Popular sports series –‘Umeed India’, culture & faith travel series ‘Sharanam’, and mythological series ‘Dharmakshetra’ released as books; more in the works
Mumbai, 29th August 2019: EPIC Channel, in association with Rupa Publications, announced a first of its kind, long-term collaboration of adapting it’s TV shows into books. Following the success of the Adrishya, and Khwabon Ka Safar, the partnership launched three books that are literary adaptations of EPIC’s immensely popular series’ - Umeed India, Sharanam, and Dharmakshetra.
While book-to-screen adaptations are very popular, especially in recent times, EPIC and Rupa have ventured as trail blazers to take the premium, research-rich EPIC TV shows to a larger audience. Pioneers in this unique screen-to-book adaptations - EPIC Channel and Rupa Publications - also announced an adaptation for EPIC’s yet to be released quiz game show – EPIC India Quiz Challenge.
Virender Sehwag, one of India’s cricketing greats, and anchor of Umeed India, Meiyang Chang, host of EPIC India Quiz Challenge, along with Olympic aspirants and champion athletes - para-badminton player Sanjeev Kumar, and shot putter, OP Karhana, unveiled the books at a conference in the presence of Mr. Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, IN10 Media and Mr. Kapish Mehra, Managing Director, Rupa Publications.
Akul Tripathi, Head – Content & Programming, EPIC Channel said, “EPIC has always been regarded as a benchmark for quality programming and has been the driving force behind the vision we have at IN10, of being a content-led media hub. We are thrilled to partner with Rupa Publications and have these stories we have enjoyed crafting come alive in another medium.”
Kapish Mehra, Managing Director, Rupa Publications said, “India lives in its stories and these tales are for posterity. In the all-consuming age of multi-media in which we operate, stories do need transmission and preservation in different formats. And that’s where I would say the collaboration between Rupa and EPIC becomes important. What we are doing here is translating the visual and oral history in a written form and saving it for our future generations. And of course, through these tales the entire nation is expressing itself.”
Virender Sehwag, former Indian cricketer and host of Umeed India said, “It has been an immensely enriching journey meeting the young stalwarts of the Indian sporting fraternity. Their tales of grit and determination have been an inspiration and I’m extremely excited to see their stories in print. With the series being adapted to a book, it fills me with hope, and pride that the stories will be read, treasured, and passed on. I congratulate EPIC Channel for their successful show, which is infotainment in true sense. I also congratulate Rupa Publications for transforming the episodes of the show into easy-to-read stories, that I am certain will help inspire a new generation of young achievers.”
Meiyang Chang, singer and actor, and host of the upcoming show EPIC India Quiz Challenge, commented, “I have been an avid follower of EPIC shows and with this unique concept of providing content in different format is exciting. If you don’t like TV, you might as well read the book and if you don’t like reading just catch up on the show. The India Quiz challenge is a fun way of getting to know India better, and I am excited to see how the series reads in print.”
The book ‘Umeed India with Virender Sehwag’, chronicles 13 gripping stories of Indian athletes who have worked hard to bring glory and honour to the nation. Through anecdotes and gut wrenching real stories, the book takes readers on a journey of inspiration and courage. The book features wrestler Vinesh Phogat, shot-put player Om Prakash Singh Karhana, Judoka Avtar Singh, freestyle wrestler and Olympic medallist Sakshi Mallik, sprinter Dutee Chand, rower Dattu Bhokanal, six-time Olympian and the first Indian to compete in Luge at the Winter Olympic Games Shiva Keshavan, Paralympian swimmer Suyash Jadhav, para-badminton champion Sanjeev Kumar, shooter Ayonika Paul, javelin thrower Annu Rani, badminton player Sai Praneeth, and boxer Shiva Thapa.
As Umeed India portrays the emergent, confident India, the second book ‘Sharanam with Juhi Chawla’ explores its spiritual diversity and heritage. The book is a journey through the various facets of religious practices, traditions, and places of worship in India. Visiting prominent pilgrimage spots from every corner of the country, the book tells the stories of the places through the eyes and experiences of the pilgrims who repose their faith in these deities. Along with popular pilgrimage sites like Nizammudin Dargah, Velankani Church, and the Golden Temple, the book also covers the remote Hemis monastery, the Kamakhya temple and other lesser known but powerful, and vibrant pilgrimage sites.
The third book ‘Dharmakshetra - The Great Trial after Kurukshetra’, is a thrilling courtroom drama that examines the events of the Mahabharata. In a post-apocalyptic trial, held in Maharaj Chitragupta’s court, the vanquished ‘Kauravas’, are allowed to accuse the victors, ‘Pandavas’, and ask to justify their actions. Upon hearing all the arguments made by the prosecution and the defence, Chitragupta must deliver his final verdict. Dharmakshetra: The Great Trial after Kurukshetra is a gripping, never before attempted narrative that examines the events of the Mahabharata in a fresh perspective.
Athletes Quotes
Sakshi Malik, Indian Freestyle Wrestler “I remember shooting for the show Umeed India and working with Virender Sir was an exceptional experience and now the show is being adapted in the book. This is really overwhelming and I hope more shows get adapted into book. I wish everyone a Happy National Sports Day”
Sanjeev Kumar, India Para-Badminton, “It was an honor to be a part of Umeed India and I say it from the heart. Post appearing on the show and moreover after spending time with the legendary Sehwag sir, it has helped me in achieving things post the show which I thought would take another 10 years. I am sure this book will inspire millions and I wish luck to EPIC and Rupa for this step.”
Om Prakash Karhana, Indian Shot Putter, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working on the show and now I’m equally excited to be part of this book. It’s an exceptional feeling. I hope our stories help the upcoming young talents and get more and more athletes competing on behalf of our country.”
Sai Praneeth, Indian Badminton Player, “I am so glad to be part of this initiative. Great to see that Umeed India is being adapted in book. I loved working on the show and looking forward to the book now. I wish the team a very good luck”
The books are available in Crossword Stores across India and can also be bought online.
About EPIC Channel:
EPIC Channel is an India-centric content-driven destination that has redefined the infotainment genre by being the only native Hindi language medium in its league. EPIC Channel has recently elevated its brand proposition and now showcases a wide array of original content across various genres. It is a television channel which tells of the people, for the people, by the people of India. The channel has been bestowed with several accolades including the prestigious 12 Promax BDA Award across various categories as well as Indian Television Academy Award for the show Stories by Rabindranath Tagore.
About IN10 MEDIA:
IN10 Media is a network with diverse offerings in the media and entertainment sector. With deeply entrenched roots in the creative community and a long association with premium content, the brands in its folds—including EPIC, DocuBay, and Showbox cover every aspect of the content life-cycle across platforms. Led by entrepreneur, Aditya Pittie, IN10 Media has its efforts focused on building world-class brands. www.in10media.com
