Universally fascinating

TELLY VISION

, last Wednesday, it went back 13.7 billion years. It looked at not just how the universe was created but also how, over the ages, we have learnt to, and continue to, understand it.

The series was fascinating, not just in terms of content (it reminded me of my geography lessons in school) but also in the manner in which it was presented. It was almost like peering into a fantasy land with professors, authors and scientists talking about our universe with a great sense of pride.

What fascinated me was how, generation after generation, a vast number of individuals have attempted to unravel the mysteries of our world; there's been a running thread of learning from one age to another as scientists have picked up theories, lessons and a vast reservoir of knowledge has been left behind. The documentary deserves to be watched for its stunning visual experience and the manner in which the subject has been showcased to engage viewers.

Speaking of which, I was completely seduced while looking at some Discovery Travel & Living programmes. One of my favourite channels, it is effective because it is aspirational, constantly tickling audiences to get a slice of "the good life".

I watched a total of three DVDs, contents of which will run through December, including one on Ralph Lauren's absolutely stunning car collection. The veteran designer draws his inspiration from his car collection and considers the automobile industry and fashion industry as having synergies vis-a-vis products.

To put it simply, a curve of Lauren's Fender becomes the curve of Lauren's dress collection on the ramp. Bentley, Porsche, Jaguar, Bugatti, Merc... we had the series showing off Lauren's incredible collection.

While the History Channel's series will look at how the universe is created, Travel & Living offers how some of the upwardly mobile end up making their own little universes in today's day and age.

In an episode of Super Homes, I caught actor Jackie Chan allowing cameras into his "secret home" in one of Hong Kong's busiest streets. What looked like a garage from outside opened into one of the most spectacular homes that one has ever seen. Walls opened into rooms, a bar area opened into the actor's bedroom which in turn found its way to his private office. A sneak peek revealed the actor's fascination with tea cups and wines (stored in custom-built cellars).

What made the show so special was the fact that cameras actually reached into every nook and corner of his house. And, of course, the actor's classic statement: "I'm no longer fond of teacups. I'm no longer fond of wine. This has been," he admitted on the show, "a waste of money."

Having said that, Chan's next stop, the show revealed, is owning an 80,000 sq ft beauty (he didn't mention where) complete with bowling alleys and swimming pools too. Talk about living the rich man's life.

PS: I must recommend two documentaries on Ladakh that will be showcased today at 8 pm on Discovery Channel. I've had a sneak peek of both, Ladakh "" Desert in the Skies and Ladakh "" the Forbidden Wilderness, and have been left impressed with the production quality. Made by the Bedi brothers, Naresh and Rajesh, both the films have been shot, despite harsh weather conditions, in eastern Ladakh. Happy viewing.

(abhilasha.ojha@bsmail.in)