled as India’s Frontier Railways will premiere on 11 February 2016 and will air every Thursday at 9 pm.
The three-part series explores the journey of passengers on the international trains through their heart-warming stories of reunion, cultures, history and travel across borders.
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is delighted to present the incredible history of India’s cross border trains and their significant role in connecting the people and the nations. The audience will have a heart-warming viewing experience as they will get the opportunity to watch the three trains traverse through India’s borders in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”
The one-hour long episode will offer viewers a first-account narration of people whose work, travel and lives are entwined with these international trains
The first episode is on Maitree Express, which connects India and Bangladesh, taking 12 hours to make the 392 km journey from Kolkata to Dhaka. On both sides, people speak the same language, share a history and they all love fish. The episode will take the viewers through a journey that unites Bengal.
The Last Train in Nepal will showcase the train that crosses the border between India and Nepal along a line that runs for 20 miles from Janakpur to the Indian junction of Jaynagar. It will also reveal how the line is now under threat of closure following a starvation of funds from the Indian government, which has left the train and the track in a state of disrepair. This episode will showcase the community alongside the border and railway workers who are struggling every day to keep their train and their hopes alive.
The third episode of the series is on The Samjhauta Express, a unique and heart-warming film that reconnects families, cultures and history. Viewers will get to see Bilal and his father who are seeking medical treatment in India, along with hockey champion Rahat Khan who is travelling to play an international match. This episode will also highlight on Guru Nanak’s birthday wherein the railway runs special train across the border to the Guru’s birthplace in Pakistan.
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.
