Category: Factual

  • Special Operations India: Myanmar

    Special Operations India: Myanmar

    MUMBAI: District, Manipur. 18 Indian soldiers were martyred, in what was one of the worst militant attacks in North-East India in a decade. In response, the Indian Army sent in Paratrooper Special Forces to trace the attackers along the India Myanmar Border and destroy their militant stronghold, before more terror attacks could follow. It was a classified mission that’s now known as Operation Hot Pursuit. HISTORY TV18 presents the true story of this counter-insurgency operation in a new documentary – Special Operations India: Myanmar, a one –hour feature premiering28th March, 2018 at 9pm. This is the second film in the Special Operations India mini-series, the first one being the path-breaking documentary about India’s Surgical Strikes in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

    “Operation Hot Pursuit”was a race against time. It remainsone of India’s most daring military operations in recent history. It wasthe need of the hour, following the militant attack on an Indian Army convoy. The ambush had been planned and carried out by an insurgent group called the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khapalang (NSCN K). The NSCN-K is a well-organized militia operating in North East India. Their funding comes from extortion, kidnappings and gun-running in the region. Sources also believe they are covertly aided by foreign powers. Following the ambush, Indian military intelligence showedthat the insurgents had retreated to a large camp along the Indo-Myanmar Border. Swift counter insurgency measures were needed, to deter militants waging war against the Union of India. The Indian Army’s elite Paratrooper Special Forces unit in the North East were tasked with the mission. The HistoryTV18documentary follows these Jungle Warfare Specialists on their deadly mission against the NSCN- K.

    The story is told through the experiencesof the men leading the operation and the decision makers in India’s military establishment at the time.The narrative relies on the first person accounts ofAjit Doval, National Security Advisor to the Government of India, General Bipin Rawat, India’s current Chief of Army Staff and the Special Forces Team Leader (identity undisclosed) spearheading the assault on ground. The programme also featuresManohar Parrikar, Former Defence Minister, General Dalbir Singh, Former Chief of Army Staff andNitin Gokhale,Defence Analyst and author, who share their insights.

    Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+E Networks | TV18 &COO Network18 said, “After the great success of our India original production “Surgical Strikes” we’re showcasing another compelling recreation of the heroic deeds of the Indian Army: ‘Special-Operations: India. Myanmar’. This show best epitomizes our brand & content promise- to bring forth inspiring stories of ‘history being made every-day’. We believe that contemporary shows like these will go a long way in establishing HISTORY TV18 at the forefront of factual entertainment in India.

    The narrative follows India’s Special Forces on their secret mission, through dramatic twists and turns in the unfolding story. Authentic recreations across locations in North-East India, details of the planning and execution, first person accounts of themen in charge, along with top end production values make this a genre-defining show. Incredible visuals filmed in 4K and High Definition with high-speed cameras, expertly choreographed action sequences,factual rigor and great storytelling lie at the heart of the immersive viewing experience.

    Special Operations India: Myanmar is factual entertainment at its best – an Indian production,with world-class standardsthat tells an Indian story.

    When peace is threatened, heroes of the Indian Army rise to answer the call of duty. Special Operations India: Myanmar honors those who put themselves in the line of fire for the nation.

  • TLC firmly establishes itself as a clear leader in lifestyle genre with 24% upswing in ratings

    TLC firmly establishes itself as a clear leader in lifestyle genre with 24% upswing in ratings

    MUMBAI: TLC, leading lifestyle channel from Discovery Communications India, soared to the top of Lifestyle genre with a 24% increase in ratings according to the latest BARC data*. TLC secured 8640 impressions ‘000 in week 11 as compared to 6972 impressions ‘000 in Week 10. The upsurge in ratings is supported by a 23% increase in average time spent delivering a TSV of 11:33 minutes (for week 11) as compared to 9:24 minutes (week 10) * .

    The lifestyle channel has recently ramped up its programing line-up in India introducing many food based TLC franchises including ‘Bakery Boss’, ‘Fabulous Cakes’, ‘Cake Boss’ & ‘Zumbos Just Desserts’ and Fashion series such as ‘Say Yes to Dress’ and ‘Bride By Design’. TLC has also launched Mini Me, a 10-part series travelogue chronicling an unconventional journey of TV host Mini Mathur and her daughter across 6 countries in Europe.

    Commenting on the development, Discovery Communications India, Vice President – Digital & Premium Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “Our strategy of offering the best of food and fashion led content suited for Indian audiences is delivering results. We will remain focused in our endeavor to further extend this lead over competition with a mix of best of international as well as ground-up India programming.”

  • Discovery unravels the underwater warriors of Indian Navy, the submarine arm, with Breaking Point: The Indian Submariners

    Discovery unravels the underwater warriors of Indian Navy, the submarine arm, with Breaking Point: The Indian Submariners

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, India’s leading destination for factual entertainment, is launching a special series on the Indian Submariners as a part of its extremely popular Breaking Point Franchise. This is the first time that any private broadcaster will showcase a TV series on the underwater warriors of the Indian Navy – the submarine arm which just celebrated its golden jubilee anniversary in December 2017. The special 4 part series ‘Breaking Point: The Indian Submariners’ gives the viewer a window into the world of complex, high-technology platform like the Submarines who acquire their strength from stealth in a very colloquial manner through the eyes of a common man, and anchor, Harman Singha, who takes audiences into a world which has never been explored before – a journey to live the life of an Indian Submariner; from the classroom to the officers Mess through Escape Training School; to diving to the depths of the seas on board the INS Sindhukirti.

    The 4 episodes of Breaking Point: The Indian Submariners will premiere on Discovery Channel starting March 19 at 9:00 pm and Veer By Discovery, India’s first dedicated military channel, available on JIO TV, Airtel Wynk and YouTube.  The series has attracted marquee advertisers including Byju’s The Learning App, Skybags, Too Yumm, BigBasket, Woodland, Toyota Kirloskar Motors and Abu Dhabi Tourism to its fold.

    “The Indian Submarines in its chartered 50 years of existence have made important contribution to national security. The Golden Dolphins, proudly adorned by Indian Submariners, reflects our passion, devotion, sweat and toil. A successful officer gets to put it on his/her uniform but it gets imprinted on your heart”, said, Vice Admiral Srikant AVSM, Indian Navy. “The Submarine arm has largely been away from the public eyes because it operates from the depths, beneath the water, and quietly add to the nation’s security cover.  However, as we celebrate our golden jubilee of existence, we wanted to reach out to the nation and give them an insight into the life of our supremely talented officers who take grave risk to ensure that the maritime borders remain secure.  We are proud to partner with a channel like Discovery and bring forth this unique 4-part Breaking Point series on Indian Submariners. We believe this series will be an eye-opener for majority of our countrymen offering a never-seen-before insight into the life a submariner and the challenges he faces on a day to day basis.”

    Discovery Communications India, Vice-President & Head, Premium & Digital Networks, Zulfia Waris said, “We are delighted to take the Breaking Point franchise further with this special series on Indian Submariners. Over the years, we have covered various wings of Indian Armed forces but covering the Submarine had its own unique challenges. The world of Submarines is complex, it is as much about physics, calculus, chemistry and thermodynamics as it is about human skill, and machine excellence. Therefore, to make it more engaging and entertaining for the audiences, we have deployed a common man’s representative in anchor Harman Singha who lives the life of a submariners and shares the joys, the pains, the exhilaration, the satisfaction of being a submariner of Indian Navy.”

    In the past, Discovery has given viewers a never seen before glimpse of the intense, grueling training programs of the Indian Armed forces through shows such as Breaking Point: Commando School Belgaum (2017), ‘India’s Paratroopers – Earning the Badge’ (2016) and ‘Revealed: National Defence Academy’ (2014). ‘Revealed Siachen’ (2016) shared the story of Siachen Glacier and the challenges faced by the Indian soldiers while on duty there.  ‘1965: India’s Battles and Heroes’ (2015) commemorated the 50th anniversary of the India-Pakistan war. Discovery’s crew traversed along with select officers of Indian Army during the Himalaya expedition for ‘Indian Army Women’s Expedition’ (2013).

  • Epic showcase popular travel series ‘Way back Home’ in hindi

    Epic showcase popular travel series ‘Way back Home’ in hindi

    MUMBAI: Continuing it’s endeavor to provide a vibrant and eclectic infotainment experience, EPIC channel has acquired English language series – Way Back Home and reinterpreted it’s narrative for a Hindi audience. Way Back home is a successful and much appreciated web series and EPIC is set to introduce it to a larger base of Indian audiences. The series will debut in Hindi on EPIC, starting 14th March every Wednesday at 10 pm.

    ‘Way Back Home’ is a Himalayan Travelogue centered on Rohan Thakur a.k.a Ronnie a young Himachali who embarks on an introspective journey across the seven valleys of the lower Indian Himalayas. 7 original soundtracks composed & performed by Rohan also form a pivotal part of the show. A visual delight shot across Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, this is a first-person narrative of a young man coming back to the land he grew up in and his travels that help him rediscover himself along with his homeland.

    Way Back Home embraces the spiritual inclinations of this journey and the lesser-experienced revelation of a parallel universe in the Himalayas which evolves through the course of the series, its dynamics, people, myths & legends. The show is not only based on an interesting premise but also informs and entertains through a string of activities brimming with adventure, music, lifestyle, and all the fun inherent in TRAVEL!

    Speaking on the show, Akul Tripathi, Head of Programming – EPIC, said, “As a channel, EPIC is committed to introducing path-breaking and quality content to its Hindi-speaking audiences. Along with EPIC Originals which is the mainstay of our programming, we wish to take a step ahead and be a national platform for content on India which deserves a larger audience. Way Back Home is our very first attempt at taking a show made in English and reinterpreting it for Hindi audience sensibilities. Not only does the language switch help in increasing reach, it subtly makes the show feel like ‘apna’. We are excited about the possibilities of the audience reception in a whole new audience market”.

  • Living Foodz to celebrate the Game-Changers in India’s Fine- Dining, Nightlife and Lifestyle entertainment landscape

    Living Foodz to celebrate the Game-Changers in India’s Fine- Dining, Nightlife and Lifestyle entertainment landscape

    MUMBAI: India’s premium lifestyle channel, Living Foodz is set to recognize India’s best authentic fine-dining restaurants and lounges at Epicurean Guild Awards 2018 this March. The second edition of the prestigious awards will take place at a glittering ceremony on March 22, with the most prominent names in the hospitality industry in attendance. The awards are co-curated by restaurateur and celebrity Chef Manu Chandra, Chef / Partner Olive Bar and Kitchen Pvt Ltd.

    Commenting on the upcoming awards, Living Foodz, Business Head, Mr. Amit Nair said, “Epicurean Guild Awards will pay an ode to the gamechangers of the culinary industry in India. As a lifestyle brand, we have always encouraged and celebrated excellence in the ecosystem through our initiatives. We are delighted to have created an IP that raises the bar with a nuanced and meticulous process that truly awards the best. Looking forward to the second season of LFEGA and curating this experience with Chef Manu Chandra.”

    The jury is an eclectic mix of the finest chefs, influencers and eminent personalities who have defined the new paradigm shift in India’s gourmet culture. It comprises Chef Ranveer Brar, AD Singh, Karen Anand, Magandeep Singh, Bhaichand Patel, Ajay Chopra, Chef Rakhee Vaswani,Clinton Cerejo, Anoothi Vishal, Rushina Munshaw-Ghildyal, Kalyan Karmakar, Mohit Anand, Nicole Madon, Nikhil Agarwal, Antoine Lewis, Anirban Blah, Mohit Anand, Osama Jalali, Ruma Singh, Gauri Devidayal, Ruth Dsouza Prabhu, Purva Mehra and Hemamalini Maiya.

    Commenting on the awards, Chef Manu Chandra said, ”“My experience curating the Living Foodz Epicurean Guild Awards has been extremely inspiring. The awards are an attempt to rationalise any one sided narrative that may exist around the perception of fine dining in India. The categorically systematic, transparent and scientific method that this has been done with, goes to show the seriousness with which the LFEGA will stand out in the numerous awards today.”

    Living Foodz curated an extensive shortlist of fine-dining restaurants and lounges across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Goa. Thereafter, the grand jury voted to determine the top 3 restaurants in each category. The jurors dined at these destinations and awarded ‘flames’ based on their experience. The process was audited by EY.

    The awards will applaud restaurants and lounges who offer memorable culinary experiences and have innovated as per the evolving consumers’ tastes. Picked by a panel of India’s finest Chefs, writers, bloggers and tastemakers, each of the nominees have made a mark in the culinary world.

    “The global as well as national trend around the very idea of “fine dining” has seen a correction in the last decade. The customers preference towards something serious about their offering, without being pretentious has trumped all others. Therefore, a shift has been witnessed across the board, where young chef driven restaurants have boldly experimented with a clear vision . The new back to basics approach- a focus on ingredients, championing of one’s own biodiversity and skill – all are becoming synonymous with fine dining – not only the rare and exotic. This is definitely here to stay!”, adds Manu.

  • Discovery Communications completes Scripps acquisition

    Discovery Communications completes Scripps acquisition

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has completed the acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive and the combined company will be officially known as Discovery, Inc.

    “The name change to Discovery, Inc. demonstrates a new focus on growth in the areas at which Discovery excels, telling stories across deeply loved genres and empowering super fans to explore their world wherever and whenever they choose,” the company’s official release stated.

    Kenneth W. Lowe, former chairman president and CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive, will join Discovery’s board of directors, effective immediately.

    Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said, “As a new global leader in real life entertainment, Discovery will serve loyal and passionate audiences around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains across every screen; deliver new ways for advertisers and distributors to reach highly targeted audiences at scale; and leverage our leadership position to create new value and growth opportunities for all of our stakeholders.”

    The acquisition is expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share and to free cash flow in the first year after closing, including significant cost synergies. The combination is expected to create a strong economic model with capacity for rapid debt repayment and a clear runway for growth and value creation.

     Scripps shareholders will receive approximately $90 per share, consisting of US$65.82 per share in cash and 1.0584 per share in Series C Common shares of Discovery stock valued based on a volume weighted average price (subject to elections and proration), in each case in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement.  This includes a cash payment of US$2.82 per share in connection with Discovery’s previously announced decision to exercise in full the cash top-up option under the merger agreement.

    Also Read:

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    Discovery buys Scripps for $14.6 bn, to net 20% of US ad-pay-TV subs

  • Fox Life unveils new look, content line-up

    Fox Life unveils new look, content line-up

    MUMBAI: Three years after launch, premium lifestyle channel Fox Life has given the channel a makeover with a new tagline ‘Never stop.’ Along with the new look, the network has a new brand proposition and content line-up on the cards.

    The channel has launched Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan, a series that brings him to India to meet the top chefs in the country to get inspired by, and learn from, and get an up-close look at some of their recipes, styles and techniques. Premiering on 26 February at 9 pm, this 15-part series, which is also his first India production, will give a sneak peek into the behind-the-scenes-action at India’s best restaurants in true Fox Life style.

    National Geographic and Fox Networks Group India business head Swati Mohan said, “As we look forward to the next leg of an extremely rewarding journey, we know it is important for us to continuously give our viewer the content that leaves him wanting more. The new Fox Life and its new proposition of ‘Never stop’ will aim to go beyond the ordinary with its 2018 content line-up and bring exceptional experiences that viewers rarely sought and explored. Produced by Endemol Shine India for Fox Life, Masters of Taste with Gary Mehigan not only embodies our new brand proposition in a homegrown show and format but also underlines our commitment to bring acclaimed talent and journeys to our premium consumers.”

    The international food curator will be seen decoding exquisite innovative food concepts that are dynamically changing the consumption preferences, lifestyle and social scene in India. From food heritage walks to conversations and challenges with masters of Indian taste, the show will feature Chef Atul Kochar, Ranveer Brar, Saransh Goila, chef Kelvin Cheung, chef Shantanu Mehrotra, chef Thomas Zacharias and the culinary maestros Zorawar Kalra and AD Singh. The show will also see a lot of light hearted moments with the likes of Ileana D’Cruz, Nargis Fakhri, Vishal Dadlani, Purab Kohli, Cyrus Sahukar, Rohan and Gursimran Khamba of AIB, playing sous chefs to Gary.

    Mehigan said, “It’s been a super adventure working on Masters of Taste with the folks at Fox Life. Apart from it being my first ever Indian production, it allowed me to step down as an expert and get to be a student after a really long time! I met some of the most talented chefs in the country, learnt new techniques and made some incredible friends. It truly was amazing to see how the Indian gourmet chefs work with such finesse and make use of modern and cutting-edge techniques to create magic on plates for their customers. Fox Life is synonymous with new experiences, always urging the viewers to go and explore more and want more from life. A mix of travel, extraordinary food and a lot of surprises, this is surely one of those shows that epitomises the brand’s philosophy and helps viewers re-discover the joys of great food and culinary experiments.”

    Also Read:

    Fox Life dethrones Living Foodz, Epic climbs but Star World slips

    Fox Life India turns one

  • Make your snack time a lip-smacking affair with Chef Shipra Khanna

    Make your snack time a lip-smacking affair with Chef Shipra Khanna

    MUMBAI: Crack the code to snacking this February as premium lifestyle channel Living Foodz is set to launch ‘Snack in the Box’ with Chef Shipra Khanna. Starting February 26, the show marks Chef Shipra’s debut  on the channel and will unravel snack recipes with a twist!

    Whether you’re entertaining friends at home, running out of snack ideas for your kids, refueling in between a long work day, binge-watching your favourite show or simply crave a bite with your evening chai, ‘Snack in the Box’ presents a variety of ideas for quick, easy snacking. The 27 episode series will feature Indian, fusion, Japanese, Brazilian, Mediterranean snack recipes such as Brazilian fried pastry, Wasabi Almond Prawns, Oreo Popcorn, Malpua Waffles, Soya Samosa, Khumani ke Badaam ki Kachori, etc.

    Chef Shipra is a renowned restaurateur,  consultant and author. Commenting on the show, she says  “Snacking is something we all look forward to on a daily basis. ‘Snack in the Box’ is a show full of carefully curated recipes from around the globe, that are presented with a twist! It has something for every viewer- whether it is snacks for a party, your children’s lunch box or something that you’d like to munch on at work. The show will inspire viewers to try their hand at recipes which are extremely easy to make at home.”

    Snack in the Box busts the myth that Indian snacks are loaded with calories. Chef Shipra demonstrates a variety of fresh, healthy snack options, which are a great alternative to packaged snacks.

    Living Foodz, Business Head, Mr. Amit Nair says, “‘Snack in the Box’ will resonate with our audiences who lead a hectic lifestyle and seek ideas for innovative snacks that are wholesome, easy-to-prepare and can be consumed on-the-go. We are delighted to bring Chef Shipra and look forward to the launch. Her personality and creativity translates on screen and makes her a great host for the show.”

    Tune in to Living Foodz every Monday to Wednesday  at 5:00 pm, starting February 26. Repeat telecasts air every Tuesday to Thursday at 2.30 PM and 7 PM.

  • Sony BBC Earth makes children ‘Feel Alive’ with its exclusive school contact program

    Sony BBC Earth makes children ‘Feel Alive’ with its exclusive school contact program

    To bridge the gap between urban lifestyle and the natural world, Sony BBC Earth has taken its brand proposition of ‘Feel Alive’ on-ground by introducing an annual property called feel-alive hours. This differentiated experiential marketing activity is the result of a recent BBC Research that proves being connected to nature makes one happy. Taking this philosophy forward, the ‘feel-alive hours’ will cover various on-ground touchpoints like schools, colleges, offices, malls etc. across multiple cities.

    Interestingly, the channel is starting with schools so that students can feel alive and refreshed ahead of their annual exams in March. The activity will cover 300 schools, 2 lakh students across 4 cities of Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata.

    The research, which was also included the Indian market, confirmed that even short engagement with positive, insightful content on science, nature, wildlife and adventure leads to positive emotions and helps one re-connect with nature. This School Contact Program is introducing young minds to the wonders of our universe where children participate in fun science experiments, play quiz, watch mind blowing, never seen before content and get lots of goodies.

    Additionally, Sony BBC Earth is setting up a unique ‘Feel Alive Zone’ in each school they visit. The zone is flooded with images and facts from some of the landmark shows as a reminder for children to co-exist with nature.

    Sony BBC Earth urges everyone to be a part of the ‘Feel Alive’ initiative and nominate schools by giving a missed call on 1800-315-7849.

  • Sadhguru and isha foundation’s exuberant mahashivratri event live on Epic TV

    Sadhguru and isha foundation’s exuberant mahashivratri event live on Epic TV

    India’s only Hindi-language India-centric infotainment channel is set to offer its viewers a unique, spiritual experience on the night of Mahashivratri this year. EPIC channel has associated with Isha Foundation to telecast the highly followed, grand Mahashivratri celebrations LIVE from the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, on February 13, beginning 8.30 pm and airing till 6 am, the following day.

    Mahashivrati is one of the largest and most sacred festivals of India. The darkest night of the year, it is a celebration in honor of Adiyogi or Shiva, from whom the tradition of yoga originates. In yogic culture, it is believed to be beneficial to stay awake in a vertical position throughout the night with the planetary positions causing an upsurge of energy in humans.

    Sadhguru, Founder, Isha Foundation, said, “Mahashivaratri is known as the great night of Shiva – The Adiyogi, because the planetary position is such that there is a natural upsurge of energies. Mahashivaratri is of great significance for all those who aspire for the Ultimate. May this night become an exuberant awakening for you.”

    Speaking about the LIVE telecast, EPIC TV – Managing Director, Aditya Pittie said, “This is truly going to be a special night of spirituality and wellbeing. We’re excited to associate with Isha Foundation and bring this extravaganza LIVE for the benefit of our viewers who can enjoy the celebrations from their homes. It is the first LIVE showcase on EPIC and we are glad to begin our journey in this direction with Isha Foundation’s Mahashivratri event.”

    Aimed at preserving the uniqueness and diversity of the nation’s artistic traditions, the night will see star performances by popular music sensations Sonu Nigam, Daler Mehndi, Mohit Chauhan, and Sean Roldan & Friend along with Isha Foundation’s home-grown band, Sounds of Isha. Not stopping at this, the event’s key attractions also include a guided powerful midnight meditation along with a nightlong Sathsang with Sadhguru which people can follow from the comfort of their homes.

    Sadhguru’s quote “Mahashivaratri is known as the great night of Shiva – The Adiyogi, because the planetary position is such that there is a natural upsurge of energies. Mahashivaratri is of great significance for all those who aspire for the Ultimate. May this night become an exuberant awakening for you”.

    Isha Foundation’s Mahashivratri night has been celebrated with great pomp and grandeur for many years and continues to draw thousands of devotees from around the world.