Factual
Ex-Disney India chief Basu launches debut novel
At a well-attended function at Bajaj Bhavan, Mumbai earlier this week, presided over by renowned author, Ruskin Bond, Pratik Basu, 30-year veteran in the field of marketing, advertising and media, released his debut novel Clueless & Co. Brinda Chudasama Miller, contemporary artist, introduced the author in his new avatar as a writer and acclaimed theatre person, Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, best known for her production of The Vagina Monologues, read a passage from the book.
Clueless & Co. – drawn from the author’s early experiences -takes a whimsical, light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek and thoroughly exaggerated view of corporate life, in a Calcutta of the mid-’80s, from the perspective of two relative greenhorns – one, Rahul Banerjee, who, on a sudden impulse, resigns a stable, albeit unexciting, job with a multinational firm to start a marketing research agency of his own, in partnership with two relative (and, as subsequent events reveal, rather weird) strangers, and the other, the unnamed ‘I’ who, as a sales executive in another multinational, finds himself constantly blundering into situations that his business school education had not prepared him for, in office, as well as at home and on the unpredictable streets of Calcutta.
While they have separate “misadventures”, their paths do cross in the end, as paths in Calcutta’s restricted commercial circuit were prone to do, in those days, setting them up, rather conveniently, for a sequel (this time, in the world of advertising and media, in Bombay).
While a series of bizarre experiences stretch the talent and fortitude of our reluctant heroes to breaking point and force them to unlearn all the tenets of management that they’d imbibed in business school, they manage to muddle through, in the end, by adhering to a simple life-lesson: not to take oneself too seriously. “Clueless & Co.” is an invitation to join them in a rib-tickling, rip-roaring, rollercoaster ride through a wacky world of mortifying misadventures and commercial calamities.
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.
