iWorld
Oliver Kahn discusses leadership in ‘Duologue with Barun Das S2E2 CTV premiere
Mumbai: The second episode of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ Season 2 premiered on India’s only 24×7 digital English CTV news stream News9 Live, at 9 pm on 25 May 2024. Episode 2 features the serial disrupter of the news media landscape engaging in an in-depth conversation with legendary German goalkeeper, Oliver Kahn. The webisode dives into Kahn’s unparalleled career, his insights into leadership, and his reflections on the essence of the beautiful game.
Barun Das, the MD and CEO of TV9 Network, kicks off the conversation by expressing his overwhelming admiration for Oliver Kahn, acknowledging him as a true legend and the “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time). Delving into the challenges of being a goalkeeper, the two men share experiences about the loneliness at the top and the immense responsibility of serving as the last line of defence – on the pitch or in an organisation.
In a never-seen-before revelation of the secrets to his success, Kahn shares intimate details of his journey, reflecting on the three key levers of leadership. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between physical prowess and mental fortitude in the realm of sports, with Kahn reflecting on how sheer hard work compensated for his perceived lack of natural talent in his early days of football.
In a walk down memory lane, Kahn recalls the reasons for his interest in the art of goalkeeping, and the two men who shaped the destiny of the legend he would go on to become. Retracing the ups and downs of his career, he finds common ground with Barun Das in their approach towards adversity, leadership and responsibility.
While on the subject of the latter, Kahn bares an uncharacteristically vulnerable side to himself, talking about the importance of learning to deal with loss in a sport where, as he puts it, “the winner takes it all”.
One of Kahn’s most defining moments, both as a player and as a person, took place during the crucial, final minutes of the 2002 World Cup final, when Germany conceded a second goal to Brazil, with Oliver Kahn in the post. What was learned only later, however, was that Kahn played on even with torn ligaments in his right hand.
“That’s what you have to do as a leader. There are no excuses. You are responsible”, he says, talking about the ill-fated match. Refusing, even today, to let the injury be cited as the reason for his concession of the goals, he says, “I was the goalkeeper. I made the mistake… And I have to take responsibility for that mistake. There are no excuses for that”.
Ever the goalkeeper at heart, Kahn also shares his appreciation for the keeping chops of the player on the Argentine side who he believes to be the true, underrated star of the 2023 World Cup.
Having plenty of managerial experience as former CEO of Bayern Munich, Kahn also shares his thoughts on the future of football in India, emphasizing three crucial boxes that he believes need ticking for India to take its soccer teams to global turfs.
The conversation, between one legendary CEO and a legendary player-turned-CEO, will be followed by an episode featuring the renowned author and alternative medicine advocate Dr. Deepak Chopra, on Saturday the 1 June 2024, only on News9 Live.
iWorld
Prime Video bets big on India with global originals, films and franchise expansion
Execs highlight scale, travelability and new IP bets as India anchors global strategy
MUMBAI: At Prime Video Presents 2026, the message was clear and confident. India is not just part of the plan, it is central to it.
In a lively fireside chat hosted by filmmaker Karan Johar, Kelly Day, vice president of prime video and amazon mgm studios international, Nicole Clemens, vice president of international originals, and Gaurav Gandhi, vice president for Apac and Anz, laid out an ambitious roadmap. Think bigger stories, wider reach and a sharper focus on building franchises that travel.
Kelly Day, a regular visitor to India, set the tone early. Calling the country “one of the most important markets globally”, she pointed to the sheer scale and diversity of audiences as a driving force behind Prime Video’s growth. Indian Originals, she said, are not just local hits but global engines powering subscriptions and engagement.
That global appeal is already visible. According to Clemens, around 25 percent of viewership for Indian content now comes from outside the country. Shows rooted deeply in local culture are finding fans worldwide, proving that specificity, when paired with universal themes, travels well. From gritty dramas to sharp thrillers, Indian storytelling is increasingly crossing borders with ease.
Clemens, who joined recently to lead international originals, was particularly upbeat about India’s creative range. She highlighted a growing slate of over 100 shows in development and production, with more than 60 percent returning for multiple seasons. For her, the formula is simple. Authentic stories, told well, resonate everywhere.
Adding to the buzz, she teased new and returning titles, alongside a fresh superhero universe, the Kalyug Warriors. It signals a push into new genres while doubling down on familiar fan favourites.
If content is king, distribution is the clever courtier. Day outlined Prime Video’s layered business model in India, which blends subscription, rentals, add on channels and ad supported viewing through Amazon MX Player. The idea is straightforward. Give viewers choice, whether they want premium, free or pay per view.
India, she noted, has also become a testing ground for innovation. Tiered pricing, mobile only plans and language diversity have all been sharpened here before being exported to other markets. In many ways, the India playbook is now influencing global strategy.
For Gaurav Gandhi, the next chapter is about scale with intent. He outlined four priorities. Making Prime Video more accessible, pushing Indian content globally, building stronger franchises and supercharging the films business.
On films, the platform is moving beyond licensing into co productions and now theatrical releases in partnership with amazon mgm studios. These films will eventually stream on Prime Video, creating a full circle from cinema halls to living rooms across 240 countries.
Franchise building remains another key pillar. With hits like The Family Man, Mirzapur and Panchayat already enjoying multi season success, the focus is now on creating the next wave of enduring IP. Newer titles are already lining up for second seasons, signalling a steady pipeline.
What stood out through the conversation was a shared belief. Streaming in India is still in its early innings, and the runway is long. With a mix of local flavour and global ambition, Prime Video is betting that stories from India will not just stay at home, but travel far and wide.
Or as the executives seemed to suggest, the world is watching and India has plenty more to show.
