‘Mega Icons’, a new series by National Geographic, will present the success stories of inspirational personalities.
Hosted by actor R Madhavan, the show takes the audience to a journey into the lives of several iconic personalities from all walks of life.
Through scientific research and interviews with the icons and their families, the show aims to decode whether an icon is born or made.
The show will explore the lives of cricketer Virat Kohli, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, former President of India APJ Abdul Kalam, spiritual leader and Nobel laureate Dalai Lama, social activist and India’s first women IPS officer Kiran Bedi, etc.
Speaking about the show in an exclusive telephonic interview to thestatesman.com, host R Madhavan revealed the name of the icon in his life.
How did ‘Mega Icons’ happen?
National Geography approached me with the concept and I thought it was a phenomenal idea to get and analyse how these mega icons became who they are and whether this was a quality that they were born with, or whether this is something they that they were conditioned into as they grew up.
How does it feel to be a part of the ‘Mega Icons’?
It feels really nice; I’m privileged to get to understand these ‘Mega Icons’ at such close quarters.
Tell us something about the icons in your life? Who motivates you?
It’s my father. He is completely satisfied not wanting or depending on other people at the age of 75 and still doing what he wants and maintaining his dignity; that has been my biggest idol.
Who has inspired you, apart from your father?
From Gandhi-ji to Mr. Amitabh Bachchan and Mr. Kamal Haasan to Elon Musk – these are the kind of people who I draw inspiration from. I have always looked up to them for solutions to my own issues.
Who is the favourite icon among the list?
Mr. Kamal Haasan – I know Kamal sir personally and I’m a huge fan.
What are the other projects you’re working on?
I’m doing a biopic on a rocket scientist. It’s going to be shot in three languages and should be out next year.