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Rabindranath Tagore’s 78th death anniversary: EPIC celebrates his genius
MUMBAI: Seventy eight years ago, one of India’s favourite sons breathed his last. Rabindranath Tagore, a polymath of exceptional ability and deserved worldwide stature, is a celebrated writer, poet, philosopher and artist, who played a large part in reshaping Bengali literature, music, and art.
To commemorate his 78th death anniversary, EPIC On, EPIC Channel’s OTT platform, will be releasing its critically acclaimed show, ‘Stories By Rabindranath Tagore’, in Bengali. Directed by Anurag Basu, and featuring Radhika Apte, Amrita Puri, and Sumeet Vyas, amongst others, the 26-part series is an anthology of the Nobel laureate’s stories, including some of the most popular ones like Chokher Bali, Athithi, Detective, and Kabuliwala.
Also premiering on EPIC On is ‘The Art of Shantiniketan – Masters in the footsteps of Tagore’, a documentary film created by Anita Gurnani and Selina Sen. Winner of multiple awards, this film is a tribute to the legend, tracing the Tagore family’s efforts in setting up Vishwa Bharti, for incorporating nationalist sentiments and to acquaint the Indian youth with their culture and heritage, during the time of colonial rule.
Akul Tripathi, Head – Content & Programming, EPIC Channel, said, “It is our endeavour to showcase the best of India’s incredible heritage; and any depiction of India is incomplete without Tagore. His stories are already available in Hindi, English, and Tamil on EPIC On, and we are proud to have it in Bengali too. His work, as timeless as his vision of India, is beautifully depicted in ‘The Art of Shantiniketan’.”
Anita Gurnani, Producer, of The Art of Shantiniketan – Masters in the footsteps of Tagore said, “Shantiniketan means the abode of peace and was established by Tagore and his family as a way of educating India’s youth in a time of turmoil. This haven of the arts was a way for people to get in touch with their country’s culture when constant efforts to erode it were being carried out. We aim to present this symbol of hope and the art it holds to Indians today, as an attempt to display the timelessness of expressions in their art. We hope the viewers of EPIC Channel and EPIC ON enjoy the fruits of our labour and the generation of today will be able to appreciate the culture of Bengal, the ethos of Shantiniketan and Kala Bhavan.”
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.
