iWorld
Viswanathan Anand decodes the game of deception in a high tea duologue with Barun Das
MUMBAI: The latest episode of Duologue with Barun Das, airing on News9 on 15 March at 10 pm, features a compelling exchange between TV9 Network’s MD & CEO Barun Das, and chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Known for its deep, thought-provoking conversations, Duologue once again delivers an intellectual discourse that goes beyond the surface.
Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, delves into how chess mirrors life, shaping critical thinking and resilience. Reflecting on his playing style, he remarked, “How you approach chess often reflects your approach to life.” With humour, he recalled his mother’s jest, “If I hated losing in chess as much as in cards, I’d be a better player.”
Das described the conversation as “a fascinating dive into Anand’s visionary outlook on chess, AI, and life itself.” He added, “In chess, checkmate signals the end, but in this duologue, the discussion only deepens, sparking new perspectives and ideas.”
Anand shared his views, the sport’s potential inclusion in the Olympics, and the growing prize money, especially in women’s chess. He also addressed the Nikhil Kamath controversy, acknowledging it as an unfortunate event.
Anand noted that computers have surpassed human players for over 25 years, with AI-driven neural networks revolutionising chess even further. Instead of resisting change, he believes players must learn to ask the right questions rather than seek fixed answers.
As Duologue nears the end of its third season, this episode stands out as an insightful and engaging discussion. Don’t miss it on News9 this Friday at 10 pm.
iWorld
Samay Raina returns with Still Alive, confronts 2025 controversy in bold comeback special
Comeback set tackles controversy, blending humour with raw storytelling
MUMBAI: Samay Raina is set to release his new stand-up comedy special, Still Alive, on YouTube on April 7, 2026, marking a high-profile return following a turbulent year.
The trailer for the special dropped on April 5, offering a glimpse into what Raina describes as a raw and unfiltered set that leans as much on honesty as it does on humour.
Positioned as a comeback of sorts, Still Alive draws heavily from the controversy surrounding his show India’s Got Latent in early 2025. The episode led to legal trouble, multiple FIRs, and a lengthy six-hour interrogation by the Maharashtra Cyber Cell, placing the comedian at the centre of intense public scrutiny.
Rather than sidestep the episode, Raina leans into it. The special reflects on the fallout and his personal journey through it, blending observational comedy with moments of emotional candour. Early audience feedback from live performances suggests the tone is less about rapid-fire punchlines and more about storytelling with bite.
The special was filmed during his global Still Alive & Unfiltered tour, which ran from August 2025 to early 2026. The tour saw Raina perform across major international venues, including the Madison Square Garden Theatre in New York, a milestone that places him among the youngest Indian comedians to take that stage.
The title itself signals resilience. “Still Alive” is a nod to navigating both legal and public backlash while choosing to remain unapologetically authentic, a theme that appears to anchor the set.
With the special set to premiere online, all eyes are now on how audiences respond to a performance that promises equal parts reflection and wit. For Raina, the message is clear. He is not just back, he is ready to be heard on his own terms.
