Tag: History TV18

  • History TV18 to premiere ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’ S6 on Nov 18

    History TV18 to premiere ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’ S6 on Nov 18

    MUMBAI: HistoryTV18 presents the sixth season of India’s most successful and longest-running factual entertainment series, ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India.’ Premiering on 18th November, this season will have 10 episodes, airing every Monday at 8 PM. The new season builds on the wonder and magic of earlier seasons, celebrating India, where history is made every day by ordinary Indians doing extraordinary things. Viewers will be enthralled by what the show serves up — curiosities, talent, amazing facts and modern-day wonders, in all their diversity. From a 13-year old Indian piano prodigy, India’s tallest policeman, and AI-enabled robotic teachers.

    Comedian and Actor, Krushna Abhishek returns with his unique brand of wit and humour, as the show’s ever-popular presenter. An excited Krushna Abhishek says, “I feel blessed to be a part of the sixth season of ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’. It’s my favourite show to watch, and even after five seasons, I am awe-struck at every story we put together. We live in a beautiful country, but its real gems are truly its amazing people! I thank HistoryTV18 for the opportunity to be a part of telling these inspirational stories.”

    The first five seasons of the popular series have seen great success on TV as well as on social media and online platforms, engaging viewers and generating billions of impressions, consistently. Over the last four years, stories featured on the show have gone beyond entertainment, breaking new ground and shining a light on India’s history as well as modern innovations. The stories aired have made a real impact and even inspired filmmakers around the country. Over the years, people featured on the show have been recognised and widely celebrated for their talents and contributions. Some have even received prestigious national awards. This sixth season of ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’ aims to be bigger and bolder, showcasing more jaw-dropping wonders and unsung heroes, from across the length and breadth of the country.

    Avinash Kaul, MD A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO Network18 said, “We are delighted to present the sixth season of ‘OMG! Yeh Mera India’. This genre-defining series is one of the most successful locally produced factual-entertainment franchises in the country, and we feel privileged to be the platform to showcase these fantastic feats of Indians from every corner of the country. With this season, HistoryTV18 continues to live up to its promise to entertain and engage, inform and inspire our viewers with great, content.”

    The show was launched in an OMG event on-board the cruise ship Karnika, managed by Jalesh Cruises in Mumbai. Speaking at the occasion, Jurgen Bailom, CEO Jalesh Cruises said, “These are truly inspirational stories. We are happy to be associated with HistoryTV18, and be a part of the OMG journey of such a popular series.”

  • HISTORY TV18 shines the spotlight on ancient Ujjain and its Lord, in ‘Mahakaleshwar- Legends of Shiva’

    HISTORY TV18 shines the spotlight on ancient Ujjain and its Lord, in ‘Mahakaleshwar- Legends of Shiva’

    India: Ujjain – an ancient city in the heart of India-is a place where history and mythology converge. It was once the capital of a great kingdom that sought to unravel the mysteries of time and space. Today, its cultural and religious epicenter is the temple of Shiva’s most powerful manifestation – Mahakaleshwar, Lord of Time. The modern city – fifth largest in Madhya Pradesh – still has an elemental connection with its past. Along with legends and oral histories passed down generations, Ujjain or Ujjaini was known to be an important centre of scientific discourse and the measurement of time. It is said that the temple of Mahakaleshwar is situated at the point where the ancient Indian Prime Meridian and the Tropic of Cancer once intersected. In fact, Ujjain still has a functioning Jantar Mantar, one of four ancient Indian observatories and sundials, used for making astronomical calculations and measuring time. The city’s connection to the concept of time continues. The Hindu calendar era, Vikram Samvat is still in use. It is named after Vikramaditya – the legendary king of Ujjain. These and other fascinating facets of Ujjain, its presiding deity, the faith and festivity Shiva inspires, come together as a compelling story in ‘Mahakaleshwar- Legends of Shiva’ premiering Thursday, 5th September at 8pm on HISTORY TV18.

    The site of Mahakaleshwar Temple is believed to be the most important of the twelve ‘Jyotirlingas’, where Shiva appeared as an endless column of light. Today, it draws lakhs of devotees from all over the country, especially during Mahashivaratri – the festival celebrating the union of Shiva and goddess ‘Parvati’. It’s a time for faith, fanfare and unfettered festive fervor. The documentary follows life in the city and the temple, leading up to the celebrations. With unprecedented access and scholarly insights, the documentary pulls back the layers, to uncover the hidden meanings, symbolism and significance of rituals, practices and beliefs. It provides an opportunity for viewers to experience colour, culture and tradition formed over millennia- a unique aspect of India’s heritage.

    Like their city, the characters in the film also straddle tradition and modernity. Whether ascetic Aghori or cool millennial, they are at ease with life in modern times yet bound bybelief and devotion. Twenty-year-old Mansi is abiker and horse-riding enthusiast. She also regularly fasts for her beloved Shiva. Quirky costume collector, affectionately called “Muskurake”,is a school principal for whom Mahashivratri is the highlight of the year. For Ujjain’s award-winning Nagada Samrath, regular urban life is never at odds with his passion for creating Mahakaleshwar’s instrument of choice – the ‘Damru’. And for Aghori Baba Bam Bam Nath, devotion to Mahakaleshwar – the Lord of Time, transcends time itself.

    Avinash Kaul, MD A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO Network18"At HISTORY TV18 we've always put forth best-in-class content that’s riveting, contemporary, and most of all relevant for our viewers. ‘Mahakaleshwar- Legends of Shiva’ is truly a one-of its kind documentary which celebrates the spirit of India with all its ancient wisdom and tradition coexisting beautifully with youth and modernity.”

    Watch the premiere of ‘Mahakaleshwar- Legends of Shiva’ on   5th September, 8 PM only on HISTORY TV18.

  • HISTORY TV18’s tribute to the Greatest Logistical Exercise in the world

    HISTORY TV18’s tribute to the Greatest Logistical Exercise in the world

    MUMBAI: HISTORY TV18 is all set to premiere its much-awaited documentary – ‘India Inked: History’s Biggest Election’, on 7th August at 9 PM. Created in an association with the Election Commission of India, the documentary is a tribute to the faceless millions, who participate in India’s incredible democratic exercise.

    The filmshines the light on what happens in a general election beyond the frenzied political reportage, rallies, rhetoric, machinations and manifestos. It delves deep into how the election machinery works in the world’s largest democracy. Itreveals what takes place behind the scenes – from the preparations that begin well in advance, through voter outreach, monitoring, voting,all the way to counting day and the declaration of results. The documentary steps back in time to provide a glimpse into India’s electoral history, showcased with compelling archival images. From the very first votes cast by paper ballots in 1951-52, to the electronic voting machines of today, the documentary highlights how Indian elections have kept pace with changing times.

    ‘India Inked: History’s Biggest Election’is an account of the unsung heroes of Indian democracy: election officials, security forces, volunteers, and administrative workers. A staggering 14 million people from all parts of the country came together to deliver a record-setting election. This is their story.HISTORYTV18’s crewsfollowed polling teams to remote and potentially dangerous locations to document first-hand,how polling stations are set up and voting is made possible across the country.At the other end of the spectrum, the narrative seamlessly follows voters across communities, ages, locations and social strata. It sees the right to vote through their eyes. Whether it’s an inspiring 108-year-old voterin a remote Himalayan constituencyor a seemingly indifferent first-time voter in South Delhi,the “inked finger” is a symbol of empowerment and represents an affirmation of faith in the fundamentals of democracy. The film also captures how Indian Elections reinforce inclusivity and what that means to traditionally marginalized communities. The endearing human stories include that of a corpse-burner in Varanasi and people of the third gender, who’ve received special focus this election.Rich in facts and details, the programme features top election officials, administrators, polling teams, performers, social media experts and voters.

    Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner of India, says “India’s General Election 2019, was the largest democratic exercise in history, with staggering statistics and daunting logistic needs. It is an example for the rest of the world in how to conduct free and fair polls. The EC’s teams, both permanent and those requisitioned for the specific purpose of conducting and overseeing the elections, have been exemplary in their service to the nation and to the fundamentals of democracy, as enshrined in India’s constitution.

    The Election Commission is happy to be associated with HISTORY TV18 in the creation of the documentary ‘INDIA INKED: HISTORY’S BIGGEST ELECTION’ that showcases what it takes to make it possible for the people of India to elect their parliamentary representatives. It is equally a testament to Indian voters, who turned out in the largest numbers ever, to cast their vote.”

    Avinash Kaul, Managing Director, A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO- Network18 added "With ‘India Inked: History’s Biggest Election’, HISTORY TV18 reaffirms its commitment to content that is contemporary, compelling, and informative. In showcasing all that is incredible about India, we tell stories of ordinary people achieving the extraordinary and making history in the process. We sincerely thank the Election Commission for its support and for providing special access to our teams in the creation of the show.”

    ‘India Inked: History’s Biggest Election’ will be telecast in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. It will be available in Standard and High Definition on all DTH and major cable TV service providers.

  • HISTORY TV18 unveils documentary on the Lok Sabha Election in association with the Election Commission

    HISTORY TV18 unveils documentary on the Lok Sabha Election in association with the Election Commission

    MUMBAI: HISTORY TV18 today announced the release of its original production,“India Inked:History’s Biggest Election”whichbrings to life,‘the making of’the world’slargest ever, democratic exercise.The documentaryshowcases incredible facts, facets and stories of the colossal event, as never-seen-before. The show premieres exclusively on HISTORY TV18 on 7th August 2019, at 9 PM.

    India Inked:History’s Biggest Electiongoes beyond politics, age, gender, religion and geography to bring forth diverse narratives of voters, as well as of the unsung heroes ofthe record-setting endeavour. The one-hour special takes viewers on a mission across the length and breadth of the country and reveals the efforts of the Election Commission,various institutions and individuals,who overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, to conduct a free and fair election.

    Sunil Arora, Chief Election Commissioner of India said, “India’s General Election 2019, was the largest democratic exercise in history, with staggering statistics and daunting logistic needs. It is an example for the rest of the world in how to conduct free and fair polls. The EC’s teams, both permanent and those requisitioned for the specific purpose of conducting and overseeing the elections, have been exemplary in their service to the nation and to the fundamentals of democracy, as enshrined in India’s constitution.

    The Election Commission is happy to be associated with HISTORY TV18 in the creation of the documentary ‘INDIA INKED: HISTORY’S BIGGEST ELECTION’ that showcases what it takes to make it possible for the people of India to elect their parliamentary representatives. It is equally a testament to Indian voters, who turned out in the largest numbers ever, to cast their vote.”

    Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO- Network18 added "With ‘India Inked: History’s Biggest Election’, HISTORY TV18 reaffirms its promiseof offering content that is contemporary, compellingand informative. We sincerely thank the Election Commission for providing special access to our teams in the creation of the show. The documentary also reasserts our core philosophy thathistory is made every day, by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”

  • On its 50th Anniversary, HISTORY TV18 unveils “Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes.”

    On its 50th Anniversary, HISTORY TV18 unveils “Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes.”

    MUMBAI: On the 50th anniversary of NASA’s most audacious achievement, "Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes" reveals the incredible true story of mankind’s greatest leap. “Moon Landing: The Lost Tapes” premieres 19th July, 10 PM exclusively on HISTORY TV18.

    On July 16, 1969, the world watched as the three Apollo 11 astronauts attempted the impossible: to ride a controlled explosion off Planet Earth, land on another celestial body and return home. As the nine-day mission proceeded, audio from mission control captured the drama as it unfolded— each moment revealing new dangers, new decisions and new wonders. For the first time on television, this documentary utilizes “lost tapes” of the astronauts, recorded before and after the mission, along with rare film and photos.

    The Americans were not the only ones trying for the moon in July of 1969…the Soviets were there, too. President Nixon had already prepared a eulogy for the possible death of the astronauts on their mission to the moon.

    The documentary reveals the doubts and fears of the astronauts as they stood on the brink of history.  The mission was nearly aborted twice, as the crew faced a mysterious alarm sounding in the spacecraft, and when fuel levels ran dangerously low.

  • Watch the Indian Army’s Legendary Warriors in Action in ‘61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors’

    Watch the Indian Army’s Legendary Warriors in Action in ‘61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors’

    MUMBAI: HISTORY TV18’s new documentary brings to life the mettle of India’s iconic horse warriors in battle and show cases the modern day avatar of the Indian cavalryman. The original production “61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors” premieres exclusively on HISTORY TV18 on 24th June’2019, at 9 PM

    On the bloodied battlefields of the First World War, Indian Lancers under the British flag fought German and Ottoman-Turkish forces in the Middle-East. Here, on September 23rd, in a daring cavalry charge during the Battle of Haifa, Indian Lancers liberated the strategic port-town, now in Israel. It was their finest hour. The documentary recreates the horseback action to dramatic effect, with facts and expert accounts of what transpired. The inspirational true story has been passed down generations of cavalrymen. The battle remains a glorious part of India’s military history and is commemorated in New Delhi’s Teen Murti Haifa Chowk, which has three life-size statues of Lancers from India’s Princely States. In 2018 Indian PM Narendra Modi and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu paid tribute at the landmark to honour the Indian soldiers.

    Over the years, the cavalry units of India’s erstwhile Princely States were amalgamated into an illustrious India Army regiment – the 61st Cavalry. Headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan, the 61st Cavalry today earns laurels for India in the field of equestrian sport. It takes intense and specialized training to turn new recruits into expert riders of the regiment. The documentary follows the intensive 32-week training that sawar-recruits undergo. The show also takes viewers to the Equine Breeding Stud (EBS), Babugarh for a behind-the-scenes look at how Army horses are bred and thereafter, how the colts are trained at Remount Training School, Hempur (Uttarakhand). Officers of the Cavalry provide insights into the techniques used to train both man and horse.

    The show ends on a high, with the grand commemoration parade and centenary celebrations of the Battle of Haifa, presided over by the Chief of Army Staff, Gen Bipin Rawat, who is also Colonel of the Regiment. Bearing the insignia of the double-headed eagle with pride, two hundred men on steeds gallop their way into the regimental grounds, to honour the heroism of their forebears.

    Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+E Networks | TV18 and Chief Executive Officer- Network18 said "61st Cavalry – India’s Horse Warriors is yet another example of our commitment to showcase inspiring stories of valour and sacrifice of our armed forces.  Shows such as these, with their new-age storytelling and stellar production values, have clearly established HISTORY TV18 as the leader in Factual Entertainment in India.”

  • History TV18 set to premiere new unscripted series ‘Road Hauks’

    History TV18 set to premiere new unscripted series ‘Road Hauks’

    MUMBAI:  History TV18 has planned to come up with a new unscripted series Road Hauks, taking the inspiration from American designs, which will be premiering on 23 February at 6 pm. The show follows the creation of custom off-road vehicles that pay homage to the past while maintaining a modern, rugged look.

    In the premiere episode, the crew transforms a 2007 Jeep Wrangler body into a World War II fighter plane-inspired off-road vehicle. Steering yokes, an aircraft aluminum body, and thousands of rivets help make this jeep look like a fighter jet with a build of a modern monster truck.

    Hauk began his business out of his parents’ garage and has grown the company into an off-road automotive shop. The team’s inspiration for vehicles has no limits. He executes his designs with the help of his team including lead mechanic Rick, lead fabricator Rob, mechanic Clint, operations manager Justin, technician Josh Moe, and his wife and part owner Vianna.

  • Celebrate a city’s unwavering faith with HISTORY TV18’s – ‘Mumbai – City Of Ganesha’

    Celebrate a city’s unwavering faith with HISTORY TV18’s – ‘Mumbai – City Of Ganesha’

    MUMBAI: ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’ is not just a familiar call that reverberates with drums and faith in Mumbai every festive season, but a powerful propeller that drives Mumbaikars from all walks of life. HISTORY TV18 will take you to a Mumbai celebrating its lord with MUMBAI CITY OF GANESHA on 28 Jan, 2019 on 9 PM.

    The exclusive film captures the mammoth scale and spread of Mumbai’s biggest ten day festival – Ganesh utsav. The processions through the streets of Mumbai on the final day of ‘Visarjan’ are the perfect representation of what Ganapati means to the city – how it draws people together, allows them to celebrate with abandon, regardless of caste, creed, age or background.

    Devdutt Pattanaik noted mythology expert delves into the legends around Ganesha and how he is represented in popular culture in the most versatile ways, as a relatable God, loved by all.

    This special also captures stars like Deepika Padukone and the Bachchans to icons like Sachin Tendulkar and some big business tycoons, all turning to India’s ‘smart mandir’ – Siddhivinayak. They all stand in front of the resident deity, Lord Ganesha – Mumbai’s favourite God – and bow their heads in hope and gratitude.

    Avinash Kaul, MD A+E Networks | TV18 and COO Network18 "At HISTORY TV18 we pull all stops to deliver world-class, clutter breaking, contemporary shows to our audiences and ‘Mumbai- City of Ganesha’ best exemplifies these efforts. I strongly believe that outstanding local productions like these add a new dimension to our programming and go a long way in establishing us as leaders in the factual genre in India.”

  • Watch the Super-sized Airplanes in ‘Extraordinary Flights’ Documentary on HISTORY TV18 This January

    Watch the Super-sized Airplanes in ‘Extraordinary Flights’ Documentary on HISTORY TV18 This January

    MUMBAI: Get set to hold your breath and skip your beat as HISTORY TV18 is airing the exclusive hour-long documentary ‘Extraordinary Flights’ that will show the monster aircraft's doing never-before seen heavy duty tasks in the most unbelievable way.

    If you thought that all the heavy transporting is done by roads, railways, marine then it’s time to get the insight of super-heavy transport that’s done by the especially designed extra-large cargo airplanes. From Dream liners to Beluga Whale, the viewer will get to see these extra-ordinarily marvelous ferry aircraft's moving large plane parts from its production facilities to its assembly lines, and sometimes even the most incredible or unusual goods like animals. Each cargo is different, and thus, each flight is unique and incomparable. Such over sized parts would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to fit into typical transport aircraft.

    The documentary ‘Extraordinary Flights’ that’s scheduled to be aired in January offers the viewers an opportunity to discover, the biggest, strongest and most atypical aircraft's in the world, who with a technical and technological approach do the impossible in the most incredible way. How are these flights conducted, how the heavy stuff is loaded and then off-loaded, and sometimes in the extreme conditions and terrains, these are few of the interesting details that you will get to witness this January.

  • Infotainment went the local way in 2018

    Infotainment went the local way in 2018

    MUMBAI: In 2018, the one common phenomenon that the whole television industry witnessed was the hijack and capture of part of its territory by OTT platforms wooing audiences with original content. That was the time when TV space woke up to secure its presence and fill in the gaps with localised content where it required the most. One of the genres that decided to focus on localising content was infotainment.

    There were days when only syndicated content was the staple of the broadcasters to survive in the market. The year 2018 finally saw their efforts paying off as viewers stayed glued to their TV screens. Original content broke all the walls by wanting the audiences to have more of it. However, the FICCI M&E report 2018 estimated  that BARC’s enhanced rural panel weightage would reduce the viewership of genres like infotainment. The factual genre occupies only about one per cent of total TV consumption.

    Players like Discovery, History TV18, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, Epic TV and Sony BBC Earth rolled up their sleeves with the intent to stay out of the box by offering self-produced content, keeping in mind the evolving taste buds of the Indian audiences. It is usually tricky to change audiences’ viewing habits when they have forever been fed with a plethora of syndicated content. But during the year, there came a time when Sony BBC Earth leapfrogged Discovery in terms of ratings, that was ruling the infotainment genre for almost a decade, within a year of its launch. The channel increased its market share from 22 per cent to 26 per cent in the six metro cities.

    It was a tough competition for both Sony BBC and Discovery channel that fought sportingly to win the battle and emerge as the dominant player in the market. Speaking about being on the leadership front, Discovery claimed to enjoy a 23 per cent market share in the All India Urban (2+) area.

    In an earlier interview, Sony Pictures Network English cluster business head Tushar Shah told Indiantelevision.com that the category which is supposed to be informative along with entertainment in it is missing the first half. But for Sony BBC Earth, the rise from the sixth position to the top has been quick. Sony BBC Earth stood at 5 per cent market share at launch and took up 22 per cent within a year backed by a strong distribution network, strategic content line-up and strong marketing innovations.

    One major move was the shift of Epic from a general entertainment channel (GEC) to infotainment. It proved to be a success as the channel’s market share scaled up from 3 per cent to 15 per cent. History TV18 also dived into serving local content.

    The genre wasn’t just about the hindi speaking market, in fact, it observed an upward arc due to regional support as well. Broadcasters found Tamil and Telugu as viable regional languages to launch into. Discovery and National Geographic channels are the only exceptions having Bengali language in their kitty. Epic TV is the only one with Hindi language. It is also the only channel that has all India-centric content while the rest of the players have a mix of syndicated content and home-grown shows. If you take into account Discovery Tamil, the channel's share of the pie grew by four per cent. That placed the Discovery network miles ahead of anyone else with a national market share of a massive 42 per cent.

    As far as Adex is concerned, the year 2017 led to a growth of 1.8 per cent, whereas it led to 1.9 per cent during FY18. Moreover the growth in the year FY17-18 was witnessed to be 2.38 per cent and the lifestyle genre dropped down to 2.24 per cent.

    While local content will continue to be a major part of broadcasters' move for 2019 as well, we can only wait and watch what new innovations will they launch to engage a larger section of the audience.