NL Hafta

On this week’s episode, we have Aarti Tikoo Singh, senior assistant editor at The Times of India, joining Abhinandan Sekhri, Madhu Trehan and Manisha Pande. Abhinandan kicks off the podcast with a discussion about Kashmiri Pandits, and their association with Kashmir. The conversation then moves to Vijay Mallya, and his recent claims of an alleged meeting with the Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley. The panel talks about the credibility of his claims, and implications of such a meeting. Manisha then brings up The Indian Express’ interview with Maoist leader Pahad Singh, and Madhu asks what a journalist must keep in mind while interviewing someone in police custody. She shares her experience of interviewing Yakub Memon, and how she went about getting the interview with him. The panel also discusses the Kerala nun’s rape case, and why the bishop accused of committing the crime hasn’t been arrested yet. In addition, the team talks about faith, discusses how statements can be considered sacrilegious, and why Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh wants to pass a ‘blasphemy law’ that would convict people who make fun of religion or religious sentiments. The controversial US Open women’s final was also debated. The panel discussed whether Serena Williams stole Naomi Osaka’s moment by alleging sexism and unfair treatment by the umpire. The panel also talks about the controversial cartoon by Mark Knight. Weighing in, Aarti says that the artist is entitled to his own views and his depiction of Serena isn’t racist.