Factual
Sony BBC Earth intensifies India-centric content, Acquires new shows
MUMBAI: Sony BBC Earth, India’s premium factual entertainment channel, has emerged as the No. 1 channel in Metros. With a steady increase in viewership and market share within a year of launch, the channel has created a strong foothold in the market backed by positive and insightful content. Adding to the audience’s viewing experience, Sony BBC Earth has now acquired two new India specific shows, which will be a part of the ‘India Special Line-up’ starting April 2, Monday to Friday at 9PM.
The two new shows are Tuning 2 U: The Lost Musicians of India and Stairway to Heaven coupled with India specific episodes from other popular shows. In Tuning 2 U: The Lost Musicians of India, Soumik Datta takes you on a musical journey as a host where he travels to various cities in India narrating stories and journeys of rural musicians. Stairway to Heaven shows Shaun Micallef embarking on a mission to priesthood, immersing himself in the Hindu world of Gods, Gurus and the Ganges, embarking on a quest to find the meaning of life.
Additionally, there are India specific shows such as Hidden India, Joanna Lumely’s India, India’s Deadliest Snakes and Kolkata with Sue Perkins which will cover the diverse landscapes, wildlife and beauty of India like never before. There’s also India specific episodes from popular series such as Monumental Challenge featuring The Taj Mahal, World’s Busiest Cities featuring Delhi, Planet Earth II featuring Jodhpur and Tiger: Spy in the Jungle which will showcase the diversity, culture and people of India in a different light making you fall in love with this country over again!
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.
