News Broadcasting
CNN-IBN presents a tete-a-tete with Shah Rukh Khan
New Delhi, August 4, 2006: Watch Shah Rukh Khan in an exclusive interview ‘SRK Unplugged’ only on CNN-IBN – Saturday, 5 August at 9:30 pm. The superstar talks about his forthcoming movie ‘Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna’. Viewers will get an exclusive sneak-peak at behind-the-scenes action of this possible blockbuster that has the biggest names as its star cast.
Rajeev Masand, Entertainment Editor, CNN-IBN, will be discussing Shah Rukh’s journey from an unknown face to a face that stands out in the crowd. He paved the path of his career as an actor on the small screen with Fauji and Circus. From the psychopath lover in Darr to the happy go lucky guy next door in Kal Ho Na Ho; Shah Rukh has done it all. His success story sets a benchmark for the youth all over the country.
Get to know more about the King Khan and his new film by the megastar himself in a candid conversation exclusively on CNN-IBN at 9:30 pm this Saturday, August 5 & Sunday, August 6 at 12:30 pm (Replay).
Excerpts from the Interview:
Rajeev Masand: Now, one of your co-stars in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna is Amitabh Bachchan, with whom you’ve done three films prior to this one. Of course you’ve heard the story of a cold war between the two of you.
And there’s also a story about you not being part of the Yash Raj banner anymore because of the cold war between you and the Bachchans. What’s your take on that?
Shah Rukh Khan: We hate each other and right now we are planning through assassins to kill each other and I’ve even decided to take on Mr Yash Chopra and destroy all the films and the negatives that he has done.
That is what it is at. And my assassins are all over Mumbai outside Mr Bachchan’s house, attempting to take over his house and his films.
Rajeev Masand: We assume that you are amused by these stories.
Shah Rukh Khan: I was amused earlier, I was never irritated, I was never disturbed. Now, I’m not even amused, I mean it’s an old and boring story. It’s just not there.
I think newspapers and channels should just freshen up some scandalous stories like me having an affair with Abhishek Bachchan would be more interesting
Rajeev Masand: What was the attraction for Don? I mean to star in a film that was part of your childhood? The one that you grew up with?
Shah Rukh Khan: That was absolutely the only reason. It’s a part of my childhood. You can ask anyone walking the streets, anyone who is my age and has grown up on Don. It’s a 27-year-old movie. Ask anyone in CNN-IBN office, wouldn’t they just love the dialogue “Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi, namumkin hai (It’s not just difficult to catch the Don, it’s impossible). I won’t say it as well. The film won’t be as great either. It’s no comparison at all, rather, it’s a dream come true. I mean, you start your career with a film called Deewana, where you make an entry in the second half and 16 years later, there you are – saying dialogues mouthed by an actor you saw on screen and wanted to be like. I am Amitabh Bachchan.
****Please credit the national news network CNN-IBN when using any quotes from the interview.
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.
