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Tag: Discovery Channel

  • From chocolates to toothpaste: Wavemaker’s Chintan Thakker switches lanes

    From chocolates to toothpaste: Wavemaker’s Chintan Thakker switches lanes

    MUMBAI: Chintan Thakker has traded sweet treats for dental care. The senior business director at Wavemaker India, who spent the past four years crafting campaigns for Mondelez’s snacking empire, is now leading the agency’s integrated marketing communications for Colgate.

    The move caps a 14-year career that began in social media analysis and meandered through entrepreneurship before landing Thakker in his current role. His time with Mondelez proved particularly fruitful: the campaigns he orchestrated earned India its first Cannes Titanium Lion and racked up over 300 national and international awards in just two and a half years.

    Thakker joined Wavemaker in May 2021 as director of innovation and integrated marketing communications, building a seven-person team and driving technology and content partnerships for Mondelez India. He was promoted to senior business director this month./

    His earlier ventures were less gilded. In 2015, Thakker co-founded twentythree, a boutique digital agency that worked with Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and TLC. He also launched Odd Giraffe Lifestyle, a women’s brand that folded after seven months in 2017—a failure he credits with sharpening his strategic instincts.

    Before striking out on his own, Thakker climbed the ranks at digital agencies Gozoop and EveryMedia Tech, managing social media for brands including Hyundai, PepsiCo and Bollywood studios. He started his career in 2011 as a video editor and reporter at Fuzion Productions.

    The Colgate account marks fresh territory for Thakker, who has spent recent years immersed in the language of indulgence. Now he must master the vocabulary of oral hygiene.

  • Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    Oppo zooms in on culture with second edition of Lumo Photography Awards

    MUMBAI: Oppo India is turning up the shutter speed with the launch of the second edition of its Lumo Photography Awards, themed ‘Super Every Moment’ – a celebration of the extraordinary hidden in the everyday.

    Formerly known as the Imagine IF Awards, the rebranded Lumo marks Oppo’s sharpened focus on mobile imaging and storytelling that snaps beyond selfies. The 2025 edition adds cultural spice to the mix, thanks to a new partnership with Discovery Channel and the launch of a fresh category: Super Culture Moment.

    Oppo India head of product & digital marketing Sushant Vashistha said, “LUMO is our ode to creativity – a platform where every image tells a story, and every story becomes a moment of magic. The first edition, Imagine IF, received thousands of stunning submissions from across India. It laid the foundation for this year’s competition, powered by LUMO. This season, we aim to celebrate not just the outcome but the creative journey behind every powerful visual, powered by OPPO’s imaging technology.”

    Entrants are encouraged to capture India’s kaleidoscopic cultural tapestry using Oppo’s imaging tech. And the stakes are high – judging the entries are Joseph Radhik, India’s celebrity wedding lensman, and Vikram Channa, vp at Warner Bros Discovery and content lead for Southeast Asia.

    Commenting on the initiative, Joseph Radhik said, “As a photographer, I constantly strive to push creative boundaries and inspire others to do the same. The OPPO India Photography Awards 2025 represent a bold step in celebrating imagination and innovation in mobile photography. I urge young creators to capture the extraordinary, imagine the impossible, and leave behind a legacy of inspiration.”

    The contest is open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, with entries accepted across nine categories: Super Snap, Youth, Live, Me, Vibe, Story, Connection, Culture, and Environs. Each photo must be accompanied by a 60–150-word description that unpacks the story behind the shot.

    In Round 1, the jury will shortlist 50 finalists. Round 2 turns up the heat, with finalists tackling a creative challenge using the Oppo Find X8 Pro. Winners will be picked based on originality, impact, and narrative flair.

    Warner Bros Discovery VP and editorial chief for content production for South East Asia, Vikram Channa commented, “At Discovery Channel, storytelling is central to our work. Our collaboration with OPPO India supports our mission to highlight diverse cultures. The ‘Super Culture Moment’ category encourages creators to capture and celebrate India’s cultural heritage using OPPO’s advanced technology.”

    Oppo’s global photography contest has already seen over 7 lakh entries from 51 countries since its 2023 debut. In India alone, the 2024 edition drew more than 34,000 entries. The 2025 chapter is poised to go bolder, brighter — and definitely more desi.

  • Shikhar Dhawan conquers the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Shikhar Dhawan conquers the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Mumbai: The latest episode of Star vs Food Survival S2 features cricket icon Shikhar Dhawan alongside chef Ranveer Brar as they tackle the rugged terrains of Himachal Pradesh.

    Aired on 4 November 2024 on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, the episode tests their survival skills and explores Dhawan’s personal side, revealing his love for poetry alongside his cricket warrior spirit, symbolized by his famous thigh-pat celebration.

    The weekly series not only showcases stars cooking but also facing survival challenges in wilderness settings. Upcoming episodes will feature stars like Kartik Aaryan, Munawar Faruqui, and Shriya Saran as they take on challenges in locations across India, from Maharashtra’s Western Ghats to the jungles of Meghalaya and the Himalayas.

    Shikhar stated, “Being a part of Star vs Food Survival S2 was an enriching and thrilling experience for me. Working alongside Chef Ranveer Brar, I was able to push myself out of my comfort zone in ways I never imagined. Not only was it a test of endurance, but it also deepened my appreciation for food. Chef Brar’s incredible knowledge on food opened my eyes to new ways of thinking about what we eat, and I’ve learned a lot from this journey. It’s been an adventure I’ll always cherish.”

    The episode explored deeper conversations about life and personal growth. Shikhar talked about fatherhood, reflected on his career, and how he looks at his illustrious 15-year-long career from a new perspective, from the outside.

    Ranveer stated, “Every adventure teaches you something new, and Star vs Food Survival Season 2 was no different. Cooking in the wild with someone like Shikhar, known for his fierce ‘Gabbar’ mindset on the cricket field, was a unique experience. His resilience and adaptability, both as a cricketer and a person, really shone through. It was amazing to see how he brought that same determination to our journey in the wild.”

    Ranveer and Shikhar’s expedition was more than a survival challenge; it was a heartfelt journey exploring personal growth, resilience and the beauty of life’s varied paths. But did they conquer the obstacles that nature threw their way and completed their culinary quest?

  • Kartik Aaryan & Ranveer Brar face the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Kartik Aaryan & Ranveer Brar face the wild in Star vs Food Survival season two

    Mumbai: Star vs Food Survival returns for season two on 28 October at 9 pm on discovery+ and Discovery Channel. Chef Ranveer Brar challenges stars like Kartik Aaryan in Maharashtra’s western ghats, Shikhar Dhawan in Himachal Pradesh, Shriya Saran in the Himalayan foothills, and Munawar Faruqui in Meghalaya’s Mawsynram jungle. This season, they face survival challenges along with cooking.

    In a unique twist, Kartik and Ranveer start by escaping from a locked box. Kartik confronts his fear of water while rappelling into a well and uses his engineering skills to navigate north, revealing his survival instincts. The show also revisits Kartik’s college cooking days and his iconic Pyaar Ka Punchnama monologue, adding a touch of nostalgia to the adventure.

    Aaryan stated, “Stepping into the wild for Star vs Food Survival season 2 was unlike anything I have done before. From diving into a well despite my fear of water to navigating through the wilderness using survival instincts I didn’t know I had, it was an unforgettable experience. But what made it truly special was doing it alongside Ranveer. We shared some nerve-wracking moments together, and some fun ones too; especially while cooking or reflecting on life and the industry. It was an adventure in every sense!”

    Brar said, “Shooting this season of Star vs Food Survival was a wild ride like no other. Kartik was an incredible companion, and the bond we formed over survival challenges, cooking, and deep conversations were truly unique. We pushed each other out of our comfort zones, and while there were tense moments, there was also a lot of laughter, especially when we joked about my “Brar Grylls” alter ego. It’s not every day you get to share such an adventure with someone who brings both energy and heart to the table”.

    As the duo tackles challenges, their bond deepens, bringing both survival skills and meaningful conversations about personal growth to the forefront. Will they complete the challenge? Find out as Star vs Food Survival combines intense moments with thoughtful exchanges in the season’s gripping start.

  • Warner Bros Discovery unveils fresh content slate for South Asia

    Warner Bros Discovery unveils fresh content slate for South Asia

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery has revealed its content slate for India, expanding programming on discovery+ and its linear channels, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC. By year-end, it aims to deliver over 3,000 hours of fresh content, with a focus on Indian originals and global titles. DTamil will also feature top global content like Hollywood films and series dubbed in Tamil.

    A Warner Bros Discovery study, conducted by Ormax Media, identified key trends in non-fiction, including national pride, cultural preservation, and vicarious experiences, with strong interest in sub-genres like history, survival, wildlife, and food. Credibility emerged as a crucial factor due to declining trust in digital media, presenting television as a reliable alternative.

    Key releases include Secrets of the Buddha Relics on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, hosted by Manoj Bajpayee and created by Neeraj Pandey. Another show, Reality Ranis of the Jungle, premiered on 23 September, hosted by Varun Sood, and features 12 reality stars in an off-grid jungle adventure.

    Upcoming shows include Mystery Hunter with Rannvijay Singha, Star vs Food Survival season two with Kartik Aaryan, Shikhar Dhawan, and others, and the sequel Legends of Shiva, set for early 2025. Cult will also return with its second season following My Daughter Joined A Cult.

    Expressing his excitement, Warner Bros Discovery, South Asia, head of factual & lifestyle cluster – Sai Abishek remarked, “As the category leaders in the non-fiction content genre, our focus on enhancing viewer engagement and expanding our content offering is paramount. The newly announced India originals and our strategic programming across both linear and streaming platforms are a testament to our commitment to creating cross-platform experiences. The recent revamp of DTamil underscores our focus on bringing the best of global content in regional languages to Tamil audiences. We will continue to bolster our content library and deliver strong and compelling stories that reflect the interests of the Indian viewer and create value across India and South Asia.”

    Warner Bros Discovery is rolling out a new content strategy with curated offerings for the festive season across its platforms. discovery+ will feature Chris Brown: A History of Violence (31 Oct) and Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking (Dec ’25), as well as BBC shows like Dynasties S2 (18 Nov) and Frozen Planet II (Jan ’25, TBC).

    Discovery Channel will introduce five new series, including Bear Grylls’ Jesus: Refugee and Expedition Unknown S9 with Josh Gates, plus new seasons of Naked & Afraid. Local originals like Star vs. Food Survival will also be featured.

    Animal Planet will offer 100-plus hours of new programming, including Deadly Strike, Snake Dynasty, and the year-end special 50 Days: 50 Tales. TLC will air over 100 hours of fresh content, including Halloween, Diwali, and Christmas specials, along with 100 Day Dream Home and Forbidden Love.

    Discovery Science will focus on medical science with shows like Dr Pimple Popper and Dinosaur with Stephen Fry. Discovery Turbo will release two new shows monthly, including Custom Carolina and Roadkill Garage. Investigation Discovery will spotlight relationship crimes with Mother, May I Murder? and Married to Evil.

    This content strategy aims to expand viewership, offering global content in India and original stories that reflect historical and cultural narratives.

  • Warner Bros Discovery announces Reality Ranis of The Jungle

    Warner Bros Discovery announces Reality Ranis of The Jungle

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery has unveiled the promo for Reality Ranis of the Jungle, a survival adventure reality show. Premiering on 23 September, the 10-episode series will feature an all-female cast of twelve reality stars trading their luxurious lifestyles for an ‘off-grid’ adventure in the jungle. Hosted by Varun Sood, the show will air on Discovery Channel and the OTT platform discovery+. The show will feature a diverse lineup of popular reality stars, including models, entrepreneurs, and police officers, showcasing well-known names like Pavitra Punia, Eksha Kerung, Bebika Dhurve, and Anjali Schmuck making their debut together in this exhilarating survival-adventure series.

    Talking about the show, Warner Bros Discovery, South Asia head of factual lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek said, “As the category leader in the non-fiction content segment, we know our audiences have a strong appetite for adventure reality shows. Our fans trust us for authentic and thrilling experiences, and we are excited to elevate this connection with ‘Reality Ranis of the Jungle.’ By challenging twelve popular reality stars from all walks of life in wild terrains, we are pushing them out of their comfort zones and testing their survival skills in an exhilarating way.”

    The Reality Queens of the Jungle format is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros International Television Production.

  • Dive into ‘The Last Secrets of Humankind’ in Ancient Asia

    Dive into ‘The Last Secrets of Humankind’ in Ancient Asia

    Mumbai: Dive into the mysteries of prehistoric Asia with ‘The Last Secrets of Humankind’, which premieres on discovery+ and airing Mondays on Discovery Channel on 24 June 2024. This docu-drama offers a rare and insightful glimpse into the Asian jungle and the relationship of human ancestors with nature. The 90-minute, two-part docu-drama is set to captivate Indian audiences with Hindi narration by renowned actor Nawazuddin Siddique and Tamil narration in the invigorating voice of popular actor Ashok Selvan.

    Expressing his excitement, Nawazuddin Siddique, remarked, ‘Narrating ‘The Last Secrets of Humankind’ has been a deeply enriching experience, delving into the depths of Asia’s ancient origins and bringing this story to life through my narration. It was an incredible opportunity to highlight the latest scientific discoveries in Asian prehistory, still unknown to the wider public, and to unravel the extraordinary tapestry of this era, revealing secrets that redefine our understanding of human history.”

    A Franco-Chinese co-production supported by UNESCO, the show highlights spectacular scientific discoveries from nearly 800,000 years ago. Directed by Jacques Malaterre, renowned for the acclaimed A Species Odyssey, and featuring the final work of esteemed paleontologist Yves Coppens, this docu-drama recreates the Zhoukoudian fauna using state-of-the-art CGI and 3D production.

    Ashok Selvan added, “I am excited about my role in ‘The Last Secrets of Humankind,’ a project that delves into the captivating history of our ancestors. It’s incredibly rewarding to see this docuseries reach Tamil-speaking audiences through its translation. Narrating this journey in Tamil has been a truly enriching experience for me, and I’m honored to play a part in bringing this fascinating story to life.

    Shot by an all-Chinese crew, this series unearths stories from East Asia based on the latest scientific discoveries with dramatized recreations.

    Don’t miss the premiere of “The Last Secrets of Humankind” as discovery+ and Discovery Channel takes you on a captivating journey through ancient history on 24 June 2024.

  • ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand’ premieres on 9 June on Discovery Channel!

    ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand’ premieres on 9 June on Discovery Channel!

    Mumbai: The gripping discovery+ original series “Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem Amroha Hatyakand” is set to premiere on Discovery Channel starting 9 June 2024 every Sunday at 10 pm. This hard-hitting investigative documentary delves into the notorious Amroha murder case of 2008, unraveling the chilling events that shocked India. Through a detailed exploration of the brutal crime, the series examines the deadly combination of revenge, jealousy, and greed. Viewers will witness the shocking story of Shabnam, a teacher, who, along with her lover Saleem, orchestrated the murder of seven members of her own family.

    ‘Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand offers an in-depth look at the darker side of human emotions and the devastating consequences that follow. The docu-series offers a window into the police’s investigation process. Through interviews with former officials, it sheds light on their method of empathizing with Shabnam’s perspective to grasp the events of the tragic night.

    Don’t miss “Love Kills: Shabnam Aur Saleem – Amroha Hatyakand” on Discovery Channel to witness a true story of a deadly affair and a shocking murder. Catch the first episode on Sunday, 9 June at 10 pm. The show is also available for streaming on discovery+.

  • I Survived Bear Grylls series premieres on discovery+ & Discovery Channel on 3 June

    I Survived Bear Grylls series premieres on discovery+ & Discovery Channel on 3 June

    Mumbai: Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure as Warner Bros. Discovery premieres I Survived Bear Grylls on 3 June on discovery+ and Discovery Channel at 8 PM IST. This thrilling new series merges the excitement of survival and game show genres, offering viewers a unique blend of education and entertainment.

    Hosted by legendary survivalist Bear Grylls and comedian Jordan Conley, this series features eight stand-alone episodes, each presenting a fresh set of contestants who face specially designed games that elevate Bear’s most iconic adventures. Known for his daring rescues and survival prowess, Bear Grylls shifts his focus from self-preservation to challenging America’s armchair adventurers.

    In each episode, contestants are pushed to their limits with wilderness-simulated challenges that test their smarts, physical endurance, and adaptability. From navigating treacherous terrains to consuming some truly gnarly survival food, participants must do whatever it takes to survive and emerge victorious.

    I Survived Bear Grylls highlights the tenacity and resourcefulness needed to overcome the odds in the wilderness. Each episode offers a blend of discovery, education, and adventure, ensuring viewers are both entertained and enlightened.

    Don’t miss the premiere of I Survived Bear Grylls as Bear Grylls takes you on this captivating journey into the wild on June 3rd on Discovery Channel & discovery+

  • Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Mumbai: Soudah Development and Warner Bros. Discovery International signed a one-year partnership agreement to promote and celebrate the distinctive nature, culture, and heritage of Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa, a region situated in southwest Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will focus on raising awareness of Soudah Peaks – an upcoming luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level, on the highest peak in Saudi Arabia – and showcase its unparalleled beauty and diversity to a global audience.

    The partnership agreement entails the production of three short-form documentaries that will highlight Soudah’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, architectural aesthetics, local community and its wide range of unparalleled offerings including historical sites and monuments.

    These short forms will be airing this summer across Europe, US, Middle East, Africa, and India on WBD’s TV channels Discovery Channel, Travel Channel and Eurosport 1 and 2. Additionally, the short forms will air on digital across Discovery Youtube channel, on VOX MEDIA’s social networks and Discovery Channel Weibo in China.

    Soudah Development CEO Eng Saleh Aloraini commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Warner Bros. Discovery to unveil the exceptional beauty and cultural significance of the Soudah region, along with the Saudi Arabia, on a global scale. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our endeavor to position Soudah as a unique luxury mountain tourism destination, and we are confident that it will captivate travelers from around the world.”

    The Soudah region is home to a variety of fauna and flora, varied topography, and unique agricultural practices such as beekeeping, all of which will be highlighted in the content produced.

    Warner Bros Discovery, sports & lifestyle international brand partnerships head Mike Rich said: “Partnering with Soudah Development presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the unique appeal of the Soudah region through our influential media platforms. We are thrilled to bring captivating stories of Soudah’s natural wonders and cultural heritage to our viewers. We eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration ahead.”