Factual
Qibla Cola makes its way to a BBC documentary
MUMBAI: The latest from the UK based Qibla Cola Company which was founded by Derby based businesswoman, Zahida Parveen is that it has featured on a 50 minute BBC Two documentary titled Message In A Bottle and was aired on 22 February.
This documentary follows Qibla Cola’s initial entry into the market and launch in the UK.
The programme depicts the quest of Qibla Cola to become the real ethical alternative to global brands. A BBC film crew followed the soft drinks company for a number of months in 2003. This included covering a trade mission to Pakistan by members of Qibla’s board of directors.
Qibla Cola Company spokesman Mohammed Haider said, “We are happy to participate in documentaries of this nature that demonstrate the emerging global trend amongst consumers for quality products founded on ethical principles. Consumers seek alternative brands to what many perceive as unethical and anti-competitive business practises of some large multi-nationals.”
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.
