Factual
NGC documentary to be honoured at Genesis awards
LOS ANGELES: The elephant may symbolise God in Asia, but its treatment in the region would make any animal lover hang his/her head in shame. National Geographic captured the plight of the noble creature through a documentary Vanishing Giants. The work will be honoured with a Genesis Award shortly.
Now in their 17th year, the Genesis Awards will be presented for the first time by The Humane Society of The United States (HSUS) formerly known as The Ark Trust. The awards felicitate members of the news and entertainment media for spotlighting animal issues with courage, creativity and integrity. The ceremony honouring the 23 recepients takes place on 15 March in the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton, Beverly Hills.
Vanishing Giants focussed viewers’ attention on the manner in which elephants in Thailand are inhumanely used and abused. They suffer so that the burgeoning tourist industry might thrive. The crew worked in Thailand for around two weeks with reporter Jenny Hile, documenting the fate of the Asian elephant. Locations varied from the streets of crowded Bangkok to the mountains of Northern Thailand.
A highlight of the programme was a hike to a remote mountaintop elephant sanctuary Elephant Heaven, where disabled or abused domestic elephants are now allowed to roam free. In addition the show will pay tribute to Sangduen “Lek” Chailert by making her the guest of honour. Chailert founded Elephant Nature Park in Thailand which serves as a place where elephants are not harrassed and misused.
The legal drama, The Practice with Dylan Mcdermott which airs in India on Star World, has also been cited. The episode in question is Small Sacrifices which has been applauded for unmasking the ugly reality of American factory farming.
Other winners include DreamWorks’ Oscar nominated Spirit: Stallion Of The Cimarron. The family animated film captures the heart and soul of a brave mustang and makes viewers understand the manner in which he seeks a free life.
Animal Planet’s series Animal Cops will be rewarded in the reality programming segment. The series dealt with companion animal abuse at its worst, interwoven with life-affirming moments when grateful animals are delivered into the safety of caring hands.
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.
