In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Sharad Sharma, one of the key minds behind Aadhaar and UPI. Sharad shares why he left a successful corporate career to focus on nation building, and how India can avoid becoming a trade colony of China or a tech colony of the US by doubling down on deep tech and research-driven innovation.
They discuss:
- The origins of India Stack and Digital Public Infrastructure.
- How UPI really scaled and the lessons for entrepreneurs.
- Why India must build a strong R&D and product innovation ecosystem.
- The urgent need for new research institutions, mid-career researchers, and long-term thinking.
- How India can carve its own path in AI through health, education, and data-driven use cases.
If you want to understand India’s deep-tech playbook and the roadmap to Viksit Bharat, this is a must-watch conversation.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal speaks with Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). India’s biggest push yet to fund science, research, and deep tech.
Shiv explains why India needs to build its own technologies instead of only buying them, and how ANRF will unlock ₹50,000 crore in research grants and ₹1 lakh crore in patient capital to power innovation.
They talk about:
- How research moves from a basic idea to real products.- Why India spends less on R&D than other nations and how that can change.
- How startups, industry, and researchers can work with ANRF.
- The big focus areas: AI, medical tech, EVs, quantum, biotech, energy, and more.
Shiv also shares his own journey from researcher to industry leader with 75+ patents, and now stepping into government to shape India’s research future.
If you’re curious about India’s innovation story and where the next big breakthroughs will come from, this conversation is a must-watch.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist at Axis Bank, to unpack the chaos behind Trump’s tariff wars and what it means for the global order.
They explore why these moves aren’t just about trade, but about four bigger objectives. Covering various topics from stagnant U.S. wages and life expectancy gaps to America’s renewed manufacturing drive for national security, this episode talks about the forces influencing today’s shifting geopolitical landscape.
They discuss whether tariffs can deliver on revenue goals, the risks of a trade war, and how a “might is right” continues to dominate global economics. Neelkanth dives into why a dollar devaluation may be inevitable, what history teaches us, and why China as a near-equal opposer changes the game.
Whether you’re an investor, policy enthusiast, or curious about the future of money, power, and global stability, this episode offers a lens into the economic strategies that could rewrite the world order.
In this episode of Sparx, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Tejasvi Surya, one of India’s youngest Members of Parliament for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, purpose, and building a stronger nation. From his early days as a student activist to becoming a Member of Parliament at 28, Tejasvi shares the defining moments, risks, and unwavering convictions that shaped his journey.
They dive deep into themes of taking initiative without waiting for permission, the power of youth in nation-building and lessons from icons like Swami Vivekananda on mental strength, physical fitness, and resilience. Tejasvi reveals how a grassroots campaign over coffee shop meetings grew into a statewide movement, why consistency beats intensity in every pursuit, and how a 14-day solo trip to Bhutan helped him rediscover his purpose.
The conversation also spans fitness, governance reforms, Bengaluru’s urban challenges, the future of public transport, and the disruptive force of AI along with a bold vision for Viksit Bharat 2047.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal dives deep into something that we do all the time - breathing - one of the most integral part of our lives. He explores all the different styles of breathing and shares actionable steps to master breathing.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Naresh Krishnaswamy, CEO of Cult and longtime business partner, to explore the future of fitness, health, and AI-powered transformation in India.
They reflect on Cult’s near-death experiences, why crisis builds culture, and how fitness in India remains massively under-penetrated. Naresh shares behind-the-scenes stories on the explosive popularity of dance workouts, building India’s largest gym network, and why your job should help you lose kilos, not gain them.
Mukesh and Naresh dive into how AI will redefine fitness with intelligent coaches, meeting copilots, productized employee wellness, and data-backed decisions across operations. They also unpack why the biggest disruption may come from outside the industry, including GLP-1 drugs and corporate giants entering the space.
Whether you're a founder, leader, builder, or simply someone who cares about health and performance, this episode will change how you think about fitness, technology, and culture at scale.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Shamik Sharma, SVP Product at Atlassian and former Head of Technology at Myntra, to explore how AI is radically transforming software development, programming, and enterprise workflows.
They unpack how natural language is becoming the new code, how tools like Lovable are reshaping developer productivity, and why the future of software engineering may not need traditional programmers at all.
Shamik shares bold ideas on the rise of vibe coding, why SaaS as we know it is dying, and the untapped potential of multi-agent collaboration, AI-powered IT services, and humanoid robots in the next decade. Mukesh and Shamik also dive into India’s opportunity in this AI wave and what students, engineers, and entrepreneurs must learn now to stay ahead.
Whether you're a founder, developer, product leader, or just AI-curious, this conversation will change how you think about technology, work, and learning in the age of AI.
In this powerful solo episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal - founder of Myntra, CureFit, and Nurix breaks down the seismic shifts AI is bringing to our world. From exponential improvements in capability and cost, to real-world demos of voice AI and autonomous enterprise workflows, this episode is a wake-up call for anyone still on the sidelines of the AI revolution.
Mukesh shares:
Why AI is underhyped, not overhyped
How Nurix is building 24x7 AI-powered voice agents
The rise of “vibe coding” and how anyone can now build apps
The dawn of the autopilot enterprise and infinite scale
What massive investments from OpenAI, Apple really mean?
The golden window for AI-native startups and how to build real moats
Opportunities in health, education, robotics, IT services, and more
How you can stay ahead: prompt engineering, learning, and daily practice
If you’re a founder, operator, technologist or simply curious about the future you cannot afford to miss this episode.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal explores the fast-growing world of Pilates with Rishabh Telang, Business Head at CULT, and Kavitha Srinivasan, one of India’s foremost Pilates educators. Together, they dive into how this century-old practice is becoming a modern-day fitness essential.
Rishabh shares why CULT is going all-in on Pilates, the incredible reception from users, and how the brand plans to scale from a single studio to 100+ across India. Kavitha breaks down the science and history of Pilates.
They discuss how Pilates improves posture, builds deep core strength, prevents injury, and helps people move better for life. Whether you’re a gym-goer, a fitness beginner, or someone struggling with back pain or burnout, this conversation will make you rethink how you train.
A refreshing take on movement, longevity, and India's evolving fitness culture.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Subrata Mitra, legendary venture capitalist and Partner at Accel, to unpack what it really takes to back iconic startups from day zero. From being the first institutional investor in Flipkart to shaping India’s startup DNA over two decades, Subrata shares rare insights on pattern recognition, founder-market fit, and why ambition often matters more than pedigree.
They talk about the evolution of the Indian VC ecosystem, how to spot high-agency founders, and the art of building trust at the earliest stages of company building.
For founders, operators, or anyone interested in the mindset behind India’s startup revolution, this episode offers a masterclass in long-term thinking, conviction-led investing, and the human side of venture capital.
n this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal dives deep into the science of fasting - one of the most powerful tools for improving health, focus and longevity. Drawing from personal experience and cutting-edge research, Mukesh shares how a 10-week fasting journey transformed his energy, blood markers and mental clarity.
He explores the benefits of intermittent fasting, ketosis, and autophagy, while also connecting fasting to ancient practices across cultures of the world. Backed by scientific studies and evolutionary biology, this episode breaks down how fasting works, why it matters, and how you can safely build it into your lifestyle.
Whether you're curious about how to start fasting, weight loss, metabolic health, or boosting productivity, this episode is packed with practical insights and timeless wisdom. A must-listen for anyone serious about wellness, performance, and personal transformation.
Resource List:-
HbA1c - https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/hemoglobin-a1c-hba1c-test/
Fat storage in Men and Women Article - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11706283/
What are Ketone - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketone
Fasting Cancer Book by Valter Longo - https://www.amazon.in/Fasting-Cancer-Nutritechnology-Revolution-Prevention/dp/059354532X
What is Autophagy? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autophagy
Lanserhof Wellness Clinic in Germany - https://lanserhof.com/en/
What is Panchakarma Treatment - https://www.dabur.com/blog/detoxification/what-panchakarma-treatment
Jindal Naturecure Institute - https://jindalnaturecure.in
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with Prabhjeet Singh, President of Uber India, to unpack what it takes to build for a diverse and complex market like India. From theater to tech, Prabhjeet shares how empathy, culture, and hands-on leadership have shaped his journey. They dive into Uber's driver ecosystem, AI innovations, and the future of mobility. A conversation filled with real stories and sharp insights.
Resource List:-
Handicap - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handicap_(golf)
Second Order Thinking - https://www.processexcellencenetwork.com/business-transformation/articles/what-is-second-order-thinking#:~:text=Second%2Dorder%20thinking%20is%20an,strategic%20and%20effective%20problem%2Dsolving.
In this episode of SparX, Mukesh Bansal sits down with tech veteran and former Google and Flipkart leader Peeyush Ranjan to explore how AI is fundamentally reshaping work, expertise, and entrepreneurship. From replacing human expertise in fields like medicine, law, and education to building AI-native startups, Peeyush dives deep into the promises and pitfalls of the AI revolution. They discuss the rise of coding, AI tutors, and what it means to be an engineer or student in a world dominated by large language models. If you’re a founder, student, or knowledge worker wondering how to stay ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with clarity, wit, and hard truths.
Resource List:-
What are LLM’s - https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/ai/what-is-large-language-model/
AI Hallucination - https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-are-ai-hallucinations
Thick and Thin Wrapper Applications - https://www.command.ai/blog/gpt-wrapper/
Y2K movement - https://medium.com/thevou/what-is-y2k-561c8bffbf98
What does Vibe coding mean - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibe_coding
What are AGI’s - https://cloud.google.com/discover/what-is-artificial-general-intelligence
In this deeply moving episode of SparX, Dr. Devi Shetty—renowned cardiac surgeon and founder of Narayana Health—opens up about his life, purpose, and groundbreaking journey in making healthcare accessible for all. From treating Mother Teresa early in his career to pioneering India’s most affordable heart surgeries, Dr. Shetty shares how simplicity, spirituality, and a relentless focus on purpose shaped his path.
He recounts powerful stories, from performing over 20,000 surgeries to launching the revolutionary Yeshashwini health insurance scheme that covered millions of farmers at just ₹5 a month. Dr. Shetty also speaks about India's potential to become the first country to dissociate healthcare from wealth, and how technology, digitization, and AI are transforming the future of medicine.
Whether you're an aspiring doctor, a policymaker, an entrepreneur, or someone passionate about health equity, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, impact, and India's healthcare revolution. A must-watch conversation between Dr. Shetty and your host, Mukesh Bansal.
Resource List:-
Narayana Health - https://www.narayanahealth.org
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins - https://www.amazon.in/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996
The Yeshasvini Health Insurance Scheme - https://www.bajajallianz.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/yeshasvini-health-insurance-scheme.html#:~:text=The%20Yeshasvini%20Health%20Insurance%20Scheme%20is%20a%20community%2Ddriven%20health,medical%20procedures%20at%20network%20hospitals.
“The fortune at the bottom of the pyramid” by C.K. Prahalad - https://www.amazon.in/Fortune-Bottom-Pyramid-Eradicating-Poverty/dp/8177587765
Narayana Health Insurance Plan - https://www.narayanahealth.insurance
History of Cataract Surgery - https://eyewiki.org/History_of_Cataract_Surgery
Article on “Govt will add 75K medical seats in next 5 years” - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/govt-will-add-75k-medical-seats-in-next-5-years-nadda/articleshow/121606966.cms
Increasing risks of heart attacks in Young Adults - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/are-young-adults-in-india-facing-an-unprecedented-heart-attack-epidemic/articleshow/118121982.cms#:~:text=Heart%20attack%20rates%20are%20rising,face%20rising%20heart%20attack%20rates.
About SparX by Mukesh Bansal
SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.
We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.
In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.
This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.
Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal
Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com
You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!
Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com
In this thought-provoking episode of SparX, we speak with Pratyush Kumar, co-founder of Sarvam AI, about India's bold journey to build its own large language models (LLMs) and establish true AI sovereignty. Pratyush shares insights into the launch of Sarvam, a homegrown multilingual model capable of handling math, programming, and Indic languages with impressive accuracy. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities of creating smaller, cost-efficient models that can be run locally, the importance of Indian-origin data, and how AI must be made accessible across India’s diverse linguistic landscape. Pratyush also reflects on his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, the urgency of building open-source tools, and how Indian voices, culture, and context can shape the global AI narrative. The episode touches on:
– How Sarvam AI is built differently for India’s needs
– The importance of voice-to-voice and cross-language translation
– Why domain-specific AI could unlock India's full digital potential
– What true AI-first organizations and nations should prioritize now
This is a must-watch for anyone curious about the future of AI, India’s place in it, and how we can build a technological ecosystem that reflects and serves our unique context.
About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com
In this compelling episode of SparX, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as "Food Pharmer." A former McKinsey consultant and Wharton MBA, Revant left a high-profile corporate career to champion health literacy in India. He unpacks how misleading marketing and hidden ingredients are silently harming millions of Indians through widely consumed packaged foods. From analyzing the viral Bournvita video to discussing systemic issues in food regulation, this episode explores Revant’s courageous journey, his motivation to trigger policy-level change, and how a single Instagram reel sparked a nationwide debate. As India faces a growing health crisis marked by soaring diabetes rates, this conversation is both timely and necessary. Tune in to learn how awareness, education, and a willingness to speak truth to power can lead to real impact.
Resource List:-"If You Send Legal Notice, I'll Get You Noticed": Influencer On Bournvita 'Win' - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/if-you-send-legal-notice-ill-get-you-noticed-influencer-on-bournvita-win-4751679Watch: Bournvita Reduces Added Sugar By 14.4% After Criticism, Influencer Calls It ''Big Win'' - https://www.ndtv.com/feature/watch-bournvita-reduces-added-sugar-by-14-4-after-criticism-influencer-calls-it-big-win-4733774
India’s consumption of Palm Oil - https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/healthcare/how-much-palm-oil-does-india-consume-19532883.htm
Health Governance Department in India - https://irdai.gov.in/health-dept
(Disclaimer - This podcast was recorded prior to the ceasefire announcement made on the evening of May 10, 2025. All discussions reflect the situation as it stood before that development. Viewers are advised to keep this context in mind while watching the episode.)
In this gripping episode of SparX, journalist Suhasini Haidar joins us to decode the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan amid a backdrop of global instability. With decades of experience covering foreign policy and conflicts, she unpacks the deeper dynamics of terrorism, military politics, and how regional players like China and global powers like the US are influencing outcomes.
We dive into how the international rules-based order is crumbling, the United Nations’ diminishing relevance, and the rise of transactional diplomacy. Can India navigate this multipolar world while securing its interests? Is peace with Pakistan even a realistic possibility anymore?
About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com
For the latest episode of SparX, we are joined by Neelkanth Mishra, Economic advisor to the Government of India, Chairman of UIDAI, and Chief Economist at Axis Bank. In this episode, Neelkanth dives into the unraveling of the post-WWII global order and what might replace it. From the fading influence of institutions like the UN, WHO, and NATO to the rise of new groupings like G20, BRICS, and QUAD, we explore why global power is shifting and what it means for countries like India.
We also examine the implications of US-China tensions, Europe’s struggle to rebuild military strength, and the global apathy toward conflicts like Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. If you're curious about where the world is headed, this conversation offers deep insights and bold perspectives.
Resource List:The Story of India - https://www.penguin.co.in/book/the-it-story-of-india/ Awards and accolades won by Infosys - https://www.infosys.com/about/diversity-inclusion/awards.html Fax Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax Telex Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telex What is a satellite link? - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/satellite-link TIFRAC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIFRAC IBM Mainframe - https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/mainframe Itihaasa - https://itihaasa.com/History What is a single window clearance program? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-window_system Government Budget on Research and Development - https://www.cnbctv18.com/budget/budget-2025-government-bears-the-bulk-of-indias-rd-budget-19550338.htm Technologies Readiness Level - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_readiness_level Axilor Ventures - https://www.axilor.com
Join us for an insightful conversation with Kris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and one of India’s foremost technology entrepreneurs. In this episode, we explore his remarkable journey — from the early days of building Infosys to his ongoing contributions to deep-tech research, innovation, and philanthropy.
Mr. Gopalakrishnan shares his thoughts on the evolution of India’s IT industry, the importance of foundational research in artificial intelligence and brain science, and why he believes the next big leap for India must be led by academia and entrepreneurship. He also reflects on his work with institutions like IIT Madras and the Centre for Brain Research at IISc, and his efforts to nurture India’s innovation ecosystem.
Whether you’re a student, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in the future of Indian research and enterprise, this episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership, vision, and nation-building.
Resource List:
The Story of India - https://www.penguin.co.in/book/the-it-story-of-india/
Awards and accolades won by Infosys - https://www.infosys.com/about/diversity-inclusion/awards.html
Fax Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fax
Telex Machine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telex
What is a satellite link? - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/satellite-link
TIFRAC - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIFRAC
IBM Mainframe - https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/mainframe
Itihaasa - https://itihaasa.com/History
What is a single window clearance program? - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-window_system
Government Budget on Research and Development - https://www.cnbctv18.com/budget/budget-2025-government-bears-the-bulk-of-indias-rd-budget-19550338.htm
Technologies Readiness Level - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_readiness_level
Axilor Ventures - https://www.axilor.com
What does it take to build one of India’s most important fintech companies from scratch?
In this candid and deeply insightful conversation, Razorpay co-founder Harshil Mathur walks us through his journey, from coding at IIT Roorkee and working on oil rigs at Schlumberger to co-creating Razorpay, a company that has redefined digital payments in India. We dive into the early struggles of being taken seriously as young founders, the organic evolution of Razorpay from a side project, and the philosophy behind choosing a B2B path when the world was chasing B2C valuations. Harshil also unpacks the real complexity behind payment systems, the rise of UPI, the regulatory ecosystem, and what the future of seamless, biometric-based payments looks like.
Whether you're a fintech enthusiast, aspiring founder, or just curious about how India's digital economy was built—this episode is packed with stories, strategies, and sharp insights.
About SparX by Mukesh BansalSparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Saturday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.Follow us on our Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Also check out our website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms!Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com
