News Broadcasting
News9 Plus Lounge presents ‘Connoisseur Conversations’ – A mesmerizing blend of cocktails, stories, and achievers!
Mumbai: News9 Plus Lounge presents ‘Connoisseur Conversations,’ a captivating series that uncovers the fascinating realm of cocktails, global food trivia, and remarkable achievers. In this power-packed six-part series, two connoisseurs – News9’s K Krishnakumar and hotelier Ashish Kapur, are joined by an exceptional woman achiever in each episode. Together, they lead engaging conversations against the backdrop of a fun game, which can become the steal for your next house party.
Speaking about the inception of this series, News9 Plus creative director – programming Chirag Malhotra said, “The attention to detail in crafting an inviting set, complete with an elegant bar backdrop, creates an atmosphere that exudes sophistication and warmth. Our team has truly brought the show to life, expertly illuminating every bottle and glass, making them shine with an irresistible allure.”
“Whether it’s our hosts attempting gravity-defying mixology tricks or the impromptu dance-offs between takes, the energy on show is contagious,” Malhotra added.
The content style of the show strikes the perfect balance between being informative and engaging. Each episode explores the art of mixology and delves into the rich history behind each drink, while quizzing the guest connoisseur and challenging them in their own field, keeping the momentum high throughout.
Commenting on gamifying the series, Krishnakumar said, “We realized that we needed to add an extra spark to the show. We devoted two weeks to creating a unique game, inspired by a simple spin game coupled with an array of activities such as Truth or Tweet, Pitch the Pitcher, Dumb Charades, Tipsy Tongue, Blind Date, and InstaGlam. This innovative game became the backbone of our content, stitching together various content elements.”
Krishnakumar further highlighted the broad appeal of the show, comparing it to the widely acclaimed Netflix series, “If you think about watching ‘The Last Dance’ on Netflix, you don’t need to be a basketball enthusiast to enjoy the compelling story of Michael Jordan’s last season with the Chicago Bulls. Similarly, ‘Connoisseur Conversations’ transcends the boundaries of cocktail and mocktail enthusiasts. It is an enthralling journey that touches on various aspects of culture, travel, and life itself.”
Restaurateur and Whisky Samba founder Ashish Kapur shared his delightful experience being part of ‘Connoisseur Conversations,’ expressing, “Being part of this show has been a fantastic and joyful experience. From ideation to execution, it has been an absolute joyride. The inclusion of fabulous women connoisseurs added the cherry on top. It felt surreal to be part of a show that I personally enjoy watching. Here I was, right in the midst of it all!”
The remarkable aficionadas who have graced ‘Connoisseur Conversations’ include supermodel Sonalika Sahay, Bacardi India marketing director Zeenah Vilcassim, Travel content creator Akanksha Monga, actor and music festival curator Asmita Sood, Shuffle dancer and jewellery maker Akanksha Singh, and former country director of booking.com Ritu Mehrotra.
Explore the world of mixology by downloading the News9 Plus app here: onelink.to/htmqpz
News Broadcasting
Business Today MindRush returns to Mumbai, spotlight on India’s edge in a fractured world
Policymakers and corporate heavyweights gather to map supply chains, energy security and markets
MUMBAI: As fault lines widen across global trade and geopolitics, Business Today is doubling down on India’s moment. The 14th edition of Business Today MindRush & Best CEOs Awards lands in Mumbai on March 28, pitching India’s strategic edge at the centre of a fragmenting world.
The day-long summit, presented by PwC, will bring together a tight mix of policymakers, industry leaders and market voices to decode shifting supply chains, maritime strategy, defence priorities, energy security and capital markets—sectors now deeply entangled with geopolitics.
M Nagaraju, secretary, department of financial services, ministry of finance, will headline the event, setting the tone for discussions that aim to track how India is repositioning itself amid disrupted trade routes and volatile energy dynamics.
The speaker slate reads like a cross-section of India Inc’s command centre. Krishna Swaminathan will zero in on sea lanes and supply chains, while Prashant Ruia is set to push the case for self-reliance in oil and gas. Ashish Chauhan will weigh in on capital markets at a pivotal juncture, as a panel featuring Vibha Padalkar, Sanjiv Mehta, Amish Mehta and Sanjeev Krishan debates navigating economic uncertainty.
Leadership under pressure will be another running theme. Madhavkrishna Singhania, Sharvil Patel, Karan Bhagat and Anurag Choudhary will unpack how businesses are steering through disruption. Arun Alagappan will turn the spotlight on fertilisers, Arundhati Bhattacharya will reflect on leadership transitions, while Anish Shah and S Vellayan will outline blueprints for building future-ready conglomerates.
The event will close with Aroon Purie setting the broader editorial lens, before the Best CEOs Awards recognise standout corporate leadership across sectors.
At a time when the global order looks increasingly splintered, MindRush 2026 is positioning itself as more than a conference—it is a signal that India intends not just to navigate the churn, but to shape it.
