Factual
Nat Geo invites entries for documentaries
NEW DELHI: National Geographic Channel International (NGCI) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) have announced a call for entries for its second year Documentary Production Fund.
NGCI – EDB fund was founded with an aim to create and
promote the documentary filmmaking skill base in Asia. Taking the initiative forward, a new documentary fund is being launched this year and proposals are being invited from all over Asia, including India, according to an NGC press release.
NGCI will commission 12 one-hour documentaries based on entries. The last date for submission of the proposal is 3 October.
To encourage and guide interested candidates in India,
NGC, India, is organising a one-day workshop on 17 September, 2003 at the Lutyen’s Lounge, Intercontinental Park Royale, New Delhi, from 10 am to 1 pm.
NGC Asia Supervising Producer Mok Choy Lin based in Honk Kong, will be present at the workshop to guide participants through the proposal requirements and give details about the new fund. The workshop includes an interactive session where she will respond to queries from participants as well as share the hallmark standards that go into the making of blue chip documentaries on National Geographic.
Additionally, workshop participants will get a sneak preview of the made-in-Asia programs commissioned under the first NGCI-EDB fund in 2002, including a full screening of Operation Hot Pursuit made by Indian filmmakers, Nikhil and Niret Alva from Miditech. The Alva brothers will also be present at the workshop to share their experiences while making the film.
NGC, India, invites interested candidates to confirm their participation before 15 September by 5 pm to Kirti Kaul, National Geographic Channel (Email: kirtik@ngcindia.com; Phone: 011- 26319950).
NGC is currently distributed to over 80 million families in Asia Pacific.
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.
