Modi goes on wild adventure with Bear Grylls

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will feature in a special episode of Discovery's "Man Vs Wild" which will highlight "issues related to environmental change."

According to a statement from the channel, the special episode, featuring adventurer Bear Grylls and shot in India's Jim Corbett National Park, will be a "frank and freewheeling journey" which will throw light on wildlife conservation.

The episode will premiere on August 12 and will be showcased in more than 180 countries across the world on Discovery network of channels.

"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," the PM said in a statement.

"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," he added.

Bear said it was a privilege to take the PM "on an adventure into the Indian wilderness."

"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," he added.

Sharing the teaser of the episode on Twitter on Monday, Bear said it will be an opportunity for people across the globe to see the unknown side of the Indian prime minister.

In his response to Bear, Modi said the episode will contribute to the discourse of environmental conservation.

"India -- where you find lush green forests, diverse wildlife, beautiful mountains and mighty rivers. Watching this programme will make you want to visit different parts of India and add to discourse of environmental conservation," the PM tweeted.

The 45-second-long clip (external link) teases the episode as an "epic adventure of a lifetime" and the one that unites "an ace adventurer" with "the leader of the world's largest democracy".

As they explore the wild lands of Jim Corbett, Bear presents Modi with a makeshift spear and promises to keep the "most important man in India" safe.

Among the celebrities that have earlier featured on the show are actors Zac Efron, Channing Tatum, Ben Stiller, Michael B Jordan and and then United States President Barack Obama (in December 2018).

The US president trekked through a remote part of Alaska to promote action on climate change. “I’m skinny but tougher than I look,” said Obama of the challenge.