Factual
Living Foodz biz head Nair: ‘Utsav – Thalis of India’ celebrates regional cuisine
MUMBAI: Get into the festive spirit and celebrate Indian food, it’s history, culture and diverse flavours this October with Chef Kunal Kapur on ‘Utsav: Thalis of India’. The show will take viewers on a journey across 18 cities and offer a peek into India’s rich culinary heritage.
Chef Kunal explores each region and unravels fascinating anecdotes about its people, the regional delicacies, local ingredients, cooking and food-serving techniques. He visits the homes of the locals, temples and marketplaces to discover the vibrant culture and thalis of each city.
The show emphasises on how a thali is a beautiful amalgamation of a region, its people, traditions, cultures and flavours and is a beautiful reflection of the diversity in our country. In fact, one of our earliest food memories is bonding with our family over a delectable thali.
Chef Kunal says, “During the course of the shoot, I have had the fortune of experiencing some of the most wonderful food legacies and traditions passed on through generations from cities across the country.”
On the season finale, Chef Kunal prepares a Grand Thali based on his travel to the different regions of the country, which will be an amalgamation of the unique delicacies found across the country.
Living Foodz business head Amit Nair said, “Food is a great conversation starter and bonds people from various communities instantly. ‘Utsav- Thalis of India’ brings out ‘Unity in Diversity’ in the real sense of the term and celebrates regional Indian cuisine.”
The programme, which got under way on 16 October on Living Foodz, appears every Monday and Tuesday, at 8 pm. The repeat telecast is held every Monday and Tuesday at 11 am, 230 pm and 1030 pm.
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.
