In this episode, I’m joined by Sumit Samos and Shainal Verma to talk about Bollywood’s long, uneasy relationship with caste, in the context of Dhadak 2. We look at where it the Indian cinema gets politics wrong, the rare moments it gets it right, and what it would take to make an anti-caste film that actually hits hard. The conversation is also about the caste politics of Tamil Nadu and and how cinema there handles caste and also on the pyschoological conflicts in anti-caste marriages, and much more.
We don’t take ads yet keep our podcast free. Our listeners are our only patrons. Consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2. Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureCafebyAMV-re8hs/featured
3.UPI: anurag155@ptyes
4.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
Social media handle of the speaker:
Shainal Verma: https://www.instagram.com/scholarlyrapunzel/?hl=en
Sumit Samos:
https://www.instagram.com/samossumit/?hl=en
In this episode, we talk about the Iran–Israel conflict that feels like a trailer for something bigger, why Trump had lunch with Pakistan’s Army Chief without a press release, how power is shifting quietly across continents and what all of this actually means for India. Prof. Rajan Kumar makes sense of the mess, with context that matters.
🎧 Support the Podcast & Get Access to Member-Only Episodes:
👉 Become a YouTube Member (use desktop to join)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
👉 Join on Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
☕ Support the Work:
• Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
• Razorpay (UPI): https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
• UPI ID: minusverma@upi
🌐 Website
www.anuragminusverma.com
📰 Subscribe to My Newsletter
https://www.theculturecafe.in/
If you’ve spent any meaningful time on Twitter, you already know Rofl Gandhi. This is our third conversation, but his first ever video appearance. And here, you’ll see a different side of him—not just the tweeter celeb, but a political observer who understands the system from the inside. Someone who knows politicians personally and brings insights straight from ground zero.
Become a YouTube member to listen to the latest members-only podcast with Buffalo Intellectual and many more exclusive episodes: (open on laptop)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
You can also support us on :
BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
Or
Razorpay (UPI) : https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
UPI: minusverma@upi
Today, our guest is the anonymous artist behind the widely popular internet sensation, Swineryy. She is known for creating unique Animoji art on Instagram that utilizes colourful characters to make absurd and humorous videos.
In the podcast, Swineryy discusses a range of interesting topics. Firstly, she talks about the idea and reason behind being anonymous on the internet. She also expresses her concerns about the changing algorithm on Instagram and the pressure to create generic reels. Additionally, Swineryy shares her anxieties of monetizing art and how that can affect her creative process. The podcast also covers standup culture and how it relates to her work. Finally, Swineryy talks about her experiences in Michigan and the US, giving listeners a glimpse into her life. This episode provides a fascinating insight into Swineryy's work and her perspectives on various issues.
Link for Swineryy’s insta :https://www.instagram.com/swineryy/?hl=en
An appeal to the listeners: As many of you may know, podcasts rely on the support of their listeners to continue producing high-quality content. Please consider becoming a patron on Patreon. Every little bit helps, and even a small contribution can make a big difference. Although Patreon is a preferred medium, you can also support it on BuyMeACoffee, Instamojo and Paypal.
Thank you for considering supporting this podcast. Your contribution will not only help to ensure that new episodes continue to be released, but it will also help to foster a sense of community among fans.
1. Patreon (Most preferred medium): https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2. BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Anuragminus
3. InstaMojo:(UPI/Gpay/PayTm) : https://www.instamojo.com/@anuragminusverma/
4. PayPal ( Subscribers living outside India can pay through it): https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/AnuragMinusVerma?locale.x=en_GB
Rate the podcast on Spotify.
Links of topics discussed in the podcast:
Horse Scam in Pakistan: https://youtu.be/g-TCPtpY01g
Horse boy arrested: https://youtu.be/u9qSRvMSVQw
Laila Boiler room : https://youtu.be/KAovZ4THSiM
Shaikh Rashid Videos: https://youtu.be/KHNw4WKorYM
Anurag Minus Verma’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/confusedvichar
Follow the podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minusverma/?hl=en
The Mixing & Mastering of sound in this episode is done by PostPond Media, a production house based in Mumbai.
Credit for the Music: Way Home by Tokyo Music Walker
Stream & Download : https://fanlink.to/tmw_way_home
Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
Comedian sings a parody, a mob trashes a comedy club, and chaos follows. I sit down with Punit Pania to talk about the madness of it all. From the mad viral trend of Studio Ghibli to the soulless churn of AI art, this episode looks at what it means to create when everything around you feels fake, loud, and slightly unhinged.
Become a YouTube member to listen to the latest members-only podcast with Buffalo Intellectual and many more exclusive episodes: (open on laptop)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
A conversation with Shoaib Daniyal- political editor of Scroll. in. In the glow of language wars, a conversation on history, politics, and the philosophical vanity of words. Why language matters so much, often enough to reshape entire political landscapes. Tune in for a fun and very insightful podcast!
Become a youtube member to listen more member only podcasts: (open on laptop)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
Account of shoaib daniyal :
This time, I sit down with Shrujana Shridhar, a visual artist based in New York, as we navigate the chaos of a world in flux.
We discuss shifting cultures, nostalgia, movies, and the uncertain future we’re all stepping into.
Your support keeps this space alive. Let me know your thoughts—always keen to hear from you!
Become a youtube member to listen more member only podcasts: (open on laptop)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
The internet is changing. With increasing censorship, growing government interest, and rising digital anxieties, the online world is not what it used to be—and it won’t stay the same. In this episode, we explore where the internet stands today and where it might be headed. A timely conversation with Vimoh on the present and future of our digital space.
Become a youtube member to listen this exclusive podcast: (open on laptop)
https://youtu.be/wTujhyUV87c
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
Here is Vimoh's substack: https://www.vimoh.in/
In this episode, we discuss the recent controversy surrounding cases against Samay Raina and other YouTubers. But this isn’t really about them. It’s about something much bigger—a psychoanalysis of culture itself.
Become a youtube member to listen this exclusive podcast: (open on laptop)
Or Become a Patron on Patreon:
Bhumika Saraswati, an award-winning journalist, writer, filmmaker, and photographer, shares her deeply personal reflections in this conversation. We discuss the fractured state of the world and the relentless pursuit of hope and beauty that refuses to fade, even in the face of so much brokenness.
If you appreciate our work, consider supporting us:
Visit my website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Follow Bhumika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhumikasaraswati/?hl=en
Cover art by : Siddhesh Gautam
Other links :
We don’t take ads yet keep our podcast free. Our listeners are our only patrons. Consider supporting:
My Website: https://www.anuragminusverma.com/
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
Please rate the podcast on Spotify.
Anurag Minus Verma’s Twitter: â https://twitter.com/confusedvicharâ
Follow the podcast on Instagram: â https://www.instagram.com/minusverma/?hl=enâ
The Mixing and mastering of sound in this episode is done by PostPond Media, a production house based in Mumbai.
Not a podcast about missal pav, but it’s got all the spice and kicks one would expect from missal. Social media absurdities, parasocial cringe, political goss, cultural quirks, and food opinions that might be not easy to digest.A chat which is more like chaat of everything bizarre, insightful and fun. Tune in to know what I mean
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Buffalo Intellectual's twitter: https://x.com/ProfRavikantK?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
His youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BuffaloIntellectual
Pollution levels are touching 1000 and political parties blaming each other in the maxican standoff. I sat down with Nitin to understand why and how our cities became the world’s worst where fresh air became an exclusive experience. He breaks it down with so many interesting and fresh angles that it cleared up my thoughts. Tune in to understand what’s really going on—and whether there’s any hope left for cleaner air in our increasingly dystopian cities.
Nitin is a journalist and founding editor of The Reporters Collective. He has spent two decades reporting on India's political economy, environment, climate, and development.
Support Us: Click JOIN button to become a member-
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBnXbbY81TwRJ1DxsyKZV6Q/join
Or become a Patron:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
You can also support us on :
BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
Or
Razorpay (UPI) : https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
UPI: minusverma@upi
Here is my website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Nitin’s Twitter: https://x.com/nit_set?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Reporter’s collective: https://www.reporters-collective.in/team-members/nitin-sethi
Thanks Nilesh Jatwa for the sound fix!
In this episode, I sit down with Pratyush, who runs a cozy cafe in the mountains of Bir, Himachal Pradesh. The discussion was about coffee but went far beyond that. We share a strange tale of a man in the mountains who believes he’s a rabbit, uncover why someone cried after their first sip of coffee, and explore the many surprising human stories born out of coffee.
Support Us:
Become a Patron:
https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
You can also support us on :
BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
Or
Razorpay (UPI) : https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
UPI: minusverma@upi
Here is my website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Website of Pahadee Coffee: https://pahadee.coffee/
Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/pahadeecoffee/
Today on AMV, our guest is Sarvjeet Tamta—a self-taught qawwali singer who founded Rehmete Nusrat. At 16, he left Almora, Uttarakhand, to follow his passion for music. Coming from a Dalit background, Sarvjeet faced caste discrimination, but he didn’t let it stop him. Now, he’s performing to full houses across the country, making a name as one of the most promising qawwals of this era.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Watch the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureCafebyAMV-re8hs
Insta account of Guest; https://www.instagram.com/rehmatenusrat/
Their Website: https://www.amarrass.com/rehmat-e-nusrat
In this AMV Podcast episode, we’re joined by Chef Rahul Kanojia, sous chef at Gaggan Anand’s Bangkok restaurant—rated as one of the world’s best. We discuss everything you've probably never heard about food: why India still hasn’t got a Michelin star, the genius of Indian halwais, and why Nagaland’s dishes deserve the spotlight. Rahul breaks down why Indian, Mexican, and Chinese cuisines are the true "mother cuisines" that influence food worldwide. But this isn’t just another food talk. Rahul dives into cultural appropriation in tribal foods, the theatrical world of high-end dining, and why defining "Indian cuisine" is a mission destined to fail. An episode that takes food far beyond the plate.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Watch the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureCafebyAMV-re8hs
Chef Rahul's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kanojiarahul/
In this episode, we sit down with Prabh Deep, one of India's most groundbreaking rappers, for a raw and unfiltered conversation. An honest and in-depth look at one of India’s most unique voices. Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond music and into the heart of what it means to create art that speaks truth.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Watch the video on YouTube:
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Professor Shailaja Paik, renowned scholar, MacArthur Genius Grant winner, and author of acclaimed books such as Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India and The Vulgarity of Caste. We explore the untold stories of Dalit women artists whose contributions to Indian culture were marginalized and labeled “vulgar,” particularly in the world of Tamasha Theater. Through her extensive research, Professor Paik reveals how these women, despite facing caste and gender discrimination, used dance and theater not only as a means of survival but as acts of defiance and creativity. We dive deep into how art, caste, and gender intersect in India, and why the voices of Dalit women have often been ignored or misunderstood.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Watch the video on YouTube:
In this episode, our guest is Rachita Taneja, known as Sanitary Panels. She's an artist, cartoonist, and activist, famous for her satirical webcomic Sanitary Panels, which she started in 2014. Her comics address politics, society, feminism, and more. Based in Bangalore, she uses her art to challenge societal norms and taboos, and in 2024, she received the Kofi Annan Courage in Cartooning Award.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Watch the video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@TheCultureCafebyAMV-re8hs
Follow Sanitary Panels on
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sanitarypanels/?hl=en
Twitter: https://x.com/sanitarypanels
In this episode, we discuss Indian politics, take a hard look at the newsroom, talk about building solidarities, and unpack queerness alongside the intersection of class and caste privilege. And also the important question: who really owns Sula Wines? A fun discussion with sharp insights and lots of laughs!
Anish Gawande is the National Spokesperson for the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) and founder of Pink List India, an archive supporting LGBTQ+ rights. A Rhodes Scholar with degrees from Columbia and Oxford, he’s written for publications like Times of India and CNN. Anish has also worked with UNESCO, Borkowski PR, and curated shows at major galleries while earning recognition as one of GQ's 50 Most Influential Young Indians.
If you like our work then consider supporting:
1. Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/anuragminusverma
2.BuyMeACoffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/anuragminus
3.UPI: Minusverma@upi
4.RazorPay: https://pages.razorpay.com/pl_NM7M52cur24w7k/view
My website: www.anuragminusverma.com
Sound by : Nilesh Jatwa
