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Nat Geo takes viewers ‘Inside IPL’
MUMBAI: One of the biggest sporting extravaganzas in the world – which brought together the best of sport, entertainment and state-of-the-art machinery – the Indian Premiere League, will be seen in a different light for the first time in history.
Beginning 21 February at 9:00 pm, viewers will get the opportunity to get an up-close and personal look into the inside story on the cash rich league, that has taken the country by storm. Nat Geo gears up to bring all the behind the scenes clips from the locker rooms to the management in its new series Nat Geo Inside IPL.
A six-part documentary series, Inside IPL will feature leading cricket stars and experts from around the world, senior management from the IPL and celebrity team owners, who will be revealing their fascinating insights in exclusive interviews. The scale of stadium production, the clockwork precision of the broadcast crew, the sensitive dynamic between team management and captains, and the revelation of sporting heroes, are just a few of many themes that will be explored across the six episodes of the series. Each one hour long episode will unravel every meticulously planned nuance of the sporting event that has 250 million viewers across 160 countries.
Talking about the launch of one of the biggest Nat Geo properties of the year, National Geographic and Fox International Channels MD Keertan Adyanthaya said: “The Inside franchise on NGC stands for two things – unparalleled access, taking the viewer where he has never gone before, and a 360 degree view. And Inside IPL is a great testimony to both these points. Fans of this game would get to know a lot more under this comprehensive compilation. Inside IPL is a one-stop show that brings together the talent, the sound business acumen, the brands, and even the machinery that goes into making of this extravagant event.”
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In its inimitable style of taking audiences where they have never been before, Nat Geo ‘Inside’ constantly strives to bring to the viewer, some of the world’s most restricted places and iconic events. And with Inside IPL, classic documentary filming that brings out the glamour and gloss, merges seamlessly with a much more personal observational style, taking audiences into the heart of this two month long tournament, for the first time on television.
Commenting on the association with Nat Geo, BCCI honorary secretary Sanjay Patel said: “The IPL is a labour of love, and the outcome of a tremendous amount of hard work, and teamwork. We are pleased that Nat Geo has decided to tell the ‘inside story’ of this tournament. ‘Inside IPL’ will definitely provide a 360° perspective on this very unique cricket league.”
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Though the focus is on the sixth season in 2013, the show reveals a more generic view of what makes this league tick. Leading cricket stars from around the world, senior management from the IPL, celebrity team owners, an international commentator who has seen world sports close up and top cricket experts share never before insights in exclusive interviews.
The story unfolds on Nat Geo’s Inside IPL beginning 21 February at 9:00 pm every Friday for six weeks. So with IPL’s season 7 soon approaching one can get to see what all goes into the making of this gigantic event.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
