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.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:35 – PK’s Influence in Bihar
05:10 – Nitish’s Options Post-Election
07:47 – Tejashwi vs Tej Pratap
12:25 – Will Nitish Kumar Be Bihar CM Again?
18:18 – Women Voters & High Turnout
25:23 – Rahul Gandhi's Influence on Gen Z
31:26 – ‘Jeevika’ Scheme
33:53 – Bihar’s Unique Caste Politics
38:27 – Social Media’s Role in Bihar Elections
41:38 – Role of Jeevika Didis
42:43 – Nitish Kumar's Health
46:04 – Tejashwi’s Public Image
48:57 – 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.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
00:38 – Tense Moments During Voting
02:47 – Campaign Strategy
05:15 – Ticket Distribution in NDA
07:17 – Disappointment After the First Phase?
09:46 – Rahul’s ‘Reservation in Army’ Remark
14:09 – Why Decoding Bihar Is Difficult
17:40 – Ram Vilas Paswan’s Legacy
20:49 – How Chirag Paswan Differs from His Father
25:49 – Is Nitish Kumar a Necessity for the BJP?
31:18 – When Will Chirag Return to State Politics?
33:54 – Image of a Bihari in 2025
36:49 – Casteism in Bihar
46:39 – 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 – Introduction
01:10 – First Phase of Voting in Bihar
02:21 – Role Of Migrant Labourers
03:49 – End of Nitish Kumar's Era?
05:53 – Female Voters In Bihar
10:07 – Muslim Yadav Equation
12:15 – What do Muslims in Bihar Want?
13:05 – Role of Gen-Z in Bihar Election
19:15 – Caste Politics in Bihar
24:57 – What if Jan Suraaj Joins a Coalition?
27:35 – Jan Suraaj Ideology
34:41 – Comparison with Kejriwal
35:46 – 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 – Introduction
00:44 – Anti-Incumbency Factor in Bihar
03:13 – Bihar Mukhyamantri Mahila Rozgar Yojana
06:21 – Rahul Gandhi's ‘Vote Theft’ Claims
09:08 – ‘Bahubali’ Candidates in Bihar Polls
12:44 – Personality Factor in Bihar Polls
14:43 – Bihar’s Trust in Nitish Kumar
15:52 – Prashant Kishor Factor
17:25 – Tejashwi Yadav & Family Politics Trend
25:35 – ‘Gen Z’ Voter Factor in Bihar
28:14 – Job Creation in Bihar
32:20 – 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 – Introduction
02:01 – Family Traits Soha Inherited
03:14 – Sharmila Tagore on Doing OTT Series
07:57 – Did Saif Want to Be a Cricketer?
11:44 – How Soha Got Her Role in Rang De Basanti
15:12 – Facing Backlash as Filmmakers
25:10 – Soha on Saif’s Career
30:07 – Motherhood and Work
33:48 – Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi as a Father
37:30 – Soha on Being a Podcaster
41:48 – Sharmila Tagore as a Grandmother
42:52 – How Soha Met Kunal
45:23 – The Weight of Heritage
46:29 – The Bhopal House Story
47:29 – Rabindranath Tagore Connection
50:45 – Chef Kunal or Chef Soha?
53:17 – Soha’s Workout Routine
56:05 – Privacy Concerns & Saif’s House Break-In
01:00:21 – 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 – Introduction
01:42 – The Book 'The Brahmastra Unleashed'
05:35 – 90s Mumbai Underworld
16:48 – How Powerful the Underworld Was
20:45 – Dawood & the 1993 Bomb Blasts
25:46 – Transition from Karim Lala to Dawood
31:26 – Dawood vs Chhota Rajan
43:13 – The Underworld’s Pact
46:40 – Politics & Mumbai Police
58:28 – Bollywood's Underworld Connection
01:09:13 – Reel Encounters vs Real Violence
01:12:04 – The 26/11 Attacks
01:23:21 – New-Age Threats & Security Gaps
01:32:12 – 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.
Timestamps
00:00 - Coming Up
02:24 - Introduction
03:28 - Why India Has No Global Product
13:27 - Layoffs in the Tech Industry
17:40 - India Trapped in US–China Trade War?
20:25 - Why India Needs Its Own Tech IP
27:02 - The Push for Data Localisation
38:47 - The Making of HCL
45:55 - Indian Industries Ready for the AI Boom?
51:50 - Human vs Machine: Who Wins?
56:16 - Quantum Computer Ops in India
01:03:38 - The Fight Over Rare Earths
01:07:28 - Nurturing Tech Talent in India
01:12:11 - 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 Up
02:24 – Introduction
03:36 – Punjab’s Drug Crisis
11:18 – India’s Silent Security Threat
15:29 – Punjab’s Youth Migration
22:14 – BJP’s Future in Punjab
30:24 – Influence of Diaspora in Punjab
39:15 – Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations
51:00 – Rahul Gandhi’s Style of Politics
01:00:14 – Diljit Dosanjh Controversy
01:08:51 – Quick Reactions on Stars, Politicians & Food
01:24:45 – 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.
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
00:37 – Iconic Ads
01:30 – Prahlad’s Favourite Ad
06:16 – Pepsi Ad Story
09:37 – Aishwarya’s Pepsi Casting
12:54 – Aamir’s Pepsi Casting
15:55 – Maggi Ad Idea
24:14 – Maggi Ketchup Ad Story
33:03 – Understanding Audience Pulse
37:09 – When Actors Misfit Ads
39:11 – Big B as Perfect Fit for Ad
42:20 – Shabana & Smita Era
47:54 – Aishwarya vs Sushmita
51:18 – Aishwarya–Salman Feud
55:34 – Sridevi & Hema Era
59:30 – Ad Films vs Feature Films
1:00:42 – 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 – Introduction
01:20 – Is Sudhir Chaudhary the Highest-Paid Anchor?
02:44 – TRP vs Reality in News Channels
08:16 – Debates vs Real News Reporting
09:46 – Editorial Freedom & Connecting with Viewers
16:38 – Evolution of News Anchoring
19:03 – Journalism Ethics in War Reporting
21:53 – Challenges as a Ground Reporter
24:38 – Misinformation During Op Sindoor
27:11 – Rs 2000 Notes 'Nano Chip' Controversy
30:14 – Uma Khurana TV ‘Sting’ Operation
37:05 – Naveen Jindal ‘Extortion’ Case
55:07 – Trolls, Labels & Comeback
59:42 – Newsroom Politics Before 2014
1:11:04 – Politics & Professional Boundaries
1:17:30 – The Red Tie Selfie with Trump
1:21:40 – Organic Reach on Social Media
1:23:49 – Career Moves & Running Own Show
1:32:45 – Indian Work Culture & Values
1:36:20 – YouTube Journalism vs Traditional Media
1:41:26 – Deepfake Threats to Journalists
1:45:10 – Working in Private Channels vs Public Broadcasting
1:50:23 – Sudhir Chaudhary Making a Film?
1:53:00 – Hollywood vs Bollywood Storytelling
1:58:08 – Staying Real in Media Spotlight
2:06:22 – 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 – Introduction
00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee
02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s
04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey
09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore
10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni
13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia
16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'
18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life
22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake
25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style
27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan
30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra
34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan
36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi
39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar
42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades
46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'
51:10 – Family
52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab
54:03 – Writing Two Books
55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry
58:08 – 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 – Introduction
00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity
02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning
05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life
09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism
14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today
17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi!
21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare
24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen
32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film
47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More
49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri
54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor
1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed
1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience
1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences
1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films
1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat
1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT
1:26:15 – 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 Up
02:14 – Introduction
03:11 – Can India Handle Trump’s Tariffs?
10:45 – Do Industrialists Believe in the India Story?
14:50 – Millionaires Leaving India
18:22 – Real Estate Journey
19:22 – Mumbai Real Estate’s Mafia Era
27:37 – What’s Stopping India from Growing?
29:48 – India’s Development Skewed?
31:18 – Mumbai’s Development
35:53 – Unemployment in India
42:25 – Challenges in the Healthcare Sector
50:08 – 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.
Timestamps
00:00 – 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 – Introduction
01:20 – Winning the National Film Award
05:15 – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Story
07:31 – Challenges Faced by Immigrants
09:08 – Preparing for a Character
10:26 – Rani & Karan’s Kids Watched the Ceremony
11:43 – Wedding Pictures & Privacy
15:49 – Actresses and Their Private Lives
18:40 – First Screen Test & Mom’s Reaction
20:20 – Role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
21:36 – Backlash over Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna
26:50 – Handling Setbacks After Success
28:54 – Reinventing Herself
32:14 – Creative Process During Hichki
36:00 – Pausing Career for Her Daughter
38:33 – Durga Puja Celebrations
41:26 – Competition With Kajol?
45:15 – Bringing Indian Women to the Forefront
48:37 – Husband’s Support for Hichki
51:29 – Deepika’s 8-Hour Shift Demand
54:19 – Films Better Planned Today?
55:57 – Who Shah Rukh Khan Gels With Better
56:41 – Winning National Award After 30 Years
58:06 – Directors Who Bring Out the Best in Her
1:04:04 – Will Rani Mukerji Direct a Film?
1:05:42 – Upcoming Projects
1:07:38 – 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 – Introduction
00:46 – Lifestyle Factor Behind Heart Attacks
11:29 – COVID Vaccine and Heart Attack Link
14:49 – Late-Night Habits & Heart Health
21:46 – VIP Patients & High-Risk Surgeries
25:39 – Health Insurance & Financial Security
30:54 – Sugar & Processed Food
36:22 – Heart Risk from Smoking & Alcohol
40:41 – Veg Diet vs Non-Veg Diet
52:04 – Akshay Kumar Fitness Routine
59:53 – Surgery of Dr. Manmohan Singh
1:01:56 – Emotional Stress & Heart Attack Awareness
1:07:52 – Misconceptions About Heart Health
1:13:16 – Heart Attack Symptoms
1:17:02 – 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 Up
01:55 - Introduction
03:13 - Bofors Scandal Stories
17:57 - Sikh Diaspora After Rajiv’s Assassination
19:14 - Sikh-Hindu Unity
19:56 - Attempts to Break Sikh-Hindu Unity
24:06 - BJP & Akali Alliance
27:24 - Farmers’ Protest
36:42 - Punjab Unemployment Fuels Drug Crisis
38:00 - How Vajpayee Valued Punjab & Sikhs
42:21 - Dr. Manmohan Singh Beyond Sikh Identity
49:01 - Parkash Singh Badal’s Political Legacy and Life
54:53 - Partap Singh Kairon and Indira Gandhi
59:00 - Role of Sikhs in Modern Delhi
1:04:06 - Khushwant Singh’s Contribution to Sikhs
1:29:10 - Message to Young Sikhs in India & Abroad
Cyrus Broacha is a comedian, political satirist, podcaster, and author. He is best known for MTV India’s Bakra and his popular satirical show The Week That Wasn’t, which ran on television for over 17 years.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Cyrus shares behind-the-scenes stories from The Week That Wasn’t and MTV Bakra, along with his experience on Bigg Boss.
He also talks about sitcoms and reality shows, the Parsis of Bombay, and opens up about crushes, colleagues, marriage, food, and Mumbai’s lifestyle.
00:00 – Introduction
00:30 – Bombay Hindi vs. Delhi Hindi
05:29 – Animal Love Paradox in India
08:57 – Bigg Boss Experience
15:16 – The Secret of Lean Celebrities
18:21 – BTS of ‘The Week That Wasn't’ & ‘MTV Bakra’
24:51 – Gen Z & Tech Distractions
28:52 – Indian Politics & Freebies Culture
34:46 – Friendship with Kunal Vijayakar
42:06 – Arnab Goswami & Pak Cricketers
51:03 – Sitcoms & Indian Reality Shows
55:40 – Parsis of Bombay
1:02:20 – Crushes, Colleagues & Marriage
1:10:26 – Food & Mumbai’s Lifestyle
1:21:49 – Parenting & Podcasting
Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma is the titular King of Tripura and the founder of the Tipra Motha Party. His party runs the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and is also an ally of the BJP at the state level, making him one of the key voices from the Northeast.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pradyot talks about infiltration from Bangladesh, his demand for a separate state called Greater Tipraland, and why he feels the Northeast is facing a crisis of identity.
He also explains why he wants a “Bihar-style SIR” in Tripura, slams vote bank politics, and raises concerns about the rights of indigenous people. Pradyot looks back at Tripura’s merger with India, the legacy of his royal family, and his own journey from student politics to leading a regional party.
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
01:23 – Delay in the Tiprasa Accord
06:10 – Demand for SIR in the Northeast
13:52 – The Untold Story of Tripura’s Merger after Partition
18:28 – Refugee Influx in Tripura
32:43 – Local Identity vs. National Identity
38:31 – NRC and the Demand for Greater Tipraland
46:45 – Tribal Identity & Youth Aspirations in Tripura
54:20 – Tripura Royal Family & Entering Politics
1:00:24 – Snap Reaction Segment
1:24:35 – Movies, Mimicry & Languages
1:30:08 – Message to the Youth
Lobsang Sangay served as the Tibetan Prime Minister in exile from 2011 to 2021. He was the first person without a monastic background to hold this post. Born in 1968 in a refugee community in Darjeeling, India, he studied law at Delhi University. Later, he went to Harvard University to study international law and democracy, and is now an American citizen.
In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about how China interferes in the local affairs of South Asian countries, including Nepal. He warns New Delhi to be cautious about its thaw with China, reminding that Beijing follows an expansionist policy. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the Tibetan movement and what India and other nations can do to support it.
Sangay speaks about the question of the Dalai Lama’s successor and what it would mean for Tibet and China. He also explains why China is building the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra and what risks it poses. Finally, he reflects on life in India and abroad, and what Tibetans living in exile continue to hope for.
Link to Episode 131: https://youtu.be/8WXWYRNhBOw
*Audio Timestamps:*
00:00 - Introduction
01:14 - PM Modi's China Visit
03:15 - Tibet's Stance on India-China Relation
07:51 - India's China Trade Balancing Act
10:25 - China's Pressure on India's Activism
13:18 - Tibetans Hurt by India's China Thaw?
17:53 - Is China Threatening Taiwan, Tibet?
20:18 - Why Does Xi Keep Visiting Tibet?
25:05 - Truth Behind Tibet's Chinese Rule
27:55 - What Do Exiled Tibetans Want?
29:48 - 'Voice For The Voiceless' Book
32:24 - Tibetan Buddhism Under Chinese Rules?
39:11 - Young Tibetans and Their Identity?
42:51 - Where Will Next Dalai Lama’s Successor Be Born?
44:17 - Dalai Lama’s Reincarnation Process Explained?
51:52 - Where Is the Real Panchen Lama?
55:21 - China's Fake Dalai Lama Motives
58:17 - Buddhist Nations and Dalai Lama's Future
01:06:25 - Buddhist Festivals vs. China's Push
01:11:42 - US Pushback on China's Narratives
01:20:30 - Why Bollywood's Silence on Tibet Issue?
01:23:15 - Does Lobsang Struggle with Identity?