GECs
Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel
MUMBAI: Talk about a trip worth writing home about. National Geographic is sending viewers on an unforgettable journey with its new four-part travel series Postcards from Saudi Arabia, streaming on Jiohotstar and airing on Nat geo channel from 6 September.
Hosted by actor and presenter Ridhi Dogra, the series peels back the curtain on Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, from ancient wonders to modern marvels. The show takes viewers across three Unesco world heritage sites such as Jeddah’s Al-Balad, Riyadh’s At-Turaif and Diriyah, and AlUla’s awe-inspiring Hegra.
In Aiuia, audiences encounter iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Old Town, where local crafts, music and desert luxury blend seamlessly. Jeddah offers a different rhythm with souks, vibrant street art, and sunsets over the Red Sea, while Riyadh balances tradition and innovation, showcasing bustling markets, art galleries and a city on the rise.
For Dogra, the series carried a personal resonance. “As a woman travelling through the location, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom, warmth, and welcome,” she shared. “I hope viewers, especially women, see this as an invitation to explore freely.”
MUMBAI: Lights, camera… connection because this time, the game isn’t just about winning, it’s about who’s with you. Sony Pictures Networks India is gearing up to launch a new reality game show, Tum Ho Naa, expanding its unscripted slate with a format that promises both emotion and engagement.
The show will premiere soon on Sony Entertainment Television and stream on Sony LIV, with Rajeev Khandelwal stepping in as host. Known for his measured screen presence and selective choices, Khandelwal’s return to television adds a layer of familiarity and credibility to the upcoming format.
While specific details of the gameplay remain under wraps, the positioning suggests a reality format that leans as much on emotional resonance as it does on competition, an increasingly popular blend in Indian television, where audiences are gravitating towards content that offers both stakes and storytelling.
Khandelwal, reflecting on his return, noted that his choices have often been guided by instinct rather than convention, describing Tum Ho Naa as a project that feels “close to the heart”. His association also signals Sony’s continued focus on anchoring new formats with recognisable faces who bring both relatability and depth.
The launch comes at a time when broadcasters are doubling down on original non-fiction formats to drive appointment viewing, even as digital platforms expand parallel reach. By placing the show across both linear television and OTT, Sony appears to be aiming for a dual-audience strategy capturing traditional viewers while engaging digital-first consumers.
As the countdown to premiere begins, Tum Ho Naa positions itself not just as another game show, but as a reminder that sometimes, the biggest prize on screen isn’t the jackpot, it’s the journey shared along the way.
