Factual
Discovery Channel to complete 20 years in India on 15 August
MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will celebrate the completion of its 20 years in India with a special line-up of its most iconic programmes on August 15 and 16, from 8 AM to 6 PM.
The weekend 20-Year Celebration Marathon will cover the wide spectrum of Discovery genres such as natural history, science, technology, adventure, wildlife, survival and engineering which have entertained the viewers across the urban and rural landscapes. The special line-up will also feature the finest India stories, further enriching the television viewing experience.
Throughout the last 20-years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.
A testimony of the reach and popularity of the channel, Discovery is today watched in five languages in India including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Bangla, from the biggest cities to the smallest village, across digital and analogue platforms.
The surge in Discovery’s popularity and ratings in India is also a strong indication of the changed viewer habits and preferences, the rising aspirations of a young country and an inherent demand for enriching entertainment. Another indicator of its popularity with the youth of India – Discovery has built a distinct community of 7.4 million fans in India on Facebook.
Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel has had a life changing impact on millions of viewers in India. The tremendous affection that it enjoys in India continues to fuel our passion to relentlessly push the boundaries of factual entertainment and uncover the finest stories from across the world. On this occasion of completing 20 great years in India, on behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our gratitude to the viewers and clients who have expressed their admiration through this remarkable 20-year journey.”
Discovery pioneered the factual genre in India on 15th August 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer expectations from television. Mirroring the growth of the Indian television industry over the last 20 years, Discovery has refreshed its content offerings at various intervals while maintaining its core brand promise. Anticipating the changing needs of the viewers, it introduced new and exciting genres over this period such as technology, forensic, survival and adventure to deepen its relationship with viewers. Today, the India content is a significant new addition to its existing programming portfolio.
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.
