MUMBAI: Hrithik Roshan is all set to host a new show for Discovery channel called HRX Heroes, which will launch on 2 November.
The show is based on real stories about people who have come over their physical limitations and challenges and come out as heroes in real life. Incidentally, HRX is also a fitness and sportswear lifestyle brand launched by Roshan with the tagline - Push Your Extreme.
HRX Heroes will consist of nine episodes, which will be aired on Discovery Channel twice a week on Monday and Tuesday at 9 pm with a repeat over the weekend. The show, which is an original concept created by the Discovery creative team, will be filmed across India and it will be directed by Samar Khan.
The promotions for the show will be done across platforms on digital, print and television. Speaking on choosing Roshan as a host and the brand HRX, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery is known for real and compelling stories. These are great stories about courage and endorsement, which we are bringing to the audience. Hrithik Roshan and the brand HRX are examples of the same. He has overcome physical disabilities when he suffered from stuttering. It will give a personal touch as he will be playing the host.”
Commenting on the show’s content Johri asserted, “We went through many proposals and ideas, which keep coming to us and found this script. Each story line is very strong and inspiring. It is amazing how they have come such a long way, the amount of success they have achieved despite obstacles. Moreover, the way in which Hrithik has presented the show is fantastic. The format of the show is engaging and will appeal to masses. That is the reason why we thought it would be the right thing to do it. Apart from that, the show will showcase different stories and diversities in India with the help of the nine stories.”
Impressed with the script and the theme of the series, Roshan added, “I wish to share with the world and spread the belief that it is possible to look adversity in the face and emerge victorious by overcoming it. HRX Heroes will bring to focus these incredible real life stories, which the entire nation needs to admire. I believe Discovery Channel is the ideal platform to spread the message of courage and determination, which in turn will inspire thousands of more such heroes.”
The actor further added that he relates to the series as it is about overcoming obstacles to become real life heroes. While Roshan has previously been seen on the small screen as a judge for a dance reality show, with HRX Heroes he will make his debut as a host.
The nine-part series will present real life stories of men and women from across India, who had very little going for them but they did not give up on their dreams and emerged as heroes. The channel will kick start the series by featuring wrestler Sangram Singh, who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a very young age. After fighting for several years, trying to overcome his illness, Singh became Commonwealth Heavy Weight champion in 2015.
Other real life heroes, who will be featured on the show are Harshini Kanhekar - India’s first female fire engineer, overcoming gender discrimination; Kalpana Saroj, who was born in poverty, married at very young age but later went on to become a celebrated entrepreneur and Navin Gulia, an accident survivor who is now a recognised adventurer, philanthropist and a motivational speaker.
The show will also feature Sajo Thomas, who built his own aircraft even after being congenitally deaf and mute; Sudha Chandran who became an accomplished actor and dancer even after losing her one leg in an accident when she was 17 year old; Shekar Naik, under whose his captaincy, The Blind Cricket Team of India won the Blind Cricket World Cup in 2014 and Shibhareet Kaur Ghumman, who followed her dreams to become a dancer even after losing her one leg.
Discovery has roped in as many as six sponsors for the show.
