Latest news with #Saran
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Stop fantasising about Pakistan: Top policy expert Samir Saran explains why India shouldn't worry about Asim Munir
Samir Saran advises India to prioritize regional stability over Pakistan's internal politics, advocating for a focus on strategic outcomes rather than attempting to reshape Pakistan in India's image. He suggests that India should concentrate on its own interests and regional projects, irrespective of who leads Pakistan or its political structure. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads No role for India in Pakistan's internal politics Focus on stability, not structure Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads 'That train has left the station' India should focus on outcomes, not appearances No equivalence between China and Pakistan Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads US-Pakistan ties are a 'toxic relationship' India's strategic gains happened regardless of US-Pakistan closeness Asim Munir's aggressive posture towards India India must stop fantasising about reshaping Pakistan in its own image and instead focus on achieving stable and strategic outcomes in the region, says Samir Saran , President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF). In a recent interview with ANI, the foreign policy expert said India should not concern itself with whether Pakistan is run by General Asim Munir or whether it functions as a democracy. Samir Saran said India must stop viewing Pakistan through an emotional or ideological lens and focus on what advances India's strategic to questions about General Asim Munir's growing influence and possible civilian ambitions, Saran made it clear that India should remain indifferent to Pakistan's internal power structure.'If you were to be critical of Pakistan, you would say that this is a setback to democracy and you could say that Imran Khan is a popular person,' he said. 'But my question to you is... are we looking to create the best political system in Pakistan or are we trying to create an outcome that will create stability in our relationship?'Saran argued that India's priority should be to ensure predictable and stable regional dynamics, regardless of Pakistan's internal setup.'Who is the best actor for India if we are to achieve predictable and sustainable regional security? I think that's the question we need to ask,' he added that India must not get involved in speculating whether someone like Asim Munir or any other figure should take over Pakistan's civilian leadership. 'To each his own. Again, we should not try to challenge the political arrangements of other countries,' he Pakistan's distinct political trajectory, Saran said it is unrealistic for India to expect Pakistan to evolve into a democracy similar to its own.'India should not try to fantasize about creating a Pakistan that resembles itself. That train has left the station,' he said. 'They have decided to create politics and social arrangements that are different to us.'According to Saran, Pakistan will continue to reach conclusions that are fundamentally different from India's, and New Delhi must come to terms with on past experience, Saran said India made the most progress with Pakistan during General Pervez Musharraf's tenure, despite the political differences between the two stressed that results matter more than ideological alignment. 'Let us not get distracted by something that doesn't concern us. That is their relationship. That is their marriage. God bless them,' he said, referring to the US-Pakistan relationship as also cautioned against drawing parallels between India's relationship with China and that with Pakistan. While India deals directly with China as a sovereign adversary, Pakistan engages India through proxies, he pointed out.'You have non-state actors being sent across the border to create havoc... So they are not the same,' he said. 'Here we are dealing with those in uniform, who are sending their proxies to fight for us.''We should look at what is good for us and we should pursue it,' he Saran described the longstanding US-Pakistan relationship as 'perverse' and 'toxic,' shaped by geopolitical interests that rarely change. Referring to General Asim Munir's recent high-level meetings in the US, including one with former President Donald Trump, Saran said the impact on Pakistan's internal or external posture is not India's concern.'Pakistan is a vessel state for the Americans from the past... America may still want to continue to have some control over them for their own future,' Saran said. 'The Pakistanis play the game and the Americans continue to be played.'Saran recalled how India achieved key breakthroughs in its relationship with the United States during George W. Bush's presidency, even as Washington was closely allied with then Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf.'Our biggest gains in our bilateral with the US happened at a time when the biggest gains were happening in the US-Pakistan relationship,' he added that India should abandon the mindset of trying to be anyone's 'favorite child' in global diplomacy. 'We don't need to play favorite child. We don't have to. I don't think we are anyone's child,' he Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal , has made several public statements that reflect a confrontational stance towards India. Asim Munir has made several statements against India, notably expressing strong anti-India rhetoric mainly centered around Kashmir and regional tensions:Munir referred to Kashmir as the "jugular vein of Pakistan," asserting Pakistan's deep strategic and emotional attachment to the region. He has repeatedly called for a "Free Kashmir" and supported what he terms the "legitimate struggle" of Kashmiri people, which aligns with Pakistan's backing of militant groups in speeches, Munir has accused India of "unprovoked aggression" against Pakistan, blamed India for escalating regional tensions, and warned of a strong and swift response to any future Indian military actions. He claims Pakistan has shown "restraint and maturity" despite these provocations, portraying Pakistan as a "net regional stabilizer".Munir has linked his anti-India statements to Pakistan's proxy war in Kashmir, defending terror groups as part of a just struggle and dismissing India's claims about terrorism. Intelligence reports indicate that his inflammatory speeches, including those emphasizing religious divides and conflict, possibly emboldened militant actions such as the deadly Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025.
Mint
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Empowering new voices: The Pehel mentorship programme in Mumbai theatre
Prachi Sibal Mumbai-based theatre company, Studio Tamaasha, has started 'Pehel', a structured programme for theatre beginners to introduce them to the ecosystem in the city Spread over four days, starting on the first Monday of every month, every batch is guided by a director Gift this article Earlier this year, during the Manch Theatre Festival in Mumbai, Sapan Saran, founding member of the theatre company Studio Tamaasha and actor Sukant Goel addressed a set of young theatre enthusiasts. They shared their journeys through the labyrinths of Mumbai's theatre ecosystem. Though their stories were vastly different, they had one thing in common—serendipitious beginnings that led them to strong mentors. For instance, it was a chance meeting with Satyadev Dubey which led Goel to embark on a decade-long career on stage. But such instances are only few and far in between. What about avenues for regular guidance and mentorship for aspiring theatre practitioners? Should you opt for workshops or head straight to a theatre school? Or make a beeline to the auditions and learn as you go? Saran admits that in an unorganised industry, there is no set answer. Earlier this year, during the Manch Theatre Festival in Mumbai, Sapan Saran, founding member of the theatre company Studio Tamaasha and actor Sukant Goel addressed a set of young theatre enthusiasts. They shared their journeys through the labyrinths of Mumbai's theatre ecosystem. Though their stories were vastly different, they had one thing in common—serendipitious beginnings that led them to strong mentors. For instance, it was a chance meeting with Satyadev Dubey which led Goel to embark on a decade-long career on stage. But such instances are only few and far in between. What about avenues for regular guidance and mentorship for aspiring theatre practitioners? Should you opt for workshops or head straight to a theatre school? Or make a beeline to the auditions and learn as you go? Saran admits that in an unorganised industry, there is no set answer. This is where the aptly-named 'Pehel'—a structured programme for theatre beginners by Studio Tamaasha—comes in. In a city where actor training programmes can be found by the dozen, Pehel makes its intentions clear—it is not a skill development initiative but one that introduces beginners to the requirements and ecosystem of theatre in Mumbai. In fact, the posters don't reveal the name of the director-facilitator for the batch. It is Saran's attempt to make sure that the marketing aligns with the intention of the programme. Spread over four days, starting on the first Monday of every month, every batch is guided by a director. The first one was held in May this year. They are a mix of experienced names like Sunil Shanbag, Saran herself, and Sukant Goel, and young makers like Vaishnavi RP, Atif Ally Dagman, and Nikhita Singh. The first part of the programme introduces participants to the history of Mumbai theatre and all the information they need to understand the system they are looking to inhabit. The second half is reserved for scene work. 'We want the program to have a tangible element. Scene work is for actors, directors and playwrights. You discuss motives and characters," Saran explains, adding, 'It also helps them see that there is a certain level of skill required to pursue any avenue of theatre. Plus, they do something together that helps build bonds." It is also where the idea of 'community', which is central to theatre, finds its way. At the closing session of Pehel's third batch in July, the floor was thrown open to participants for questions and sharing. While a few urged Saran and Studio Tamaasha to turn Pehel into a week-long programme, others spoke about looking forward to working with their peers. Members of the initial two batches were invited for the exchange as well. Their camaraderie was palpable and they spoke about watching plays together. At the end of it, participants were handed a carefully compiled resource book that lists theatre makers, groups, venues, and so much more. 'I think it starts with the resource book. It's shared with trust and aligns you with the vision of the program. They understand that stepping into theatre is about more than individual identity," says Saran. While the programme ends in four days, the engagement doesn't. Participants are invited to join a WhatsApp group that includes members from all batches. Here, Saran shares a list of recommended plays and other performing arts events to watch in the weeks ahead. Every month, they are also invited to watch a play together, free of cost. The last such outing was Parna Pethe's Something Like Truth. The group had a 45-minute discussion following the show. Training programmes for newcomers have always been central to Studio Tamaasha's ethos. This is carried forward in Pehel. The programme is self-funded, and has only a token fee. It invites participants from diverse backgrounds. The only criteria is that they should either be new to theatre or to the city. Every batch has a minimum of five and maximum of 12 selected participants from the 25-30 applications they receive. 'Consistency is key for a program like this," she says. After six batches are completed, Pehel will take a short break to take stock of the learnings of the past few months. 'We also have many ideas about adding a second stage to the programme," shares Saran. But for now, she revels in the fact that a beginner's program has been able to foster a sense of community and add newcomers to the theatre pool in the city. There are also other rewards. 'A participant told me recently that before coming to Pehel, he would leave immediately after having watched a play at Prithvi Theatre. Now, he goes with his Pehel gang and they stand there, discuss the play and meet the makers," she says. The next round of Pehel begins on 4 August. Prachi Sibal is a Mumbai-based culture writer. Topics You May Be Interested In
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Business Standard
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Best of BS Opinion: High drama, stark contrasts, and subtle turns
There's something timeless about watching old Bollywood films. The slow pans, dramatic lighting, and silent longing in a glance, everything was coded, layered, and deceptively simple. Unlike the flashy saturation of today's Instagram reels, those monochrome moments knew that complexity often hides in contrast. That's how the current world feels too. At first glance, it seems disparate: inflation numbers, a language row, China's strategic tone, income inequality debates, and a re-examination of India-Israel relations. But like the classics, each carries subtext, contradiction, and a black-and-white simplicity that only deepens with closer look. Let's dive in. Take India's cooling inflation. Vegetable prices dipped by nearly 19 per cent in June, pulling retail inflation down to 2.1 per cent. But under that calm surface, oils and fats jumped 17 per cent, and core inflation remains sticky. As the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee weighs holding the repo at 5.5 per cent, the script shifts from price control to long-term reforms, notes our first editorial. The good monsoon may play hero this season, but the central bank, ever the stoic lead, refuses to overact. Meanwhile, the three-language formula of NEP 2020 is sparking fresh regional drama. In Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, it's not just about learning Hindi, it's about identity, autonomy, and electoral posturing. The Centre's push is seen by some as cultural dominance, though the Madras High Court ruled that RTE funds can't be held back over NEP non-compliance. The debate is familiar, and like in black-and-white films, what's left unsaid often says the most, highlights our second editorial. Overseas, the dragon is rewriting its own script. Shyam Saran finds China's confidence growing despite economic stumbles, rooted in its reading of American decline. With PLA purges and renewed aggression towards India, Beijing is back to playing antagonist, but with a sharper edge, more willing to back Pakistan, and dismissive of Indian clout. India, Saran warns, needs to shift from reactive cameos to strategic lead. At home, Ram Singh challenges the popular belief that inequality is soaring. The World Bank's latest data suggests India now has one of the lowest consumption inequality rates globally. Critics cite missing elite data, but Singh argues that even flawed numbers show a trend: more equitable consumption, stronger welfare, and a rise in bottom-half income share. The story of India's poor isn't just poverty anymore, it's progress too. Finally, Chintan Girish Modi reviews Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance between India and Israel, where Azad Essa explores India-Israel ties not as new-age alignment but as a long-standing, pragmatic bond. Essa draws a line from secret arms deals in 1962 to the booming defence trade today, arguing ideology isn't the main glue, strategy is. Stay tuned!
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Ivan Thanthiran 2 goes on floors; Saran to headline R Kannan directorial
Saran, known for films like Vada Chennai and K.G.F: Chapter 2, is all set to headline Ivan Thanthiran 2, the sequel to Gautham Karthik's Ivan Thanthiran (2017). R Kannan, the director of the original, is returning to helm the sequel. The film recently commenced filming. Backed by Masala Pix, Ivan Thanthiran 2 will also star newcomer Sashank. Sindhu Priya, who has worked in Indian 3 and Iru Dhuruvam, plays the female lead. Samuthirakani will be seen as the antagonist, while Thambi Ramaiah, Jagan, and Redin Kingsley will also be seen in pivotal roles.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rudy seeks Padma honour for Bhikhari Thakur
Chhapra: Saran MP, Rajiv Pratap Rudy , on Tuesday demanded Padma Bhushan to Bhojpuri folk dramatist and social activist, Bhikhari Thakur. Rudy in this regard wrote separate letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah. He also submitted his demand online on the govt of India portal. Rudy said he would raise this demand in the upcoming session of Parliament. To further step up the demand, he would meet all the MPs of Bihar and take their signatures so that it can be placed before the govt. He said Thakur's plays like 'Bideshiya', 'Beti-Bechwa', 'Gabar Ghichor' and 'Vidhwa Vilap' have left a mark in the society while attacking the dowry system, oppression of women and pain of migrant workers. He further said Thakur gave Bhojpuri the status of literature.
