News Broadcasting
Acharya Pramod Krishnam on Aap Ki Adalat: Actresses like Hema Malini are goddesses
Mumbai: In a recent episode of Rajat Sharma’s India TV show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, BJP leader and chief of Kalki Peeth – Acharya Pramod Krishnam expressed his views on female actors, stating, “for me, all female actors like Monica Bedi, or Hema Malini, or Rati Agnihotri are Devis (goddesses).” He asserted that Monica Bedi, who was arrested with gangster Abu Salem, “did not commit any crime and yet she suffered more punishment than the terrorist.”
Reflecting on his early career in the Mumbai film industry 40 years ago, he noted, “Actor toh sabhi banna chahte hain, kuch ban patey hain, kuch nahin ban patey hain.” He confirmed investing family money in films, stating, “Yes, I did not become a faqeer (mendicant) today. I was a faqeer since childhood.” He reminisced about his lyric-writing, saying, “Not tried… I wrote several lyrics,” including a song sung by Kishore Kumar.
It is to be noted that actor Monica Bedi and terrorist Abu Salem were arrested by Interpol in Portugal in 2002, where they served prison sentences for entering the country using forged documents. Two years later, a Portugal court cleared their extradition to India for Abu Salem to face trial in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Both of them were handed over to India in 2005. Monica Bedi was convicted of passport forgery by an Indian court in 2006. In 2010, the Supreme Court upheld her conviction but reduced her prison term to the period that she had already served.
When asked about female actors visiting his ashram, he stated, “Main in sab mein Devi Ka Darshan Karta Hoon,” referencing the belief that “Yatra Naryastu Pujyante, Tatra Ramantey Devata.” On Monica Bedi’s situation, he reiterated, “Monica Bedi ne koi gunaah nahin kiya… Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ka privilege mat do. Lekin Monica Bedi ko Monica Bedi hone ki sazaa bhi mat do.”
Acharya described his ashram as sacred, highlighting Lord Vishnu’s prophesied Kalki incarnation and recalled Hema Malini’s desire to perform a dance drama there. He also addressed the disruption by then UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, stating, “On 6 November 2016 night, Akhilesh Yadav’s government clamped restrictions… His own tent (government) got uprooted, and till today, he is yet to come back to power.”
News Broadcasting
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.
