News Broadcasting
News18 India hosts star cast of ‘Vaccine War’
Mumbai: News18 India has aired an exclusive interview with the star cast of the highly anticipated movie ‘Vaccine War’. The panel hosted by the one of channel’s top anchors Amish Devgan included the film’s director Vivek Agnihotri, producer and actress Pallavi Joshi, and actor Nana Patekar, and was featured on Aar Paar, one of News18 India’s most popular shows.
In a discussion about his films, Vivek Agnihotri underscored the significance of Indian cinema as a medium to convey India’s stories to its people. He stressed that movies like ‘Kashmir Files and ‘Vaccine War’ play a pivotal role in building the Indian narrative. Agnihotri acknowledged the challenging times faced by India’s healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic but praised the steadfast dedication of Indian doctors and scientists who, through relentless hard work, developed vaccines, ensuring the safety of the nation.
He delved into the concept of ‘Sanatan’, emphasizing India’s uniqueness as a democracy where anyone can rise to top leadership positions, a phenomenon rarely seen elsewhere. Agnihotri also raised intriguing questions about whether a country like America would allow individuals with names like Hitler or Osama bin Laden to hold ministerial positions. He criticized Bollywood for sidelining common people in films, attributing the lack of success that some films face to this, and commended South Indian cinema for keeping the essence of the common man alive.
The legendary actor Nana Patekar expressed his willingness to explore various film genres but stressed that quality takes precedence over quantity, especially at the age of 73. He candidly admitted that he might not have the capacity to take on numerous projects anymore, which is why he is dedicated to projects like ‘Vaccine War’. Patekar warmly recalled his collaboration with Irrfan Khan during the filming of ‘Salaam Bombay’, praising his extraordinary talent and humanity. He humorously recounted an incident when Irrfan suggested to him that he plant a Night-Blooming Jasmine, a task he couldn’t fulfil at that time but now intends to accomplish. Patekar concluded by emphasizing that an artist transcends any caste or creed; an artist is simply an artist.
Pallavi Joshi, a seasoned actress, vehemently denied claims that her films are driven by a particular agenda. She emphasized that her films have no political agenda.
The interview on News18 India’s ‘Aar Paar’ provided an insightful platform for these eminent personalities to share their perspectives on the film industry and their experiences with ‘Vaccine War’. The film has already garnered substantial attention, making this interview highly relevant for the viewers.
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.
