In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Constantino Xavier, Senior Fellow in Foreign Policy and Security Studies at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP), and Dinkar Srivastava, former diplomat and Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation.
They discuss the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, the future of the Awami League, and the role of Sheikh Hasina. The conversation also revolves around at growing concerns about minorities, including Hindus in Bangladesh. Is there a rising wave of Islamisation? And how should India move forward in its ties with Dhaka?
Pakistan is also in focus. The guests talk about the rise of Asim Munir, the new boss of all things military and nuclear in Pakistan. Can the threat of another terror attack from Pakistan be ruled out?
The episode also explores how China and the United States are shaping choices in South Asia, and what India’s response should be in a changing regional scenario.
00:00 – Introduction
01:45 – Why Asim Munir Took CDF Role
05:54 – The Fall of Pervez Musharraf
07:43 – Can Pakistan Attack India Again?
15:03 – Will Bangladesh Hold Elections in February 2026?
25:37 – Imran Khan vs Asim Munir
32:39 – Rising Islamisation in Bangladesh
44:20 – Rohingya Crisis Explained
47:15 – Role of Pakistan Army in Politics
51:03 – When ISI Trained Guns on Dinkar Srivastava
01:11:40 – Anti-India Sentiment in Bangladesh
01:23:50 – India as the Standard in Pakistan
01:30:15 – India’s Neighbourhood Strategy
Gaur Gopal Das is a life coach, author, and motivational speaker. He studied at the College of Engineering, Pune, and briefly worked with Hewlett Packard. Soon after, he chose a very different path and became a monk and has been living in an ashram in Mumbai for the past 26 years.
Over the years, he has studied ancient Indian philosophy along with modern psychology. For more than two decades, he has travelled across the world, sharing his thoughts with students, professionals, charities, and institutions. He has also spoken at the United Nations.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Gaur Gopal Das talks about whether religion and spirituality can be separated, and whether marriage is becoming an outdated idea. He shares insights into the life of a monk and explains why he chose this path.
In this New Year special episode, he also speaks about the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and explains, in simple terms, what dharma truly means.
00:00 – Introduction
00:52 – Life of a Monk
07:56 – Understanding Spirituality
14:30 – Why Monks Wear Orange?
19:29 – Controlling Desires
23:03 – Dealing with Anger
30:49 – Spirituality vs Religion
34:38 – Power of Chanting Mantras
45:25 – Why Modi Gifted Gita to Putin?
57:39 – Who Should One Read Gita
01:03:33 – Spirituality and Politics
01:09:47 – Living with Differences
01:12:36 – Gen X vs Gen Z
01:17:43 – India and Its Adversaries
01:25:09 – Parenting in Digital Times
01:36:26 – Importance of Family Love
01:38:42 – Marriage an Outdated Concept?
01:46:33 – Gaur Gopal Das Married?
01:50:43 – How Relationships Grow
01:54:51 – Fixing Broken Relationships
02:00:04 – Couples Staying Together for Children
02:07:15 – Real vs Fake Gurus
02:09:44 – Handling Others’ Pain
02:14:36 – Does Fame Change Friends?
02:19:02 – Healthy Habits for Life
Sanjeev Sanyal is a historian, economist, author, and currently serves as a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister of India.
In this edition of the Podcast with Smita Prakash, he uncovers colonial ‘lies’ in India’s history. He talks about his project on INSV Kaundinya, showcasing India’s ancient maritime exploration.
He speaks on the IndiGo crisis, freebies, pensions, and the future of India’s economy. He also explains urban challenges in Indian cities and GDP measurement tools.
*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
01:08 – INSV Kaundinya Sailing Vessel History
04:54 – Sailing Training for INSV Kaundinya
09:12 – The Forgotten Chapters of Indian History
13:53 – Kalinga War & The Myths About Ashoka
16:55 – Indian History and Language
18:58 – India vs Big Tech: The Battle for Narrative
31:13 – Can India Build Its Own Tech Platforms?
33:44 – Indian Democracy
37:12 – The West on India’s Growth
41:42 – India Growing Without Creating Enough Jobs?
46:05 – India’s Skill Development in the 20th Century
51:44 – Universalisation of Education & NEP
53:32 – Bureaucracy & the Changing World
01:00:09 – Delhi Pollution
01:04:40 – Infrastructure Crisis in India
01:07:54 – Millionaires Leaving India
01:10:55 – Indigo Crisis & Monopoly Problem
01:11:53 – India’s Financial System
01:15:58 – Impact of Freebies & Pensions
01:22:03 – India’s Role in the Global Power Order
01:27:25 – Is India’s GDP Data Reliable?
The much-awaited episode of The ‘Real’ Samosa Caucus –Edition 7.0 is here, packed with raw, uncensored, and no-holds-barred conversations.
Joining the panel 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 issues like illegal immigration and demographic changes, rising radicalisation in Bangladesh, the Vande Mataram debate, the SIR showdown, internal security threats and India’s foreign policy challenges.
The panel also talks about propaganda in cinema, marriage in the modern world, and much more.
Don’t miss the sharp arguments and witty banter in this episode!
*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
06:00 – Kangana, Mahua & Supriya at Jindal Wedding
11:48 – India’s Road Safety Crisis
18:35 – TV Panelists vs Anchors
28:36 – The ‘Godi Media’ Label
41:06 – Demography vs Democracy
48:28 – Congress Leadership & Rahul Gandhi
01:01:15 – India’s Education System
01:16:20 – Hindu Temples
01:26:48 – Islam in India
01:35:03 – Radicalism in Bangladesh
01:48:17 – Idea of Marriage in India
01:59:31 – Media & Celebrity Culture
02:10:20 – Putin’s Visit to India
02:22:45 – Karnataka Hate Speech Bill
02:30:18 – Hybrid Threats & Internal Radicalisation
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence officer, academic, and tech entrepreneur, and Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, a former Indian Foreign Service officer and Distinguished Fellow at the Vivekananda International Foundation.
Together, they discuss India’s narrative war against Pakistan and why winning this battle is crucial. Should India’s armed forces have a dedicated team to counter Pakistani propaganda in real time? Why does India still lack a strong and organised information-warfare system? How can India protect its global image?
They also examine how Western think tanks publish anti-India reports that shape global opinion, and how India should respond.
00:00 – Introduction
01:17 – India vs Pak: Information Warfare
07:06 – India vs Pak: Social Media Battle
11:57 – India’s Fact-Checking System
18:34 – Information Warfare: What Should India Do?
23:10 – India vs Pak Narrative During War
27:24 – Red Fort Attack & GPS Spoofing
33:00 – Sanchar Saathi App & Surveillance Concerns
40:54 – Phone Tapping
44:56 – How Terror Networks Avoid Detection
46:23 – Freedom of Speech vs National Security
50:24 – Open-Source Intelligence and Data Leaks
53:13 – National Security Rules for Tech Companies
56:10 – Disinformation During Operation Sindoor
01:00:18 – Western Media Bias Against India
01:03:48 – Rise of Anti-Drone Systems
01:06:28 – India’s Drone Challenge
01:13:06 – Gaps in Internal Security
01:16:01 – Grey-Zone Tactics & Diplomacy
01:17:33 – Role of AI in Information Warfare
01:22:36 – Need for a Unified Tech Framework
01:26:29 – Hybrid Warfare Challenges with Pakistan
01:28:19 – Possibility of Operation Sindoor 2?
01:31:26 – Public Trust & Security Strategy
Bina Ramani is a fashion designer, author, and entrepreneur. She pioneered India’s boutique culture, played a key role in shaping Delhi’s Hauz Khas Village, and was a key witness in the Jessica Lal case.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Bina Ramani recalls memories of the Kapoor family, including Raj Kapoor, and speaks about her romantic association with Shammi Kapoor. She also talks about her friendship with Rekha and her role in introducing her to Mukesh Agarwal.
Bina Ramani shares anecdotes from her interactions with Indira Gandhi, including gifting her jewellery. She also reflects on her encounters with global icons such as Jackie Onassis and Yoko Ono.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:29 – Breaking Years of Silence
02:37 – 'Bird in a Banyan Tree' & the Night of 1999
08:02 – The Jessica Lal Murder Case
17:42 – Allegations of Evidence Tampering
21:31 – Tihar Jail and the Reopening of the Case
24:15 – How Fame Turned into Public Backlash
26:25 – Media Trial & ‘No One Killed Jessica’ Movie
28:49 – When Bollywood Sidelined Bina Ramani
31:17 – Life Inside Tihar Jail
36:44 – Ram Jethmalani and the Turning Point
44:43 – The End of ‘Page 3’ Culture
49:52 – Early Life & Raj Kapoor
56:28 – Relationship with Shammi Kapoor
01:06:16 – Why Shammi Kapoor Lived for His Audience
01:08:27 – Binatone: A Product Named After Bina Ramani
01:11:32 – Marriage, Affairs, and Turmoil
01:19:37 – Her Career with the Taj Group
01:22:12 – The Man Bina Ramani Connected with the Most
01:36:11 – Who Was Pamela Bordes?
01:44:06 – What Made Asha Puthli a Global Icon?
01:51:46 – Interviewing Indira Gandhi
01:58:24 – Chandraswami and Spiritual Scams
02:08:06 – Money Laundering and the FBI Probe
02:13:28 – Rekha’s Marriage to Mukesh Agarwal
02:23:06 – What Led to Mukesh Agarwal’s Suicide?
02:26:56 – Battling Cancer and Finding ‘Malabar Secrets’
Taran Adarsh is a leading film trade analyst and renowned critic. With decades of experience, he is considered one of the most trusted voices on box office trends and reviews.
Bhawana Somaaya is an Indian film journalist, critic, author and historian. She was conferred the Padma Shri in 2017. She has written over 13 books on Hindi cinema and iconic Bollywood personalities.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Taran Adarsh exposes how social-media armies and personalised PR machinery are creating a new kind of burden on Hindi cinema. He explains how actors’ ‘big’ egos and reduced director control are hurting Bollywood today.
Bhawana Somaaya talks about writing on Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, showing how stars bounce back from setbacks. She shares untold stories about Dharmendra and Yash Chopra and reflects on how Bollywood has changed since the 1970s.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – PR Culture in Bollywood
06:23 – Hema Malini–Dharmendra’s Marriage
12:58 – Rajshri Films & ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ Review
17:31 – Inside Raj Kapoor’s RK Studios
22:01 – Generational Changes in Bollywood
27:25 – Jaya Bachchan and the Paparazzi
31:54 – Books on Amitabh Bachchan
37:43 – Box Office Truths
41:27 – ‘Saiyaara’ Review
42:01 – Honest Reviews vs Actor ‘Ego’
46:02 – Evolution of Film Reviews
52:02 – Influencers & Media Credibility
57:42 – Impact of AI and Social Media on Film Criticism
1:02:19 – Modern Trend of Entourages
1:05:39 – Evolution of Audience Preferences
1:14:04 – Theatre Experience vs OTT Viewing
Talmiz Ahmad is one of India’s most experienced diplomats, with decades of work across West Asia, the Gulf, and global strategic affairs. A former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE, he has watched world politics change from the front row.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ambassador Ahmad breaks down India–Russia ties and why the West is rattled by New Delhi’s independent foreign policy. He explains the new Saudi–Pakistan defence pact, China’s growing influence in the Gulf, and what these changes mean for India.
He also discusses India’s role in the Middle East, the Israel–Gaza war, and why the era of unquestioned Western power may be ending.
00:00 – Introduction
01:04 – Takeaways from Putin’s India Visit
05:58 – India’s Strategic Autonomy
11:06 – Why the USA is Rattled
14:48 – Conflicts in the Middle East
23:45 – How the USA Broke the World Order
39:24 – Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact
45:02 – Middle East’s View on India–Pakistan
47:13 – Saudi Arabia’s Fight Against Terror
52:09 – India’s Fight Against Terrorism
Madhuri Dixit is one of the film icons that India has loved for over four decades. From Mohini in 'Tezaab' to Nisha in 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun' and Chandramukhi in 'Devdas', her characters live on in people’s memories. Her dance, her expressions, her screen presence, they shaped an entire generation of moviegoers.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Madhuri Dixit opens up like never before. She talks about being booed at IIT Bombay, then dancing for 1.5 hours, her legendary partnership with Saroj Khan and working with Yash Chopra and Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
She also speaks about MF Husain visiting her home in Denver, her first meeting with Dr Nene, shifting to the US, pay parity, and her take on the 8-hour shift debate.
And for the first time in her 40-year career, Madhuri plays a serial killer in 'Mrs Deshpande', releasing on JioCinema on December 19. She tells us what went into creating this raw and intense character.
This podcast shows that behind the superstar is someone curious, grounded, and always ready to try something new.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:38 – Acting Journey
04:12 – Family Support for Joining Films
05:16 – Bond with Saroj Khan
08:07 – Working with Directors & Crew
10:27 – Actors Who Dance Well
13:54 – Were Karisma and Aishwarya Competitors?
17:12 – Women-Centric Roles
20:36 – Playing a Serial Killer in Mrs. Deshpande
24:44 – How OTT Has Changed Cinema
27:23 – Taking a Break from Acting
33:56 – Acting Then vs Now
37:44 – Women Actors on Set
40:25 – Remembering Dharmendra
41:26 – Sanjay Dutt & the Khalnayak Shoot
44:18 – Who Helps Madhuri Choose Her Roles Now?
49:32 – Has Social Media Killed Stardom?
57:24 – Will Madhuri Join Politics?
58:49 – Films vs OTT: What Changed?
Namrata Soni is one of India’s most celebrated makeup artists. Over the last two decades, she has worked with the biggest names in the industry and even built her own beauty brand, 'Simply Nam'.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast, she talks about her early years, when female makeup artists were banned from working in Bollywood. She shares how Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan stood by her. Namrata also breaks down the truth about skincare, the Korean-skin myth, and why simple routines work best in India.
Namrata Soni also did the makeup for the bride at the viral Udaipur wedding, which is being called the “wedding of the year” because of its star-studded guest list and the number of Bollywood celebrities who attended.
Watch this podcast to know the real truth about skincare and makeup in India.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:32 – The Myth of ‘Korean Skin’
01:33 – Skincare Steps to Avoid if You Have Fillers
03:42 – The 10-Step Skincare Routine
06:53 – The Right Age to Start Your Skincare Journey
06:22 – The No-Makeup Look & Celebrities
11:36 – Unrealistic Expectations of Brides
14:16 – Top Celebrities Namrata Has Worked With
15:43 – Working With International Icons
16:38 – The Reality of the ‘No-Makeup Makeup Look’
18:05 – Why Skin Prep Is Key Before Makeup
20:05 – Sonam Kapoor’s Bridal Looks
22:52 – The Pressure of Walking Into a Makeup Store
29:35 – Being Banned by the Union
32:05 – Gender Bias in Bollywood
41:02 – Delhi vs Mumbai Fashion
Dr. (Col) Joy Dev Mukherji is one of India’s top neurologists with over 28 years of experience. After serving in the Armed Forces Medical Services, he joined Max Healthcare in 2006, where he continues to practice as a senior neurologist.
He has spoken at medical forums across India and abroad, published several research papers, and received many honours, including the Chief of Army Staff’s Commendation Medal.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast, Dr Mukherji explains why young adults are increasingly getting strokes and what causes them. He also talks about the reality of yoga, the impact of air pollution, and how recreational drugs are harming the youth. Furthermore, he shares what the government needs to focus on to improve healthcare in India.
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Strokes in Young Adults
02:53 – Can a Neck Massage Cause a Stroke?
04:16 – Early Warning Signs of Stroke
06:39 – What Can Save the Brain During a Stroke
08:06 – What To Do in a Stroke Emergency
11:50 – Genetics, Diabetes & Stroke Risk
12:23 – Pollution, Dementia & Stroke Link
16:33 – Party Drugs, Energy Drinks
20:10 – Heat Stroke vs. Brain Stroke
22:40 – Is Migraine a Warning Sign?
26:06 – Work–Life Balance & Discipline
27:45 – The Junk Food Trap
31:24 – Memory Lapses & Dementia
34:56 – Rapid-Fire Session
46:46 – Alzheimer's Disease
49:46 – Are Phones Destroying Kids?
56:00 – Nicotine’s Invisible Damage
58:16 – India’s Health Policies
01:01:09 – Is Healthcare Becoming a Business?
01:03:11 – What Made Dr Mukherji Stay in India?
01:04:59 – The Future of Brain Science
Himani Shivpuri is famous for playing motherly and memorable character roles in Hindi Cinema. She has acted in many hit films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Hero No. 1, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Bandhan, and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Himani Shivpuri shares fun stories about Govinda. She talks about special moments from the sets of Hum Aapke Hain Koun and recalls behind-the-scenes memories from DDLJ.
She also speaks about the reality of theatre. She says that Hindi theatre pays very little, which is why actors often need other jobs. In comparison, Marathi and Gujarati theatre have stronger audiences and pay much better.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:12 – From Theatre to Cinema
02:45 – Hum Aapke Hain Koun & DDLJ Breakthrough
10:34 – 'Humrahi' on Doordarshan
20:00 – Working with YRF, Karan Johar & Sooraj Barjatya
22:42 – Why Actors Quit Hindi Theatre
25:48 – Govinda on Set
32:33 – Hero vs Heroine Stardom
42:28 – Schooling in Doon
45:11 – Adopting Bhatwadi Village in Uttarakhand
49:03 – Working with Shyam Benegal
52:42 – Art vs Commercial Cinema
54:51 – Dream to Work with Aamir Khan
On 10th November 2025, a terror blast near the Red Fort shook the capital. For the first time in over a decade, Delhi witnessed an attack in the heart of the city. Early investigations pointed to Pakistan-backed terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed. The attackers were doctors and engineers.
Is this the rise of white-collar terrorism in India? Was the Delhi blast a retaliation by Pakistan after India struck Jaish’s headquarters during Operation Sindoor? Was this an intelligence failure, or did Indian agencies actually manage to limit the damage?
In this edition of The ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF, who is known for his sharp and unfiltered analysis of Pakistan and its security establishment. Ashok Chand, a former Delhi Police officer who investigated major terror cases, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the Red Fort attack in 2000 and the Jama Masjid blast.
This episode is a deep dive into India’s security challenges, Pakistan-backed terror networks and why India cannot afford complacency.
00:00 – Introduction
01:48 – Red Fort 10/11 blast
06:59 – Intelligence Networks vs Terror Modules
10:25 – Psychology of Dr. Umar Nabi
15:42 – The Red Fort 2000 Attack
22:47 – Afzal Guru’s role in Parliament attack
27:47 – The Ammonium Nitrate Case Study
31:35 – ‘White-Collar’ Terrorism in India
38:26 – Dr Shaheen’s Role as Jaish recruiter
47:51 – Delhi Car Blast: Retaliation for Op Sindoor?
57:11 – Online Radicalisation
1:01:46 – Delhi Blast: Suicide Bomber or Panic Blast?
1:08:56 – What Drives a Suicide Bomber
1:12:01 – 2010 Jama Masjid attack
1:16:51 – Crime Scene Protocols After Terror Attacks
1:20:41 – Poverty Creates Terrorists?
1:25:29 – Judicial Hurdles in Terrorism Trials
1:37:57 – Cross-Border Influence on Kashmiris
Arun Kumar is Associate Editor of the Hindustan Times, with over three and a half decades of experience covering Jharkhand and Bihar. Ravi Upadhyay is a Senior Journalist who has worked with the news agency UNI for several years in Chandigarh and Patna.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, senior journalists break down the latest opinion polls, voter trends and ground realities from across the state.
They analyse the Bihar elections to see who was ahead - Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, or how Prashant Kishor’s strategies influenced voters.
They also talk about how women voters, youth participation, and high voter turnout shaped the Bihar elections, along with how media coverage might have influenced the results.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:35 – PK’s Influence in Bihar
05:10 – Nitish’s Options Post-Election
07:47 – Tejashwi vs Tej Pratap
12:25 – Will Nitish Kumar Be Bihar CM Again?
18:18 – Women Voters & High Turnout
25:23 – Rahul Gandhi's Influence on Gen Z
31:26 – ‘Jeevika’ Scheme
33:53 – Bihar’s Unique Caste Politics
38:27 – Social Media’s Role in Bihar Elections
41:38 – Role of Jeevika Didis
42:43 – Nitish Kumar's Health
46:04 – Tejashwi’s Public Image
48:57 – Muslim Voting Patterns
Chirag Paswan is the Founder and Chief of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). He serves as the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries in the NDA government. His party is contesting 29 seats in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.
In this episode of The ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Chirag speaks about his party’s prospects in the Bihar polls and shares his political ambitions. He calls Prime Minister Narendra Modi his inspiration and says PM Modi is the only reason he remains with the NDA.
Chirag also takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi’s Gen Z appeal, calls Nitish Kumar a “necessity” for the NDA, and reveals why he aims to become a Vidhayak by 2030.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:38 – Tense Moments During Voting
02:47 – Campaign Strategy
05:15 – Ticket Distribution in NDA
07:17 – Disappointment After the First Phase?
09:46 – Rahul’s ‘Reservation in Army’ Remark
14:09 – Why Decoding Bihar Is Difficult
17:40 – Ram Vilas Paswan’s Legacy
20:49 – How Chirag Paswan Differs from His Father
25:49 – Is Nitish Kumar a Necessity for the BJP?
31:18 – When Will Chirag Return to State Politics?
33:54 – Image of a Bihari in 2025
36:49 – Casteism in Bihar
46:39 – Challenges for the NDA
Prashant Kishor, the man who has designed winning election campaigns for leaders across party lines, is now in the political battlefield himself. After the first phase of the Bihar polls, Kishor speaks his mind like never before.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he calls migrant workers the “real X-factor” of this election. He claims that “Nitish is going” and that the people of Bihar want change.
He takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his appeal to Gen-Z voters, asking, “Why would India’s youth listen to Rahul Gandhi?”
Kishor also explains why Jan Suraaj will “force another election if needed,” denies any post-poll alliance, and shares his blunt view of the Aam Aadmi Party and Arvind Kejriwal: “Their only weakness is a lack of patience and perseverance.”
An unfiltered conversation with the political strategist-turned-politician who has seen Indian politics from every side.
*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
01:10 – First Phase of Voting in Bihar
02:21 – Role Of Migrant Labourers
03:49 – End of Nitish Kumar's Era?
05:53 – Female Voters In Bihar
10:07 – Muslim Yadav Equation
12:15 – What do Muslims in Bihar Want?
13:05 – Role of Gen-Z in Bihar Election
19:15 – Caste Politics in Bihar
24:57 – What if Jan Suraaj Joins a Coalition?
27:35 – Jan Suraaj Ideology
34:41 – Comparison with Kejriwal
35:46 – Reforms in Bihar
Sanjay Kumar Jha is a member of the Rajya Sabha and serves as the National Working President of Janata Dal (United). He is also the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Tourism, and Culture.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sanjay Jha discusses the dynamics of NDA's Modi-Nitish factor, record voter turnout in the first phase of the Bihar election, and explains the Gen-Z factor in Bihar elections.
Jha also speaks about Nitish Kumar's health and whether he will be fit for the next CM. He addresses whether his son will be the political successor of Nitish Kumar.
More on Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ claim and the possible influence of Prashant Kishor on Bihar politics.
*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
00:44 – Anti-Incumbency Factor in Bihar
03:13 – Bihar Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana
06:21 – Rahul Gandhi's ‘Vote Theft’ Claims
09:08 – ‘Bahubali’ Candidates in Bihar Polls
12:44 – Personality Factor in Bihar Polls
14:43 – Bihar’s Trust in Nitish Kumar
15:52 – Prashant Kishor Factor
17:25 – Tejashwi Yadav & Family Politics Trend
25:35 – ‘Gen Z’ Voter Factor in Bihar
28:14 – Job Creation in Bihar
32:20 – Future of Bihar Politics
Soha Ali Khan is an actor, author, podcaster, and one of the most articulate voices from the Pataudi family. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Soha opens up about fame, family, and finding her own identity away from the shadow of her legendary parents, Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
She talks about Rang De Basanti, why she chose to step away from films, and what shaped her journey. Soha also reflects on her brother Saif Ali Khan’s career and what it was like growing up in a household where wit, grace, and legacy coexisted.
In a candid conversation, she shares her thoughts on the fear of self-censorship in cinema and the debate around 8-hour workdays for actors. Soha also opens up about motherhood, privilege, and protecting her daughter’s privacy in a world obsessed with celebrity culture.
00:00 – Introduction
02:01 – Family Traits Soha Inherited
03:14 – Sharmila Tagore on Doing OTT Series
07:57 – Did Saif Want to Be a Cricketer?
11:44 – How Soha Got Her Role in Rang De Basanti
15:12 – Facing Backlash as Filmmakers
25:10 – Soha on Saif’s Career
30:07 – Motherhood and Work
33:48 – Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi as a Father
37:30 – Soha on Being a Podcaster
41:48 – Sharmila Tagore as a Grandmother
42:52 – How Soha Met Kunal
45:23 – The Weight of Heritage
46:29 – The Bhopal House Story
47:29 – Rabindranath Tagore Connection
50:45 – Chef Kunal or Chef Soha?
53:17 – Soha’s Workout Routine
56:05 – Privacy Concerns & Saif’s House Break-In
01:00:21 – Parenting Rules
D. Sivanandhan is one of Mumbai’s most respected former Police Commissioners, a man who saw the city’s darkest days up close, from the bloody gang wars of the 1990s to the 1993 bomb blasts that shook Mumbai. He led the fight against Dawood Ibrahim’s underworld empire and is known for cleaning up the mafia.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, D. Sivanandhan takes us back to that era, when gangsters ruled the streets, businessmen were shot in broad daylight, and the Mumbai Police decided to strike back.
He talks about how the cleanup began, the underworld’s deep links with Bollywood and real estate, and how Dawood’s network thrived with Pakistan’s ISI. D. Sivanandhan also shares what went wrong during the 26/11 terror attacks and what it truly takes to protect a city like Mumbai.
00:00 – Introduction
01:42 – The Book 'The Brahmastra Unleashed'
05:35 – 90s Mumbai Underworld
16:48 – How Powerful the Underworld Was
20:45 – Dawood & the 1993 Bomb Blasts
25:46 – Transition from Karim Lala to Dawood
31:26 – Dawood vs Chhota Rajan
43:13 – The Underworld’s Pact
46:40 – Politics & Mumbai Police
58:28 – Bollywood's Underworld Connection
01:09:13 – Reel Encounters vs Real Violence
01:12:04 – The 26/11 Attacks
01:23:21 – New-Age Threats & Security Gaps
01:32:12 – Rise of Cybercrime
Ajai Chowdhry is one of India’s leading tech visionaries and a co-founder of HCL, the company that helped build India’s computer revolution. Over the decades, he has advised governments and industry leaders on how to make India a true technology powerhouse.
He is also the chairman of the EPIC Foundation, an initiative aimed at developing electronic products of national importance and driving India toward self-reliance in technology.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajai Chowdhry talks about the real state of ‘Make in India’: are we truly manufacturing, or just assembling parts? He shares his insights on India’s tech product gap, China’s deep grip on the electronics supply chain, and what India must do to build world-class technology from the ground up.
He also opens up about his journey with HCL, the early days of India’s tech scene, and why the next big challenge for the country is not coding, but creating. Ajai Chowdhry also talks about how AI is reshaping the future of jobs, and why, without strong R&D, ‘Make in India’ will remain just a slogan.
Timestamps
00:00 - Coming Up
02:24 - Introduction
03:28 - Why India Has No Global Product
13:27 - Layoffs in the Tech Industry
17:40 - India Trapped in US–China Trade War?
20:25 - Why India Needs Its Own Tech IP
27:02 - The Push for Data Localisation
38:47 - The Making of HCL
45:55 - Indian Industries Ready for the AI Boom?
51:50 - Human vs Machine: Who Wins?
56:16 - Quantum Computer Ops in India
01:03:38 - The Fight Over Rare Earths
01:07:28 - Nurturing Tech Talent in India
01:12:11 - Family & Early Life