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Tag: Barun Das

  • News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    News9’s ‘Duologue NXT’ hands the mic to women ‘set for the big leap’

    MUMBAI: Move over monologues, Duologue is back, and this time, it’s passing the spotlight to women ready to take the big leap. TV9 Network has launched ‘Duologue NXT’, presented by Radico Khaitan, as the newest chapter of its acclaimed ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ series, now in its fourth season.

    Hosted by TV9 Network, md & ceo, Barun Das, ‘Duologue NXT’ blends the intimacy of a podcast with the power of a movement. It puts future-forward women achievers centre stage, showcasing their grit, ambition, and next big goals. From enterprise and aviation to global cinema, fashion, and glamour, the line-up promises conversations that go beyond clichés and cut through the noise.

    “This is more than dialogue; it’s a movement championing women-led development,” said Das. “By amplifying their voices, we hope to inspire not only women but also men to break barriers and aim higher.”

    Radico Khaitan, continuing its three-year association with ‘Duologue’, echoed the sentiment. Coo Amar Sinha said, “True progress stems from inclusivity. Our partnership with Duologue NXT reflects our commitment to celebrating women achievers and fuelling India’s women-led growth story.”

    With its pledge to focus on substance over tokenism, the show explores the idea that “what got you here won’t get you there.” Each conversation is designed to inspire audiences across generations with strategies, stories, and success paths for the future.

    For ‘Duologue,’ which has already hosted luminaries like David Cameron, Oliver Kahn, NR Narayana Murthy, and Allu Arjun, this new season is a bold leap in itself, proof that the Sheconomy isn’t just a buzzword but a movement in motion.
     

  • TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    TV9 brings News9 Global Summit to Dubai, bridging business with Hindi cinema

    MUMBAI: As cricket fans mourn India’s latest middle-order collapse and the mercury soars in Noida, TV9 Network is setting its sights westward with diplomatic flair and some celebrity swagger. The media giant has officially launched the second international edition of its News9 Global Summit, and this time it’s Dubai that will host the event, themed ‘India-UAE: Partnership for Prosperity and Progress’.

    Set to take place on 19 June 2025 at the Taj Dubai, the summit promises a medley of cross-border policy, economic dialogue, and cultural exchange. The line-up spans heavyweight bureaucrats, billionaire entrepreneurs, artificial intelligence enthusiasts, and those who like their cameras facing them—Hindi cinema celebrities.

    Union minister of Oil and Gas Hardeep Singh Puri will deliver the keynote address, while India’s ambassador to the UAE Sunjay Sudhir will speak on strengthening strategic ties. Spiritual leader Pujya Brahmavihari Swami of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha will delve into the religious bonds bridging the two nations.

    The UAE edition follows the summit’s maiden voyage to Stuttgart, Germany in November 2024. With this initiative, TV9 aims to position the News9 Global Summit as a soft power lever that fosters investment, bilateral cooperation, and cultural understanding between India and its key global partners.

    “Following the momentum generated by our first Global Summit in Germany, we are excited to bring News9 Global Summit to the UAE, a thriving nation of innovation and commerce. This platform reflects our vision to create meaningful, cross-border partnerships that drive sustainable progress. India and the UAE share a dynamic relationship, and the Summit will be a pivotal space for dialogue and collaboration”, said TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das.

    The summit’s agenda covers pressing topics such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the India-middle east-Europe Corridor (IMEC), start-up synergies, tariffs, and AI integration. It will also celebrate cultural harmony, with Indian and Emirati influencers, creators and changemakers lending their voice.

    Celebrity firepower will come courtesy of Suniel Shetty, Ektaa Kapoor and Nargis Fakhri, among others, adding Hindi cinema glamour to the policy-packed schedule.

    The event is backed by an ensemble of patrons and sponsors. UAE-based Buimerc is the Summit Patron, with De Beers, Tata AIG Insurance, and the National Egg Co-ordination Committee as associate sponsors. Classmate, Hanok, JK Super Cement and Womenpreneur magazine are partners, while SKIL Travels handles logistics. Soil and Sita Vatika are on board as celebration partners. Famous Studios is the entertainment partner, Khaleej Times is the media partner, and the Indian People’s Forum is the official diaspora partner.

    Live updates will roll out on @News9Tweets, while the action unfolds across News9 and other TV9 Network channels.

  • TV9 Network to host second News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart to power Indo-German ties

    TV9 Network to host second News9 Global Summit in Stuttgart to power Indo-German ties

    MUMBAI: If diplomacy had a passport, it would likely be stamped in Stuttgart this October. TV9 Network is flying its flagship summit back to Europe, announcing the second edition of the News9 Global Summit to be held in Stuttgart, Germany, from 8-10 October 2025. The event celebrates 25 years of the Indo-German partnership and marks a decade of strategic state-level cooperation between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg.

    At a press conference in Noida, TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das joined Baden-Württemberg sate secretary Florian Hassler and VfB Stuttgart 1893 AG chief marketing & sales officer Rouven Kasper to officially unveil the summit’s second act. With a theme rooted in cooperation over competition, the summit aims to spark robust discussions around democracy, sustainable development, and cross-border innovation.

    “The second edition of the News9 Global Summit is a bridge between two innovation-driven democracies”, said Das. “India and Germany fit each other like a jigsaw puzzle. India brings scale, a tech-savvy workforce, and demand, while Germany contributes technology and precision”.

    Das stressed that collaboration, not conquest, is the need of the hour. “We don’t have to win at the loss of somebody else”, he said, highlighting the potential for both nations to chart a shared growth trajectory.

    The summit will bring together leaders from politics, academia, and business for three days of candid conversation on the future of democracy, trade, development, and global cooperation. Special attention will be given to the unique bond between Maharashtra and Baden-Württemberg, showcasing how sub-national partnerships can fuel international diplomacy.

    “As we celebrate 25 years of Indo-German partnership, Baden-Württemberg is proud to host the News9 Global Summit”, Hassler noted. “This platform strengthens our ties with India, fosters innovation, and promotes democratic dialogue”.

    Kasper, who saw the summit’s inaugural edition strike a chord, expects a sequel worth the build-up. “Last year, the summit was a tremendous success”, he said. “This year, we’re ready to turn up the volume on ideas that matter, with speakers and discussions that go beyond borders”.

    The Stuttgart gathering will also spotlight the city’s growing role in global diplomacy. The Summit is designed to be more than just a talking shop – it aims to offer real-world solutions on sustainability, trade, technology and people-to-people connections.

    TV9 Network, known for its expansive regional footprint, is also using the occasion to reinforce India’s robust and plural media ecosystem, a point Das proudly acknowledged.

    As geopolitics evolves at breakneck speed, the 2025 edition of the News9 Global Summit positions itself not just as a celebration of the past but as a compass for the future.

  • TV9 Marathi surfs on to DD Free Dish; expands reach

    TV9 Marathi surfs on to DD Free Dish; expands reach

    MUMBAI: TV9 Marathi has become the first Marathi news channel to launch on DD Free Dish, India’s largest free-to-air direct-to-home platform. This strategic move significantly broadens the channel’s viewership, delivering Marathi news to millions of additional households across Maharashtra.

    “At TV9, we have already created many firsts in the industry. While certain organisations may adopt controversial methods to grow viewership, here is another meaningful first from TV9 Network: TV9 Marathi is the first regional language news channel available on DD Free Dish. We are glad that we will now be able to reach the vast DD Free Dish audience, that has been so far deprived of TV9 Marathi,” said TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das.

    TV9 Marathi has consistently led the Marathi news genre for three consecutive years, according to BARC data, claimed TV9 in a press release. The channel’s innovative programming and in-depth reporting have established it as a primary source of news for viewers in Maharashtra. The move to DD Free Dish further solidifies this position.

    TV9 Marathi business head Bhushan Khot highlighted: “TV9 Marathi has been a dominant leader for three years and has become the one and only choice of viewers; hence, we have a new brand positioning that suits our aggressive style of news reporting and presentation and our entire approach as a fearless brand. The brand positioning of TV9 Marathi, Ekmev (one and only), reaffirms the fact that TV9 Marathi is the ultimate news destination for viewers in Maharashtra.” 

    TV9 managing editor Umesh Kumawat added:  “TV9 Marathi will now, give the viewers of DD Free Dish an opportunity to watch Maharashtra’s Ekamev of Marathi news. TV9 Marathi has been a trendsetter in the Marathi news genre and has brought a key shift in news presentation, which the competition has often tried to follow. From common people to decision-makers, all rely on TV9 Marathi for news breaks and updates, which shows the kind of trust the brand has built over the years.”

  • TV9 rallies India Inc with Gopichand for smashing badminton showdown

    TV9 rallies India Inc with Gopichand for smashing badminton showdown

    MUMBAI: Move over boardroom battles, it’s time to settle scores on the badminton court. TV9 Network has announced the launch of the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, in partnership with the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, bringing a new spin to corporate fitness and team spirit.

    After scoring big with its Corporate Football Cup, TV9 is now rallying professionals to pick up their rackets. The championship promises more than just a shuttle showdown, it’s a celebration of work-life balance, camaraderie, and competitive flair.

    TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das said, “We believe in sporting events that go beyond competition. They inspire fitness, teamwork and a sense of community. The Corporate Badminton Championship is another step in building a larger ecosystem of corporate sport.”

    With Hyderabad’s legendary sporting legacy as its backdrop, the championship finds a fitting home at the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, a temple of talent that has produced Olympic stars like PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.

    TV9 Network-South, chief operating officer, and News9 director corporate badminton championship Vikram K said, “Hyderabad has long been celebrated as a hub for well-established industries like IT, Pharma, Biotech, and Startups. But beyond being a business powerhouse, it has also emerged as a cradle of sporting excellence producing icons like Pullela Gopichand, Sania Mirza, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Satwik Sairaj, and Chirag Shetty and more. We are proud to launch the first season of the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship in this city of champions. With the legacy of Padma Bhushan Pullela Gopichand as a backdrop, this tournament is a salute to both passion and performance. It offers working professionals a well-deserved break from the daily hustle, a chance to compete, connect, and celebrate their love for sport. At TV9, we believe in building communities that thrive not just at work, but also in well-being and togetherness.”

    India National Badminton Team chief national coach Pullela Gopichand said, “Badminton has given me everything and I believe it has something to offer everyone. With the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, we’re bringing that passion, love of the game to the corporate world. Join us and be a part of this exciting movement!”

    The format includes Men’s and Open categories, with singles and doubles matches. Open Category teams must include at least one female player, encouraging inclusive participation.

    But this isn’t just about bragging rights. Winners stand to bag cash prizes of up to Rs 6,00,000, along with exclusive two-day coaching sessions at the prestigious Gopichand Academy. They’ll also receive invites to elite badminton tournaments across India making this a game-changing opportunity for rising talent.  

    The tournament is open to companies and LLPs that have been operational for at least two years with a minimum of ten employees. It’s a rare opportunity for professionals to swap presentations for precision smashes and play under the guidance of the very coach who shaped India’s badminton dreams.

    As the courts light up and teams take their positions, TV9’s latest initiative proves that the real corporate champions might just be found in sports shoes, not suits. Let the rallies begin!

  • TV9 Summit 2025 puts India’s global rise in the spotlight

    TV9 Summit 2025 puts India’s global rise in the spotlight

    MUMBAI: TV9 Network hosted the third edition of its flagship ‘What India Thinks Today Summit’ on 28 and 29 March 2025 at the iconic Bharat Mandapam. With the theme ‘India in the New World Order’, the two-day summit carved out a dynamic global platform for thought leaders, ministers, cultural icons, and business visionaries to chart India’s path in an evolving geopolitical landscape.

    Prime minister Narendra Modi headlined the event with a powerful keynote address, calling the summit a vital forum shaping the nation’s future. “The ideas exchanged here will define India’s future,” he stated, adding, “What TV9 thinks today, other channels will follow.”

    The event began with an impactful session featuring Union minister Nitin Gadkari, who made a headline-grabbing announcement, “A big decision on toll within a week, public concerns will be addressed soon.”

    Actors Vijay Deverakonda and Yami Gautam brought cinematic flair to the stage, offering personal insights into fame and success. Meanwhile, actors Amit Sadh and Jim Sarbh stirred excitement with a preview of their upcoming thriller, Pune Highway.

    A moving moment came when 28 winners of News9’s Indian Tigers and Tigresses India’s largest youth football talent hunt were felicitated and posed for a group photo with the prime minister himself.

    TV9 Network MD & CEO of Barun Das, reflected on the global vision,“We at TV9 Network have initiated our engagement last year in the News9 Global Summit at Stuttgart, Germany, which will be bigger and better in October, later this year. We also have two more geographies on our radar, the UAE and the USA for News9 Global Summit. These are initiatives that precede TV9 Network’s Global expansion under the guidance of our chairman, Rameshwar Rao.”

    The second day adopted a dual-track format, diving into national issues and the global economic landscape. Union ministers including Piyush Goyal, Ashwini Vaishnaw, G. Kishan Reddy, and Chirag Paswan shared insights on governance and policy. chief ministers Rekha Gupta, Bhagwant Mann, Mohan Yadav, Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed challenges such as secularism, welfare policies, and the Uniform Civil Code.

    The summit also brought out a spectrum of political perspectives from figures like Smriti Irani, Randeep Surjewala, Imran Pratapgarhi, and RSS’s Sunil Ambekar. Healthcare was in sharp focus, with Navneet Saluja of Haleon (Sensodyne) dissecting India’s approach to public health, and Vedanta’s Anil Agarwal delivering a keynote on global business readiness.

    On the international front, former UNGA President Abdulla Shahid spoke about the Global south’s rise, while cultural voice Pandit Dhirendra Shastri addressed the event as a ‘Hindu Crusader’.

    Economic deliberations gained momentum with a virtual address from chief economic advisor V. Anantha Nageswaran, followed by in-depth panels on AI, e-mobility, infrastructure, sustainability, and education. Eminent voices like K.T. Mahhe (Sreenidhi University), Abhishek Singh (IndiaAI), Hisashi Takeuchi (Maruti Suzuki), Rajesh Nambiar (NASSCOM), and Nilesh Shah (Kotak AMC) enriched the conversation.

    Backed by marquee sponsors including Sensodyne, Sreenidhi University, HP Lubricants, Tata Motors, and Government partners from Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, the summit was a showcase of collaboration and vision.

    With sessions now available on News9’s Youtube channel and News9 Plus, this landmark summit continues to ripple across conversations, shaping how India is perceived—and how it positions itself—in the global order.

  • Viswanathan Anand decodes the game of deception in a high tea duologue with Barun Das

    Viswanathan Anand decodes the game of deception in a high tea duologue with Barun Das

    MUMBAI: The latest episode of Duologue with Barun Das, airing on News9 on 15 March at 10 pm, features a compelling exchange between TV9 Network’s MD & CEO Barun Das, and chess legend Viswanathan Anand. Known for its deep, thought-provoking conversations, Duologue once again delivers an intellectual discourse that goes beyond the surface.

    Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, delves into how chess mirrors life, shaping critical thinking and resilience. Reflecting on his playing style, he remarked, “How you approach chess often reflects your approach to life.” With humour, he recalled his mother’s jest, “If I hated losing in chess as much as in cards, I’d be a better player.”  

    Das described the conversation as “a fascinating dive into Anand’s visionary outlook on chess, AI, and life itself.” He added, “In chess, checkmate signals the end, but in this duologue, the discussion only deepens, sparking new perspectives and ideas.”

    Anand shared his views, the sport’s potential inclusion in the Olympics, and the growing prize money, especially in women’s chess. He also addressed the Nikhil Kamath controversy, acknowledging it as an unfortunate event.

    Anand noted that computers have surpassed human players for over 25 years, with AI-driven neural networks revolutionising chess even further. Instead of resisting change, he believes players must learn to ask the right questions rather than seek fixed answers.

    As Duologue nears the end of its third season, this episode stands out as an insightful and engaging discussion. Don’t miss it on News9 this Friday at 10 pm.

  • Barun Das outshines himself on his Duologue show

    Barun Das outshines himself on his Duologue show

    MUMBAI: The highly anticipated third series of ‘Duologue with Barun Das’ returns to News9 with acclaimed filmmaker Kiran Rao leading the season premiere on 22nd February 2025. The programme, which has established itself as a cornerstone for intellectual discourse, features TV9 Network’s Managing Director and CEO Barun Das in conversation with thought leaders from various spheres.

    In this opening episode, Rao, known for her distinctive filmmaking style, offers a penetrating analysis of contemporary Indian cinema and its evolving narrative landscape. She particularly emphasises the transformation of storytelling in the digital age, noting that “we are all storytellers in some way, thanks to social media. It’s an interesting world to be telling stories in.”

    The filmmaker presents a candid assessment of Bollywood’s post-pandemic challenges, highlighting the industry’s need to recalibrate its approach. “We were perhaps a little complacent, assuming people would return to theatres regardless of what we made. That’s no longer the case”, she reflects, pointing to the significant impact of streaming platforms on audience expectations and reach.

    The conversation takes a compelling turn as Rao addresses profound social issues, particularly focusing on gender dynamics in Indian society. She delivers a pointed critique of institutional biases, highlighting how women’s identities are often legally tethered to their male relatives. “Even today, legal documents link women’s identities to the men in their lives – as someone’s wife or daughter. That needs to change”, she asserts.

    Rao also challenges prevailing societal narratives about women’s roles, particularly the glorification of multitasking. She presents a thought-provoking perspective on unpaid domestic labour, questioning the sustainability of current social structures if women were to fully enter the workforce.

    Das, reflecting on the episode, praises Rao’s ability to weave complex social themes into accessible discourse. “Her ability to weave profound social themes into storytelling is remarkable”, he notes, emphasising how the conversation embodies the programme’s mission to challenge established perspectives.

    The Oscar-nominated director reciprocated the praise, describing the interview as “one of the most engaging and enriching conversations” she’s experienced. She particularly noted Das’s ability to introduce fresh perspectives, teasing viewers with mention of “a formula that I am going to remember for life”, the details of which will be revealed in the broadcast.

    The two-part season premiere will air on News9 at 22:00 on consecutive evenings, 22 and 23 February 2025, promising viewers an intellectual feast of ideas spanning cinema, society, and cultural evolution. The programme continues its tradition of fostering nuanced dialogue on pressing contemporary issues, making it a must-watch for audiences seeking thoughtful discourse on the intersection of art, society, and media.

  • News9 becomes the arena for live football

    News9 becomes the arena for live football

    MUMBAI: In a moment as unpredictable as a last-minute goal, News9 shattered the conventional boundaries of news broadcasting by stepping onto the turf of live sports. On 4 December, the channel made history as the first Indian news network to air a professional football match, delivering Bayer Leverkusen’s nail-biting 1-0 triumph over Bayern Munich in the German Cup directly from the iconic Allianz Arena. A gamble so audacious it bordered on bizarre, this bold move rewrote the rules of news broadcasting—proving, as they say, that sometimes the wildest ideas yield the greatest victories.

    The live broadcast showcased News9’s commitment to redefining news content by integrating sports and entertainment, captivating a broader audience. The match, rich in drama, featured Bayer Leverkusen’s resilience against the might of Bayern Munich, led by a game-changing header from substitute Nathan Tella in the 69 minute. Bayern Munich, reduced to 10 men after Manuel Neuer’s red card in the 17 minute, failed to break through despite standout performances by Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka.

    “This is a historic moment not just for News9 but for Indian news media as a whole,” said TV9 Network, MD & CEO, Barun Das. “Bringing live football action to a news platform demonstrates our commitment to evolving news content to meet the diverse interests of our audience. This marks the beginning of a new era in engaging and relevant broadcasting.”

    News9 complemented its live telecast with in-depth pre- and post-match analysis, featuring insights from seasoned football experts. The channel also offered a concise recap for viewers, highlighting Bayer Leverkusen’s determination and Bayern Munich’s first defeat of the season in league and cup matches.

    News9’s foray into live sports broadcasting signals a bold step forward in blending news with entertainment. This initiative underscores the channel’s innovative approach to broadening its audience base while maintaining its commitment to quality journalism.

  • SFA & TV9 kick off U-14 football talent hunt

    SFA & TV9 kick off U-14 football talent hunt

    Mumbai: Sports For All (SFA) has partnered with TV9 Network to support the ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ campaign, a talent hunt for under-14 boys and girls. At the ongoing SFA Championships in Hyderabad, footballers can register for the campaign at a kiosk. The SFA Championships feature over 23,000 students from nearly 400 schools, running from 15 to 28 October, 2024.

    SFA chief revenue officer Darpan Kumar said, “We are excited to partner with TV9 and the ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ at the SFA Championships in Hyderabad. This collaboration strengthens our mission to inspire young athletes and promote grassroots sports excellence across India, fostering the next generation of sporting talent.”

    TV9 Network MD & CEO Barun Das said, “The News9 ‘Indian Tigers & Tigresses’ initiative is a matter of great pride for us, as takes football in a whole new direction in India. We envision a future where Indian footballers are given opportunities to be in the global spotlight akin to any of the major footballing nations in the West. This is also one of the pillars that need to be leveraged in India’s ascendancy in the global head table. That starts by giving these players a level playing field, by making football a serious career option for these talented youngsters, and training them to be world-class players from a young age. This is not just about finding out what you are good at – it is about opening doors and lighting up thousands of dreams.”

    The ‘Indian Tigers and Tigresses’ campaign, launched in April 2024 through a partnership with football organisations such as DFB, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund, the International Football Institute, and others, aims to provide young football talent global exposure. The SFA Championships are part of SFA’s initiative to professionalise, organise, and monetise grassroots sports in India. The 2024-25 championships will be held in 10 cities, with 150,000 students from over 7,000 schools competing in 31 sports.

    All matches, including football, will be streamed live on Sfaplay.com.