Factual
Discovery US to pay tribute to late host Steve Irwin
MUMBAI: US broadcaster Discovery will pay tribute to the late host Steve Irwin. Irwin the channel acknowledges was instrumental in building Animal Planet into a global brand.
Irwin hosted Crocodile Hunter on Animal Planet. As had been reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com Irwin died a few days ago in Australia while filming a segment for a TV show on the Great Barrier Reef. He died from a stingray barb.
Animal Planet in the US is airing special tribute programming. This will highlight Irwin’s background, including his early days as the Croc Hunter, and his passion for wildlife and his family. On 10 September, Animal Planet US plans to air an all-day marathon tribute featuring the Best of the Croc Hunter. Animal Planet International in markets around the world will provide the same programming.
To honour Irwin Discovery will rename the garden space in front of its world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Steve Irwin Memorial Garden.
Discovery founder and chairman, John Hendricks said, “Steve was a larger than life force. He brought joy and learning about the natural world to millions and millions of people across the globe. He was a true friend to all of us at Discovery Communications. We extend our thoughts and prayers to Terri, Bindi and Bob Irwin as well as to the incredible staff and many friends Steve leaves behind.”
Discovery CEO and president Judith McHale said, “I don’t think we will ever get over the loss of Steve Irwin, a human being of enormous feeling and irrepressible enthusiasm and dedication to everything he touched.”
Discovery International president Dawn McCall, said, “Rarely has the world embraced an animal enthusiast and conservationist as they did Steve Irwin. Steve’s passion for animals and leadership in conservation awareness leaves a powerful and lasting legacy across the globe.”
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.
