News Broadcasting
Indo-Pak co-production likely in near future
MUMBAI: In a bid to augment the growing friendship bond between India and Pakistan, the first handshake was exchanged. While panelist Yash Chopra on behalf of himself and producer Yash Johar, volunteered to sign a MoU as assurance that they will be looking at distribution and even a co-production deal with Pakistan for their forthcoming projects. Panelist and Film Producers Guild of India president Amit Khanna seconded the thought.
Just like the relationship between the two nations, even for the trade to be encouraged between the two nations, what is needed is an ability to let go of the past. What was often repeated is the need for the countries to form a common creative pool and make the best of what was available. That was the key focus of the session India and Pakistan: A new era of Co-operation in entertainment industry.
In order to bolster the relationship, both the Pakistani delegate and the Indian counterparts comprising producer and Ficci entertainment committee chairman Yash Chopra, Ficci entertainment committee president Amit Khanna assured of their commitment. Ditto for the Pakistani delegates.
A strong panel comprising Pakistan Film Producers Association chairman Mian Amjid Farzand Ali, Evernew Entertainment CEO Sajjad Gul, Actor Shaan, Pakistan Film Producers Association chairman Riaz Mallik, actor- producer Javeed Sheikh did buttress Pakistan’s dedication.
While the atmosphere was jubilant, what with the ‘India-Pakistan dosti zindabad’ being often repeated, there was an undercurrent felt. No doubt the panelists, from either side of the border, were more than keen to collaborate, but the need reassure that it was a wise step seem to be pivotal.
But what really needs immediate check is the rampant piracy of the Indian movies in Pakistan. While it certainly means loss to Pakistan ($ 20 billion according to Gul), it also translates into loss for India’s revenue. Khanna offered that they would be looking at it keenly.
One thing is for sure that the gates are open and exchange has begun.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Kolkata Town Hall on Hooghly River
‘Bhalobasa Bengal Inspiring Bharat’ event on April 20 brings cultural icons, trailblazing women and leaders aboard a cruise to celebrate Bengal’s enduring influence.
MUMBAI: Bengal is about to make fresh waves on the Hooghly and this time the current is pure conversation. CNN-News18 is taking its iconic Town Hall format to the waters of the iconic Hooghly River on 20 April 2026 with a special edition titled ‘Bhalobasa Bengal – Inspiring Bharat’. The floating event will celebrate the state’s rich cultural legacy and how its ideas, creativity and spirit continue to shape the rest of the country.
The unique riverside setting draws on Bengal’s history as a cradle of reform, art and intellectual thought. The speaker line-up mirrors that diversity: cultural heavyweights Mithun Chakraborty and Sreenanda Shankar will share the stage with trailblazing “Devis” such as Tanya Sanyal (India’s first woman firefighter in aviation), Ipsita Chakraborty (Kolkata’s first woman bartender) and Reshma Nilofer Visalakshi (Nari Shakti awardee and marine pilot). Music will flow through the celebrated pianist-vocalist duo Sourendro and Soumyojit, while public life and governance will be represented by Smriti Irani, Leander Paes, Saira Shah Halim, Keya Ghosh, Rekha Patra, Roopa Ganguly and Babul Supriyo.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director, Rahul Shivshankar, said the event honours voices that carry Bengal’s legacy forward. Smriti Mehra, CEO – English & Business News, Network18, added that Bengal’s stories resonate far beyond its borders, especially as the state heads into polls.
From the first woman to battle flames in the skies to legendary actors who shaped Indian cinema, the gathering promises a rich mix of inspiration, courage and candid dialogue. In a city where culture has always flowed as freely as the river itself, CNN-News18 is turning the Hooghly into a floating forum for ideas that matter.
Tune in on 20 April on CNN-News18, CTV and YouTube to catch Bengal’s heartbeat in full flow.
