News Broadcasting
250 not out: Simone Singh basks in Heena’s success
MUMBAI: On November 7, Henna on Sony TV will complete 250 episodes. And who can be happier about the show’s success than it’s lead protagonist Simone Singh!
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Singh says, “It is a great feeling to be part of a show which has run successfully for so long. The fact that the show has come so far clearly exemplifies that it has created a loyal viewership base.”
Singh started her television career with A Mouthful of Sky, an Indian English show on DD Metro. She went on to do popular serials like Swabhimaan, Superhit Muqabla, Chitrahaar, Sea Hawks and Hello Friends, among others.
Over the past five years, Singh has won several awards and nominations for the Best Actress for her title role in Henna. Another feather in her cap was when she was nominated as the Most Stylish Female on Television at the MTV Style Awards 2003.
Today, Singh is extremely choosy about her work. “Television actors are working 14 hours a day, for 30 days a month. I don’t want to be a part of such hectic schedules. Leave aside social life, where would that leave my family life?” she asks.
Singh believes that working for so long robs an actor of his acting capabilities. “One tends to stagnate, no matter how hard he may try not to,” she opines.
While Singh looks forward to get into films sometime in the future, she does not seem to be in a hurry to bag a role. “I will do films if the roles and the people are good,” she says.
However, Singh has dabbled in a few movies – like Ek Rishta, Kabhie Khushi Kabhi Gham, Haan Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai, Sur and Sssshhh… (Cinevistaas first home-production which released last week) – albeit in cameo roles. She will also make a guest appearance in Karan Johar’s Kal Ho Naa Ho (co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Saif Ali Khan) which is expected to hit the theatres on 28 November.
On television, Singh has grabbed Aandhi – the next series on the on-going Chausatth Panne in Zee TV. Aandhi will be aired from 16 November. In this series, Singh plays a girl who has to conceal her identity, because she lives under the misconception that she has killed her boyfriend accidentally. Aandhi will also see Aamir Khan’s brother, Faisal Khan making a debut on television.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
