On Thursday, TED and Star India announced their partnership to create a new Hindi talk show titled TED Talks India: Nayi Soch, to be hosted by renowned Indian actor and producer Shah Rukh Khan. The program will utilize TED’s well-known format, featuring a range of speakers who will present “big ideas” in a concise format—typically within 18 minutes or less.
The phrase “Nayi Soch,” which translates to “new thinking,” aligns with TED’s mission of sharing ideas worth spreading. This collaboration marks the first occasion in which TED is teaming up with a major broadcasting network to produce a series featuring original TED Talks in a language other than English.
Juliet Blake, who oversees television at TED, will serve as the series’ executive producer. Further details are expected to be unveiled during the upcoming annual TED Conference in Vancouver, scheduled for April 24-28.
In a statement, Khan expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Star India’s legacy of using television as an instrument of social change, combined with TED’s commitment to highlighting unique ideas to spark debate, creates a powerful synergy. I believe TED Talks India: Nayi Soch will inspire many minds throughout India. This is a concept I was drawn to immediately, as I see media as a potent vehicle for inspiring change.”
Supporting Khan’s comments, Blake added, “Given Star TV’s vast audience of over 650 million viewers, this collaboration represents a meaningful moment in TED’s quest to engage curious minds with substantial ideas. This partnership opens a new chapter for TED in the realm of global television.”
Chris Anderson, TED’s curator, also shared his excitement: “Bringing TED to India in this way is incredibly thrilling. The country is rich in creativity and innovation, and we believe this series will harness that spirit, providing insight and inspiration to a broad audience.”
Uday Shankar, chairman and CEO of Star India, emphasized the importance of innovative thinking, stating, “At Star, we have always aimed to challenge the norms with new ideas and creative approaches. In a time characterized by uncertainty, the power of ideas to drive positive change is paramount.”
TED Talks India: Nayi Soch will be broadcast on Star Plus, with episodes also accessible on Hotstar and the TED website, according to a statement from Star India.
Update 17/2: Added comments regarding the show’s digital availability.
