Talk Asia
CNN's Talk Asia programme features celebrity interviews, topical discussion and personal insight focusing on Asia's leading business, political and entertainment personalities.
Recent Guests on Talk Asia include:
Gregory David Roberts
His extraordinary life has encompassed being an internationally-sought fugitive living in a Mumbai slum to a celebrated author with Hollywood calling. On this week’s TALK ASIA, Gregory David Roberts, author of “Shantaram” shares with host Anjali Rao his life in exile, touring one of India’s poorest communities and the places which inspired the critically-acclaimed novel.
In his 57 years, the Australian author has robbed banks, escaped from prison, been a doctor in a Mumbai slum, joined the Mafia, fought against Soviet forces in Afghanistan and married a princess. The experiences form the basis of “Shantaram”, a novel loosely based on his life.
Edison Chen
He has been at the center of Asia's biggest sex scandal, but now actor Edison Chen has broken his silence on the public episode that has ended careers and caused him to face at least one reported death threat.
Talking exclusively to CNN on his return to Hong Kong, where he had been forging a career in the movies, Chen reveals his side of the scandal that broke in early last year when hundreds of sexually explicit photos of Chen with other celebrities turned up on the Internet.
A.R.Rahman
He’s sold hundreds of millions of albums and was recently named as one of the world’s most influential people by Time Magazine: A R Rahman has risen to global prominence with his work on ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, which saw him become the first Indian to win two Academy Awards. The soundtrack also spawned the worldwide hit “Jai Ho”, which was covered by The Pussycat Dolls.
This week, TALK ASIA travels to Rahman’s home in Chennai, where the media-shy composer sits down for an expansive interview with CNN’s Anjali Rao. He also opens the doors to his recording studio, revealing the composing process which has lead to a glittering music career. Finally, Rahman takes TALK ASIA on a tour of his new conservatory, where he hopes to create India’s first philharmonic orchestra.
John Woo
Film director John Woo is arguably one of the most influential directors today and his two-part historical epic ‘Red Cliff’ marks a return to China for Woo. Widely recognized for his stylized Hong Kong action films such as ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and ‘The Killer’, Woo moved to Hollywood with successes such as ‘Face Off’ and ‘Mission Impossible 2’. CNN's Talk Asia visits the set of his latest film ‘Red Cliff’ and then attends the premier of ‘Red Cliff 2’ in Hong Kong with Woo. The director also sits down with Anjali Rao to tell her about working with such stars as Tom Cruise and Nicholas Cage. Woo also tells some of his own stories of growing up in the slums of Hong Kong.
Kazuki Nakajima
He's the only Asian driver in Formula One, racing for former Champions Williams. Talk Asia follows Kazuki Nakajima as he prepares for the Malaysian Grand Prix, trains in the Dubai heat and returns home to meet fans in Japan. He discusses his hopes for the season, thoughts on the dominance of Brawn GP and the pressure he feels following his father into Formula One racing.
Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao has established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the sport of boxing today. He's often referred to as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world; a position cemented with his stunning defeat of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya. Pacquiao is now in the final stages of training for an upcoming bout with Britain's Ricky Hatton. The Las Vegas showdown is being billed as "The Match of the Year."
Anjali Rao asks the fighter about his love of his native Philippines. The show also takes viewers to the small town of General Santos, where Pacquiao is revered for his boxing skills and community activism.
Oliver Stone
Critically acclaimed and often controversial director Oliver Stone returns with the eagerly awaited film 'W', a biopic on former U.S President George W. Bush. Stone visits Hong Kong and tells ‘Talk Asia’ host Anjali Rao what he thinks of the former President Bush, the new President Barack Obama, the war on terror and the current economic crisis.
Lang Lang
Lang Lang, already a huge star in his native China, was catapulted onto the international stage when he performed at last year's Olympic games. Today he can hardly walk a few feet in Beijing without being mobbed by adoring fans. CNN is with the unique star from New York's Carnegie Hall to China's National Theater.
Aamir Khan
Bollywood A-lister and Padmashree, Aamir Khan, joined CNN's special edition of ‘Talk Asia' filmed in front of a live studio audience in Mumbai, where he shared with host Anjali Rao his opinion on leading Bollywood actors, his sentiments on the Mumbai terror attacks and more.
Zhang Xin
Zhang Xin is one of Asia's most successful businesswomen. She co-founded SOHO China with her husband, Pan Shiyi, in 1995. Today the company is one of the largest property development firms in the country. CNN’s Anjali Rao speaks with the dynamic businesswoman and gets her insights on China’s rapid urbanization. Zhang also addresses how SOHO China is grappling with the turbulent economic times. She is also remarkably candid when it comes to the sensitive issue of corruption in China.
Beijing's Rocking Music Scene
Beijing is a city rich in history and culture, but beneath the surface is a growing underground music scene that is capturing a new generation of fans. On this week's TALK ASIA Anjali Rao takes a tour of the city's emerging and diverse music landscape with veteran indie rockers Buyi.
Jimmy Lai
He's now a billionaire businessman and also the founder of one of the world's biggest and most controversial Chinese language media groups. Jimmy Lai's road to riches story has not been an easy one. This episode on TALK ASIA, Lai tells CNN's Anjali Rao how he went from a young boy in mainland China selling cheap goods during hard times to being a successful media tycoon and an outspoken critic of the Chinese government.
Wang Lee-Hom
Taiwanese singer, actor and all around hearthrob, Wang Lee-Hom has revolutionized Chinese language music, mixing sounds from east and west. He joins talkasia as he prepares for his classical stage debut.
Vivienne Westwood
Fashion's eternal Bad Girl, Vivienne Westwood pioneered Punk and has since spent 30 years at the top of the industry. She speaks to Anjali Rao about her life and looks back on her career while touring a retrospective exhibition of her designs.
Bill Clinton
Eight years after Bill Clinton left the White House, the 42nd President of the United States of America still looms large on the world stage, often attracting the kind of attention usually only reserved for incumbent presidents. On this week's Talk Asia, the former U.S. president speaks for the first time about his wife's new position with Barack Obama, the concessions he will have to make, and thoughts on the global economy.
Donatella Versace
As recognizable as the brand itself, Donatella Versace is adamant about one thing in fashion: "Fashion is not frivolous," she told CNN.
It may not be frivolous, but in many respects it is a form of fantasy, something that Versace has developed as head of the Italian fashion house since taking over the reigns after the tragic death of her brother Gianni.
"We sell a lifestyle, so to own one piece of Versace is like to own a whole outfit of expensive things. That's why we do many different things," she told CNN.
Sanath Jayasuriya
Growing up in a small Sri Lankan fishing town, cricket changed Sanath Jayasuriya's life. But his association with the game and humanitarian work has also helped transform the lives of many others. On this weeks' talk asia the legendary batsman discusses how he revolutionized the ond day game, the dramatic changes that cricket is currently undergoing, and how his fame in some part helped his mother survive the south asian tsunami in 2004.
Nandan Nilekani
Nandan Nilekani is known as the Bill Gates of India. As co-founder of Infosys Technologies--first Indian IT company to list on the NASDAQ--Nilekani is most responsible for the outsourcing boom and subsequent social transformation taking place in India. He was named one of Asia's 25 most powerful people by Fortune Magazine, 100 most influential people in the World by Time, and awarded the Padma Bhusan--India's third highest civilian prize for his contribution to the Indian economy.
As he prepares to launch his debut book Imagining India--Ideas for the new Century, Nilekani speaks to Talk Asia about the impact of the global economic crisis on India and where the country is heading.
Dan Carter
New Zealand rugby star Daniel William Carter, made his debut at the 2002 Under 21 World Cup in South Africa and found himself in an All Blacks jersey soon after. As the All Black's Fly Half, arguably the most flashy and eye-catching position in rugby, Carter is constantly under the spotlight.
Carter is currently on tour with the All Blacks in Europe and on this weekend's TALK ASIA, he gives CNN's Anjali Rao a rugby kicking tutorial, giving out top tips for aspiring All Blacks players and demonstrating kicks from a professional fly half. An soon to be temporary member of the French team USA Perpignan, he also shares his thoughts on moving to France in the upcoming season, hopes for the next World Cup and feelings about being a "sex symbol".
Midori Goto
She is only 37 years old, but violinist Midori Goto has already spent 25 years taking center-stage with the world's best orchestras. Hugh Riminton speaks to Japanese violinist and former child prodigy Midori Goto as Talk Asia follows her in the build up to her concert in Hong Kong.
Sa Dingding
Dubbed “Asia’s Bjork”, Sa Dingding sings in Mandarin, Tibetan, Sanskrit, and her own self-created language. Already hugely popular in China, she is now poised to crack world music: her first album sold more than two million copies and scooped a prestigious award in Britain, which saw her performing at Royal Albert Hall in London. This weekend’s TALK ASIA follows Sa backstage on her tour of European music festivals and visits her recording and design studios in Beijing - while host Anjali Rao listens to an exclusive sneak preview of her soon-to-be-released new album.
Jay Chou
Born in Taiwan, singer-songwriter turned actor-director Jay Chou’s big break came when he entered a local talent show. Today his unique musical style has fans all over the world with his last album selling more than three million copies a month in Asia alone. TALK ASIA visits the award-winning 29-year-old Chou at his Mr. J restaurant in Taipei.
Bobby Chin
Half Egyptian, half Chinese, born in New Zealand, educated in the U.S. and the U.K. celebrity chef and food/travel show host Bobby Chinn often refers to himself as an ‘ethnic mutt'. On this weekend's ‘TALK ASIA', the Hanoi restaurateur and TV chef takes Anjali Rao into his kitchen, discusses his multicultural background, his transition from Wall Street trader to restaurant owner and TV personality and talks about other food show hosts Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain.
Sebastian Coe
With the 2008 Olympics now well underway, the head of London 2012 is in Beijing to find out first hand what it takes to host the Games. Former Olympics champion Sebastian Coe joins Anjali Rao on this weekend’s TALK ASIA to discuss Beijing’s experience as a host city, how China has handled controversial issues and the blueprint for the London Olympics.
Yao Ming
Arguably the most internationally successful and recognized athlete that China has ever produced, Yao Ming joins CNN's TALK ASIA as part of the network’s focus on the Beijing Olympic Games. Viewers follow TALK ASIA to Houston, Texas to see Yao in training and he discusses the Olympics, how much he was personally affected by the Sichuan earthquake, life in the U.S and even his amusing take on his newlywed status. Also see why the NBA star’s fractured left foot has left millions of fans in China and around the world concerned for his Olympic chances.
Dr. Shi Zhengrong
The increasing global focus on renewable energy could not have come at a better time for Dr. Shi Zhengrong, an Australian citizen and Chinese-trained scientist who says he got into solar power by chance. Shi estimates that the solar industry could be worth $50bn by 2010.
Shi, 44, is the chief executive of Suntech Power Holdings, one of the new breed of successful domestic China-based companies with global ambitions. After spending a year at Sydney-based University of New South Wales' renewable energy center in 1988, Shi found himself at a company formed to commercialize the ideas of fellow researchers.
Tan Yuan Yuan
China’s prima ballerina, Tan Yuan Yuan is principal dancer with the prestigious San Francisco Ballet. A Shanghai native, Tan first put on ballet shoes at the age of seven, was enrolled at the Shanghai Dance School at 11 and moved to Europe when she was 17 to further her dance education.
This talented dancer joins CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout on this weekend’s TALK ASIA as she prepares for her latest performance in Hong Kong. Lu Stout goes backstage and finds Tan warming up, putting her make-up on and even sewing her own shoes. Tan pirouettes through her life story, sharing with Lu Stout how a flip of a coin sealed her path over 20 years ago, how she brings a Chinese sensibility to her delicate art form, and what her plans are when she hangs those shoes up for good.
Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra is credited for transforming a small family business into an industrial conglomerate worth U.S $6.7 billion dollars and driving Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) into the Forbes’ world’s 200 most reputable companies list. With M&M’s interests ranging from information technology to real estate to banking, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director takes time from his busy schedule to meet CNN’s Anjali Rao on this weekend’s TALK ASIA.
Michelle Yeoh
Her name is Yeoh, Michelle Yeoh, a star who broke stereotypes for Asian actresses by landing the role of a smart and sexy butt-kicking Bond girl in Tomorrow Never Dies. The Malaysia-born actress is well known for performing her own stunts in action films and is among the few Asian actresses to successfully break into Hollywood with credits including Ang Lee’s ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, the Spielberg-produced ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, and the upcoming ‘The Mummy 3’.
Sachin Tendulkar
He's one of cricket's greatest batsman, with a devoted following of millions. Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar sits down with CNN's Anjali Rao in Mumbai and shares with her the thrill of playing cricket, his thoughts on the Indian Premier League and the importance of his family in keeping him grounded.
Tendulkar also looks back on a glittering career, relives his favorite matches and reveals the players he has most enjoyed playing against.
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