News Broadcasting
Dubai… here Zee comes
DUBAI: There is no biz like showbiz. And the Subhash Chandra-promoted Zee Telefilms Ltd is proving just that with the craze for the Zee Cine awards here reaching its peak as Indian celebrities and stars started trooping in since yesterday.
In a place like Dubai, where a large section of the local population comprises, what Chandra calls, the Indian diaspora, the award ceremony at the Dubai media center is one of the most sought after venues in the city.
A person accosted this correspondent in the Dubai airport when he learnt that I am part of the Indian delegation for the cine award and asked, with desperation written all over his face, “If you don’t have an extra invite to the event, can you please tell me from where I can obtain one?” One had to leave the guy disappointed, but not before he was put on to the local co-ordination team with a request that, if possible, he should be helped out.
At the hotel where part of the Indian media delegation was put up, the commonly debated issue was that of the cine awards.
A girl, who seemed to have walked out straight out of the pages of Vogue, was overheard excitedly telling her friends the stars she had managed a glimpse of. “Shah Rukh looks so cute and John Abrahams is so handsome,” she almost swooned at the mention of the names as she narrated how Abraham was just wearing a tight T-shirt and jeans that played up his physique.
With the craze for Indian films, dresses, food and of course, the film stars, this desert city is wearing a resplendent look that, probably, could be compared to the only other event in recent times held at such a large scale.
With approximately 8,000 people expected, the post-event party is another happening that is sought after by the glitterati and chaterrati of Dubai. Of course, Hyatt, which is the venue for the party, is basking in reflected glory and not minding it at all.
However, amidst this hype and hoopla, what can, probably, take a bit of a sheen away from Chandra’s – and his trusted lieutenant Yogesh Radhakrishnan’s, show is the Mariah Carey performance that is also taking place later in the evening.
What the heck? The glitter of the Indian stars, complete with plunging necklines and rising hemlines, can, probably, take on the assets that Carey boasts of and flaunts all too often.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
