ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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 – Introduction01:08 – INSV Kaundinya Sailing Vessel History04:54 – Sailing Training for INSV Kaundinya09:12 – The Forgotten Chapters of Indian History13:53 – Kalinga War & The Myths About Ashoka16:55 – Indian History and Language18:58 – India vs Big Tech: The Battle for Narrative31:13 – Can India Build Its Own Tech Platforms?33:44 – Indian Democracy37:12 – The West on India’s Growth41:42 – India Growing Without Creating Enough Jobs?46:05 – India’s Skill Development in the 20th Century51:44 – Universalisation of Education & NEP53:32 – Bureaucracy & the Changing World01:00:09 – Delhi Pollution01:04:40 – Infrastructure Crisis in India01:07:54 – Millionaires Leaving India01:10:55 – Indigo Crisis & Monopoly Problem01:11:53 – India’s Financial System01:15:58 – Impact of Freebies & Pensions01:22:03 – India’s Role in the Global Power Order01:27:25 – 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 ORFTehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analystAnand Ranganathan, author and scientistAbhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict StudiesThis 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 – Introduction06:00 – Kangana, Mahua & Supriya at Jindal Wedding11:48 – India’s Road Safety Crisis18:35 – TV Panelists vs Anchors28:36 – The ‘Godi Media’ Label41:06 – Demography vs Democracy48:28 – Congress Leadership & Rahul Gandhi01:01:15 – India’s Education System01:16:20 – Hindu Temples01:26:48 – Islam in India01:35:03 – Radicalism in Bangladesh01:48:17 – Idea of Marriage in India01:59:31 – Media & Celebrity Culture02:10:20 – Putin’s Visit to India02:22:45 – Karnataka Hate Speech Bill02:30:18 – 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 – Introduction01:17 – India vs Pak: Information Warfare07:06 – India vs Pak: Social Media Battle11:57 – India’s Fact-Checking System18:34 – Information Warfare: What Should India Do?23:10 – India vs Pak Narrative During War27:24 – Red Fort Attack & GPS Spoofing33:00 – Sanchar Saathi App & Surveillance Concerns40:54 – Phone Tapping44:56 – How Terror Networks Avoid Detection46:23 – Freedom of Speech vs National Security50:24 – Open-Source Intelligence and Data Leaks53:13 – National Security Rules for Tech Companies56:10 – Disinformation During Operation Sindoor01:00:18 – Western Media Bias Against India01:03:48 – Rise of Anti-Drone Systems01:06:28 – India’s Drone Challenge01:13:06 – Gaps in Internal Security01:16:01 – Grey-Zone Tactics & Diplomacy01:17:33 – Role of AI in Information Warfare01:22:36 – Need for a Unified Tech Framework01:26:29 – Hybrid Warfare Challenges with Pakistan01:28:19 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:29 – Breaking Years of Silence02:37 – 'Bird in a Banyan Tree' & the Night of 199908:02 – The Jessica Lal Murder Case17:42 – Allegations of Evidence Tampering21:31 – Tihar Jail and the Reopening of the Case24:15 – How Fame Turned into Public Backlash26:25 – Media Trial & ‘No One Killed Jessica’ Movie28:49 – When Bollywood Sidelined Bina Ramani31:17 – Life Inside Tihar Jail36:44 – Ram Jethmalani and the Turning Point44:43 – The End of ‘Page 3’ Culture49:52 – Early Life & Raj Kapoor56:28 – Relationship with Shammi Kapoor01:06:16 – Why Shammi Kapoor Lived for His Audience01:08:27 – Binatone: A Product Named After Bina Ramani01:11:32 – Marriage, Affairs, and Turmoil01:19:37 – Her Career with the Taj Group01:22:12 – The Man Bina Ramani Connected with the Most01:36:11 – Who Was Pamela Bordes?01:44:06 – What Made Asha Puthli a Global Icon?01:51:46 – Interviewing Indira Gandhi01:58:24 – Chandraswami and Spiritual Scams02:08:06 – Money Laundering and the FBI Probe02:13:28 – Rekha’s Marriage to Mukesh Agarwal02:23:06 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:00 – PR Culture in Bollywood06:23 – Hema Malini–Dharmendra’s Marriage12:58 – Rajshri Films & ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ Review17:31 – Inside Raj Kapoor’s RK Studios22:01 – Generational Changes in Bollywood27:25 – Jaya Bachchan and the Paparazzi31:54 – Books on Amitabh Bachchan37:43 – Box Office Truths41:27 – ‘Saiyaara’ Review42:01 – Honest Reviews vs Actor ‘Ego’46:02 – Evolution of Film Reviews52:02 – Influencers & Media Credibility57:42 – Impact of AI and Social Media on Film Criticism1:02:19 – Modern Trend of Entourages1:05:39 – Evolution of Audience Preferences1:14:04 – 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 – Introduction01:04 – Takeaways from Putin’s India Visit05:58 – India’s Strategic Autonomy11:06 – Why the USA is Rattled14:48 – Conflicts in the Middle East23:45 – How the USA Broke the World Order39:24 – Saudi–Pakistan Defence Pact45:02 – Middle East’s View on India–Pakistan47:13 – Saudi Arabia’s Fight Against Terror52:09 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:38 – Acting Journey04:12 – Family Support for Joining Films05:16 – Bond with Saroj Khan08:07 – Working with Directors & Crew10:27 – Actors Who Dance Well13:54 – Were Karisma and Aishwarya Competitors?17:12 – Women-Centric Roles20:36 – Playing a Serial Killer in Mrs. Deshpande24:44 – How OTT Has Changed Cinema27:23 – Taking a Break from Acting33:56 – Acting Then vs Now37:44 – Women Actors on Set40:25 – Remembering Dharmendra41:26 – Sanjay Dutt & the Khalnayak Shoot44:18 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:32 – The Myth of ‘Korean Skin’01:33 – Skincare Steps to Avoid if You Have Fillers03:42 – The 10-Step Skincare Routine06:53 – The Right Age to Start Your Skincare Journey06:22 – The No-Makeup Look & Celebrities11:36 – Unrealistic Expectations of Brides14:16 – Top Celebrities Namrata Has Worked With15:43 – Working With International Icons16:38 – The Reality of the ‘No-Makeup Makeup Look’18:05 – Why Skin Prep Is Key Before Makeup20:05 – Sonam Kapoor’s Bridal Looks22:52 – The Pressure of Walking Into a Makeup Store29:35 – Being Banned by the Union32:05 – Gender Bias in Bollywood41:02 – 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 – Introduction01:00 – Strokes in Young Adults02:53 – Can a Neck Massage Cause a Stroke?04:16 – Early Warning Signs of Stroke06:39 – What Can Save the Brain During a Stroke08:06 – What To Do in a Stroke Emergency11:50 – Genetics, Diabetes & Stroke Risk12:23 – Pollution, Dementia & Stroke Link16:33 – Party Drugs, Energy Drinks20:10 – Heat Stroke vs. Brain Stroke22:40 – Is Migraine a Warning Sign?26:06 – Work–Life Balance & Discipline27:45 – The Junk Food Trap31:24 – Memory Lapses & Dementia34:56 – Rapid-Fire Session46:46 – Alzheimer's Disease49:46 – Are Phones Destroying Kids?56:00 – Nicotine’s Invisible Damage58:16 – India’s Health Policies01:01:09 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:12 – From Theatre to Cinema02:45 – Hum Aapke Hain Koun & DDLJ Breakthrough10:34 – 'Humrahi' on Doordarshan20:00 – Working with YRF, Karan Johar & Sooraj Barjatya 22:42 – Why Actors Quit Hindi Theatre25:48 – Govinda on Set32:33 – Hero vs Heroine Stardom42:28 – Schooling in Doon45:11 – Adopting Bhatwadi Village in Uttarakhand49:03 – Working with Shyam Benegal52:42 – Art vs Commercial Cinema54:51 – Dream to Work with Aamir Khan