04 May 2008

Sukhbir Badal’s elevation as president of Shiromani Akali Dal is being viewed as a precursor to his becoming chief minister of Punjab. But Badal says the post shall remain with his father. In an interaction with Express staff in Chandigarh, moderated by Resident Editor (Chandigarh) Vipin Pubby, Sukhbir Badal talks about lineage, Capt Amarinder Singh, more autonomy for states, his plans for Punjab, and his own party

27 Apr 2008

P.K. Dhumal, the 16th chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, began his political career with the Bharatiya Yuva Morcha in the 1980s and has thrice been an MP. He has recently launched an Atal Bijli Yojna in his state, under which every consumer will get four CFL lamps. The idea is that the eventually the state will end up saving 100 MW, which means the Rs 80 crore invested in the project will be repaid. He also intends to revive micro-hydel projects and attract industry so that the state becomes economically viable. In an interaction moderated by ENS National Editor Shishir Gupta, Dhumal shared his plans for the state with Express staffers

20 Apr 2008

Is India a sleeping giant, a rising power, or a great global power? How does it compare or compete with China? Are Pakistan and Afghanistan flashpoints in Asia? Is there any solution to the China-Tibet stand-off? Does international business now decide diplomacy? Is nuclear non-proliferation still relevant? These are some of the questions put to Dr John Chipman, Director-General and Chief Executive of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London, at an interaction with Express staffers in New Delhi. The IISS is currently holding its first annual conference in New Delhi. The interaction was moderated by Chief of National Bureau Pranab Dhal Samanta

13 Apr 2008

She’s better known as Tulsi, the idolised and ideal bahu of the top-rated TV soap, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, on Star Plus. However, Smriti Irani is the sum of many other parts: she’s a TV producer, a scriptwriter, a TV reality show host, and an active member of the BJP. And after a hiatus, she’s back where she belongs—in the Virani household. At an interaction with the Express staffers, held at the picturesque Express Towers in Mumbai, Irani was frank in her views on many subjects, including TV soaps, mediocrity on television, Hindutva and Raj Thackeray’s attack on ‘outsiders’. The session was moderated by Consulting Editor Shailaja Bajpai

06 Apr 2008

Deepak Parekh, chairman of HDFC, has through his organisation made it possible for a many in the middle-class to own houses. He’s also a man the government hears out on matters of finance, land regulation, and the economy. In an interaction with Express staff, moderated by Contributing Editor Ila Patnaik, Parekh talks about the current problems created by a high inflation rate and the current downturn in world economy and its effects on India

30 Mar 2008

Shyam Benegal has been making highly-acclaimed films since the early seventies. In those days he had to struggle to find a footing since his themes were completely different from those of Bollywood. Over the years, he has continued to make movies with serious themes but found wide acceptance too. In an interaction with Express staff, moderated by Consulting Editor Shailaja Bajpai, Benegal spoke about recent trends in film making, film makers he admires, and how the village, the theme of many of his early films, has fallen off the map

16 Mar 2008

Industrialist Rahul Bajaj, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, spent some time interacting with Express staff. He answered questions on how family-run businesses like his are changing their outlook on how to run the show. He also said the Nano doesn’t give him sleepless nights

09 Mar 2008

Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda, a stalwart of Karnataka politics, spent some time with Express staff during a recent interaction, moderated by The Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta. He spoke about how he thinks both the Congress and the BJP did not want his JD (S) to gain strength in Karnataka, about his differences with Infosys mentor Narayana Murthy, and about his belief in astrology

02 Mar 2008

Navjot Singh Sidhu, former star cricketer, is a man who has taken on many roles. He has commentated on cricket, appeared on laugh shows, and won election as a BJP MP. In an interaction with Express staff, moderated by Sports Editor Kunal Pradhan, Sidhu talks about the difference IPL will make to the game, about the controversies during the Australia tour, and about the origin of his famed Sidhuisms

24 Feb 2008

After his success with Lagaan and Swades, director Ashutosh Gowariker has run into controversy with Jodhaa Akbar, his latest offering. In an interaction with Express staff at our Mumbai office, Gowariker talks about why he chose to make a historical film, how he interpreted the legend of Jodhaa and Akbar, and how the spectacular elephant-taming scene was shot. The interaction was moderated by Senior Assistant Editor (Films) Harneet Singh