News Broadcasting
News18 exposes ‘Namak Haraam’ Pakistani artistes
MUMBAI: News18 India has carried out an exposé that revealed top Pakistani film actors and singers in India are involved in large-scale black money transactions. The channel, under its sting operation Namak Haraam, exposed top Pakistani personalities such as Fawad Khan, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shafaqat Amanat Ali, Mawara Hocane and Imran Abbas.
In line with its motto of ‘Danke Ki Chot Par’, News18 India conducted the sting operation over a fortnight in Mumbai and Delhi. The channel’s undercover reporters caught on camera the agents of the Pakistani artistes demanding a majority of their fee in black money. The fee was for appearance in wedding ceremonies. While a few demanded a part of the fee in cash, others wanted it transferred to their bank accounts in Australia or Dubai. The formal contract reflected a paltry sum as compared to the amount agreed upon.
Renowned actor Khan’s manager demanded Rs 50 lakh for a two-hour appearance. He demanded the payment should be made in black and white. The black money component was to be 25 per cent of the deal amount and rest was to be transferred to Khan’s UAE (United Arab Emirates) based bank account.
While singers Amanat Ali and Fateh Ali Khan’s managers demanded Rs 35 lakh and Rs 65 lakh, respectively, the former’s contract showed just Rs. 8 lakh and the latter’s 23 lakh including taxes. It is notable that Rahat Fateh Ali Khan was detained at IGI airport in February 2011 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. He was carrying around Rs 60 lakh at the time. He was released only after paying a penalty. Abbas’s manager demanded Rs 35 lakh for a performance with Rs. 32 lakh to be paid in black while the contract was to reflect a fee of just Rs 3 lakh.
Similarly, Hocance’s Pakistan-based manager demanded Rs 50 lakh for a two-hour appearance and asked for Rs 25 lakh in cash to be paid to her contact in Mumbai. The rest of the amount was to be transferred to Hocane’s Australian bank account.
Since all the Pakistani artistes come to India on a work permit obtained through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for professional engagement, these activities violate statutory laws. The insistence for payment in black money also violates service tax and income tax laws. This conduct of the agents and managers of the Pakistani artistrs violate work permits rules and clearly go against the laws of the land
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
