Actor Akshay Kumar and adventurer Bear Grylls set out on a classic military-style mission in the forthcoming episode of Into The Wild
Discovery 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 the show. Notably, last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi featured in a memorable episode of Man vs Wild with Bear Grylls and PM Modi. Shot at Bandipur Tiger Reserve, the show will follow all military style drills with former British military personnel Bear Grylls taking charge along with Akshay Kumar, son of a military officer.
The buzz around Akshay Kumar’s episode is immense as the show featuring PM 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 the 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,” added he.
“I did my homework prior to meeting Akshay. I 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. 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,” said Grylls.
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.”
Beyond Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Grylls has also hosted prominent celebrities in the past such as then sitting American President Barack Obama, Kate Winslet, Roger Federer, Julia Roberts and many more.
(While the show streams on September 11 on Discovery Plus at 8 pm, the broadcast premiere of the show is scheduled for 8 pm on September 14 across 12 Discovery channels.)
