ITV

Category: TV Shows

  • Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 4,000 episodes

    Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah celebrates 4,000 episodes

    Mumbai: It’s a momentous achievement, the iconic television show “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has reached a significant milestone with the completion of its 4,000 episodes. This remarkable feat is a testament to the enduring connection that the show holds with Indian audiences.

    Having captivated viewers since its inception, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has become a cultural phenomenon, transcending the boundaries of entertainment to become an integral part of Indian households. The 4,000-episode mark is not merely a numerical milestone but a reflection of the show’s unwavering commitment to portraying the essence of Indian life with humor, warmth, and reliability.

    The show’s enduring success also lies in its ability to seamlessly weave in and celebrate the rich Indian culture and values. Through its characters and storylines, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has become a mirror reflecting the values and traditions that resonate with viewers across generations.

    The show’s family-centric narratives have struck a chord with audiences of all ages. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to bring families together, fostering a sense of unity and shared laughter.

    Even in the hustle and bustle of today’s modern life, the show stands out for its positive storytelling. It reinforces the importance of values such as friendship, community, and tolerance, making it a source of joy and inspiration for millions of viewers.

    Beyond entertainment, “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” has actively contributed to social awareness by addressing contemporary issues with a touch of humor. The show’s social messaging adds depth to its entertainment quotient, making it both relevant and impactful.

    Neela Film Production and Neela Mediatech creator, producer and MD Asit Kumarr Modi said “Reaching the 4,000-episode milestone is a humbling experience. It reaffirms our commitment to creating content that not only entertains but also resonates with the heart of India. It’s a celebration of our cultural ethos. The show’s success is a collective achievement, and we express our gratitude to the viewers, channel, and our team for their unwavering support.”

    As the show continues to carve its legacy in the annals of Indian television history, the 4,000th episode of “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah” stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of narratives that celebrate the essence of India.

    The brand has successfully forayed into animation with nursery rhymes across five regional languages and mobile games based on the characters.

  • This Year’s wearable artworks & crafts design fest at GJEPC on 12, 13 February

    This Year’s wearable artworks & crafts design fest at GJEPC on 12, 13 February

    Mumbai: Come and fall in love with design once again this Valentine’s Day! The Wearable Artworks & Crafts Design Festival will be celebrated at the gem & jewellery export promotion council’s Artisan Design Jewellery Awards 2024 on 12-13 February, at the Ice Factory, Ballard estate in Mumbai. Among many design themes, ‘Jewellery as Art’ will take centre-stage at the two day event held on the eve of Valentine’s Day to celebrate people’s love and passion for art, design and jewellery. The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is the apex body of trade in India, supported by the ministry of commerce & industry.

    The final judging round for the seven editions of The Artisan Awards 2024, powered by GIA, was held on 22 January, 2024. Of the twenty captivating and well-finished jewellery pieces, the jury picked out six winners from the two unconventional themes of The Artisan Awards 2024: ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé.’ This edition of The Artisan Awards received more than 600 entries from around the world including India, Canada, USA, Bahrain, Egypt, Dubai, and Pakistan.

    The largest-ever congregation of luminaries and aesthetes from the world of Arts, crafts & design; curators, art gallery owners and patrons; art school teachers, deans and students; socialites, celebrities, connoisseurs, architects, painters and sculptors; along with jewellery designers (experienced and young) will grace GJEPC’s Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024 gallery showcase at Ice Factory. The discussions will revolve around two exciting and unconventional themes ‘Unusual Materials’ and ‘Objet Trouvé’ of the seven editions of GJEPC’s The Artisan Jewellery Awards 2024.

    The first theme, ‘Objet Trouvé’ (found objects) explores art crafted from visible yet frequently altered objects that are atypical yet serve as art materials due to their non-art function.

    A ‘found object’, whether it’s natural, man-made, or even just a fragment, is preserved due to an inherent connection by the artist. It can be treated as a work of art in itself, and as a muse for inspiration.

    The idea was to design a piece of jewellery that depicts the essence of ‘Objet Trouvé’ by taking an object of your past and reimagining it in a modern form. Examples of ‘found objects’ could include vintage poker chips, antique coins, collected shells, vintage Venetian glass beads, buttons, and beachcombed shells.

    The second theme, ‘Unusual Materials’ encouraged designers to create a dialogue between the familiar and the unexpected by combining contrasting materials with at least 50 per cent precious materials. Unusual materials could include cement, titanium, wood, porcelain, bamboo, slate, meteorite, glass, recycled plastic, leather and more.

    GJEPC chairman Vipul Shah, stated, “GJEPC’s vision extends beyond the conventional, aiming to redefine the landscape of jewellery design. Through the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards competition, India seeks to elevate itself and position as the global premier design hub, aligning with the government’s campaign of design in India. Through this design competition, GJEPC reaffirms its commitment to encourage an environment that will nurture the creative spark within designers.”

    GJEPC convener, promotion & marketing, Milan Chokshi adds, “Each year, we strive to introduce a distinctive theme, challenging participants by collaborating with curators to elevate their engagement. Over the past seven years, the Artisan Awards have assumed increasing significance globally, with India recognising them as the most coveted accolade. This prestigious award serves as a driving force, inspiring designers, budding students, and manufacturers to create thematic jewels at the highest echelon. The quality of production within this thematic framework is truly remarkable.”

    The esteemed jury comprised Alice Cicolini, renowned UK jewellery designer; Biren Vaidya, managing director, The Rose Group; Payal Singhal, fashion designer; Apoorva Deshingkar, GIA India – senior director of education and market development; and Toktam Shekarriz, Dubai-based jewellery designer.

    The technical jury comprised of Devinder Layal (Jewellery Artiste and educationist), Meenal Choksi (head of design, Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery); Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant (PD & merchandising head, Dia Gold Creations); Janki Choksi (founder, Janki Choksi Designs); Gunjan Sapra (COO & head of department, jewellery designs, International Institute of Gemology, and a GIA instructor) to honour the best and most talented jewellery designers.

    Alice Cicolini said, “As a jewellery designer, the prospect of an award process like this is truly invigorating. I find great excitement in witnessing competitions that encourage designs using more unconventional materials and explore global trends. The freedom afforded to India’s young designers through these themes is commendable and inspiring. Personally, there are a couple of pieces from today that stand out to me as not only intriguing designs but also impeccably crafted.

    “Having worked in India for nearly two decades, I can attest that it stands as one of the most extraordinary nations for jewellery production, boasting incredible craftsmanship. Witnessing the remarkable work emerging from this country is always a source of excitement. Moreover, it is refreshing to see young jewellery designers break free from traditional constraints, allowing their imaginations to take flight—an approach actively encouraged by institutions like this one. Design, being a commercial art form, requires assurance that there is a market for innovative work.”

    Payal Singhal was fascinated by the exploration of innovative materials and the creation of pieces that could endure for generations. Reflecting on India’s design and manufacturing talent, Singhal noted, “The Artisan Awards showcase a remarkable standard. The ability to work with challenging materials and produce versatile, aesthetically pleasing, and finely crafted jewellery is a testament to the high level of expertise present in our country. The innovation displayed at the awards reinforces my belief that India possesses superior capabilities in terms of design, quality, and finishing.

    “As for elevating jewellery into wearable art, initiatives like The Artisan Awards play a crucial role. By encouraging designers to view jewellery as an artistic expression rather than just ceremonial or status symbols, we encourage a shift towards wearable art. Supporting and motivating young designers and jewellery brands to embrace this perspective will contribute to the evolution of jewellery as a form of artistic expression rather than merely a complement to attire or a symbol of status.”

  • The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    The Shark Tales : Thoda sa hot chocolate, thoda tech and a lot of hustle!

    Mumbai : Shark Tank India Season 3 started premiering on 22 January 2024, showcasing a diverse array of pitches and narratives from emerging entrepreneurs. With a lineup of 12 sharks in the latest season, the pool of guidance and support for aspiring entrepreneurs has doubled up, promising enhanced mentorship and opportunities.

    CarDekho founder and CEO Amit Jain has been an integral part of this journey since season 2, offering investment and mentorship to ventures spanning various sectors. Amit’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young entrepreneurs has been a cornerstone of his involvement. His investment decisions are often guided by a shared ethos of determination, creativity, and sustainability. The same was seen in the very first episode of Shark Tank India Season 3 where Amit saw a connection between himself and the sustainable business philosophy of The Honest Home Company founder Mayank Sisodia.

    In Season 3, episode 8 of Shark Tank India, Amit’s dedication to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs was evident in his interaction with Anuva Kakkar, the founder of Tiggle.

    Acknowledging the importance of fostering an ecosystem that uplifts visionary entrepreneurs like Amit Kakkar said, “Magar iss show par aakar maine aap jaise entrepreneur ko support nahi kiya toh mere yahan aane ka faida hi nahi.” Tiggle, which offers vegan and dairy-free ready to make hot chocolate mixes, represents a promising player in the rapidly evolving market landscape.

    Among the ventures Jain backed in the previous season are notable names like Mopp India, Licksters, Maisha Lifestyle, Ekatra, and Gladful, showcasing his diverse portfolio and unwavering commitment to driving innovation and success in the Indian startup ecosystem.

    Read about Amit Jain’s learnings from the three pitches below:

    Tiggle:

    The episode started on a sweet note with Anuva Kakkar, founder of Tiggle, pitching her brand that sells ready-to-make hot chocolate mixes. Her pitch was solid, the packaging was on point, and the chocolate tasted really good. Plus, being vegan and dairy-free, Tiggle is catering to a fast-growing market and has a bright future, even more so if they focus more on targeting their products to kids, in my opinion.

    Anuva’s story was also inspiring. It was inspiring to hear her bootstrapped story. This is how I feel any startup story begins, with the founder trying to find product market fit. She started from a small room and sold her first batch with a steel jar in hand at a bustling Gurgaon metro station within 40-50 minutes. It showcased the demand and appeal of Tiggle and her ambition. She lives the dream of every entrepreneur – turning their passion into a startup.

    I definitely appreciated Anuva coming prepared with precise unit economic data and dressed to match her brand! Her grip on her numbers was just amazing to see. I love such founders with this level of attention to detail. Glad I partnered with Peyush and sealed the deal with Tiggle. It’s a bet on Anuva’s entrepreneurial passion to create not just good products but a good culture – be it a team of 9 or 9000, her strong potential, and a delicious future for Tiggle. Because like always, Pehle Banda, Phir Dhanda!

    Wyld :

    Next came WYLD, a Visa-powered social currency card, founded by IIT-B alumni, offering cashback for Instagram posts. I loved their idea, especially gestures like customised cards that read ‘Founder Member’, but I think execution is key. They had the right partnerships in place, and their algorithms for assigning “WYLD scores” seemed great. I loved the way they solved working capital by getting money to pay cashback from brands in advance.

    I appreciate the founders, their love for tech and their ambitions – they were young, adaptable, and loaded with energy. Namita and Anupam saw the potential too. I gave them an offer, but they went ahead with Anupam’s offer. It will be interesting to see them turn those influencer dreams into reality. I wish them all the best.

    Upliance.ai:

    Lastly, we had Upliance.ai, an AI-powered personal cooking assistant. Now, I love AI & innovation, but this one wasn’t for me because I found the AI bit missing. While the technology and patented recipes were interesting, the price point and lack of market fit raised questions. It’s great that they have a feedback system in place, but is it enough to justify the cost? The limited market and slow growth raised more questions.

    AI is surely going to be a game-changer, but it needs to solve real problems and offer value at a reasonable price. Upliance.ai has to cover some distance to get there. I do hope they adapt and get there eventually!

    Overall, the episode was a mixed bag of promise, treats, tech and more. And that’s the beauty of Shark Tank. Stay tuned for more Shark Tales!

     

  • News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh clinches ECI Media Awards 2023

    News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh clinches ECI Media Awards 2023

    Mumbai: News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh, the sister news channel of News Nation has clinched the prestigious National Media Award for the year 2023. The Election Commission of India, responsible for recognising outstanding contributions in the media landscape, bestowed this honour upon News State for its remarkable voter awareness campaign named “Vote Guru.”

    The comprehensive and insightful coverage provided by News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh became the linchpin for its selection as the recipient of the National Media Award in the electronic media category. The channel’s commitment to delivering informative, accurate, and balanced content earned it acclaim from the Election Commission, which lauded the “Vote Guru” campaign as the Best Coverage.

    On 25 January, National Voters’ Day, the honorable president of India Draupadi Murmu, conferred the award upon News State in New Delhi.

    “Vote Guru,” a special program curated by News State, played a pivotal role in disseminating essential information to voters, presenting intriguing stories, and addressing concerns related to the electoral process. The election commission commended the program for its accuracy, balance, and its significant role in providing voters with crucial information, thereby encouraging greater participation in the democratic process.

    News State’s dedication to empowering its election coverage was evident through the utilisation of its reporter network. The channel highlighted challenging areas with polling booths and shed light on issues faced by ordinary voters, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the election landscape.

    In the backdrop of the 2023 assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, News State transformed the electoral process into a celebration of democracy. The channel deliberately shifted its focus towards a voter-centric approach, deviating from the conventional emphasis on political parties and leaders. Through this strategic coverage, News State not only earned the National Media Award but also played a crucial role in fostering an informed and engaged electorate. –

    News Nation Network managing director Sanjay Kulshreshtha said, ” We are truly honored and humbled to receive the prestigious National Media Award for 2023 for News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh. This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the News State’s team. As we celebrate this achievement, we renew our commitment to journalistic excellence, ensuring that all our network channels continue to be a beacon of credible journalism for our audience.”

    News Nation Network director & editor in chief Manoj Gairola added, “I am deeply honored and grateful for the recognition bestowed upon News Nation Network’s channel News State Madhya Pradesh-Chhattisgarh with the prestigious National Media Award for 2023. This achievement reflects the collective effort of a dedicated team at News Nation Network. Winning in the electronic media category is a testament to our commitment to delivering informative and balanced journalism. The ‘Vote Guru’ campaign has not only promoted voter awareness but also strengthened our resolve to empower communities through impactful storytelling. This accolade inspires us to persist in our pursuit of excellence, and we remain dedicated to providing credible and insightful content for our audience.”

  • BBC Studios and COLORS presents Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak

    BBC Studios and COLORS presents Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak

    Mumbai: The launch of ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’ marks a new move for BBC Studios’ Global Entertainment business into continuing drama internationally – an area already established as a huge area of specialism for the BBC in the UK.

    Set in the picturesque locations of Ujjain and produced by BBC Studios Productions India, ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’ premieres today, the 29 January 2024, and will air every Monday-Friday at 10:30 pm on COLORS.  

    ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’ is an eternal love saga that shatters the boundaries of societal norms, time, and even death itself. The show draws inspiration from true events of reincarnation and is based on the successful novel, ‘November Rain’ written by Mrinal and Abhigyan Jha. Starring actors Karamm Rajpal and Trupti Mishra in lead roles, the show chronicles the immortal love story of Rajneesh, a city-bred medical student, and Poornima, a resilient village girl; they fall for each other and unite with an eternal promise to stay together forever.  Will Rajneesh and Poornima’s love triumph against the odds?

    BBC Studios India general manager Sameer Gogate commented,  “Our latest offering, ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak,’ signifies an exciting chapter for BBC Studios Productions India, contributing to our collection of premium scripted dramas and breaking in to continuing drama. With this collaboration with Mrinal, we are delighted to be back on COLORS with this romantic thriller, blended with mystery, and to be taking it to a wider audience.”

    Producer and writer Mrinal Jha said of the drama, “It is often said that there are very few wholly original stories, and, well, this one, Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak, is the mother of them all. Once we had experienced the events, my husband Abhigyan Jha and I were compelled to write it, and I’m thrilled to see the unusual story come alive on screen! It’s fantastic to see writers, directors, and actors team up to bring the themes of rebirth, destiny, and timeless love to life in a visually stunning way. Here’s hoping the viewers will enjoy watching the show as much as we enjoyed crafting it!”

    BBC Studios’ Global Entertainment business produces and licences premium quality scripted and unscripted programmes across multiple genres for global audiences. ‘Qayaamat Se Qayaamat Tak’ builds on drama originals ‘School of Lies’ for Disney+ Hotstar and ‘Expressway Ishk’ for Amazon Mini TV, recently produced by BBC Studios Productions India alongside established formats produced for the local market that include ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’ (Dancing with the Stars) currently broadcasting on COLORS and ‘Broken News’ (Press) for Zee TV, with Season 2 in production.

  • Paisalo Digital Limited felicitates 100 best rural entrepreneurs for ‘Viksit Bharat’

    Paisalo Digital Limited felicitates 100 best rural entrepreneurs for ‘Viksit Bharat’

    Mumbai: In a momentous stride towards fostering economic growth and recognising the invaluable contributions of small income generation segments, Paisalo Digital Limited unveils the ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) drive. On the occasion of the 75 Republic Day, Paisalo has launched this drive in sync with the theme of ‘Viksit Bharat’ to motivate and uplift the entrepreneurial efforts of customers who have transformed their lives and contributed to the economic development of the country. The visionary in the NBFC space, Paisalo commemorates the Republic Day celebrations, by felicitating 100 of its top customers who show great business acumen across various occupations, and entrepreneurial spirit.

    By highlighting these success stories, the NBFC acknowledges and encourages individual entrepreneurial accomplishments and also underscores the collective strength of small businesses, which are pivotal contributors to the nation’s economic prosperity.

    Sharing her thoughts on the innovative drive that motivates rural entrepreneurs, Paisalo Digital Limited VP – marketing Nishtha Sharma shares, “At Paisalo, we take immense pleasure in unveiling this impactful drive that celebrates entrepreneurship and honours the business owners across sectors. By recognising the rural entrepreneurs, we appreciate these business visionaries and are proud to support small income-generating businesses that contribute to the larger narrative of economic empowerment.

  • Sony BBC Earth announced the success of the ‘Feel Alive hours quiz contest’

    Sony BBC Earth announced the success of the ‘Feel Alive hours quiz contest’

    Mumbai: Sony BBC Earth announced the overwhelming success of the second edition of its ‘Feel Alive Hours Quiz contest’. The nationwide competition sparked the curiosity of young minds and received a phenomenal response with over 5000 registrations pouring in from students in the junior and senior categories.

    The channel is all set to conduct the semi-final round of the quiz on 3 & 4 February for junior and senior categories, respectively. The virtual event will see 40 students in each category compete for a coveted spot in the grand finale, which promises to be an exhilarating showcase of young brilliance. The finale will be streamed live on the Sony BBC Earth YouTube channel, featuring surprises, mind-boggling challenges, and awe-inspiring content. The winners of the competition will be awarded an iPad, while the runners-up will receive a Kindle.

    In the previous edition, Sony BBC Earth’s ‘Feel Alive Hours Quiz contest’ provided a launching pad for young geniuses, drawing an awe-inspiring response of more than 2000 registrations for the nationwide quiz. In addition to the quiz contest, Sony BBC Earth has curated an informative and engaging website, offering students the chance to stay updated on exclusive events happening across various cities. To discover more about the contest, explore the winning entries, and engage with the channel’s enriching content,

    For more information – visit 

  • Horsepower is heading to Europe

    Horsepower is heading to Europe

    Mumbai: Media Ranch founder & CEO, Sophie Ferron announced that Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) will host a Horsepower intensive in late February, training participants in the writing and pitching of global unscripted TV formats. The event is organised by the Lithuanian creative enterprise The Ethnic Kitchen Productions in partnership with Media Ranch, the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania, and Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT).

    Horsepower is a proprietary talent incubator created by Media Ranch to foster new talent in the creation of unscripted television formats. The program, started by Media Ranch’s Sophie Ferron in partnership with Quebecor, was first held in Montreal, Canada in 2018. Formats from this incubator have been optioned around the world. Highlights from past years include partnerships with TF1, Quebecor, La Fabrique des Formats and deals with The CW, Diga Studios, Wheelhouse, and gaming giant Ubisoft – where a first-year participant’s project is now the official TV format for mega-hit game “Just Dance”.

    After a successful run in Quebec, this is the first time Horsepower will be conducted internationally, and talks have already begun for other countries. Taking place in Vilnius, the workshops will be given by Media Ranch’s head of storytelling Philip Kalin-Hajdu, who has run the program since its inception. The program will conclude with pitches of the original formats created by participants to decision-makers from LRT and Media Ranch. LRT will pick one project that they would like to pursue in co-development. Media Ranch will board one (or more) projects as an international distributor.

    Ferron stated: “Horsepower has been such a dynamic vehicle for launching new IP and reaching new voices for the creation of formats. Media Ranch is thrilled to launch the first international version with LRT and Ethnic Kitchen in Lithuania and look forward to seeing amazing formats emerge.”

    Kalin-Hajdu said: “We are grateful to Aiste at Ethnic Kitchen, LRT, and the Embassy of Canada to Lithuania for this event. The beauty of formats is that they are, by nature, adaptable and serve to illustrate the commonalities between audiences, while celebrating our uniqueness. Horsepower continues to prove that local talent has the capacity to create for global audiences. We are thrilled to be bringing the program to Lithuania.”

    Ptakauske said: “In Europe alone, the TV formats industry generates over three billion euros per year. Although the UK has been the biggest European exporter of TV formats for a long time, other European countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have lately been stepping on its heels. Lithuania is, unfortunately, not a contender in the global TV formats industry yet. My hope is that Horsepower in Vilnius will provide Lithuanian creators with knowledge and ambition to develop TV formats for global audiences.”

    LTR head of TV department Andrius Korenka said: “Every year, before launching our public tender for TV programs, we hold special meetings with Lithuanian producers with the goal to convey to them our expectations as well as our audience’s preferences. New opportunities to learn about the most current trends of the global TV formats industry and possibilities to adapt them to the Lithuanian TV industry will be a very valuable experience to us and all our collaborators.”

  • Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Mumbai: Gautama Buddha’s eternal wisdom has resonated with countless generations, transcending the boundaries of time, and echoing through the ages. However, what remains are ancient legends surrounding the final days of Gautama Buddha and relics that surround the very centre of Buddhism. Unravelling the history around the relics, Warner Bros Discovery returns with the third edition of the Secrets franchise – ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ releasing on 22 January 2024 on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024 at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel. Created by Neeraj Pandey – Friday Storytellers and hosted by the versatile National Award and Padma Shri-awardee Manoj Bajpayee, the documentary will acquaint viewers with the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics.

    Speaking about Secrets of The Buddha Relics, actor Manoj Bajpayee, said, “I am thrilled to continue my ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery for the Secrets franchise. Working alongside Neeraj Pandey is always a rewarding experience with insightful takeaways that contribute to shaping the documentary. The documentary promises to transport viewers to the time of the Buddha, delving into the historical period that witnessed his life and teachings. It aims to connect audiences with profound stories that have played a pivotal role in shaping our spiritual heritage.”

    Created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, the documentary unravels the mysteries surrounding the last days of Gautama Buddha and the relics that serve as the epicentre of Buddhism in modern times. It will trace the origins, cultural significance, and mystical stories behind these relics, exploring their spread worldwide and the role they play in making Buddhism the world’s fourth-largest faith. Delving into the types of relics and their classification, the documentary combines historical and mythological narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in Buddhism.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual & lifestyle cluster- South Asia Sai Abishek said, “As we continue to pioneer the history genre at Warner Bros. Discovery, the ‘Secrets’ franchise remains a sought-after and successful series. In the third edition, ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ we delve into lesser-known facets of the relics, offering insights into their contemporary significance. Our ongoing collaboration with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee, both pioneer storytellers, reflects our commitment to delivering compelling narratives. The success of the ‘Secrets’ franchise has revealed tremendous potential, prompting us to expand our history genre on the platform and provide compelling and engaging stories to our viewers.

    The documentary will showcase insights from a diverse panel of experts, including scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, historians, and archaeologists. Renowned spokespersons such as filmmaker Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Padma Shri-awardee), Dr B. R. Mani (Director of General National Museum, New Delhi), Dr Tishyarakshita Bhargav (Sr Research Asst. Anthropology Dept. SSP University Pune), Dr Gurbaksh Singh (Ex Researcher, International Buddhist Exchange Center), Mr. Tarit Kanti Roy (Governing Body Member Maha Bodhi Society of India Kolkata), Dr Halle O’Neal (co-director, Edinburgh Buddhist studies University of Edinburgh, Scotland), and Dr Anil Kumar (head, Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan) will contribute their insights to unfold the narrative. With captivating storytelling and creative treatment, the documentary is poised to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

    Director Raghav Jairath reflected, “Through extensive research, we uncovered intriguing facets of Gautama Buddha’s life, sparking questions about his last day, the purpose behind the relics, how his followers connected with the relics and the profound impact of his teachings. Supported by our research team, subject experts, and Neeraj sir’s vision, we delved deep into the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics, finding answers to many queries.”

    “The success of the first two ‘Secrets’ instalments inspired us to explore Buddhism’s spiritual and cultural dimensions further. Our ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery allows us to tell stories that are bigger, better, and bolder. Working with Manoj sir has been a pleasure, as he elevates the storytelling with his remarkable expertise.”- Raghav added.

    The “Secrets of the Buddha Relics” hosted by Manoj Bajpayee, will premiere on 22 January 2024, on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024, at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel.

  • Vh1 announces the launch of ‘Vh1 AniNation’

    Vh1 announces the launch of ‘Vh1 AniNation’

    Mumbai: Vh1, Viacom18’s and India’s leading international music and English entertainment channel has announced the launch of ‘Vh1 AniNation’, a first-of-its-kind innovative, diversified content segment for anime enthusiasts. Catering to the burgeoning fandom across the nation, Vh1 AniNation will serve as an exciting platform that fuses visually stunning animation, engaging community discussions, and a curated musical experience, to celebrate the rich cultural tapestry of Japanese anime.

    Speaking on the launch, Viacom18 business head, youth, music, and English entertainment cluster Anshul Ailawadi said, “Vh1 has always been a trendsetter when it comes to showcasing emerging pop-culture trends. With Vh1 AniNation, we’re betting on the immense potential of Anime with its compelling storylines, genres, music, and characters – thereby giving our viewers another solid reason to tune into Vh1.”

    Vh1 AniNation will offer fans an immersive experience including AniBites, AniPinion, and Ani-Music. AniBites will provide viewers with snackable, high-energy entertainment with anime cartoons featuring a diverse cast of characters, varied themes and genres, and unique animation styles. To make anime more accessible and foster a sense of community amongst passionate anime fans in India, AniPinion will feature influencers and celebrities discussing opinions and perspectives while reviewing new anime. Ani-Music on the other hand will feature a playlist that will shine a spotlight on the genre’s iconic composers, musicians, and soundtracks, keeping in mind the powerful connect anime music has with its fans.

    The IP will be further amplified with a robust 360-degree marketing plan, that will cater to fans and fortify consumer engagement with innovation.

    Join the cultural celebration that invites viewers to explore the world of Japanese anime in the vibrant and dynamic universe of Vh1 AniNation.