ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Prahlad Kakkar is one of India’s most iconic ad filmmakers. He is the man behind some of the most memorable commercials in Indian advertising history, including “Yehi Hai Right Choice Baby! Aha!” for Pepsi and the “2 Minutes!” Maggi noodles ad. Known for his sharp wit, creativity, and fearless storytelling, he is called the ‘adman’ of India. For over 40 years, Kakkar has changed how brands talk to people through advertisements.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Prahlad Kakkar talks about the golden era of Indian advertising, his collaborations with Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Priyanka Chopra, and the unforgettable Salman-Aishwarya feud that made headlines.He shares insights into how ads became a mirror of Indian society, the craft of storytelling in 30 seconds, and why today’s advertising world lacks the madness and maverick spirit it once had.Timestamps00:00 – Intro 00:37 – Iconic Ads01:30 – Prahlad’s Favourite Ad06:16 – Pepsi Ad Story09:37 – Aishwarya’s Pepsi Casting12:54 – Aamir’s Pepsi Casting15:55 – Maggi Ad Idea24:14 – Maggi Ketchup Ad Story33:03 – Understanding Audience Pulse37:09 – When Actors Misfit Ads39:11 – Big B as Perfect Fit for Ad42:20 – Shabana & Smita Era47:54 – Aishwarya vs Sushmita51:18 – Aishwarya–Salman Feud55:34 – Sridevi & Hema Era59:30 – Ad Films vs Feature Films1:00:42 – Deepika–Priyanka 'Clash'1:02:47 – Quick Reactions on Stars

Sudhir Chaudhary is one of India’s most prominent television journalists, known for his sharp news analysis, bold opinions and decades-long career in broadcast media. He has been at the forefront of Indian journalism’s evolution and its many controversies.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sudhir Chaudhary opens up like never before, on the TRP-driven state of TV news, the pressure anchors face from political and corporate forces and the criticism that comes with being one of the highest-paid figures in Indian media.He speaks candidly about the ‘nano chip’ controversy, fake news allegations, the Naveen Jindal sting case and how every court eventually gave him a clean chit. Sudhir also reflects on his journey, his mistakes, what he’s learned from them and why he joined DD News after working at Zee News and Aaj Tak.*Timestamps*00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Is Sudhir Chaudhary the Highest-Paid Anchor?02:44 – TRP vs Reality in News Channels08:16 – Debates vs Real News Reporting09:46 – Editorial Freedom & Connecting with Viewers16:38 – Evolution of News Anchoring19:03 – Journalism Ethics in War Reporting21:53 – Challenges as a Ground Reporter24:38 – Misinformation During Op Sindoor27:11 – Rs 2000 Notes 'Nano Chip' Controversy30:14 – Uma Khurana TV ‘Sting’ Operation37:05 – Naveen Jindal ‘Extortion’ Case55:07 – Trolls, Labels & Comeback59:42 – Newsroom Politics Before 20141:11:04 – Politics & Professional Boundaries1:17:30 – The Red Tie Selfie with Trump1:21:40 – Organic Reach on Social Media1:23:49 – Career Moves & Running Own Show1:32:45 – Indian Work Culture & Values1:36:20 – YouTube Journalism vs Traditional Media1:41:26 – Deepfake Threats to Journalists1:45:10 – Working in Private Channels vs Public Broadcasting1:50:23 – Sudhir Chaudhary Making a Film?1:53:00 – Hollywood vs Bollywood Storytelling1:58:08 – Staying Real in Media Spotlight2:06:22 – Friendships in Media World

Parikshit Sahni is one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors, known for his memorable performances in Kabhi Kabhie, Tapasya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. The son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni, he has carried forward a remarkable cinematic legacy with grace and depth.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parikshit Sahni takes us through the golden era of Bollywood, sharing stories of working with icons like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakhee.He opens up about his father’s advice, his early years in Moscow studying film direction, assisting Raj Kapoor on Mera Naam Joker, and how he became an actor. Sahni also talks about the magic of directors like Yash Chopra and Rishikesh Mukherjee, and what made films of the '60s and '70s truly timeless.This episode is a nostalgic journey through the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, told by someone who lived it.00:00 – Introduction00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'51:10 – Family52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab54:03 – Writing Two Books55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia?1:01:35 – Closing Remarks

Saurabh Shukla is one of India’s most talented and loved actors, known for his roles in Satya, Jolly LLB, and Barfi. A National Award winner, he is admired for his natural acting and brilliant comic timing.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Saurabh Shukla talks about what acting really means, how he perfects his timing in comedy, and how he keeps his characters real and consistent across films.He shares interesting stories about working with greats like Amrish Puri and Shekhar Kapur, his early struggles in the industry, moments of self-doubt, and the happiness of winning a National Award.Saurabh Shukla also speaks about how Bollywood has changed over the years, why South Indian films are winning hearts, and how humour, language, and everyday life experiences help actors connect with their audience.00:00 – Introduction00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi!21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT1:26:15 – Closing

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is one of India’s most respected business leaders and real estate developers. Co-founder and Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group, he has helped shape Mumbai’s skyline with landmark projects and continues to influence the debate on housing, infrastructure, and India’s growth.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Hiranandani talks about the India story, the impact of Trump’s tariffs, and India’s goal of becoming self-reliant through Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also shares his views on the real estate sector, jobs, and why skill development is key to India’s future.He opens up about his early days, what inspired him to become a builder, his thoughts on industrialists like Adani and Ambani, and why he believes India’s next decade will be full of opportunity.00:00 – Coming Up02:14 – Introduction03:11 – Can India Handle Trump’s Tariffs?10:45 – Do Industrialists Believe in the India Story?14:50 – Millionaires Leaving India18:22 – Real Estate Journey19:22 – Mumbai Real Estate’s Mafia Era27:37 – What’s Stopping India from Growing?29:48 – India’s Development Skewed?31:18 – Mumbai’s Development35:53 – Unemployment in India42:25 – Challenges in the Healthcare Sector50:08 – Inside a Billionaire’s Daily Routine

Kazem Samandari is the Executive Chairperson and Co-Founder of L'Opéra, one of India’s most prominent French bakery operations. Christine Samandari-Hakim, his wife and co-founder, played a key role in developing the bakery’s concept and brand identity. In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kazem and Christine Samandari share their experiences as Baha’is in pre-revolutionary Iran, and the challenges their families faced during the Islamic Revolution. They also talk about how their son’s love for French pastries inspired L’Opéra, following a year of preparation. The couple explains why India is the ‘El Dorado’ for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs, offering ease of doing business and living.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 01:32 – Story of Christine Samandari 06:32 – Story of Kazem Samandari 08:44 – Iran Before the Islamic Revolution 15:36 – Christine’s Father’s Assassination 17:35 – The Baha'i Faith Community in Iran 21:45 – What Is the Baha'i Faith? 29:22 – Connection with Iran 33:39 – Journey to India 37:54 – Story Behind French Bakery L’Opéra 42:48 – Sourcing Ingredients for L’Opéra 47:29 – Was India Ready for a French Bakery? 54:55 – Expanding Beyond Delhi 57:03 – Was India the Right Choice for L’Opéra? 59:06 – Ease of Doing Business in India

Rani Mukerji is one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed and versatile actors, renowned for her powerful performances in films such as Black, Mardaani, and Hichki. With a career spanning nearly three decades, she has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to remain a beloved star among audiences. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rani speaks candidly, on her very first podcast, about her journey in cinema, winning a National Award for the first time, and her long-standing friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. She also shares her views on the recent debate around 8-hour work shifts in the film industry and explains why she prefers to stay away from the media and paparazzi. Beyond her on-screen life, Rani opens up about balancing family and career, and what continues to inspire her as an actor today.00:00 – Introduction01:20 – Winning the National Film Award05:15 – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Story07:31 – Challenges Faced by Immigrants09:08 – Preparing for a Character10:26 – Rani & Karan’s Kids Watched the Ceremony11:43 – Wedding Pictures & Privacy15:49 – Actresses and Their Private Lives18:40 – First Screen Test & Mom’s Reaction20:20 – Role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai21:36 – Backlash over Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna26:50 – Handling Setbacks After Success28:54 – Reinventing Herself32:14 – Creative Process During Hichki36:00 – Pausing Career for Her Daughter38:33 – Durga Puja Celebrations41:26 – Competition With Kajol?45:15 – Bringing Indian Women to the Forefront48:37 – Husband’s Support for Hichki51:29 – Deepika’s 8-Hour Shift Demand54:19 – Films Better Planned Today?55:57 – Who Shah Rukh Khan Gels With Better56:41 – Winning National Award After 30 Years58:06 – Directors Who Bring Out the Best in Her1:04:04 – Will Rani Mukerji Direct a Film?1:05:42 – Upcoming Projects1:07:38 – A Message for All Women

Dr. Ramakanta Panda is a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, a leading cardiac care hospital in Mumbai. He has performed over 30,000 successful cardiac surgeries. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010, Dr. Panda has operated on several top Indian leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tarun Gogoi.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Panda discusses the rising cases of heart attacks among young people. He addresses whether the COVID-19 vaccine is linked to heart attacks.Dr. Panda also highlights how lifestyle changes are driving the rise of heart disease in India. He emphasises that diet, exercise and daily habits play a crucial role in preventing heart problems. Dr Panda also shares how he stays calm and focused while performing high-risk surgeries.00:00 – Introduction00:46 – Lifestyle Factor Behind Heart Attacks11:29 – COVID Vaccine and Heart Attack Link14:49 – Late-Night Habits & Heart Health21:46 – VIP Patients & High-Risk Surgeries25:39 – Health Insurance & Financial Security30:54 – Sugar & Processed Food36:22 – Heart Risk from Smoking & Alcohol40:41 – Veg Diet vs Non-Veg Diet52:04 – Akshay Kumar Fitness Routine59:53 – Surgery of Dr. Manmohan Singh1:01:56 – Emotional Stress & Heart Attack Awareness1:07:52 – Misconceptions About Heart Health1:13:16 – Heart Attack Symptoms1:17:02 – Self-Medication and AI Tools

Sardar Tarlochan Singh is a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He has spent his life fighting for Sikh causes, human rights, and keeping the Punjabi language alive, while promoting Sikhism around the world. At 92, Tarlochan Singh has seen it all, from India’s Partition to the rise of India as a major power in South Asia.In Part 2 of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarlochan Singh talks about Rajiv Gandhi’s Cold War with President Giani Zail Singh and the Bofors scandal. He also shares how Operation Blue Star changed India, and speaks on Hindu-Sikh unity, the farmers’ protest, Punjab’s drug crisis, and the role of the Sikh diaspora in shaping politics today.00:00 - Coming Up01:55 - Introduction03:13 - Bofors Scandal Stories17:57 - Sikh Diaspora After Rajiv’s Assassination19:14 - Sikh-Hindu Unity19:56 - Attempts to Break Sikh-Hindu Unity24:06 - BJP & Akali Alliance27:24 - Farmers’ Protest36:42 - Punjab Unemployment Fuels Drug Crisis38:00 - How Vajpayee Valued Punjab & Sikhs42:21 - Dr. Manmohan Singh Beyond Sikh Identity49:01 - Parkash Singh Badal’s Political Legacy and Life54:53 - Partap Singh Kairon and Indira Gandhi59:00 - Role of Sikhs in Modern Delhi1:04:06 - Khushwant Singh’s Contribution to Sikhs1:29:10 - Message to Young Sikhs in India & Abroad

Cyrus Broacha, a veteran comedian and political satirist known for MTV India's Bakra, shares his hilarious journey through Indian entertainment. He reveals behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic shows and his experiences on Bigg Boss, including struggles with a vegetarian diet. Cyrus discusses the humor and challenges of adapting sitcoms like Friends for Indian audiences, cultural contradictions, and the quirks of Bombay life. The conversation dives into parenting, tech distractions, and the charm of authentic podcast storytelling.