PM Modi to appear in Bear Grylls survival show
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Rebecca Hawkes
| 30 July 2019

India’s prime minister, Narenda Modi, is the latest celebrity to join adventurer Bear Grylls in a Discovery show set in India’s oldest National Park in Uttarakhand.

The Discovery exclusive, Man Vs Wild with Bear Grylls & PM Modi, which will air on 12 August, was shot in the Jim Corbett National Park. In the show, Modi and ex-SAS survival and outdoor adventure TV host Bear Grylls focus on wildlife conservation, highlighting issues related to environmental change.

“For years, I have lived among nature, in the mountains and the forests. These years have a lasting impact on my life. So when I was asked about a special programme focussing on life beyond politics and that too in the midst of nature I was both intrigued and inclined to take part in it,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“For me, this show presents a great opportunity to showcase to the world India’s rich environmental heritage and stress on the importance of environment conservation and living in harmony with nature. It was a great experience spending time in the jungle once again, this time with Bear, who is blessed with indefatigable energy and quest to experience nature at its purest.”

Bear Grylls said: “It is such a privilege to be taking Prime Minister Modi on an adventure into the Indian wilderness and I feel truly honoured to get to spend time with this remarkable world leader. The wild reminds us that we need each other and that together we are stronger. I am so excited to spend time with the PM and to get to know the man who leads this great nation.”

Man Vs Wild With Bear Grylls and PM Modi will premiere simultaneously on 12 Discovery channels in India including Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World, Animal Planet, TLC, JEET Prime, and Discovery Kids on 12 August 2019 at 9pm.

The premiere on Discovery and Discovery HD World will be available in five languages including English, Bengali, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Discovery Communications India MD Megha Tata said that with Modi’s appearance, the broadcaster hopes “the show will create awareness about India’s rich biodiversity and sensitise people about the importance of conservation of wild animal species”.

PM Modi follows prominent celebrities such as then sitting American President Barack Obama, Kate Winslet, Roger Federer, and Julia Roberts on Bear Grylls TV show.