<p>Megan Park wears multiple hats with great ease. The Canadian is a singer, actress, director, producer and writer. Her latest show, <i>Sterling Point, </i>a coming-of-age story of two sisters, is out on Prime Video. Megan, who has in the past created series like <i>The Fallout</i> and<i> Lucy In My Eyes,</i> among&nbsp;others, spoke&nbsp;to WION recently and said she enjoys narrating stories about women and admitted that creating content for&nbsp;a young&nbsp;audience comes with its own challenges.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Park’s show <i>Sterling Point</i> is&nbsp;a heartfelt, coming-of-age drama led by 17-year-old Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin). Raised in New York City with her twin brother (Keen Ruffalo) and loving adoptive father (Jay Duplass), Annie's life takes a turn when she inherits her mysterious grandfather's island in Canada. There, she finds new friends, budding romances and untold family secrets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While speaking to WION, Park admitted there have been a lot of adoptions in her family. She got to witness such relationships from close&nbsp;quarters,&nbsp;and that inspired her to make <i>Sterling Point.</i></p><h2>Here are the excerpts from the interview&nbsp;</h2><h3>Q: Do you, as a creator, think there aren't enough women out there narrating stories about women, young or old?</h3><p><strong>A:</strong> Yeah, absolutely, yeah. There's still such a great inequity, but it's getting better, I think, which is awesome. Even on my next film, it's so funny, we're prepping it. We start in the fall, and I was&nbsp;on a&nbsp;Zoom the other day and there&nbsp;was&nbsp;like 20 people and it was all women. And I was like, cool, this is awesome. But yes, I mean, as you said, I think women writing for women- you can tell immediately when that's happening and when it's not. I hope to do it for many more years.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Q: What drew you to the story? What was the point that you decided this has to be told or created?</h3><p><strong>A:</strong> I mean, I was really just excited about trying to make a TV show. I mean, it's a huge challenge to make eight hours of something versus a movie. It was like a massive undertaking. I survived it somehow. But I think this idea of sisterhood being at the core of the show was really important to me- that it wasn't just about a love triangle, that it was really&nbsp;about, like, family.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>And it's so nuanced and complicated and in grief and this nature versus nurture conversation. I've had a lot in my family. There's a lot of adoption in my family, and I was excited to sort of explore that from two different lenses through young people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There&nbsp;were&nbsp;just a lot of things that I wanted to explore, but it really all started with the sisters, Annie and Ramona.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<h3>Q: Nowadays, there are a lot of creators, including you, who are talking about young adults. Is this a trend that is catching on across the world?</h3><p><strong>A:</strong> People are realising that there's not enough content being made, and there's such a thirst for such content, I think. And that's why a lot of these older shows, like <i>One Tree Hill</i> and <i>Dawson's Creek</i><strong>, </strong>they're all getting rewatched. And I think they're just, for a second there, there were kind of not as many happening, and I think people are realising, oh yeah, there's a lot of young people wanting to watch good TV.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It's not that it has to be centred around young people, but it is sort of like a fun challenge, especially because I spent many years as an actor playing a teenager and not always feeling like what I was talking about was real and real to my experiences. I like the idea of taking something like this and trying to make it feel really real and grounded.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p>People are kind of realising that young people watch a lot of TV and they watch a lot of content and they have a really great taste. They have incredible taste in all this stuff. So let's make something that can hopefully reach that bar.</p></blockquote><h3>Q: Is it challenging to make content for Gen Z, especially for us millennials?</h3><p><strong>A:</strong> Totally. I think it's every day remembering, like, I am a millennial, so you have to be open-minded to know what you know and know what you don't know. You have these young actors as a resource to go to them and be like, would you say it this way? Does this feel real to you? Would you wear that? I think a lot of people just don't ask those questions. Making Sterling Point was such a collaborative thing. To me, it's all about just being open-minded and really making sure it feels authentic. And we had younger writers in the writers' room. Every step of the way, there were people around who could call us on our millennialism if it ever popped out.</p>

Canadian filmmaker and actress Megan Park recently spoke to WION about her Prime Video coming-of-age drama, Sterling Point. Park opened up about women storytellers, the challenges of creating content for Gen Z and more.  

Megan Park wears multiple hats with great ease. The Canadian is a singer, actress, director, producer and writer. Her latest show, Sterling Point, a coming-of-age story of two sisters, is out on Prime Video. Megan, who has in the past created series like The Fallout and Lucy In My Eyes, among others, spoke to WION recently and said she enjoys narrating stories about women and admitted that creating content for a young audience comes with its own challenges. Park’s show Sterling Point is a heartfelt, coming-of-age drama led by 17-year-old Annie Jacobson (Ella Rubin). Raised in New York City with her twin brother (Keen Ruffalo) and loving adoptive father (Jay Duplass), Annie's life takes a turn when she inherits her mysterious grandfather's island in Canada. There, she finds new friends, budding romances and untold family secrets. While speaking to WION, Park admitted there have been a lot of adoptions in her family. She got to witness such relationships from close quarters, and that inspired her to make Sterling Point. Here are the excerpts from the interview Q: Do you, as a creator, think there aren't enough women out there narrating stories about women, young or old? A: Yeah, absolutely, yeah. There's still such a great inequity, but it's getting better, I think, which is awesome. Even on my next film, it's so funny, we're prepping it. We start in the fall, and I was on a Zoom the other day and there was like 20 people and it was all women. And I was like, cool, this is awesome. But yes, I mean, as you said, I think women writing for women- you can tell immediately when that's happening and when it's not. I hope to do it for many more years. Q: What drew you to the story? What was the point that you decided this has to be told or created? A: I mean, I was really just excited about trying to make a TV show. I mean, it's a huge challenge to make eight hours of something versus a movie. It was like a massive undertaking. I survived it somehow. But I think this idea of sisterhood being at the core of the show was really important to me- that it wasn't just about a love triangle, that it was really about, like, family. And it's so nuanced and complicated and in grief and this nature versus nurture conversation. I've had a lot in my family. There's a lot of adoption in my family, and I was excited to sort of explore that from two different lenses through young people. There were just a lot of things that I wanted to explore, but it really all started with the sisters, Annie and Ramona.

<p>Canadian filmmaker and actress Megan Park recently spoke to WION about her Prime Video coming-of-age drama, Sterling Point. Park opened up about women storytellers, the challenges of creating content for Gen Z and more. &nbsp;</p>

Megan Park on Sterling Point, sisterhood, and the challenges of authentically writing for Gen Z | Exclusive

<p>For Siddharth P Malhotra, the release of the courtroom drama Ikka on July 10 is not just another premiere—it is the culmination of a ten-year obsession. Designed as the very first film he ever wanted to make, the project came close to production multiple times, only to fall through at the last minute.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Netflix film features Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Tillotama Shome, Akanksha Ranjan and Dia Mirza in key roles.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In a chat with WION recently,&nbsp; Malhotra said, &nbsp;"Imagine the destiny of this film that I've been at it trying to get this film made. And every time, it's reached right at the end point. And for some reason or the other, it fell through. So, I've just been persistently at it."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Malhotra, the long wait was worth it, believing it was "God's plan" for the stars to align when they did.</p><h2>Two Schools of Cinema Clash: Sunny Deol vs. Tillotama Shome</h2><p><br>On paper, pairing action icon Sunny Deol with indie powerhouse Tillotama Shome as courtroom adversaries seems unthinkable. But for Malhotra, Deol was always the only choice to play the central character, Arjun Mehra.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra recalled, "There was nobody else to play Arjun Mehra. And I'm a huge Sunny Deol fan. When we did acting classes, the first speech that we were given was the Sunny Deol speech from Damini."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When Netflix greenlit the film, Shome became the ‘unanimous choice’ to play his legal opponent, creating an electric contrast of styles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The director explained, "We thought, let's get two different schools of cinema to clash together as well. And that will give us something very interesting. Because there are layers, there are silences, there are moments where Tilly just looks. And when you have brilliant actors, the scenes elevate."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Bringing Akshaye Khanna onboard</h2><p><br>While Deol and Shome locked horns, Malhotra needed a powerful antagonist. Though he doubted whether Akshaye Khanna would agree to the role, he urged Netflix to reach out anyway.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra shared, "We went to Akshaye, we narrated it to him. He read it in two days. He said, 'damn good script' and came onboard."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Directing a powerhouse trio like Deol, Khanna, and Shome in a talky courtroom drama presented its own cinematic challenges. To prevent the scenes from static monotony, Malhotra and his editor, Shweta, focused heavily on pacing and movement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra detailed, “When you have Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, and you've cast them, then there is a certain fandom that you have to cater to. Also, because the courtroom is heavy on dialogues and monologues, I had to ensure that there was energy in the scene. Either the camera was moving or the actors were moving so that it does not look boring. It's got to move at a certain pace.”</p><h2>How OTT is empowering a &nbsp;‘third-generation Nepo kid’</h2><p><br>As the grandson of legendary actors Prem Nath and Bina Rai, and the grand-nephew of Raj Kapoor, Malhotra jokingly refers to himself as a "third-generation nepo kid." Yet, his filmography (We Are Family, Hichki, Maharaj) shows a director constantly pivoting across genres. He credits OTT platforms for giving creators the creative freedom to take risks that traditional theatrical releases might shy away from.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra asserted: "A film like Maharaj would never have been released considering all the things, if Monica Shergill of Netflix, along with Aditya Chopra, had not empowered me. OTT is empowering creators."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="Ikka movie review: Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna's film lacks real legal spark, delivers drama instead">Ikka movie review: Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna's film lacks real legal spark, delivers drama instead</a></p><h2>The decline of Indian television: ‘A ruthless numbers game’</h2><p><br>Despite his cinematic success, Malhotra’s roots remain firmly planted in television, having produced iconic shows like Sanjivani, Dil Mil gaye and Kaafir. However, he feels modern TV has lost its golden-era charm—the era when his father, Prem Krishen, produced masterpieces like Katha Sagar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra laments that the medium has devolved into a repetitive loop of "formula" writing designed to torture protagonists.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Malhotra explained, "Now, the formula that works on TV is to find reasons to make the protagonist get tortured. It is repetitive in nature. The TRP game has changed completely. When we did Sanjivani, we've seen TRPs of 27, 28. Today, a high TRP on television is when you hit a 2."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His last TV venture, Pashmina—a 150-episode series shot entirely outdoors in Kashmir—was completed on his own terms despite budget cuts. But Malhotra admits the environment has become hostile to creative vision.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“For creators on television, it becomes more and more challenging. Here, what happens, you work for six months on a show, and in one month or one week, you're asked to get cut, because now it's a ruthless number game. So, hats off to everyone who is surviving that game today, ” Malhotra concluded.&nbsp;</p>

After a decade-long struggle, filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra's dream project Ikka has finally made its debut on Netflix. In a candid conversation with WION, the director of Hichki and Maharaj opens up about his persistence, clashing two completely different schools of acting and more.

For Siddharth P Malhotra, the release of the courtroom drama Ikka on July 10 is not just another premiere—it is the culmination of a ten-year obsession. Designed as the very first film he ever wanted to make, the project came close to production multiple times, only to fall through at the last minute. The Netflix film features Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Tillotama Shome, Akanksha Ranjan and Dia Mirza in key roles. In a chat with WION recently, Malhotra said, "Imagine the destiny of this film that I've been at it trying to get this film made. And every time, it's reached right at the end point. And for some reason or the other, it fell through. So, I've just been persistently at it." For Malhotra, the long wait was worth it, believing it was "God's plan" for the stars to align when they did. Two Schools of Cinema Clash: Sunny Deol vs. Tillotama Shome On paper, pairing action icon Sunny Deol with indie powerhouse Tillotama Shome as courtroom adversaries seems unthinkable. But for Malhotra, Deol was always the only choice to play the central character, Arjun Mehra. Malhotra recalled, "There was nobody else to play Arjun Mehra. And I'm a huge Sunny Deol fan. When we did acting classes, the first speech that we were given was the Sunny Deol speech from Damini." When Netflix greenlit the film, Shome became the ‘unanimous choice’ to play his legal opponent, creating an electric contrast of styles. The director explained, "We thought, let's get two different schools of cinema to clash together as well. And that will give us something very interesting. Because there are layers, there are silences, there are moments where Tilly just looks. And when you have brilliant actors, the scenes elevate." Bringing Akshaye Khanna onboard While Deol and Shome locked horns, Malhotra needed a powerful antagonist. Though he doubted whether Akshaye Khanna would agree to the role, he urged Netflix to reach out anyway. Malhotra shared, "We went to Akshaye, we narrated it to him. He read it in two days. He said, 'damn good script' and came onboard." Directing a powerhouse trio like Deol, Khanna, and Shome in a talky courtroom drama presented its own cinematic challenges. To prevent the scenes from static monotony, Malhotra and his editor, Shweta, focused heavily on pacing and movement. Malhotra detailed, “When you have Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, and you've cast them, then there is a certain fandom that you have to cater to. Also, because the courtroom is heavy on dialogues and monologues, I had to ensure that there was energy in the scene. Either the camera was moving or the actors were moving so that it does not look boring. It's got to move at a certain pace.” How OTT is empowering a ‘third-generation Nepo kid’ As the grandson of legendary actors Prem Nath and Bina Rai, and the grand-nephew of Raj Kapoor, Malhotra jokingly refers to himself as a "third-generation nepo kid." Yet, his filmography (We Are Family, Hichki, Maharaj) shows a director constantly pivoting across genres. He credits OTT platforms for giving creators the creative freedom to take risks that traditional theatrical releases might shy away from. Malhotra asserted: "A film like Maharaj would never have been released considering all the things, if Monica Shergill of Netflix, along with Aditya Chopra, had not empowered me. OTT is empowering creators." Also read: Ikka movie review: Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna's film lacks real legal spark, delivers drama instead The decline of Indian television: ‘A ruthless numbers game’ Despite his cinematic success, Malhotra’s roots remain firmly planted in television, having produced iconic shows like Sanjivani, Dil Mil gaye and Kaafir. However, he feels modern TV has lost its golden-era charm—the era when his father, Prem Krishen, produced masterpieces like Katha Sagar. Malhotra laments that the medium has devolved into a repetitive loop of "formula" writing designed to torture protagonists. Malhotra explained, "Now, the formula that works on TV is to find reasons to make the protagonist get tortured. It is repetitive in nature. The TRP game has changed completely. When we did Sanjivani, we've seen TRPs of 27, 28. Today, a high TRP on television is when you hit a 2." His last TV venture, Pashmina—a 150-episode series shot entirely outdoors in Kashmir—was completed on his own terms despite budget cuts. But Malhotra admits the environment has become hostile to creative vision. “For creators on television, it becomes more and more challenging. Here, what happens, you work for six months on a show, and in one month or one week, you're asked to get cut, because now it's a ruthless number game. So, hats off to everyone who is surviving that game today, ” Malhotra concluded.

<p>After a decade-long struggle, filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra's dream project Ikka has finally made its debut on Netflix. In a candid conversation with WION, the director of Hichki and Maharaj opens up about his persistence, clashing two completely different schools of acting and more.</p>

10 Years in the making: How Siddharth P Malhotra finally brought Sunny Deol and Tillotama Shome’s legal clash to life in Ikka | Exclusive

<p>Internationally acclaimed sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee feels the younger generation is quite interested in classical music, contrary to popular belief. Chatterjee’s sitar piece in Prime Video web series Bandish Bandits 2 went viral on social media, bringing a new kind of audience and fan following for the musician. Chatterjee feels classical music needs to be presented in such a way that it connects with the audience.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chatterjee’s calendar is busy. He is on a multi-city tour in India, taking his music and new album Feathered Creatures to a wider audience and performing live. He is also collaborating on The Beatles Biopic and has been instrumental in training Farhan Akhtar, who is all set to play Pandit Ravi Shankar in the film series by Sam Mendes. WION chatted up with Purbayan Chatterjee about his music, new album and recreating Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music on screen.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Excerpts from the interview:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>1) Tell us about your new album, Feathered Creatures.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Feathered Creatures is probably one of the most adventurous musical journeys I’ve taken so far. It’s a collaboration with the phenomenal Mark Lettieri from Snarky Puppy, and the music moves freely between raga, groove, progressive harmony, funk, electronica and complete musical mischief. We weren’t trying to “fuse” genres in a calculated way, we simply allowed our musical languages to coexist naturally. What excites me most is that the sitar isn’t treated like an exotic guest appearance here. It drives the narrative. Sometimes it whispers like an old khayal vocalist, and sometimes it behaves like it secretly joined a rock band after midnight. The album is cinematic, emotional and rhythmically restless, much like modern life itself, except hopefully with better tuning.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>2) You are also collaborating on The Beatles Biopic, where Farhan Akhtar is playing the late Pandit Ravi Shankar. How did the project happen for you? Are you nervous about recreating Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music on screen?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When a project connected to Pandit Ravi Shankar and The Beatles enters your life, the first reaction is excitement… and the second is mild panic. Ravi ji wasn’t just a musician; he was a cultural bridge between East and West. Recreating that world carries enormous responsibility. I was contacted through Anurag Rao, via Shankar Mahadevan ji, because Farhan Akhtar wanted to learn the sitar for the role. Farhan and I met, and later, my student Ruthvik Rao began working with him regularly. Even today, Farhan occasionally calls me about tuning configurations or nuances of the instrument, and I’m genuinely impressed by how seriously he has approached the role. Portraying a towering personality like Pandit Ravi Shankar is never easy, but I’m very proud that his legacy is reaching mainstream cinema in such a meaningful way.</p>

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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DUU9DVQiChG/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Purbayan Chatterjee (@purbayanch)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/farhan-akhtar-on-portraying-pandit-ravi-shankar-in-beatles-biopic-want-to-do-everything-in-my-power-1776872606572"><strong>Farhan Akhtar on portraying Pandit Ravi Shankar in Beatles biopic: 'Want to do everything in my power...'</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>3) Your upcoming six-city India tour brings together an incredible ensemble with Rakesh Chaurasia, Ojas Adhiya and Shikhar Naad. What excites you most about collaborating with this line-up, and what can audiences expect from the musical experience?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This line-up is dangerous in the best possible way. Rakesh Chaurasia brings breathtaking melodic fluidity, Ojas Adhiya has remarkable rhythmic maturity, and Shikhar Naad adds an entirely different percussive energy and sonic texture. What excites me most is unpredictability. Indian classical music is at its finest when it’s alive in the moment, not over-rehearsed into politeness. Audiences can expect deep ragas, high-energy rhythmic conversations, spontaneous improvisation, and moments where we genuinely surprise each other on stage. Also, with this many rhythmic minds involved, there’s a real possibility that even the tanpura may start improvising.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>4) Your piece in Bandish Bandits went viral back when it was released. What was the feedback that you got? And how did you come on board for the series?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The response was overwhelming because it reached people far beyond the traditional classical music audience. I had teenagers messaging me saying, “I don’t know what raga this is, but why am I emotional?” which is honestly one of the best compliments a musician can receive. One of the most special moments was when Shankar Mahadevan ji told me that “Garaj Garaj” had become almost like an anthem for college-going youngsters across the country. That really showed me that Indian classical music can still connect deeply with younger audiences without compromising its essence. I’m extremely grateful to Shankar Mahadevan ji, Soumil Shringarpure and Anand Tiwari for giving me the opportunity to contribute to such a powerful project, and also for making the central character of the series a sitar player.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP804Afj3Px/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP804Afj3Px/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; 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<p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>5) At a time when attention span has been limited to a reel, do you feel the youth is disassociating from classical music?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I actually think the opposite is happening. The format has changed, but curiosity hasn’t disappeared. Young listeners consume music differently today, faster, visually and algorithmically, but when they encounter authenticity and emotional depth, they still respond powerfully. The challenge for classical musicians is not whether young people have patience. The challenge is whether we are presenting the art form in a language that feels alive today. You can’t blame someone for scrolling past a badly presented masterpiece. Even Beethoven would probably need decent lighting and subtitles in 2026. I’ve seen packed concerts, viral raga clips, and young musicians obsessing over tala structures online. Classical music isn’t dying, it’s simply changing clothes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>6) Who has been your biggest inspiration in music? And how has it reflected in your work?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>My biggest inspirations begin with the great masters of Indian classical music, especially Pandit Ravi Shankar, Pandit Nikhil Banerjee, Ustad Vilayat Khan, and, of course, my own gurus and lineage, who taught me that music is a lifelong spiritual and intellectual discipline, not merely performance. At the same time, I’ve been deeply influenced by artists outside the traditional classical ecosystem, musicians like Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Zakir Hussain, Jordan Rudess, and several artists from jazz, progressive rock and world music. Those influences reflect in the way I approach harmony, arrangement and sonic storytelling. I’ve never believed that tradition and experimentation are enemies. To me, tradition is like strong WiFi; if the connection is stable, you can travel anywhere.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paresh-pahuja-on-dooron-dooron-going-viral-imtiaz-ali-power-of-manifestation-8943140/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/paresh-pahuja-on-dooron-dooron-going-viral-imtiaz-ali-power-of-manifestation-8943140/embed</a></p>

Renowned sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee chats up with WION on the influence of classical music among the younger generation, mentoring Farhan Akhtar as he prepares for The Beatles biopic and the viral track of Bandish Bandits. 

Internationally acclaimed sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee feels the younger generation is quite interested in classical music, contrary to popular belief. Chatterjee’s sitar piece in Prime Video web series Bandish Bandits 2 went viral on social media, bringing a new kind of audience and fan following for the musician. Chatterjee feels classical music needs to be presented in such a way that it connects with the audience. Chatterjee’s calendar is busy. He is on a multi-city tour in India, taking his music and new album Feathered Creatures to a wider audience and performing live. He is also collaborating on The Beatles Biopic and has been instrumental in training Farhan Akhtar, who is all set to play Pandit Ravi Shankar in the film series by Sam Mendes. WION chatted up with Purbayan Chatterjee about his music, new album and recreating Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music on screen. Excerpts from the interview: 1) Tell us about your new album, Feathered Creatures. Feathered Creatures is probably one of the most adventurous musical journeys I’ve taken so far. It’s a collaboration with the phenomenal Mark Lettieri from Snarky Puppy, and the music moves freely between raga, groove, progressive harmony, funk, electronica and complete musical mischief. We weren’t trying to “fuse” genres in a calculated way, we simply allowed our musical languages to coexist naturally. What excites me most is that the sitar isn’t treated like an exotic guest appearance here. It drives the narrative. Sometimes it whispers like an old khayal vocalist, and sometimes it behaves like it secretly joined a rock band after midnight. The album is cinematic, emotional and rhythmically restless, much like modern life itself, except hopefully with better tuning. 2) You are also collaborating on The Beatles Biopic, where Farhan Akhtar is playing the late Pandit Ravi Shankar. How did the project happen for you? Are you nervous about recreating Pandit Ravi Shankar’s music on screen? When a project connected to Pandit Ravi Shankar and The Beatles enters your life, the first reaction is excitement… and the second is mild panic. Ravi ji wasn’t just a musician; he was a cultural bridge between East and West. Recreating that world carries enormous responsibility. I was contacted through Anurag Rao, via Shankar Mahadevan ji, because Farhan Akhtar wanted to learn the sitar for the role. Farhan and I met, and later, my student Ruthvik Rao began working with him regularly. Even today, Farhan occasionally calls me about tuning configurations or nuances of the instrument, and I’m genuinely impressed by how seriously he has approached the role. Portraying a towering personality like Pandit Ravi Shankar is never easy, but I’m very proud that his legacy is reaching mainstream cinema in such a meaningful way.

<p>Renowned sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee chats up with WION on the influence of classical music among the younger generation, mentoring Farhan Akhtar as he prepares for The Beatles biopic and the viral track of Bandish Bandits.&nbsp;</p>

Meet Purbayan Chatterjee: Sitarist behind Bandish Bandits’ viral track and Farhan Akhtar’s Hollywood prep

<p>Jade Rivera is a Peruvian contemporary artist known for his poetic murals and intimate explorations of human connection, memory, and transformation. His work blends realism and symbolism, capturing moments of quiet emotion within urban and natural landscapes. Rivera’s art can be found on walls around the world, yet it remains deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional textures of Peru. Through painting, sculpture, and installation, he invites viewers into a world where vulnerability meets strength and simplicity reveals depth. His creative universe extends across the Museo Jade Rivera, Jade Rivera Lab, and Jade Rivera World in Barranco, Lima.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>What inspires you to create art?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For me, art is not an optional act—it is a necessity that rises from the deepest part of me. There is a creative urgency that pushes me to look at the world with both softness and intensity, to feel every gesture as if it carried a hidden meaning. That sensitivity—sometimes heavy, sometimes illuminating—inevitably becomes colors, symbols, and murals that seek to breathe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Peru and Latin America are two constant heartbeats in my work. From these lands comes the strength that sustains me and the chaos that awakens me. Their histories, their wounds, their beauty run through me and give me a language of my own. Creating is my way of expressing gratitude, of healing, and of conversing with the territory that shaped me. Everything I paint is born from that blend of urgency, memory, and belonging.</p><h2>Why do you paint so many children in your murals?</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Children appear in my murals because they represent that essential part of ourselves that has not yet been shaped by fear or expectations. But also because I constantly return to my own childhood experiences to seek inspiration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For me, childhood is a sacred territory—a place where imagination ruled, where every gesture held magic, and every discovery carried the weight of a revelation. When I paint children, I return to that internal space that still preserves curiosity, tenderness, and wonder. They are characters that speak about who we were but also about what we can still recover.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In them, I find truth, and through them I try to remind the world of the importance of seeing with new eyes.</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQcCiHNDb4k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQcCiHNDb4k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQcCiHNDb4k/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Jade Rivera (@jade_rivera_artist)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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<p> </p><h2>Do you think that in the next 100 years you could become for Peru what Frida Kahlo is for Mexico—a national icon known globally?</h2><p> </p><p>That is not something I can claim. My goal is not to become an icon, but to create a body of work that is honest, profound, and meaningful. If, over time, my work accompanies people, dialogues with Peruvian identity, and transcends borders, it would be an honor. But my focus is on the present—on continuing to create, observe, and contribute through my art.</p><h2>What change would you like to see in Peru?</h2><p> </p><p>I dream of a more integrated Peru, where the diverse voices that shape our identity do not compete, but acknowledge and embrace each other. A country where inequality no longer determines destinies, and where creativity, education, and art become real and accessible paths for everyone.</p><p> </p><p>I also long for a more empathetic and sensitive society. I feel that this ability to look each other in the eye, to listen without judgment, and to recognize another’s humanity is as urgent as any structural reform. Sensitivity is not fragility—it is a transforming force.</p><p> </p><p>I would like to see a Peru where that sensitivity guides our collective decisions, where caring for one another becomes part of who we are, and where new generations grow up feeling that this country supports and celebrates them.</p><h2>You’ve painted multiple murals across South America. Do you plan to create any in Asia? In India?</h2><p> </p><p>Yes, the idea of taking my work to Asia excites me. India, in particular, attracts me for its spirituality, its colors, and its symbolic connection with nature. I would love to collaborate with communities, festivals, or cultural projects there, and explore how my visual language can dialogue with other artistic traditions.</p><p> </p><h2>Tell us more about your fascination with birds. Why do you paint so many in your murals?</h2><p> </p><p>Birds have always seemed like messengers between worlds—creatures that carry in their wings the idea of freedom, movement, and transformation. When I paint them, I speak of journey, of memory, and of that human need to rise above ourselves.</p><p> </p><p>But I also explore many other animals. Nature as a whole—its forms, its silences, its brutality and its tenderness—is a profound source of symbolism for me. Human beings and nature coexist in my work as two forces that search for one another, reflect each</p><p> </p><p>other, and transform each other. I am interested in that dialogue between what we are and what surrounds us, between what we protect and what we forget.</p><p> </p><p>It is not my intention to be recognized as “the artist who only paints birds.” Birds are one part of my language, not its entirety. My work emerges from the meeting of multiple symbols that together try to tell a broader story about our relationship with life.</p><p> </p><h2>What do you think it takes for an artist to go global?</h2><p> </p><p>I believe an artist becomes global by being faithful to their own language. In my case, that language is born from Latin America—its textures, its symbols, its wounds, and its vitality. Even if my work can be read universally, I only paint what truly represents me, what comes from my history and my emotional territory.</p><p> </p><p>And interestingly, that is exactly what attracts people from other parts of the world. Collectors abroad are not interested in an “internationalized” version of my work, but in the deeply Latin American perspective I carry with me. Authenticity crosses borders—what is local, when it is honest, becomes universal.</p>

<p> </p><p>I believe an artist becomes global when they are not trying to be—when their commitment lies in building a personal language so solid and so true that it can travel on its own and resonate in other geographies without losing its roots.</p><p> </p><h2>How do you share your love for art through your fashion brand Despierta?</h2><p> </p><p>Through Despierta, I seek to bring art into everyday life. Each piece is born from a concept, a drawing, or an emotion that I want people to wear, feel, and make their own. Fashion, for me, is another way of storytelling and awakening sensitivity—it is a canvas in motion. The brand is an invitation to look at the world with more intention and more creativity.</p>

Latin American culture has had a constant influence on Peruvian artist Jade Rivera. Rivera’s art can be found on walls around the world, yet it remains deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional textures of Peru. 

Jade Rivera is a Peruvian contemporary artist known for his poetic murals and intimate explorations of human connection, memory, and transformation. His work blends realism and symbolism, capturing moments of quiet emotion within urban and natural landscapes. Rivera’s art can be found on walls around the world, yet it remains deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional textures of Peru. Through painting, sculpture, and installation, he invites viewers into a world where vulnerability meets strength and simplicity reveals depth. His creative universe extends across the Museo Jade Rivera, Jade Rivera Lab, and Jade Rivera World in Barranco, Lima. What inspires you to create art? For me, art is not an optional act—it is a necessity that rises from the deepest part of me. There is a creative urgency that pushes me to look at the world with both softness and intensity, to feel every gesture as if it carried a hidden meaning. That sensitivity—sometimes heavy, sometimes illuminating—inevitably becomes colors, symbols, and murals that seek to breathe. Peru and Latin America are two constant heartbeats in my work. From these lands comes the strength that sustains me and the chaos that awakens me. Their histories, their wounds, their beauty run through me and give me a language of my own. Creating is my way of expressing gratitude, of healing, and of conversing with the territory that shaped me. Everything I paint is born from that blend of urgency, memory, and belonging. Why do you paint so many children in your murals? Children appear in my murals because they represent that essential part of ourselves that has not yet been shaped by fear or expectations. But also because I constantly return to my own childhood experiences to seek inspiration. For me, childhood is a sacred territory—a place where imagination ruled, where every gesture held magic, and every discovery carried the weight of a revelation. When I paint children, I return to that internal space that still preserves curiosity, tenderness, and wonder. They are characters that speak about who we were but also about what we can still recover. In them, I find truth, and through them I try to remind the world of the importance of seeing with new eyes.

<p>Latin American culture has had a constant influence on Peruvian artist Jade Rivera. Rivera’s art can be found on walls around the world, yet it remains deeply rooted in the cultural and emotional textures of Peru.&nbsp;</p>

‘Peru and Latin America are two constant heartbeats in my work,’ says Peruvian artist Jade Rivera | Interview

<p>The release of The Bengal Files, helmed by Vivek Agnihotri, is only a few days away. The political drama has created quite a buzz ever since the trailer was released. Ahead of the release of the film, in an exclusive interaction with WION, Vivek Agnihotri has opened up about the details and the controversies surrounding it.</p><h2>Vivek Agnihotri about The Bengal Files: FIR, misrepresentation of a freedom fighter, and more</h2><ul><li><strong>What inspired you to make The Bengal Files?</strong></li></ul><p>Life, politics, society, and the pain and trauma of the generational pain and trauma of partition. What inspired me is that I think the younger generation, especially, and anybody who is above 45 or 50, they do not even know how we got the partition, what the truth of the partition is. So, as said, people must understand what the real reasons of partition and who the real heroes were, and above that, it's possible for a Jewish child not to know about the holocaust or for a black child not to know about slavery. How come our generation doesn't know about Hindu genocide, one of the gruesome, perhaps one of the inhuman genocides that ever took place on this earth in the history of humanity? How come we don't know about it?</p><ul><li><strong>Gopal Mukherjee’s grandson has apparently sent you a legal notice. He says his grandfather has been wrongly depicted in the film as anti-Muslim. Your reaction to the allegations.</strong></li></ul><p>Acknowledging the trauma is the first step towards healing, and with that intention, I made this film. He hasn't seen the film, and he has been talking to me for a long time. In fact, I was supposed to inaugurate Gopal Mukerjee's statue, the first statue in Calcutta, but because of this state-sponsored chaos, for security reasons, I was not allowed to go; however, the organisers came to the hotel where I inaugurated. I have tweeted it on my X and Instagram accounts. But, one thing, I can tell, I have shown him as a hero, after seeing the film, every single child and every single person in this country makes him a hero of their hearts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He added, "We showed the film in the US. Whenever Gopal Mukhejee came on screen, people clapped with thunder. So, he is a hero, maybe he doesn't know, or maybe he is compelled by TMC to say things like that as he survives in Calcutta to live in Calcutta".</p><ul><li><strong>Some of the actors- Saswata Chatterjee and Sourav Das- have alleged that they did not know the whole script of the film and only their characters. They seem to be distancing themselves from the film. What do you have to say?</strong></li></ul><p>No, that's not true. The media has cooked up these kinds of stories. In fact, Shashwata's manager spoke to me. He is like a friend, and he has been coming to my house, and it is possible for such a senior actor like Shashwata to not read the entire script and do a film. And is it possible, do you think Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi will ever, ever, ever make a film where the lead actor, the main actor, has not read the entire script? Mithunda has no dialogue in the film, and he has read every single word of the film, so how is he not going to read? Gandhi has just 5 scenes; he had read the entire script. I say you have to see your role in the entirety of the film. Do you think the main villain of the film has not read the script, which means that it questions his acting and his credibility, not mine.</p><ul><li><strong>Your films often get labeled as “agenda-driven.” How do you respond to critics who may say The Bengal Files is political propaganda rather than cinema?</strong></li></ul><p>I don't know who is saying that, I have never met anybody who tells me this on face, except for journalists. I have never met a common person who says that, so I don't know which people are saying that. And every film is a propaganda saying that God exists, that's also propaganda, isn't it? Christian says Jesus Christ is our God or messenger, and somebody says no, that's propaganda, my God is the real God, then a third party says no, my God is the real God, then you decide, I think all of them exist.</p><ul><li><strong>Bengal has been a stronghold of intellectuals and artists. But they are opposing your version of Bengal’s history. Your take on it.</strong></li></ul><p>I don't think any intellectual is questioning this. Why will any intellectual question, if somebody is questioning direct action, whether it happened or not, he is not intellectual, he is a duffer, so I don't care about these people.</p><ul><li><strong>What would be your message to those who think that films like yours deepen the divide more than heal?</strong></li></ul><p>Did I commit genocide? How am I dividing? I am a storyteller, and what I am seeing in society, I am showing it. Kashmir Files has united people, not divided. This film will unite every Indian, I guarantee you.</p><ul><li><strong>Did you discover any untold stories or shocking facts during your research for the film?</strong></li></ul><p>The whole film is full of those kinds of things. Including the Noakhali riots is an untold story. Lots of issues will come up in the film.</p>

In an exclusive interview with WION, Vivek Agnihotri has bared all about his upcoming film The Bengal Files, from FIR to being called a propaganda movie. The Bengal Files is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 5.

The release of The Bengal Files, helmed by Vivek Agnihotri, is only a few days away. The political drama has created quite a buzz ever since the trailer was released. Ahead of the release of the film, in an exclusive interaction with WION, Vivek Agnihotri has opened up about the details and the controversies surrounding it. Vivek Agnihotri about The Bengal Files: FIR, misrepresentation of a freedom fighter, and more What inspired you to make The Bengal Files? Life, politics, society, and the pain and trauma of the generational pain and trauma of partition. What inspired me is that I think the younger generation, especially, and anybody who is above 45 or 50, they do not even know how we got the partition, what the truth of the partition is. So, as said, people must understand what the real reasons of partition and who the real heroes were, and above that, it's possible for a Jewish child not to know about the holocaust or for a black child not to know about slavery. How come our generation doesn't know about Hindu genocide, one of the gruesome, perhaps one of the inhuman genocides that ever took place on this earth in the history of humanity? How come we don't know about it? Gopal Mukherjee’s grandson has apparently sent you a legal notice. He says his grandfather has been wrongly depicted in the film as anti-Muslim. Your reaction to the allegations. Acknowledging the trauma is the first step towards healing, and with that intention, I made this film. He hasn't seen the film, and he has been talking to me for a long time. In fact, I was supposed to inaugurate Gopal Mukerjee's statue, the first statue in Calcutta, but because of this state-sponsored chaos, for security reasons, I was not allowed to go; however, the organisers came to the hotel where I inaugurated. I have tweeted it on my X and Instagram accounts. But, one thing, I can tell, I have shown him as a hero, after seeing the film, every single child and every single person in this country makes him a hero of their hearts. He added, "We showed the film in the US. Whenever Gopal Mukhejee came on screen, people clapped with thunder. So, he is a hero, maybe he doesn't know, or maybe he is compelled by TMC to say things like that as he survives in Calcutta to live in Calcutta". Some of the actors- Saswata Chatterjee and Sourav Das- have alleged that they did not know the whole script of the film and only their characters. They seem to be distancing themselves from the film. What do you have to say? No, that's not true. The media has cooked up these kinds of stories. In fact, Shashwata's manager spoke to me. He is like a friend, and he has been coming to my house, and it is possible for such a senior actor like Shashwata to not read the entire script and do a film. And is it possible, do you think Vivek Agnihotri and Pallavi Joshi will ever, ever, ever make a film where the lead actor, the main actor, has not read the entire script? Mithunda has no dialogue in the film, and he has read every single word of the film, so how is he not going to read? Gandhi has just 5 scenes; he had read the entire script. I say you have to see your role in the entirety of the film. Do you think the main villain of the film has not read the script, which means that it questions his acting and his credibility, not mine. Your films often get labeled as “agenda-driven.” How do you respond to critics who may say The Bengal Files is political propaganda rather than cinema? I don't know who is saying that, I have never met anybody who tells me this on face, except for journalists. I have never met a common person who says that, so I don't know which people are saying that. And every film is a propaganda saying that God exists, that's also propaganda, isn't it? Christian says Jesus Christ is our God or messenger, and somebody says no, that's propaganda, my God is the real God, then a third party says no, my God is the real God, then you decide, I think all of them exist. Bengal has been a stronghold of intellectuals and artists. But they are opposing your version of Bengal’s history. Your take on it. I don't think any intellectual is questioning this. Why will any intellectual question, if somebody is questioning direct action, whether it happened or not, he is not intellectual, he is a duffer, so I don't care about these people. What would be your message to those who think that films like yours deepen the divide more than heal? Did I commit genocide? How am I dividing? I am a storyteller, and what I am seeing in society, I am showing it. Kashmir Files has united people, not divided. This film will unite every Indian, I guarantee you. Did you discover any untold stories or shocking facts during your research for the film? The whole film is full of those kinds of things. Including the Noakhali riots is an untold story. Lots of issues will come up in the film.

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION, Vivek Agnihotri has bared all about his upcoming film The Bengal Files, from FIR to being called a propaganda movie. The Bengal Files is scheduled to release in cinemas on September 5.</p>

The Bengal Files unmasked: Vivek Agnihotri Exclusive

<p><strong>By Dhruv Goyal</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Rashmeet Kaur is the musician behind hits like Nadiyon Paar, Thumkeshwari, Ik Meri, and Janiye. With a voice rooted in tradition and a sound that pushes boundaries, she’s carved a space where folk meets fearless experimentation. WION caught up with Rashmeet Kaur during her debut performance in New York, and she opened up about her classical training, her deep connection to Punjabi folk music, and how she’s redefined it for a new generation. She also reflected on her creative process, her journey through the industry, and what it means to stay authentic while constantly evolving as an artist—excerpts from the interview below. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: You’ve reimagined classics like “Bajre Da Sitta” for a new generation. What draws you to folk music, and how do you approach modernizing it while keeping its soul intact?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A: Bajre Da Sitta is a Punjabi folk song by Surinder Kaur ji, who is the queen of Punjabi folk music. She’s known as the koel of Punjabi folk music. I was sitting with my team and they came up with the idea that we should do something with Bajre Da Sitta. I started singing it because it's in every household. We grew up listening to this song, and to other folk musicians, Qawwali, classical, Gurbani Shabad.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Surinder ji has always been my idol. So, the song just came to me. I sang the hook and wrote another verse. And then, because it's an era of rap and hip-hop, my team thought, who should we get? Ikka paji (Indian rapper) came to mind. He did a verse, and it became a banger.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>You always take a chance when recreating folk, but that’s the life of an artist. The real win for me was that people who didn’t know about Bajre Da Sitta or Surinder ji went back and found the original. That’s the biggest achievement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: How have you navigated the Indian music industry, what have been some of your biggest challenges?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There have been a lot of ups and downs. I’ve worked with all kinds of musicians, directors, composers, rappers, and instrumentalists. My journey started with Gurmat Sangeet, taught to me by my mom. That’s my root, and I will never forget where I come from. It helped me stay strong. I’ve met many people and faced challenges, but I’m grateful. I’ve learned a lot, and I think I’ve had the most collaborations a female has done in DHH (Desi Hip Hop). I'm thankful I got to work and grew with so many people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: How do you approach the pressure of making viral music in the era of 15-second clips? Can you predict when a song will be a hit?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A: Everyone is trying hard to get those 15 seconds. But I push to make every 15 seconds strong. If a song is three minutes long, every chunk should feel full. I don’t look at it as just one part going viral. I see the whole song as one complete product. That’s how I’ve always learned and worked. Secondly, social media and the pandemic changed everything. You can’t predict a song’s life. Bajre Da Sitta became popular in Canada before India. Then it circled back, and people started making reels. I just give my best. No matter the genre or the artist I’m working with. I step into the studio, and I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I show up. That’s how I move now.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Q: Your energy on stage is electric. What’s your mental or emotional process before stepping into a live performance?</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A: I’m a person who tries to be in the moment all the time. I have a ritual, a few of them, actually, before going on stage. I do my warm-up exercises while doing my makeup, so I never waste time. Before going on stage, of course I’m nervous. I want the show to be the best show of my life and the next one, the best again. I want to give my best. I want people to feel the energy I’m feeling, through my songs and my art that I’ve created over time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>All those little warm-up exercises really help, especially before a show. So I do my makeup, I do my riyaaz, I put on a track on my phone, and I start jumping right before I go on stage because I need that energy.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I’m that kind of performer. And then, because my riyaaz is strong and my makeup is okay, I look okay, then the rest is just history. It’s up to the people. I just love singing and connecting with people. That’s my favorite thing to do.</p><h2>Quick take with Rashmeet Kaur</h2><ul><li><strong>Ultimate role models:</strong> Beyoncé and John Mayer</li><li><strong>Favorite international artist now: </strong>Doechii</li><li><strong>Song you wish you sang: </strong>There are so many, but I would say the song Taras by Jasmine Sandlas. She did an incredible job. I love her. But I could see myself also doing the same song.</li><li><strong>Most unforgettable fan moment:</strong> The most unforgettable fan moment was in Chhattisgarh (India). There was a meet and greet after my performance at a festival, and I went for the meet and greet. This girl came up to me crying and I was like, “What happened?” She said, “Your three songs have helped me in these last six years to get through life.” I can never forget that. It makes me emotional.</li><li><strong>Dream collaborations:</strong> Arijit Singh, Doechii, Gurdas Maan, Beyoncé, Russ</li><li><strong>Go-to comfort food on tour:</strong> Dal chawal (dal tadka to be specific not dal makhani)</li><li><strong>One word friends use for you:</strong> Bindass – free soul&nbsp;</li></ul>

WION caught up with Rashmeet Kaur recently and she opened up about her classical training, her deep connection to Punjabi folk music, and how she’s redefined it for a new generation. The singer is credited for viral songs like Bajre Da Sitta, Thumkeshwari and more.

By Dhruv Goyal Rashmeet Kaur is the musician behind hits like Nadiyon Paar, Thumkeshwari, Ik Meri, and Janiye. With a voice rooted in tradition and a sound that pushes boundaries, she’s carved a space where folk meets fearless experimentation. WION caught up with Rashmeet Kaur during her debut performance in New York, and she opened up about her classical training, her deep connection to Punjabi folk music, and how she’s redefined it for a new generation. She also reflected on her creative process, her journey through the industry, and what it means to stay authentic while constantly evolving as an artist—excerpts from the interview below. Q: You’ve reimagined classics like “Bajre Da Sitta” for a new generation. What draws you to folk music, and how do you approach modernizing it while keeping its soul intact? A: Bajre Da Sitta is a Punjabi folk song by Surinder Kaur ji, who is the queen of Punjabi folk music. She’s known as the koel of Punjabi folk music. I was sitting with my team and they came up with the idea that we should do something with Bajre Da Sitta. I started singing it because it's in every household. We grew up listening to this song, and to other folk musicians, Qawwali, classical, Gurbani Shabad. Surinder ji has always been my idol. So, the song just came to me. I sang the hook and wrote another verse. And then, because it's an era of rap and hip-hop, my team thought, who should we get? Ikka paji (Indian rapper) came to mind. He did a verse, and it became a banger. You always take a chance when recreating folk, but that’s the life of an artist. The real win for me was that people who didn’t know about Bajre Da Sitta or Surinder ji went back and found the original. That’s the biggest achievement. Q: How have you navigated the Indian music industry, what have been some of your biggest challenges? There have been a lot of ups and downs. I’ve worked with all kinds of musicians, directors, composers, rappers, and instrumentalists. My journey started with Gurmat Sangeet, taught to me by my mom. That’s my root, and I will never forget where I come from. It helped me stay strong. I’ve met many people and faced challenges, but I’m grateful. I’ve learned a lot, and I think I’ve had the most collaborations a female has done in DHH (Desi Hip Hop). I'm thankful I got to work and grew with so many people. Q: How do you approach the pressure of making viral music in the era of 15-second clips? Can you predict when a song will be a hit? A: Everyone is trying hard to get those 15 seconds. But I push to make every 15 seconds strong. If a song is three minutes long, every chunk should feel full. I don’t look at it as just one part going viral. I see the whole song as one complete product. That’s how I’ve always learned and worked. Secondly, social media and the pandemic changed everything. You can’t predict a song’s life. Bajre Da Sitta became popular in Canada before India. Then it circled back, and people started making reels. I just give my best. No matter the genre or the artist I’m working with. I step into the studio, and I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I show up. That’s how I move now.

<p>WION caught up with Rashmeet Kaur recently and she opened up about her classical training, her deep connection to Punjabi folk music, and how she’s redefined it for a new generation. The singer is credited for viral songs like Bajre Da Sitta, Thumkeshwari and more.</p>

Singer Rashmeet Kaur on creating viral songs like Bajre Da Sitta, Nadiyon Paar and more: You can’t predict a song’s life | Exclusive

<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Despite being part of an illustrious family, entrepreneur Arpita Khan Sharma maintains a low profile. Arpita is Salman Khan&rsquo;s sister and actor Ayush Sharma&rsquo;s wife. She has recently launched Mercii, a luxury European fine dine in Mumbai. With chic interiors, massive space, white walls and a ceiling designed to look like the cosmos, Mercii is all set to win the hearts of foodies. We catch up with Arpita Khan Sharma to understand more about Mercii, why she wanted to be in the food space, hospitality and her European travels.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">1. Can you tell us more about why you started Mercii<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We come from a family that's big into food. My mom is a great chef and we love her food. A lot of the interactions with my family - happy or sad happen over lunch or dinner. We all go from our homes to my mom&rsquo;s home and enjoy a meal together at least once a week. I wanted to extend our galaxy table to a restaurant and that&rsquo;s where Mercii comes in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br>2. Where are the interiors inspired from?<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">We tried doing the interiors from Mumbai but what they were doing was quite typical to all the other places in Mumbai. I wanted to create a vibe which is fresh - something like Bagatelle from Dubai, where you can enjoy a meal and it converts to a party place. We ended up meeting at the Creative Clinic in Dubai and they came up with great renders. After we gave them our inputs, we wanted to create a family restaurant that the grandparents, children and grandchildren can come in together. I wanted bright walls and bright interiors. When you dine here, you can see the sky on top. Eat indoors but still feel like you are outdoors. We have tried to make the space as happy as possible for people.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">3. Why did you choose to call this spot Mercii<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Mercii in French means thank you. I believe the universe has been so kind to us that we should say thank you and showcase gratitude more often. I believe the newer generation moves really fast and sometimes forgets to say thank you. This was my way of saying thank you to the universe. Whenever you say Mercii, you are being grateful.</span><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">4. Since your cuisine is inspired by Europe, what have been your memorable experiences there?<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I extensively travel every summer and I have been going to Europe since I was a child. I enjoy a diversity of food and cuisines from across the world. We try the different ceviches, gazpachos, pizzas and pastas there. I wanted to bring these dishes back here. I was inspired by LPM and wanted to be as close to that as I could. This is as authentic European as I could go to. I wanted to move away from casual Indian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. I wanted to do something unique. I wanted to do specific European food.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p>&nbsp;</o:p></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">5. What are three things that are Arpita that you see in the restaurant here?<o:p></o:p></span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">I would say the white open luxe interior. I like spaces that are white open and spacious. This is me. Also the wide variety of dishes in the menu is very me. We have more than 75 to 80 dishes on the menu because variety plays an important role. I feel everyone coming here should be </span><span lang="EN-US">able to get something they like. The final would be the hospitality offered by the staff here. I want people to feel at home like they are in their living room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>

Lifestyle As her new restaurant Mercii opens doors in Mumbai for the public, Arpita Khan Sharma talks about Khan family's love for food and the European influence in the menu of her eatery.

Despite being part of an illustrious family, entrepreneur Arpita Khan Sharma maintains a low profile. Arpita is Salman Khan’s sister and actor Ayush Sharma’s wife. She has recently launched Mercii, a luxury European fine dine in Mumbai. With chic interiors, massive space, white walls and a ceiling designed to look like the cosmos, Mercii is all set to win the hearts of foodies. We catch up with Arpita Khan Sharma to understand more about Mercii, why she wanted to be in the food space, hospitality and her European travels. 1. Can you tell us more about why you started Mercii We come from a family that's big into food. My mom is a great chef and we love her food. A lot of the interactions with my family - happy or sad happen over lunch or dinner. We all go from our homes to my mom’s home and enjoy a meal together at least once a week. I wanted to extend our galaxy table to a restaurant and that’s where Mercii comes in. 2. Where are the interiors inspired from? We tried doing the interiors from Mumbai but what they were doing was quite typical to all the other places in Mumbai. I wanted to create a vibe which is fresh - something like Bagatelle from Dubai, where you can enjoy a meal and it converts to a party place. We ended up meeting at the Creative Clinic in Dubai and they came up with great renders. After we gave them our inputs, we wanted to create a family restaurant that the grandparents, children and grandchildren can come in together. I wanted bright walls and bright interiors. When you dine here, you can see the sky on top. Eat indoors but still feel like you are outdoors. We have tried to make the space as happy as possible for people. 3. Why did you choose to call this spot Mercii Mercii in French means thank you. I believe the universe has been so kind to us that we should say thank you and showcase gratitude more often. I believe the newer generation moves really fast and sometimes forgets to say thank you. This was my way of saying thank you to the universe. Whenever you say Mercii, you are being grateful. 4. Since your cuisine is inspired by Europe, what have been your memorable experiences there? I extensively travel every summer and I have been going to Europe since I was a child. I enjoy a diversity of food and cuisines from across the world. We try the different ceviches, gazpachos, pizzas and pastas there. I wanted to bring these dishes back here. I was inspired by LPM and wanted to be as close to that as I could. This is as authentic European as I could go to. I wanted to move away from casual Indian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants. I wanted to do something unique. I wanted to do specific European food. 5. What are three things that are Arpita that you see in the restaurant here? I would say the white open luxe interior. I like spaces that are white open and spacious. This is me. Also the wide variety of dishes in the menu is very me. We have more than 75 to 80 dishes on the menu because variety plays an important role. I feel everyone coming here should be able to get something they like. The final would be the hospitality offered by the staff here. I want people to feel at home like they are in their living room.

‘We come from a family that's big into food’: Arpita Khan Sharma while launching her restaurant Mercii | Interview

<p>Making films or web series based on history and historical figures is always tricky. One doesn’t know what can hurt the sentiments of people and lead to an uproar on social media or worse, a lawsuit. But as Abhinandan Gupta, the head writer of <em>Freedom At Midnight </em>points out, it was a 'delicate dance' for him and co-writers Gundeep Kaur, Adwitiya Kareng Das, Divy Nidhi Sharma and Revanta Sarabhai in bringing to screen&nbsp;the recently released web series.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Based on Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins’ book by the same name, <em>Freedom At Midnight</em> has been helmed by Nikhil Advani. The show narrates the incidents that led to India’s Partition and the formation of Pakistan.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
In a candid chat with WION, Gupta explained that there were multiple challenges in adapting&nbsp;a non-fiction book and fictionalising the characters. Apart from sieving through what incidents&nbsp;needed to be adapted for the screen and what to leave out, the writer said that the team had to look at the leaders with the lens of empathy.</p>

<p>“It was a challenge to find out why they did what they did and try to answer that question without judging them,” explained Gupta. "Seeing them through the lens of empathy to understand what they did at that time and what they felt was right at that time. It was also challenging not to see things in hindsight. Sitting in 2024, from the vantage point of hindsight, not to apply to see things from that lens, but to go back to that time and understand why they did what they did.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The writer admitted that while adapting the book – which was like a long essay&nbsp;– they had to tweak the timeline. “The book starts in early 1946. Season 1 ended at June 1947. In that one and half years, so much happened that led to Partition. Events that are shown in season 1 are The Shimla Conference, Mountbatten’s coming to India, the Noakhali riots, Bihar Riots- all these events have certain dates and are set chronologically but we had to tweak the timeline to create drama.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On Sidhant Gupta’s casting as Jawaharlal Nehru</strong></p>

<p>While the show has received mostly positive reviews from all across, there has been chatter about the ‘miscasting' of actor Sidhant Gupta as former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Gupta, who stunned everyone last year with his performance in Vikramaditya Motwane’s <em>Jubilee,</em> seemed slightly out of place among veteran actors like Arif Zakaria and Rajendra Chawla, playing a character much older than his real age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gupta addressed this by stating that the writers had no role in the casting of the show but added, “Sidhant Gupta is young to play Nehru, but he has given a credible performance.”</p>

<p>Gupta also mentioned that since most have grown up watching David Attenborough’s <em>Gandhi</em>, the actors who played the leaders in the film set a benchmark for years. “Besides, it is always a challenge to cast people who are as well known and as well photographed as these leaders whether it's Gandhi, Nehru, Patel or Jinnah,” the writer explained.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/freedom-at-midnight-review-powerful-portrayal-of-history-we-know-and-yet-we-dont-776451">Freedom at Midnight review: Powerful portrayal of history we know and yet we don't</a></strong></p>

<p><br />
<strong>‘Jinnah and Patel were the most conflicted characters’</strong><br />
&nbsp;<br />
As a writer, Gupta admitted he found Jinnah and Patel’s characters the most interesting. “I thought they were complicated people. Extremely vulnerable and sensitive but the outer facade of being extremely strong men. When you read about them you realise they were emotionally fragile and vulnerable. So as daramatists, it was interesting to show the two striking different characteristics of these two people. Not to be mixed how these men were in real life but how we drew them was interesting.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling Jinnah’s politics divisive and him a secular man, Gupta said it was interesting how the leader balanced the two aspects. “He was complicated. He asked for a rigid state while being a very cosmopolitan- secular man in his personal life. Political life did not reflect personal life and the contradictions made Jinnah very interesting.”</p>

<p>Gupta gave both Zakaria and Chawla credit for playing the two characters well on screen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Nehru was&nbsp;not a reluctant leader</strong></p>

<p>In the show,&nbsp;&nbsp;prominent Indian leaders are shown taking the hard decision of creating Pakistan out of India. In many parts, Nehru’s character seems like a reluctant leader. Gupta begged to differ and said, “Nehru was conflicted, not reluctant. Nehru was an idealist and had a romantic vision of India. He laid a solid democratic foundation for India eventually and we are still reaping the benefits of the solid foundation that he built. I think it was interesting to see how he had to reconcile his idealism with the demands of hard politics. His idealism was put to test due to hard politics and he transitioned from an activist, demonstrator, and idealist to someone who had to take up the role of a PM of a newly independent India."<br />
<br />
Gupta revealed that the team is planning a Season 2 where we will see Nehru coming into his own.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Freedom At Midnight</em> features Arif Zakaria, Sidhant Gupta, Rajesh Chawla, Ira Dubey, Chirag Vohra and Malishka Mendonsa in key roles. It is streaming on Sony LIV.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/freedom-at-midnight-cast-interview-776491/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Making films or web series based on history and historical figures is always tricky. One doesn’t know what can hurt the sentiments of people and lead to an uproar on social media or worse, a lawsuit.

Making films or web series based on history and historical figures is always tricky. One doesn’t know what can hurt the sentiments of people and lead to an uproar on social media or worse, a lawsuit. But as Abhinandan Gupta, the head writer of Freedom At Midnight points out, it was a 'delicate dance' for him and co-writers Gundeep Kaur, Adwitiya Kareng Das, Divy Nidhi Sharma and Revanta Sarabhai in bringing to screen the recently released web series. Based on Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins’ book by the same name, Freedom At Midnight has been helmed by Nikhil Advani. The show narrates the incidents that led to India’s Partition and the formation of Pakistan. In a candid chat with WION, Gupta explained that there were multiple challenges in adapting a non-fiction book and fictionalising the characters. Apart from sieving through what incidents needed to be adapted for the screen and what to leave out, the writer said that the team had to look at the leaders with the lens of empathy. “It was a challenge to find out why they did what they did and try to answer that question without judging them,” explained Gupta. "Seeing them through the lens of empathy to understand what they did at that time and what they felt was right at that time. It was also challenging not to see things in hindsight. Sitting in 2024, from the vantage point of hindsight, not to apply to see things from that lens, but to go back to that time and understand why they did what they did.” The writer admitted that while adapting the book – which was like a long essay – they had to tweak the timeline. “The book starts in early 1946. Season 1 ended at June 1947. In that one and half years, so much happened that led to Partition. Events that are shown in season 1 are The Shimla Conference, Mountbatten’s coming to India, the Noakhali riots, Bihar Riots- all these events have certain dates and are set chronologically but we had to tweak the timeline to create drama.” On Sidhant Gupta’s casting as Jawaharlal Nehru While the show has received mostly positive reviews from all across, there has been chatter about the ‘miscasting' of actor Sidhant Gupta as former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Gupta, who stunned everyone last year with his performance in Vikramaditya Motwane’s Jubilee, seemed slightly out of place among veteran actors like Arif Zakaria and Rajendra Chawla, playing a character much older than his real age. Gupta addressed this by stating that the writers had no role in the casting of the show but added, “Sidhant Gupta is young to play Nehru, but he has given a credible performance.” Gupta also mentioned that since most have grown up watching David Attenborough’s Gandhi, the actors who played the leaders in the film set a benchmark for years. “Besides, it is always a challenge to cast people who are as well known and as well photographed as these leaders whether it's Gandhi, Nehru, Patel or Jinnah,” the writer explained. Also read: Freedom at Midnight review: Powerful portrayal of history we know and yet we don't ‘Jinnah and Patel were the most conflicted characters’ As a writer, Gupta admitted he found Jinnah and Patel’s characters the most interesting. “I thought they were complicated people. Extremely vulnerable and sensitive but the outer facade of being extremely strong men. When you read about them you realise they were emotionally fragile and vulnerable. So as daramatists, it was interesting to show the two striking different characteristics of these two people. Not to be mixed how these men were in real life but how we drew them was interesting.” Calling Jinnah’s politics divisive and him a secular man, Gupta said it was interesting how the leader balanced the two aspects. “He was complicated. He asked for a rigid state while being a very cosmopolitan- secular man in his personal life. Political life did not reflect personal life and the contradictions made Jinnah very interesting.” Gupta gave both Zakaria and Chawla credit for playing the two characters well on screen. Nehru was not a reluctant leader In the show, prominent Indian leaders are shown taking the hard decision of creating Pakistan out of India. In many parts, Nehru’s character seems like a reluctant leader. Gupta begged to differ and said, “Nehru was conflicted, not reluctant. Nehru was an idealist and had a romantic vision of India. He laid a solid democratic foundation for India eventually and we are still reaping the benefits of the solid foundation that he built. I think it was interesting to see how he had to reconcile his idealism with the demands of hard politics. His idealism was put to test due to hard politics and he transitioned from an activist, demonstrator, and idealist to someone who had to take up the role of a PM of a newly independent India." Gupta revealed that the team is planning a Season 2 where we will see Nehru coming into his own. Freedom At Midnight features Arif Zakaria, Sidhant Gupta, Rajesh Chawla, Ira Dubey, Chirag Vohra and Malishka Mendonsa in key roles. It is streaming on Sony LIV.

Freedom At Midnight attempts to humanise our founding fathers, says writer Abhinandan Gupta

<p>Jash Dholani is a 27-year-old writer with over 110k followers online. His readers include Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson and other global leaders. Jash shares wisdom from old books and tries to bring in a new perspective on contemporary events. In the past he used to make ads. In the future he wants to make films. WION catches up with Jash Dholani to know more about his philosophy, X following and his interest in old books. &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Why have you named your X page (formerly Twitter) OldBooksGuy? What is it about old books that attracts you? Do you think the same wisdom is lacking from new books? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Firstly, authors of old books are not afraid of getting cancelled, so they usually speak their minds. Secondly, old books are vetted by time—only the best have survived. There were many reasons I chose to niche down on old books, but these two were probably the biggest ones!&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>A lot of world leaders including Elon Musk have retweeted your posts on Twitter. How did your content reach them? What is it about your tweets that resonates with them?</strong> &nbsp;</p>

<p>The internet is amazing. I can write something sitting in a cafe in Delhi, or a train station in Budapest, and reach people around the world. But I think you're asking a more specific question about internet virality. There are parts I can control and parts I cannot. Here are 3 things I can control: volume, experimentation, and relevance. I have tweeted more than 21,000 times - that's close to a million words. So - volume is important. Before Twitter I was uploading content on Youtube and Instagram - so I've experimented a fair bit with different formats. And then there's relevance: when the trailer for the Napoleon movie came out in 2023, and became a talking point on Twitter, I immediately uploaded a thread on Napoleon - and got a reply from Elon. But I could not have done the thread if I hadn't been reading Napoleon's private letters for years before!&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Now that you’re about to hit 100k on Twitter with leading global leaders following you - what are your next goals with your Twitter platform? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>I want to hit a million followers and sell a million books.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What’s your book Hit Reverse about? Please share 3 key lessons in the book. &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Hit Reverse has 750+ new ideas from 75+ old books. People should read my book if they want the best insights from old classics (and some forgotten gems) but don't have the time to read them. Here are 3 snippets:&nbsp;</p>

<p>1. Charisma is being comfortable in your own skin. Here’s La Rochefoucauld, 16th century French writer, on how to be irresistible: "There is an air which belongs to the figure and talents of each individual...We should try to find out what air is natural to us and never abandon it, but make it as perfect as we can." Authenticity is hot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>2. &nbsp;Napoleon on Courage: "Courage can't be counterfeited—it's a virtue which escapes hypocrisy." Courage with logical thought is unbeatable: "The burst of courage which, despite the suddenness of events, still leaves you capable of thought, of judgment and decision, is excessively rare."&nbsp;</p>

<p>3. Men and women miscommunicate because they dance to DIFFERENT rhythms. Nietzsche: "The same emotions in man and woman are different in tempo: therefore man and woman never cease to misunderstand one another." Well-arranged differences in tempo, however, make a song…&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Since most of your content involves research - how do you spend your day? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>I cast a wide net. I go down rabbit holes. I read wikipedia, wikiquotes, old essays, old letters, old journal entries. My goal is to find ideas that are useful, interesting, and memorable. That's the golden trifecta - not easy to find! But extremely rewarding when I do…&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is a philosophy/ theory that you came across recently that has baffled you? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Historian Stephen Meyer says there are some very weird gaps in the evolution of life. There are sudden explosions in new species, sudden increases in the size and capacity of the human brain - from 1 to 100 with nothing in between. Explosions and improvements so sudden that the normal evolutionary process, which takes millions of years, just can't explain them. He's saying there was some extraterrestrial influence. Very baffling idea - but he's a brilliant guy and makes his case really well. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>You were recently a speaker at Brainbar. What did you speak about there? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Brainbar is an incredible conference based out of Budapest, Hungary. Thousands of high school and college students come each year to hear talks on technology, history, and much more. This year they were kind enough to invite me for a keynote address. My talk's title was "5 Modern Mistakes." It will be out soon!&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What is your opinion on these three current trends - self care, revenge travel and international education? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>I think the best form of self-care is getting richer, hotter, and more powerful. Revenge travel - I had to google what it means. Hah - I'm generally pro-revenge, just don't physically hurt anyone&nbsp;</p>


Jash Dholani is a 27-year-old writer with over 110k followers online. His readers include Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson and other global leaders. Jash shares wisdom from old books and tries to bring in a new perspective on contemporary events.

Jash Dholani is a 27-year-old writer with over 110k followers online. His readers include Elon Musk, Jordan Peterson and other global leaders. Jash shares wisdom from old books and tries to bring in a new perspective on contemporary events. In the past he used to make ads. In the future he wants to make films. WION catches up with Jash Dholani to know more about his philosophy, X following and his interest in old books. Why have you named your X page (formerly Twitter) OldBooksGuy? What is it about old books that attracts you? Do you think the same wisdom is lacking from new books? Firstly, authors of old books are not afraid of getting cancelled, so they usually speak their minds. Secondly, old books are vetted by time—only the best have survived. There were many reasons I chose to niche down on old books, but these two were probably the biggest ones! A lot of world leaders including Elon Musk have retweeted your posts on Twitter. How did your content reach them? What is it about your tweets that resonates with them? The internet is amazing. I can write something sitting in a cafe in Delhi, or a train station in Budapest, and reach people around the world. But I think you're asking a more specific question about internet virality. There are parts I can control and parts I cannot. Here are 3 things I can control: volume, experimentation, and relevance. I have tweeted more than 21,000 times - that's close to a million words. So - volume is important. Before Twitter I was uploading content on Youtube and Instagram - so I've experimented a fair bit with different formats. And then there's relevance: when the trailer for the Napoleon movie came out in 2023, and became a talking point on Twitter, I immediately uploaded a thread on Napoleon - and got a reply from Elon. But I could not have done the thread if I hadn't been reading Napoleon's private letters for years before! Now that you’re about to hit 100k on Twitter with leading global leaders following you - what are your next goals with your Twitter platform? I want to hit a million followers and sell a million books. What’s your book Hit Reverse about? Please share 3 key lessons in the book. Hit Reverse has 750+ new ideas from 75+ old books. People should read my book if they want the best insights from old classics (and some forgotten gems) but don't have the time to read them. Here are 3 snippets: 1. Charisma is being comfortable in your own skin. Here’s La Rochefoucauld, 16th century French writer, on how to be irresistible: "There is an air which belongs to the figure and talents of each individual...We should try to find out what air is natural to us and never abandon it, but make it as perfect as we can." Authenticity is hot. 2. Napoleon on Courage: "Courage can't be counterfeited—it's a virtue which escapes hypocrisy." Courage with logical thought is unbeatable: "The burst of courage which, despite the suddenness of events, still leaves you capable of thought, of judgment and decision, is excessively rare." 3. Men and women miscommunicate because they dance to DIFFERENT rhythms. Nietzsche: "The same emotions in man and woman are different in tempo: therefore man and woman never cease to misunderstand one another." Well-arranged differences in tempo, however, make a song… Since most of your content involves research - how do you spend your day? I cast a wide net. I go down rabbit holes. I read wikipedia, wikiquotes, old essays, old letters, old journal entries. My goal is to find ideas that are useful, interesting, and memorable. That's the golden trifecta - not easy to find! But extremely rewarding when I do… What is a philosophy/ theory that you came across recently that has baffled you? Historian Stephen Meyer says there are some very weird gaps in the evolution of life. There are sudden explosions in new species, sudden increases in the size and capacity of the human brain - from 1 to 100 with nothing in between. Explosions and improvements so sudden that the normal evolutionary process, which takes millions of years, just can't explain them. He's saying there was some extraterrestrial influence. Very baffling idea - but he's a brilliant guy and makes his case really well. You were recently a speaker at Brainbar. What did you speak about there? Brainbar is an incredible conference based out of Budapest, Hungary. Thousands of high school and college students come each year to hear talks on technology, history, and much more. This year they were kind enough to invite me for a keynote address. My talk's title was "5 Modern Mistakes." It will be out soon! What is your opinion on these three current trends - self care, revenge travel and international education? I think the best form of self-care is getting richer, hotter, and more powerful. Revenge travel - I had to google what it means. Hah - I'm generally pro-revenge, just don't physically hurt anyone

Interview: Meet Jash Dholani - the Indian X sensation whose stories are read by world leaders

<p>In a true delight for comedy lovers, <em>Mr BigStuff </em>brings together actors Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as estranged brothers. Glen, played by Sampson, is a nervy perfectionist who is a carpet salesman by profession, and Dyer's Lee is an alpha male with a prescription drug addiction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Having been a part of <em>After You've Gone, Plebs, Brassic, Doctor Who</em> and <em>The Poison Sky,</em> Sampson is a prominent figure on television and the big screen. But with the new Sky Max comedy that marked its release on July 17, Sampson also makes his debut as a writer.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview with WION, Sampson shared how he became a nerve ball on the sets. "It's been great, we had a brilliant time. It is probably the first thing I have written and it's not the most enjoyable to be that anxious every day on set when you have written something," he said.</p>

<p>Sampson explained that the feeling of the "stupid jokes you have cooked up in your bedroom" being performed by actors on the screen is an equal mix of happiness and nervousness.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a comic comeback was due for Dyer, known for <em>Human Traffic, Mean Machine</em>&nbsp;and <em>The Football Factory&nbsp;</em>among other notable works. The actor wants people to laugh, but also to offer them creative television and with <em>Mr Bigstuff,</em> he opines they've done just that. "It's been a long time. The show has got every element. The world needs to laugh at the moment. It's a weird era and we must never forget to laugh," he said, citing Charlie Chaplin's quote, "A day without laughter is a day wasted."</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g5__DZCf29I?si=eo5NnFsnNJlpje2c" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>But the show isn't just comedy. From different definitions of masculinity to mental health and familial bonds, the series explores a myriad of themes.<br />
<br />
Elaborating on the process, the former <em>EastEnders</em> star explained that the toughest part was to switch between the comic and twisted parts. "The schedule made the process easier. We shot it in a certain order, in a way that helped us. We were doing the emotional stuff towards the end and you want to get it right. If you set up a show to be funny, the audience also gets a bit freaked out - is it meant to be funny, or am I meant to cry?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sampson, too, chimed in, adding, "That's the difficult thing. The jokes need to be within the realms of reality and one needs to find that line and tone."</p>

<p>Dyer, however, wouldn't have it any other way. "That's the beauty of it. You don't want it to be easy, you do want to have trickier days. You believe in the project, you believe in each other and you never know," he said, adding that he will be surprised if the show doesn't work.</p>

<p>"I watch a lot of television and I am not just biased, but there is a lot of s*** on television and this is a clever piece of television," he concluded.</p>

<p>Set in Essex, the irreverent comedy also stars Harriet Webb, Adrian Scarborough, Fatiha El Ghorri, Ned Dennehy, Victoria Alcock, Geoff Bell, Nitin Ganatra and Judi Love in key roles.&nbsp;</p>


In a true delight for comedy lovers, Mr BigStuff brings together actors Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as estranged brothers. Glen, played by Sampson, is a nervy perfectionist who is a carpet salesman by profession, and Dyer's Lee is an alpha male with a prescription drug addiction.

In a true delight for comedy lovers, Mr BigStuff brings together actors Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer as estranged brothers. Glen, played by Sampson, is a nervy perfectionist who is a carpet salesman by profession, and Dyer's Lee is an alpha male with a prescription drug addiction. Having been a part of After You've Gone, Plebs, Brassic, Doctor Who and The Poison Sky, Sampson is a prominent figure on television and the big screen. But with the new Sky Max comedy that marked its release on July 17, Sampson also makes his debut as a writer. In an exclusive interview with WION, Sampson shared how he became a nerve ball on the sets. "It's been great, we had a brilliant time. It is probably the first thing I have written and it's not the most enjoyable to be that anxious every day on set when you have written something," he said. Sampson explained that the feeling of the "stupid jokes you have cooked up in your bedroom" being performed by actors on the screen is an equal mix of happiness and nervousness. Meanwhile, a comic comeback was due for Dyer, known for Human Traffic, Mean Machine and The Football Factory among other notable works. The actor wants people to laugh, but also to offer them creative television and with Mr Bigstuff, he opines they've done just that. "It's been a long time. The show has got every element. The world needs to laugh at the moment. It's a weird era and we must never forget to laugh," he said, citing Charlie Chaplin's quote, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." But the show isn't just comedy. From different definitions of masculinity to mental health and familial bonds, the series explores a myriad of themes. Elaborating on the process, the former EastEnders star explained that the toughest part was to switch between the comic and twisted parts. "The schedule made the process easier. We shot it in a certain order, in a way that helped us. We were doing the emotional stuff towards the end and you want to get it right. If you set up a show to be funny, the audience also gets a bit freaked out - is it meant to be funny, or am I meant to cry?" Sampson, too, chimed in, adding, "That's the difficult thing. The jokes need to be within the realms of reality and one needs to find that line and tone." Dyer, however, wouldn't have it any other way. "That's the beauty of it. You don't want it to be easy, you do want to have trickier days. You believe in the project, you believe in each other and you never know," he said, adding that he will be surprised if the show doesn't work. "I watch a lot of television and I am not just biased, but there is a lot of s*** on television and this is a clever piece of television," he concluded. Set in Essex, the irreverent comedy also stars Harriet Webb, Adrian Scarborough, Fatiha El Ghorri, Ned Dennehy, Victoria Alcock, Geoff Bell, Nitin Ganatra and Judi Love in key roles.

Ryan Sampson and Danny Dyer on Mr Bigstuff, getting comedy right and more | EXCLUSIVE

<p>BrahMos CEO &amp; MD&nbsp;A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world. Earlier this year, the Philippines started getting deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Rane shared that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) provided "extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities," highlighting interest from "the whole of South-East Asia, the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, including other African countries and Latin American countries."</p>

<p>Rane spoke to WION on "BrahMos Day," which commemorates the first successful launch of the BRAHMOS missile on June 12th, 2001, at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa. Deputy CEO Dr. Sanjeev Joshi pointed out that the weapon system "has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Read on for the full conversation:</p>

<p>WION: Could you please elaborate on the roles and responsibilities you have been assigned after both of your nominations by DRDO as CEO &amp; MD and Dy CEO in BrahMos Aerospace in 2021? What are the achievements within the last two and a half years?</p>

<p>Joint Answer by BrahMos CEO &amp; MD Mr A. D. Rane &amp; Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi: Our prime objectives since becoming part of BrahMos in December 2021 have centred around meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, exploring BRAHMOS Missile System’s export capabilities, and accelerating indigenisation efforts to enhance production. By adopting innovative approaches and newer strategies, within a short span of 2.5 years, we have succeeded in achieving our first mega export defence order worth USD 375 million with the Philippine Armed Forces, an Order for Mobile Coastal Batteries for Indian Navy and one of the biggest contracts from our Indian Navy worth Rs. 20000 Crores (approx).&nbsp;</p>

<p>We have been working diligently to increase our presence in the arms trade and compete with powerhouse nations. BrahMos Aerospace received its first production order from the Indian Navy in 2005 and total cumulative production orders till Dec 2021 stood at the tune of Rs. 24000 Cr. Within two and half years of our stint, we were able to bag production orders worth Rs. 34000 Cr. which includes India’s first mega export order with the Philippines and the largest production orders from the Indian Armed Forces.</p>

<p>In our quest to provide the best possible services for our users, we have also attained an indigenisation level of 83 per cent after successfully flight testing our indigenous seeker, booster, some more materials and components. Following a systematic approach and a renewed push for self-reliance, we empowered our industries to produce major sub-systems which includes boosters, seekers and many smaller components and sub-systems, after successive successful trials, thus further ramping up our indigenisation efforts. By coordinating our production orders with development rates, we have successfully boosted our industries at smaller component and sub-system levels.</p>

<p>Furthermore, within our organisation, we have proactively implemented several new policies aimed at driving the company towards achieving its strategic goals. These policies help in fostering innovation, efficiency, and overall organisational success. They are designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity and meet the changing needs of our industry and ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and success.</p>

<p>Q&amp;A with CEO&amp;MD, A. D. Rane</p>

<p>WION: A. D. Rane you are the third CEO &amp; MD what has been the history of your association with Brahmos?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: My association with BrahMos dates long back during the initial conceptualisation phase of the project. To put historically, the strategic need for a precision strike weapon was felt primarily during the Gulf War of 1990s. This led to the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 1998, to design and produce the world’s best supersonic cruise missile system – BRAHMOS. The Supersonic Cruise Missile was the brainchild of world-renowned scientist and Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Chief of DRDO during that period) and our founder CEO &amp; MD Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai. I was given the responsibility of developing the procedures, protocols, company structure, etc., to facilitate the quick formation and registration of the company and enable it to begin operations promptly. Within a timeline of three years, together with the collaborative efforts of scientists from JV partners, we were able to successfully test-fire the first BRAHMOS Anti-Ship Missile. The historical breakthrough was achieved through the dedication of technologists from every side. It was an unforgettable moment of pride, where I basked in the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that elevated my spirits.</p>

<p>The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV), a unique role model between India’s Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s JSC MIC NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), has today become a shining role model for future military and technological cooperations. From, 1998-2014, Dr. A.S. Pillai’s exceptional vision for the BRAHMOS programme was to create a leading supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from multiple platforms, such as land-based launchers, ships, submarines, and aircraft. From 204-2021, during this time, the Government of India made significant strides in promoting the indigenisation of its defence industry through the “Aatmanirbhar Abhiyaan” initiative.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: How has BRAHMOS proved to be a game-changer and trusted weapon for the Indian Armed Forces?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is a perfect emblem of India’s growing military prowess which has grown from strength to strength over the years and added new capabilities to meet divergent war scenarios. It has proved its prowess in various configurations from land, sea, underwater and air platforms. The weapon has become the mainstay of the Indian Army’s artillery firepower. Similarly, for many of the Navy’s frontline surface ships, BRAHMOS has been deployed as a “prime strike weapon”, as mentioned by the Chief of Naval Staff multiple times. In its sub-sea launch configuration, the supersonic cruise missile is set to increase the Navy’s underwater weapons delivery capability manifold by being armed in the future submarines. BRAHMOS has also bolstered the Indian Air Force’s air combat capability armed with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. With these achievements, BRAHMOS has completed the tactical cruise missile triad.<br />
Indian Navy is continuously installing BRAHMOS system in all its present and future warships. Indian Army is our major user. We are still fulfilling our commitment of delivering a large order from the Indian Air Force in batches. Last year in June 2023, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee year (25 years completion) together with India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the three Service Chiefs. BrahMos received applause and appreciation from CDS for such a formidable weapon system and our dedicated after sales support. CDS in his statement mentioned that, “BRAHMOS is a major success of Aatmanirbharta in Defence, truly a Brahmastra!”</p>

<p>At BrahMos, we hold a steadfast belief that our primary goal is not to maximise profits, but rather to ensure the complete satisfaction of our Armed Forces and the customer. With a focus on cultivating strong relationships built on trust, honesty, and transparency, we deliver state-of-the-art missile system that meet and exceed the expectations of our Users.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: PM arendra Modi recently made a statement regarding delays during UPA’s tenure with BRAHMOS as a case. How do you see it today in terms of comparison?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: I am not in a position to comment on the workings of the governments. I can say that, today the Government of India has been actively working towards improving the Ease of Doing Business in the country through various initiatives such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). These policies by the MoD have a far-reaching impact in Indian defence and aerospace industry. These policies have demonstrated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses, by facilitating smoother processes and fostering innovation and competitiveness. To cite an example, BRAHMOS’ historic export contract with the Republic of the Philippines has paved the way and strengthened India’s position on the world export map.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: The Philippines' recent induction of BRAHMOS missiles has been hailed as a significant development. How has this historic feat deepened the ties between India and the Philippines? What is the scheduled timeline for the complete delivery of the system?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: &nbsp;The India-Philippines relationship has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly in the defence sector with the successful partnership on the development and deployment of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles. This partnership exemplifies the deepening ties between India and the Philippines in navigating geopolitical challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region.<br />
The delivery of the system is an ongoing process as these are contractual timelines and we are fully committed to achieving the delivery as per desired time-frame. On the other hand, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have provided us with an extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: There have been demands for the BRAHMOS missile from other countries as well given its extraordinary capabilities. What are your plans with regard to the export of this missile?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: Whole of South-East-Asian, Middle East-North Africa (MENA region), including other African countries and Latin American countries want the BRAHMOS system and have expressed strong interest in its procurement. A definite list of such countries already exists. We are progressing with our marketing strategy for exporting BRAHMOS to our friendly nations.</p>

<p>WION: Indonesia has shown keen interest in the BRAHMOS system. What is the status of this?</p>

<p>A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is one of the most sought-after cruise missile system in the world and presently we have received interest from many foreign friendly nations across the world, which includes Indonesia as well. We are in advanced conversation stage with interested countries. We are hopeful to sign our next export contract very soon. BRAHMOS, as a high technology defence product, has great potential of becoming India’s major weapon export in the coming decades.</p>

<p>Q&amp;A with Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Joshi</p>

<p>WION: In what ways have you addressed the challenge of high cost concerns among customer countries and armed forces?</p>

<p>Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: When considering the purchase of the BRAHMOS missile system, high cost should not be seen as a hindrance when it comes to investing in quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, supersonic speed all through-out flight come with a very low maintenance weapon system. All these parameters mentioned above reduces total cost of ownership of this missiles up to a drastic extent. In addition, the shelf-life of the weapon system makes a major contribution towards the cost of ownership. BRAHMOS is a “hermetically-sealed” missile. The Indian Armed Forces are still using missiles of the 2005/7 vintage with great efficiency. Our customers and interested buyers very-well know the above mentioned facts along with the capabilities of the weapon system, and its role in enhancing the country’s defence and that's why when they are going to choose a weapon system, they will analysis it based on these critical parameters and freeze their decision to choose BRAHMOS.</p>

<p>Furthermore, BRAHMOS missile is highly manoeuvrable and is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Speed significantly matters in war scenario. At a speed of 2.8 Mach, BRAHMOS takes approx. 5 minutes to reach its target at 290-km, while others take somewhere around 15-20 minutes, making them vulnerable to be intercepted. Therefore, with its rapid speed, BRAHMOS is better equipped for penetrating targets faster than other lighter subsonic cruise missiles and can be used to hit both land and sea targets. The recent successful export order and our orders with the Indian Armed Forces are self-explanatory. All these factors showcases that BRAHMOS is a cost-effective and a very powerful weapon system with low overall cost of ownership.</p>

<p>WION: Considering the complex nature of the defence ecosystem and supply chain, what are your expectations regarding industry performance?</p>

<p>Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As the defence ecosystem and supply chain are highly intricate and interconnected, my expectations from industry professionals includes a strong commitment to increase their capacity to produce more number of components and sub-systems by investing more. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the ecosystem to communicate effectively and work together towards achieving common goals. Our industry players should prioritise innovation and investment, together with high level of flexibility and agility within the supply chain, to adapt quickly and stay ahead in the competition. The Government of India is playing a significant role in shaping the country's export policies and strategies along with positive PESTEL parameters. BrahMos on the other hand, has huge potential in the world export arena, therefore together with industry we have to be future ready for more orders.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: What are your expectations from the Govt. of India, if any?</p>

<p>Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS today is a world-class weapon system. BrahMos Joint Venture was formed with 50.5 per cent shareholding of GOI and rest is with Russia. The very formation of this company had a core understanding to give it autonomy and freedom to create history in the world by producing a world-class missile. We have all worked together in symphony to achieve such an excellent product, a model JV Company and a vision for the future. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already launched the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production &amp; Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities and foster self-reliance in the defence sector. With MoD overseeing policy implementation and DRDO driving innovation in defence technologies, these initiatives are pivotal in achieving strategic autonomy and bolstering India’s defence capabilities. All these are already providing a good opportunity platform for the defence and aerospace industry to thrive and flourish.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: Is Russia part of the conversation about every BRAHMOS missile contract?</p>

<p>Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As JV Partners, they are in Board of Directors. Company runs through Board of Directors led by CEO &amp; MD. We are no exception.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
WION: What is your message to the international customers, interested in the BRAHMOS Missile System?<br />
Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS Weapon System has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities. Over the years, BRAHMOS has evolved, both in the national and international stature as a “preferred weapon system”. The supersonic cruise missile system has added tremendous firepower capability to the Armed Forces in various configurations. We are also doing continuous capability enhancement of the system. This is a unique product which has been developed keeping all design thinking aspects in mind, and that’s why this product has sustained for last 26 years without any competition world-over. More than hundreds of successful user trials by our Armed Forces are the testament of its unflinching reliability. We would like to say to our international partners that before choosing this class of weapon system from any point of view, if you analysis our weapon system in terms of quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, maintenance cost and storage life, you will certainly find BRAHMOS as a best choice for you.</p>


BrahMos CEO & MD A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world.

BrahMos CEO & MD A. D. Rane has said they have received "extremely encouraging feedback" on the Indian weapon system and a lot of interest from other regions of the world. Earlier this year, the Philippines started getting deliveries of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile systems from India as part of a $375 million deal signed in 2022. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Rane shared that the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) provided "extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities," highlighting interest from "the whole of South-East Asia, the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) region, including other African countries and Latin American countries." Rane spoke to WION on "BrahMos Day," which commemorates the first successful launch of the BRAHMOS missile on June 12th, 2001, at the Interim Test Range off the Chandipur coast in Orissa. Deputy CEO Dr. Sanjeev Joshi pointed out that the weapon system "has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities." Read on for the full conversation: WION: Could you please elaborate on the roles and responsibilities you have been assigned after both of your nominations by DRDO as CEO & MD and Dy CEO in BrahMos Aerospace in 2021? What are the achievements within the last two and a half years? Joint Answer by BrahMos CEO & MD Mr A. D. Rane & Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Kumar Joshi: Our prime objectives since becoming part of BrahMos in December 2021 have centred around meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces, exploring BRAHMOS Missile System’s export capabilities, and accelerating indigenisation efforts to enhance production. By adopting innovative approaches and newer strategies, within a short span of 2.5 years, we have succeeded in achieving our first mega export defence order worth USD 375 million with the Philippine Armed Forces, an Order for Mobile Coastal Batteries for Indian Navy and one of the biggest contracts from our Indian Navy worth Rs. 20000 Crores (approx). We have been working diligently to increase our presence in the arms trade and compete with powerhouse nations. BrahMos Aerospace received its first production order from the Indian Navy in 2005 and total cumulative production orders till Dec 2021 stood at the tune of Rs. 24000 Cr. Within two and half years of our stint, we were able to bag production orders worth Rs. 34000 Cr. which includes India’s first mega export order with the Philippines and the largest production orders from the Indian Armed Forces. In our quest to provide the best possible services for our users, we have also attained an indigenisation level of 83 per cent after successfully flight testing our indigenous seeker, booster, some more materials and components. Following a systematic approach and a renewed push for self-reliance, we empowered our industries to produce major sub-systems which includes boosters, seekers and many smaller components and sub-systems, after successive successful trials, thus further ramping up our indigenisation efforts. By coordinating our production orders with development rates, we have successfully boosted our industries at smaller component and sub-system levels. Furthermore, within our organisation, we have proactively implemented several new policies aimed at driving the company towards achieving its strategic goals. These policies help in fostering innovation, efficiency, and overall organisational success. They are designed to streamline operations, enhance productivity and meet the changing needs of our industry and ensure that we remain at the forefront of innovation and success. Q&A with CEO&MD, A. D. Rane WION: A. D. Rane you are the third CEO & MD what has been the history of your association with Brahmos? A. D. Rane: My association with BrahMos dates long back during the initial conceptualisation phase of the project. To put historically, the strategic need for a precision strike weapon was felt primarily during the Gulf War of 1990s. This led to the signing of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) between India and Russia in 1998, to design and produce the world’s best supersonic cruise missile system – BRAHMOS. The Supersonic Cruise Missile was the brainchild of world-renowned scientist and Former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam (Chief of DRDO during that period) and our founder CEO & MD Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai. I was given the responsibility of developing the procedures, protocols, company structure, etc., to facilitate the quick formation and registration of the company and enable it to begin operations promptly. Within a timeline of three years, together with the collaborative efforts of scientists from JV partners, we were able to successfully test-fire the first BRAHMOS Anti-Ship Missile. The historical breakthrough was achieved through the dedication of technologists from every side. It was an unforgettable moment of pride, where I basked in the feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment that elevated my spirits. The BrahMos Joint Venture (JV), a unique role model between India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia’s JSC MIC NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM), has today become a shining role model for future military and technological cooperations. From, 1998-2014, Dr. A.S. Pillai’s exceptional vision for the BRAHMOS programme was to create a leading supersonic cruise missile that could be launched from multiple platforms, such as land-based launchers, ships, submarines, and aircraft. From 204-2021, during this time, the Government of India made significant strides in promoting the indigenisation of its defence industry through the “Aatmanirbhar Abhiyaan” initiative. WION: How has BRAHMOS proved to be a game-changer and trusted weapon for the Indian Armed Forces? A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is a perfect emblem of India’s growing military prowess which has grown from strength to strength over the years and added new capabilities to meet divergent war scenarios. It has proved its prowess in various configurations from land, sea, underwater and air platforms. The weapon has become the mainstay of the Indian Army’s artillery firepower. Similarly, for many of the Navy’s frontline surface ships, BRAHMOS has been deployed as a “prime strike weapon”, as mentioned by the Chief of Naval Staff multiple times. In its sub-sea launch configuration, the supersonic cruise missile is set to increase the Navy’s underwater weapons delivery capability manifold by being armed in the future submarines. BRAHMOS has also bolstered the Indian Air Force’s air combat capability armed with Su-30MKI fighter aircraft. With these achievements, BRAHMOS has completed the tactical cruise missile triad. Indian Navy is continuously installing BRAHMOS system in all its present and future warships. Indian Army is our major user. We are still fulfilling our commitment of delivering a large order from the Indian Air Force in batches. Last year in June 2023, we celebrated our Silver Jubilee year (25 years completion) together with India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the three Service Chiefs. BrahMos received applause and appreciation from CDS for such a formidable weapon system and our dedicated after sales support. CDS in his statement mentioned that, “BRAHMOS is a major success of Aatmanirbharta in Defence, truly a Brahmastra!” At BrahMos, we hold a steadfast belief that our primary goal is not to maximise profits, but rather to ensure the complete satisfaction of our Armed Forces and the customer. With a focus on cultivating strong relationships built on trust, honesty, and transparency, we deliver state-of-the-art missile system that meet and exceed the expectations of our Users. WION: PM arendra Modi recently made a statement regarding delays during UPA’s tenure with BRAHMOS as a case. How do you see it today in terms of comparison? A. D. Rane: I am not in a position to comment on the workings of the governments. I can say that, today the Government of India has been actively working towards improving the Ease of Doing Business in the country through various initiatives such as the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP). These policies by the MoD have a far-reaching impact in Indian defence and aerospace industry. These policies have demonstrated the government’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for businesses, by facilitating smoother processes and fostering innovation and competitiveness. To cite an example, BRAHMOS’ historic export contract with the Republic of the Philippines has paved the way and strengthened India’s position on the world export map. WION: The Philippines' recent induction of BRAHMOS missiles has been hailed as a significant development. How has this historic feat deepened the ties between India and the Philippines? What is the scheduled timeline for the complete delivery of the system? A. D. Rane: The India-Philippines relationship has witnessed significant growth in recent years, particularly in the defence sector with the successful partnership on the development and deployment of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles. This partnership exemplifies the deepening ties between India and the Philippines in navigating geopolitical challenges and promoting peace and stability in the region. The delivery of the system is an ongoing process as these are contractual timelines and we are fully committed to achieving the delivery as per desired time-frame. On the other hand, the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) have provided us with an extremely encouraging feedback in terms of our weapon system, training programmes and state-of-the-art facilities. WION: There have been demands for the BRAHMOS missile from other countries as well given its extraordinary capabilities. What are your plans with regard to the export of this missile? A. D. Rane: Whole of South-East-Asian, Middle East-North Africa (MENA region), including other African countries and Latin American countries want the BRAHMOS system and have expressed strong interest in its procurement. A definite list of such countries already exists. We are progressing with our marketing strategy for exporting BRAHMOS to our friendly nations. WION: Indonesia has shown keen interest in the BRAHMOS system. What is the status of this? A. D. Rane: BRAHMOS is one of the most sought-after cruise missile system in the world and presently we have received interest from many foreign friendly nations across the world, which includes Indonesia as well. We are in advanced conversation stage with interested countries. We are hopeful to sign our next export contract very soon. BRAHMOS, as a high technology defence product, has great potential of becoming India’s major weapon export in the coming decades. Q&A with Dy CEO Dr Sanjeev Joshi WION: In what ways have you addressed the challenge of high cost concerns among customer countries and armed forces? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: When considering the purchase of the BRAHMOS missile system, high cost should not be seen as a hindrance when it comes to investing in quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, supersonic speed all through-out flight come with a very low maintenance weapon system. All these parameters mentioned above reduces total cost of ownership of this missiles up to a drastic extent. In addition, the shelf-life of the weapon system makes a major contribution towards the cost of ownership. BRAHMOS is a “hermetically-sealed” missile. The Indian Armed Forces are still using missiles of the 2005/7 vintage with great efficiency. Our customers and interested buyers very-well know the above mentioned facts along with the capabilities of the weapon system, and its role in enhancing the country’s defence and that's why when they are going to choose a weapon system, they will analysis it based on these critical parameters and freeze their decision to choose BRAHMOS. Furthermore, BRAHMOS missile is highly manoeuvrable and is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. Speed significantly matters in war scenario. At a speed of 2.8 Mach, BRAHMOS takes approx. 5 minutes to reach its target at 290-km, while others take somewhere around 15-20 minutes, making them vulnerable to be intercepted. Therefore, with its rapid speed, BRAHMOS is better equipped for penetrating targets faster than other lighter subsonic cruise missiles and can be used to hit both land and sea targets. The recent successful export order and our orders with the Indian Armed Forces are self-explanatory. All these factors showcases that BRAHMOS is a cost-effective and a very powerful weapon system with low overall cost of ownership. WION: Considering the complex nature of the defence ecosystem and supply chain, what are your expectations regarding industry performance? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As the defence ecosystem and supply chain are highly intricate and interconnected, my expectations from industry professionals includes a strong commitment to increase their capacity to produce more number of components and sub-systems by investing more. It is crucial for all stakeholders in the ecosystem to communicate effectively and work together towards achieving common goals. Our industry players should prioritise innovation and investment, together with high level of flexibility and agility within the supply chain, to adapt quickly and stay ahead in the competition. The Government of India is playing a significant role in shaping the country's export policies and strategies along with positive PESTEL parameters. BrahMos on the other hand, has huge potential in the world export arena, therefore together with industry we have to be future ready for more orders. WION: What are your expectations from the Govt. of India, if any? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS today is a world-class weapon system. BrahMos Joint Venture was formed with 50.5 per cent shareholding of GOI and rest is with Russia. The very formation of this company had a core understanding to give it autonomy and freedom to create history in the world by producing a world-class missile. We have all worked together in symphony to achieve such an excellent product, a model JV Company and a vision for the future. The Government of India, through the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has already launched the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) and the Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP) to enhance indigenous defence production capabilities and foster self-reliance in the defence sector. With MoD overseeing policy implementation and DRDO driving innovation in defence technologies, these initiatives are pivotal in achieving strategic autonomy and bolstering India’s defence capabilities. All these are already providing a good opportunity platform for the defence and aerospace industry to thrive and flourish. WION: Is Russia part of the conversation about every BRAHMOS missile contract? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: As JV Partners, they are in Board of Directors. Company runs through Board of Directors led by CEO & MD. We are no exception. WION: What is your message to the international customers, interested in the BRAHMOS Missile System? Dr. Sanjeev Joshi: BRAHMOS Weapon System has garnered a strong interest in the international defence arena due to its exceptional precision, speed, and range capabilities. Over the years, BRAHMOS has evolved, both in the national and international stature as a “preferred weapon system”. The supersonic cruise missile system has added tremendous firepower capability to the Armed Forces in various configurations. We are also doing continuous capability enhancement of the system. This is a unique product which has been developed keeping all design thinking aspects in mind, and that’s why this product has sustained for last 26 years without any competition world-over. More than hundreds of successful user trials by our Armed Forces are the testament of its unflinching reliability. We would like to say to our international partners that before choosing this class of weapon system from any point of view, if you analysis our weapon system in terms of quality, reliability, precision, high-end technology, maintenance cost and storage life, you will certainly find BRAHMOS as a best choice for you.

Exclusive: Encouraging feedback from the Philippines, interest from Africa and Latin America: BrahMos CEO

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay shares insights with WION's correspondent Siddhant Sibal during their conversation. Tshering Tobgay talks about India-Bhutan's upcoming projects. Bhutan PM is in New Delhi to attend PM Modi's oath taking ceremony. Watch in for more details!

PM Modi's invite is testimony to India's neighbourhood first policy: Bhutan PM to WION |

<p>Think Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in <em>Saajan </em>but only with a Pakistani setting, some poetic Urdu dialogues, good looking people and lots of unadulterated romance. I am&nbsp;describing Zindagi channel’s latest offering <em>Abdullapur Ka Devdas</em> for you. The series which premiered on Zindagi channel on February 26 continues to be a fan favourite ever since it aired.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pegged as "not another love story", the show focuses on a young woman Gulbano and&nbsp;how two friends Fakhar and Kashif fall for the same woman unknowingly while she is obsessed with an unseen poet who goes by the name of <em>Abdullapur Ka Devdas.</em> Things take a turn when one friend poses as the anonymous poet while the other who is the original keeps his name hidden for the sake of friendship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the show grows in popularity, we got in touch with the lead actress of the show, Sarah Khan who plays Gulbano, the woman desired by both friends, played by actors Bilal Abbas Khan and Raza Talish.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Here are the edited excerpts of the chat:&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Gulbano is loved and adored by all. What is it that you liked a lot&nbsp;about the role?</p>

<p><strong>Sarah Khan: </strong>Playing Gulbano's rich and well-articulated persona was a challenge. The intricacies of her character, from being the epitome of grace and angelic beauty to navigating the profound grief of losing her parents, offered a broad spectrum of emotions to explore as an actor. The duality of her life – as the sole heiress of her father's fortune and the victim of ill-treatment by her uncle – provides a complex and compelling narrative that I found intriguing.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>WION:</strong> The show has tasted immense success. What according to you was the high point of the show?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan:</strong> The zenith of <em>Abdullahpur Ka Devdas</em> for me was the profound exploration of sacrifice and selfless love. As Gulbano's journey unfolds, the revelation of true identities and the intricate dynamics between Fakhar, Kashif, and herself lead to a climactic moment of emotional intensity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scenes capture the essence of the human spirit, laying bare the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices made for the sake of love. The narrative crescendos with Gulbano's pursuit of her idealised "Devdas," intertwining the characters' fates in a compelling and unpredictable manner.</p>

<p><strong>Watch the show teaser here:</strong></p>

<p><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pdz_TJjG2pY?list=PLoeJZcl2vT0IrDrX3oT-Jnl3oqwbJVtMq" title="Abdullahpur Ka Devdas I Teaser I Starts 26th February I Bilal Abbas Khan" width="640"></iframe>&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The show's Indian connect</strong></h2>

<p><strong>WION: </strong><em>Abdullapur Ka Devdas </em>is an Indian production. The show has also been receiving a lot of love from your Indian fans. Do you want to say anything to your fans in India?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan:</strong> I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love and support you have showered upon me and our projects.<em> Abdullahpur Ka Devdas</em> holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to bring Gulbano's character to life in a narrative that promises to be both poignant and thought-provoking. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me and Zindagi. I am excited for you to witness the unique tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that <em>Abdullahpur Ka Devdas </em>unfolds. Your continued support means the world to me, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this new chapter.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<strong>WION:</strong> Do you consume Indian content especially Bollywood?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan:</strong> Absolutely! I appreciate and enjoy a diverse range of content, including Bollywood films. The Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood, has produced some timeless classics and contemporary masterpieces. The storytelling, vibrant cinematography, and the rich cultural elements portrayed in Bollywood films have always captured my interest. Whether it's the soulful music, compelling narratives, or the remarkable performances by talented actors, Indian cinema has a unique charm that resonates globally.</p>

<p>I find inspiration in the variety of genres and themes explored in Bollywood, and it's always fascinating to witness the creativity and innovation within the industry.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>WION:</strong> How do you feel about borders between India and Pakistan&nbsp;finally opening up?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan: </strong>It’s a positive and hopeful development. It signifies a potential for increased cultural exchange, people-to-people connections, and a shared understanding between the two nations. The prospect of fostering stronger ties, not just politically but also culturally and socially, is something that resonates with many people on both sides of the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As an individual passionate about storytelling through the medium of dramas, I see this as an opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas between artists from both countries. It's heartening to envision a future where the barriers that have separated us for so long can be replaced with bridges of mutual respect and cooperation.</p>

<h2><strong>Sarah on acting in Bollywood</strong></h2>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> If offered a role, would you like to work in a Bollywood film?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan:</strong> Absolutely!&nbsp;Bollywood has a rich cinematic history, and it would be an honour to be a part of such a vibrant and influential industry. The prospect of collaborating with talented individuals, exploring diverse narratives, and contributing to the global tapestry of storytelling is something I find truly appealing. As an artist, the opportunity to work in different cultural contexts and bring stories to life on an international platform is a dream. Bollywood films have a unique charm, with their infectious music, compelling narratives, and the ability to resonate with audiences worldwide.</p>

<p><img alt="Sarah Khan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="eda372cc-1012-4dcd-92c2-a9f699229bd3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HORIZONS%20-%202024-03-21T172637.342.jpg" /></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Pakistani entertainment industry is now exploring different themes</strong></h2>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> There’s a stark contrast in the kind of films/shows we do here in India vs those in Pakistan. Our topics, themes, style of narration are entirely different. What are some things the Pakistani entertainment industry is experimenting with these days?<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Sarah Khan: </strong>We have been dynamically experimenting with a range of topics and styles of narration. One noticeable trend is the exploration of socially relevant and thought-provoking themes. Dramas are delving into issues such as mental health, women's empowerment, and societal norms, providing a platform for meaningful discussions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The emergence of web series and digital platforms has also allowed for more experimental storytelling. This shift provides creators with the flexibility to explore edgier narratives, reaching a more global audience. It's heartening to witness the Pakistani entertainment industry embracing change, pushing boundaries, and offering viewers a diverse range of stories that reflect the evolving dynamics of our society.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-from-facing-identity-crisis-to-leading-an-indo-british-film-marvel-actor-saaj-raja-interview-684822">From facing identity crisis to leading an Indo-British film: Marvel actor Saaj Raja interview</a></p>

<p>Zindagi series <em>Abdullahpur Ka Devdas</em> is directed by Anjum Shahzad and is written by Shahid Dogar. It is a 13-episode series which stars Bilal Abbas, Raza Talish and Sarah Khan. Others on the show are Savera Nadeem, Anoushay Abbasi, and Noman Ijaz.</p>

<p>It is produced by Shailja Kejriwal. The show is now streaming on YouTube.&nbsp;</p>


Think Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in Saajan but only with a Pakistani setting, some poetic Urdu dialogues, good looking people and lots of unadulterated romance.

Think Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in Saajan but only with a Pakistani setting, some poetic Urdu dialogues, good looking people and lots of unadulterated romance. I am describing Zindagi channel’s latest offering Abdullapur Ka Devdas for you. The series which premiered on Zindagi channel on February 26 continues to be a fan favourite ever since it aired. Pegged as "not another love story", the show focuses on a young woman Gulbano and how two friends Fakhar and Kashif fall for the same woman unknowingly while she is obsessed with an unseen poet who goes by the name of Abdullapur Ka Devdas. Things take a turn when one friend poses as the anonymous poet while the other who is the original keeps his name hidden for the sake of friendship. As the show grows in popularity, we got in touch with the lead actress of the show, Sarah Khan who plays Gulbano, the woman desired by both friends, played by actors Bilal Abbas Khan and Raza Talish. Here are the edited excerpts of the chat: WION: Gulbano is loved and adored by all. What is it that you liked a lot about the role? Sarah Khan: Playing Gulbano's rich and well-articulated persona was a challenge. The intricacies of her character, from being the epitome of grace and angelic beauty to navigating the profound grief of losing her parents, offered a broad spectrum of emotions to explore as an actor. The duality of her life – as the sole heiress of her father's fortune and the victim of ill-treatment by her uncle – provides a complex and compelling narrative that I found intriguing. WION: The show has tasted immense success. What according to you was the high point of the show? Sarah Khan: The zenith of Abdullahpur Ka Devdas for me was the profound exploration of sacrifice and selfless love. As Gulbano's journey unfolds, the revelation of true identities and the intricate dynamics between Fakhar, Kashif, and herself lead to a climactic moment of emotional intensity. The scenes capture the essence of the human spirit, laying bare the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices made for the sake of love. The narrative crescendos with Gulbano's pursuit of her idealised "Devdas," intertwining the characters' fates in a compelling and unpredictable manner. Watch the show teaser here: The show's Indian connect WION: Abdullapur Ka Devdas is an Indian production. The show has also been receiving a lot of love from your Indian fans. Do you want to say anything to your fans in India? Sarah Khan: I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love and support you have showered upon me and our projects. Abdullahpur Ka Devdas holds a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to bring Gulbano's character to life in a narrative that promises to be both poignant and thought-provoking. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey with me and Zindagi. I am excited for you to witness the unique tale of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery that Abdullahpur Ka Devdas unfolds. Your continued support means the world to me, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts on this new chapter. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ZINDAGI (@zindagiofficial) × WION: Do you consume Indian content especially Bollywood? Sarah Khan: Absolutely! I appreciate and enjoy a diverse range of content, including Bollywood films. The Indian film industry, particularly Bollywood, has produced some timeless classics and contemporary masterpieces. The storytelling, vibrant cinematography, and the rich cultural elements portrayed in Bollywood films have always captured my interest. Whether it's the soulful music, compelling narratives, or the remarkable performances by talented actors, Indian cinema has a unique charm that resonates globally. I find inspiration in the variety of genres and themes explored in Bollywood, and it's always fascinating to witness the creativity and innovation within the industry. WION: How do you feel about borders between India and Pakistan finally opening up? Sarah Khan: It’s a positive and hopeful development. It signifies a potential for increased cultural exchange, people-to-people connections, and a shared understanding between the two nations. The prospect of fostering stronger ties, not just politically but also culturally and socially, is something that resonates with many people on both sides of the border. As an individual passionate about storytelling through the medium of dramas, I see this as an opportunity for collaboration and the exchange of creative ideas between artists from both countries. It's heartening to envision a future where the barriers that have separated us for so long can be replaced with bridges of mutual respect and cooperation. Sarah on acting in Bollywood WION: If offered a role, would you like to work in a Bollywood film? Sarah Khan: Absolutely! Bollywood has a rich cinematic history, and it would be an honour to be a part of such a vibrant and influential industry. The prospect of collaborating with talented individuals, exploring diverse narratives, and contributing to the global tapestry of storytelling is something I find truly appealing. As an artist, the opportunity to work in different cultural contexts and bring stories to life on an international platform is a dream. Bollywood films have a unique charm, with their infectious music, compelling narratives, and the ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. Pakistani entertainment industry is now exploring different themes WION: There’s a stark contrast in the kind of films/shows we do here in India vs those in Pakistan. Our topics, themes, style of narration are entirely different. What are some things the Pakistani entertainment industry is experimenting with these days? Sarah Khan: We have been dynamically experimenting with a range of topics and styles of narration. One noticeable trend is the exploration of socially relevant and thought-provoking themes. Dramas are delving into issues such as mental health, women's empowerment, and societal norms, providing a platform for meaningful discussions. The emergence of web series and digital platforms has also allowed for more experimental storytelling. This shift provides creators with the flexibility to explore edgier narratives, reaching a more global audience. It's heartening to witness the Pakistani entertainment industry embracing change, pushing boundaries, and offering viewers a diverse range of stories that reflect the evolving dynamics of our society. Also read: From facing identity crisis to leading an Indo-British film: Marvel actor Saaj Raja interview Zindagi series Abdullahpur Ka Devdas is directed by Anjum Shahzad and is written by Shahid Dogar. It is a 13-episode series which stars Bilal Abbas, Raza Talish and Sarah Khan. Others on the show are Savera Nadeem, Anoushay Abbasi, and Noman Ijaz. It is produced by Shailja Kejriwal. The show is now streaming on YouTube.

Pakistani star Sarah Khan thanks Indian fans for success of Zindagi show 'Abdullapur....': Interview

<p>In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two&nbsp;sides. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, expressed optimism about the pact's potential impact during an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. She highlighted the agreement's provision of 99 per cent market access to India to the Swiss markets under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).</p>

<p>"I'm hopeful that you will get it (chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce," said Artieda, underscoring the prospects of Swiss delicacies becoming more accessible to Indian consumers.</p>

<p>Artieda further emphasised the significance of the agreement in facilitating access to Swiss watches, a cornerstone of the country's renowned craftsmanship and precision. The trade pact, signed in Delhi amidst diplomatic fanfare, also heralded substantial economic commitments, including a staggering $100 billion investment pledge for India.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How big is this milestone? And essentially, what do both sides get from it?</p>

<p><em>Helene Budliger Artieda:</em> It's a massive moment of joy for us. You have to understand we've been negotiating for 16 years, so I'm very happy that we managed to get across the finish line.</p>

<p>India is an amazing market with&nbsp;its 1.4 billion population. It has an excellent growth rate. I'm told by Minister (Piyush) Goyal that you are aiming to become the third-largest market in the world, so the benefit&nbsp;for us from the EFTA aside, this is obvious, is access, better access to this great market. But from the get-go, we have always discussed with our Indian counterparts that we want to have a balanced deal. So, India will get excellent market access for goods and services to EFTA. We're 50 million people. So, it's a bit different in size, but we're a very mature market and we have, of course, good buying power among, but I think more important is that EFTA are known to be large, foreign, direct investors. And we have also pledged that we will invest 100 Billion US dollars, that is a massive amount of money, into India and that we are committed to generating roughly 1 million jobs in the next 15 years.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>What are the challenges you felt during the negotiations, and how were these challenges overcome by the two sides?</p>

<p><em>Helene Budliger Artieda: </em>It's not only numbers and trade data. It's also important that you trust each other because, as I said, our goal was to get a balanced deal. And I think that was the greatest difficulty, you have on one side 1.4 billion people, a country that's really taking off, and then you have us in Switzerland, 9 million. To really get that balance right and make it a fair and equitable deal has been a bit of a challenge. But I think once we realise that we can, you know that India is a young country and that you need jobs, and once I consulted with our business associations, and they said we are more than willing to come to India I think we really managed to create that balance.</p>

<p>You know, it's a legal document, a free trade agreement. So, I think at one point we're discussing to the comma, what will be, of course, the correct text, so&nbsp;it's been very intensive, but I've always believed in it. Because we have developed this people-to-people relation of trust.</p>

<p><strong>WION: Globally,</strong>&nbsp;the focus has been on&nbsp;the diversification of supply chains. How does this FTA help India, especially with diversifying its supply chains?</p>

<p><em>Helene Budliger Artieda:</em> Swiss companies look for legal certainty. Of course, they're already present in India, but this Free Trade Agreement will give a boost to that legal certainty. And they're also you know, sort of, like when they see that the Swiss government is banking on India, all the Swiss companies, given the geopolitics are looking at their supply chain, they're looking where to manufacture, you have to understand, we're a small country in size and population, but we're a large market we're 20th largest market economy. So, our home market is not enough for our investment, and we cannot manufacture everything we produce in Switzerland. So Swiss companies after the pandemic, and now with the new geopolitics, they are looking to diversify. They're looking for new places. So, this trade and economic partnership agreement really comes at the exact right moment, because India is taking off and because of geopolitics, and because of the fact that Swiss companies are trying to organise themselves differently.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Which sectors in India are going to benefit?&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Helene Budliger Artieda:</em>&nbsp;I'm hopeful that you will get it (Swiss chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce. If you look at goods, we have granted India 99 per cent access. So, we're really open. And, you know, it's up to India to diversify and seek these opportunities in Switzerland. So that's from India to Switzerland.</p>

<p>I would say Switzerland is truly open, if you surpass the 99 per cent&nbsp;of what has been, you know, traded in the past that you have been given access to. Switzerland is open to Indian goods.</p>

<p>India has also granted 95 per cent access to Switzerland,&nbsp;which is also good and&nbsp;I think it's in the area of machinery. We're not sending anything cheap, anything to India. It's the high quality, it's highly innovative machinery and precision instruments and so on, that will come to India, and they will actually help to achieve India's goal to be the premier manufacturing and service hub of the world. It's a very complementary economy. We're also happy that we're getting good access to textile machinery. So, Switzerland is not massively exporting textiles, but we have very high-end, excellent textile machinery. You talked about chocolate or another thing that we're famous for. We also managed to get good access for watches, which is important. And then, of course, we're a big life science help. So we've also got some preferential treatment on Life Science products.</p>


In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two sides.

In a landmark development, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) sealed a trade pact on Sunday, paving the way for enhanced market access for the two sides. Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs, Helene Budliger Artieda, expressed optimism about the pact's potential impact during an exclusive interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal. She highlighted the agreement's provision of 99 per cent market access to India to the Swiss markets under the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). "I'm hopeful that you will get it (chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce," said Artieda, underscoring the prospects of Swiss delicacies becoming more accessible to Indian consumers. Artieda further emphasised the significance of the agreement in facilitating access to Swiss watches, a cornerstone of the country's renowned craftsmanship and precision. The trade pact, signed in Delhi amidst diplomatic fanfare, also heralded substantial economic commitments, including a staggering $100 billion investment pledge for India. WION: How big is this milestone? And essentially, what do both sides get from it? Helene Budliger Artieda: It's a massive moment of joy for us. You have to understand we've been negotiating for 16 years, so I'm very happy that we managed to get across the finish line. India is an amazing market with its 1.4 billion population. It has an excellent growth rate. I'm told by Minister (Piyush) Goyal that you are aiming to become the third-largest market in the world, so the benefit for us from the EFTA aside, this is obvious, is access, better access to this great market. But from the get-go, we have always discussed with our Indian counterparts that we want to have a balanced deal. So, India will get excellent market access for goods and services to EFTA. We're 50 million people. So, it's a bit different in size, but we're a very mature market and we have, of course, good buying power among, but I think more important is that EFTA are known to be large, foreign, direct investors. And we have also pledged that we will invest 100 Billion US dollars, that is a massive amount of money, into India and that we are committed to generating roughly 1 million jobs in the next 15 years. WION: What are the challenges you felt during the negotiations, and how were these challenges overcome by the two sides? Helene Budliger Artieda: It's not only numbers and trade data. It's also important that you trust each other because, as I said, our goal was to get a balanced deal. And I think that was the greatest difficulty, you have on one side 1.4 billion people, a country that's really taking off, and then you have us in Switzerland, 9 million. To really get that balance right and make it a fair and equitable deal has been a bit of a challenge. But I think once we realise that we can, you know that India is a young country and that you need jobs, and once I consulted with our business associations, and they said we are more than willing to come to India I think we really managed to create that balance. You know, it's a legal document, a free trade agreement. So, I think at one point we're discussing to the comma, what will be, of course, the correct text, so it's been very intensive, but I've always believed in it. Because we have developed this people-to-people relation of trust. WION: Globally, the focus has been on the diversification of supply chains. How does this FTA help India, especially with diversifying its supply chains? Helene Budliger Artieda: Swiss companies look for legal certainty. Of course, they're already present in India, but this Free Trade Agreement will give a boost to that legal certainty. And they're also you know, sort of, like when they see that the Swiss government is banking on India, all the Swiss companies, given the geopolitics are looking at their supply chain, they're looking where to manufacture, you have to understand, we're a small country in size and population, but we're a large market we're 20th largest market economy. So, our home market is not enough for our investment, and we cannot manufacture everything we produce in Switzerland. So Swiss companies after the pandemic, and now with the new geopolitics, they are looking to diversify. They're looking for new places. So, this trade and economic partnership agreement really comes at the exact right moment, because India is taking off and because of geopolitics, and because of the fact that Swiss companies are trying to organise themselves differently. WION: Which sectors in India are going to benefit? Helene Budliger Artieda: I'm hopeful that you will get it (Swiss chocolate) and that it will be more affordable to get in India because indeed we have agreed on a position on chocolate, high-end chocolate as is what we produce. If you look at goods, we have granted India 99 per cent access. So, we're really open. And, you know, it's up to India to diversify and seek these opportunities in Switzerland. So that's from India to Switzerland. I would say Switzerland is truly open, if you surpass the 99 per cent of what has been, you know, traded in the past that you have been given access to. Switzerland is open to Indian goods. India has also granted 95 per cent access to Switzerland, which is also good and I think it's in the area of machinery. We're not sending anything cheap, anything to India. It's the high quality, it's highly innovative machinery and precision instruments and so on, that will come to India, and they will actually help to achieve India's goal to be the premier manufacturing and service hub of the world. It's a very complementary economy. We're also happy that we're getting good access to textile machinery. So, Switzerland is not massively exporting textiles, but we have very high-end, excellent textile machinery. You talked about chocolate or another thing that we're famous for. We also managed to get good access for watches, which is important. And then, of course, we're a big life science help. So we've also got some preferential treatment on Life Science products.

Swiss official on TEPA pact: India gets market access; chocolate and watches to be more affordable

<p>Nana Patekar is one of the most versatile, finest and influential actors in Indian cinema. In a career spanning decades, the formidable actor has left his fans impressed with his trail-blazing performances every time he has returned to the screen with a new role. Whether the portrayal of the dark character Narsimha in <em>Shakti</em> or the quirky Don Udai Shetty in the comedy-drama <em>Welcome</em>, he has always captivated audiences with his unique charm.</p>

<p>After a gap of almost five years, Nana Patekar is returning to the big screen with <em>The Vaccine War</em>, a project of <em>The Kashmir Files</em> director Vivek Agnihotri. In the film, Patekar plays the role of Dr. Balram Bhargava. In a media interaction held in New Delhi, Nana responded to questions by WION's Pragati Awasthi. He discussed why he decided to play the role of Bhargava, his working experience with Vivek, and why he declined a role in Leonardo Di Caprio's film,<em> Body of Lies.</em></p>

<p><strong>Read the edited excerpts from the chat below:</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: You are doing&nbsp;a film after almost five years. So why did you choose to play the role of Prof Balram Bhargava?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Nana Patekar: </strong>I kept on searching for the heroes in the police and in the army. But we didn't know anything about [the scientists behind the made-in-India Covid vaccine, Covaxin]. I came to know about their story after listening to their script, and I thought that this story should be made public. When it came to fees that we generally take, they said they don't have that sort of money to pay me. So, keeping aside everything, I said that even if you would give me Rs 1, or even if you would not pay me, I would also work and play this role, and this story should come in front of people. We've all been through the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should know who were the people who put their lives in danger for the rest of us. And I think that this movie is the story of our Indian women and how empowered they are.</p>

<p>Balram Bhargava was the head of the team, however, the whole hard work was put in by the woman of the team.</p>

<p><strong>WION: In the trailer, we saw your character in stress, confusion, and what scientists have gone through in the past. So, anything you came to know while shooting about the scientist's struggles that stuck with you?</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/DyuFd6fqli">pic.twitter.com/DyuFd6fqli</a></p>
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivekagnihotri/status/1707359390112920000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Nana Patekar: </strong>The whole script was very new; we were not aware of anything mentioned in the script. The truth is, I can't express it. However, in another film that I worked on previously, I got hang of the scripts while I wrote them down. But, in <em>the Vaccine War</em> script, there was no chance. Because it was such research-oriented material. Honestly, I don't have that much knowledge. So, I simply asked the makers to tell me what to do. However, Vivek Agnihotri [director] asked me, 'Would you like to meet Balram Bhargava?' I said 'no', because then there would be a reimpression. And, if I had six or seven months, then I would have regularly met him and gotten a hangs of all his things, like how he thinks and what his thoughts were behind doing all of this vaccine work...these were some of the things that I could have incorporated into me, but we don't have that much time. So I asked Vivek if I would meet him later, but for now, you can explain to me because you have met him.</p>

<p>A few days ago, we kept a show for him [Balram Bhargava], and all the scientists were there. After watching the film, he came with teary eyes and asked me, 'You have never met or talked to me, but how did you play my role so realistically?' Replying to him, I said, all credit goes to Vivek, and I did nothing.</p>

<p><strong>WION: At the trailer launch, Vivek said that he was warned about his idea of casting you, saying that you are very strict on set and many other things. Why is it?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Nana Patekar:</strong> I'm not strict. But I have a habit of interfering, shouting, and so on. See, if you have provided me with the correct work, then there is no need for me to shout. But if you have given me something wrong, I will definitely shout. But during<em> the Vaccine War, </em>I actually didn't get a chance to point out anything wrong. While I was preparing for the role, my whole room was full of handwritten papers. Because it's quite a verbose film, and there are so many technical terms in the film. Like schooltime, I used to write it down once and then learn how to pronounce it. So, this is how I used to do it.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-fukrey-3-review-varun-sharma-is-splendid-in-this-middling-comedy-640594">Fukrey 3 review: Varun Sharma is splendid in this middling comedy&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><strong>WION: How was your experience working with Vivek Agnihotri, and have you watched his film, <em>The Kashmir Files?</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Nana Patekar: </strong>It was a very good experience working with him. He [Vivek Agnihotri] is very hyper, there is no synchronisation between his mind and mouth. He's such a nice soul, but one of those totally obsessed directors. On set, he doesn't want to eat, doesn't want to drink, and is totally focused on his work.</p>

<p>No, I never watched <em>The Kashmir Files</em> or any of his [Vivek Agnihotri] work. The reason behind this was that I would get a grasp of how he works, and I didn't want to get into that, so I didn't want to set anything in my mind.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thanks you <a href="https://twitter.com/SumitkadeI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SumitkadeI</a> for your kind words. <a href="https://t.co/QTr4lPYrSF">https://t.co/QTr4lPYrSF</a></p>
— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) <a href="https://twitter.com/vivekagnihotri/status/1707339292060819954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WION: You have declined many big Hollywood projects. Why?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Nana Patekar:</strong> The reason behind saying no was that I didn't have that confidence in speaking English, and whether I would be able to deliver the course, I didn't have that fluency. I would have done it, but the main reason was the kind of role they were offering. I can't play a terrorist if my fans, even kids who love me, see me doing the role like this or follow me. It doesn't feel right to me. The film was <em>Body of Lies,</em> and Leonardo Di Caprio was in it. But it doesn't feel right.</p>

<p>But I did one film titled <em>The Pool.</em> There was a film unit that came to shoot and approached [director] Anurag Kashyap, showed him a cutout of mine, and said that they wanted an actor like this. Kashyap told them that they would not be able to afford me, and told them: 'He takes a huge fees'. However, he came and asked me whether I would do this role or not. I asked them how many days they wanted, and everything went smoothly. However, I forgot the shoot date and went back to my village in Pune. I got the call, and I quickly rushed back to the shoot. In 10 days, we completed the shoot, and they didn't have that much money to pay me. Nevertheless, we did it. The film won Best Critics awards at the Sundance Film Festival, and I was invited there, but I didn't visit.</p>

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Nana Patekar is one of the most versatile, finest and influential actors in Indian cinema. In a career spanning decades, the formidable actor has left his fans impressed with his trail-blazing performances every time he has returned to the screen with a new role.

Nana Patekar is one of the most versatile, finest and influential actors in Indian cinema. In a career spanning decades, the formidable actor has left his fans impressed with his trail-blazing performances every time he has returned to the screen with a new role. Whether the portrayal of the dark character Narsimha in Shakti or the quirky Don Udai Shetty in the comedy-drama Welcome, he has always captivated audiences with his unique charm. After a gap of almost five years, Nana Patekar is returning to the big screen with The Vaccine War, a project of The Kashmir Files director Vivek Agnihotri. In the film, Patekar plays the role of Dr. Balram Bhargava. In a media interaction held in New Delhi, Nana responded to questions by WION's Pragati Awasthi. He discussed why he decided to play the role of Bhargava, his working experience with Vivek, and why he declined a role in Leonardo Di Caprio's film, Body of Lies. Read the edited excerpts from the chat below: WION: You are doing a film after almost five years. So why did you choose to play the role of Prof Balram Bhargava? Nana Patekar: I kept on searching for the heroes in the police and in the army. But we didn't know anything about [the scientists behind the made-in-India Covid vaccine, Covaxin]. I came to know about their story after listening to their script, and I thought that this story should be made public. When it came to fees that we generally take, they said they don't have that sort of money to pay me. So, keeping aside everything, I said that even if you would give me Rs 1, or even if you would not pay me, I would also work and play this role, and this story should come in front of people. We've all been through the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should know who were the people who put their lives in danger for the rest of us. And I think that this movie is the story of our Indian women and how empowered they are. Balram Bhargava was the head of the team, however, the whole hard work was put in by the woman of the team. WION: In the trailer, we saw your character in stress, confusion, and what scientists have gone through in the past. So, anything you came to know while shooting about the scientist's struggles that stuck with you? pic.twitter.com/DyuFd6fqli — Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 28, 2023 × Nana Patekar: The whole script was very new; we were not aware of anything mentioned in the script. The truth is, I can't express it. However, in another film that I worked on previously, I got hang of the scripts while I wrote them down. But, in the Vaccine War script, there was no chance. Because it was such research-oriented material. Honestly, I don't have that much knowledge. So, I simply asked the makers to tell me what to do. However, Vivek Agnihotri [director] asked me, 'Would you like to meet Balram Bhargava?' I said 'no', because then there would be a reimpression. And, if I had six or seven months, then I would have regularly met him and gotten a hangs of all his things, like how he thinks and what his thoughts were behind doing all of this vaccine work...these were some of the things that I could have incorporated into me, but we don't have that much time. So I asked Vivek if I would meet him later, but for now, you can explain to me because you have met him. A few days ago, we kept a show for him [Balram Bhargava], and all the scientists were there. After watching the film, he came with teary eyes and asked me, 'You have never met or talked to me, but how did you play my role so realistically?' Replying to him, I said, all credit goes to Vivek, and I did nothing. WION: At the trailer launch, Vivek said that he was warned about his idea of casting you, saying that you are very strict on set and many other things. Why is it? Nana Patekar: I'm not strict. But I have a habit of interfering, shouting, and so on. See, if you have provided me with the correct work, then there is no need for me to shout. But if you have given me something wrong, I will definitely shout. But during the Vaccine War, I actually didn't get a chance to point out anything wrong. While I was preparing for the role, my whole room was full of handwritten papers. Because it's quite a verbose film, and there are so many technical terms in the film. Like schooltime, I used to write it down once and then learn how to pronounce it. So, this is how I used to do it. Fukrey 3 review: Varun Sharma is splendid in this middling comedy WION: How was your experience working with Vivek Agnihotri, and have you watched his film, The Kashmir Files? Nana Patekar: It was a very good experience working with him. He [Vivek Agnihotri] is very hyper, there is no synchronisation between his mind and mouth. He's such a nice soul, but one of those totally obsessed directors. On set, he doesn't want to eat, doesn't want to drink, and is totally focused on his work. No, I never watched The Kashmir Files or any of his [Vivek Agnihotri] work. The reason behind this was that I would get a grasp of how he works, and I didn't want to get into that, so I didn't want to set anything in my mind. Thanks you @SumitkadeI for your kind words. https://t.co/QTr4lPYrSF — Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) September 28, 2023 × WION: You have declined many big Hollywood projects. Why? Nana Patekar: The reason behind saying no was that I didn't have that confidence in speaking English, and whether I would be able to deliver the course, I didn't have that fluency. I would have done it, but the main reason was the kind of role they were offering. I can't play a terrorist if my fans, even kids who love me, see me doing the role like this or follow me. It doesn't feel right to me. The film was Body of Lies, and Leonardo Di Caprio was in it. But it doesn't feel right. But I did one film titled The Pool. There was a film unit that came to shoot and approached [director] Anurag Kashyap, showed him a cutout of mine, and said that they wanted an actor like this. Kashyap told them that they would not be able to afford me, and told them: 'He takes a huge fees'. However, he came and asked me whether I would do this role or not. I asked them how many days they wanted, and everything went smoothly. However, I forgot the shoot date and went back to my village in Pune. I got the call, and I quickly rushed back to the shoot. In 10 days, we completed the shoot, and they didn't have that much money to pay me. Nevertheless, we did it. The film won Best Critics awards at the Sundance Film Festival, and I was invited there, but I didn't visit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Interview | Nana Patekar on The Vaccine War: Even if I was offered Rs 1, I would do this role

<p>In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister&nbsp;Jorge Enrique Taiana&nbsp;is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the minister revealed that Argentinian pilots have evaluated Tejas but pointed out hurdles over the presence of British parts. He said, "One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts."</p>

<p>The minister is in India for a 4-day visit and held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to expand the defence cooperation and defence industrial partnership. He also visited BrahMos Aerospace and will also travel to Bengaluru to visit the facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Asked if his country will be keen to buy BrahMos missiles, he said, "I believe that there is a chance of that."&nbsp;He also spoke on other topics like India's G20 presidency, and the expansion of BRICS to include his country.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> What were the key focus areas of your conversation with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> The key focus is to strengthen the relations between Argentina and India in general, and in particular, how to strengthen the cooperation and the relation in the area of defence. That was the main consideration.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>This was your first in-person meeting with Singh, how was the conversation?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> It was very good. In particular, (there were many) coincidences in the way we look at the world and the way we look into the principles on which we have to rely like non-interference in the affairs of another state, respect for the territorial integrity, solution of all conflicts, in general support the multilateral system and this is an issue which India Argentina have strong coincidences since very long time.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>One thing that is on everyone's mind is whether Argentina will buy Tejas, and if during your meeting with the Indian defence minister, talks were held on your potential procurement of Tejas from India. Can you tell us anything about this?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>Well, this is a clear case, India is an emerging country that has developed and is developing a defence area with technical and very interesting characteristics. So, we are trying to look into and discuss the issue and see the possibilities of not just buying. Instead, we prefer cooperation in shared opportunities. In the case of the aircraft, because Argentina is looking for supersonic fighter aircraft, our commission, the technical commission visited several countries to look into different kinds of aircraft. And we are at the end of the process of selection. The commission will not have a decision right now but in a couple of months.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>How positive was the conversation?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> It is a consideration of technical issues, financial issues, and political and strategic considerations. So that point hasn't arrived yet.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>So, a decision is yet to be made on Tejas?</p>

<p><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong>Not just Tejas, different aircraft.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Talks on Tejas&nbsp;started last year when Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Argentina. Can you shed some light on the past conversation over this?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>We have sent our pilots to try and consider different aircraft from different countries. One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Has the Argentinian pilots come to India to Tejas? When it comes to the British elements of Tejas, have you suggested to the Indian side to remove them?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>This is clear in the conversation, since a month ago this is clear. Yes, Argentinian pilots have flown Tejas, twice.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Has there been a conversation on procuring BrahMos missiles from India?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> Yes, also about helicopters from HAL. We are going to visit Bengaluru, and we're going to talk about helicopters too. We need to buy helicopters, and we need 2-3 chances or possibility in which we have to decide which one is the best for Argentina.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Based on the various conversations you had in India, with your counterpart, how do you see the nation as a country from which you can procure defence equipment?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>Well, it's clear development that India has (achieved) in this sector in the last years. That's why we, in general, are close to India, and this is a different part of the process. One part of the process is trade, for example, and the second we have a defence attaché here. We did not have a defence attaché in the past. So, we are taking different steps to move forward or to be closer and (develop) relations with India in general and in particular in the defence area.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> Do you see the defence domain expanding in the next few years and months?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> Yes, because there are two different issues. One is the expansion of trade in the defence industry. And the other is that Argentina is building capacities and capabilities and these processes are underway. We need different things and India now is producing a lot of these things.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> So, do you see in a year's time a major defence deal between India and Argentina, perhaps procurement of Brahmos?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>I believe that there is a chance of that, but our idea is not to go to a supermarket. We're trying to build connections, and relations and engage with partners in different areas. We are expanding our exchange of students from the armed forces, and so it is a process of doing things together in different areas. And in that process one important area is defence.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>Are you looking towards training, given the number of military personnel who come to India for training, especially in the neighbourhood?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>We are working on it. We are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), probably will probably be signed before the G20 summit in September.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>So now coming to G20. India is the president of the G20 grouping; we are going to host the Summit in September. Argentina was previously the president of the grouping and hosted the summit. So, what's your expectation when it comes to the Indian presidency of the G20?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> Well, it's interesting because India is a country that is now showing a lot of activity, interest and initiative. So I think that the push that will come under the presidency of India is an interesting moment to make the grouping more active. The problem is that all the multilateral systems are in confusion and with difficulties to obtain consensus.</p>

<p><strong>WION:</strong> You talk about multilateral institutions being in confusion, but there are multilateral institutions like the BRICS, where there is a lot of enthusiasm as well. There have been reports saying that Argentina would like to be part of an expanded BRICS grouping. So perhaps you can shed some light.</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana: </strong></em>We are going in that direction. We're moving forward in trade, defence, we're moving forward in different areas and the conclusion is that we are moving and trying to be part of the BRICS. We will have a BRICS meeting in August, we'll see what happened. But I think it is important because it is an institution, mechanism and a group of countries that are showing a lot of resources, and political initiative, but also is a group of countries that are showing that we need to build something different for a better world.</p>

<p><strong>WION:&nbsp;</strong> So you are here in Delhi, can we expect the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Argentina as well?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:&nbsp;</strong></em> I invited him for a meeting that we will have...the second meeting of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on UN Peacekeeping. So, we invited him as an observer. India has a lot of participation in peacekeeping operations. We have eight places where we are working right now. So, it's interesting to see if he could come there and be part of the meeting. The meeting happens in September.</p>

<p><strong>WION: </strong>What is your vision regarding the India-Argentina relationship?</p>

<p><em><strong>Jorge Enrique Taiana:</strong></em> I think that we have a long distance between our countries and different cultures, but we have common areas and lots of issues related to especially international politics. And I think that the relations between India and Argentina have a chance to grow.</p>

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In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets.

In a bid to bolster its defence capabilities, Argentina's Defence Minister Jorge Enrique Taiana is in talks with India for the potential acquisition of Tejas fighter jets. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the minister revealed that Argentinian pilots have evaluated Tejas but pointed out hurdles over the presence of British parts. He said, "One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts." The minister is in India for a 4-day visit and held talks with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday to expand the defence cooperation and defence industrial partnership. He also visited BrahMos Aerospace and will also travel to Bengaluru to visit the facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). Asked if his country will be keen to buy BrahMos missiles, he said, "I believe that there is a chance of that." He also spoke on other topics like India's G20 presidency, and the expansion of BRICS to include his country. WION: What were the key focus areas of your conversation with the Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi? Jorge Enrique Taiana: The key focus is to strengthen the relations between Argentina and India in general, and in particular, how to strengthen the cooperation and the relation in the area of defence. That was the main consideration. WION: This was your first in-person meeting with Singh, how was the conversation? Jorge Enrique Taiana: It was very good. In particular, (there were many) coincidences in the way we look at the world and the way we look into the principles on which we have to rely like non-interference in the affairs of another state, respect for the territorial integrity, solution of all conflicts, in general support the multilateral system and this is an issue which India Argentina have strong coincidences since very long time. WION: One thing that is on everyone's mind is whether Argentina will buy Tejas, and if during your meeting with the Indian defence minister, talks were held on your potential procurement of Tejas from India. Can you tell us anything about this? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, this is a clear case, India is an emerging country that has developed and is developing a defence area with technical and very interesting characteristics. So, we are trying to look into and discuss the issue and see the possibilities of not just buying. Instead, we prefer cooperation in shared opportunities. In the case of the aircraft, because Argentina is looking for supersonic fighter aircraft, our commission, the technical commission visited several countries to look into different kinds of aircraft. And we are at the end of the process of selection. The commission will not have a decision right now but in a couple of months. WION: How positive was the conversation? Jorge Enrique Taiana: It is a consideration of technical issues, financial issues, and political and strategic considerations. So that point hasn't arrived yet. WION: So, a decision is yet to be made on Tejas? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Not just Tejas, different aircraft. WION: Talks on Tejas started last year when Indian external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Argentina. Can you shed some light on the past conversation over this? Jorge Enrique Taiana: We have sent our pilots to try and consider different aircraft from different countries. One issue is, for example, that the aircraft doesn't (can't) have not one piece of British part because the British don't sell it to Argentina. So, in the case of Tejas, it has 16 parts from the UK. So, the company has to change and replace the parts. WION: Has the Argentinian pilots come to India to Tejas? When it comes to the British elements of Tejas, have you suggested to the Indian side to remove them? Jorge Enrique Taiana: This is clear in the conversation, since a month ago this is clear. Yes, Argentinian pilots have flown Tejas, twice. WION: Has there been a conversation on procuring BrahMos missiles from India? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, also about helicopters from HAL. We are going to visit Bengaluru, and we're going to talk about helicopters too. We need to buy helicopters, and we need 2-3 chances or possibility in which we have to decide which one is the best for Argentina. WION: Based on the various conversations you had in India, with your counterpart, how do you see the nation as a country from which you can procure defence equipment? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's clear development that India has (achieved) in this sector in the last years. That's why we, in general, are close to India, and this is a different part of the process. One part of the process is trade, for example, and the second we have a defence attaché here. We did not have a defence attaché in the past. So, we are taking different steps to move forward or to be closer and (develop) relations with India in general and in particular in the defence area. WION: Do you see the defence domain expanding in the next few years and months? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Yes, because there are two different issues. One is the expansion of trade in the defence industry. And the other is that Argentina is building capacities and capabilities and these processes are underway. We need different things and India now is producing a lot of these things. WION: So, do you see in a year's time a major defence deal between India and Argentina, perhaps procurement of Brahmos? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I believe that there is a chance of that, but our idea is not to go to a supermarket. We're trying to build connections, and relations and engage with partners in different areas. We are expanding our exchange of students from the armed forces, and so it is a process of doing things together in different areas. And in that process one important area is defence. WION: Are you looking towards training, given the number of military personnel who come to India for training, especially in the neighbourhood? Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are working on it. We are working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), probably will probably be signed before the G20 summit in September. WION: So now coming to G20. India is the president of the G20 grouping; we are going to host the Summit in September. Argentina was previously the president of the grouping and hosted the summit. So, what's your expectation when it comes to the Indian presidency of the G20? Jorge Enrique Taiana: Well, it's interesting because India is a country that is now showing a lot of activity, interest and initiative. So I think that the push that will come under the presidency of India is an interesting moment to make the grouping more active. The problem is that all the multilateral systems are in confusion and with difficulties to obtain consensus. WION: You talk about multilateral institutions being in confusion, but there are multilateral institutions like the BRICS, where there is a lot of enthusiasm as well. There have been reports saying that Argentina would like to be part of an expanded BRICS grouping. So perhaps you can shed some light. Jorge Enrique Taiana: We are going in that direction. We're moving forward in trade, defence, we're moving forward in different areas and the conclusion is that we are moving and trying to be part of the BRICS. We will have a BRICS meeting in August, we'll see what happened. But I think it is important because it is an institution, mechanism and a group of countries that are showing a lot of resources, and political initiative, but also is a group of countries that are showing that we need to build something different for a better world. WION: So you are here in Delhi, can we expect the Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh to visit Argentina as well? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I invited him for a meeting that we will have...the second meeting of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean with a focus on UN Peacekeeping. So, we invited him as an observer. India has a lot of participation in peacekeeping operations. We have eight places where we are working right now. So, it's interesting to see if he could come there and be part of the meeting. The meeting happens in September. WION: What is your vision regarding the India-Argentina relationship? Jorge Enrique Taiana: I think that we have a long distance between our countries and different cultures, but we have common areas and lots of issues related to especially international politics. And I think that the relations between India and Argentina have a chance to grow. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | Argentina eyes India's Tejas jets amidst UK parts hurdle

<p>Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours.</p>

<p>During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister&nbsp;and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share.</p>

<p>Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court".</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-foreign-minister-hopeful-of-india-becoming-a-voice-for-global-south-568109">Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South</a></strong></p>

<p>"There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process.</p>

<p>Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@abdulla_shahid</a>, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's <a href="https://twitter.com/SinghBhairavi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SinghBhairavi</a> <a href="https://t.co/iDAc4mC7cp">pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1679168161701314562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of&nbsp;winning a second term.</p>

<p>Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell."</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-finance-ministry-employee-leaks-secret-classified-info-to-pakistan-number-held-614573">India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people".</p>

<p>However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid."</p>

<p>"So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed."</p>

<p>Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first."</p>

<p>Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region).</p>

<p>Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue."</p>

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Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance.

Abdulla Shahid, the Maldives' Foreign Minister, is on a two-day visit to New Delhi. During the visit, he met with his Indian counterpart Dr S Jaishankar and the two nations signed nine agreements on project development under India's grant assistance. The minister's visit is part of a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening the strategic relationship between the two Indian Ocean region neighbours. During Shahid's high-level visit, WION approached the Maldivian minister and talked to him about the strategic relationship that India and Maldives share. Talking about the nine agreements signed by the two nations, the minister said that the MoUs are on various projects "ranging from the development of small fish processing plants in islands to street lighting and development of a volleyball court". Also read | Maldives' foreign minister hopeful of India becoming a voice for Global South "There's a whole range of small community high-impact projects," said Shahid, adding that both he and the Indian external minister are satisfied with the ongoing process. Talking about the defence cooperation between India and Maldives, Shahid said, "We are committed to making sure that we work together with our neighbours in making sure that we keep the Indian Ocean stable and prosperous." 'Every time there is an emergency and we dial international 911, India is the first to respond, regardless of what government is in Maldives or New Delhi, the response is the same,' says @abdulla_shahid, foreign minister, Maldives, while speaking to WION's @SinghBhairavi pic.twitter.com/iDAc4mC7cp — WION (@WIONews) July 12, 2023 × Answering a question about the upcoming elections in the Maldives and a potential shift in government and how such a change might impact India, Shahid said that they are "confident" of winning a second term. Talking about the so-called "India out" campaign run by a certain sect of people in his nation, the finance minister said, "I would always regard it as a group of people that has nothing better to sell." Also read | India: Finance ministry employee leaks secret, classified info to Pakistan number, held He said that all the people behind this campaign "have done is create hate and they have come out to sell hate to the people". However, he said that "the people of Maldives will not buy it and that is why we have not seen this take off," because "the relationships between the people of Maldives and the people of India are too solid." "So these fringe groups, the hate mongers will not succeed." Acknowledging India's consistent helping hand for his nation, Shahid said, "President Solih (Ibrahim Mohamed Solih) is fully committed in his foreign policy for India first and we are encouraged by Prime Minister Modi's SAGAR policy the neighbourhood first policy, and he has also very clearly said that amongst the neighbourhood Maldives is the first." Maldives is a key maritime neighbour of India. The nation holds a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security And Growth for All in the Region). Addressing the future areas of collaboration between the two nations, the Maldivian foreign minister commended India for its contribution to the Maldives' human resource development "over the last several decades" and said that "it is also something that will continue." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive: Maldives' foreign minister says his nation is committed to 'India first'

<p><strong>2023 World Oral Health Day:&nbsp;</strong>Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene. Don't believe us? Listen to the experts yourself and make conscious lifestyle changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While using alcohol-based mouthwashes can be useful in killing bacteria, they often cause irritation in the mucus membranes and gums since alcohol has a drying effect, which isn't good for your mouth. Experts suggest supplementing your oral hygiene routine with a salt water rinse, which is completely natural and has multiple benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Gauri Merchant, Director, Department of Oral Health and Advanced Dentistry, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, shared how salt water gargling can be effective in improving overall gum and dental health.</p>

<p>"In India, gargling has been a habit followed even by our ancestors. Rinsing with water after a meal is instrumental in maintaining oral hygiene on a regular basis," says&nbsp;Dr Merchant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="salt water gargles" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b95421e2-88ed-446b-bbb4-95cfe867b32d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/teeth-g9e913f221_640.png" /></p>

<p>Salt water gargling is often advised by doctors when we are suffering from a sore throat or bleeding gums.&nbsp;It is an easy, simple, inexpensive and age-old home remedy that works wonders for your oral health. Most importantly, the doctor says it does not have any side effects. Moreover, several&nbsp;research papers suggest that salt water gargles can help treat mild oral health issues.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-world-oral-health-day-2023-dentist-reveals-chocolates-arent-causing-tooth-decay-573343">Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits</a></p>

<h2><strong>Benefits of salt water gargling, according to the doctor</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Helps neutralize acids in the throat that is produced by bacteria</li>
	<li>Helps maintain a healthy pH balance, which prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria</li>
	<li>Helps remove mucus build-up in your respiratory tract and nasal cavity</li>
	<li>Reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the throat</li>
	<li>Reduce the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection</li>
	<li>Gives relief from tonsillitis</li>
	<li>Flushes out oral bacteria, which leads to bad breath</li>
	<li>Gives relief from bleeding and swollen gums</li>
	<li>Reduces risk of developing gingivitis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Helps cure mouth ulcers</li>
</ul>

<p><img alt="oral health" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2c6b07b-3a64-42a9-9112-d881ddde196d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pexels-anna-shvets-3845856.jpg" /></p>

<p>Daily gargling helps prevent cavities and is also known to improve gum health. Cavities usually form when food particles remain on the tooth surface&nbsp;for a long time.&nbsp;But, always remember,&nbsp;gargling can help improve overall&nbsp;oral health, but it cannot replace daily brushing and flossing.</p>

<p>The doctor says, "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health."</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-not-getting-enough-sleep-research-shows-sleeping-less-than-5-hours-doubles-risk-of-clogged-leg-arteries-573548">Not getting enough sleep? Research shows sleeping less than 5 hours doubles risk of clogged leg arteries</a></p>

<h2><strong>Common salt water gargling queries answered by the doctor</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Is gargling safe for children below 5 years of age?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, gargling is safe for children below 5 years of age. But, you must ensure that the water is not too warm or too salty. Baby teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay so you should encourage this habit in your toddler.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Can gargling also be effective in improving dental and gum health?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, gargling is also effective in improving gum and dental health. Salt water gargling and mouthwash help stop bacterial growth. It also helps reduce plaque and inflammation. They're also effective in fighting bad breath. Dentists often recommend&nbsp;gargling after tooth extraction for faster healing of wounds and maintaining oral hygiene.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>How many times a day one can gargle for effective results?&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>One should gargle with plain water or salt water after every meal. In the case of tooth extraction, it is recommended to gargle twice a day.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Can other elements be added to it?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, with salt, you can also add mouthwash to&nbsp;water.</p>

<h3><strong>Other than oral health problems, can&nbsp;gargling help cure any other disease?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, salt water gargling also helps ease pain and inflammation from a sore throat. It also helps with mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and nasal cavity.</p>

<h2><strong>How to properly gargle with salt water</strong></h2>

<ol>
	<li>Take half a teaspoon of table salt and add it to a cup of warm water. Stir until it dissolves completely.</li>
	<li>If you’d like to improve the taste, try adding honey, lemon or herbs</li>
	<li>Take a big sip of the salt water and hold it in your mouth.</li>
	<li>Tilt your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out.</li>
	<li>Repeat the same process until you finish the whole cup.</li>
</ol>

<p>Can you swallow the salt water mix? The doctor says that you can swallow the solution but it is recommended that you spit it out since&nbsp;consuming too much salt water can also have health risks, such as calcium deficiency and high blood pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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2023 World Oral Health Day: Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene.

2023 World Oral Health Day: Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene. Don't believe us? Listen to the experts yourself and make conscious lifestyle changes. While using alcohol-based mouthwashes can be useful in killing bacteria, they often cause irritation in the mucus membranes and gums since alcohol has a drying effect, which isn't good for your mouth. Experts suggest supplementing your oral hygiene routine with a salt water rinse, which is completely natural and has multiple benefits. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Gauri Merchant, Director, Department of Oral Health and Advanced Dentistry, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, shared how salt water gargling can be effective in improving overall gum and dental health. "In India, gargling has been a habit followed even by our ancestors. Rinsing with water after a meal is instrumental in maintaining oral hygiene on a regular basis," says Dr Merchant. Salt water gargling is often advised by doctors when we are suffering from a sore throat or bleeding gums. It is an easy, simple, inexpensive and age-old home remedy that works wonders for your oral health. Most importantly, the doctor says it does not have any side effects. Moreover, several research papers suggest that salt water gargles can help treat mild oral health issues. Also read: Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits Benefits of salt water gargling, according to the doctor Helps neutralize acids in the throat that is produced by bacteria Helps maintain a healthy pH balance, which prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria Helps remove mucus build-up in your respiratory tract and nasal cavity Reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the throat Reduce the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection Gives relief from tonsillitis Flushes out oral bacteria, which leads to bad breath Gives relief from bleeding and swollen gums Reduces risk of developing gingivitis Helps cure mouth ulcers Daily gargling helps prevent cavities and is also known to improve gum health. Cavities usually form when food particles remain on the tooth surface for a long time. But, always remember, gargling can help improve overall oral health, but it cannot replace daily brushing and flossing. The doctor says, "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health." Also read: Not getting enough sleep? Research shows sleeping less than 5 hours doubles risk of clogged leg arteries Common salt water gargling queries answered by the doctor Is gargling safe for children below 5 years of age? Yes, gargling is safe for children below 5 years of age. But, you must ensure that the water is not too warm or too salty. Baby teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay so you should encourage this habit in your toddler. Can gargling also be effective in improving dental and gum health? Yes, gargling is also effective in improving gum and dental health. Salt water gargling and mouthwash help stop bacterial growth. It also helps reduce plaque and inflammation. They're also effective in fighting bad breath. Dentists often recommend gargling after tooth extraction for faster healing of wounds and maintaining oral hygiene. How many times a day one can gargle for effective results? One should gargle with plain water or salt water after every meal. In the case of tooth extraction, it is recommended to gargle twice a day. Can other elements be added to it? Yes, with salt, you can also add mouthwash to water. Other than oral health problems, can gargling help cure any other disease? Yes, salt water gargling also helps ease pain and inflammation from a sore throat. It also helps with mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and nasal cavity. How to properly gargle with salt water Take half a teaspoon of table salt and add it to a cup of warm water. Stir until it dissolves completely. If you’d like to improve the taste, try adding honey, lemon or herbs Take a big sip of the salt water and hold it in your mouth. Tilt your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat the same process until you finish the whole cup. Can you swallow the salt water mix? The doctor says that you can swallow the solution but it is recommended that you spit it out since consuming too much salt water can also have health risks, such as calcium deficiency and high blood pressure. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Doctor says salt water gargles significantly improves your oral health | Exclusive

<p><em>*Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short at Oscars 2023. It is the first Indian film to have won an Oscar in this category. Days ahead of the historic win, the film's producer Guneet Monga spoke exclusively to WION about the film and the grueling process of campaigning at the Oscars, once nominated.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Producer Guneet Monga, whose production house is known for making films like <em>Masaan,</em> <em>The Lunchbox,</em> and <em>Paglait</em>, is not new to the Oscars. Monga was the executive producer of Period. End Of Sentence, which won the Oscar award in 2020 in the Best Documentary Shorts category. Guneet's latest film <em>The Elephant Whisperers, </em>directed by Kartiki Gonsalves has been nominated at the 2023 Oscars in the Best Documentary Shorts category.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
While the producer was part of the team that won the Oscar in 2020 for <em>Period. End Of Sentence,</em> Guneet states that she never won the Oscar. "I was the executive producer. My film won but I did not win an Oscar," Guneet clarified to WION in a free-wheeling conversation recently.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>The Elephant Whisperer</em> premiered in November 2022 at DOC NYC Film Festival, a film festival for documentaries in the United States. It is now streaming on Netflix and is about the bond that develops between a couple and an orphaned baby elephant, Raghu, whom they foster at the Mudumalai National Park in South India.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Guneet Monga, who has been in Los Angeles for the past few weeks campaigning for her film spoke to WION at length about what made her say yes to <em>The Elephant Whisperer </em>and why it is so difficult for Indian films to get noticed at Oscars and earn a nomination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here are the excerpts from the interview:&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: Congratulations on the nomination, Guneet. I believe you have been campaigning for The Elephant Whisperer in LA for a while. How has been the process?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A:</strong> The campaign is intense. This is the first time I am a nominee and if we win, the golden statue will be in my name and we will bring that to India. But for that, we will have to wait till March 12. Right now I am very excited to be here. The process is just about putting your film out there. &nbsp;We are working closely with the Netflix team and it's been amazing. The film is live in 90 countries thanks to the OTT platform and people have had beautiful reactions. There are art mails, fan arts coming to us from world wide. It's very sweet that love is coming to our work. So I think the process is to put the film out to more and more people so that they know about it and talk about it and share it.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The voters are largely in America but there are also voters across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada. You have to put your film out there and there are so many films doing the same campaigning in different categories. every film is doing the same thing.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: How did you come on board for <em>The Elephant Whisperer</em>?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A:</strong> It was Kartiki Gonsalves who came to me with the film. She is a first-time director, has been a &nbsp;wildlife photographer and took to video to tell this story. She lives in Ooty the &nbsp;Mudumalai National Park is just 30 minutes from her place and this is a story she found. She first made friends with Raghu(the Elephant) and shot for a year. She then made a little promo and showed it to me. I was blown away by her work and her cinematography - she is also a camerawoman. I was blown away by her work and her passion for the story and for Raghu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So that's how it happened and I thought I would do everything in my power to support this project. Kartiki has been associated to the project for 5 years and I have been with it for three and a half years. And Netflix came on board the project eventually and we made the movie happen.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: How much time did it take to shoot the film?</strong><br />
<br />
It took a while because we had 450 hours of footage with us, lots of shots of the jungle. Its a venerated documentary takes time to unfold cause real life is happening. So that's been our journey on it, Kartiki found this story, credit of that goes to her and I was overjoyed to support a woman director.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: This year Shaunak Sen's <em>All That Breathes </em>and your film <em>The Elephant Whisperer </em>are both nominated at the Oscars. Do you feel Indian documentaries do not get a good platform in India?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A:</strong> It's not that Indian documentaries have been neglected in India. We are an equity-driven industry. For 100 years we have been known for our fiction stories. Non-fiction stories need a lot of time and public support and public funding which does not exist here in India. Such a system does not exist in India and so documentary filmmakers look for grants across the world. It's a long process. It's very tough to be a documentary filmmaker and that's why there are far and few. But it's amazing that our country has documentary filmmakers like Shirley Abraham, Rintu Thomas, Anand Patwardhan, Kartiki Gonsalves. It is definitely a great time for Indian documentaries and I hope they get more support for their work so that the films they make come through easily.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: Looking at your film repertoire, you seem to always back the unconventional stories. Isn't it a big risk and has it been a conscious decision to pick such films?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A:</strong> After 15 years of doing what I do, I also know my own taste. Risk hai to Ishq hai. With the emergence of OTT platforms, it's a good time for documentary filmmakers, for independent filmmakers. People are now consuming documentaries - as a format its new to India.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: The Elephant Whisperer has the backing of Netflix. Do you think having it on board helped your film?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A:</strong> Absolutely! With Netflix on board, I felt we put a hoarding on the Moon. There are incredible! Got to learn so much.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Q: India makes so many good films. Why is it so difficult for our films to get nominated at the Oscars?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>A: </strong>We get to choose one film from a vast country like India. So many films to choose from for the best film category and the country can send only one. I felt <em>The Lunchbox </em>had such a strong chance but it was never sent officially from here. One has to look at the popularity of the film in America, it also means festival runs, and one has to also tap into American distribution. Unless we tap into that, we won't be able to spend much of our stuff to&nbsp;the Oscars. Distribution is key. Without it, we are thinking in isolation. There is a disconnect between the selection committee and how they think here.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
300 plus films come in the feature film category at the Oscars this year. Which is why distribution is important.&nbsp; Netflix is running the campaign for us.<em> Lagaan </em>had Sony picture classic to back it, and so did <em>The Lunchbox </em>and they know how to run for the awards.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: The Elephant Whisperer is produced by a woman and directed by a woman. Do you feel women directors still face challenges in getting their projects bankrolled?</strong><br />
<br />
There are less than 5% women filmmakers making films in India. I feel it's my mission to be part of projects made by women filmmakers. As a producer whatever I can do in my lifetime, I will do. Was overjoyed to be part of Kartiki's journey when she reached out and I hope I can add value to more such projects made by women.&nbsp;</p>


*Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short at Oscars 2023. It is the first Indian film to have won an Oscar in this category. Days ahead of the historic win, the film's producer Guneet Monga spoke exclusively to WION about the film and the grueling process of campaigning at the Oscars, once nominated.

*Kartiki Gonsalves's The Elephant Whisperers won Best Documentary Short at Oscars 2023. It is the first Indian film to have won an Oscar in this category. Days ahead of the historic win, the film's producer Guneet Monga spoke exclusively to WION about the film and the grueling process of campaigning at the Oscars, once nominated. Producer Guneet Monga, whose production house is known for making films like Masaan, The Lunchbox, and Paglait, is not new to the Oscars. Monga was the executive producer of Period. End Of Sentence, which won the Oscar award in 2020 in the Best Documentary Shorts category. Guneet's latest film The Elephant Whisperers, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves has been nominated at the 2023 Oscars in the Best Documentary Shorts category. While the producer was part of the team that won the Oscar in 2020 for Period. End Of Sentence, Guneet states that she never won the Oscar. "I was the executive producer. My film won but I did not win an Oscar," Guneet clarified to WION in a free-wheeling conversation recently. The Elephant Whisperer premiered in November 2022 at DOC NYC Film Festival, a film festival for documentaries in the United States. It is now streaming on Netflix and is about the bond that develops between a couple and an orphaned baby elephant, Raghu, whom they foster at the Mudumalai National Park in South India. Guneet Monga, who has been in Los Angeles for the past few weeks campaigning for her film spoke to WION at length about what made her say yes to The Elephant Whisperer and why it is so difficult for Indian films to get noticed at Oscars and earn a nomination. Here are the excerpts from the interview: Q: Congratulations on the nomination, Guneet. I believe you have been campaigning for The Elephant Whisperer in LA for a while. How has been the process? A: The campaign is intense. This is the first time I am a nominee and if we win, the golden statue will be in my name and we will bring that to India. But for that, we will have to wait till March 12. Right now I am very excited to be here. The process is just about putting your film out there. We are working closely with the Netflix team and it's been amazing. The film is live in 90 countries thanks to the OTT platform and people have had beautiful reactions. There are art mails, fan arts coming to us from world wide. It's very sweet that love is coming to our work. So I think the process is to put the film out to more and more people so that they know about it and talk about it and share it. The voters are largely in America but there are also voters across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Canada. You have to put your film out there and there are so many films doing the same campaigning in different categories. every film is doing the same thing. Q: How did you come on board for The Elephant Whisperer? A: It was Kartiki Gonsalves who came to me with the film. She is a first-time director, has been a wildlife photographer and took to video to tell this story. She lives in Ooty the Mudumalai National Park is just 30 minutes from her place and this is a story she found. She first made friends with Raghu(the Elephant) and shot for a year. She then made a little promo and showed it to me. I was blown away by her work and her cinematography - she is also a camerawoman. I was blown away by her work and her passion for the story and for Raghu. So that's how it happened and I thought I would do everything in my power to support this project. Kartiki has been associated to the project for 5 years and I have been with it for three and a half years. And Netflix came on board the project eventually and we made the movie happen. Q: How much time did it take to shoot the film? It took a while because we had 450 hours of footage with us, lots of shots of the jungle. Its a venerated documentary takes time to unfold cause real life is happening. So that's been our journey on it, Kartiki found this story, credit of that goes to her and I was overjoyed to support a woman director. Q: This year Shaunak Sen's All That Breathes and your film The Elephant Whisperer are both nominated at the Oscars. Do you feel Indian documentaries do not get a good platform in India? A: It's not that Indian documentaries have been neglected in India. We are an equity-driven industry. For 100 years we have been known for our fiction stories. Non-fiction stories need a lot of time and public support and public funding which does not exist here in India. Such a system does not exist in India and so documentary filmmakers look for grants across the world. It's a long process. It's very tough to be a documentary filmmaker and that's why there are far and few. But it's amazing that our country has documentary filmmakers like Shirley Abraham, Rintu Thomas, Anand Patwardhan, Kartiki Gonsalves. It is definitely a great time for Indian documentaries and I hope they get more support for their work so that the films they make come through easily. Q: Looking at your film repertoire, you seem to always back the unconventional stories. Isn't it a big risk and has it been a conscious decision to pick such films? A: After 15 years of doing what I do, I also know my own taste. Risk hai to Ishq hai. With the emergence of OTT platforms, it's a good time for documentary filmmakers, for independent filmmakers. People are now consuming documentaries - as a format its new to India. Q: The Elephant Whisperer has the backing of Netflix. Do you think having it on board helped your film? A: Absolutely! With Netflix on board, I felt we put a hoarding on the Moon. There are incredible! Got to learn so much. Q: India makes so many good films. Why is it so difficult for our films to get nominated at the Oscars? A: We get to choose one film from a vast country like India. So many films to choose from for the best film category and the country can send only one. I felt The Lunchbox had such a strong chance but it was never sent officially from here. One has to look at the popularity of the film in America, it also means festival runs, and one has to also tap into American distribution. Unless we tap into that, we won't be able to spend much of our stuff to the Oscars. Distribution is key. Without it, we are thinking in isolation. There is a disconnect between the selection committee and how they think here. 300 plus films come in the feature film category at the Oscars this year. Which is why distribution is important. Netflix is running the campaign for us. Lagaan had Sony picture classic to back it, and so did The Lunchbox and they know how to run for the awards. Q: The Elephant Whisperer is produced by a woman and directed by a woman. Do you feel women directors still face challenges in getting their projects bankrolled? There are less than 5% women filmmakers making films in India. I feel it's my mission to be part of projects made by women filmmakers. As a producer whatever I can do in my lifetime, I will do. Was overjoyed to be part of Kartiki's journey when she reached out and I hope I can add value to more such projects made by women.

WION Exclusive: Oscar winner Guneet Monga on her film The Elephant Whisperer, Indian documentaries and more

<p>An all-new series 'Echo 3', starring Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman and Jessica Ann Collins released today on Apple tv plus. WION got the opportunity to catch up with the cast members for a quick, short chat about their experiences. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Created by two-time Academy Award winner Mark Boal, 'Echo 3', is a cinematic thriller set on South America's Colombia-Venezuela border with English and Spanish dialogues. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The series is layered with personal drama, set against the explosive backdrop of a secret war. Excerpts from the interview:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: 'Echo' is a series that contains, a wedding gala, personal drama, war, drug issues and much more. Also touches on the topic of national security, can you comment on the experience of bringing together such a vast category in one script?&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><br />
<strong>A: Jessica Ann Collins: </strong>The complexity of the series on those topics is what makes it very compelling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Michiel Huisman:</strong> I agree, and knowing that you have a writer behind you, a writer like Mark Boal, who is really comfortable in telling stories with such backgrounds like military and geo-political, it really helps and it means that I feel that I can focus on my character and know that somebody else understands the bigger picture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Luke Evans:</strong> And I think also following from that, it means that because there is so much going on as you said, there is so much, each character is going through their own personal struggle, they have to carry their own baggage throughout the story and it is different from each one. It crisscrosses through the Spanish-speaking cast, then we hit back to Washington, it's constantly moving and so what it provides is a canvas of very interesting things, which means you never get a moment to relax. . You are always following these stories and realising how they are inter-thread with each other. That's a great story if you are always on the edge of your seat. This journey was so immersive and that's what you see onscreen. A complex fabric of storylines that affect each other. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Q: Can you comment on the efforts you had to go through to get your dialects right? &nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>A: Michiel Huisman:</strong> Ah. You said dialect. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Luke Evans:</strong> Yes. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Michiel Huisman: </strong>No effort at all. &nbsp;<br />
<em>(All three laugh) &nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
<strong>Luke Evans:</strong> I overreacted the most. I'm Welsh, and British, and I have done American many times but I have never done this, Southern accent before. So I put a lot of work in before we came to Atlanta where we started the project. Then we had an incredible dialect coach who came with us. She was there every day, wherever we were, I would work with her during my time off, in the evenings, I wanted to do a good job, and it's not easy when you take a different accent. You want to find the nuance in the dialect, you know I am surrounded by Americans, and I always you know want to impress them. It's an exposing thing to do, taking on somebody else's accent and doing it for such a long time. &nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Jessica Ann Collins:</strong> My joke is that I was raised in the American South, I was trained at Julliard's, and I felt like Luke had a better Southern accent than me. (Laughs). &nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Michiel Huisman:</strong> Well you know, Cynthia, our dialect coach, she is kind of like a special forces' operator, she was our rock. She was really good. &nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<strong>From playing a military man in 'Game of Thrones' to playing a military man in 'Echo 3', can you comment on the experience? &nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Michiel Huisman:</strong> Oh, my God! It was a completely new experience for me. That was also one of the reasons why I was dying to play this character. He was a very different character from the ones I have played before. He is a very complex guy, a guy that comes from privilege, and still chooses to join the absolute pinnacle of the American military, he is a bit arrogant and somewhat controlling, and maybe in the military that serves him well because he somehow likes to control the battlefield, and that suits him in the marriage that's not really working well for him. So this was a completely new experience for me, one that I was dying to take on. &nbsp;</p>


An all-new series 'Echo 3', starring Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman and Jessica Ann Collins released today on Apple tv plus. WION got the opportunity to catch up with the cast members for a quick, short chat about their experiences.

An all-new series 'Echo 3', starring Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman and Jessica Ann Collins released today on Apple tv plus. WION got the opportunity to catch up with the cast members for a quick, short chat about their experiences. Created by two-time Academy Award winner Mark Boal, 'Echo 3', is a cinematic thriller set on South America's Colombia-Venezuela border with English and Spanish dialogues. The series is layered with personal drama, set against the explosive backdrop of a secret war. Excerpts from the interview: Q: 'Echo' is a series that contains, a wedding gala, personal drama, war, drug issues and much more. Also touches on the topic of national security, can you comment on the experience of bringing together such a vast category in one script? A: Jessica Ann Collins: The complexity of the series on those topics is what makes it very compelling. Michiel Huisman: I agree, and knowing that you have a writer behind you, a writer like Mark Boal, who is really comfortable in telling stories with such backgrounds like military and geo-political, it really helps and it means that I feel that I can focus on my character and know that somebody else understands the bigger picture. Luke Evans: And I think also following from that, it means that because there is so much going on as you said, there is so much, each character is going through their own personal struggle, they have to carry their own baggage throughout the story and it is different from each one. It crisscrosses through the Spanish-speaking cast, then we hit back to Washington, it's constantly moving and so what it provides is a canvas of very interesting things, which means you never get a moment to relax. . You are always following these stories and realising how they are inter-thread with each other. That's a great story if you are always on the edge of your seat. This journey was so immersive and that's what you see onscreen. A complex fabric of storylines that affect each other. Q: Can you comment on the efforts you had to go through to get your dialects right? A: Michiel Huisman: Ah. You said dialect. Luke Evans: Yes. Michiel Huisman: No effort at all. (All three laugh) Luke Evans: I overreacted the most. I'm Welsh, and British, and I have done American many times but I have never done this, Southern accent before. So I put a lot of work in before we came to Atlanta where we started the project. Then we had an incredible dialect coach who came with us. She was there every day, wherever we were, I would work with her during my time off, in the evenings, I wanted to do a good job, and it's not easy when you take a different accent. You want to find the nuance in the dialect, you know I am surrounded by Americans, and I always you know want to impress them. It's an exposing thing to do, taking on somebody else's accent and doing it for such a long time. Jessica Ann Collins: My joke is that I was raised in the American South, I was trained at Julliard's, and I felt like Luke had a better Southern accent than me. (Laughs). Michiel Huisman: Well you know, Cynthia, our dialect coach, she is kind of like a special forces' operator, she was our rock. She was really good. From playing a military man in 'Game of Thrones' to playing a military man in 'Echo 3', can you comment on the experience? Michiel Huisman: Oh, my God! It was a completely new experience for me. That was also one of the reasons why I was dying to play this character. He was a very different character from the ones I have played before. He is a very complex guy, a guy that comes from privilege, and still chooses to join the absolute pinnacle of the American military, he is a bit arrogant and somewhat controlling, and maybe in the military that serves him well because he somehow likes to control the battlefield, and that suits him in the marriage that's not really working well for him. So this was a completely new experience for me, one that I was dying to take on.

Wion Exclusive: Luke Evans, Michiel Huisman, and Jessica Ann Collins talk about their latest series 'Echo 3'

<p>On Thursday evening (May 19), India's young boxer Nikhat Zareen created history by claiming the Women's World Boxing Championships title. The 25-year-old Nikhat did the unthinkable&nbsp;by securing a historic gold medal after emerging on top of Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong 5-0 in the 52kg final of the World Boxing Championships in Istanbul (earlier, she had also won the Junior World C'ships in the same country 11 years ago).</p>

<p>Courtesy her historic result, Nikhat&nbsp;joined the likes of six-time champion M.C Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L and Lekha C. to become only the fifth Indian woman boxer to win the world title. After her victory, the entire country is beaming with pride. Needless to say, she has become an overnight star. However, the journey has not been easy for Nikhat as she has trained very hard for her recent success, gone past her ugly altercation with Mary Kom to create her own 'identity' and battled various other obstacles in the final.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-a-matter-of-pride-nikhat-zareen-reacts-to-pm-modis-tweet-after-womens-world-boxing-cships-win-480755"><strong>'It's a matter of pride' - Nikhat Zareen reacts to PM Modi's tweet after Women's World Boxing C'ships win</strong></a></p>

<p>Recently, Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Nikhat as she opened up on various topics. The youngster didn't shy away from expressing her thoughts on successfully stepping past Mary's gigantic shadow and revealed her game plan to outfox Thailand boxer&nbsp;Jutamas Jitpong.</p>

<p>On her special win, she said, "It feels nice to win a gold medal for my country. In 2011, it was my first international competition. This is my second World Championships but in flyweight, it is my first-ever. My aim was to win a gold medal and I am really happy I managed to do it."</p>

<p><strong>Stepping out of Mary Kom's shadow</strong></p>

<p>She stated, "I am happy to make my own mark at the world level. This is my senior World C'ships. In flyweight, this was my first World C'ships. I still managed to win gold medal for my country and hopefully I will keep performing well and winning more medals in the future." (Both Nikhat and Mary share a forgettable past after Nikhat allaged selection bias in the Boxing federation of India's choice for Olympics, which favoured the latter).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Game plan vs the Thai opponent</strong></p>

<p>"Actually, my game plan was to win the first two rounds unanimously. First-round went as per plan but in the second round, she came back. So in the third round, I had ot go all-out and I did the same to win unanimously 5-0. When my hand was raised, I was very happy," Nikhat added.</p>

<p>In the summit clash, the&nbsp;judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in the Indian's favour.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/twitterati-goes-gaga-over-nikhat-zareen-as-youngster-secures-gold-in-womens-world-boxing-cships-480518"><strong>Twitterati goes gaga over Nikhat Zareen as youngster secures gold in Women's World Boxing C'ships</strong></a></p>

<p>After Nikhat's performance, PM Narendra Modi also&nbsp;tweeted saying, "Our boxers have made us proud! Congratulations to @nikhat_zareen for a fantastic Gold medal win at the Women`s World Boxing Championship. I also congratulate Manisha Moun and Parveen Hooda for their Bronze medals in the same competition."</p>

<p>Nikhat also responded to Modi's tweet&nbsp;while speaking&nbsp;in a virtual chat with the media and said, "I do not know who has tweeted for me till now, I am going to the hotel right now. Once I reach, I will see who all have tweeted for me. If PM Modi has tweeted, it would be a matter of pride for me as the Prime Minister of the country has tweeted for me."</p>

<p>Along with Nikhat, Manisha Moun and Parveen Hooda also kept the national flag high in the recently-concluded Women's World C'ships with their bronze medals.</p>


On Thursday evening (May 19), India's young boxer Nikhat Zareen created history by claiming the Women's World Boxing Championships title. The 25-year-old Nikhat did the unthinkable by securing a historic gold medal after emerging on top of Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong 5-0 in the 52kg final of the World Boxing Championships in Istanbul (earlier, she had also won the Junior World C'ships in the same country 11 years ago).

On Thursday evening (May 19), India's young boxer Nikhat Zareen created history by claiming the Women's World Boxing Championships title. The 25-year-old Nikhat did the unthinkable by securing a historic gold medal after emerging on top of Thailand's Jutamas Jitpong 5-0 in the 52kg final of the World Boxing Championships in Istanbul (earlier, she had also won the Junior World C'ships in the same country 11 years ago). Courtesy her historic result, Nikhat joined the likes of six-time champion M.C Mary Kom, Sarita Devi, Jenny R.L and Lekha C. to become only the fifth Indian woman boxer to win the world title. After her victory, the entire country is beaming with pride. Needless to say, she has become an overnight star. However, the journey has not been easy for Nikhat as she has trained very hard for her recent success, gone past her ugly altercation with Mary Kom to create her own 'identity' and battled various other obstacles in the final. ALSO READ | 'It's a matter of pride' - Nikhat Zareen reacts to PM Modi's tweet after Women's World Boxing C'ships win Recently, Wion's Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo got a chance to interact with Nikhat as she opened up on various topics. The youngster didn't shy away from expressing her thoughts on successfully stepping past Mary's gigantic shadow and revealed her game plan to outfox Thailand boxer Jutamas Jitpong. On her special win, she said, "It feels nice to win a gold medal for my country. In 2011, it was my first international competition. This is my second World Championships but in flyweight, it is my first-ever. My aim was to win a gold medal and I am really happy I managed to do it." Stepping out of Mary Kom's shadow She stated, "I am happy to make my own mark at the world level. This is my senior World C'ships. In flyweight, this was my first World C'ships. I still managed to win gold medal for my country and hopefully I will keep performing well and winning more medals in the future." (Both Nikhat and Mary share a forgettable past after Nikhat allaged selection bias in the Boxing federation of India's choice for Olympics, which favoured the latter). Game plan vs the Thai opponent "Actually, my game plan was to win the first two rounds unanimously. First-round went as per plan but in the second round, she came back. So in the third round, I had ot go all-out and I did the same to win unanimously 5-0. When my hand was raised, I was very happy," Nikhat added. In the summit clash, the judges scored the bout 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-27, 29-28 in the Indian's favour. ALSO READ | Twitterati goes gaga over Nikhat Zareen as youngster secures gold in Women's World Boxing C'ships After Nikhat's performance, PM Narendra Modi also tweeted saying, "Our boxers have made us proud! Congratulations to @nikhat_zareen for a fantastic Gold medal win at the Women`s World Boxing Championship. I also congratulate Manisha Moun and Parveen Hooda for their Bronze medals in the same competition." Nikhat also responded to Modi's tweet while speaking in a virtual chat with the media and said, "I do not know who has tweeted for me till now, I am going to the hotel right now. Once I reach, I will see who all have tweeted for me. If PM Modi has tweeted, it would be a matter of pride for me as the Prime Minister of the country has tweeted for me." Along with Nikhat, Manisha Moun and Parveen Hooda also kept the national flag high in the recently-concluded Women's World C'ships with their bronze medals.

EXCLUSIVE | Nikhat Zareen opines on stepping out of Mary Kom's shadow, reveals game plan vs Jutamas Jitpong

<p>Even as Russia continues to pound Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, in an exclusive interview to WION, said the end of the special military operation depends on the government of Ukraine.&nbsp;The leader also said that Ukraine has been orchestrating killings of thousands of people. “Even in school books, we have found some agitating material. Ukraine was preparing for some awful things. It was not just in Ukraine but for the whole world. That is the reason why Russian President Vladimir Putin went for the special military action,” said the Chechen leader. &nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked when the war will end, Kadyrov said, “The end of the operation depends on the government of Ukraine. If it accepts the terms, the operation would end. It has been going on for two to three months now.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-soldier-charged-with-war-crimes-pleads-guilty-480154" hreflang="en">Russian soldier charged with war crimes in Ukraine pleads guilty</a></strong></p>

<p>Over the allegations of the war crimes levelled against Russia, he said, “I have never heard of any single act of war crime from any general. We are trying to avoid losses. Of course, they will say that. This is why the military operation is taking so long. They are very good at making fake videos. These are lies.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Exclusive: Chechen leader speaks to WION on Russian invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>On the India's stand over the conflict, the Chechen leader, said, “India has its own independent position and we are thankful to them for that. This will strengthen the economic and political relationship between India and Russia.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Even as Russia continues to pound Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, in an exclusive interview to WION, said the end of the special military operation depends on the government of Ukraine.

Even as Russia continues to pound Ukraine in the ongoing conflict, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, in an exclusive interview to WION, said the end of the special military operation depends on the government of Ukraine. The leader also said that Ukraine has been orchestrating killings of thousands of people. “Even in school books, we have found some agitating material. Ukraine was preparing for some awful things. It was not just in Ukraine but for the whole world. That is the reason why Russian President Vladimir Putin went for the special military action,” said the Chechen leader. When asked when the war will end, Kadyrov said, “The end of the operation depends on the government of Ukraine. If it accepts the terms, the operation would end. It has been going on for two to three months now.” Also Read: Russian soldier charged with war crimes in Ukraine pleads guilty Over the allegations of the war crimes levelled against Russia, he said, “I have never heard of any single act of war crime from any general. We are trying to avoid losses. Of course, they will say that. This is why the military operation is taking so long. They are very good at making fake videos. These are lies.” Watch | Exclusive: Chechen leader speaks to WION on Russian invasion of Ukraine × On the India's stand over the conflict, the Chechen leader, said, “India has its own independent position and we are thankful to them for that. This will strengthen the economic and political relationship between India and Russia.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

In exclusive interview to WION, Chechen leader says Russian operation’s end depends on Ukrainian govt

<p>Lalit Yadav became a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) since IPL 2020. While last year, he featured in almost half of the games for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi camp, the all-rounder has been a regular in the DC playing XI in IPL 2022.</p>

<p>The 25-year-old Lalit has also chipped in with handy contributions with both bat and ball. With the willow, he has had a few starts and was one of the main protagonists in DC's four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 15 season-opener. At present, he averages at over 25 and has also scalped four wickets. Overall, he has an economy&nbsp;rate of&nbsp;7.90.</p>

<p>As the Delhi cricketer is learning the ropes in the star-studded DC franchise, Lalit interacted with WION's Aditya Sahay and dwelled on several aspects of his game, such as working closely with DC head coach Ricky Ponting, assistant coach Shane Watson, captain Rishabh Pant. In addition, he heaped praise on his inspiration Virender Sehwag and the famed trio -- Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-umran-malik-to-ayush-badoni-young-guns-who-have-taken-ipl-2022-by-storm-475810"><strong>From Umran Malik to Ayush Badoni: Young Indian stars who have taken IPL 2022 by storm</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>DC have trusted you a lot over the years. How has it been working with Ricky Ponting and being led by a youngster like Rishabh Pant?</strong></p>

<p>The coach and captain trust me a lot. This helps in one's growth and there is no room for any self-doubt. So, the individual only thinks about his abilities and goes out to perform freely. When a youngster&nbsp;comes into a team, he, or she,&nbsp;always wants to make a mark and impress the captain coach. But if they back and&nbsp;trust your abilities, your work is done. You then&nbsp;tend to enjoy the process.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>You've been a handy batter at the top or middle order and can also&nbsp;bowl a few vital overs when required. Where do you think Delhi relies on you the most? Talk about your role within the team...</strong></p>

<p>It's not like Delhi depends or relies on me in one particular department. I want to contribute in any way possible and in every department. Be it batting, bowling, or fielding. The team management has trusted me in different situations and in varied roles. That is a big confidence booster in itself. I've bowled in powerplays or slog overs. If early wickets have fallen, I often get promoted or sometimes also play the role of a slogger. Overall, whenever and wherever the team needs me, I am there (smiles).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-behind-kuldeep-yadavs-comeback-virat-preferred-axar-patel-says-dc-spinners-childhood-coach-475722"><strong>Rohit behind Kuldeep Yadav's comeback, Virat preferred Axar Patel, says DC spinner's childhood coach</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>You've been inspired by Virender Sehwag a lot. What is the one&nbsp;specific aspect&nbsp;that you want to learn after seeing his game?</strong></p>

<p>It's not that I want to replicate something from Virender Sehwag. However, I'm a big fan of his. Hope I can also learn to hit the big shots so nonchalantly against the spinners and even pacers as he did.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>From whatever you've&nbsp;seen and observed in MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, what is that one quality that you will pick&nbsp;from the trio and add to your game?</strong></p>

<p>Virat Kohli's&nbsp;aggression and energy, MS Dhoni's match-finishing skills and calmness and Rohit Sharma's effortless stroke-making...He hits them with ease and at will. So, I'll want to take all these qualities and add to my game.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How has Shane Watson helped you in your batting? Do you talk with him about the different requirements of batting at different positions? Tell us about your interactions with the Aussie...</strong></p>

<p>Shane Watson is a legend of the game. With him,&nbsp;he often shares incidents and stories from his playing days -- how he used to approach different situations and how his thought process was during his good and bad days. This is a sport. We all will have more bad days than good ones. So, all these things.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, he emphasises and talks about the mental aspect of the game.</p>


Lalit Yadav became a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) since IPL 2020. While last year, he featured in almost half of the games for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi camp, the all-rounder has been a regular in the DC playing XI in IPL 2022.

Lalit Yadav became a part of the Delhi Capitals (DC) since IPL 2020. While last year, he featured in almost half of the games for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi camp, the all-rounder has been a regular in the DC playing XI in IPL 2022. The 25-year-old Lalit has also chipped in with handy contributions with both bat and ball. With the willow, he has had a few starts and was one of the main protagonists in DC's four-wicket win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 15 season-opener. At present, he averages at over 25 and has also scalped four wickets. Overall, he has an economy rate of 7.90. As the Delhi cricketer is learning the ropes in the star-studded DC franchise, Lalit interacted with WION's Aditya Sahay and dwelled on several aspects of his game, such as working closely with DC head coach Ricky Ponting, assistant coach Shane Watson, captain Rishabh Pant. In addition, he heaped praise on his inspiration Virender Sehwag and the famed trio -- Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. ALSO READ | From Umran Malik to Ayush Badoni: Young Indian stars who have taken IPL 2022 by storm DC have trusted you a lot over the years. How has it been working with Ricky Ponting and being led by a youngster like Rishabh Pant? The coach and captain trust me a lot. This helps in one's growth and there is no room for any self-doubt. So, the individual only thinks about his abilities and goes out to perform freely. When a youngster comes into a team, he, or she, always wants to make a mark and impress the captain coach. But if they back and trust your abilities, your work is done. You then tend to enjoy the process. You've been a handy batter at the top or middle order and can also bowl a few vital overs when required. Where do you think Delhi relies on you the most? Talk about your role within the team... It's not like Delhi depends or relies on me in one particular department. I want to contribute in any way possible and in every department. Be it batting, bowling, or fielding. The team management has trusted me in different situations and in varied roles. That is a big confidence booster in itself. I've bowled in powerplays or slog overs. If early wickets have fallen, I often get promoted or sometimes also play the role of a slogger. Overall, whenever and wherever the team needs me, I am there (smiles). ALSO READ | Rohit behind Kuldeep Yadav's comeback, Virat preferred Axar Patel, says DC spinner's childhood coach You've been inspired by Virender Sehwag a lot. What is the one specific aspect that you want to learn after seeing his game? It's not that I want to replicate something from Virender Sehwag. However, I'm a big fan of his. Hope I can also learn to hit the big shots so nonchalantly against the spinners and even pacers as he did. From whatever you've seen and observed in MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, what is that one quality that you will pick from the trio and add to your game? Virat Kohli's aggression and energy, MS Dhoni's match-finishing skills and calmness and Rohit Sharma's effortless stroke-making...He hits them with ease and at will. So, I'll want to take all these qualities and add to my game. How has Shane Watson helped you in your batting? Do you talk with him about the different requirements of batting at different positions? Tell us about your interactions with the Aussie... Shane Watson is a legend of the game. With him, he often shares incidents and stories from his playing days -- how he used to approach different situations and how his thought process was during his good and bad days. This is a sport. We all will have more bad days than good ones. So, all these things. Also, he emphasises and talks about the mental aspect of the game.

EXCLUSIVE | Want to pick Kohli's aggression, Dhoni's finishing skills and Rohit's stroke-making: Lalit Yadav

WION caught up with director John Donkin and executive producer Lori Forte-creators of 'The Ice Age Adventures of Buck Wild' on their new film and how it's a challenge to keep making consistently good and engaging films in a successful franchise.

The 'Ice Age' makers on creating part 6 of the hit franchise