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Kiren Rijiju is currently serving as the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and the Minister of Minority Affairs. He has served as the Union Law Minister of India and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports. He is considered one of the most active and respected parliamentarians, with over 90% attendance in Parliament and regular participation in debates and questions on national and international issues.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiren Rijiju clears the air on the Waqf Amendment Act, saying that no rights of the Muslim community will be taken away. He strongly criticises opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, and Asaduddin Owaisi.
He also talks about the Manipur crisis and addresses the question of why the Prime Minister has not visited the state. Rijiju speaks about the BJP not having a single Muslim MP and shares his views on the collegium system, the China-Arunachal passport issue, and Muhammad Yunus' statement on the Northeast.
00:00 – Introduction
00:58 – Waqf Act
03:28 – Rahul Gandhi on Waqf
05:10 – Impact of Waqf Act on North-East
08:24 – Bengal CM Against the Waqf Act
09:30 – Waqf-Related Violence in Bengal
12:37 – Non-BJP States on the Waqf Act
16:53 – Can Waqf Trigger a Nationwide Protest?
20:28 – Viral Picture with Omar Abdullah
23:23 – Waqf Act's Impact on Mosques
29:24 – Manipur Debate in Parliament
31:36 – Who’s to Blame for the Manipur Crisis?
37:38 – Normalcy in Manipur
40:48 – Role as Parliamentary Affairs Minister
44:13 – TMC MP Mahua’s Allegation
49:39 – Dhankhar Mimicry Row
55:26 – Fight Over Ambedkar’s Legacy
01:02:41 – Rijiju as Law Minister
01:05:16 – Entry into Politics
01:10:44 – Muhammad Yunus’ Comment on Northeast
01:15:06 – Arunachal-China Passport Row
01:17:58 – China-India Border Dispute
01:18:41 – Physical Fitness
01:22:55 – Food
01:26:14 – Learning Multiple Languages
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How can AI be used to detect lung cancer early? Is there enough funding for healthcare in India? Are we seeing enough medical advancement and technology in the Indian healthcare system? Can AI models identify breast cancer at an early stage? And is AI better than humans regarding cancer diagnosis and therapy?
In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Swapnil Rane, Professor of Pathology and AI Research Lead at the Tata Memorial Centre, answers these questions. He also shares how AI has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. According to him, AI can detect lung cancer at a very early stage, sometimes even before it becomes visible to the human eye.
00:00 – Introduction
00:50 – Lung Cancer in India
10:24 – AI in Cancer Diagnosis
13:32 – Health Insurance Sector
16:59 – Cancer Trials Ecosystem
23:32 – Use of AI in Medicine
28:47 – AI vs Humans in Healthcare
31:40 – Challenges faced by Doctors
39:19 – Medical Technology in India
43:08 – Data Privacy in Healthcare
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Arun Sao is currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. A lawyer by profession, he began his political journey in 1990 as a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Over the years, he steadily rose through the ranks of the BJP, starting out as a booth-level worker. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arun Sao levels serious corruption allegations against the previous Congress government. He also talks about the BJP government’s efforts to generate employment in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, he explains how Chhattisgarh was carved out of Madhya Pradesh and shares insights on the current situation of Naxalism in the state.
00:00 – Introduction
00:46 – Anti-Naxal Operations
09:17 – Journalist Mukesh Chandrakar’s murder
15:41 – Water Crisis in Chhattisgarh
19:29 – Bharatmala Project
21:38 – 'Misuse of ED, CBI, I-T' charge
25:26 – Chhattisgarh Civic Polls
32:15 – High Command Culture in Political Parties
36:33 – Goal of Gender Equality
42:42 – Employment and Job Opportunities
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Vijay Sharma is the MLA from the Kawardha constituency and currently serves as the Deputy Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He had served as the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha. Over the years, he has been actively involved in several protests, including those related to paddy procurement and ration card distribution.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Deputy CM Vijay Sharma speaks about the recruitment of minors by Naxal groups, the overall law and order situation in the state, and whether journalists are safe in Chhattisgarh. He also shares an update on the murder case of journalist Mukesh Chandrakar and strongly criticises the previous Congress government, accusing it of widespread corruption under Bhupesh Baghel’s leadership
00:00 – Introduction
00:19 – From School Teacher to a Politician
03:46 – First-Time MLA to Home Minister
04:29 – Naxalism in Chhattisgarh
10:56 – Ceasefire: A Naxal Tactic?
13:32 – Minors in Naxalism
16:05 – Anti-Naxal Ops or Revenge Killing?
17:20 – Rehabilitation for Naxals
22:14 – Modern Weapons for Police
25:31 – Cyber Crimes in Chhattisgarh
29:25 – Balodabazar Violence
32:53 – Overcrowding in Jails
36:31 – Mukesh Chandrakar Murder Case
39:26 – Human-Animal Conflict
47:29 – Forced Religious Conversion
51:32 – Impact of Waqf Act
53:18 – Metro in Chhattisgarh
54:24 – Government Policies
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O.P. Choudhary cracked the UPSC exam at the age of 23 and was part of the 2005 batch of the Chhattisgarh cadre, the first batch after the state was carved out of Madhya Pradesh. In 2018, he joined the BJP. During his 13-year career in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), the former Raipur Collector earned a reputation as a simple, hardworking, and dynamic officer.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, O.P. Choudhary talks about whether Nava Raipur can outperform cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad. He also shares how Chhattisgarh is working to create more jobs, boost tourism, and change the way people see the state.
00:00 – Introduction
00:50 – Journey from IAS to politics
08:58 – Posting in Dantewada
15:09 – Naxalism in Bastar
21:41 – Chhattisgarh Budget
25:53 – Nava Raipur
29:01 – IT Hubs in Nava Raipur
34:48 – Welfare schemes
38:42 – Sustainable Development
44:53 – Tourism & Investment in Chhattisgarh
47:35 – Online betting in the Gaming Sector
51:35 – Rebuilding Agricultural Sector
55:13 – Schemes for Transgender
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Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai joins the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash in Raipur during the 'Vichaar for Viksit Chhattisgarh' Conclave.
Mr. Sai has had a long political journey. He served as an MLA from 1990 to 1998 and was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Raigarh constituency in 1999. In 2006, he became the Chhattisgarh BJP president and later served as a Union Minister of State. He is also known to have close ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In this episode of the ANI Podcast, He talks about the Waqf Act and what it means for the state, raises concerns about religious conversions, and explains his government's approach to dealing with Naxalism. He also speaks about action being taken against the mining mafia and the plans to develop Nava Raipur into a modern, world-class city.
00:00 – Introduction
00:39 – Childhood Stories
05:42 – First time becoming 'Sarpanch'
06:22 – Mentor for political journey
07:57 – Promises after becoming CM
13:23 – Mahadev betting app scam
15:32 – Developments under BJP govt
18:19 – From rice bowl to IT Park
21:59 – Surrender policies for Naxalites
24:04 – Skilling Naxals
25:34 – End of Naxalism by 2026?
29:22 – From Naxalism to Tourism in Chhattisgarh?
33:00 – Mining Mafia
34:26 – Waqf Act
35:06 – Forced religious conversion
39:01 – 'Ghar Wapsi' program for Hindus
40:35 – 'Rubber stamp CM' Jibe
43:23 – Mahtari Vandana Yojana
45:18 – Odisha-Chhattisgarh Mahanadi Dispute
46:17 – Working for youth development
49:10 – Attacks on journalists
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Abhijeet Bhattacharya is one of the most iconic voices in Bollywood, having lent his voice to several memorable tracks for Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, and Salman Khan. His voice became synonymous with Shah Rukh Khan in many hit songs. He won the Filmfare Award and the Screen Award for Best Singer for his song "Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon" from Yes Boss.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Abhijeet discusses what's wrong with the music industry, as Auto-Tune and artificial intelligence are increasingly taking over. He also shares untold stories about legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammad Rafi. Going down memory lane, he reveals why he chose to pursue a career in singing.
Abhijeet also speaks about Sanatana Dharma, A.R. Rahman, and his controversial relationship with Shah Rukh Khan.
Audio Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:53 – Singing as a Career
05:45 – Stories of Lata, Kishore, & Rafi
08:10 – Childhood Stories
15:40 – How Directors Choose Heroines
22:45 – How the Music Industry Evolved
26:45 – Accent Influence in Singing
33:02 – Singing with Jatin–Lalit
35:18 – Udit Narayan Kiss Controversy
39:15 – Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy
41:25 – Udhayanidhi's Remarks on Sanatan Dharma
43:05 – PR Advice
46:43 – Pakistani Actors & Singers
49:58 – Gandhi–Pakistan "Father of Nation" Row
54:40 – Love for 90s Songs
56:19 – Clash with Music Directors
01:01:10 – Hit Songs
01:05:40 – Songs for Shah Rukh Khan
01:07:25 – Kishore Kumar & Mukesh Songs
01:10:41 – Meeting Old Friends After Fame
01:13:20 – AI in the Music Industry
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Sonal Man Singh is a former Rajya Sabha MP, an Indian classical dancer and a Guru in Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance styles. She received the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sonal Man Singh shares untold stories about Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and the challenges artists faced during the 1975 Emergency. She also discusses whether art can be separated from the artist.
She also speaks about today's cancel culture, how she got into dancing, the relationship between a Guru and Shishya, and what it takes to become a great dancer. She also shares her thoughts on whether today’s younger generation is losing interest in Indian classical dance.
00:00 – Introduction
00:56 – Dancing as a Career
05:58 – Rajya Sabha Experience
17:44 – Running Away from Home
24:02 – Divorce
24:55 – Kelucharan Mohapatra as a Guru
30:29 – Guru-Shishya Parampara
33:52 – Learning Odissi from Kelucharan Mohapatra
37:56 – Support from Family Members
39:18 – Story of Second Marriage
42:34 – Experience Meeting Indira Gandhi
47:57 – TM Krishna Getting Subhalakshmi Award Row
49:43 – Limits of Artistic Expression
53:59 – Inspiration to Be Creative
57:41 – Interacting with Pupul Jayakar
01:00:32 – Industrialists Backing Artists
01:08:26 – Living a Private Life
01:09:39 – Padma Award Story
01:17:26 – Why She Was Sacked from Sangeet Natak Akademi
01:20:10 – Cancel Culture
01:31:38 – Personal Relationships
01:35:51 – How to Handle Tough Times
01:37:21 – Favourite Cities for Performance
01:43:14 – Can an Atheist Emote Divinity in Dance?
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Tigmanshu Dhulia is a filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and casting director, best known for Paan Singh Tomar (2012) and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011). His films, often critically acclaimed and explore human relationships, social issues, and the nuances of Indian culture.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tigmanshu takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his childhood in Allahabad- now known as Prayagraj- and what makes the city so special to him. He reflects on his days at the National School of Drama (NSD), his friendships with those who made a mark in Bollywood, and how he got his first break as a director. He also shares how legendary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur played a crucial role in shaping his career.
Tigmanshu doesn’t hold back in criticizing corporate influence in Bollywood, calling out how films are often sold even before they are made. He also shares untold stories about Shah Rukh Khan and Irrfan Khan.
From rising ticket prices to his upcoming Bollywood project, this conversation is a straight talk about the Hindi Film Industry.
00:00 - Introduction
00:22 - Childhood Memories of Allahabad
05:13 - Recalling NSD Days
10:44 - Working as an Assistant Director
12:22 - Getting Credit as a Casting Director
17:12 - Collaborating with Shekhar Kapur
23:17 - Experience in the TV Industry
24:49 - Working on Dil Se
30:24 - Impact of Irrfan Khan’s Demise
36:34 - Working with Favorite Actors
45:17 - Experience in Gangs of Wasseypur
50:02 - Corporate Interference in Filmmaking
58:48 - The Cult of Sanjay Leela Bhansali
01:04:57 - Lack of Focus in Today’s Actors
01:09:06 - Working in the OTT Space
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Raza Murad comes from a family of actors and is known for his astounding voice. He started his career with the film 'Ek Nazar' in 1972 and became famous for his versatility, especially in villain roles. He has worked in over 200 films and has been featured in several popular Bollywood films, including Prem Rog, Henna, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, and Ram Lakhan. He continues to leave his mark with roles in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Padmaavat, Jodhaa Akbar, and Bajirao Mastani.
In this Mumbai edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Veteran Actor talks about his journey into Bollywood. He shares insights into how the Hindi Film Industry has changed over the last 50 years.
He also shares stories about legends like Raaj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rajesh Khanna, and Raj Kapoor. He discusses his experiences working with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowariker and how they tell their stories on the silver screen.
More on why Bollywood movies aren’t clicking as much today and what stardom truly means.
Audio Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:35 - Working with Amitabh & Rajesh Khanna
11:55 - Experience with Hrishikesh Mukherjee
22:21 - Raj Kapoor as a Director
25:26 - Regret of not interacting with Raj Kapoor
30:08 - Raza Murad’s voice: Asset or drawback?
33:31 - Media favoritism towards actors
36:20 - Did Raaj Kumar commit a crime?
40:44 - Funny stories about Raaj Kumar
48:41 - Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
55:56 - Upcoming projects with Sanjay Leela Bhansali
57:18 - Collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker
59:21 - Why was Mughal-e-Azam never remade?
01:01:21 - Why aren’t films succeeding today?
01:03:49 - Controversy during Padmaavat release
01:05:51 - Old actors vs. today's stars
01:08:01 - Teaching at FTII
01:09:14 - Ranveer Allahabadia controversy
01:12:41 - Raza Murad’s childhood love story
01:14:47 - Raza Murad’s wedding
01:18:16 - Maintaining relationships in cinema
01:20:19 - Zeenat Aman’s second marriage
01:21:45 - Battling Depression in Bollywood
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Yogi Adityanath's government has completed eight years in Uttar Pradesh, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state's history and the only one to serve two consecutive terms.
In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Yogi Adityanath discusses his government's achievements over the past 8 years and shares his vision for making Uttar Pradesh a one-trillion-dollar economy. He also defends his bulldozer action, stating that strict measures are necessary to eliminate 'Mafia Raj' in the state.
He addresses concerns about Muslim safety in Uttar Pradesh and explains why the Mandir-Masjid debate resurfaces from time to time. Additionally, he reflects on what went wrong for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The conversation also covers Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, the Kumbh tragedy, Aurangzeb, freedom of speech, and the Constitution controversy.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
00:24 – 8 Years of Yogi Sarkar
04:55 – Transformation of Ayodhya
08:32 – Aurangzeb Controversy
13:09 – Muslims' Safety in U.P
19:59 – Sambhal Excavation Controversy
24:17 – Kumbh Tragedy
32:11 – Muslim Vote Bank Politics
37:53 – Constitution Row
42:19 – Kunal Kamra Joke Controversy
43:28 – ‘Batenge to Katenge’ Slogan
51:17 – Pride in ‘UP Identity’
53:42 – Waqf (Amendment) Bill Controversy
56:08 – Delimitation Debate & Language War
1:01:40 – Foreign Funding in 2024 LS Polls
1:07:44 – Rahul Gandhi
1:10:35 – $1 Trillion Economy Aim for UP
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The recent train hijacking and the Noshki convoy attack have raised serious questions about Pakistan losing control of Balochistan. Is the Baloch insurgency entering a new phase? Can Pakistan’s army crush the rebellion? Is China pressuring Pakistan to act harshly to protect CPEC? Is India secretly involved, as Pakistan claims? What exactly do the Balochs want?
To answer all these questions, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by Tilak Devasher, an author, expert on Pakistan, and a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board.
He also discusses Pakistan's unstable political landscape. Imran Khan remains in jail, and tensions between Punjab and Sindh are rising. With growing insurgencies and internal conflicts, is Pakistan heading toward another breakup like 1971?
00:00 - Introduction
01:52 - Baloch Train Hijack
08:29 - Noshki Bus Attack
10:11 - Should India Help Balochistan?
14:12 - Women's Involvement in the Baloch Armed Movement
19:55 - Half-Widow Concept in Balochistan
24:59 - The West Ignoring Balochistan
29:05 - India Involved in Baloch Insurgency?
36:59 - Baloch Rebels Targeting Only the Pakistan Army?
37:54 - Can India Step Into the Baloch Issue?
39:20 - Sardars vs. Young Baloch Movement
43:27 - Who Are the Leaders of the Balochistan Movement?
46:52 - Is Balochistan’s Situation Similar to 1971?
49:43 - Impact of the Baloch Crisis on the CPEC Deal
52:48 - What Is the Pakistan Army’s Next Move?
55:33 - Can Balochistan Win Without Sindhis & Pashtun Support?
01:01:25 - Who Calls the Shots in Pakistan?
01:05:36 - How Are Pakistanis Reacting to the Train Hijack?
01:07:39 - Will Trump Step In?
01:11:44 - Why No Western Sanctions on Pakistan’s Death Squads?
01:21:00 - Mufti Shah Mir Killed—Who's Behind It?
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Rakesh Roshan began his career as an assistant director on the film Anjaana (1969) and later went on to direct the action drama Khudgarz (1987).
With films like ‘Karan Arjun,’ ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai,’ ‘Koi... Mil Gaya,’ and the Krrish franchise, Rakesh Roshan has earned his place as a seasoned filmmaker across multiple genres in the Hindi film industry.
In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rakesh reveals the magic behind filmmaking and his unique style of directing Bollywood films. He explains the 'K' connection in his movie titles.
Rakesh also talks about how his father’s legacy was lost and how the ‘The Roshan’ docu-series on Netflix contributed to its revival.
Rakesh also shares his experiences of working with veteran actresses like Rekha, Hema Malini, and Jaya Prada. He also opens up about his bond with Rishi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Shatrughan Sinha, and Jeetendra.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Making of ‘The Roshans’
05:03 – Working with leading actresses
11:00 – Vision as filmmaker
17:47 – Friendship with Rishi Kapoor
22:13 – Funds for Bollywood Movies
25:38 – ‘K’ Letter Obsession
32:46 – Story behind the bald look
37:36 – Backstory of ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’
42:25 – Mentoring Hrithik Roshan
51:41 – Fitness secret
57:15 – Family values in South Indian movies
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Get ready for the much-awaited episode of the 'Real' Samosa Caucus!
Edition 5.0 is here and it's all about raw, uncensored, no-holds-barred discussions.
Joining the chat are: Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst Anand Ranganathan, author and scientist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies
This episode dives into some topics, including the Ranveer Allahbadia-Samay Raina controversy, the Shama Mohamed tweet row, and Arvind Kejriwal's future in politics.
The group also discusses the Trump-Zelensky spat at the Oval Office and the ceasefire plan proposed by the USA President Donald Trump to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.
The group also digs into why Aurangzeb remains relevant in Indian politics and discusses the Hindi vs Tamil language war.
00:00 – Introduction
01:40 – Samosa Caucus Returns
18:50 – Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy
27:23 – Aurangzeb and Hindutva Debate
36:32 – Trump’s Policies on Campus Activism
49:15 – Shama Mohamed Tweet Row
1:00:46 – Rahul's Remark on Gujarat Congress
1:10:16 – Trump-Zelensky Oval Office Spat
1:24:05 – What Europeans Think of Russia
1:42:58 – Obesity and Diabetes
1:54:08 – Arvind Kejriwal's Future
2:10:16 – Debt of States in India
2:19:04 – Hindi vs Tamil Language War
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Komal Nahta is a film trade analyst, the Editor-in-Chief of 'Film Information', and a well-known television show host. With decades of experience in the film industry, he is regarded as one of the most trusted voices in box office analysis.
Bharathi Pradhan is a columnist, film critic, and author. She hosts podcasts and Lehren TV and writes a Sunday column for The Telegraph. She has been reviewing films since the 1970s, making her one of the most respected critics in the industry.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Komal Nahta exposes how box office numbers are being manipulated. He reveals how producers use block bookings and fake figures to inflate collections. He also talks about the culture of paid reviews, claiming that 9 out of 10 movie reviews are bought. He shares his views on what’s wrong with Bollywood and why films are struggling to connect with audiences.
Bharathi Pradhan discusses how PR companies have become powerful in Bollywood and how actors misuse them. She shares untold stories about Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan and reflects on how the industry has changed since the 1970s. She also talks about the role of film critics and why they should stay honest to their readers, not cater to actors and producers.
00:00 – Introduction
01:58 – How movie critics review films
09:38 – The truth about Bollywood’s paid reviews
14:00 – Inside Bollywood’s PR game
21:12 – How box office numbers are manipulated
27:19 – Movies that got bad reviews but became hits
30:03 – Losing friends over honest movie reviews
43:31 – The rise of paparazzi culture
49:45 – What really makes a movie a hit?
1:01:42 – Remaking old classics and blockbusters
1:11:38 – The problem of over-PR in Bollywood
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Kiran Rao began her career as an assistant director on the iconic film Lagaan and later went on to direct Dhobi Ghat (2010) and the critically acclaimed box office success Laapataa Ladies (2024). She graduated with a degree in Economics from Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, in 1995, and later pursued her Master’s at AJK Mass Communication Research Center, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiran Rao delves into the intricacies of storytelling, the impact of cinema on our lives, and how films can be a powerful tool for messaging. She also shares her perspective on patriarchy, emphasising how men can be its victims.
She also opens up about her divorce from Aamir Khan, highlighting the mutual respect and strong bond they continue to share. More on the creative challenges in filmmaking and how she deals with an industry dominated by men.
00:00 - Introduction
02:27 - Movie Ticket Tax Row
06:55 - The Art of Storytelling in Bollywood
17:15 - Commercial Success vs. Critical Acclaim
23:12 - The Auditioning Process in Bollywood
24:54 - Working with Naseeruddin Shah
27:47 - Collaborating with Ashutosh Gowariker
28:52 - How SRK Behaves on Set
29:50 - Memories from Jamia University Days
32:39 - Women in a Male-Dominated Industry
38:49 - South Indian Films vs. Bollywood
48:25 - Laapataa Ladies vs. Animal
50:21 - Are Films Being Over-Promoted?
57:15 - Nupur’s Wedding
59:12 - Marriage & Divorce with Aamir Khan
01:02:45 - Nostalgic Memories from Dil Chahta Hai
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Ruchi Ghanashyam joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1982. Over her 38-year career, she served at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and as High Commissioner to Ghana, South Africa, and the UK, where she retired in 2020. She was also a Counsellor at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.
Shaina NC is a fashion designer, politician, and social worker. She is the daughter of former Mumbai Sheriff Nana Chudasama. In 2024, she left the BJP and joined Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ruchi Ghanashyam shares her journey as a woman in the Indian Foreign Service and her experiences as a diplomat in Pakistan and the UK.
Shaina NC talks about her transition from fashion to politics. She shares her experience of contesting elections from the Mumbadevi constituency and addresses the ‘Imported Maal’ controversy. She also discusses the debate over politicians' looks.
For generations, leadership, diplomacy, and power corridors have been dominated by men. But trailblazers like Ruchi Ghanashyam and Shaina NC have shattered stereotypes, proving that gender is no barrier to success.
00:00 - Introduction
03:01 - Indian Tradition
08:19 - The Story of Banarasi Joda in Pakistani Weddings
09:41 - Indian Saree in the Fashion Industry
13:55 - Saina's Entry into Politics
16:19 - Women in the Foreign Service
18:55 - Ruchi as an Indian Woman Diplomat in Islamabad
21:11 - Contesting Elections from Mumbadevi
25:04 - The 'Imported Maal' Controversy
32:32 - Ruchi as High Commissioner to the UK
37:50 - Debate over Politicians’ Looks
44:13 - Snap Reaction Segment
01:10:06 - Why Did Saina Leave the BJP?
01:13:24 - Dealing with Mental Health
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In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we take a deep dive into Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and how it continues to shape Indian politics. Joining the conversation are Dr. Guru Prakash Paswan, National Spokesperson of the BJP with a deep understanding of Dalit issues, and Kushal Mehra, a podcaster and author known for his sharp takes on politics and society.
They discuss the role of Dalit votes in elections, how Ambedkar’s vision is understood today, and the political battles fought in his name. The conversation also touches on the rise of Hinduphobia in Canada and the USA—why it’s happening, who is driving the narrative, and what it means for Indian communities abroad.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:17 - Ambedkar's Legacy
12:52 – Neo-Feudalism in India
16:15 - Caste Discrimination in the USA
26:04 – Migration Patterns from India to the West
34:27 - Merit vs Quota
45:05 - ‘Hinduphobia’ in the USA
52:40 – Caste Census in India
58:04 – Dalit Icons statues
1:06:42 - Dalits & Babasaheb
1:18:53 – Indian Community in Canada & the USA
1:29:49 – Dalit Politics in Punjab
1:37:04 - Politics over Dalit Vote Bank
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Pullela Gopichand is the second Indian to win the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championship (2001). A former Olympian, he coached Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu to Olympic success.
Honoured with the Arjuna Award in 1999, Gopichand is often called the ‘Dronacharya of Indian Badminton.’ Since 2004, he has been running an academy in Hyderabad, where players like Srikanth Kidambi, Parupalli Kashyap, H.S. Prannoy, Sai Praneeth, and Sameer Verma have trained and brought glory to India.
In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gopichand addresses the controversy around his remark that "only the rich should play sports." He clarifies that his concern is about the lack of support for athletes after retirement. He points out that while one in a hundred may reach the top, the rest need a safety net.
He also talks about how the government can do more to support athletes, the evolution of sports in India, and what it takes to create champions. He also discusses the impact of social media trolling on athletes’ mental health and the reality behind sports quota jobs.
00:00 - Introduction
00:49 - ‘Sports are for the Rich’ Controversy
08:05 - Securing an Athlete’s Future
13:44 - Post-Career Support for Athletes
19:54 - Wealth Disparity in Sports
25:27 - Government’s Role in Athlete Welfare
25:49 - Struggles of Athletes
28:04 - From Badminton Player to Coach
36:42 - How Sports Have Evolved
40:50 - Best Sports Choices for Kids
44:11 - Coaching Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu
48:08 - Bias in Coaching
53:16 - Dealing with Social Media Trolling
54:58 - An Athlete’s Diet: What It Takes
58:11 - Southeast Asian vs. European Players
01:01:25 - PM’s Role in Sports Development
01:02:48 - Sports Career Options: Then vs. Now
01:07:19 - Sports Quota Jobs
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Born in Srinagar, Kunal Kemmu comes from a family of actors. He began his career as a child actor, appearing in films like Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (1993), Raja Hindustani (1996), and Zakhm (1998).
Kunal made his debut as a lead actor in Kalyug (2005) and went on to star in several films, including the Golmaal franchise, Go Goa Gone (2013), and intense dramas like Traffic Signal (2007) and Blood Money (2012).
In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kunal opens up about the Kashmiri Pandit exodus in the 1990s and how it affected his family. He also shares why he chose to become an actor and what life was like growing up in Srinagar.
Kunal talks about the attack on his brother-in-law, Saif Ali Khan, and recalls the terrifying incident when his wife, Soha Ali Khan’s, house was robbed, explaining how he dealt with the situation.
He also discusses his directorial debut, Madgaon Express (2024), how fatherhood has changed him, and the important role fitness plays in his life.
00:00 - Introduction
00:44 - Growing Up as a Kashmiri Pandit
08:33 - Will Kashmiri Pandits Return to the Valley?
10:37 - Life in Bombay vs. Kashmir
12:17 - Entering the Industry as a Child Actor
18:50 - Transitioning from Child Actor to Adult Roles
22:36 - Working with Different Directors
24:00 - Directing 'Madgaon Express'
29:50 - Film on the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus
32:47 - Conversations at Actors' Family Dinners
35:40 - Saif Ali Khan Stabbing Incident
42:18 - Growing Up in the Public Eye as an Actor’s Kid
45:27 - How Social Media is Affecting Children
47:49 - Love for Travel
53:35 - Staying Physically Fit
1:06:37 - What’s Coming Up in 2025
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