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Tag: Rahul Johri

  • Discovery Kids to roll out new series ‘Luv Kushh’

    Discovery Kids to roll out new series ‘Luv Kushh’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Kids will be premiering a new series titled Luv Kushh on 9 November, 2015 at 1 pm. The series revolves around the twin brothers Luv and Kushh and will narrate their notorious tales of fun and adventure.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific executive vice president and general manager South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Kids continues to entertain kids with its variety of programmes and genres, endearing characters and exciting story lines. The new series, Luv Kushh will take kids back to the era of gurukuls and recreate the age-old traditions of the student-teacher relationship.”

     

    The stories will take place in and around Valmiki’s ashram, located by the river Tamasa. The series shows the journey of the twins from growing up under the watchful eye of the sage and their mother. Apart from fun and frolic, the brothers are also tutored in martial arts. With instances of naughtiness, sneaking around, disobeying the rules of the ashram, or keeping their powers and adventures a secret from their mother Sita, the overall portrayal of the brothers is close to that of regular kids rather than all-powerful heroes.

  • Discovery’s ‘HRX Heroes’ hosted by Hrithik Roshan to launch on 2 November

    Discovery’s ‘HRX Heroes’ hosted by Hrithik Roshan to launch on 2 November

    MUMBAI: Hrithik Roshan is all set to host a new show for Discovery channel called HRX Heroes, which will launch on 2 November.

     

    The show is based on real stories about people who have come over their physical limitations and challenges and come out as heroes in real life. Incidentally, HRX is also a fitness and sportswear lifestyle brand launched by Roshan with the tagline – Push Your Extreme.

     

    HRX Heroes will consist of nine episodes, which will be aired on Discovery Channel twice a week on Monday and Tuesday at 9 pm with a repeat over the weekend. The show, which is an original concept created by the Discovery creative team, will be filmed across India and it will be directed by Samar Khan. 

     

    The promotions for the show will be done across platforms on digital, print and television. Speaking on choosing Roshan as a host and the brand HRX, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery is known for real and compelling stories. These are great stories about courage and endorsement, which we are bringing to the audience. Hrithik Roshan and the brand HRX are examples of the same. He has overcome physical disabilities when he suffered from stuttering. It will give a personal touch as he will be playing the host.”

     

    Commenting on the show’s content Johri asserted, “We went through many proposals and ideas, which keep coming to us and found this script. Each story line is very strong and inspiring. It is amazing how they have come such a long way, the amount of success they have achieved despite obstacles. Moreover, the way in which Hrithik has presented the show is fantastic. The format of the show is engaging and will appeal to masses. That is the reason why we thought it would be the right thing to do it. Apart from that, the show will showcase different stories and diversities in India with the help of the nine stories.”

     

    Impressed with the script and the theme of the series, Roshan added, “I wish to share with the world and spread the belief that it is possible to look adversity in the face and emerge victorious by overcoming it. HRX Heroes will bring to focus these incredible real life stories, which the entire nation needs to admire. I believe Discovery Channel is the ideal platform to spread the message of courage and determination, which in turn will inspire thousands of more such heroes.”

     

    The actor further added that he relates to the series as it is about overcoming obstacles to become real life heroes. While Roshan has previously been seen on the small screen as a judge for a dance reality show, with HRX Heroes he will make his debut as a host.

     

    The nine-part series will present real life stories of men and women from across India, who had very little going for them but they did not give up on their dreams and emerged as heroes. The channel will kick start the series by featuring wrestler Sangram Singh, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a very young age. After fighting for several years, trying to overcome his illness, Singh became Commonwealth Heavy Weight champion in 2015.

     

    Other real life heroes, who will be featured on the show are Harshini Kanhekar – India’s first female fire engineer, overcoming gender discrimination; Kalpana Saroj, who was born in poverty, married at very young age but later went on to become a celebrated entrepreneur and Navin Gulia, an accident survivor who is now a recognised adventurer, philanthropist and a motivational speaker.

     

    The show will also feature Sajo Thomas, who built his own aircraft even after being congenitally deaf and mute; Sudha Chandran who became an accomplished actor and dancer even after losing her one leg in an accident when she was 17 year old; Shekar Naik, under whose his captaincy, The Blind Cricket Team of India won the Blind Cricket World Cup in 2014 and Shibhareet Kaur Ghumman, who followed her dreams to become a dancer even after losing her one leg.

     

    Discovery has roped in as many as six sponsors for the show.

  • Discovery to premiere documentary on AR Rahman – ‘Jai Ho’

    Discovery to premiere documentary on AR Rahman – ‘Jai Ho’

    MUMBAI: Jai Ho – a documentary on music maestro AR Rahman, which has been screened at a few international film festivals earlier this year, is all set to have its television premiere in India on Discovery Channel. The channel will air the documentary on 26 October at 9 pm. 

     

    Jai Ho, which has been directed by Umesh Aggarwal, will take viewers through the unseen and unheard story of one of the finest musicians the world has ever known.

     

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com about the documentary, Rahman says, “It’s an understated documentary. It’s not the kinds that makes a big fuss and that’s what I like about it. It has its own humour. It is about the music and its making and not just about me. Jai Ho has eminent people taking about me and it is fascinating to listen to them. I am lucky to have done a song on Jai Ho (for Slumdog Millionaire). It’s like a mantra for India, which has always been there. It fell in the place at the right time and the whole world has a portrayal of it. I am very proud of it.”

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM – South Asia Rahul Johri adds, “We are always looking for content that has the ability to surprise the audience. That’s our primary criteria and first preference when deciding on the channel’s content. We want people to acclaim, ‘Ohh wow, where did they get this idea from?’ And this show has that. It is different from all our other shows.”

     

    The documentary enables a window for the viewers into the personal life of Rahman from him leaving his education at a tender age to support his family to winning an Oscar as well as a Grammy. The programme depicts Rahman’s journey from working with Mani Ratnam forRoja to his first commercial break in Bollywood with Rangeela to his outstanding work in award winning movies.

    Throwing light on how he was on Rahman’s trail for almost six months to pitch the documentary idea to him, Aggarwal says, “I was in touch with his staff and I was told that Rahman would call me at 2:30 am. It was frustrating because I wasn’t getting an answer from him. So one fine day, I went to his office and met his sister. I explained the concept of the documentary to her. Precisely after five minutes, I met the man that I was trailing all this while. It took me six months to reach him and less than five minutes to talk to him about my content.”

     

    The documentary imparts details about Rahman’s personality, career, life, his love for music and his past life from the perspective of formidable personalities who have worked and observed his work and growth.

     

    The factual is shot across the world including Los Angeles where Rahman resides, London, Mumbai and Chennai which is his birthplace. When questioned about casting Rahman as the centre point of the show, he says, “He being the glory of India is just one peg. Whatever is spoken about him, it’s always a third party outlook. Rahman himself has never shared much on his own. This entire story comes from him as he narrates it and you get to know him as a person. This was my prime motive behind making this film. I think people should know that those who have reached to the top, don’t do so overnight. It takes time and that is what inspired me.”

     

    The channel has unleashed various promotional activities across its bouquet of 11 channels as well as created buzz on social media platforms.

     

    “We had started with eight channels in five languages. That is the trajectory we are on and we will speeding up our growth process. There has been a lot of localisation on our channels and going forward there will be more local and relevant content on the channel,” adds Johri.

     

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Jai Ho was recently screened at the 20th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). It was also screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) in April this year. 

  • ID to launch new series ‘Shaitaan: A Criminal Mind’

    ID to launch new series ‘Shaitaan: A Criminal Mind’

    MUMBAI: ID (Investigation Discovery) will be bringing the intriguing world of mystery and suspense alive with a new series titled Shaitaan: A Criminal Mind. 

     

    The series, hosted by TV actor Sharad Kelkar, will premiere on 19 October, 2015 and be aired from Monday to Saturday at 9 pm.

     

    Shaitaan: A Criminal Mind will investigate some of the most startling crimes with an attempt to decode what goes on in the minds of the people who commit these shocking acts. The show will reveal the dark side of the human psyche in a way to show people that crime never pays. 

     

    The new series will expose the darker side of the society where crimes are committed for reasons that are sometimes beyond understanding. These people seem like everybody else, until they go over the edge and do the unthinkable. 

     

    Kelkar will unveil the stories behind each crime and delve deep into the mind of these offenders to find out the reasons that made them commit these acts of violence.

     

    “ID continues to present the best programmes in the investigative genre on Indian television. The new series Shaitaan will present true stories of real-life cases through dramatic re-enactments and will recreate the in-depth investigation that led to justice being served,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, South Asia, executive vice president and general manager Rahul Johri.

  • Uday Shankar re-elected as IBF president

    Uday Shankar re-elected as IBF president

    MUMBAI: Star India CEO Uday Shankar has been re-elected as the president of The Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) at the Sixteenth Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the second term running.

    The AGM was held in New Delhi today (29 September, 2015).

    The IBF Board also re-elected Zee Media Corp managing director Punit Goenka, Multi Screen Media CEO N P Singh and India TV chairman Rajat Sharma as IBF vice presidents, and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific executive vice president and general manager, South Asia Rahul Johri as IBF treasurer.

    On being re-elected IBF president, Shankar said, “I am humbled by IBF members’ confidence in re-electing me. The broadcasting sector is going through a transition due to changes in technology and business environment and I hope to work with the government, industry and other stakeholders for realisation of the sector’s potential.”

  • Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to highlight the women forest guards, who are on a mission to preserve the endangered species of the Asiatic lions in the Gir National Park, in a series called The Lion Queens of India. 

     

    Discovery Channel will premiere the four-part series on 28 September at 9 pm.

     

    These courageous women risk their lives every day to rescue vulnerable lions, heal defenceless cubs, reduce human-animal conflict and assist villagers who face accidental animal attacks. The series highlights their unwavering commitment to preserve the lions and its habitat and offers an ode to their spirit and dedication.

     

    The four-part series brings alive some of the most daring wildlife action sequences on television for the first time. From rescuing a lion stuck in an open well, healing a badly injured lioness with three little cubs in the middle of the night, retrieving a wayward leopard from a farmer’s house or catching and releasing a deadly Russell’s viper are all part of their daily job. 

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel recognises Indian women forest guards who are holding one of most dangerous and impactful professions. The Lion Queens of India captures an inspirational journey of skilled women team in the wild and highlights riveting real-life challenges they face during the course of their duty.”

     

    The rescue team is headed by Junagadh Forest Division deputy conservator of forests Raj Sandeep, assisted by Trupti A. Joshi (in-charge range officer) and Rasila P. Vadher (in-charge rescue team). An exceptional 28 year old forest guard, Vadher, along with many other gallant women have carried out over 600 rescue missions last year – perhaps amongst the highest number in any wildlife park in the world. 

     

    The channel will also air the series on 5 October. 

  • Discovery Channel commemorates 50th anniversary of India-Pak 1965 war

    Discovery Channel commemorates 50th anniversary of India-Pak 1965 war

    MUMBAI: Marking the 50th anniversary of 1965 India-Pakistan war, Discovery Channel will present 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes, a special programme that will recount the valour and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who put their lives on the line in defence of the country.

     

    To premiere on 14 September at 9 pm, 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will narrate the complete story of the war by using rare archival footage, reconstructions and first hand experiences of the 1965 war survivors.

     

    1965: India’s Battles and Heroes captures the circumstances of the battle and each milestone. The programme will highlight the various war equipment used during the war and daring challenges encountered. It will also recount the battle fought on the ground and in the air.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will recount the war through the eyes of the soldiers who were at the battlefront. It will piece together the circumstances of the war and the bravery of the war heroes through rare archival footage and captivating narration.”

     

    The special programme will present the sequence of significant battles alongside the inspiring stories of the war heroes who led these battles, brought victories and eventually left behind proud memories fighting for their regiments and their countrymen. Some of the war heroes covered in the programme includes Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore, Major Bhupinder Singh, Major R.S. Dyal, Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid, Squadron Leader Denzil Keelor and Flying Officer V.K. Nebb.

     

    1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will start with the war in the Rann of Kutch in August triggered by Pakistan under the aegis of Operation Desert Hawk. This led to a ceasefire in April 1965 brokered by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Thereafter, in August 1965, Operation Gibraltar was launched by Pakistan where Pakistani soldiers in civilian outfits crossed the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir. This was followed with Operation Bakshi which saw the Indian Army capturing the highest mountain Haji Pir Pass – the main route for infiltration into Kashmir.

     

    The programme will then take the audience through the launch of Operation Grand Slam by Pakistan to take the border town of Akhnoor. Highlighting the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force, India reinforced Akhnoor.  It was soon after this victory, Indian Prime Minister Shastri in his radio broadcast told the citizens to be prepared for a long battle ahead.

     

    The programme will also have the 1965 heroes who survived the war reminisce about their heroic tales of valour, the war-room strategies, the achievements and immense sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers. These include Colonel JS Bindra (Retd), Brigadier VK Vaid (Retd), Brigadier Jasbir Singh Hundal (Retd), Lieutenant General Ajai Singh (Retd), Brigadier Kanwaljeet Singh (Retd), Major General B.R. Varma (Retd), Wing Commander V.K.Nebb(Retd) and Air Marshall Denzil Keelor(Retd).

  • “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    Completing twenty years of operations in India this year is Discovery Channel and it can be safely said that since its launch in 1995, the network has not only grown in terms of the number of channels but also in terms of producing original content.

     

    Helming it for the past 13 years is Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific South Asia senior vice president & general manager Rahul Johri. In his decade plus stint, Johri built a robust portfolio of 11 brands in the South Asia region including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, ID-Investigation Discovery, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World, Animal Planet HD World and Discovery Tamil. Moreover, he is also credited with generating revenue, affiliate partnerships, viewership growth, content creation, government relations and talent management.

     

    In conversation with Indiantelevision.com’s Seema Singh, Johri throws light on the network’s journey in India so far and more.

     

    Excerpts:

     

    How has the network’s 20 years journey been in India? From setting up operations to getting in viewership, what were the challenges that the network faced?

     

    It’s been a fantastic journey for Discovery in India. We have presented and engaged the viewers with new brands and compelling content over the years. We expanded penetration in the country with our localisation strategy.

     

    We have brought in an eclectic programming mix across networks that have the right blend of Indian and international content. We have consistently presented India themes that can travel the world and international themes relevant to India.

     

    Throughout the last 20 years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.

     

    What have been the high points of this 20 year journey?

     

    The last 20 years have been quite a fascinating journey for us. Discovery pioneered factual entertainment in India with the launch of Discovery Channel in 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer’s expectations from television. 

     

    One of the high points has been the encouraging feedback from the viewers on our content. The success of our languaging strategy was immensely satisfying as it brought the viewer in every corner of the country closer to the Discovery world.

     

    Having unmatched access to produce shows of remarkable stature like Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Defence Academy in India and present them to Indian audience and around the world is extremely gratifying.

     

    And of course the expansion of our portfolio into 11 unique content channels catering to distinct viewer segments is a testimony of the value our brand offers and the trust it enjoys among its core audience.

     

    What was the thought behind launching these 11 different channels? Are there any new channel launches in the pipeline?

     

    We have expanded our portfolio three times over the last five years. Each channel launch was aimed to offer new and distinct entertainment experience to the Indian viewers. We expanded the definition of factual entertainment by launching Animal Planet in 1998, which presented wildlife programming.

     

    When we launched India’s first international lifestyle channel – TLC, viewers announced their liking for it almost overnight. It was a strong inflection point for the burgeoning Indian television market. The entire industry, including the advertisers and affiliate, took note of the refreshing content and what it meant to viewers.

     

    The aspirational, well-travelled and globally active Indian viewer demanded more unique content, 24-hours 365 days a year. Therefore, we launched two successful media brands from our global portfolio– Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science in 2010.

     

    We brought in premium viewing experience with the finest HD portfolio in the country with the launch of three HD channels – Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

     

    We entered the Hindi entertainment genre with the launch of India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to true stories of mystery, investigation and suspense – ID.

     

    Filling in the gap for meaningful entertainment we launched Discovery Kids delivering smart fun programming to millions of kids in India.

     

    We are committed to the Indian market and will continue to present the best brands, content and finest viewing experience to India.

     

    What is the current viewership of the network in general and Discovery Channel in particular? What are the steps being taken to improve these numbers?

     

    The network has grown to a total of 11 channels, reaching 267 million cumulative households. We will continue to invest in content, communication and availability across all our networks. 

     

    The JV with MSM to distribute its channels has now ended. What is the plan now? Has the distribution team started working on the deals?

     

    Discovery has the finest team and with the addition of the affiliate team, we are a formidable strength and fully geared to capitalise existing opportunities and create new growth avenues.

     

    Our success depends on the power of our brands and we continue to offer maximum value to our partners.

     

    What is the content strategy for the network going forward? How many hours of content would we see getting added to the network by this year end and how many of these would be Indian productions? Can you elaborate on the content strategy for each of the channel in the network?

     

    The content strategy of the network is to deliver high-quality and differentiated programming that satiates the curiosity of the viewers. We will continue to make a difference, ignite minds and entertain viewers.

     

    Discovery globally spends over a billion dollars on content every year and Indian audience, similar to other markets around the world, get access to this content through the various networks present in the country.

     

    In India, Discovery Networks launches the maximum variety of programmes in the industry. India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy. We started with Indian Rendezvous as the first India series back in 2002. We went on to present path-breaking India shows ranging from exclusive accesses such as Revealed: World’s Biggest Elections, Line of Control, Humayun’s Tomb, Living with KKRand many more.

     

    Continuing to offer the widest repertoire of programmes, we launch more than 300 high-quality programmes every quarter catering to the interests, passions and demands of children, youth, women, men and families. We strengthened our India content slate with an unprecedented 100 original hours in the last two years bringing unique stories, pristine subjects, and exclusive accesses.

     

    How has advertisers’ interest grown towards the network’s properties?

     

    We are fortunate that advertisers find value on our platforms. We continue to enjoy advertisers’ confidence and respect. We have strived very hard to offer distinct audience segments for different product categories. We have one of the largest client portfolios on our network. As the leader of factual entertainment in India, we believe we are in a good space.

     

    From when the network entered the market to this day, what’s your take on subscription revenues in the country for a network like DNAP? With digitisation in Phase I and II cities, has the condition improved? Do you see the subscription revenues going up with phase III and IV getting digitised by 2016?

     

    Digitisation is a change agent in this country. We are absolutely delighted that it is bringing positive results for the viewer and for other stakeholders including the broadcasters.  

     

    We believe that the networks that are investing in their content and differentiating their brands will continue to reap benefits.

     

    After 20 years… how do you now plan to take the journey forward? What are the future plans?

     

    Our vision moving forward is based on a few key principles. They are:

    – Maintaining leadership across genres

    – Maximising viewership

    – Building on the strength of Discovery kids and establish ID as a “must watch” channel

    – Continue to produce path-breaking India content

    – Continue to innovate and deliver value to advertisers

    – Relentlessly explore new opportunities of growth

     

    How do you plan to stay ahead of competition in the genre?

     

    Our network of channels enjoys strong brand equity and viewership across the country amongst viewers, affiliate and advertisers alike. What differentiates Discovery is its ability to respond to change and innovate in line with the current and emerging viewer trends. From early adoption of new technologies, creating viewer-delighting content and building winning partnerships; we have set multiple industry benchmarks.

     

    If you reflect on Discovery’s track record of last 20 years, we have been ahead of the curve in anticipating trends that match the needs of the viewer. Be it launching the lifestyle channel TLC to being the first high-definition channel available in the country with Discovery HD World. We have offered viewers remarkable and never-seen-before content in innovative formats, delightful themes and finest personalities.

  • Discovery Channel to complete 20 years in India on 15 August

    Discovery Channel to complete 20 years in India on 15 August

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will celebrate the completion of its 20 years in India with a special line-up of its most iconic programmes on August 15 and 16, from 8 AM to 6 PM.

     

    The weekend 20-Year Celebration Marathon will cover the wide spectrum of Discovery genres such as natural history, science, technology, adventure, wildlife, survival and engineering which have entertained the viewers across the urban and rural landscapes. The special line-up will also feature the finest India stories, further enriching the television viewing experience.

     

    Throughout the last 20-years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.

     

    A testimony of the reach and popularity of the channel, Discovery is today watched in five languages in India including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Bangla, from the biggest cities to the smallest village, across digital and analogue platforms.

     

    The surge in Discovery’s popularity and ratings in India is also a strong indication of the changed viewer habits and preferences, the rising aspirations of a young country and an inherent demand for enriching entertainment. Another indicator of its popularity with the youth of India – Discovery has built a distinct community of 7.4 million fans in India on Facebook.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel has had a life changing impact on millions of viewers in India. The tremendous affection that it enjoys in India continues to fuel our passion to relentlessly push the boundaries of factual entertainment and uncover the finest stories from across the world. On this occasion of completing 20 great years in India, on behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our gratitude to the viewers and clients who have expressed their admiration through this remarkable 20-year journey.”

     

    Discovery pioneered the factual genre in India on 15th August 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer expectations from television. Mirroring the growth of the Indian television industry over the last 20 years, Discovery has refreshed its content offerings at various intervals while maintaining its core brand promise. Anticipating the changing needs of the viewers, it introduced new and exciting genres over this period such as technology, forensic, survival and adventure to deepen its relationship with viewers. Today, the India content is a significant new addition to its existing programming portfolio.

  • Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India

    Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, which celebrates 20 years of airing in India this Independence Day, will telecast a three-part series that will bring alive pages from history books, placing viewers at the epicenter of the story of contemporary India.

     

    Rejoicing historic moments, Discovery Channel’s India Emerges: A Visual History will unfold archival footage to narrate the story of the birth of independent India. The channel will air the programme from 14 to 16 August every evening at 8 pm.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM South Asia Rahul Johri said, “It’s a proud moment for us as we complete 20 glorious years in India. What further amplifies the excitement is we celebrate this day on the 69th year of our independence. Marking this momentous occasion, we are happy to bring forth a programme that will narrate the stories of India and its emergence. The special line-up will revive the many memories of independence and unveil some of the intriguing facts of India’s freedom.”

     

    The special line-up will take viewers back into history of India’s freedom struggle, which spans the period of the British Raj in India, winding its way through tumultuous decades of the Indian freedom movement. The programme will talk about the battles of 1948, 1965 and 1971, the regime of Indira Gandhi, the period of Emergency, Operation Blue Star among others. 

     

    The footage will take viewers to the stroke of midnight and also along new borders where a devastating partition will be unfolded. Having made its way through the ages, the series will culminate on the emergence of a strong, progressive and vibrant India that came into being after many challenges.