Bridging History and Gen Z: DW Hindi Launches Third Season of ‘Baebaak Isha’
Deutsche Welle (DW) has officially premiered the third season of its highly successful video series, Baebaak Isha. Hosted by Isha Bhatia Sanan, the new installment marks a departure from traditional history programming, aiming to bridge the gap between the dark lessons of Germany’s National Socialist era and the modern-day challenges facing Gen Z in India.
A Digital Bridge to Younger Generations
Launched with the goal of engaging young Indian audiences, Baebaak Isha—which translates roughly to "Unfiltered Isha"—has become a digital powerhouse. By blending accessible educational narratives with rigorous journalistic analysis, the program has successfully carved out a niche on social media. Its previous season was a viral sensation, amassing approximately 100 million views across DW Hindi’s social platforms and the partner app, Josh.
The third season, which began streaming in mid-August, maintains the show’s hallmark conversational tone while tackling heavier, more consequential themes.
Decoding History for the Digital Age
The new episodes serve as a cautionary lens, examining the systematic dismantling of the rule-of-law institutions in the Third Reich and the devastating impact of state-sponsored propaganda. By tracing the historical progression of these events, the series encourages viewers to draw parallels to contemporary issues, specifically regarding media literacy, the ethics of information consumption, and the fragility of democratic institutions.
"With this series, we want to revisit a pivotal chapter in world history, explore how propaganda shaped societies long before the advent of social media, and encourage viewers to think critically about their choices and the information they consume," says Isha Bhatia Sanan.
Fostering Critical Dialogue
Isha Bhatia Sanan, who assumed the role of DW India Bureau Chief in New Delhi in June 2026, has been instrumental in ensuring that the content resonates with the lived experiences of her audience. By centering the show on a dialogue-first approach, the production team aims to provide a space where viewers can navigate complex social topics without feeling alienated.
"Dialogue is at the heart of our series: we want to build bridges rather than deepen divisions," notes Mahesh Jha, Head of DW Hindi. "Through her show, Isha creates a space for exchange and connection, especially around the concerns of young people."
As the series continues to explore the complexities of German history, it reaffirms DW’s commitment to providing global insights that are not only relevant to local contexts but are also vital for fostering informed, critical thinking in the digital age.
The third season of Baebaak Isha is available now on all DW Hindi social media channels.
