Annu Kapoor is an entertainer who has worn many hats—actor, singer, director, producer, radio jockey, and television presenter—earning immense respect and recognition worldwide. He became a household name through iconic television shows like Antakshari and Wheel Smart Srimati. Known for speaking his mind, Annu Kapoor has appeared in over 100 films and numerous television shows. He has been honoured with two National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and two Indian Television Academy Awards. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Annu Kapoor delves into his thoughts on nationalism. He expresses his belief that most Indians do not truly love their country and also opens up on atheism. Kapoor shares anecdotes about legends from the film industry, including a vivid recount of Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar’s wedding, and reflects on a spat with Amitabh Bachchan. He also reveals an intriguing episode from the sets of 7 Khoon Maaf, alleging that Priyanka Chopra refused to kiss him because he wasn’t a 'hero.' Tune in to this episode as Kapoor shares his flair for 'shayari' and performs a 300-year-old rap in his signature style. 00:00 - Introduction 01:44 - Upcoming projects 04:37 - Early life struggles 16:42 - Patriotism vs. Nationalism 21:37 - Early days in Bollywood 33:10 - Why he avoids watching films & news 34:33 - National Awards 37:05 - Lessons from the Bhagavad Gita 39:19 - True meaning of 'Deshbhakti' 43:59 - Publicity stunts 46:30 - Punctuality & Discipline 49:02 - Why was Wheel Smart Srimati scrapped? 53:40 - Learning discipline from Islam 55:27 - Brihadaranyaka Upanishad teachings 58:52 - Love, religion, and honour killings 1:02:14 - The story of 'Bharat' 1:04:34 - Annu 'Google' Kapoor 1:10:14 - Relationship with parents 1:13:48 - 'Kiss' controversy with Priyanka Chopra 1:20:14 - Shabana Azmi & Javed Akhtar's wedding 1:22:14 - Darr shoot 1:25:14 - Story behind India's independence 1:29:58 - World's 'oldest' rap song

Krishnamurthy Venkata Subramanian served as the 17th Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India from 2018 to 2021, becoming the youngest to hold this prestigious position. Subramanian's tenure as the Chief Economic Adviser was marked by his contributions to shaping India's economic policies during crucial years, including the Covid-19 pandemic. He is now India's Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where he continues to represent India on global economic matters. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Prof. Subramanian delves into the critical role of wealth creators in driving India’s economic progress, explaining why they are the backbone of a thriving economy. He emphasizes the importance of balancing economic policies to encourage entrepreneurship while also addressing income inequality. Subramanian doesn’t shy away from discussing the systemic challenges facing the country, including the pressing need for judicial reforms to address backlogs that hamper business operations and economic efficiency. He also touches on the impact of India's increasing digital transactions on economic transparency and efficiency. Additionally, he discusses how spirituality and mindfulness can serve as tools for personal growth, especially in the fast-paced world of economics. 00:00 - Introduction 01:00 - India @100 Book 05:41 - India's Projected Economic Growth 10:35 - Wealth Creators 15:25 - Slow Growth of Small Businesses 25:03 - India's Agricultural Policies 32:55 - Importance of Economic Reforms 41:27 - Signs of a Good Economy 47:23 - The Willful Defaulter Phenomenon 51:45 - Need for Judicial Reforms 1:00:02 - India's Digital Boom 1:06:29 - Lessons from Demonetisation 1:11:32 - India's Job Market 1:18:25 - Responsibility of State Govts. in Job Creation 1:21:35 - The Politics of Freebies 1:34:22 - Snap Reaction Segment 1:45:39 - Remembers His Father & Family 1:57:04 - Economic Challenges During the Pandemic 2:05:39 - Spirituality & Mindfulness 2:08:45 - Importance of Reading

John Chambers is the Chairman of the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and the former CEO of Cisco. Under his leadership, Cisco became one of the world’s largest and most successful technology companies. Dr. Mukesh Aghi is the President and CEO of USISPF. He works closely with business and government leaders in both the U.S. and India to promote trade and strengthen ties between the two nations. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss the evolution of India-U.S. relations over the past 15 years. John Chambers expresses strong confidence in India, saying that this decade and century belong to New Delhi. Dr. Mukesh Aghi shares a similar view, noting that the ties between India and the U.S. are on an upward trajectory, unaffected by changes in political leadership. They also address the recent tensions between India and Canada over the Khalistan issue and its potential impact on businesses and students. Both guests praise Prime Minister Modi for fostering an environment in which entrepreneurship and startups have flourished in the past decade. 00:00 - Introduction 00:44 - India’s Century 03:49 - India: Then vs. Now 04:55 - India-Canada Spat 10:00 - U.S. Presidential Election 12:08 - India vs. China Economy 14:10 - India: A Tough Negotiator 16:54 - The Future of AI 20:15 - U.S.-China Tensions 22:30 - Middle East Conflict 25:00 - Tariffs & Migration in the USA 29:34 - India’s Chip Ambitions 33:34 - Business Prospects in India 37:31 - Indian vs. U.S. Investors

Conrad Sangma is the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a leader of the National People's Party (NPP). He began his political career as a campaign manager for his father, P.A. Sangma, a former Cabinet minister. After serving as an MLA and the Opposition Leader, he became the NPP President in 2016. Sangma was first elected Chief Minister in 2018 and was re-elected in 2023. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Conrad Sangma discusses his alliance with the BJP, despite having the numbers to run the government independently. He addresses the beef ban issue, stating that people should not interfere with others' eating habits. He also talks about the border dispute between Assam and Meghalaya in Mukroh. Further, Meghalaya CM Sangma shares his thoughts on the Uniform Civil Code and its potential impact on the region. He also discusses the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC), and One Nation, One Election. He explains Meghalaya's economy and a government lottery scheme designed to increase revenue. Additionally, he highlights the drug problem in the Northeast and how tourism can contribute to economic growth. He also compares the Look East policy, which was upgraded to the Act East policy in 2014 by the Modi government. 00:00 - Introduction 01:25 - Legacy of P.A. Sangma 02:55 - Congress sidelined P.A. Sangma? 08:28 - Formation of NPP 11:12 - BJP-NPP Alliance 15:14 - Beef Ban Row 20:25 - Assam-Meghalaya Border Dispute 26:50 - UCC 28:50 - CAA-NRC Impact in NE States 31:17 - One Nation, One Election 33:36 - NPP to Expand in Other States? 35:05 - UPA's Neglect of the NE 40:04 - Bangladesh Crisis: Security Risks for Meghalaya 43:20 - Meghalaya's Economy 47:36 - Government Lottery Scheme 53:38 - Northeast's Drug Problem 1:02:05 - Tourism in Meghalaya 1:10:28 - Manipur Crisis Impact on Meghalaya 1:15:10 - Snap Reaction 1:33:25 - CM 'Cool'

Revant Himatsingka is on a mission to encourage Indians to read food labels. His goal is to educate people about what they're consuming and to protect them from 'misleading' marketing tactics. By challenging FMCG giants, he aims to improve the quality of food products available in India. Originally from Kolkata, Revant moved to New York to study finance. He later earned an MBA from Wharton and completed a course in nutrition. In the latest episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Revant explains his decision to return to India to raise awareness about the importance of reading food labels before making purchases. He has initiated the campaign 'Label Padhega India' to inform people about the effects of processed and packaged foods on their health. He also discusses what the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) can do to improve public awareness. Revant's mission is to spark a health revolution in India by revealing how FMCG companies often sell substandard products domestically while providing higher-quality goods in European markets. Additionally, he shares personal anecdotes about the sacrifices he is making in his battle against these large corporations. 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - Conscious Capitalism Meaning 02:08 - What is FMCG? 08:02 - 'Label Padhega India' Campaign 11:38 - Food Labels 26:20 - Baby Food in India vs. Europe 31:14 - Biscuits vs. Chocolates 41:18 - India: Food 'Dumping Ground' 46:20 - India vs. Singapore: Food Product Regulations 47:57 - What should FSSAI do? 55:13 - How to Read Food Labels 58:28 - Health Literacy in India 1:10:23 - Frozen Dessert vs. Ice Cream 1:14:28 - Choosing Food Products 1:25:02 - Next Goal

It has been one year since Hamas launched a significant attack against Israel, which was one of the deadliest incidents in recent history. Over 1000 were killed, and over 250 people were taken hostage. In response, Israel initiated ground operations in Gaza, resulting in hundreds of casualties and continuing strikes. Amid this conflict, Israel has opened two new fronts in the war. They have targeted the entire Hezbollah leadership, including its chief, Hassan Nasrallah. This move has provoked a strong reaction from Iran, which launched over 180 missiles toward Israel. How Israel will respond and whether it will consider attacking Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities. The outcome of these events could significantly alter the landscape of the Middle East. In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by Lt. Gen. Raj Shukla (Retd.), former General Officer Commanding of the Army Training Command and an expert in counter-insurgency operations, along with Lt. Col. Pavithran Rajan, a former intelligence operative, academician, and tech entrepreneur. They discuss whether the U.S. will support Israel in attacking Iranian facilities and what lessons India can learn from the Israel-Iran conflict. They also delve into Israel's unique Pager Attack and how AI is transforming modern warfare. They also talk about the role of Russia and China in the Middle East. 00:00 - Introduction 02:35 - Israel’s 3-Front War 04:35 - Israel's Pager Attack 11:25 - Killing of Hassan Nasrallah 20:50 - Russia’s Role in the Middle East 30:25 - Persian Civilization 37:32 - China’s Stand on the Israel War 41:42 - China vs. Taiwan 44:39 - Regime Change in Iran 59:17 - India's Role in the Middle East 1:02:50 - How AI is Changing Warfare 1:10:43 - What is AI Assassination 1:20:45 - Weaponization of Social Media 1:26:24 - Private Players in Defence Sector 1:30:44 - Lessons for India 1:40:10 - China Leading in Manufacturing 1:44:54 - Should India Embrace AI?

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections are taking place for the first time in a decade, following the abrogation of Article 370. What role will Jammu play—can it be a kingmaker in government formation? How do the people of Jammu feel about the abrogation of Article 370? Is there a possibility for J&K to have a Hindu Chief Minister? In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we are joined by two seasoned journalists from Jammu, Manoj Kaul and Arun Joshi, who have extensively covered the region for decades. They predict an edge for the National Conference (NC), forecasting a hung assembly where government formation is unlikely without the support of Congress or NC. The journalists highlight how Jammu can play a key role as a kingmaker in the upcoming elections. They discuss the issue of restoring statehood, which remains a major concern for voters. Additionally, the two journalists examine the participation of former Jamaat leaders in these elections and consider the potential success of Engineer Rashid's party in the J&K polls. Watch the episode for an in-depth discussion on the future of Jammu and Kashmir politics. 00:00 - Introduction 00:50 - J&K Polls: Now vs Before 09:11 - Jamaat Factor in J&K Polls 14:54 - Engineer Rashid's Role 24:27 - Jammu Being Neglected 30:13 - Altaf Bukhari & Ghulam Nabi Azad 35:36 - Will BJP Sweep Jammu? 43:40 - Reporting on J&K Polls 48:58 - Reporting on Stone Pelting 52:24 - Jammu vs. Kashmir Development 57:27 - Is Jammu a Kingmaker? 1:02:56 - Impact in Jammu: Modi vs. Rahul 1:09:16 - Dynasties in J&K Politics 1:13:33 - Ethnic Communities in J&K 1:17:48 - Post-Poll Alliances 1:22:15 - Article 370 in Jammu 1:25:55 - Outsiders in J&K Polls 1:30:43 - Jammu Statehood

Rasheed Kidwai is a senior journalist, political analyst, and author known for his insights into Indian politics and the Congress party. He has written extensively about the Indian political system and is the author of notable books like 24 Akbar Road. Kidwai regularly contributes to national media outlets and appears on prime-time debates for various news channels. Yana Mir is a journalist and political commentator from Jammu and Kashmir, known for her bold views on the abrogation of Article 370 and how it has changed the valley. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, journalists Rasheed Kidwai and Yana Mir discuss the assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Kidwai highlights the anti-incumbency and local dissatisfaction with BJP leaders in Haryana. He also discusses the rift between Hooda and Selja and whether it could be a spoiler for the Congress party in the Haryana polls. Yana Mir talks about the political scene in Kashmir, noting how locals are growing disillusioned with the Abdullah and Mufti dynasties. She discusses the rise of independent candidates in the valley and how Engineer Rashid is attracting voters’ attention. They also highlight the media's influence in shaping narratives and the importance of these elections for the BJP and its allies in NDA 3.0. 00:00 – Introduction 01:53 – Haryana & J-K Polls 08:57 – Independent Candidates in J&K Polls 12:10 – Crowded J&K Poll Fray 16:53 – NC vs PDP Battle 20:30 – Corruption Issue in Polls 23:22 – The Modi Factor in J&K Polls 29:52 – Will BJP Sweep Jammu? 32:12 – Yana's Tweets Controversy 38:50 – Role of Media in Elections 47:38 – Foreign Diplomats' Visit to J&K 52:00 – People Upset with BJP in J&K? 53:32 – Congress' Prospects in J&K 58:07 – Rahul vs. Modi in Popularity 1:04:58 – Separatists in J&K Polls 1:09:17 – Labeling Media as the Villain 1:12:22 – Hindu-Muslim Issues in Polls 1:14:42 – 'Samvidhan Badal Denge' Row 1:22:52 – Is Media Still Powerful in India? 1:25:52 – Can AAP Spring a Surprise in Haryana? 1:27:52 – The Next CM of Jammu & Kashmir 1:31:43 – Impact of Election Results on NDA 3.0

Ajay Chrungoo is a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and the Chairman of Panun Kashmir, an organization advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits. He is known for speaking about the challenges faced by the Pandit community in the 1990s due to the insurgency in the Valley. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajay Chrungoo discusses the demand for a separate homeland, 'Panun Kashmir,' for Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu & Kashmir. He asserts that what happened in 1989-90 was a genocide against Kashmiri Pandits, not just a wave of migration. He shares his personal story of being attacked by terrorists and fleeing the valley, leaving everything behind. Chrungoo also explains why many Pandits are calling for a boycott of the 2024 J&K Assembly Polls. He holds the BJP, Congress, and National Conference responsible for the attacks against Pandits, accusing them of playing a key role during that time. (Thumbnail Picture Courtesy: Reuters) 00:00 - Introduction 00:57 - Kashmir: Then vs. Now 03:42 - What is Panun Kashmir 10:54 - Separate Territory for Pandits Demand 12:42 - What Kashmiri Pandits Want 15:25 - Politics Over Pandits 19:29 - Election 'Boycott' Call 26:00 - Pandits and Political Party 29:51 - Exodus Horror of 1989-1990 35:06 - Pandits Returning After Article 370 37:38 - Land for Panun Kashmir 39:05 - Who Can Help Kashmiri Pandits 43:12 - NC's Role in Pandits' Exodus 49:44 - How Many Pandits Were Killed in 90s 54:54 - Why Pandits Choose NOTA in Voting

Tarun Chugh is a senior BJP leader, currently serving as the party's National General Secretary and in charge of Jammu & Kashmir. He has been strengthening the party's presence in Jammu and Kashmir for the past 30 years. His role in overseeing the BJP's activities in the region has made him an important figure in J&K's political landscape. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarun Chugh expresses confidence that the BJP will form the government in Jammu & Kashmir without any support from regional parties like the NC or PDP. He sees the rise of independent candidates as a sign of changing times in the region and suggests that the end of militancy has been a turning point in the valley’s journey towards stability and growth. Chugh also highlights how Prime Minister Modi’s development agenda has reshaped J&K after the abrogation of Article 370. He also talks about the party's commitment to Agniveers and assures that statehood will be restored, as promised by both PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. The discussion also covers the challenges faced by Kashmiri Pandits, the return of peace and democracy to the region, and the BJP’s position on important issues like the Darbar Move and the controversial 1987 election rigging.