Latest news with #Nandy
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.K. Culture Secretary Hails ‘DDLJ' Bollywood Musical as Symbol of Growing India Ties (EXCLUSIVE)
U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy is pointing to the British premiere of Bollywood musical 'Come Fall in Love — The DDLJ Musical' as evidence of strengthening cultural bonds between Britain and India, following her recent ministerial visit to the subcontinent. 'It was a privilege to represent the U.K. government in India last month where I met with my ministerial counterparts to help strengthen the deep cultural ties between our two great countries,' Nandy said. 'That deepening bond between our nations is evident in one of Bollywood's most beloved stories coming to the UK. I hope that 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' is a great success in Manchester showcasing a talented British cast, including many local performers from the North West.' More from Variety Shah Rukh Khan Makes Surprise Visit to 'DDLJ' Musical Rehearsals Ahead of U.K. Premiere (EXCLUSIVE) U.K. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy Rules Out Streamer Levy (EXCLUSIVE) 'DDLJ' Musical Unveils Full U.K. Cast - Global Bulletin The culture secretary's comments come as Aditya Chopra's English musical comedy adaptation of Bollywood blockbuster 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' ('DDLJ') opened Wednesday night at Manchester Opera House. The production runs through June 21. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: 'We're proud to welcome the U.K. premiere of 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' to Manchester, a city that celebrates creativity, diversity, and international storytelling. This iconic reimagining of a beloved Indian film is a landmark moment for cultural collaboration between the U.K. and India, and we're honored that Manchester is at the heart of it.' The musical is based on one of the biggest Bollywood blockbusters in Indian cinema history. 'DDLJ' holds the record as the longest-running title in Indian cinema, playing continuously in Mumbai since its 1995 release. The stage adaptation features 18 new English songs performed by a cast that includes both rising British talent with local links to Manchester and the North West, as well as internationally renowned South Asian artists. Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani said: 'It is always a great honor for us to take India and its stories to the world. We are thrilled to open 'Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical' at the magnificent and historic Manchester Opera House. 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' is not only YRF's treasured IP but it is one of the biggest IPs in the history of Indian cinema, a story that has resonated with people worldwide for over 30 years now.' Widhani added: 'We look forward to sharing this magical version of 'DDLJ' with those who cherish the original film, as well as introducing the charm of DDLJ to new audiences for the first time.' He also praised Nandy's 'brilliant effort in forging deep cultural ties with India.' The production stars Jena Pandya ('Bhangra Nation,' 'Mamma Mia') as Simran and Ashley Day ('An American in Paris,' 'Dynasty') as Rog, supported by a company including Irvine Iqbal ('The Father and the Assassin') as Baldev, Kara Lane ('The Addams Family') as Minky, and Millie O'Connell ('Six') as Cookie. The award-winning creative team includes book and lyrics by Nell Benjamin (Tony winner for 'Mean Girls,' Olivier Award winner for 'Legally Blonde'), music by Bollywood hitmakers Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani, and choreography by Tony, Olivier and Emmy Award winner Rob Ashford ('Frozen,' 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'). The production also features scenic design by two-time Tony Award winner Derek McLane ('MJ the Musical,' 'Moulin Rouge!') and Indian dance co-choreography by Shruti Merchant. Best of Variety What's Coming to Netflix in June 2025 New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 'Harry Potter' TV Show Cast Guide: Who's Who in Hogwarts?
New Statesman
2 days ago
- Business
- New Statesman
Is Labour's football regulator already falling apart?
Photo byOne of the most common yet most difficult political footballs for politicians to control is cronyism, as Labour is currently finding out. The Government is scrambling to deal with the connections its preferred candidate to chair the new football regulator, David Kogan, has to the party. Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, has removed herself from the process of rubber-stamping Kogan's approval to the post, after he revealed to a select committee of parliamentarians last month that he had donated to both Nandy and Keir Starmer's respective Labour leadership bids in 2020. (Kogan said the contributions were 'very small'; under current political donation rules, they did not need to be publicly declared.) Writing to explain her decision to watch Kogan from the stands, Nandy said she wanted to 'avoid the perception of any bias or lack of independence from government'. On the surface, this appears to be an own-goal by the government, especially one that promised a 'total crackdown on cronyism' in the run-up to being elected. And now Nandy is devolving the final sign off of Kogan's appointment as chair of the new football regulator to… Stephanie Peacock, a junior culture minister, her subordinate. The Government has swapped one kind of perceived bias for another: marking its own homework. But there is undoubtedly some cynicism behind the attacks on Kogan's proposed appointment. That Kogan is a media executive with extensive experience working with some of English football's biggest organisations – all affected by the regulator – is almost irrelevant in the eyes of opponents. That he wrote three books about Labour Party history, was on the board of the LabourList political website, and declared all these interests unprompted at the first available opportunity, is what they think really condemns him. Despite Kogan's composed demeanour during his pre-appointment meeting with MPs, where he said he had 'total personal independence' from Starmer and Nandy, hysterics ensued. Nandy's opposite number, Stuart Andrew, called it a clear 'conflict of interest'. The Liberal Democrats – briefly pausing their lobbying of Starmer to play leader Ed Davey at a game of FIFA – called for the Culture Secretary to 'set the record straight, so Parliament can get on with bringing in the much-needed new independent football regulator'. But beyond this furore, the regulator could still prove a massive policy win for Labour. Given the government's majority, the Bill establishing it – currently making its way through parliament – will pass with ease. English football, despite a superficially buoyant 2024/25 season, finds itself in a precarious position. Clubs from the multi-billion-pound highs of the Premier League (Everton), and throughout the lower divisions (Reading, Derby County; the now-defunct Bury FC and Macclesfield Town) have all recently fallen victim to poor ownership models and the exorbitant financial pressures. The new football regulator, likely led by Kogan, will be mandated to address this. Get the balance right, and invert the anger fans felt when English football's sacred pyramid was at existential risk from plans for a breakaway European Super League, and this could be a rare positive for Labour after a tricky first season in government. There is also an easy counter-attack Labour can hit the Conservatives with. The idea for a football regulator was originally a Conservative policy, its implementation only delayed by last year's election. Though the 'backstop' financial distribution powers the regulator will have in Labour's revived version of the Bill differs from the previous Conservative offering, the latter's complete opposition to its own idea even baffles those within its ranks. Stuart Andrew, once the champion of a regulator whilst in government, is now 'embarrassed' by the sudden Tory U-turn in opposition, one Labour MP told me. The fact that Kogan was longlisted when he applied for the role under the previous government is another tactical flaw in the Tory offensive against the chair-in-waiting. While Kogan's connections to Labour are rightly examined – an independent inquiry is underway – there are otherwise no qualms from those within the game about his skills and expertise. A belief that, in spite of the optics, he is the man for the job. 'The antidote to perception is action,' Kogan retorted to Caroline Dinenage, Tory chair of the culture and sport select committee, and her remark about him being seen as the government's 'puppet'. 'Why on earth would I want to do [this job] if I thought I was going to be dogged by accusations of political bias and [that] my actions would reinforce that?' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe It's a fair point. But politics, like football, is not based on fairness. It's a results-based business. As seen with the disastrous appointment of Sue Gray as Starmer's chief of staff, Labour – and indeed, the Tories – know that when the impression of a dodgy appointment sticks, it can become a burden, often ending in a resignation, and almost always distracting from the ultimate goal. That would be a win for the Tories. But for the millions of football supporters concerned about the future of their clubs, the defeat of Kogan and potentially the regulator would be a devastating loss. If it does fail, then the return of the political football of cronyism would be the least important result from Kogan's appointment. [See also: The humbling of Pep Guardiola] Related
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Dramatic Shift In Commissioning' Could Be Problem For British TV Industry, Says Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy
A 'dramatic shift in TV commissioning' has seen the UK become a world leader in high-end drama while the value of smaller shows plummets, according to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. Delivering a keynote at the Deloitte Conference, Nandy said 'too many talented creatives have been left out of work' by this shift, leaving her concerned. More from Deadline Netflix EMEA Chief Puts 'Mr Bates' Debate To Bed: "We Absolutely Would Have Commissioned It In The UK" Sony's Wayne Garvie Roasts "Ridiculous" Channel 4 In-House Plan: "It Could Be Potentially Disastrous" BBC Director General Floats Concerning Vision Of Future Where "People Don't Care" About Nation's Oldest Public Broadcaster She said this has come as broadcast viewing declines by one third while streaming 'soars,' leading to a change in the content mix. 'Take, for example, the dramatic shift in TV commissioning patterns that have seen the UK become a world leader at high-end [drama] at the same time as smaller producers have seen the value of their commissions fall by one third,' she said. The 'squeezed middle' dropping out of the UK indie market was the talk of last year's Edinburgh TV Festival, although 2025 has been characterized by a scripted funding crisis driven by American co-producers pulling out of the UK. Nandy said the UK government is providing solutions, however. She flagged improvements like the recent Media Act, providing a 'more sustainable settlement for PSBs so they continue to invest in high quality original content,' she said. While she pointed to smaller commissions declining, she flagged later in her speech that cheaper fare like Come Dine With Me and 'everything in between' are selling just as well as big high-end dramas like Doctor Who and Bridgerton around the world. Possibly nodding to the UK government's refusal to impose a levy on the streamers, Nandy said she wants a 'sustainable ecosystem' for both PSBs and streamers across the UK. 'We won't penalize you through taxes and levies but ensure we have a regulatory framework that creates opportunities for business both big and small and for UK talent to be showcased across the world,' added Nandy. Nandy was speaking at the Deloitte and Enders Media & Telecoms 2025 and Beyond Conference just prior to BBC boss Tim Davie and Netflix EMEA chief Larry Tanz. Best of Deadline Everything We Know About 'Nobody Wants This' Season 2 So Far List Of Hollywood & Media Layoffs From Paramount To Warner Bros Discovery To CNN & More Everything We Know About 'Happy Gilmore 2' So Far
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
U.K. Culture Secretary Talks AI Regulation at London Media Conference
Lisa Nandy, U.K. Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport in the Labour Party government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, promised a London media conference on Tuesday that the government was focused on a win-win approach to AI policies and regulation. The government will also launch the latest review of the BBC charter, which currently runs through 2027 and details its governance and priorities, later this year, she said. More from The Hollywood Reporter Sky Content Chief Says "We Had an Amazing Bubble" in Production Netflix EMEA Content Boss Touts 'Adolescence,' Debunks a "Myth," Talks Ted Sarandos' Acting Debut Paolo Sorrentino to Receive Sarajevo Film Festival Honor and Retrospective During an appearance at Deloitte and Enders Analysis' Media & Telecoms 2025 & Beyond Conference, she said about AI regulation: 'We are determined to find a way forward that works for the creative industry and creators, as well as the tech industries. Creators are the innovators fundamental to our economic success in the future.' She emphasized that 'the issue of AI copyright needs to be properly considered and enforceable legislation drafted with the inclusion, involvement and experience of both creatives and technologists.' Once a data bill is passed by parliament, government ministers will begin a series of round tables with representatives from across the creative industries to develop legislation with both houses of parliament and 'given time to consider it before we proceed,' Nandy said. 'We approach it with no preferred option in mind during the consultation. We have heard you loud and clear that what works for one part of the creative industries doesn't work for another. You know as well as I do that in this international landscape, there are no easy solutions, but this government is determined to work with you to find a solution with transparency and trust as its foundation.' In November, Nandy unveiled plans to broaden the scope of U.K. media merger laws, updating them 'for the digital age to reflect modern news consumption habits and better protect media freedom and plurality.' The current regulatory regime only covers television, radio, and print publications. Global streaming giant Netflix didn't mince words when it reacted to an April call from a U.K. parliamentary committee for a levy of 5 percent of U.K. subscriber revenue on foreign streaming services, including the likes of Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+ and Disney+, to help finance British drama production. It highlighted that the U.K. is the streamer's 'biggest production hub outside of North America – and we want it to stay that way.' It added a thinly veiled warning that levies or taxes would lead to price increases: 'In an increasingly competitive global market, it's key to create a business environment that incentivizes rather than penalizes investment, risk taking and success. Levies diminish competitiveness and penalize audiences who ultimately bear the increased costs.' Last year, Nandy also outlined how the U.K. should work to be better represented in all its diversity on film and TV screens, fight polarizing fake news, and level the playing field for streamers and traditional broadcasters. In December, Starmer's government launched a consultation on 'plans to give certainty to the creative industries and AI developers on how copyright material can be used to train AI models.' The goal is to 'drive growth across both sectors by ensuring protection and payment for rights holders and supporting AI developers to innovate responsibly.' The government also highlighted it hopes to 'help unlock the full potential of the AI sector and creative industries to drive innovation, investment, and prosperity across the country, driving forward the U.K. government's mission to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7.' Tuesday's conference also featured top executives from the likes of the Walt Disney Co., the U.K. public broadcaster BBC, streaming giant Netflix, and Comcast-owned Sky and Sky Studios. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Hollywood's Most Notable Deaths of 2025 Harvey Weinstein's "Jane Doe 1" Victim Reveals Identity: "I'm Tired of Hiding" 'Awards Chatter' Podcast: 'Sopranos' Creator David Chase Finally Reveals What Happened to Tony (Exclusive)
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Inquiry launched into appointment of football regulator chairman
David Kogan, a media rights expert, was named as the Government's preferred candidate to chair the Independent Football Regulator in April, and his appointment was endorsed by a cross-party committee of MPs last month. But the revelation that he had donated money to both Sir Keir Starmer and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy – as well as other Labour figures – drew complaints from the Conservatives and calls for the commissioner for public appointments to investigate. In a letter to the permanent secretary at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, commissioner Sir William Shawcross said he had carried out a series of 'spot checks' and now believed a full inquiry into Mr Kogan's appointment was 'necessary'. David Kogan, the Government's preferred candidate (House of Commons/UK Parliament) Sir William's inquiry will look into whether the rules on public appointments were followed, and is likely to involve interviews with both Mr Kogan and Ms Nandy. Mr Kogan was originally approached about the football regulator job by the Conservatives while they were still in office, and has advised the Premier League, EFL and other leagues on broadcast rights. He has also donated thousands of pounds to Labour MPs and candidates in recent years, and sat on the board of Labour news website LabourList. During his pre-appointment hearing with the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee – which later backed his appointment – he revealed he had also donated 'very small sums' to Sir Keir and Ms Nandy's leadership campaigns in 2020. Those donations had not previously been revealed as they were below the threshold for public declaration. A week later, Ms Nandy wrote to the committee to inform MPs that she had stepped back from making the final decision on whether to appoint Mr Kogan, delegating the choice to sport minister Stephanie Peacock. Stuart Andrew, the Conservative shadow culture secretary, said Mr Kogan's appointment 'bears all the hallmarks of yet more Labour cronyism', adding Ms Nandy's decision to step back 'highlights just how compromised this selection has become'. He said: 'Number 10 must now come clean about the involvement of the Downing Street appointments unit and special advisers in promoting David Kogan as the preferred candidate. 'The public has a right to know whether this was a fair and impartial process, or yet another case of political patronage disguised as due diligence.' Mr Kogan did not comment on the launch of the inquiry.
