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Tag: Sai Abishek

  • Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Warner Bros Discovery returns with ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics’ installment three

    Mumbai: Gautama Buddha’s eternal wisdom has resonated with countless generations, transcending the boundaries of time, and echoing through the ages. However, what remains are ancient legends surrounding the final days of Gautama Buddha and relics that surround the very centre of Buddhism. Unravelling the history around the relics, Warner Bros Discovery returns with the third edition of the Secrets franchise – ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ releasing on 22 January 2024 on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024 at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel. Created by Neeraj Pandey – Friday Storytellers and hosted by the versatile National Award and Padma Shri-awardee Manoj Bajpayee, the documentary will acquaint viewers with the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics.

    Speaking about Secrets of The Buddha Relics, actor Manoj Bajpayee, said, “I am thrilled to continue my ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery for the Secrets franchise. Working alongside Neeraj Pandey is always a rewarding experience with insightful takeaways that contribute to shaping the documentary. The documentary promises to transport viewers to the time of the Buddha, delving into the historical period that witnessed his life and teachings. It aims to connect audiences with profound stories that have played a pivotal role in shaping our spiritual heritage.”

    Created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, the documentary unravels the mysteries surrounding the last days of Gautama Buddha and the relics that serve as the epicentre of Buddhism in modern times. It will trace the origins, cultural significance, and mystical stories behind these relics, exploring their spread worldwide and the role they play in making Buddhism the world’s fourth-largest faith. Delving into the types of relics and their classification, the documentary combines historical and mythological narratives to provide a comprehensive understanding of their role in Buddhism.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual & lifestyle cluster- South Asia Sai Abishek said, “As we continue to pioneer the history genre at Warner Bros. Discovery, the ‘Secrets’ franchise remains a sought-after and successful series. In the third edition, ‘Secrets of the Buddha Relics,’ we delve into lesser-known facets of the relics, offering insights into their contemporary significance. Our ongoing collaboration with Neeraj Pandey and Manoj Bajpayee, both pioneer storytellers, reflects our commitment to delivering compelling narratives. The success of the ‘Secrets’ franchise has revealed tremendous potential, prompting us to expand our history genre on the platform and provide compelling and engaging stories to our viewers.

    The documentary will showcase insights from a diverse panel of experts, including scholars, practitioners of Buddhism, historians, and archaeologists. Renowned spokespersons such as filmmaker Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi (Padma Shri-awardee), Dr B. R. Mani (Director of General National Museum, New Delhi), Dr Tishyarakshita Bhargav (Sr Research Asst. Anthropology Dept. SSP University Pune), Dr Gurbaksh Singh (Ex Researcher, International Buddhist Exchange Center), Mr. Tarit Kanti Roy (Governing Body Member Maha Bodhi Society of India Kolkata), Dr Halle O’Neal (co-director, Edinburgh Buddhist studies University of Edinburgh, Scotland), and Dr Anil Kumar (head, Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology Visva Bharati, Shantiniketan) will contribute their insights to unfold the narrative. With captivating storytelling and creative treatment, the documentary is poised to leave a lasting impact on viewers.

    Director Raghav Jairath reflected, “Through extensive research, we uncovered intriguing facets of Gautama Buddha’s life, sparking questions about his last day, the purpose behind the relics, how his followers connected with the relics and the profound impact of his teachings. Supported by our research team, subject experts, and Neeraj sir’s vision, we delved deep into the historical and cultural significance of Buddha’s relics, finding answers to many queries.”

    “The success of the first two ‘Secrets’ instalments inspired us to explore Buddhism’s spiritual and cultural dimensions further. Our ongoing collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery allows us to tell stories that are bigger, better, and bolder. Working with Manoj sir has been a pleasure, as he elevates the storytelling with his remarkable expertise.”- Raghav added.

    The “Secrets of the Buddha Relics” hosted by Manoj Bajpayee, will premiere on 22 January 2024, on discovery+ and on 26 February 2024, at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel.

  • Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon voice ‘Creative Killers’

    Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon voice ‘Creative Killers’

    Mumbai: Warner Bros Discovery unveils the latest installment of “Mission Big Cat,” an enthralling anthology dedicated to the captivating world of majestic felines. In this edition, director Anurag Kashyap narrates the Hindi version, while director Gautham Vasudev Menon takes the reins for the Tamil rendition of “Creative Killers.” The show offers an intimate exploration of two of Africa’s most iconic predators, delving into their lethal strategies in the northern Botswana region of Savuti.

    Anurag Kashyap, reflecting on his role in voicing “Creative Killers” within the latest edition of Mission Big Cat anthology, expressed, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat is a matter of immense pride for me. Tigers play a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of our ecosystem and their wellbeing should be the utmost priority of us as a society. I feel honoured to give my contribution towards this initiative of spreading awareness of the wild cats of the planet.”

    Set against the backdrop of the prime territory in northern Botswana, “Creative Killers” focuses on Africa’s apex predators, renowned for their impeccable hunting instincts. This extraordinary journey into the world of big cats’ premieres on 10 November 2023, on Animal Planet. Viewers can catch the “Mission Big Cat” anthology from Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM, with a repeat telecast at 4:00 PM.

    Warner Bros Discovery head of factual and lifestyle cluster, South Asia Sai Abishek said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with both Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon for Mission Big Cat, a returning franchise that stands as one of Animal Planet’s most prominent programming lineups. ‘Creative Killers’ will introduce audiences to the intricate web of family dynamics, behavioural traits, and challenges faced by these magnificent Big Cats. The upcoming edition will provide unique insights into their species and the livelihoods of animals. Having prominent faces lend their voices for the Hindi and Tamil versions will further enhance the fun that will soon unfold upon audiences in varied languages. Through these informative series, we uphold our steadfast commitment to raising awareness and contributing to the conservation of wildlife and their natural habitats”

    Gautham Vasudev Menon said, “Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery for ‘Creative Killers’ has been an extraordinary experience. It’s not just about the incredible tigers and their hunting prowess; it’s about introducing this captivating world to the Tamil-speaking audience. I am confident that they will gain profound insights into the wonders of nature through this show.”

    With this collaboration, Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon join a list of notable celebrities who have partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery for Mission Big Cat in the past, including Tapsee Panu, Anushka Sharma, and Vidyut Jamwal, and others.

    Catch Anurag Kashyap and Gautham Vasudev Menon on Creative Killers, 10 November onwards, Mondays to Fridays at 8:00 pm with a repeat telecast at 4:00 pm on Animal Planet.

     

  • Join Maniesh Paul in ‘History Hunter’ on Warner Bros. Discovery to uncover India’s enigmatic past

    Join Maniesh Paul in ‘History Hunter’ on Warner Bros. Discovery to uncover India’s enigmatic past

    Mumbai: Indian history continues to fascinate people across the country to this date with its enigmatic tales surrounding heritage landmarks, notable people and historic events. The enchanting stories in the series range from a world-class Indian university that existed 1500 years ago, then suddenly disappeared from the map and human memory; to an unexplained engineering marvel that allowed an 80-tonne rock to be hoisted 200 feet high, without any modern machinery. Warner Bros. Discovery will delve into unearthed mysteries of India’s greatest legends and tales with the premiere of ‘History Hunter’, on 20 November on Discovery Channel and discovery+ .

    Hosted by popular actor & host Maniesh Paul, the eight-part docuseries will unravel remarkable unknown facts from Indian history from across the country. Maniesh will be supported by experts on his quest to find a logical explanation and reasoning behind the questions that present themselves. From discovering how Tipu Sultan and his father Hyder Ali created the world’s first viable militarised rockets that went to be an inspiration for the British to revealing whether the famous Saraswati river is a myth or reality and how the city of Lakpath went from being a city of millionaires to an abandoned barren land, ‘History Hunter’ will captivate audiences while attempting to solve the mysterious unanswered questions.

    Maniesh Paul shared his excitement, saying, “History Hunter has provided me with the opportunity to embark on an exhilarating journey across India, uncovering the hidden intricacies of age-old legends scattered throughout our diverse landscape. Collaborating with Warner Bros. Discovery has been a delightful experience. I eagerly anticipate sharing this thrilling series with the audience and believe it will captivate them, keeping them on the edge of their seats.”

    The eight-episode series, ‘History Hunter,’ will shine a spotlight on historical landmarks such as Nalanda University, Golconda Fort, Mahabalipuram, Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu, the city of Lakhpat, and the Saraswati River. The show will also explore theories regarding the disappearance of Nana Saheb Peshwa II and whether Tipu Sultan was the first to introduce the world to militarized rockets.

    Discovery, South Asia head of factual and lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek shared, “Warner Bros. Discovery continues to remain at the forefront of the factual entertainment genre, offering a diverse range of docuseries that resonate with audiences across the country. Our content slate showcases several Indian originals that take viewers through lesser-known facets of various historic subjects spanning decades and centuries. ‘History Hunter,’ our upcoming series, aims to unveil numerous mysteries surrounding historical landmarks, captivating viewers as it unravels enduring theories. We are excited to collaborate with Maniesh Paul on this project and are confident it will provide an enriching experience for our audience.”

    History Hunter’ premieres on 20 November at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel and will be available for streaming on discovery+.

    History Hunter is co-powered by MG Motor Hector, Phonepe, and Harpic. Associate sponsors of the show include LG, Flipkart, and Lotte. 

  • Join chef Ranveer Brar on ‘Star vs Food Survival’ on Discovery and discovery+

    Join chef Ranveer Brar on ‘Star vs Food Survival’ on Discovery and discovery+

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery is set to present an adrenaline-packed culinary show like never before with the return of “Star vs Food” with a thrilling twist in its new season, “Star vs Food Survival” premiering 9 October 2023 onwards on Discovery channel and discovery+. The renowned celebrity chef, Ranveer Brar, will lead a star-studded cast on an adventurous journey through the vibrant flavors and culinary treasures of two unique Indian locales: Coorg and Spiti. The show promises to unravel the flavors and stories behind each dish, with celebrity guests including Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Aparshakti Khurana, Mouni Roy, and Nakuul Mehta exploring the authentic essence of India’s culinary legacy.

    In this new season, celebrities step out of their comfort zones and into the wild terrains, embarking on thrilling survival adventures amidst extreme conditions. Each episode features chef Ranveer Brar alongside a different celebrity as they explore India’s uncharted culinary treasures, transforming wild finds into delectable dishes. From taking on adventurous tasks to crafting local delicacies in unspoiled wilderness, each episode promises excitement. Whether conquering heights in Coorg, navigating Spiti’s terrain, or facing the challenges of nature, these stars push their limits while celebrating the region’s beauty and rich culinary heritage.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about the show host Ranveer Brar, stated, “As the host of the show, it is truly an honour to meet some of the brightest stars of Indian cinema and collectively discover some of India’s hidden culinary delights. This season, we venture beyond cooking to explore the breathtaking regions of Coorg and Spiti while having our guests take on challenges around the locality. It’s a privilege to witness these incredible stars in the wilderness, and I can’t wait to share their heartwarming narratives and mouthwatering dishes with all our viewers.”

    Warner Bros. Discovery head of factual and lifestyle cluster South Asia Sai Abishek shared the vision behind the show, “Our audiences have loved previous seasons because they saw our stars as their authentic selves, grappling with the culinary challenges in the kitchen, which automatically created relatability. But this time, in this spin-off, we’re taking them out of their comfort zones and into the wild terrains to test their survival skills. This is a show that elevates the excitement and drama of culinary entertainment to new heights.”

    Star vs. Food Survival is presented by Policybazaar.com, co-powered by Tiara and partnered by Kirloskar. Don’t miss to see your favourite celebrities conquer challenges and savour culinary triumphs. Star vs Food Survival Edition premieres October 9 on discovery+ and Discovery Channel, Mondays at 9 PM.

     

  • Warner Bros. Discovery dominates ContentAsia Awards 2023 with sweeping wins

    Warner Bros. Discovery dominates ContentAsia Awards 2023 with sweeping wins

    Mumbai: In a remarkable stride forward, Warner Bros. Discovery proudly announces its distinguished accomplishments at the esteemed ContentAsia Awards 2023 held in Thailand. The spotlight shone brightly on the Warner Bros. Discovery original series “Legends of the Ramayana with Amish,” securing the prestigious gold award for ‘Best Factual Programme’ in a single market within Asia. Sharing the limelight in this coveted category was “Secrets of the Kohinoor,” featuring the esteemed Manoj Bajpayee.

    Further solidifying its prowess in the realm of factual entertainment, Warner Bros. Discovery also secured the silver award for “Hunt for the Indian Mujahideen” and the bronze award for “Expedition Borderlands with Levison Wood and Ash Bharadwaj” in the ‘Best Factual Entertainment Programme’ section. Moreover, Warner Bros. Discovery’s dedication to engaging and informative content was reinforced with the silver award for “Ganganyaan – Bharat Ki Antariksh Udaan” in the ‘Best Current Affairs’ category. These accolades underscore the network’s steadfast commitment to delivering captivating and informative content.

    Discovery, South Asia head of factual and lifestyle cluster Sai Abishek shared, “We are deeply humbled and thrilled by the recognition our Indian originals have received from the esteemed ContentAsia Awards. From ‘Legends of The Ramayana’ to ‘Secrets of The Kohinoor,’ our narratives captivate viewers while unearthing unexplored dimensions of treasured tales. We remain unwavering in our commitment to create compelling and authentic stories that transcend borders and resonate globally.”

    The ContentAsia Summit was held between 21 August 2023 to 24 August 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand and culminated with the ContentAsia Awards 2023. This momentous occasion celebrates exceptional content and industry excellence, reiterating Warner Bros. Discovery’s position as a frontrunner in the realm of captivating storytelling.

  • discovery+ to premier new original ‘My Daughter Joined a Cult’

    discovery+ to premier new original ‘My Daughter Joined a Cult’

    Mumbai: discovery+ has announced the premiere of the new original My Daughter Joined a Cult, a docu-series produced by VICE Studios – the global production division of VICE Media Group about self-proclaimed godman, Swami Nithyananda in India exclusively from 2 June 2022.

    The 3×45 series will be available to stream in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, English, Kannada, and Malayalam, and is directed by Naman Saraiya.

    A mother wailing outside an ashram to see her daughters who have been barred from meeting her. A distraught father running from pillar to post to find answers pertaining to his missing children. A disillusioned devotee grappling with demands for nude pictures from the man she held in the highest esteem. A young man questioning the prevalence of sexual abuse and violence in a place meant for worship and reflection. These are but a few claims made by real devotees which make one wonder, who is lying and who is telling the truth? Or is there more than one version of the truth? Are these just allegations or is there something more than that? What really goes on inside a cult? Can someone claiming to be a Godman, actually turn out to be a Conman? Documenting claims made by ex-devotees and much more, My Daughter Joined a Cult follows the life of the controversial Swami Nithyananda, whilst giving a voice to individuals who were at the epicenter of it all.

    The three-part series, captures the exposure of the self-styled Godman, who allegedly deceived his believers by luring them into joining his ashram and gurukul trust Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam, and then later allegedly abused them. With a range of testimonies from devotees, lawyers, journalists and activists, the docu-series presents a narrative of the highs and lows of Nithyananda’s life in the pursuit of the reason behind his strong following despite being termed a fugitive by his ex-followers. Having lived the story themselves, the followers and ex-devotees provide an intimate perspective whilst revealing crucial details that help us better understand the entire narrative.

    Warner Bros. Discovery original content head- south Asia Sai Abishek said, “Discovery has always been synonymous with content that is raw and real. Keeping authenticity at the core of our offerings, My Daughter Joined a Cult is yet another step towards bringing alive a story that has multiple layers. This series chronicles the journey of followers of Nithyanand, and examines the vulnerabilities of humans that make them susceptible to joining cults to seek answers, sometimes leading to devastating effects. We are certain that viewers will be intrigued by this series, built on the back of hard-hitting firsthand accounts from ex-devotees, along with commentary from observers of his rise and subsequent allegations of abuse and fraud.”

    VICE Studios VP of content, APAC Samira Kanwar said, “My Daughter Joined A Cult is an uncompromising and unflinching docu-series about the internationally infamous figure of Swami Nithyananda. As is synonymous with VICE Studios, the series offers an authentic and compelling insight into a complex and controversial figure, using raw first-person testimonies and original production techniques. We are proud to be working with discovery+ to bring this series to a wide, global audience.”

    Director Naman Saraiya said, “Such a comprehensive and complex investigation into Nithyananda and his religious movement would not have been possible without the trust and cooperation of each person we crossed paths with… be it former devotees, survivors, journalists, lawyers and police officers. I hope the series resonates with audiences around the world and generates greater awareness of the events that led to his fall from grace and the indelible impact on those left in its wake.”

    He added, “My Daughter Joined A Cult has been one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career yet and I am incredibly proud of what the team and I have created with VICE Studios and Samira Kanwar.”

  • discovery+ announces new original ‘Dark Mysteries- Anjaan Kahaniyaan’

    discovery+ announces new original ‘Dark Mysteries- Anjaan Kahaniyaan’

    Mumbai: Video streaming platform discovery+ is set to premiere its new original “Dark Mysteries – Anjaan Kahaniyaan” on 11 February. The six-part series unravels unexplained mysteries based on first-hand accounts of those who claim to have experienced black magic, reincarnations, curses, hauntings, possessions and other supernatural phenomena.

    “Each episode will focus on exploring the phenomena through first-hand experiences, locals’ views, and opinion from relevant experts including psychologists, parapsychologists, historians, psychics and paranormal analysts to explore if there is any plausible ‘truth’ to these often-unnerving stories,” said the platform in a statement.

    Some of the stories explored include paranormal experts hunting ghosts at the abandoned Lambi Dehar mines in Uttarakhand, live exorcisms of dangerous spirits at Harshu Dham in Chainpur (Bihar) often known as the temple of the possessed, mystery village of Kuldhara where 1500 residents are said to have left without a trace, and accounts of children who seem to have clear and sharp memories of previous lifetimes.

    “Paranormal and supernatural as a genre have been often enjoyed by viewers across the country and our latest original production ‘Dark Mysteries’ supported with expert opinions will give them more insights to understand the context and working of these occurrences,” said Discovery Inc original content head – South Asia Sai Abishek. “The show is an amalgamation of entertainment and science, thereby adding onto our repertoire of compelling and spellbinding stories for the audience.”

  • Discovery Channel to celebrate Republic Day with ‘India On Film’

    Discovery Channel to celebrate Republic Day with ‘India On Film’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, India’s leading destination for real-life entertainment, will celebrate 70 Republic Day of India with a special documentary ‘India On Film’, a unique two-part documentary film, narrated by versatile actor Rahul Bose. The film explores never seen before archival footage expertly restored and digitized by the British Film Institute (BFI) highlighting India’s rich history, society, culture and the daily life in the 1900s.  Catch ‘India On Film’ on 26 January at 8PM only on the Discovery Channel and Discovery Channel HD.

    ‘India On Film’ will take the viewers back in time, to over a century ago, to meet traditionally dressed women and men from across classes, to walk the busy streets with rickshaw pullers, to ride elephants with hunters, to wash in the Ganges, to pick tea in the hills and to join families for a traditional picnic. Since the earliest days of the movie camera, expatriates and travelers from Europe have filmed across the Indian sub-continent, witnessing extraordinary historic events and momentous change in the first half of the 20th century. At times touching, funny and engaging, ‘India On Film’ offers a ringside view of history in the making and a remarkable glimpse into a past way of life. With an archive of over 160 films, the BFI manages to cover landscapes from the foothills of the Himalayas in the north to the tropical south, cities such as Calcutta, Delhi and Bombay, in their rustic setting.

    Speaking about his experience of narrating the film, actor Rahul Bose, said, “I am always drawn to projects that look at things through a different lens. India On Film, is unique in its thought and manifestation. Being a part of this film was educative and a privilege in equal parts. The film delicately weaves the rich history of the subcontinent and gives the viewer a rare glance into what it looked like in the 1900s.”

    Discovery South Asia content, factual & lifestyle entertainment director Sai Abishek said, “India on Film is a fantastic opportunity for viewers to get a glimpse into an unseen India they have so far only read about in history books or heard about in stories handed down through the generations. It is mesmerizing to visualize such an important piece of our rich past.”

    TVF International Acquisitions Manager for India on Film distributor Julian Chou-Lambert said: “From some of the earliest ever films of India through to remarkable footage of Gandhi, India on Film provides a visual and historical treasure trove. Many of the BFI films have never been seen before, so we are very pleased to be bringing these to India for the first time through Discovery.”

    Along with chronicling the quotidian life of India in the 1900s, India on Film will also provide a peek into Mahatma Gandhi’s Dandi March and also track British game hunter, Jim Corbett, who filmed many of his expeditions tracking man-eating tigers and leopards. Among the many other events that led to creating a new India, this documentary also encapsulates authenticity of India’s rich past with a detailed understanding of what the country looked like in the 1900s.

  • Animal Planet’s unveils new series ‘The Lion Kingdom’

    Animal Planet’s unveils new series ‘The Lion Kingdom’

    MUMBAI: Animal Planet has been dedicated to bringing to the fore incredible stories from the animal kingdom. Taking yet another step in this direction, starting 27 January, at 9 PM, the channel is all set to premiere an incredible 10-part series ‘The Lion Kingdom’ which will take viewers at the forefront of India’s battle with the deadly Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) which threatened to wipe out the last of the surviving Asiatic Lions in the world living in the wilds of the Gir National Park. Produced by film-maker Upma Bhatnagar, Executive Producer and Director, Optimum Television, The Lion Kingdom features renowned veterinary surgeon Steve Leonard as the series host.

    This incredible series is the story of the Asiatic Lions’ fight with destiny and their triumph over a disease that had wiped out over 1000 lions in one deadly sweep in the Serengeti National Pak in Tanzania in the 1990s. These lions with their valiant fight for survival truly live up to their name – being referred to as India’s Pride. However, along with the indomitable spirits of glorious beasts, the relentless efforts of those working in the background – the forest department and the veterinarians is what truly helped turn this almost disaster into a story of hope.

    The Lion Kingdom is a story of how the forest department of Gir National Park worked round the clock to try and save the king of the jungle while battling heavy rains and flooding and dealing with a sudden increase in the number of crocodiles in the area as a result! For the first time ever, not only will audiences get to witness the functioning of the veterinarian hospital in Gir, the only National park in India that has a full-fledged hospital for animals with the latest medical equipment, but they will also get to marvel at the transformation of Gir during the monsoons as this is the first time ever the National Park has been filmed during the rains.

    “The deadly CDV virus had the potential to impact India’s pride – the Asiatic lions at The Gir National Park. The outstanding work done by our forest department to handle a crisis of this magnitude is a story which had to be shared with the world,” said,  Discovery South Asia Content, Factual & Lifestyle Entertainment director Sai Abishek. “This series is a testimony to our purpose to grow awareness about wildlife conservation and instill a sense of pride and empathy among audiences towards these incredible animals and those working to save them.”

    Optimum Television executive producer and director Upma Bhatnagar said, “It was the serious most alarm not only in Gir, but in India’s entire conservation history since independence. At stake was the existence of an entire species – Asiatic lions – that does not exist anywhere else in the world. When I heard many scientists and conservationists expressing fears that the Indian lion may not be able to come out of this crisis, I was really worried. Gir is very special to me. This is where I had filmed my first TV series, The Lion Queens of India. I enjoy a special bond with the land, its people and its majestic animals. We spoke with Discovery India who sensed the gravity of the situation and gave us their full creative and logistic support to share our story with the nation.”