New Delhi:Discovery, the entertainment network has continued its tradition of featuring iconic Indians by getting Akshay Kumar on-board in the latest episode of 'Into The Wild With Bear Grylls'.
Akshay follows the footsteps of superstar Rajinikanth who made his TV debut earlier this year with 'Into The Wild'. Notably, last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured in a memorable episode of 'Man vs Wild' with Bear Grylls.
Shot at Bandipur Tiger Reserve, 'Into The Wild with Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar', will follow all military style drills, with former British military personnel Bear Grylls taking charge along with fit and agile Akshay Kumar, son of a military officer, and somebody who has donned multiple hats, including that of an actor, producer, martial artist and philanthropist.
The episode will also raise awareness about a cause close to Akshay Kumar's heart - 'Bharat Ke Veer'.
The buzz around Akshay Kumar's episode is immense as the show featuring Mr Modi generated historic high ratings for the infotainment genre whereas 'Into The Wild' with Rajinikanth is the second highest rated show ever in the genre.
"I have always admired Bear Grylls for his energy, passion and what he has stood for all these years. It was a humbling experience being with him in the wild as he went about unfolding one challenge after another. It is different out there, as compared to movie sets, as there is no back-up ? that sense of realism is very overpowering. Bear is a knowledge reservoir ? and he dipped well into his knowledge of surviving in the wild, and shared interesting and new techniques with me," said Akshay.
"What I found interesting about the show is how nicely purpose is incorporated in an entertaining, survival and adventure led show. With regards to Bharat Ke Veer, it is a project which remains close to my heart and I will continue to use all opportunities to help promote it with an aim to ensure that more and more countrymen become a part of it," the actor said.
"I did my homework prior to meeting Akshay, and knew he is a superstar, but what struck me the most during our time together, was his humility, his easy approach ? he is, at heart, still that guy next door. Lots of commonalities between the two of us ? including passion towards fitness, dedication to family et al, I really enjoyed being with him," said Bear Grylls.
"Akshay's eyes lit-up with the mention of a new challenge and believe me, not many celebrities, across the world, have reacted so warmly to some harsh tasks that I can conjure," Grylls said.
Megha Tata, Managing Director, South Asia, Discovery, said, "Bear Grylls' expedition in Indian wilderness with iconic Indians has already emerged as the most wanted, the most watched show in the infotainment genre. Akshay, the Khiladi himself, fits the bill perfectly as we aim to ensure that this IP garners unprecedented traction. We are delighted to have launched our biggest IP in celebration of Discovery's 25th anniversary in the country."
'Into The Wild' with Bear Grylls is an innovative new format inspired by 'Man Vs Wild', which is one of the most watched wilderness survival television series in the world.
This special episode will be showcased on Discovery network of channels in 50 countries across Asia, Europe and Africa including India, Japan, China, UAE, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Poland etc.
'Into The Wild' with Bear Grylls and Akshay Kumar will stream at 2000 hrs on September 11 on Discovery Plus.
The broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled at 2000 hrs on September 14 across 12 Discovery channels including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD, DTamil, Animal Planet, Animal Planet HD, TLC, TLC HD, Discovery ID, Discovery ID HD, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, and Discovery Kids.(UNI)
