Bear Grylls with Modi, on a raft made of reeds. The 68-year-old PM is the oldest guest to feature on the reali... Read More

Edward Micheal Grylls, better known as Bear Grylls , is a former British special forces officer who hosts a survivalist reality show that has featured celebrities like actor Ben Stiller and former US president Barack Obama . In an email interview to Rajeev Deshpande, he spoke about his encounter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the shooting of Man vs Wild, which will be telecast on Monday.

How did the idea of an episode with PM Modi come about?

A couple of years ago, while President Obama was still in office, we filmed an episode of Running Wild with him in Alaska. This was to highlight the hard realities of climate change by showing him receding glaciers close up. It was an amazing moment and it garnered huge viewership worldwide. Prime Minister Modi and Discovery India also discussed such a journey. For me, it was a huge privilege to be able to take Prime Minister Modi, the leader of the world’s largest democracy, on an adventure to some of the most spectacular wilderness in his own country. He has the ability to lead the world in tackling climate change and this adventure has been the perfect vehicle for him to share his vision for a clean India.

Did you have preparatory meetings? How did those discussions go?

I didn’t have any meetings with him until we met in the depths of the forest (Corbett)! That’s the magic. We keep it free and the journey spontaneous. I knew a route, and had planned to cross this big jungle river along the way. It was also about getting to know Modi as a man outside of politics.

How did you and the PM decide on the message of the episode?

Both of us wanted to show the world how remarkable India is, how influential India can be and how powerful a force for good in terms of conservation and the environment India can become.

Any behind-the-scenes vignettes that you can share?

Some horrendous weather hit us a few hours before filming and the PM ended up in an epic journey up river in a small boat that took him hours. His team was legitimately worried about rising water levels but the PM was calm personified. Then as soon we started off together, he was full of energy, he laughed a lot and was up for anything. Even when he saw my tiny raft made of reeds, wrapped in a tarpaulin, he smiled and said, ‘Let’s go!’ I know his security team were very worried in case we got swept away, but before anyone had time to react we were off ! Both of us ended up soaking wet but for the world to see the fun, playful and humble side of one of the world’s most powerful men is so inspiring. He also wanted us to pray together at the end of our journey and that was a very poignant and intimate moment where we came together in friendship and unity.

Having interviewed several guests, what did you make of him?

He was the oldest guest we have ever taken into the wild yet he shone so bright. He is a force of nature and even though he is obviously very clever, he has a wonderful humility about him. What I admired most was his determination to clean up India.

Can you share some of the Prime Minister’s views on important questions of environment, climate change, conservation and development?

As a young man, the Prime Minister spent quite some time living in the wild so he had a wonderful natural affinity with the wilderness. That was great to see. He knows the importance of India promoting conservation and reducing plastic and fossil fuel dependence. My hope is that he continues taking the lead in real and positive action to protect the climate and lead India into a bright, clean future.

What would you say the main takeaways of the interaction were?

That just because someone is so powerful doesn’t mean they aren’t human! My takeaway was how gentle he was as a man and how grateful I am for the friendship. The wild always brings people close. It is what I love most about the outdoors and what I love most in my role as Chief Ambassador to World Scouting. I hope that we can see Scouting empower millions more young people in India with key skills.

The promos say the episode will provide insights on a different aspect of the Prime Minister. Any hints or teasers?

You won’t believe the sight of the most powerful man in India, soaking wet, floating down river in a homemade little raft of reeds! And his passion for young people is inspirational.

