Factual
Watch the Indian Army’s Legendary Warriors in Action in ‘61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors’
MUMBAI: HISTORY TV18’s new documentary brings to life the mettle of India’s iconic horse warriors in battle and show cases the modern day avatar of the Indian cavalryman. The original production “61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors” premieres exclusively on HISTORY TV18 on 24th June’2019, at 9 PM
On the bloodied battlefields of the First World War, Indian Lancers under the British flag fought German and Ottoman-Turkish forces in the Middle-East. Here, on September 23rd, in a daring cavalry charge during the Battle of Haifa, Indian Lancers liberated the strategic port-town, now in Israel. It was their finest hour. The documentary recreates the horseback action to dramatic effect, with facts and expert accounts of what transpired. The inspirational true story has been passed down generations of cavalrymen. The battle remains a glorious part of India’s military history and is commemorated in New Delhi’s Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, which has three life-size statues of Lancers from India’s Princely States. In 2018 Indian PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute at the landmark to honour the Indian soldiers.
Over the years, the cavalry units of India’s erstwhile Princely States were amalgamated into an illustrious India Army regiment – the 61st Cavalry. Headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the 61st Cavalry today earns laurels for India in the field of equestrian sport. It takes intense and specialized training to turn new recruits into expert riders of the regiment. The documentary follows the intensive 32-week training that sawar-recruits undergo. The show also takes viewers to the Equine Breeding Stud (EBS), Babugarh for a behind-the-scenes look at how Army horses are bred and thereafter, how the colts are trained at Remount Training School, Hempur (Uttarakhand). Officers of the Cavalry provide insights into the techniques used to train both man and horse.
The show ends on a high, with the grand commemoration parade and centenary celebrations of the Battle of Haifa, presided over by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, who is also Colonel of the Regiment. Bearing the insignia of the double-headed eagle with pride, two hundred men on steeds gallop their way into the regimental grounds, to honour the heroism of their forebears.
Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+E Networks | TV18 and Chief Executive Officer- Network18 said "61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors is yet another example of our commitment to showcase inspiring stories of valour and sacrifice of our armed forces. Shows such as these, with their new-age storytelling and stellar production values, have clearly established HISTORY TV18 as the leader in Factual Entertainment in India.”
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.
