News Broadcasting
Barun Das outshines himself on his Duologue show
MUMBAI: The highly anticipated third series of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ returns to News9 with acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao leading the season premiere on 22nd February 2025. The programme, which has established itself as a cornerstone for intellectual discourse, features TV9 Network’s Managing Director and CEO Barun Das in conversation with thought leaders from various spheres.
In this opening episode, Rao, known for her distinctive filmmaking style, offers a penetrating analysis of contemporary Indian cinema and its evolving narrative landscape. She particularly emphasises the transformation of storytelling in the digital age, noting that “we are all storytellers in some way, thanks to social media. It’s an interesting world to be telling stories in.”
The filmmaker presents a candid assessment of Bollywood’s post-pandemic challenges, highlighting the industry’s need to recalibrate its approach. “We were perhaps a little complacent, assuming people would return to theatres regardless of what we made. That’s no longer the case”, she reflects, pointing to the significant impact of streaming platforms on audience expectations and reach.
The conversation takes a compelling turn as Rao addresses profound social issues, particularly focusing on gender dynamics in Indian society. She delivers a pointed critique of institutional biases, highlighting how women’s identities are often legally tethered to their male relatives. “Even today, legal documents link women’s identities to the men in their lives – as someone’s wife or daughter. That needs to change”, she asserts.
Rao also challenges prevailing societal narratives about women’s roles, particularly the glorification of multitasking. She presents a thought-provoking perspective on unpaid domestic labour, questioning the sustainability of current social structures if women were to fully enter the workforce.
Das, reflecting on the episode, praises Rao’s ability to weave complex social themes into accessible discourse. “Her ability to weave profound social themes into storytelling is remarkable”, he notes, emphasising how the conversation embodies the programme’s mission to challenge established perspectives.
The Oscar-nominated director reciprocated the praise, describing the interview as “one of the most engaging and enriching conversations” she’s experienced. She particularly noted Das’s ability to introduce fresh perspectives, teasing viewers with mention of “a formula that I am going to remember for life”, the details of which will be revealed in the broadcast.
The two-part season premiere will air on News9 at 22:00 on consecutive evenings, 22 and 23 February 2025, promising viewers an intellectual feast of ideas spanning cinema, society, and cultural evolution. The programme continues its tradition of fostering nuanced dialogue on pressing contemporary issues, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking thoughtful discourse on the intersection of art, society, and media.
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.
