Factual
Discovery Channel to air special program ‘Ganga: Himalayan Descent’
MUMBAI: One of the world’s greatest and India’s holiest rivers, The Ganga is believed to be a Goddess and the source of spirituality for millions of people. Descending from the Himalayas, Discovery Channel will capture many facets of the Mother Ganga; from spiritual, cultural, geological and adventure in its one-hour special program Ganga: Himalayan Descent.
Premiering on 15 April 2016 at 9 pm on Discovery Channel, Discovry Tamil and Discovery HD World, the program through incredible footage and gripping narrativewill reveal the story of the Hindu’s holy pilgrimage and its tributaries that support India’s thriving ecosystem.
The film opens at the source, where River Ganga emerges from the glacial peaks of Shivling and Bhagirathi. From Badrinath Temple, one of the four most important pilgrimage sites in India to Ramganga and how it supports the massive ecotourism industry at Jim Corbett National Park to Rishikesh, the world’s Yoga Capital and ultimately land at Har Ki Pouri in Haridwar where the visitors congregate for the Aarti ceremony, the program will bring forth the story of people and their experiences living on the edges of the Ganga.
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.
