‘Duologue NXT’, the new chapter of the acclaimed long-form series ‘Duologue with Barun Das’, opened its season with a powerful premiere featuring international actor Rona-Lee Shimon in an intimate, wide-ranging conversation with host Barun Das, MD & CEO of TV9 Network. Presented by Radico Khaitan, the episode explores ambition, grit and the art of turning setbacks into springboards.

According to a press release from TV9 Network, the debut instalment — themed ‘Crafting Your Destiny Through Passion, Perseverance & Preparation’ — sets a high bar for the season. Barun Das, noted for his probing yet warm interviewing style, steered the dialogue through Shimon’s journey from a trained dancer to an internationally recognised performer best known for her role as Nurin in ‘Fauda’. The episode mixes personal anecdotes with practical insight, delivering an uplifting and candid blueprint for creative life.

Shimon reflected on the role of curiosity and resilience in her career, telling Das how a crushing fifth-place exit on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ unexpectedly preceded her first lead acting offer the very next day — a moment she described as proof that “perseverance can transform setbacks into springboards.” She urged viewers to embrace uncertainty: “You have to know what you want badly enough to lose sleep over it. Be the hardest working person in the room and never take no for an answer when you believe in yourself.”

Barun Das offered his own counsel on decision-making and leadership: “There is no correct decision in life — you take a decision and make it correct. Failure is never an option. Whatever the outcome, nothing goes wasted if you learn and move forward.” The exchange ranges from craft and discipline to the small daily practices that sustain a creative life, making the episode as much a masterclass as a conversation.

News9 says the first episode of ‘Duologue NXT’ celebrates women who are shaping their own narratives and aims to expand the franchise’s reputation for thoughtful, long-form storytelling. With Shimon’s testimony of grit and grace, the series positions itself as a movement that champions preparation alongside passion.

Watch the full episode of ‘Duologue NXT’ featuring Rona-Lee Shimon on News9 at 10.30 pm on 22 September 2025, or stream it on the ‘Duologue’ YouTube channel (@Duologuewithbarundas) and the News9 Plus app.