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

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 – Introduction01:48 – Red Fort 10/11 blast06:59 – Intelligence Networks vs Terror Modules10:25 – Psychology of Dr. Umar Nabi15:42 – The Red Fort 2000 Attack22:47 – Afzal Guru’s role in Parliament attack27:47 – The Ammonium Nitrate Case Study31:35 – ‘White-Collar’ Terrorism in India38:26 – Dr Shaheen’s Role as Jaish recruiter 47:51 – Delhi Car Blast: Retaliation for Op Sindoor?57:11 – Online Radicalisation1:01:46 – Delhi Blast: Suicide Bomber or Panic Blast?1:08:56 – What Drives a Suicide Bomber1:12:01 – 2010 Jama Masjid attack1:16:51 – Crime Scene Protocols After Terror Attacks1:20:41 – Poverty Creates Terrorists?1:25:29 – Judicial Hurdles in Terrorism Trials1:37:57 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction 00:35 – PK’s Influence in Bihar05:10 – Nitish’s Options Post-Election07:47 – Tejashwi vs Tej Pratap12:25 – Will Nitish Kumar Be Bihar CM Again?18:18 – Women Voters & High Turnout25:23 – Rahul Gandhi's Influence on Gen Z31:26 – ‘Jeevika’ Scheme33:53 – Bihar’s Unique Caste Politics38:27 – Social Media’s Role in Bihar Elections41:38 – Role of Jeevika Didis42:43 – Nitish Kumar's Health46:04 – Tejashwi’s Public Image48:57 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:38 – Tense Moments During Voting02:47 – Campaign Strategy05:15 – Ticket Distribution in NDA07:17 – Disappointment After the First Phase?09:46 – Rahul’s ‘Reservation in Army’ Remark14:09 – Why Decoding Bihar Is Difficult17:40 – Ram Vilas Paswan’s Legacy20:49 – How Chirag Paswan Differs from His Father25:49 – Is Nitish Kumar a Necessity for the BJP?31:18 – When Will Chirag Return to State Politics?33:54 – Image of a Bihari in 202536:49 – Casteism in Bihar46:39 – 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 – Introduction01:10 – First Phase of Voting in Bihar02:21 – Role Of Migrant Labourers03:49 – End of Nitish Kumar's Era?05:53 – Female Voters In Bihar10:07 – Muslim Yadav Equation12:15 – What do Muslims in Bihar Want?13:05 – Role of Gen-Z in Bihar Election19:15 – Caste Politics in Bihar24:57 – What if Jan Suraaj Joins a Coalition?27:35 – Jan Suraaj Ideology34:41 – Comparison with Kejriwal35:46 – 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 – Introduction00:44 – Anti-Incumbency Factor in Bihar03:13 – Bihar Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana06:21 – Rahul Gandhi's ‘Vote Theft’ Claims09:08 – ‘Bahubali’ Candidates in Bihar Polls12:44 – Personality Factor in Bihar Polls14:43 – Bihar’s Trust in Nitish Kumar15:52 – Prashant Kishor Factor17:25 – Tejashwi Yadav & Family Politics Trend25:35 – ‘Gen Z’ Voter Factor in Bihar28:14 – Job Creation in Bihar32:20 – 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 – Introduction02:01 – Family Traits Soha Inherited03:14 – Sharmila Tagore on Doing OTT Series07:57 – Did Saif Want to Be a Cricketer?11:44 – How Soha Got Her Role in Rang De Basanti15:12 – Facing Backlash as Filmmakers25:10 – Soha on Saif’s Career30:07 – Motherhood and Work33:48 – Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi as a Father37:30 – Soha on Being a Podcaster41:48 – Sharmila Tagore as a Grandmother42:52 – How Soha Met Kunal45:23 – The Weight of Heritage46:29 – The Bhopal House Story47:29 – Rabindranath Tagore Connection50:45 – Chef Kunal or Chef Soha?53:17 – Soha’s Workout Routine56:05 – Privacy Concerns & Saif’s House Break-In01:00:21 – 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 – Introduction01:42 – The Book 'The Brahmastra Unleashed'05:35 – 90s Mumbai Underworld16:48 – How Powerful the Underworld Was20:45 – Dawood & the 1993 Bomb Blasts25:46 – Transition from Karim Lala to Dawood31:26 – Dawood vs Chhota Rajan43:13 – The Underworld’s Pact46:40 – Politics & Mumbai Police58:28 – Bollywood's Underworld Connection01:09:13 – Reel Encounters vs Real Violence01:12:04 – The 26/11 Attacks01:23:21 – New-Age Threats & Security Gaps01:32:12 – 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.Timestamps00:00 - Coming Up02:24 - Introduction03:28 - Why India Has No Global Product13:27 - Layoffs in the Tech Industry17:40 - India Trapped in US–China Trade War?20:25 - Why India Needs Its Own Tech IP27:02 - The Push for Data Localisation38:47 - The Making of HCL45:55 - Indian Industries Ready for the AI Boom?51:50 - Human vs Machine: Who Wins?56:16 - Quantum Computer Ops in India01:03:38 - The Fight Over Rare Earths01:07:28 - Nurturing Tech Talent in India01:12:11 - Family & Early Life

Jaiveer Shergill is a Supreme Court lawyer and national spokesperson of the BJP. He is known for his sharp arguments, nuanced views, and fearless commentary. Once among the Congress party’s national spokespersons, he made headlines when he quit the party, citing “sycophancy over merit,” before joining the BJP.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaiveer Shergill opens up about Punjab’s drug crisis, unemployment and migration, his take on the ‘Vote Chori’ campaign, and the state of Congress politics today.He also speaks about how the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has failed to deliver on its promises in the state. Furthermore, he talks about faith, Sikh history, and the need to revive Punjab’s spiritual legacy.00:00 – Coming Up02:24 – Introduction03:36 – Punjab’s Drug Crisis11:18 – India’s Silent Security Threat15:29 – Punjab’s Youth Migration22:14 – BJP’s Future in Punjab30:24 – Influence of Diaspora in Punjab39:15 – Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations51:00 – Rahul Gandhi’s Style of Politics01:00:14 – Diljit Dosanjh Controversy01:08:51 – Quick Reactions on Stars, Politicians & Food01:24:45 – Rift Between RSS and BJP?01:29:19 – Cultural Significance of ‘Jore Sahib’

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