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Filmmaker Chen Kaige on CNN’s ‘Talk Asia’
The next edition of CNN’s chat show Talk Asia from Beijing sees the show’s host Lorraine Hahn interviews one of China’s most renowned and influential filmmakers Chen Kaige. The internationally-acclaimed director, best known for such movies as The Emperor and the Assassin and the award-winning Farewell My Concubine, discusses his latest project The Promise.
The show airs on 25 June at 8:30 am, 8 om, 10:30 pm and on 26 June at 4 pm and at 8:30 pm. Kaige says, “It’s a very significant film for me because I got a so-called Asian cast; we have a Japanese, a very famous actor named Sanada and Korean one named Dong-kun Jang and also the actors and actresses from Hong Kong as well.
“It is a love story and we have very strong entertainment elements for sure and including the kung fu stuff. I hope at the end of the day people will say, ‘So it’s great entertainment film but we also find some meanings in the film.’ That’s what I want.”
During the half-hour interview, Chen continues to chat about his inspirations, his life as a member of the famous fifth generation of filmmakers, and growing up during the Cultural Revolution in China. When asked if he considers himself a political filmmaker, he replies, “I’m not political at all but as you know that I grew up in a very, very political period of time which is the Cultural Revolution…yes, we are artists, we want to show people our piece, but at the same time we think it’s very important for us to make our points in our movies.”
Additionally, Chen talks about the challenges of being a filmmaker in China, and where he thinks the Chinese film industry is heading.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
