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:
Cristeta Comerford
For the past 15 years, she has been feeding America's First Families with her culinary creations. This week on Talk Asia, we get a rare guided tour of the White House kitchen with Cristeta Comerford as she tells us what it's like being the first female Executive Chef and what it takes to please a president's palate.
Slash
15 years after splitting from Guns n Roses, Slash still carries serious rock star status. This week on Talk Asia we get up close with Slash and find out what he thinks about being regarded as a guitar legend.
Ken Watanabe
He's the Japanese actor taking Hollywood by storm with his latest blockbuster film topping box offices around the world. This week on Talk Asia, we catchup with Inception star Ken Watanabe in Tokyo as he takes us back to where his illustrious career began. The 50-year old also shares his experiences of working with some of the best in the business including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise and Clint Eastwood.
Usher
Presenter Anjali Rao catches up with R&B sensation Usher in this edition of Talk Asia as he embarks on the final leg of his Asian tour in Macau. Hailed as one of the most successful artists of his generation, Usher continues to redefine his superstar status. He's sold more than 45 million albums worldwide, snapped up dozens of international awards including five Grammys and collaborated with some of the best in the business, including Alicia Keys, Beyonce Knowles, Will.i.am and the late Michael Jackson. But there's much more to Usher than the man behind the microphone. He's also an actor, designer, philanthropist and businessman. On the programme he talks about his success so far, his recent, much-publicised divorce and his teen protégé, Canadian teenager of the moment - Justin Bieber.
Jane Seymour
For forty years, she's been winning over audiences on the small and big screen. But British-born actress Jane Seymour is more than just an showbiz star, she also lends her name to numerous charities as she travels the world to drum up support for causes close to her heart. This week on Talk Asia, we catch up with the one-time Bond girl to find out more about her charity work and how she balances it with her roles as an actor and a mother.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul
He's the first Thai winner of the coveted Palme d'Or and is known for pushing boundaries in arthouse cinema. This week on Talk Asia we're with the award winning director Apichatpong Weerasethakul who tells us about his big win in Cannes and challenging the Thai censors...
Jack Nicklaus
For decades he's conquered golf courses around the world. Now Jack Nicklaus is making a name for himself by creating them. This week on Talk Asia, we catch up with the 18-time major title winner in China where his golf course designs are becoming a reality - and in large numbers. CNN's John Vause joins the 70 year old on a visit to one of his sites and finds out what Nicklaus thinks about the future of golf in China and the prospect of Tiger Woods breaking his record.
Judith Mackay
For 25 years, she's been on a crusade to curb smoking across Asia, especially in China. It's an endeavour that seen her been labelled one of the "most influential" people in the world and one of the "most dangerous." This week on Talk Asia we talk to British-born doctor Judith Mackay about taking on the tobacco companies and dealing with death threats from smoking groups.
Quincy Jones
He's a music producer with a Midas touch and has created hit after hit with the biggest names in the business. This week on Talk Asia we catch up with the musical legend, Quincy Jones in Shanghai. He's talks to us about producing the theme song for the 2010 World Expo and remembers his friend Michael Jackson on the anniversary of his death.
Imelda Marcos
She may no longer be the First Lady of the Philippines but Imelda Marcos still has a place in the country's political landscape - winning a seat in Congress in the recent elections. This week on Talk Asia, we talk to the flamboyant 80-year-old about her role in politics - past and present; and we find out what she thinks of another Aquino becoming President of the Philippines.
Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, President of the Philippines
The election of Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino as the next president of the Philippines has kept alive a political dynasty. Following in the footsteps of his mother, former president Corazon Aquino, and his assassinated father, "Ninoy", the 50 year old won in a landslide on a campaign of ending poverty and corruption in the country. This week on Talk Asia, we get a rare, personal insight into the nation's new leader and find out how he hopes to keep his parents' legacy alive.
Michael Palin
He's been entertaining audiences for close to half a century - creating laughs through his acting, his writings and his televised travels around the world. This week on Talk Asia we catch up with British entertainer Michael Palin to discuss the legacy of Monty Python, his mum's cameo appearance on Saturday Night Live and find out where he's headed next in his intrepid adventures.
Han Han
He's one of the most widely read bloggers in China known for courting controversy with his content. This week on Talk Asia we talk to Han Han about making waves with his controversial comments and his need for speed.
Daniel Wu
He's one of Hong Kong's most famous faces - appearing in around 50 films and in countless advertising campaigns. But Daniel Wu isn't just interested in being in front of the camera, he's also a successful businessman. This week on Talk Asia, we talk to him about growing up in America, working with Hollywood heavyweights and his secret wedding in South Africa.
Sarah Chang
From her first audition at the age of 5, it was clear Sarah Chang was headed for stardom. Now 29 years of age, she continues to sell out concert halls with her amazing musical talent and her glamorous style. This week on Talk Asia, we find out how the former child prodigy is breathing new life into classical music.
Wang Zhongjun
Huayi Brothers is China’s most influential privately-owned media company. Founders and brothers Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei are often compared to the Weinstein Brothers in the U.S. Backed by celebrity shareholders such as Li Bingbing and Hong Kong business tycoon Richard Li, the Huayi Brothers stock has surged year on year. The chairman and elder brother Wang Zhongjun invites host Anjali Rao for a visit to his luxurious home in Beijing and relates how they made a fortune from the Chinese movie industry, their business instinct in picking the right films, China’s strict censorship laws and intellectual property piracy.
Epik High
Hip Hop does not automatically spring to mind when one thinks of South Korean music, but the genre is gaining a firm following in recent years since the international emergence of Epik High. Known for their soulful and insightful lyrics, the three members avoid sugary sweet k-pop to address serious social issues such as religion, war and discrimination. Anjali Rao joins them in the studio for a wide-ranging discussion as they reveal why they're grateful for government censorship and how they are coping with the “Epik hiatus” status with member DJ Tukutz away on compulsory military service.
Nancy Kwan
Nancy Kwan was young and confident with dreams of hitting the big time, even when she was still an unknown 19-year-old ballet dancer. That all changed when she snared the leading role in the iconic 1960’s movie "The World of Suzie Wong" after her first ever audition, eventually co-starring with Oscar-winner William Holden. On the 50th anniversary of the iconic film's release, CNN catches up with Kwan on a visit home to Hong Kong as she discusses the movie's longevity and the stereotype of Chinese women in Hollywood.
Off screen, she also opens up on the heartbreaking death of her son Bernhard Pock from AIDS. “Well I guess you have two choices. Either you just lie down and die, or you make up your mind you want to go on living. And that’s it, you know, you face it, you have to go on with your life. Bernie will always be in my heart.”
Yue Minjun
He painted one of China’s most expensive pieces of contemporary Chinese art, worth close to six million US dollars. “The Execution” was inspired by the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, one on a list of political and social landmarks which provide artistic inspiration for Yue Minjun.
“It’s a question every Chinese is thinking about today. I also ask why after China experienced so many changes and so much progress we’re still so immature politically?...I have a feeling that ours is the most politically immature nation.”
Yue famously depicts himself in his works, with a toothy grin and wearing only underwear. The Daqing-born painter explains why and also shares with host Anjali Rao his experiences growing up during the Cultural Revolution and what China’s rapid development means to him and his work.
Shane Warne
Widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in history, Australian cricketer Shane Warne joins CNN's Talk Asia for a wide-ranging interview in Mumbai. The legendary player tells host Anjali Rao about his illustrious career, his experience playing in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals and his much-publicized life off the field.
As captain and coach of the Jaipur team, Rajasthan Royals, Warne shares how his team won the 2008 IPL T20 cricket tournament and discusses his plans to repeat that success this season. He also talks about the glamour and entertainment elements of T20 cricket and reveals why he thinks Indian fans have taken to it with such enthusiasm.
The boy from Victoria also looks back at Australia's Ashes win in 1993, recalling the tension, the camaraderie and the elation when victory was sealed. His gives a detailed account of how he achieved "the ball of the century" that led him to be regarded as the world's best ever leg-spinner. But he modestly responds to the suggestion by saying that he felt blessed in life to have such a talent, for which he thanked his parents.
Off the cricket pitch, Warne also gives his views on the attacks on Indians in Australia, incidents which have at times strained relations between the countries and cricketing rivals. He stresses that, "It was only a particular level of people who indulged in this" before adding that "Australia was not at all a racist country."
Chinese ice skaters Shen Xue & Zhao Hongbo
China’s big figure skating win last month at the Vancouver Olympics broke a 46-year winning streak held by Russia. Chinese ice skaters Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo brought home the first Olympics gold medal in the sport. In their first international television interview since returning to Beijing, the golden couple reveals to Talk Asia host Anjali Rao what keeps them so in sync.
Kevin Spacey
Academy award-winning American actor, director and screenwriter Kevin Spacey joins CNN's 'Talk Asia' in March. The winner of best supporting actor for 'The Usual Suspects' and best actor for 'American Beauty' tells presenter Anjali Rao about his latest film being shot in China, his illustrious career to date and his role as artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre in London.
Yundi Li
He shot to stardom at the age of 18, becoming the youngest person to take home top honors at the International Chopin Piano Competition. Today, at the age of 27, China's own Yundi Li is still packing concert halls. CNN's Talk Asia meets him before a masterclass and performance with the Hong Kong Philharmonic.
Rihanna
Host Anjali Rao sits down with international superstar/singer Rihanna. She talks to Rao about her past relationship with Chris Brown, her troubles in her childhood and her first meeting hip hop superstar Jay-Z. This in-depth interview premieres this Wednesday at 930pm HKT. Attached is an image for your distribution purposes and you can view a preview of the interview below.
Li Na
Li Na rewrote China's tennis history with a forehand winner at the Rod Laver Arena, taking down seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in the process. She and compatriot Zheng Jie are the first two Chinese women to have simultaneously made it into the last four of a Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open semi-finals. Li also became the first Chinese tennis player to rank in the WTA top ten. Fresh off the back of her success in Melbourne, China's Queen of the Court speaks to CNN's Anjali Rao on TALK ASIA in a wide-ranging discussion about her triumphs, occasional tantrums and even her famous tattoo.
Johnnie To
He is one of Hong Kong’s most prolific directors and has a stream of actors banging on his door looking for a role in his movies. Johnnie To’s filmography contains more than 40 titles ranging from drama and comedy to history and action, with plans to add four more this year. This week, CNN’s Talk Asia goes behind-the-scenes of his latest movie as the director reveals to host Anjali Rao his secrets for cinematic success and what he thinks of praise from some of Hollywood’s heavyweights.
Zhou Xun
She's the darling of Chinese Cinema, revered across asia for her method acting and quirky choice of roles. This week on Talk Asia we follow Zhou Xun from the recording studio to the red carpet of Asia's most anticipated film this year--Confucius.
Lee Byung-hun
Dubbed the “James Dean of Asia”, Lee Byung-hun is one of South Korea’s favourite leading actors, starring in over twenty soap operas and more than a dozen films. He broke into mainstream Hollywood with his role as Storm Shadow in “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra”, and the Korean superstar soon won fans with his good looks and versatile acting skills. On this week’s TALK ASIA, CNN’s Anna Coren
spends the day with Lee and joins him on the red carpet of the 14th
Pusan International Film Festival’s opening night.
AI
In J-pop obsessed Japan, R&B singer Ai is an unlikely star. The LA export of Japanese descent has performed alongside Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson and she is now the star of Japan's Number One debut album. Talk Asia catches up with Ai on the sidelines of her recent performance at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
Baz Luhrmann
Raised in rural Australia, where he worked as a young boy at his family's gas station, Baz Luhrmann has emerged as one of the most recognized Australian filmmakers today - from "Romeo & Juliet" to "Moulin Rouge" and the epic "Australia". On this edition's Talk Asia, we pay a visit to Luhrmann in Sydney. He discusses his long road to success, as well as his friendships with some of Hollywood's elite actors. Luhrmann also talks about the criticism he's faced along the way, and he gives Anna Coren a behind the scenes tour of his family home.
Karl Lagerfeld
He is perhaps the most recognizable man in fashion, almost never seen without his dark glasses, a silver ponytail and fingerless gloves. And while the German-born fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld has been the creative force behind fashion house Chanel for more than a quarter of a century, he's still thriving on new ideas, designs and what the future may hold. CNN gets rare access behind the scenes of his recent Shanghai fashion show. We hear his thoughts on staying relevant, as well as how the cut-throat industry has evolved over the years.
The Irwin Family
When it comes to animals, they're Australia's first family. We
pay a visit to wildlife crusaders, the Irwin family, on Australia's
Sunshine Coast. CNN's Anna Coren speaks with Terri Irwin, as well as
daughter Bindi and son Bob, about the conservation and protection of
animals. We also get their thoughts on carrying on the legacy of
their husband and father, Steve Irwin, three years after his death.
We also get a unique tour of the Australia Zoo, which the Irwins
have transformed from a four acre reptile park to a sprawling 60
acre kingdom, featuring koalas, tigers, elephants and, of course,
crocodiles.
Kevin Rudd
Talk Asia features an exclusive interview with Australian Prime
Minister Kevin Rudd. From his residence in Canberra he tells Anna
Coren his views on issues including Australia's close ties with the
United States and China, climate change and working with Presidents
Obama and Bush.
Zinedine Zidane
In a wide-ranging interview, French football legend and World Cup
winner Zinedine Zidane joins 'Talk Asia' during his recent visit to
Hong Kong. He explains what life holds now he has finally hung up
his boots, discusses memorable moments from his illustrious career
and reveals who he tips for the 2010 World Cup. The talismanic
midfielder also tells CNN's Andrew Stevens how he rates the current
crop of football greats and which was the best team he ever played
for.
Seiji Ozawa
He's one of Asia's most reknowned conductors. Talk Asia visits
Maestro Seiji Ozawa. The 74-year discusses how his life of
conducting has taken him around the world - from San Francisco, to
Toronto, Boston and currently Vienna. He also discusses the early
criticism he faced in his native Japan. And we get rare access with
Ozawa behind the scenes of the SAITO KINEN FESTIVAL in Matsumoto,
Japan.
Rain
South Korean pop singer/actor Rain speaks to CNN's Anna Coren about his latest Hollywood film, his younger years and family as well as his thoughts on the secrets of his international success.
As he prepares his Asia Tour he discusses his innovative stage performances and playing in front of thousands of fans.
Rain also talks about his youth, including the hardships he endured, his relationship with her mother and how he coped with her passing. He explains that he was a shy child until he found dance. He went through 12 auditions until he met singer, entertainer and producer Park Jin-young, an encounter which was to change his life.
Previously Rain had told CNN that his dream was to break into Hollywood and he now discusses where this dream has led him, including his experiences shooting "Speed Racer" as well as the soon-to-be-released "Ninja Assassin".
Park Ji-sung
Talk Asia travels to Manchester United's training ground and sits down with South Korean sporting icon and United midfielder, Park Ji-Sung.
The South Korean team captain discusses his team's chances at the 2010 World Cup, extending his contract with United until 2010 and his father's rather public urge for him to get married soon!
Lawrence Ho
Macau has outstripped Las Vegas to become the biggest gaming market in the world. This week on Talk Asia we hit the former Portuguese colony's gaming floors with Lawrence Ho. The 32-year-old is the eldest son of the undisputed king of Macau, Stanley Ho, but he's ventured out to create a casino empire of his own.
Chinese astronauts Yang Liwei and Zhai Zhigang
John Vause gains rare access to the inner-working of China's space program. He sits down with Chinese astronauts Yang Liwei and Zhai Zhigang ahead of the country's National Day celebrations. He also takes a tour of the various training facilities.
Yu Darvish
He's one of the most promising young pitchers in the world of baseball today. CNN's Talk Asia sits down with the Nippon Ham Fighters' ace Yu Darvish. The 23-year old talks with CNN's Morgan Neill about the pressure he faces on and off the pitching mound in the baseball crazed country. Darvish offers advice to young ballplayers, and shows Neill how he throws some of his signature pitches. The half-Iranian, half-Japanese Darvish also discusses his mixed ethnic background. Neill also asks Darvish about his future plans, questioning him about a possible move to play baseball in the United States.
Lady Gaga
There are no downsides to fame, said Lady Gaga, the singer and currently one of the hottest things in pop. For someone whose debut album called "The Fame" has reached No. 4 in the Billboard charts and has two of the year's biggest selling singles, it's not a surprising statement.
But talking in Macau before her final concert of her Asian tour, it seemed that if not fame itself, its handmaidens -- media scrutiny and touring -- might be taking their toll on the 23-year-old.
Gaga (real name Stefani Germanotta) arrived for the interview backstage at the Venetian Hotel's concert arena suitably attired; wrapped in a Vivienne Westwood outfit and propped up in enormous Galliano heels. With gargantuan shades covering half her face, the avant-garde fashionista image was intact.
"I'm sort of a musical pop music misfit," she said in her slow New York drawl, and "a relentless bitch" in response to how she had got to the top of the music industry.
Kengo Kuma
Kengo Kuma has said it's his mission to "recover the tradition of Japanese buildings." The prolific architect explains that statement, as he talks with CNN's Talk Asia for this year's Japan Now series. Kuma, who says he takes just several days off each year, talks about how the 1964 Tokyo Olympics put him on a path to architecture. He also discusses where he gets his inspiration, talks about the challenges of each project and even explains how sushi is a good metaphor for his architecture. Kuma also gives CNN an early look at the Nezu Museum before its re-opening this Fall.
Tony Blair
Charismatic and controversial, Tony Blair remains a powerful figure on the world stage, leading peace efforts in the Middle East and a campaign to combat climate change. Talk Asia catches up with the former British Prime Minister in China, where he is spearheading a new project with movie star Jet Li.
Y.E. Yang
Yang Yong-eun is the Tiger-slayer. The Korean golfer stunned the world by beating Tiger Woods at the PGA Championship earlier this month, on the way becoming the first Asian-born winner of a major golfing event.
Ranked outside of the top 100 before the competition, the 37-year-old Yang has propelled golf in Korea into the international spotlight. Unlike so many pro-golfers, Yang didn't pick up the game until he was 19-years-old and first taught himself how to play by watching Jack Nicklaus videos.
Now a national hero, he tells CNN how he intends to follow up his amazing win.
Brillante Mendoza
He was panned by critics and booed at by audiences, but Filipino film director Brillante Mendoza edged over the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Ang Lee to win the best director prize at Cannes this year. On this edition's Talk Asia, we navigate through the city and stories that inspired his controversial films.
Greg Norman
CNN’s TALK ASIA travels to Southern China and hits the links with Australian golfing legend Greg Norman. The former top ranked golfer Greg Norman talks about the highlights of his extraordinary career and reveals how he transitioned to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Norman shares with CNN's Anna Coren where he sees the game of golf growing in the coming years. He also gives his outlook for the game in the United States. TALK ASIA also gets rare access and hears from Norman's wife - retired American tennis player, Chris Evert.
Deepika Padukone
CNN’s Talk Asia follows Padukone on film sets and modelling assignments as she navigates her career as a rising star. She shares her unconventional career path from playing badminton at a national level to modeling in ad campaigns and music videos, to achieving overnight stardom as the leading lady in Om Shanti Om, one of the biggest box office hits of 2007.
Amitabh Bachchan
CNN’s Anjali Rao sat down with Mr. Bachchan in Macau, where the industry gathered for one of Bollywood’s most prestigious awards ceremonies. In a revealing and candid interview, Bachchan shares insights into his long film career, the highs and lows of his early days in Bollywood, and becoming the global superstar and screen idol of Indian cinema.
Buzz Aldrin
On July 20th 1969, an estimated 500 million people watched the live broadcast of the first moon landing, marking one giant leap for mankind. Forty years on, Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin looks back to that extraordinary achievement with host Kristie Lu Stout on CNN’s TALK ASIA. He walks audiences through the experience as it happened, as archive footage illustrates his journey. He also shares his views on the future of space travel, the race to Mars and how he struggled to adjust to life back on earth upon his return.
Annie Lennox
Named one of the “100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone magazine, Annie Lennox shot to fame in the 1980’s with the synthpop duo Eurythmics. Today, she continues to perform worldwide and is also an activist for a number of charity causes. While in Hong Kong to promote HIV and AIDS awareness in Africa, the Scottish singer sits down with CNN’s TALK ASIA, she gives her take on the state of the music business, her humanitarian work and her very personal views on relationships.
Rem Koolhaas
He revolutionizes city landscapes with distinctive and cutting-edge buildings such as the angular loop-shaped CCTV headquarters in Beijing and the iconic Seattle Central Library. Named as one of “The World’s Most Influential People” by Time magazine, award winning architect Rem Koolhaas is with TALK ASIA this week to show host Anjali Rao his latest creation - “The Prada Transformer” in Seoul.
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.
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