What happens when fame fades — but purpose doesn’t?This is Neelam Kothari, beyond Bollywood.
🎙️ Bollywood. Business. Balance. Reinvention.
From being one of the most recognisable faces of 90s Bollywood to building a successful jewellery brand, Neelam Kothari Soni has lived multiple lives — each shaped by courage, choice, and clarity.
In this intimate episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Neelam for an honest conversation about what happens after fame — when applause fades and real purpose begins.
They talk about:
Life behind the glamour of 90s Bollywood
Working with legends like Govinda and Salman Khan
Why stepping back from films was not a loss, but a turning point
Building a jewellery brand from passion and precision
Motherhood, balance, and redefining success on her own terms
Advice for women navigating reinvention in any phase of life
This is not just a celebrity interview.
It’s a story of identity beyond validation and growth beyond spotlight.
🎧 Listen till the end for Neelam’s most honest advice to young women finding their voice.
Women’s safety is not just a discussion — it’s a reality that demands attention.
In this powerful episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Seema Rajput Verma, a gender justice advocate, to uncover the hard truths surrounding stalking laws, crime, power dynamics, and women’s safety in India.
This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how stalking is legally defined, why many cases remain unreported, and how gaps in interpretation and enforcement continue to affect real lives. The episode also addresses uncomfortable but necessary questions around misuse narratives, systemic loopholes, and the responsibility of institutions.
In this episode, you will learn:
• What legally constitutes stalking and why many people unknowingly cross legal boundaries
• The current reality of women’s safety in India
• Why stalking cases often go unreported or unresolved
• The difference between legal protection and misuse narratives
• Key loopholes within the system and how they are exploited
• Practical insights toward building a safer, more accountable society
This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants a deeper, more honest understanding of women’s safety, law, and justice — beyond social media debates and surface-level conversations.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or production team. This episode is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. Discussions related to legal matters are based on publicly available information and personal perspectives. Listener discretion is advised.
Sponsored by Safeguard+
An initiative focused on self-defence awareness, legal literacy, and community safety.
Host: Smriti Agarwal
Guest: Seema Rajput Verma
Follow us on Instagram: @femmeforward__
🔴DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. This episode is for informational purposes only.
Episode: India’s Voice for Animals ft. Maneka Gandhi
In this powerful episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Maneka Gandhi — veteran politician, leading animal rights activist, and founder of People for Animals, India’s largest animal welfare organization.
From establishing 40+ animal hospitals to challenging outdated laws on street dogs and mobile zoos, Maneka Gandhi shares her decades-long journey of compassion, reform, and resilience. She opens up about the moment that changed her life, the mission behind People for Animals, and her vision for a kinder, more responsible India.
What You’ll Learn:
• The personal turning point that sparked her passion for animal rights
• How People for Animals was founded in 1992
• Her efforts to protect stray dogs and wildlife
• Why she advocates for veganism
• Guidance for young changemakers shaping India’s future
Whether you care about animals, politics, or social impact, this conversation encourages you to reflect on how one voice can drive collective change.
Connect with Femme Forward:
Instagram: @femmeforward__
Email: femmeforwardofficial@gmail.com
Host: Smriti Agarwal | @smritiagarwal96
Guest: Maneka Gandhi | @manekagandhibjp
Join the Conversation:
What role should governments play in protecting animals? Share your thoughts with us.
#femmeforwardpodcast #femmeforwardindia #animalvoises #manekagandhi
In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Vani Tripathi Tikoo opens up like never before about faith, destiny, womanhood, and the unseen forces that guide our lives.
From her early days in theatre… to representing India globally… to the quiet spiritual strength she draws from Neem Karoli Baba and Kechi Dham this is a story of a woman who built her voice on her own terms.
Together with Smriti Zubin Irani, she reflects on:
✨ How destiny and effort shape us
✨ The Bhagavad Gita verse that keeps her grounded
✨ What belief means to a woman who carries many roles
✨ Finding courage through surrender
✨ The silent battles women fight and rise from
This episode is an emotional mirror for every woman who’s still choosing courage, effort, and faith even on the hardest days.
Femme Forward Women supporting women, one story at a time.
#FemmeForward #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastIndia #VaniTripathi #SmritiIrani #NeemKaroliBaba #KechiDham #BhagavadGita #WomenInLeadershi
In this raw and fearless conversation, Smriti Agarwal sits down with Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Founder of Seeds of Innocence and one of India’s leading IVF specialists, to decode the science, stigma, and silent struggles behind fertility and reproductive health.
They talk about:
The real journey of IVF beyond clinic walls
Myths around infertility and how they hurt women & men
Why painful periods shouldn’t be normalized
The truth about intimate hygiene and self-care
How rural India’s women are being empowered through awareness
This episode isn’t just medical — it’s emotional, personal, and revolutionary.
Because fertility isn’t a taboo — it’s a truth we must talk about. 💬
🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who needs to feel seen.
#drgauriagarwal #femmeforward #ivfjourney #infertilityawareness #womenshealthindia #smritiagarwal #periodpain #intimatehygiene #reproductiverights #healthwithoutshame
In this raw and revealing episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Malini Ramani — iconic fashion designer, creative rebel, and spiritual seeker — to uncover the story they never told you. From launching her own café and designing for Kingfisher Airlines, to being linked with the Jessica Lall case, Malini opens up about fame, fear, forgiveness, and finding herself again in Rishikesh. Discover how she turned heartbreak into healing through Kundalini Yoga and Tantric wisdom, and what it truly means to awaken your inner Shakti.
🎧 Highlights: Why she shut down her fashion label after 20 years Inside the Jessica Lall case: her truth, her pain, her peace Practicing Tantra & Kundalini Yoga during lockdown Lessons on anxiety, trauma & transformation
💬 Have you ever lost everything only to find your truth? Share your thoughts with us on
Instagram @femmeforward__
Guest: Malini Ramani @malini_ramani
Host: Smriti Agarwal @smritiagarwal96
#MaliniRamani #FemmeForward #SmritiAgarwal #IndianPodcast #SpiritualJourney #FashionToHealing #JessicaLallCase #KundaliniYoga #Tantra #WomenWhoLead
In this episode of Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Anshu Khanna — journalist, writer, and founder of Royal Fables & Good Word Media Services.
From pioneering India’s first boutique PR agency to working with global luxury brands like Dior, Armani, and Jimmy Choo, Anshu has shaped the way luxury is seen in India. She also leads Royal Fables, an initiative reviving the art and crafts of Indian royal families.
🔊 In this conversation, you’ll discover:
How India’s media and luxury landscape transformed over 30 years
Behind-the-scenes of PR for global icons & Indian designers
The story of Royal Fables and cultural preservation
Anshu’s advice to young women entrepreneurs: “Don’t wait for capital—just start.”
✨ A story of luxury, heritage, and women empowerment.
Follow us on Instagram 👉 @femmeforward__
Host: @smritiagarwal96 | Guest: @anshukhanna
#femmeforward #anshukhanna #royalfables #womeninleadership #luxuryindia #womenempowerment
What really happens behind the scenes of Indian politics?
In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Pallavi Ghosh, Senior Editor at CNN-News18, to explore the untold truths of political journalism.
From the chaos of Parliament debates to the beauty of democracy, from TRPs vs Truth to the struggles of women in newsrooms — Pallavi opens up about her journey, her battles, and why credibility matters more than clicks.
This is more than a conversation on media — it’s a look into how democracy works, what shapes narratives, and how women journalists hold power accountable.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify.
🎥 Prefer video? The full episode is available on YouTube — link : ( https://youtu.be/dl2XuNr0SMg?si=um4pCZSOVl1tR1J4 )
#femmeforwardpodcast #pallavighosh #cnnnews18 #indianpolitics #truthvstrp #womeninjournalism #democracyindia #journalismindia
Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Shaili Chopra joins host Smriti Agarwal on Femme Forward to share her fearless journey — from reporting live during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to founding SheThePeople and Gytree.
In this powerful conversation, Shaili opens up about:
Facing risks as a frontline journalist
Her shift from media to entrepreneurship
Building platforms that amplify women’s voices
Breaking silence around women’s health
What equality means today
Advice for young women who want to break barriers
This episode is bold, honest, and deeply inspiring a masterclass in courage, leadership, and rewriting the rules.
👉 Listen now and discover how Shaili is redefining power, purpose, and equality.
#femmeforwardpodcast #womenempoernment #womensupportingwomen
In this episode of Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Sonam Kalra — internationally acclaimed singer, composer, and creator of The Sufi Gospel Project.
From performing at the Sydney Opera House to receiving three global music awards, Sonam opens up about:
✨ Finding harmony between purpose and passion
✨ Why she believes humanity is the ultimate religion
✨ Her journey as a Grammy Recording Academy member
✨ The struggles she faced breaking into the music industry
✨ The quiet, personal moments that matter more than the spotlight
With honesty and grace, Sonam shares what it means to stay true to your voice — both musically and spiritually.
🔗 Follow Femme Forward for more inspiring conversations with women creators, leaders, and changemakers.
📌 Connect with Us:
Instagram: @femmeforward__ | Host: @smritiagarwal96 | Guest: @sonamkalraofficial
From the roots of Kathak tradition to performing on global stages, Shivani Varma’s journey is a story of courage, culture, and creative freedom.
In this inspiring episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Shivani Varma—a disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj—who is reshaping classical dance for today’s world.
Shivani opens up about:
✅ Balancing tradition and innovation in Indian classical dance
✅ Facing community pressure while building her own bold style
✅ Performing at the 2010 Commonwealth Games & at A.R. Rahman’s daughter’s wedding
✅ The emotional & spiritual side of being a woman artist
✅ Advice for young creators struggling with self-doubt and identity
This episode is soulful, strong, and unforgettable—perfect for anyone who loves art, culture, women empowerment, and personal storytelling.
📌 Watch the full video podcast on YouTube: Dancing Through Destiny – Shivani Varma
Follow Femme Forward for more inspiring women-led stories:
📸 Instagram: @femmeforward__
🎤 Host: Smriti Agarwal (@smritiagarwal96)
👤 Guest: Shivani Varma (@shivani__varma_dances)
⚠️ Disclaimer
The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this podcast are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, the production team, or any affiliated individuals or organizations. This podcast is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. Listener discretion is advised.
Shivani Varma, Kathak podcast, Indian classical dance, Pandit Birju Maharaj, women in art, dance and culture, global stage performer, women empowerment podcast, classical dancer journey, Smriti Agarwal Femme Forward, Indian culture podcast, performing arts India, women creators stories
From Monsoon Wedding to Heeramandi, actor, theatre director, and mentor Natasha Rastogi has lived many lives on stage and screen. But her story goes far deeper than Bollywood fame.
In this heartfelt conversation with Smriti Agarwal on the Femme Forward Podcast, Natasha shares her journey as a Bollywood actress, theatre artist, cultural educator, and mentor. She opens up about resilience, rejection, and the power of performance to shape women’s identity. From breaking stereotypes in her 40s to balancing motherhood with creativity, her journey is a masterclass in acting, theatre, cinema, and women empowerment.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How theatre became her safe space and foundation as an artist
Lessons from auditions, rejections & surviving stereotypes in Bollywood
The truth about aging, identity & women in Indian cinema
Why passion—not virality—keeps actors and creators alive
Her most emotional moment after Heeramandi
A powerful message for young creators & women in arts
If you love listening to Bollywood podcasts, women in cinema, acting career stories, theatre insights, and inspiring women creators, this episode is for you.
🔗 Follow Femme Forward for more real conversations with women entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers.
From commanding rescue missions in the skies to walking the ramp as Mrs India 2024, Wing Commander (Retd) Anjali Rathee, also known as Angelina Josh, has lived a life of extraordinary courage, discipline, and reinvention.
In this Independence Day Special episode of Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Anjali to explore her inspiring journey — from a fourth-generation defence family to the Indian Air Force, from leading high-stakes missions to making the bold leap into beauty pageantry, and now thriving as a corporate leader.
💬 What you’ll hear in this episode:
Her first day in uniform and why “no amount of gold can buy these wings”
The most intense missions she’s led and how she handled life-or-death pressure
Balancing motherhood with a military career
Why she traded combat boots for pageant heels
The purpose behind the Mrs India crown
Breaking myths about ambitious women
A powerful message to Gen Z on self-worth and discipline
Whether you’re chasing a dream, navigating change, or finding the courage to reinvent yourself — Anjali’s story will remind you that true freedom is the power to evolve at every stage of life.
What really happens behind the cameras in Bollywood?
In this bold and unfiltered conversation, veteran actor Nassar Abdulla joins host Smriti Agarwal to reveal what the world rarely hears — the silent struggles of women in the industry, the systemic power imbalances, and the emotional toll behind the so-called “glamour.”
From the impact of iconic women like Sridevi to how menstrual health is (or isn’t) portrayed on screen, this episode peels back the layers of the film world — with honesty, grace, and urgency.
🎧 Whether you're a film lover or someone curious about the real challenges women face in powerful spaces, this one will leave you thinking.
🔗 Follow Femme Forward for more real, raw conversations.
📩 Connect with us: femmeforwardofficial@gmail.com
🎙️ Episode 1 – Harjeet Kaur: Rising Stronger After Stage 4 Blood Cancer
In our very first episode of Femme Forward, we sit down with Harjeet Kaur, a Stage 4 Blood Cancer survivor whose journey redefines strength, hope, and the will to live. From life-altering diagnoses to stem cell transplants and emotional rebirth, Harjeet opens up about the challenges she faced and the unexpected wisdom she gained.
✨ Key Highlights:
– Facing the fear of a rare blood disorder (HLH)
– The emotional toll of diagnosis and treatment
– Discovering creative coping strategies and emotional strength
– The importance of stem cell donation in India
– Redefining time, life, and purpose post-recovery
– Advice for caregivers, families, and survivors
💬 "It felt like I was born again. Everything changed — my body, my mind, my soul."
This episode is a heartfelt tribute to resilience and a must-listen for anyone going through adversity, supporting a loved one, or seeking motivation to keep going.
🎧 Hosted by: Smriti Agarwal
👤 Guest: Harjeet Kaur
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @femmeforward___
📩 Contact: femmeforwardofficial@gmail.com