MUMBAI: Of late, CNBC TV-18 has been exploring its softer side. The latest launch to join the business channels lifestyle segment is The Lounge.

An engaging new series, as the channel calls it, will discover a different facet of the most interesting and talked about personalities and cruise to the elite parties in the town. Hosted by actor Simone Singh, the show will premiere on 5 June 2004 at 10:30 pm.

The presenting sponsors of The Lounge are Liberty and associate sponsors are Bacardi Blast cassettes and CDs.

A weekly show, the lifestyle special will feature a Focus Interview. Singh will engage in an exclusive tete-e-tete with interesting, intelligent, multidimensional individuals from the corporate and celebrity world. The up, close and personal interviews will showcase the guest's unknown facets as they speak about their real-world experiences and inspirations.

The show will highlight the fact that in spite of being in a corporate 9-to-5 job or profession, an individual can still do the things that he / she enjoys and is passionate about, thereby breaking the stereotypical image most of us have of people in the corporate / celebrity world, says the release.

The next segment on the show is christened Hip & Happening. It is touted as the perfect guide to the most "in" party places in town- Filmi parties/ birthday and anniversary bashes/ launch parties et al.

Speaking on the occasion, CNBC-TV18 spokesperson said, " The Lounge is a show conceptualised to add to its repertoire of newer and distinct programmes catering to its discerning audiences. The other feature shows include Auto Show, Goodlife show, Storyboard, Trendmill and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which provide for innovative and intelligent viewing."

In its inaugural week, Singh will meet up with first time MP, Milind Deora and perky filmstar Perizaad Zorabian, as they discuss politics, films, heartaches, and heartbreaks, adds the release.