SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL(TM) TAKES A LAVISH WALK DOWN THE AISLE IN

"MY BIG BOLLYWOOD WEDDING"

NEW SPECIAL PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 10 AT 10 PM ET/PT

New York - May 12, 2017 - You are invited to the colorful, extravagant and glamorous world of Indian weddings. These celebrations can often last for days and involve entire villages joining together to give well wishes to the new bride and groom. MY BIG BOLLYWOOD WEDDING follows three different couples as they create the Indian wedding ceremony of their dreams in America. We see traditional rituals and also get a unique 21st century look into the merging of different cultures, religions and practices - blending traditional Indian wedding ceremonies with modern, Western wedding customs. MY BIG BOLLYWOOD WEDDING premieres Sunday, June 10 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel.

Binny and Sumona are second generation Indian-Americans living in New York City with huge pride in their Indian culture. When Binny proposes in front of their friends and family, the couple decides to celebrate their upcoming nuptials in a true "Bollywood movie" style, in the wedding of Sumona's dreams. Their incredible wedding offers viewers perhaps the most authentic look into a customary Indian wedding ceremony.

Richard and Divya, also of New York, have come together from two different cultures - she is the product of a proud Indian heritage whereas he is of Puerto Rican and Italian descent. Looking forward to a future with his new Indian bride, Richard completely embraces the customs and style of a true Indian wedding, wearing an authentic sherwani and joining in the numerous symbolic Hindu rituals with Divya's family.

The wedding of Aneesa and Melinda, two teachers living outside of Boston, offers up a truly unique 21st century perspective on an Indian wedding. Aneesa is a proud Indian immigrant who has always known that she is gay; Melinda, on the other hand, only discovered her true sexuality after meeting and falling in love with Aneesa. Together, they embrace both their Indian and Christian backgrounds, creating a ceremony that blends their cultures for a unique and modern wedding.

MY BIG BOLLYWOOD WEDDING is produced by Tell2C Productions LLC for Smithsonian Networks. Amelia Hanibelsz is Executive Producer for Tell2C Productions LLC. Joy Galane and David Royle serve as Executive Producers for Smithsonian Channel.

Smithsonian Channel(TM), owned by Smithsonian Networks(TM), a joint venture between Showtime Networks Inc. and the Smithsonian Institution, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing entertainment across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel combines the storytelling prowess of SHOWTIME(R) with the unmatched resources and rich traditions of the Smithsonian, to create award-winning programming that shines new light on popular genres such as air and space, history, science, nature, and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are series including Aerial America, Million Dollar American Princesses, Polar Bear Town, The Weapon Hunter, The Lost Tapes, Mighty Ships, Mighty Planes and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include Building Star Trek, The Unknown Flag Raiser of Iwo Jima, MLK: The Assassination Tapes and The Day Kennedy Died. Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth(TM), through SN Digital LLC., a new subscription video streaming service delivering spectacular original nature and wildlife content. To learn more, go to www.smithsonianchannel.com, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.