Discovery Channel decodes the Shah Rukh Khan Phenomenon

Media News

New Delhi, February 17, 2010

Coming from India's bourgeoning middle class, Shah Rukh Khan’s meteoric success in Bollywood makes him the poster-boy of multiple generations. Discovery Channel will bring an engaging one-hour programme detailing how his insatiable ambition combined with the overall socio-political changes during the last two decades and the country’s globalisation path transformed an industry-outsider to an icon of contemporary India.

Discovery Channel will air REVEALED: SHAH RUKH KHAN on Friday, February 19th at 8 PM and repeat at 10 PM. The programme will explain the formula for his unparalleled success – both at home and abroad. Social anthropologists, film-makers, scholars, critics and lifestyle commentators will detail the virtues which make him the consumer friendly face for brands, an innovative entrepreneur, a mega film-star, a NRI icon and an ideal family man. The experts will explain in depth the impact he has had on both Bollywood and India’s image abroad.

The programme will repeat on Saturday, February 2oth at 9 pm and 11 pm and Sunday, February 21st at 8 pm.

Tom Keaveny, executive vice president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, "Shah Rukh Khan is a global icon and we are excited to present his phenomenal success story to viewers across the world."

Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager – India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, "Discovery Channel’s unique strength is in uncovering the unexplained phenomenon, be it life-changing events, personalities with global influence or unique wonders of our nature. This time it will examine the beginning, growth and impact of one of the biggest success stories of contemporary India – Shah Rukh Khan."

Commenting on the programme, Shah Rukh Khan said, "I have enjoyed watching the Discovery Channel for many years. I am quite excited that viewers will now watch a programme on my life on this exceptional channel."

Featuring anecdotes, interviews and footage from his films, REVEALED: SHAH RUKH KHAN is the story of how Shah Rukh Khan achieved his dreams by grabbing every opportunity that crossed his path, however difficult or unexpected those crossings might have seemed. Chronicling the birth of an anti-hero who rose to capture the spirit of the nation, the programme will present this astonishing story to viewers across the world.

A range of experts including social anthropologist Shiv Vishwanathan, film scholar M.K. Raghvendra, film critic Anupama Chopra, advertising and brand expert Prasoon Joshi and media expert Priya Tanna will uncover the secret for Shah Rukh Khan’s enviable success.

Discovery Channel commissioned Blue Mango Films and Red Chillies Idiot Box to produce the programme.

For further information, please contact:

Discovery Channel

Ruchika Tandon

Mobile: +91 98102 02457

Email: ruchika_tandon@discovery.com