ITV

Category: Viewership

  • Non-linear TV viewing draws attention of viewers in US, Europe & Australia: Omdia’s Report

    Non-linear TV viewing draws attention of viewers in US, Europe & Australia: Omdia’s Report

    Mumbai: New research from Omdia reveals that nonlinear viewing continues to gain greater hegemony in the daily viewing habits of TV users across the US, Europe, and Australia. Online long form and social media video viewing is growing beyond the previous year’s boom in viewing time.

    Omdia’s new ‘Cross-Platform Television Viewing Time Report – 2022’ finds that across all the markets covered, the average total daily viewing time reached 362 minutes per person per day in 2021 (six hours and two minutes), down 0.5 per cent on last year. Declines in linear TV, online short form and pay TV VoD account for this minor drop in viewing, with the former seeing the sharpest falls. Growth in online long form and social media video viewing, however, counterbalanced these declines, leaving overall viewing to drop by just two minutes.

    Linear TV viewing time decreased in all markets in 2021. The end of restrictions and lockdowns that marked most of 2020 was the primary cause, with the continual shift toward on-demand viewing also driving this.

    Omdia’s TV and Online Video team senior analyst Rob Moyser commented, “In highly developed markets such as the US and the UK, 2021 will likely be the last year where linear TV predominates over non-linear TV viewing. On a platform-by-platform level, however, linear TV still remains, by some distance, the most popular way to watch TV in the markets covered.”

    Online long form was a key area of growth across all markets, driven largely by incumbent online subscription services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and the launch of several new OTT services such as Discovery+ and Paramount+. In total, long-form viewing grew by eight minutes, reaching 68 minutes, eight minutes ahead of social media video viewing.

    Time spent viewing video content on social media platforms increased by nine minutes in 2021 to an average of 60 minutes per person per day across the nine markets analysed. TikTok was the standout performer for video growth during the year, with the platform set to overtake Facebook in total time spent for the first time in 2022.

  • BJP may regain Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh and retain Gujarat, MP & HP; TRS likely to retain power in Telangana, says India TV-Matrize poll

    BJP may regain Rajasthan & Chhattisgarh and retain Gujarat, MP & HP; TRS likely to retain power in Telangana, says India TV-Matrize poll

    Mumbai: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) may return to power in Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and retain power in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh, according to assembly seat projection made by India TV-Matrize opinion poll, results of which were telecast on the news channel on Saturday (30 July).

    On the other hand, the ruling Trinamool Congress may retain power in West Bengal with a reduced majority, while TRS & Aam Aadmi Party may continue to remain in power in Telangana and Punjab respectively if elections are held now, says the opinion poll.

    Following are the details of the opinion poll from different states:

    Rajasthan

    In the 200-seat Rajasthan assembly, if elections are held now, BJP may win 148 seats, Congress may win 42 seats, and ‘others’ including independents may win 10 seats, according to the opinion poll. In the 2018 elections, BJP had won 73, Congress had won 99 and others had won 28 seats. Voting percentage: BJP 52 percent, Congress 31 percent and others 17 percent if elections are held now. The assembly elections are scheduled for next year.

    Asked about favourite choice for CM, Ashok Gehlot leads with 27 percent, BJP leader Vasundhara Raje comes second with 22 percent, and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat with 19 percent. Congress leader Sachin Pilot got 11 percent support from respondents.

    The biggest electoral issue among respondents was: (1) the government’s performance 31 percent and (2) Narendra Modi factor of 26 percent (3) MLA’s work 14 percent and (4) Communal polarization 12 percent.

    Asked about the effects of Kanhaiyalal’s beheading in Udaipur, 69 pc said ‘yes’ and 23 pc said ‘no.

    Asked which party they would prefer to form government next year, 57 percent said BJP while 27 percent said Congress. Asked in whose name will you cast your vote, 42 per cent said, “in Modi’s name”. Only 28 percent said “in Ashok Gehlot’s name”.

    Gujarat

    In the 182-seat Gujarat assembly, BJP is going to retain power by winning 108 seats, Congress may win 55 seats, AAP may win eight seats and others including independents may win 11 seats. In the 2017 assembly elections, BJP had won 99 seats, Congress had won 77 seats, and other six seats. The assembly elections are due in December this year. The voting percentage shown in the survey is BJP 48 percent, Congress 33 percent and AAP 16 percent.

    Asked whether BJP should project a CM candidate before the elections, 38 per cent said ‘No’, 36 per cent said ‘BJP should declare a new face’, and 22 per cent said “the present CM”.

    Asked in whose name will you cast your vote, 33 per cent said “for Modi”, 24 per cent said, “for the candidate with the best image”.

    Asked about the best face for CM, only 22 per cent said Bhupendra Patel, the present CM, 16 per cent opted for BJP leader Purushottam Rupala, 9 per cent for Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil, and a whopping 69 per cent said “any other face”.

    Madhya Pradesh

    In the 230-seat Madhya Pradesh Assembly, BJP is set to retain power winning 119 seats, while Congress may win 98 seats and Others 13 seats. In the 2018 elections, BJP had won 109 seats, Congress had won 114 and Others had won seven seats. Voting percentage in opinion poll: BJP 44 per cent and Congress 41 percent.

    Asked about their first choice for CM candidate, 38 per cent preferred the current CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while 31 percent opted for Congress leader Kamal Nath.

    Chhattisgarh

    In the 90-seat Chhattisgarh assembly BJP is projected to win 48 seats, while the ruling Congress party may win 40 seats. Others may win only 2 seats. In the 2018 elections, Congress had won 68, BJP had won 15 and Others had won 7 seats. Voting percentage in opinion poll: Congress 40 percent and BJP 43 percent.

    38 per cent of respondents said they would vote in the name of Modi, while 22 percent opted for Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Among the choices for CM, 29 percent said they would support State BJP chief Vishnudeo Sai, 24 percent opted for Bhupesh Baghel and 14 percent for ex-CM Raman Singh.

    Maharashtra

    In the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, BJP may emerge as the largest party again with 134 seats, while its ally Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena may win 41 seats, meaning that the alliance can win a comfortable majority. NCP may win 44 seats, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena may win 18 seats, Congress may win 38 seats and others 13. Voting percentage in opinion poll: BJP 34.1 percent, NCP 19.6 percent, Congress 16.1 percent, Shinde Shiv Sena 12.6 percent and Uddhav Shiv Sena 9.1 percent. Assembly polls are due in 2024.

    Who will be the best face for CM? 38.4 percent opted for Devendra Fadnavis, 11.3 percent for Eknath Shinde, 9.2 percent for Sharad Pawar, 8.6 percent for Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan and 8.1 percent for Uddhav Thackeray.

    52 per cent said they wanted to see BJP-Eknath Shiv Sena govt again in 2024, while 32 percent opted for Congress-NCP government. 52 per cent said they will vote “in the name of Modi’, while 32 percent said they will vote “in the name of Sharad Pawar”. 56 percent said the Uddhav-led party is the real Shiv Sena, while 44 percent said the Eknath-led party is the real Shiv Sena.

    Punjab

    If elections are held now in Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party may retain power but with a reduced majority. In the 117-seat assembly, AAP may win 72 seats, BJP 16 seats, Akali Dal 11 seats, Congress 9 and other nine seats. In this year’s assembly polls, AAP had won 92 seats, Congress 18, Akali Dal 3, BJP 2, and Others 2 seats.

    Asked whether they want to change the present government, 46 per cent said ‘No’, 41 per cent said ‘Yes’. Asked about the AAP government’s performance, 32 percent said they were not happy, 31 percent said they were happy, 24 percent said AAP did what they promised, 13 percent said they made a mistake (galti ho gayi).

    Uttar Pradesh

    In the 403-seat UP assembly, if elections are held now, Yogi Adityanath-led BJP may win 292 seats, Samajwadi Party may win 94 seats, Congress one and others 16 seats. In the assembly polls in March this year, BJP had won 255 seats, Samajwadi Party 111, Congress 1 , BSP 1 and Others 35.

    Voting percentage in opinion poll: BJP 44.6 percent and SP 31.3 percent. Asked on which issue would you vote, 38 per cent said “because of Yogi’s popularity”, 26 percent said “sushasan and ration (good governance and ration)”. 56 per cent said “Double engine factor decides the vote” while 39 percent said, “Double engine factor does not decide the vote”.

    Bihar

    In the 243-seat Bihar assembly, if elections are held now, Rashtriya Janata Dal may get 83 seats and BJP may win 81 seats. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s Janata Dal (United) may win 38 seats and Congress may get 11 seats. LJP may win one seat. Others may win 29 seats. Voting percentage in opinion poll, RJD 26.3 per cent, BJP 23.6 percent, JD-U 13.6 percent, and Congress 7.2 percent. Elections are due in 2025. In the 2020 assembly elections, RJD had won 75, BJP 74, JD-U 43, Congress 19, LJP one and Others 31 seats.

    Among the respondents, 39 per cent preferred Narendra Modi, 28 percent preferred Nitish Kumar, and 22 percent opted for Tejashwi Yadav. 45 per cent said they wanted a BJP-JD(U) combine in power, while 22 pc wanted a RJD-Congress combine.

    Telangana

    Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao-led Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) is set to retain power if assembly elections are held now. TRS may win 76 seats out of a total of 117 assembly seats. BJP may win 21 and Congress may win 12 seats. Owaisi’s AIMIM may win seven seats and Others one. Voting percentage in opinion poll: TRS 42 percent, BJP 28 percent, Congress 23 percent.

    36 per cent of respondents said they would vote for KCR’s performance, while 22 percent said they would support Modi. Among CM faces, 41.8 percent support K. Chandrashekhar Rao, 26.8 percent supported Congress leader Uttam Kumar Reddy, and 21.6 percent supported BJP leader B. Sanjay Kumar.

    Himachal Pradesh

    BJP may retain power in Himachal Pradesh which goes to assembly polls later this year. According to the opinion poll, BJP is projected to win 47 seats, Congress may win 17 seats, AAP one seat and others three. Percentage-wise in opinion poll: BJP 48 percent, Congress 39 percent, AAP 5 percent.

    Chief Minister Jairam Thakur leads the popular choice for CM with 26 percent, Congress leader Pratibha Singh with 21 percent, Congress leader Asha Kumari and Union Minister Anurag Thakur with 17-17 percent each.

    West Bengal

    In the 294-seat West Bengal Assembly, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stormed to power last year, but if elections are held now, her party Trinamool Congress may retain power with reduced majority. This time, TMC may win 173 seats, BJP may win 112 seats, Congress 2, Left 2, Others five. Voting percentage in opinion poll: TMC 46 percent and BJP 41 percent. In last year’s elections, TMC had won 213 seats, BJP had won 77, Others four. Congress and Left did not win a single seat.

    A whopping 46 per cent favoured Mamata Banerjee as CM choice, 24 percent opted for BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, and 20 percent favoured BJP leader Dilip Ghosh.

  • 9X Media’s CBO Punit Pandey decides to move on after 15-year association

    9X Media’s CBO Punit Pandey decides to move on after 15-year association

    Mumbai: 9X Media’s chief business officer Punit Pandey has decided to move on after a long stint of 15 years.

    Pandey has been part of the 9X Media journey right from the start and has played a crucial role in the success of the network. Being part of 9X Media’s executive team, Pandey has been working closely with the board of directors to drive the next phase of growth for the network.

    Pandey said, “I have had the most exciting and fulfilling journey at 9X Media Network. I am proud to be a part of the Network’s founding story. There hasn’t been a dull moment ever, as I have had the opportunity to work on varied roles with diverse mandates! From a single music television channel, 9X Media has evolved into India’s largest music television network, comprising several satellite channels, an Indie music label and compelling and unique digital products. Having worked for over 3 decades in the media and entertainment sector, I have now decided to take a short break before announcing my next move. I am pleased to leave behind a large tribe of happy music aficionados who have grown with 9X Media’s music television channels!”

    An industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in the media and entertainment sector, Pandey has also worked with some of the most iconic media brands like MTV, Zee TV, Rediff.com, Radio Mirchi, Mid-day and the Reliance Enterprise Business, among others. 

  • Warner Bros. Discovery names Asif Sadiq its new chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer

    Warner Bros. Discovery names Asif Sadiq its new chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery has announced that Asif Sadiq has been appointed as chief global diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. Sadiq will lead the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) strategy and global team, expanding on successful initiatives from both legacy Discovery and legacy WarnerMedia. He will jointly report to CEO David Zaslav and chief people & culture officer Adria Alpert Romm.

    He most recently served as WarnerMedia head of diversity, equity, and inclusion, international and was a key architect of many of the WarnerMedia DE&I internal and content-focused initiatives on which WBD plans to build. Earlier, Sadiq held senior diversity positions at adidas, The Telegraph Media Group, EY Financial Services, and the City of London Police.

    In his role, Sadiq will chair WBD’s new Business Diversity Council, a senior advisory board comprised of global leaders from the company’s sports, games, technology, revenue, and corporate groups. The council will assist in developing and instituting enterprise-wide diversity programmes for employees across businesses.

    “Having a diversity of thought, ideas, and experiences is so critical to the success of any business, especially a creative company like Warner Bros. Discovery. We want our employees to be able to thrive as their authentic selves, while using the power of storytelling to not only entertain audiences around the world, but also open minds and inspire action. And I can think of no better leader than Asif to ensure that we champion the most thoughtful and impactful diversity, equity, and inclusion programme. He brings an impressive track record of success at WarnerMedia and beyond, and his vast experience internationally makes him the ideal candidate to build and lead a truly global team and impactful DE&I strategy,” said Zaslav.

    “I am so proud of the work we began at WarnerMedia and am thrilled to join David, Adria, and Warner Bros. Discovery to accelerate the diversity mission I believe in so strongly. Companies that get DE&I right are more successful and have deeper relationships with their employees, consumers, and partners. In other words, this isn’t just the right thing to do; it also makes smart business sense and presents a great opportunity. I look forward to making a measurable and sustained impact with employees, on the screen, in our communities, and for our business,” said Sadiq.

    In addition, WBD is establishing a creative diversity council that includes Warner Bros. Television Group chairman Channing Dungey; Warner Bros. Film Group co-chairperson and CEO Pamela Abdy; Warner Bros. Film Group co-chairperson and CEO Mike DeLuca; HBO chairman and CEO Casey Bloys; and US Networks Group chairman and chief content officer Kathleen Finch. Together, these senior creative leaders will help ensure that DE&I is woven into the development, production, and distribution process.

  • Sony Entertainment Television hikes KBC 14 ad rates by 15-20 per cent; witnesses return of marquee brands

    Sony Entertainment Television hikes KBC 14 ad rates by 15-20 per cent; witnesses return of marquee brands

    Mumbai: The longest-running knowledge-based game show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) is returning to TV screens on 7 August for its fourteenth season. Throughout many seasons, KBC has emerged as the ‘go-to’ property for advertisers when it comes to maximizing brand presence & customer engagement.

    “The property is known for its undisputed honesty and credibility aids in achieving the desired objective for an advertiser through the customized solutions we create by understanding their needs,” Sony Pictures Networks India ad sales – network channels Sandeep Mehrotra told Indiantelevision.com. “This benefit certainly attracts clients who keep coming back with every season of KBC.”

    Channel to increase ad rates

    Mehrotra reveals that the Sony Entertainment Television channel is planning to increase the ad rates on the show by 15-20 per cent for the new season. It sees the return of marquee brands including Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Hyundai. Reputed brands like Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement and Hyundai have been associated with KBC for the past five, four and two years, respectively.

    The reason brands associate with KBC year after year is because of the show’s legacy and credibility which has helped it build a strong foundation and deliver value when it comes to brand solutions. Throughout the years, clients have seen its business objectives find the right brand solutions through KBC beyond just free commercial time (FCT).

    KBC is a much more digitally integrated show as compared to when it first started. The audience can engage with the game show on their smartphones via the Sonyliv app. The ‘KBC Play Along’ feature that combines the right mix of technology and gamification has added a personal engagement factor for the audience, getting them more involved in the game.

    “We are looking at creating value propositions for brands who are motivated to expand their reach on both linear and digital mediums, as it would benefit them in achieving their desired business objectives that have been set out,” said Mehrotra.

    He further said, “The show enjoys diverse participation from brand partners, season after season. KBC continues to attract positive responses from not only existing sponsors but new ones as well. Owing to the value proposition the show offers, the visibility adds weight to the sponsoring business.”

    Focusing on innovation and creativity

    This year’s season of KBC has innovated on two fronts, its marketing and programming. It is running a TV campaign that captures the transition of society from an information-scarce environment to an information overload which has created a need for a filter on solicited and unsolicited information that can translate to relevant knowledge.

    This messaging has been captured by the dialogue ‘Gyaan jahaan se bhi mile bator lijiye, lekin pehele zara tatol lijiye’ spoken by the show’s host Amitabh Bachchan in their commercials running on TV. The campaign cashes in on the show’s credibility and strengthens KBCs positioning as the leading game show on TV.

    The 14th season of KBC also coincides with India’s 75th year of independence and the channel has introduced a special episode that will air on 7 August at 9:00 p.m with special guests to bring alive the theme of India’s independence. Promos of the show aired on TV indicate that Padma Bhushan recipient actor Aamir Khan, Padma Bhushan boxing champion Mary Kom and Padma Shri Sunil Chhetri will be guests on the show. Kargil war veteran major DP Singh and Sena medal gallantry recipient Mitali Madhumita will appear as special guests.

    In terms of format changes, this year KBC contestants will win a prize pool of Rs 75 lakh or higher, which is expected to go up to Rs 7.5 crore. Additionally, after the success of the children’s special in the previous season, the current season will witness little geniuses taking the hot seat once again.

    “KBC 14 will be an integration of everything that has worked towards KBC’s success in the past and current innovations to the reality game-show format,” concluded Mehrotra.

  • Aaj Tak’s premiere telecast of ‘Black & White’ with Sudhir Chaudhary crosses 1000 TVT mark: Barc

    Aaj Tak’s premiere telecast of ‘Black & White’ with Sudhir Chaudhary crosses 1000 TVT mark: Barc

    Mumbai: Aaj Tak channel crossed the 1000 TVT (average minute audience) during the 9 p.m time band on 19 July during the telecast of its new show Black & White with consultant editor Sudhir Chaudhary. This number is higher than the rolled average of any other news channel during the 9 p.m band in Week 29.

    This was the news anchor’s first appearance on the Hindi news channel following his exit from Zee Media.

    As per the channel, the viewership contribution of the 9 p.m slot has increased from 11 per cent to 15 per cent. Aaj Tak claims that Sudhir Chaudhary’s show garnered higher TVTs compared to every other news show during the 9 p.m band based on four-week data.

    As per unrolled data, Sudhir Chaudhary’s show saw an unprecedented growth of 39 per cent on the opening day (19 July), 54 per cent on the following day (20 July) and 60 per cent on the day after (21 July).

    To celebrate the performance of the show, Chaudhary asked his viewers to join him for a Facebook Live chat on 28 July starting at 6:30 p.m.

    Source: Barc | HSM 15+ | 21:00 hrs | Week 26-29

  • News18 India garners 12.4 per cent relative share in HSM market Wk 26-29: Barc

    News18 India garners 12.4 per cent relative share in HSM market Wk 26-29: Barc

    Mumbai: News18 India has garnered 12.4 per cent market share in the Hindi-speaking market (HSM) Urban + Rural, as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (Barc) India data for Week 26-29.

    As per the ratings News18 is ahead of Aaj Tak with 12.3 per cent relative share and India TV with 12.1 per cent relative share.  

    The channel further strengthened its relative share during primetime with over 13 per cent market share.

    “In the past few months, News18 India has spruced up its content and programming strategy, coupled with new marketing initiatives,” it said in a statement.

    “The channel has not only performed well on TV but its digital audience base has also seen a steep growth,” it claims.

    Network18 CEO – Hindi cluster Karan Abhishek Singh said, “We are grateful to our viewers for choosing News18 India over others. Our offering in terms of the content and news formats is truly unparalleled. We have the most robust line up of Prime Time shows & anchors in the news genre. Our shows are inclusive, offer unmatched perspective and also decode the news to make it easily comprehensible. This results in tremendous resonance for News18 India with the audience and is a key factor contributing to our leadership.”

    Source BARC data: TG: NCCS 15+ (All Viewership data based on TV only) Wk 26-29’22: 25th June’22 to 22nd July’22, All Days, 24 hrs Market Share – HSM – Urban + Rural

  • Lionsgate Play to stream 74th Emmy Awards on 13 September in India, Malaysia and the Philippines

    Lionsgate Play to stream 74th Emmy Awards on 13 September in India, Malaysia and the Philippines

    Mumbai: Lionsgate Play will stream the American television awards show, The 74th Emmy Awards, in India on September 13, 2022, from 5:30 a.m. IST. The awards show will also stream exclusively on the platform in Malaysia (8 a.m. MYT) and the Philippines (8 a.m. PHT).

    The awards show will take place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. The show will recognise the best in American programming that aired between 1 June, 2021 and 31 May, 2022.

    Lionsgate executive VP Amit Dhanuka said, “Lionsgate Play is a premium streaming platform catering to a diverse set of audiences across the globe. It’s our constant endeavour to ensure the best entertainment for our viewers. Taking this thought further, we are delighted to live stream the 74th Emmy Awards across three territories—India, Malaysia, and the Philippines. There have been some phenomenal performances both in front of and behind the camera. With exciting performances and glorious victories, this year is set to get more vibrant and regal.”

    Television Academy president and COO Maury McIntyre said, “The Television Academy strives to shape and advance the dynamic television landscape, advocating for the television industry as it expands the horizons of television excellence. Through its innovative programs, publications, and events, the Academy and its Foundation foster, empower, and connect the diverse community of storytellers fuelling the medium while celebrating industry excellence and recognising achievement through awards and accolades, including the coveted Emmy Award, the Hall of Fame, and Television Academy Honours. For more information, please visit Televisionacademy.com.”

  • Zee Café brings reality show ‘Secret Celebrity Renovation’ to surprise their life-changers

    Zee Café brings reality show ‘Secret Celebrity Renovation’ to surprise their life-changers

    Mumbai: Zee Cafe on Friday announced the launch of its new celebrity reality show Secret Celebrity Renovation. The show will feature celebrities from various industries paying tribute to their guiding force.

    Emmitt Smith, Chris Paul, Rob Mariano, Anthony Ramos, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Wayne Brady, Lauren Alaina, Paula Abdul, and others will get a chance to gift a surprise home renovation to a meaningful person who helped guide them to success. The celebrities will be helped by designers Sabrina Soto and Jason Cameron. Follow a journey filled with gratitude and emotions as these popular personalities from the sports, music, and entertainment industries gear up to surprise their guides.

    Witness the joy of gifting in Secret Celebrity Renovation. Monday to Friday at 9 p.m.

  • National Geographic India to showcase docu-series ‘Postcards from Jharkhand’ with Rasika Dugal

    National Geographic India to showcase docu-series ‘Postcards from Jharkhand’ with Rasika Dugal

    Mumbai: National Geographic India with actor Rasika Dugal launched a new documentary film titled “Postcards from Jharkhand” for the viewers to step into the state’s rich scenic views, mosaic art & culture, and discover some of the unique experiences exclusive to the wondrous place. National Geographic India will premiere the film starting 23 July 2022.

    Rasika will walk the viewers down a nostalgia lane to discover and reconnect with the land from where she belongs. 

    The series will shed light on Jharkhand’s cultural landscape, starting from prehistoric rock art caves to the magnificent heritage temples and ancient monuments. With breath-taking cinematography showcasing captivating, lush forests, spectacular wildlife, pristine hill stations, and heart-thumping adventures, Rasika, through an immersive National Geographic style of storytelling, will share her spiritual and wondrous journey while exploring the varied destinations spread across the state. 

    Rasika will also introduce the viewers to the diverse tribal traditions in Jharkhand along with tribal dance forms, Sohrai painting, local cuisines, and the architectural marvels of the state. From highlighting destinations like McCluskieganj, Nakta Pahad, Netarhat, the exotic range of Dalma Hills, Lodh Falls, Hundru Falls, and Betla National Park to unique temples like Deori Mandir, Sun Temple, and Baidyanath Dham, amongst others. Viewers will get a glimpse of the simplicity and serenity the state has to offer,  through this series.

    National Geographic spokesperson commented, “At National Geographic, we strive to entertain and enlighten our viewers with powerful narrative and innovative visual-storytelling that push the boundaries of exploration. With this series, we have captured the unparalleled beauty of Jharkhand to give our viewers an opportunity to explore, understand and appreciate the wonders of the state. We are happy to have Rasika Dugal, who as a local, will make the experience even more authentic and enriching for our viewers.”

    Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren said, “Jharkhand is a hidden treasure house of nature, culture, and sustainable living. From traces of ancient human civilization to its picturesque natural beauty, charismatic heritage and deep-rooted indigenous traditions and communities it’s a place you will feel at home. I am happy that in collaboration with the government of Jharkhand, National Geographic India has captured the story of Jharkhand through their unique lens in the most innovative way. Having someone like Rasika onboard, who hails from Jamshedpur, we are quite pleased to present an unseen Jharkhand like never before and welcome all the nature lovers and other travellers to visit and explore Jharkhand.”

    “Jamesdhpur and Jharkhand hold a very special place in my heart. And now, this exciting collaboration with National Geographic and Jharkhand Tourism, has given me a chance to embark on an adventure to explore and reconnect with my home state. The breathtaking views, incredible tribal community, art, culture, and, most importantly, the charm of this place has taken me back to my childhood days, making this journey even more memorable for me,” added actor Rasika Dugal.