Now Showing India

Earlier this year,Indian veejay and actor Purab Kohli went on an extensive hunt on Facebook to find perfect companions with whom he could share a travel wishlist.

Earlier this year,Indian veejay and actor Purab Kohli went on an extensive hunt on Facebook to find perfect companions with whom he could share a travel wishlist. He zeroed in on an unlikely trio a software engineer who teaches the Brazilian martial art Capoeira,an easy-going film student and a witty marketing professional. The result: the gang of four went on a trip of a lifetime and turned it into a show that they shot themselves,called Life Mein Ek Baar. Now on air on Fox History & Traveller,its dubbed as one of the shows rediscovering India through the eyes of young new hosts and anchors.

Take the case of model and actress Lisa Rays Oh My Gold! on Discoverys TLC. Ray embarked on a treasure hunt across the country,showcasing exquisite jewellery through Indian culture and tradition,capturing the heart,mind and spirit of what modern India is today. Be it Delhis love affair with diamonds,Jaipurs jadau and meenakari or the pink pearls of Hyderabad,Ray was on a live life bling size trip. But more than gold,it was the sparkle of a fresh programming format that dazzled thro-ugh the show. Elaborating on their new theme,Discover India,Rahul Johri,senior vice-president and general manager,India,Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific,says,Such shows not only give incredible insight about India,its people and culture,but also show how the country has grown over the years from a developing nation to a contemporary country.

As part of this renewed programming wave,Johri is also trying to rope in more young viewers,and keeping that in mind,the channel aired ground-breaking shows such as Living With A Superstar- Shah Rukh Khan,Vir Sanghvis Asian Diary and Indian Rendezvous,and Golden Temple Revealed,a show that will present an ongoing story of faith,devotion,peace and communal harmony.

Move to Fox History & Traveller,and theyve grabbed the eyeballs through funky shows such as Whats With Indian Men and It Happens Only in India. The channel will be out with another travel show Freaky Traveller,which has anchor Gaurav Kapoor looking for Indias first travel jockey. The winner will visit 13 destinations and can end up serving as a porter at Vaishno Devi or living as a local in Assams tribal belt.

Whereas Life Mein Ek Baar,inspired by Dil Chahta Hais boys trip,attempts to make Indian journeys fun. Thats the way India is travelling now. Because themes with male bonding sell well in India,we have an all-boys group on this one. May-be,its all girls in the next season, says Kohli. We have been consciously working on presenting locally produced content that would capture and reflect the way young India looks at a journey thats packed with unique experiences and self discovery. Life Mein Ek Baar is one such show where we are inspired by how the young Indian travels today,not hesitant to try out new things, says Debarpita Banerjee,Vice-President,Marketing,Fox International Channels. According to her,the India focus on programming has a lot to do with the integration with domestic advertisers. Who wants to see some plush restaurant in Vienna? asks Banerjee.

From digging out lesser-known facts and stories,hand-painted Bollywood posters,trucks and street art,Mumbais Dharavi slum and lost temples of India to the harsh nomadic life in Ladakh,international channels are clearly high on new India.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram

Now Showing India

Earlier this year,Indian veejay and actor Purab Kohli went on an extensive hunt on Facebook to find perfect companions with whom he could share a travel wishlist.

Earlier this year,Indian veejay and actor Purab Kohli went on an extensive hunt on Facebook to find perfect companions with whom he could share a travel wishlist.