News Broadcasting
Star News to launch ‘Poll Khol’ on 1 April
MUMBAI: Star News is all set to launch its thirty minutes of uncensored, unrestricted, unadulterated & unique style of political analysis with the King of Satire – Shekhar Suman in its brand new Political Satire show – Poll Khol. The show premieres on the 1st of April 2004 at 10.30 PM.
The show is an attempt make the confused electorate more aware of the going ons in politics as well as its politicians. The show promises to give a glimpse of what actually happens behind the wheeling, dealing and posturing during the campaigning of political parties. The programme will showcase a range of segments and Shekhar Suman’s sarcasm wit will be on full display as he lampoons the neta’s, their parties and their antics.
Shekhar will be on the move as well as in the studio, following political rallies bringing in the true flavor and the lighter side of the elections.
“Star News continues to innovate and create some of the best programming and content in Indian News Television today and Poll Khol is one of our key initiatives on that front” said Star News President Ravina Raj Kohli. “We are happy to welcome Shekhar Suman to the Star News family and look forward to some great television with him”, she added.
Speaking to indiantelevision.com, Shekhar Suman says “Archival footage, documentary films, NG shots will be used to validate the nuances of politicians as the show proceeds to unravel the best kept secrets of the political world. Although the show is not meant to be irreverent or in bad taste, but just an endeavor to paint a clearer picture in the voters mind.”
New Delhi based BAG Films will be producing Poll Khol and BAG Films MD Anurradha Prasad states “We have great expectations from Poll Khol. Our exceptional understanding of Politics backed up by our extensive experience in putting together Mass entertainment gives us the edge in creating this unique show for STAR News.”
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.
