To mark the launch of the new Sandokan series, the actor unveiled the special collectible bottle bearing his signature in collaboration with Ponte1948 and Care To Action, a Venetian NGO that has been working in India since 1991 to support children, women, and vulnerable and marginalized communities.
Today, Monday, September 22nd, at 11:00 a.m., Kabir Bedi, the Indian actor who became a legend for his unforgettable performances in Sandokan, James Bond, The Bold and the Beautiful, Dynasty, Murder, She Wrote, Magnum P.I., and many others, held a press conference at the Viticoltori Ponte headquarters in Ponte di Piave to present “ACTION!”, a special edition signed by him and therefore a collector’s item, poised to become a cult classic for fans and enthusiasts around the world.
This is a Magnum of Organic Prosecco DOC Extra Dry, created in collaboration with Ponte1948, one of the most dynamic and important companies on the international wine scene with approximately 1,000 members, 3,000 hectares of vineyards, and 18 million bottles produced annually, and Care To Action, a Venetian NGO that has been working in India since 1991 to support children, women, and vulnerable and marginalized communities. The highly evocative and iconic label draws inspiration from a mandala, a symbolic diagram of Sanskrit origin that represents the universe, with a center from which a concentric and symmetrical geometric design develops. Widespread in Indian and Tibetan cultures, it is used as an object of meditation and spiritual development, but was also introduced into psychology by Carl Jung as a symbol of unity and the Self. Drawing or coloring a mandala can promote calm, concentration, inner balance, and the discovery of one’s deepest self. From the center of the mandala, the face of a golden tiger emerges, a symbol of strength and a clear reference to Salgari’s heroic character, played by Bedi, who has placed his invaluable stamp on this legendary project with his signature. “I am truly delighted,” Bedi commented, “to contribute to this initiative, the fruit of the professional and human values of a great company like Viticoltori Ponte, and the inexhaustible, invaluable commitment of Care To Action, for which I have been a Global Ambassador since 2018.”
The choice of wine could only fall on Prosecco Bio, created with the aim of promoting increasingly sustainable, nature-friendly, and environmentally friendly agriculture. “Balances change rapidly,” says Luigi Vanzella, General Manager of Viticoltori Ponte, “reminding us that we are not the masters of the planet and that a healthy coexistence, aimed at collaboration rather than annihilation, of all organisms is the secret to living better. The bottle will be produced in a limited edition and distributed in Italy starting in late 2025, with 20% of the proceeds donated to Care To Action. “The project to which this joint action is dedicated,” explained Antonio Benci, General Manager of Care To Action, “reaches over 1,300 children in the slums of Vijayawada, India. It’s called ‘Edu-Care,’ but it’s not a slogan, it’s not an imperative imposed from above, it’s not just a word. It’s working with communities to keep vulnerable children safe; it’s an intervention tested over the years to guarantee the most precious asset: education. It’s a way to promote grassroots development with and for the children of India.”
“We are immensely grateful,” Vanzella concluded, “to have had the opportunity to support such a noble, urgent, and important cause alongside such a respected and hard-working organization. We are also honored by the participation of an artist of such caliber, whom we particularly admire for his immense professional achievements, but also and above all for the courage and depth of soul he demonstrates at every opportunity.”
KABIR BEDI
Kabir Bedi is an international actor known for his role as Sandokan, as well as for his appearances in “The Bold and the Beautiful,” “James Bond: Octopussy,” and numerous Bollywood films. His career, which has spanned three continents (Asia, Europe, and America), has spanned film, television, and theater for over thirty years. He has twice received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his artistic achievements and for his role as a bridge between Italian and Indian cultures.
A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1982, Bedi has starred in iconic films such as “Khoon Bhari Maang” (Bollywood), “Ashanti” (opposite Michael Caine), and “The Black Corsair.” He has appeared in hit TV series such as “Highlander,” “Dynasty,” and “Magnum P.I.,” and has starred in numerous Italian films and miniseries. He recently starred in the series “Un medico in famiglia” alongside Lino Banfi.
In addition to his film career, he hosted the program “Guns and Glory” and played Othello in the theater. He is also an activist, serving as a Global Ambassador for Care To Action since 2018. Kabir Bedi was born into a family actively involved in the struggle for Indian independence and now lives in Mumbai with his wife, Parveen Dusanj.
CARE TO ACTION
Care To Action is an Italian NGO that has been working in India since 1991 to support children, women, and vulnerable communities. Its mission is to ensure dignity and rights through access to education, women’s empowerment, and the economic and social development of communities. The organization works primarily in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, in urban, rural, and tribal areas. Its activities include educational projects for children and youth, training opportunities for women, and initiatives to improve community health, education, and infrastructure. The schools run by Care To Action offer not only academic instruction, but also yoga, civic education, and mindfulness activities to promote mental and physical well-being. Purchasing the “ACTION!” Special Edition helps support these vital activities for a year.
VITICOLTORI PONTE
Viticoltori Ponte, founded in 1948 and located in Ponte di Piave (Treviso), is one of the most important wineries internationally, with 1,000 members, 3,000 hectares of vineyards, and 18 million bottles produced annually. The company is present in over 30 countries and offers a wide range of wines, from still to organic, all of certified high quality. Viticoltori Ponte stands out for its commitment to sustainable viticulture and biodiversity, obtaining EQUALITAS certification in 2023 for responsible environmental and human rights management. The company reduces its carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaics, and eco-friendly practices such as heat and water recovery. It has also received SQNPI certification, which guarantees the quality and sustainability of its products.
