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Aamir Khan & Kiran Rao share stories around the making of Laapataa Ladies at ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0
Mumbai: Bollywood Stars Aamir Khan and Kiran Rao shared the stories around their latest venture “Laapataa Ladies” at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0.
Critically acclaimed for a number of blockbuster and poignant movies as an actor and filmmaker, Aamir Khan has achieved much success for movies like 3 idiots, Lagaan, Tare Zameen Par, and PK.
Speaking at the session “Telling Lapaataa Tales: Scenes from an Invisible Country Nation”, Aamir Khan, said, “Kiran is a very honest filmmaker, and Lapaataa Ladies is such a dramatic story that I thought this should be made.”
Speaking about the preparation he does for his roles, Aamir Khan, said, ‘I believe in doing rehearsal and being prepared. I feel first and foremost a script should entertain me which gives me confidence about it.’
Speaking about the misfortune of his last release, Aamir Khan, said, “Laal Singh Chaddha was one movie which gave me a lot of learning opportuning. Thank God I made all the mistakes in one”
Known for making movies that were loved both by critics and the people, producer and director Kiran Rao, has achieved tremendous acclaim for contributing to the making of thoughtful entertainers like Dhobi Ghat, Peepli Live, Jaane Tu ya Jaane Na, and Dangal.
Talking about her movie Laapataa Ladies which will hit the screen in March, Kiran Rao, said, “There’s a different excitement in working with new actors, and this movie gave enough opportunity to do so. The social issues work as a subtext in the movie.”
Responding to a question on the use of artificial intelligence in movies, Aamir Khan, said, “We have to learn to evolve with Artificial Intelligence and new technologies.”
Kiran Rao, remarked, “I don’t think AI can be stopped. We all are using some form of technology of what we do.”
The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.
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BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs in biggest overhaul in 15 years
Cost pressures and leadership change drive major workforce reduction plan
LONDON: BBC has unveiled plans to cut up to 2,000 jobs, roughly 10 per cent of its global workforce, in what marks its biggest downsizing in 15 years.
The announcement was made during an all-staff meeting led by interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies, as the broadcaster moves to tackle mounting financial pressures and reshape its operations.
Between 1,800 and 2,000 roles are expected to be eliminated from a workforce of around 21,500. The cuts form part of a broader plan to save £500 million over the next two years, aimed at offsetting rising costs, stagnating licence fee income and weaker commercial revenues.
In a communication to staff, BBC interim director-general Rhodri Talfan Davies said, “I know this creates real uncertainty, but we wanted to be open about the challenge,” acknowledging the impact the move would have across the organisation.
The restructuring comes at a time of leadership transition. Former director-general Tim Davie stepped down earlier this month, with Matt Brittin, a former Google executive, set to take over the role on May 18, 2026.
While some cost-cutting measures are being implemented immediately, the majority of the structural changes are expected to roll out over the next few years, with full savings targeted by the 2027–2028 financial year.
The broadcaster had earlier signalled its intent to reduce its cost base by around 10 per cent over a three-year period, warning of “difficult choices” as it adapts to shifting economic realities and audience expectations.
With operating costs hovering around £6 billion annually, the BBC’s latest move underscores the scale of the financial challenge it faces, as it balances public service commitments with the need for long-term sustainability in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
