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Tag: Akul Tripathi

  • Warner Bros. Discovery announces new original docu-series ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’

    Warner Bros. Discovery announces new original docu-series ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’

    MUMBAI: Warner Bros. Discovery is all set to launch a new Indian original docu-series, ‘Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi’, premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9:00 PM. Blending immersive storytelling with rich historical narratives, the show revisits the courage and resilience of India’s well-known as well as unsung kings and queens, including incredible guerrilla war strategists, naval warriors and empire builders.

    This eight-part series transports viewers across centuries and geographies. From Garhwal (Uttarakhand) and Malwa (western Madhya Pradesh) to Rajputana (Rajasthan), the Deccan (Maharashtra and Telangana), Karnataka, and Kashmir, each brings to life a ruler whose courage shaped history. To make it accessible to audiences across India and the South Asian diaspora, the series will be available in seven languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada and Bengali.

    Ek Tha Raja is hosted by Akul Tripathi, a passionate storyteller, cultural expert, and one of India’s most respected voices in historical narratives. With a deep love for the subcontinent’s heritage, Akul brings history to life through compelling storytelling that blends fact, folklore, and modern-day relevance. His unique approach adds both gravitas and accessibility to the series, inviting audiences to experience India’s past as unforgettable and memorable stories.

    The show profiles remarkable rulers and leaders whose legacies live beyond the mainstream historical spotlight such as Rani Durgavati of Gondwana, who died defending her kingdom against the Mughals; Abbakka Chowta, the fiery queen of coastal Karnataka who defied Portuguese colonisers; and Lalitaditya Muktapida of Kashmir, known for building one of the region’s most formidable empires. Also featured are icons such as Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga (Rajasthan), Peshwa Bajirao I (Maharashtra), Raja Chhatrasal (Bundelkhand), and Rani Karnavati of Garhwal, all of whom defended their land, people, and culture with unmatched courage and strategic brilliance.

    Commenting on the launch, Sai Abishek, head of factual entertainment, lifestyle & kids, South Asia, Warner Bros. Discovery said, “As a brand, we’ve always believed in championing powerful narratives, and Ek Tha Raja builds on that belief.  Through this series, we’re proud to bring the stories of leadership, sacrifice, and resilience, through a fresh, cinematic lens. It’s great to have a masterful storyteller like Akul Tripathi narrate these stories. His narration gives viewers a truly immersive experience into the lives of some of India’s greatest defenders.”

    As Discovery marks 30 years of storytelling in India and 40 years globally this August, Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi reflects this continued commitment to spotlighting stories that celebrate the country’s rich and diverse regional histories.

    Host, Akul Tripathi added, “History is often remembered by its victors. India’s past is filled with remarkable figures who stood their ground against invaders and adversity. Ek Tha Raja is our attempt to honour these leaders and to remind viewers that the roots of India’s freedom run far deeper than we’re often told. It’s also a way to pass these stories on to a younger generation, to help them see India’s legacy as a reminder that courage and leadership have always been part of our DNA.”

    Each episode dives into epic tales of conquest, valour, lost kingdoms, and overlooked warriors who shaped the subcontinent’s legacy of resistance. Expert interviews with royal descendants, historians, and cultural voices further deepen the storytelling, providing lived context and invaluable insights into these enduring legacies.

    Ek Tha Raja with Akul Tripathi will be premiering exclusively on Discovery channel and discovery+ starting 7 August 2025, at 9 PM. The series will also stream on HBO Max in Southeast Asia.

  • Akul Tripathi steps down from Epic Channel

    Akul Tripathi steps down from Epic Channel

    MUMBAI: Akul Tripathi has stepped down as COO of IN10 Media Network, announced the network. Tripathi joined as head of content and programming for EPIC Channel in 2017 and is also CEO of DocuBay, the only global video-on-demand platform for streaming premium documentaries. He he is moving on to pursue his twin passions for creating content and traveling.

    IN10 Media Network managing director Aditya Pittie said: “Akul has played an instrumental role in the repositioning of EPIC Channel and has been at the heart of our growth from a single channel to a media network. As CEO of DocuBay, he has helped build a promising and differentiated global brand for the network. We wish him the best for his future endeavours.”

    He has over 20 years of experience in the business of content creation, curation, and management. Previously he served as head of content and programming for EPIC Television Networks, which is known for airing premium India-centric content.

    He has served as director at ThoughtShop, founding partner at Jumpstart Outdoors, and associate creative with Taurus Video. Tripathi started his career with Brandish Media & Entertainment as content and creative head.

    He holds a masters in broadcast and film management from Bournemouth University and bachelors of mass media, journalism from Mumbai University.
    An impassioned traveller, photographer, and seeker, he writes regularly for several print and online publications.

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  • DocuBay partners with IFFS to distribute select titles worldwide

    DocuBay partners with IFFS to distribute select titles worldwide

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the global membership video-on-demand streaming service by IN10 Media Network has announced its partnership with the International Film Festival of Shimla (IFFS) that will bring IFFS documentaries featured in last year’s film festival. Select titles will be featured under their own category or “Bay” called IFFS Bay and is now available for global streaming on the platform. DocuBay was also the official streaming partner of the IFFS, which took place in the historic and scenic town of Shimla in the Himalayan foothills.

    Notable titles which will be featured on DocuBay includes authenticity and about how ayurvedic treatments might be the key to great health and lasting wellness. No Woman’s Land, about women in a Himalayan village defying the laws that keep them from inheriting property. Behind The Bars, about how learning homemaking skills like stitching and baking help to rehabilitate prisoners and Dan the Himalayan Ibex, about a community of women determined to fight threats to the Ibex and help keep them alive despite hunters, poachers, and a declining habitat.

    DocuBay chief executive officer Akul Tripathi said, “Working with independent filmmakers and film festivals like the IFFS reinforces our commitment to providing a platform for storytellers to showcase their work worldwide. We’re very proud to highlight these features on DocuBay and look forward to further building relationships with independent filmmakers and other international film festivals to become a global voice for the factual film community.”

  • DocuBay gets into Xmas mood; launches 14 days free trial

    DocuBay gets into Xmas mood; launches 14 days free trial

    MUMBAI: Xmas – it's the season to give. And the Aditya Pittie run In10 Media has announced a 14 day free trial for its documentary OTT/app  DocuBay. Launched earlier this year, with fanfare, DocuBay has been gaining traction slowly but surely. The media firm has released a slate of new titles worldwide in tune with the holiday season. The trial period is for December and available for both Android and iOS devices.  

    Says DocuBay’s chief executive officer Akul Tripathi: "DocuBay thrives on creating various avenues to engage with audiences on a regular basis. The 14-Day Free Trial is an opportunity for us to interact with different types of viewers and for them to sample our premium content library.” 

    DocuBay has added an exclusive ‘ChristmasBay’ for viewers to trace the origin of the holiday and discover the story behind the birth of Jesus Christ. It features a number of documentaries that cover places mentioned in the Bible and the rise of Christianity.

    Tripathi said, “We highlight and launch films from topics that are trending globally and relevant to a specific region. A lot of research and user behaviour trends are worked upon to provide content that resonates irrespective of the time and place across age groups. ChristmasBay is yet another exclusive offering for our global audience.”

    According to a press statement, the new ‘OneTribe’ DocuBay members will have access to the platform’s premium library of international documentaries from 100+ countries, spanning a variety of categories, encompassing diverse human experiences, opinions, and narratives.

    The platform’s user-friendly, intuitive interface makes the discovery of films easy through specially-curated categories called ‘Bays,' including NatureBay, AdventureBay, TravelBay, CultureBay, ScienceBay and more.

    The titles take viewers on a tour of key biblical monuments like Wedding Church of Cana, Ashdod Citadel, The Dormition, and many such revered sites that have stood the test of time and witness events that changed the course of history. The premium catalogue also comprises of select titles in 4K.

    Along with the all-new ChristmasBay, members can watch one new documentary every day as well as some of DocuBay’s most popular films including Himalayan Gold Rush, Red Light Green Light, Trump Russia, Zoo Lovers, Diana: The Royal Truth, The People's Girls, Omo Child, Inside Facebook, Smile Pinki, The Man Who Skied Down Everest, and more.

  • EPIC TV’s Akul Tripathi on content changes post NTO & roadmap for 2020

    EPIC TV’s Akul Tripathi on content changes post NTO & roadmap for 2020

    MUMBAI: As the new tariff order (NTO) came into effect in 2019, niche channels feared its impact the most. Belonging to one of the niche genres – infotainment, EPIC channel with its focus on India-centric content went against the tide. In the tough year the channel experimented with various genres and launched shows like EPIC IQ Challenge, Regiment Diaries and the new season of Lost Recipe. Going forward in 2020 the channel will bring another season of these marquee shows along with some new and unique formats that have never been seen in the infotainment space. 

    In an interaction with Indiantelevision.com, EPIC channel content and programming head Akul Tripathi spoke on the channel's journey so far, challenges faced by the infotainment, advertisers' keenness on upcoming shows, content strategies and roadmap for 2020.

    In November the channel completed its fifth year. One of the remarkable experiments was trying the reality format in the infotainment space- EPIC IQ Quiz Challenge which was launched in October. 

    "EPIC IQ Challenge premiered this year in October and demonstrated that the reality show format can work on infotainment channels as well. Regiment Diaries continues to receive very emotional and heartfelt responses. Season 2 is eagerly awaited and we too are excited to see it on air soon," Tripathi comments.

    He says, “The last five years have been very memorable for EPIC. We have received so much love and loyalty from our viewers, and accolades from the industry that are truly humbling.”

    “This has also been a learning experience. We are learning something different about the viewers and their preferences every day. However, the one lesson that stands out is that good content works. If you’re putting out quality shows which offer relevance and entertainment, you will find people coming back for them. Part of our success is owed to the fact that our shows have lasting appeal – they are as popular today as they were when they premiered. It is also vital to keep offering viewers something new, which has led us to experimenting with various genres, such as reality infotainment, which was very well-received,” Tripathi expresses.

    With all the changes in the industry it has been an exciting year for EPIC as well. “The enforcement of the new regulations has shown us that the love and loyalty for EPIC is everything that any brand or business can hope for. The response we have received from both distributors and cable operators has been heartening, to say the least."

    Even advertisers are taking to its shows. Regiment Diaries has been a favourite since it launched, but Lost Recipes Season 2 made its own mark this year. The response was exceptional. "We had a host of brands excited about coming on board with EPIC IQ Panga, a digital property we launched along with EPIC IQ Challenge, that gave advertisers a chance to interact directly with the audience. At the same time, we have advertisers equally willing to associate with our legacy content."

    Challenges

    EPIC is unique in the infotainment genre with its focus on India-centric content and its commitment towards telling stories from India. The channel has a library of premium, Hindi-language Indian content that has been built with great passion and put together along with the right mix of talent, technology and story, backed by credible research which remains the key to creating great content. “With content from the world at your fingertips, the audience is far more demanding than previously on production and entertainment values.

    Content Strategies

    For content, the channel gives special attention to timelessness. The expertise of the channel lies in creating content that stays relevant and with the latest technology so that it remains fresh and current over time. Tripathi says, “We emphasise on storytelling to have several layers to it, that makes for great repeat watching value and give viewers a new takeaway every time they see it. We believe this, along with being made in the native language of the viewers makes for content that resonates across age groups and also remains viable for the channel.” 

    He also informed that the channel will curate content across genres to showcasing the country’s past and present with a unique touch of entertainment and fun. "This year, we experimented with a quiz show and found that audiences are truly open to eclectic content. Going forward, we are planning to come out with more shows about nature and wildlife, which have their own dedicated viewers, and so their own ROI."

    Plans for 2020

    Viewers can look forward to a new season of Regiment Diaries coming out very soon. The channel is also looking at bringing the second season of EPIC IQ Challenge in 2020, with new editions of EPIC IQ Panga. “Also, keep an eye out for some very unique wildlife content. We are also developing some concepts that have never been attempted before in the infotainment space. Interesting times ahead, and watch this space for announcements,” says Tripathi.

    He further says, “We aim to further diversify our offerings, make meaningful collaborations, like the recent one with Amar Chitra Katha, and also allow for more touch-points for our content, especially through interactivity in-sync with our OTT Platform – EPIC On.”

  • DocuBay brings digital content to TV screens with CloudWalker

    DocuBay brings digital content to TV screens with CloudWalker

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the global premium membership video-on-demand platform by IN10 Media Network has joined hands with leading online Smart TV brand CloudWalker. With CloudWalker’s focus on making popular digital content accessible on big screen for the Indian audience with its Smart Screens and Smart TVs, the partnership will enable the CloudWalker users access to DocuBay’s premium library, comprising of high-definition and 4K documentary features across several genres.

    DocuBay is the only documentaries specific platform available on CloudWalker 4K LED SMART SCREEN / TV, adding to CloudWalker’s existing content offering across movies, TV shows, Music, Kids shows, popular videos & many more. Through this partnership, DocuBay gets a chance to engage with new sets of audiences and enhance its network among the Smart TV user community.

    CloudWalker users can watch DocuBay’s varied selection of international documentaries, sourced from more than 80 countries, spanning a variety of categories. DocuBay’s intuitive interface makes the discovery of films that suit each member’s preferences easy, through specially-curated categories called ‘Bays’ – Nature, Adventure, Travel, Culture, Science, Biography, and more, in addition to PoliticsBay, along with short snackable clips called DocuBytes for viewing on-the-go. The documentary features encompass diverse human experiences and opinions, varying perspectives and narratives, without boundaries of language, race, geography, or nationality.

    DocuBay is available all over the world, on the web, smartphones, and smart TV apps.

    Commenting on the partnership, DocuBay COO Akul Tripathi said, “We are confident that Smart TV audiences will be significant contributors to the ever-booming content streaming industry, especially for a platform like DocuBay where watching documentary features on the big screen, is a much enhanced experience, especially in 4K. This partnership is consistent with our vision of building a highly engaged community of documentary lovers.”

    CloudWalker president Jagdish Rajpurohit said “With digital content being the crux of today’s smart entertainment consumption amongst the Indian audience, we’re glad to introduce DocuBay’s unique and vast collection of documentaries for our users to stream on the big screen. With Content discovery and curation platform built-in CloudWalker Smart Screens/Smart TVs, bringing thousands of hours of global entertainment across Movies, TV shows, Documentaries, Music, Kids Shows & more for the users, our association with DocuBay is surely going to add more value to the content offering and delight the users.”

  • DocuBay partners with smart TV solutions provider Zeasn

    DocuBay partners with smart TV solutions provider Zeasn

    MUMBAI: DocuBay, the premium global documentary platform by IN10 Media, has announced a significant strategic alliance with Zeasn, a global leader in home digital entertainment services for Smart TV solutions. The partnership will make DocuBay available on millions of Zeasn-powered devices across Europe, South America, Middle East, and East & South Asia starting mid-December. Users will get easy access to DocuBay’s premium library, comprised of high-definition and 4K documentary features across genres.

    Through this collaboration, DocuBay’s extensive catalogue of documentaries will be deep-linked and video thumbnails will be made available to Zeasn’s millions of users across a wide range of Smart TV devices. Users will have access to DocuBay’s exciting features, including thematic curated “Bays” such as NatureBay, ActionBay, TravelBay, CultureBay, ScienceBay, and SportsBay.

    Commenting on the alliance, DocuBay COO Akul Tripathi said, “Through this strategic alliance with Zeasn, DocuBay continues to strengthen its global reach enabling entirely new audiences to discover DocuBay’s curated catalogue of premium, international documentary films. We are confident that this partnership will accelerate our efforts in important territories and advance OneTribe memberships across the globe.”

    Zeasn  chief executive officer Jason HE said, “Zeasn is striving through the Whale ECO platform to tighten Smart product and service with worldwide families, while DocuBay is focused on proving high qualified contents for devices, that mutual parties goals are better serving end TV users. This Partnership is highly complementation of the Whale ECO construction. With growing families’ content requirements, open contents and ecological cooperation is keeping with the service essence for users.”

  • SPI International and DocuBay announces content distribution partnership

    SPI International and DocuBay announces content distribution partnership

    MUMBAI: SPI International has announced a license agreement with DocuBay, the international membership VOD streaming service dedicated to premium documentary feature films. The license deal includes seven of SPI International’s visually groundbreaking and insightful premium titles such as Turandot, Small Cams – Big Beasts, Time Hopper, Eye to Eye with Everest: Death on a Mountain, Invisible Wildlife Photographer, Riders in the Land of the Setting Sun, and Rwanda 17. All films are now available to stream in 180+ countries on the DocuBay app and website.

    “SPI International brings together international documentaries of the highest quality with world-class partners. We deliver the award-winning, premium documentaries that our global audience expects from us, every day,” said SPI International content sales head Hubert Ornass-Kubacki. “It is very exciting to share that our first distribution agreement with DocuBay includes seven of our best documentaries and that both parties are eager to keep growing this partnership for many years to come” continued Ornass-Kubacki.

    “SPI International’s tremendous catalogue of exceptional content is right in line with DocuBay’s mission of providing viewers with the best in independent feature documentary films,” said DocuBay COO Akul Tripathi. “With DocuBay now available to a global audience, we look forward to growing our community of documentary film fans through strategic partnerships with premium content distributors such as SPI International” continued Tripathi.  

  • EPIC Channel brings exceptional stories of real India with ‘EPIC Specials’

    EPIC Channel brings exceptional stories of real India with ‘EPIC Specials’

    MUMBAI: EPIC Channel – India Ka Apna Infotainment, has revealed the line-up for ‘EPIC Specials’, its popular property that showcases extraordinary stories from India. The property will air stories every alternate Saturday, at 12:00 noon, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 10:00 PM.

    The line-up includes amongst others, The Pad Piper, that brings to light the story of the man synonymous with changing the face of menstrual hygiene for women across the country- Arunachalam Muruganantham, and A tent, a truck & talkies, which tells the tale of showman, exhibitor, and genius projector mechanic Anup Jagdale.

    The origins of yoga, and the Kumbh Mela will be explored in Naga, The Eternal Yogi, while Malegaon Ka Superman explores the no-budget film-making industry in Malegaon. EPIC Specials will also feature The Elephant Whisperer and Maya Memsaab that provides a peek into the elephant society in Kaziranga, Assam; and brings to light the unique relationship between man and animal. Also part of this impressive line-up is Rupa’s Boutique, which profiles the bravery and persistence of acid attack victims, and their never dying spirit.

    Some of the popular EPIC Specials, Jungle Ke Bahubali, Air Battle of Srinagar, Rampath, Nandadevi, Brands of India – Royal Enfield, Ekaant Sarhad Par, and Janani, will also continue to be part of the line-up.

    EPIC Channel Head – Content & Programming Akul Tripathi said, “Every little lane of our country is home to exceptional stories that have the potential to capture the nations imagination. EPIC has always aspired to be a platform for showcasing such little known gems, and the viewers response to EPIC Specials has enthused us to curate more such stories.”

  • Epic channel launches ‘Saamagri aur Sampatti’ – an animated mini- series that travels throuh india’s rich history of trade

    Epic channel launches ‘Saamagri aur Sampatti’ – an animated mini- series that travels throuh india’s rich history of trade

    MUMBAI: EPIC Channel launches a new weekly mini-series titled ‘Saamagri Aur Sampatti’ that will air 6th February onwards. The show is presented in a unique conversational format and employs animation to convey the interesting stories of how the trade of manycommodities shaped the world as we know it, and how India played a pivotal part in this process.

    Along with gems like yoga, chess and the number zero; India, since ancient times, also served as a conduit for the global spread of many commodities that we use today. For instance, the history of zinc mining in India goes back centuries, as does the cultivation of sesame, the first seed from which oil was extracted.

    EPIC has seen success with the animation format with its show ‘Kissa Currency Ka’, a mini- series that traced the journey of the ‘coins’ of the country and reflected the diverse cultures that inhabited the region. Continuing on the back of the encouraging response of the animated infotainment series, this new series will unfold over nine episodes and showcase the various commodities that found their way to the world through India; revealing the country’s legacy of trade and its global impact.

    Speaking on the launch of the new show, Akul Tripathi, Content and Programming Head of EPIC Channel said, “Making content at EPIC is always fun and a great learning curve. This series is a great starting point to how India, through its trade shaped world commerce, politics, and even world history.”