Factual
Warner Bros. Discovery announces new original docu-series ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’
MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is all set to launch a new Indian original docu-series, ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’, premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9:00 PM. Blending immersive storytelling with rich historical narratives, the show revisits the courage and resilience of India’s well-known as well as unsung kings and queens, including incredible guerrilla war strategists, naval warriors and empire builders.
This eight-part series transports viewers across centuries and geographies. From Garhwal (Uttarakhand) and Malwa (western Madhya Pradesh) to Rajputana (Rajasthan), the Deccan (Maharashtra and Telangana), Karnataka, and Kashmir, each brings to life a ruler whose courage shaped history. To make it accessible to audiences across India and the South Asian diaspora, the series will be available in seven languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali.
Ek Tha Raja is hosted by Akul Tripathi, a passionate storyteller, cultural expert, and one of India’s most respected voices in historical narratives. With a deep love for the subcontinent’s heritage, Akul brings history to life through compelling storytelling that blends fact, folklore, and modern-day relevance. His unique approach adds both gravitas and accessibility to the series, inviting audiences to experience India’s past as unforgettable and memorable stories.
The show profiles remarkable rulers and leaders whose legacies live beyond the mainstream historical spotlight such as Rani Durgavati of Gondwana, who died defending her kingdom against the Mughals; Abbakka Chowta, the fiery queen of coastal Karnataka who defied Portuguese colonisers; and Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir, known for building one of the region’s most formidable empires. Also featured are icons such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga (Rajasthan), Peshwa Bajirao I (Maharashtra), Raja Chhatrasal (Bundelkhand), and Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, all of whom defended their land, people, and culture with unmatched courage and strategic brilliance.
Commenting on the launch, Sai Abishek, head of factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “As a brand, we’ve always believed in championing powerful narratives, and Ek Tha Raja builds on that belief. Through this series, we’re proud to bring the stories of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience, through a fresh, cinematic lens. It’s great to have a masterful storyteller like Akul Tripathi narrate these stories. His narration gives viewers a truly immersive experience into the lives of some of India’s greatest defenders.”
As Discovery marks 30 years of storytelling in India and 40 years globally this August, Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi reflects this continued commitment to spotlighting stories that celebrate the country’s rich and diverse regional histories.
Host, Akul Tripathi added, “History is often remembered by its victors. India’s past is filled with remarkable figures who stood their ground against invaders and adversity. Ek Tha Raja is our attempt to honour these leaders and to remind viewers that the roots of India’s freedom run far deeper than we’re often told. It’s also a way to pass these stories on to a younger generation, to help them see India’s legacy as a reminder that courage and leadership have always been part of our DNA.”
Each episode dives into epic tales of conquest, valour, lost kingdoms, and overlooked warriors who shaped the subcontinent’s legacy of resistance. Expert interviews with royal descendants, historians, and cultural voices further deepen the storytelling, providing lived context and invaluable insights into these enduring legacies.
Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi will be premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9 PM. The series will also stream on HBO Max in Southeast Asia.
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.
