GECs
The Splendour of Rashtrapati Bhavan revealed on Discovery Channel
NEW DELHI: Coinciding with India’s 67th Independence Day celebration on 15 August, Discovery Channel is telecasting a series with an exclusive journey inside the majestic Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Having its premiere at 9 pm on 15 August, Revealed: Rashtrapati Bhavan captures the story of Rashtrapati Bhavan from its conception to its completion and the changes undergone as the home of the respective Indian Presidents. Rashtrapati Bhavan, which is amongst the largest presidential estates of the world, was the heart of the British plan for a new imperial capital.
Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president and general manager – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is privileged to present the breathtaking splendour of the Rashtrapati Bhavan – the office and residence of the President of the largest democracy in the world. On the occasion of this Independence Day, we are delighted to take viewers inside the corridors of the presidential palace rarely seen on the Indian television.”
Especially produced for Discovery Channel by AIM Television, Revealed: Rashtrapati Bhavan charts the history of this building on two parallels. One story follows the shift of the capital and the efforts of Edwin Landseer Lutyens as the architect of this house while the other takes viewers through the sprawling palace and its magnificent rooms. Every element in the Rashtrapati Bhavan has evolved over the past eight decades where the building has witnessed the transition from an imperial occupation to being the home of the head of the largest democracy in the world.
The palatial residence is an extended expression of architect Edward Lutyen’s passion and finesse. From the most spectacular room in the palace, Ashoka Hall, to the Dwarka Suite now used for serving the state guests – this exclusive insight into the President’s house answers a spectrum of questions on what lies behind the high gates. The programme also brings to light the design of the residence, the creative culinary quotient as well as the history and intense security.
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.
