News Broadcasting
Off-Centre: Tamil writer Vaasanthi to discuss life of J Jayalalithaa
MUMBAI: On the upcoming episode of the show — Off-Centre, the life and times of late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa will be sicussed with the popular Tamil writer and journalist Vaasanthi. The episode will air on 17 December at 8 pm with a repeat on 18 December at 12:30 pm and 9:30 pm on CNN News18.
In a candid conversation with the host of the show, Anuradha SenGupta, Vaasanthi says that the rest of India will view Jayalalithaa as a very powerful, dynamic and determined leader who was never a good ally to national parties.
Vaasanthi’s biography — “Amma – Jayalalithaa’s Journey from Movie Star to Political Queen” is a bestseller. Vaasanthi adds that Jayalalitha’s character was fascinating. According to her, “People think that she entered politics very reluctantly, but then she was a born politician. She knew exactly what her next move would be, how she would behave, how she would treat her opponents, rivals, allies, she knew. That was amazing.”
Vaasanthi also talks about the unique nature of Tamil politics and the people’s outlook that let an actor who is a Brahmin become the head of an organisation which had its roots in a movement which was anti-Brahmin. She added that Tamils accepted Jayalalithaa and her mentor MGR although they were Malayalis.
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.
