Factual
Sony BBC Earth explores wildlife in 3 shows with Steve Backshall
MUMBAI: It is said that jobs fill your pocket but adventures fill your soul. Sony BBC Earth presents three shows, Extreme Mountain challenge, Extreme River challenge and -Deadly 60- Pole to Pole, featuring Steve Backshall, from 18 November, Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm.
Backshall has been interested in wildlife since his childhood. His parents encouraged his interest in the natural world. He says, “I grew up in a small farm; I kept many animals from a very young age; lots of rescued animals, and lots of big animals as well. All these things had fuelled a lifelong love for natural history.”
His first show – Extreme Mountain Challenge – is all about encountering strange creatures and ancient mysteries. He and his team also attempt to explore the ancient, sheer-sided mountains and lost worlds cut off from the jungle.
In the second show Extreme River Challenge, he explores the Baliem River in the island of New Guinea. His mission is to discover the ancient tribes that live along its banks and meet the dangerous animals lurking in the river and the surrounding jungles.
Backshall’s third show – Deadly 60- Pole to Pole- encounters deadly forces of nature, from exploding volcanoes to mighty glaciers and travels with his crew from the Arctic to the Atlantic.
Sharing his experience while shooting his third show-Deadly 60- Backshall said that it’s not about the animals that are deadly to human beings. In fact, animals are deadly to other animals, so they might feature creatures like bull sharks or king cobras or Komodo dragons.
“But we could also feature things like eagles and perhaps even something as small as a tiny beetle that feeds on other insects. So it is a big mix of mostly predators,” he added.
Big cats like tigers, jaguars, snow leopards and clouded leopards were the dangerous animals that he had encountered and were hard to handle. “I have spent months trying to film jaguars without succeeding. And it is something that is constantly a problem,” he said.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
