ITV

Tag: Rahul Johri

  • Discovery Science unravels mysteries of human behaviour in ‘Broken Minds’

    Discovery Science unravels mysteries of human behaviour in ‘Broken Minds’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science presents BROKEN MINDS, a fascinating new mystery series hosted by Dr. Reef Karim that will take viewers to the most baffling regions of human behaviour – where patients live in an alternate reality and doctors struggle to unlock the answers trapped deep inside their minds. The series will uncover these rare disorders and their impact on the day-to-day lives of their unfortunate victims.

     
    BROKEN MINDS premieres on 9th August, Sunday at 7pm on Discovery Science.

     
    From a man who is obsessed with cutting off his perfectly good left leg to a woman who awakes from a nap assuming she is 39 with a young daughter — but soon learns her daughter is an adult, she is 62, and the husband she was expecting has been replaced by a stranger, BROKEN MINDS explores the complicated and mysterious behaviours of the human brain.
     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager-South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan- Regional Ad Sales & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Science presents the most alluring subjects with in-depth analysis and perspectives. BROKEN MINDS will have medical professionals who will delve into the real cases and disorders.”

     

    Each episode will have a new case to study and examine, Dr. Reef Karim from the series will educate the viewers about the extreme human behaviour where the barrier between consciousness and chaos breaks down.

  • Discovery Channel to air Medical Miracle India

    Discovery Channel to air Medical Miracle India

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, in its new India production – Medical Miracle India, brings a fascinating story of scientific marvel and the triumph of hope. The one-hour programme follows the complexities and the real-life drama of a rare medical case by a team of Indian doctors of surgically separating conjoined twins.

     

    Medical Miracle India is a touching story of conjoined twins – Hasna and Hussaina, from the Badaru family in Nigeria. The programme chronicles the miseries and fear of the Badarus faced since the birth of their twins. After a long wait and rounds of consultations from local doctors, the Badarus were convinced that medical intervention to separate the twins was not possible in their own country. There were tremendous complexities involved in separating the twins, due to which the Badaru family was referred to BLK Specialty Hospital in New Delhi, India.

     

    In a foreign city, far from their homeland, the case of Badaru children was taken over by Indian surgeons, whose attempt was to surgically separate them. This was the twins’ only chance at life and a normal childhood. The question was – could they survive the hazardous medical procedure? After much tests and deliberations, in May 2013, a team of Indian doctors with diverse expertise collaborated to pull off one of the most complex successful surgeries in the world.  Discovery Channel’s Medical Miracle India, brings first-hand view of the tribulations, the process and the victorious journey to a healthy life for the children.

     

    Medical Miracle India will premiere on Sunday, 27 July at 9 pm on Discovery Channel.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Executive Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan- Regional Ad Sales & Southeast Asia, Rahul Johri, said “Discovery Channel, through its new engaging India programming, draws spotlight on the India’s scientific and technological advancements.  The new programme Medical Miracle India presents a rare and in-depth account of the skill, intensity and innovations in the field of surgery in the country.”

     

    Using first person accounts, interviews, surgery footage, 3D graphics and dramatic reconstructions, the programme tells an intriguing story of the victory of undying faith.  Follow the lives of Hasna and Hussaina Badaru from their first arrival at the BLK hospital as conjoined twins, to the time they celebrate their first birthday as two separate individuals.

  • TLC presents 20 new series this quater

    TLC presents 20 new series this quater

    MUMBAI: TLC, India’s leading lifestyle channel will present refreshing new themes with an exciting programme slate comprising of 20 dazzling series this quarter. Ranging from reality, travel, food to relationships, TLC will delight viewers with its innovate mix of series that will include Mama’s Boys of the Bronx, 90 Day Fiancé,  Gordan Ramsay’s Ultimate Home Cooking, The Incredible Spice Men, Bizarre Foods America with Andrew Zimmern, Surviving the In- Laws , Chuck’s Day Off amongst many others.

     

    Each of these new series will bring real life themes that will encompass relationships, wedding, surviving with the in-laws, bizarre food, spices and many more.  TLC is the ultimate destination that celebrates life with its distinct repertoire of programmes capturing every facet of lifestyle experience.

     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “TLC continues to expand the lifestyle definition by presenting fascinating and inimitable experiences to its viewers. This quarter, we will bring in a slew of new series that will showcase relationships with a twist, celebrated hosts and refreshed themes.”

     

    Showcasing relationships with a twist is MAMA’S BOYS OF THE BRONX.  The amusing series will follow the relationship that 5 boys share with their mothers. From cleaning their rooms, washing their clothes, preparing their favourite foods, to shopping for their groceries, these boys rely on their mothers for everything.

     

    Presenting wedding as a theme is the quirky series 90 DAY FIANCÉ. The series will share the romance and realities of international relationships. Using a unique 90-day fiancé visa, the K-1 visa, four women will travel to the U.S. to live with their overseas fiancés for the first time. The couples must marry before their visas expire in 90 days, or the visiting fiancées have to return home. SURVIVING THE IN-LAWS will feature hysterical and outrageous true stories about typical marriages.

     

    TLC continues to enthrall its viewers with unmatched cuisine based programmes. This quarter TLC brings back the iconic chef Gordan Ramsay in a never-seen before avatar in GORDAN RAMSAY’S ULTIMATE HOME COOKING. Starting with breakfast, each episode will follow a day in the life of the Ramsay household as Gordon cooks with his children and eats with the family – giving a rare glimpse of a Gordon we seldom see: relaxed, patient and having fun.

     

    The two acclaimed award winning chefs of Indian origin Tony Singh and Cyrus Tadiwala explore the British Isles and add their own spicy twist to the most classic and best-loved dishes in THE INCREDIBLE SPICE MEN.

  • Discovery Networks Asia Pacific sweeps the 10th Indo-American Trade Excellence awards

    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific sweeps the 10th Indo-American Trade Excellence awards

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has won three most coveted awards at the 10th Indo-American Trade Excellence (IATE) Awards, held in Mumbai.  Organised by The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) and co-hosted by US Consulate General, Mumbai, the IATE Awards celebrate trade excellence and recognise the best Indian companies in the US and the best US companies in India.

     

    Making a clean sweep, DNAP has been conferred with the top awards – Company of the Year (U.S. Company in India) and Operational Excellence in Media & Entertainment (U.S. Company in India).  Additionally, Rahul Johri, EVP and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has been awarded the Business Leader of the Year.

     

    In awarding DNAP, the distinguished jury recognised its contribution in enhancing television entertainment in India, portfolio growth, India commitment, differentiated content, leadership, localisation strategy, marketing innovations and overall popularity and reputation amongst all stakeholders.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & General Manager, South Asia, and Head Revenue- South East Asia, Pan-Regional Ad Sales, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “These prestigious awards validate the wide trust in Discovery brands in India and further strengthens our commitment to offer the highest quality entertainment. This distinct recognition by IACC is a testament of the ingenious innovation and the passion of Discovery teams in India and Asia.”

     

    Announcing the awards, Nanik Rupani, Regional President of The Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC), West India Council said, “Discovery has carved a distinct identity with an unmatched portfolio of channels in India.  On behalf of IACC, I would like to congratulate Rahul Johri for his vision and inspiring leadership in strengthening the Indo-US business relationship.”

     

    DNAP is credited with creating an unmatched portfolio of eleven unique brands, reaching over 240 million cumulative subscribers in India.  In the last ten years, the company has cemented its leadership in the non-fiction entertainment genre.

     

    The company has pioneered to build a dynamic portfolio in multiple genres: Animal Planet – a wildlife channel for family; TLC – a lifestyle channel for the young and aspiring Indians; Discovery Science – a 24-hour channel dedicated to science; Discovery Turbo – targeting youth, it features programmes on everything motored; Discovery HD World – a 24-hour high definition channel; and its first regional channel Discovery Channel Tamil catering to the Tamil speaking viewers.  In 2012, the company made its foray into kids’ learning and entertainment with the launch of Discovery Kids.

     

    DNAP has also announced launch of three new channels in 2014 – Investigation Discovery (ID) – its first Hindi entertainment channel; and two high definition channels – Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

  • Discovery Kids to air new season of ‘Sally Bollywood’

    Discovery Kids to air new season of ‘Sally Bollywood’

    MUMBAI: In its endeavor tobring enduring characters and compelling stories, Discovery Kids presents a brand new season of its popularseries SALLY BOLLYWOOD.  The series revolves around Sally Bollywood, a 12 year old young Indian girl who lives in the city of Cosmopolis. Little Sally is the smartest girl in school and knows how to solve a mystery because she’s learnt from her investigator dad Harry Bollywood. Watch SALLY BOLLYWOOD on July 1st, Monday to Saturday at 2pm only on Discovery Kids.

     

    SALLY BOLLYWOOD advocates the power of imaginative minds through solvingchallenging cases. A unique India offering, the series has a distinct Bollywood flair that willappeal to kids across the country.Packed with exciting escapades, Sally and her team set out to investigate and solve mysteriesthat unfold right in the heart of her school or neighbourhood.

     

    Inspired by her father, Harry Bollywood, who is a private detective, Sally started her own investigation service that is run with the assistance of her best friend and technology whiz, DoweeMcAdam. When she’s not helping her community out – whether it’s investigating how her classmate’s hair turned green or finding the culprit behind a tampered exhibit at the local museum – Sally loves to sing and dance in Bollywood style.

     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Kids offers differentiated content that strikes an instant chord with kids and parents alike. Sally Bollywood is one of kids’ favourite television characters that combineshumourand intelligence.”  

     

    Discovery Kids covers a variety of programming ranging from iconic global content to multiple India-themed series. Committed to offer a comprehensive viewing experience and cater to diverse demands of Indian kids, Discovery Kids programming formats include highest-quality animation and engaging live action series under multiple genres such as adventure, mythology, nature and science.

     

    Discovery Kids is available in Hindi, English and Tamil languages across India on both analogue and DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Reliance DTH, Airtel Digital and Videocon D2H.

  • Discovery Channel brings its first scripted series ‘Klondike’

    Discovery Channel brings its first scripted series ‘Klondike’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel presents its first scripted series KLONDIKE, which focuses on the Klondike gold rush in the 1890s and is based on Charlotte Gray’s book Gold Diggers: Striking It Rich in the Klondike.

     

    Featuring an all-star cast including Richard Madden (King of the North Robb Stark on Game of Thrones, A Promise), Abbie Cornish (RoboCop, Limitless), Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) and Sam Shepard (August: Osage County, Out Of The Furnace), KLONDIKE tells the powerful story of the last great Gold Rush in our history. This epic six hour series will air from June 23 to 28, every night at 10 PM.

     

    Based on Charlotte Gray’s book “Gold Diggers: Striking It Rich in the Klondike,” the six-part period drama brings to life the tale of seven strangers and their collective fight for survival and wealth in a small, frontier town in the remote Klondike. The journey begins in 1897 when two childhood best friends, Bill (Madden) and Epstein (Augustus Prew) make the perilous journey through the North American wilderness to Klondike boom town Dawson City, “The Paris of the North,” where neither law nor order prevailed.  In the untamed Yukon Territory during a period of outrageous lawlessness – murder, revenge, riches, violence and redemption awaited these two young, ambitious men who made the arduous, back-breaking journey to Dawson City.

     

    Commenting on the new series, Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & GM, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel continues to bring compelling stories that would be relatable to our audience.  Klondike transports viewers back to the tail end of 19th-century life, and is presented in a refreshing format to offer a contemporary appeal.”

     

    KLONDIKE is a man-versus-nature tale that places the characters in a land full of undiscovered wealth, but ravaged by harsh conditions, unpredictable weather and deceptive, dangerous individuals fueled by desperateness – including greedy businessmen, seductive courtesans and native tribes witnessing the destruction of their people and land by opportunistic entrepreneurs.

     

    Even danger and death could not stand in the way between the gold diggers and their opportunity to hit pay dirt.

     

    Starting June 23, KLONDIKE, airs Monday to Saturday at 10 PM, only on Discovery Channel.

  • We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: It was in February that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its regulation on the role of content aggregators and since then, several changes have taken place in the structure of the existing aggregators. While MediaPro decided to split post the regulation, good news is that aggregators IndiaCast UTV Media Distribution and TheOneAlliance are still standing strong in their respective joint ventures.

     

    Announcing the strong allegiance is the MSM Discovery (MSMD) joint venture TheOneAlliance which will continue to be the authorised sole and exclusive distribution agent for Multi Screen Media, Discovery Communications India and TV Today Network to various distribution platforms – Cable (both analogue and digital), DTH, HITS, IPTV and hotels and commercials establishments.

     

    “As per the TRAI regulation, we will now be the exclusive agents for MSM, Discovery and TV Today,” informs TheOneAlliance president Rajesh Kaul.

     

    While the distributor earlier had 28 channels in the bouquet, with Times Television Network (Times Now, ET Now, Movies Now and Zoom) moving out from the bouquet, to set up its independent distribution team, TheOneAlliance will now have 24 premium channels to distribute.

     

    “It was a mutual decision to part ways. We have a strong bouquet and we would like to concentrate on that,” adds Kaul.

     

    Apart from the current 24 channels distributed by MSMD, the network will be making heavy investments in the form of new channels such as Max 2 – a contemporary Hindi movie channel showcasing Indian cinema, Pix HD, AXN HD and a new entertainment channel from the MSM stable.

     

    “We have one of the most stable and dynamic distribution partnerships in the industry. Given the current strength and the aggressive future investment plans of our partners, TheOneAlliance will continue to excel as the powerful leader in the industry,” he says.

     

    TheOneAlliance’s plate seems to be very tempting with MSM acquiring premium sporting properties for its sports and entertainment channel, Sony Six. The channel currently broadcasts sporting events like NBA, UFC, TNA Wrestling and Australian Open tennis along with the Indian Premier League and is home of international football for the next five years with exclusive rights to telecasting the world’s largest sporting spectacle FIFA World Cup 2014 – Brasil & FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia along with UEFA EURO 2016.

     

    It is not just MSM that is launching new channels, but Discovery Communications India too is set to increase its channel offerings with: Investigation Discovery (ID), a suspense Hindi entertainment channel, TLC HD and Animal Planet HD. 

     

    Over the course of the next one year, both the networks are looking forward to launching new channels in both SD and HD across different genres. “We have huge plans of launching many more channels in different genres in the next one year. Our bouquet will only grow from strength to strength,” says Kaul.

     

    “We believe in nurturing and fostering positive and strong relationships with our partners which is mutually beneficial to both and we are happy to extend this partnership to the future also. We are very confident that TheOneAlliance is perfectly enabled to monetise the valuable and exclusive premium content that we produce and acquire,” MSM CEO N.P Singh said through a statement.

     

    Added Rahul Johri, EVP and general manager – south Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia, “Discovery has a very strong partnership with Sony and we are fully committed to TheOneAlliance. It is Discovery’s endeavour to provide the Indian viewers with the finest entertainment and TheOneAlliance will continue to distribute our eight current channels and our new launches across India.” 

     

    The 24 premium channels distributed by TheOneAlliance include: SET, Max, Max 2, Sab, Mix, Pix, Six, AXN, Animax, Aath, Discovery Channel, Discovery Channel Tamil, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Discovery HD World, Sony HD, Six HD, Pix HD, Headlines Today, Aaj Tak and Tez.

  • Discovery to launch three new channels

    Discovery to launch three new channels

    GOA: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has announced the launch of three new channels in India at the ongoing GoaFest. Widely recognised for enhancing the television viewing experience in India over the last two decades, Discovery will launch a refreshing new concept Hindi entertainment channel named ID – Investigation Discovery.

    One of the pioneers in high definition genre in India, the company will also expand its HD offering with the launch of two differentiated gold standard channels – TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

    The company’s expanded portfolio of 11 differentiated channels reflects India’s potential and resonates the core promise of digitisation in India.
     

    ID will be India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to offering compelling true stories of mystery, crime and suspense. The channel promises to ‘always reveal’ intriguing twists and turns that culminate into thrilling conclusions. Providing fascinating stories of human nature, the channel’s alluring series, in-depth specials and thought-provoking one-offs will challenge viewers’ perceptions and expand the Hindi entertainment genre.

    Rahul Johri executive vice president and general manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia said, “The launch of three new channels    ID, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World demonstrates Discovery’s commitment to entertain Indian viewers and offer high-quality and differentiated programming. ID is one of the great success stories in US cable and we are thrilled to present the impactful and entertaining investigative programming to viewers in India.” 
     

    “Steering the premium audience in the country, TLC HD World promises to celebrate every moment of life by offering the finest experiences from across the world. With its dedicated 24-hour programming, the channel will indulge the audience through its captivating content on destinations, personalities and trends underscoring its ‘live more’ promise,” stated the release.

     
    Offering the gold standard in high definition, Animal Planet HD World will bring alive the warm and intimate bond that exists between humans and animal kingdom. “Surprisingly Human, it will broadcast premiere content, scheduled as per Indian viewers’ preference with gripping on air packaging,” the release added.

    Discussing the growth potential of high definition in India, Johri said, “The launch of the two new high definition channels TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World has further extended Discovery’s leadership in the HD genre. Both the new networks, along with existing Discovery HD World, will enrich television viewing experience and satisfy the emerging demands of audience, advertisers and affiliates.”

     Discovery’s existing portfolio in India includes eight channels: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Tamil, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World.

  • TLC presents food series ‘Heston’s Fantastical Food’

    TLC presents food series ‘Heston’s Fantastical Food’

    MUMBAI: Join the imaginary world of culinary alchemist Heston as he will create amazing supersized versions of meals and treats, bringing back the wonder and excitement of childhood food in Heston’s Fantastical Food. The spell-binding series will rekindle the love for the most important meal of the day, by making the most amazing Breakfast Britain has ever seen.

     

    Premiering on June 2, Heston’s Fantastical Food will air Monday to Friday at 7 PM only on TLC.

     

    In each episode of Heston’s Fantastical Food, Heston will tackle the meal mum’s told us never to miss – Breakfast. Heston will create the world’s largest boiled egg and cereal on a massive scale. He will then construct the biggest ‘99 ice cream and flake the world has ever seen and large enough to feed a whole town.

     

    Tea break will be celebrated with an enormous pyramid tea bag creating a gigantic pot of tea; not forgetting the supersized packet of Heston’s extra special dunking biscuits. Heston will turn Willy Wonka and celebrate all things ‘sweets’ – from the world’s biggest packet of Rolos to lickable paintings. These are some of the creations Heston will produce and awe the viewers in Heston’s Fantastical Food

     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager- South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan- Regional Ad Sales & Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia – Pacific said, “TLC continues to deliver extraordinary lifestyle entertainment with its eclectic programming mix. The magical series Heston’s Fantastical Food will wow, entertain and enthral the Indian audience.”  

     

    Everything is grand and created on a larger-than-life scale. The fun continues when Heston takes on great British institution by creating an entire pub inside a giant pie, an edible pool table and fruit machines dispensing snacks enough food to feed an entire village.

     

    Heston will challenge himself by showcasing massive feats of food engineering. It’s certainly not easy cooking but Heston’s skill and scientific knowhow will be put to the test. TLC will awaken the kid in every viewer through Heston’s Fantastical Food.

  • Discovery Channel to telecast ‘Everest Avalanche Tragedy’

    Discovery Channel to telecast ‘Everest Avalanche Tragedy’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will broadcast a 90-minute programme titled Everest Avalanche Tragedy on 29 May 2014 at 8 pm. The programme will include unprecedented access and eyewitness accounts from the rescue and recovery efforts that took place after the avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall, the area just above Mount Everest base camp, during the morning of Friday, April 18 this year, killing 13 and leaving three missing.

     

    “This programme is in honour of all the Sherpas who lost their lives”, said Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President & General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

     

    Everest Avalanche Tragedy, produced by NBC News’ Peacock Productions, will document the weeks leading up to the climb through the moment the avalanche struck the Khumbu Icefall, one of the most treacherous parts of the mountain, and its aftermath. Cameras rolled immediately following, as blocks of ice plummeted down the mountain, making it the deadliest single-day avalanche in history on Mount Everest.

     

    The programme will feature highly emotional and real time footage, capturing the mobilization efforts of Sherpas and rescuers as they rushed to search for survivors. Through eyewitness accounts, viewers will hear from those who experienced this horrible tragedy and aftermath including sit down interviews with Joby Ogwyn; Expedition Leader Garrett Madison, who played a critical role in the recovery; Todd Burleson, President of Alpine Ascents International who lost five Sherpas and other key members of the expedition and production teams.

     

    The programme will serve as a tribute to all the Sherpas and their families affected by the tragedy. Discovery will be contributing to the American Himalayan Foundation Sherpa Family Fund, which gives 100% of all donations to help families of the deceased. To make a donation, visit http://himalayan-foundation.org/blog/119010.

     

    Everest Avalanche Tragedy will be followed by a 30-min special Bear Grylls: Everest Avalanche Tragedy at 9:30 pm. Trailing the tragic avalanche that occurred on Mt. Everest April 18, 2014, ear Grylls: Everest Avalanche Tragedy dissects the dangers and disasters of the mountain, through an insider perspective from Bear himself.  In this programme, Bear draws on his own experience as an Everest summiteer to share with viewers the danger and the allure of the world’s highest mountain, which was filmed following the disaster.