What does it take to go from film school at NYU to working with Zoya Akhtar on one of India’s most iconic streaming shows, Made in Heaven? For cinematographer Neeraj Jain, the answer lies in telling stories through light, building trust across borders, and committing to frames that honor complexity and nuance.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, Neeraj shares his path from training under masters to becoming a DP who moves fluidly between India and the U.S. He breaks down the real challenges young cinematographers face, the debate between mastering gear vs mastering vision, and how OTT platforms and AI are changing the craft. From the raw truths of indie filmmaking to building min(d) studio as a space for socially rigorous stories, Neeraj reveals what it takes to create work that lasts.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode!

[01:00] - Meet Neeraj Jain: The Eye Behind the Camera

[05:58] - Cinematography Explained: Turning Emotions Into Screens & Building the Right Team

[10:20] - How to Reach Out, Collaborate & Get Noticed in the Industry

[17:00] - Embracing Uncertainty: Why the “Work in Progress” Journey Matters (and the Role of Film School)

[22:30] - From Film School to Made in Heaven: How Neeraj Worked with Zoya Akhtar & Navigated India vs USA Work Culture

[29:30] - The Business of Filmmaking: AI, Producing, Distribution & What You Should Be Doing Right Now

[45:00] - Spill the Chai | Rapid-Fire with Neeraj

[50:00] - Advice to His Younger Self & The Legacy He’s Building

[52:00] - Bringing South Asian Cinema to the Global Stage

Abi Varghese turned an immigrant story into a phenomenon in Kerala and parlayed that momentum into directing for Netflix and Eros Now. He didn’t wait for backing or permission; he built his own audience and carried them with him. That path has become the foundation for his banner, Infamous Coconuts, which is now pushing regional Indian stories onto a global stage.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, Abi reveals how indie creators can actually move from YouTube to streaming platforms, the unspoken realities of financing and distribution, and the trade-offs every filmmaker faces when selling to platforms versus holding the rights. He also breaks down what makes international co-productions succeed, why cross-regional collaborations within India are long overdue, and the next steps South Asian cinema must take to compete on a global level.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode!
[01:00] - Meet Abi Varghese: From Sitcoms to Feature Films
[02:46] - 3 Years at Unilever → How Corporate Life Made Him a Better Filmmaker
[06:00] - Cracking YouTube Virality for a Global Audience
[09:35] - Skipping Film School: How Strategy Beats Tradition
[13:00] - The Untold Truth: Funding Films, Pitching to Netflix & Selling Your Vision
[22:30] - How to Find Your Audience & Build an Unstoppable Brand
[27:00] - Red Flags to Watch Out for When Working Internationally
[31:56] - Why This Is a Rough Time for Indie & Hollywood — And What Artists Should Do
[35:00] - Beyond South Asian Audiences: How to Reach the Masses & Attach Big Names
[38:38] - Spill the Chai | Rapid-Fire with Abi
[44:13] - Advice to His Younger Self & The Legacy He’s Building
[46:00] - Bringing South Asian Cinema to the Global Stage

When Rachna Khatau walked onto the set of The Big Bang Theory as Kathleen, she wasn’t backed by film school credentials or industry connections, just persistence, strategy, and the belief that she belonged in the room.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, she shares exactly how she broke into one of the most competitive auditions in television, what actors never hear about surviving the waiting game between paychecks, and why she started building her own stages through theater, South Asian Happy Hour, and mentorship.

Rachna also takes us inside the post-SAG strike reality: how budgets, and typecasting are reshaping opportunities, and what South Asian actors must do to demand multidimensional roles instead of stereotypes. If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate uncertainty as an actor, build your own platforms, or push the industry toward authentic representation, this conversation is full of the insider truths you won’t hear anywhere else.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode
[01:10] - Who is Rachna Khatau
[05:40] - Wearing Many Hats: From Singer to TV Host to Hollywood Actor
[10:00] - From Agent Hunt to The Big Bang Theory: How Rachna Landed the Role
[16:45] - The DIY Process: Storytelling on Your Own Terms
[20:10] - Staying Relevant in Hollywood & Building Financial Security
[27:30] - Creating Community Through South Asian Happy Hour
[34:00] - Shattering Stereotypes: Authentic South Asian Representation in Hollywood
[43:45] - Spill the Chai: Rapid-Fire with Rachna
[48:30] - Advice to Her Younger Self & The Legacy She’s Building
[50:55] - Bringing South Asian Cinema to Center Stage

Before the films, the festivals, and the Oscar buzz, who was Krushan Naik? In this episode of Chai with Champs, Krushan takes us inside his journey, from arriving in the U.S. with no safety net, to creating Anuja, a short film that became Oscar-qualified for Best Live Action Short Film.We unpack the 3-year strategy that took Anuja to international recognition, the unspoken rules of visibility in Hollywood, and how filmmakers land on the radar of names like Mindy Kaling and Priyanka Chopra. Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] Welcome to the Episode[01:09] Who is Krushan Naik?[05:45] Walking Away from Stability: From Ad Agency in India to Film in the U.S.[24:00] How His Debut Film Took Over Festivals for 3 Years[32:14] The Ultimate Guide to Submitting Your Film to Festivals
[37:00] The Oscars Blueprint: How to Get Your Film Qualified
[49:15] When Mindy Kaling & Priyanka Chopra Backed Anuja
[55:00] Funding, Marketing & Distribution | How Indie Filmmakers Actually Do It
[1:02:16] Spill the Chai | Chai with Champs’ Rapid Fire
[1:06:30] Advice to His Younger Self & The Legacy He Wants to Leave
[1:12:00] How to Bring South Asian Cinema to the Global Stage

She didn’t just break into rooms , she built them. Monika Varma Samtani went from being one of the first South Asian anchors in American newsrooms to founding Ms. Media, Shop The Films,and curating platforms like South Asian House at SXSW and Soundvilla, where global creators meet opportunity.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, Monika reveals the mindset it takes to start over, the courage to choose storytelling in a family of doctors, and the strategies behind curating artists for festivals and cross-cultural platforms. From what makes her stop and say “this person has something special” to how indie filmmakers can actually stand out with their submissions, she pulls back the curtain on access, representation, and building a true cultural legacy.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode

[01:04] - Who is Monika Varma Samtani?

[06:24] - Choosing a Career Your Parents Never Imagined For You

[14:00] - How to Pick the Right Opportunities

[20:15] - Networking Secrets: How to Find Your Tribe & Get in the Right Rooms

[24:45] - Want to Be at Soundvilla 2026? Here’s Who Gets In

[33:00] - Publicity Hacks Every Indie Filmmaker Needs to Know

[39:00] - Exclusive: The Tech Platform That Could Fix Filmmaking Funding Crisis

[41:00] - Spill the Chai: Chai with Champs Rapid Fire Round!

[46:35] - The Advice She’d Give Her Younger Self

[48:15] - Bringing South Asian Cinema To Center Stage

What happens when you bet on yourself and send one bold DM? For Karan Wadhwa, it led straight to working under Rajkumar Hirani on the set of Sanju. That single risk didn’t just open a door, it launched a career that now bridges Bollywood’s biggest productions and the grind of indie filmmaking in LA.

In this episode of Chai with Champs, Karan shares the unfiltered truths of navigating both Bollywood and indie cinema, from wearing three hats on an Abhishek Bachchan feature in LA, to the mistakes filmmakers make on the festival circuit, to the realities of building credibility without film school credentials. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually step into the industry, this conversation is the blueprint.

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

[00:00] - Welcome to the Episode
[02:00] - Who is Karan Wadhwa?
[04:00] - Childhood Dreams That Led to Filmmaking
[08:25] - From DM’ing Boman Irani to Working on Sanju
[15:43] - Behind the Scenes of Bollywood’s Biggest Productions
[25:32] - Wearing 3 Hats on I Want to Talk with Abhishek Bachchan
[29:30] - Building a Production Company, Finding Your Tribe & Film Festival Magic
[39:30] - Why Financial Freedom Unlocks Creative Freedom
[44:06] - Spill the Chai, Chai with Champs’ Rapid Fire
[48:27] - Advice to Karan’s Younger Self
[50:30] - Bringing South Asian Cinema on Center Stage

Say yes to one opportunity and it could lead you to A.R. Rahman.That’s exactly how Rianjali & Kunal Patel began a journey that transformed their lives, from a single yes, to working with one of the greatest musicians in the world, to building a career that now spans music, law, and film.Today, they run their own production company with films traveling to a dozen international film festivals, proving that you don’t need a blueprint to create your own path. In this episode of Chai with Champs, they reveal how to turn passion into power from negotiating with confidence, protecting ownership, and pricing your worth, to supporting each other as creative partners in both life and business.Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll00:00 - Welcome to the Episode! 02:09 - Meet Rianjali & Kunal: The Creative Power Duo03:27 - How to Create Your Own Opportunities and Stay Financially Stable08:00 - How to Build a Roadmap for your dreams? 20:00 - The Leap From Music Into Film Producing27:40 - How to Build a Creative Empire, TOGETHER32:18 - From A.R. Rahman to Bollywood: Kunal’s Journey Through Music37:00 - Why Exploring Multiple Creative Paths Can Be Your Superpower47:59 - How to Position Yourself as a Creative Entrepreneur58:14 - Negotiation Secrets: Pricing Your Work Right1:05:30 - Legal Traps: What Every Creative Should Watch Out For1:13:25 - Exclusive: Kunal Leaks a Song From His Upcoming Album 1:21:35 - The Advice They’d Give to Their Younger Selves1:25:23 - What's Next For Rianjali & Kunal 1:28:45 - Bringing South Asian Cinema to the Center Stage

What happens when a consultant at Accenture trades spreadsheets for screenplays and ends up directing, producing, and starring in her own films?Today on Chai with Champs, we're joined by Sujata Day, a multi-hyphenate creator, star of HBO’s Insecure, and the force behind the critically acclaimed film Definition Please.From navigating Hollywood without connections, to rewriting the narrative for South Asian characters on screen, Sujata shares how she transformed early challenges into creative leverage and why building your own table is sometimes more powerful than asking for a seat.This is a conversation about strategy, identity, and storytelling and what it really takes to thrive in today’s entertainment industry.00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Who is Sujata Day? 08:53 - Balancing Film & Consulting | How a career in consulting sets you up for success? 14:45 - Auditioning & Finding an Agent | How to build your network when you start out? 16:52 - How a tweet got Sujata to work with Issa Rae 20:12 - South Asian Stereotypes in Media26:25 - Shoutout to Sunblue Sound! - Our Official Show Sponsors 27:14 - The reality of Hollywood & the Power of DIY31:15 - No Film School to Netflix 37:56 - How Mindy Kaling became EP for Sujata's first film 45:55 - How to get Sujata Day to be your mentor?49:00 - Spill the Chai | Chai with Champs' Rapid Fire 53:29 - Advice to your younger self 54:52 - Gatekeeping in the Industry & Finding Inspiration 57:25 - How do you bring South Asian Cinema to Center Stage?Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

From Delhi’s radio studios to Cannes red carpets, Sucharita Tyagi has built her voice into one of the most fearless in cinema. In this episode of Chai with Champs with Ritika Agrawal, Sucharita shares her journey of carving space as a South Asian woman in film criticism and the cost of being unapologetically bold.We also dive into the bigger picture, what it really takes to stay relevant in Indian cinema today, how global film festivals shape opportunities, and where the industry is headed in an era of OTT platforms and evolving audiences.0:00 : Intro

00:45: Who is Sucharita Tyagi?

04:37: From radio to the Cannes - How does one carve a career in film?

16:32: The truths of being a South Asian woman in entertainment

28:35: Shoutout to Sunblue Sound!

29:26: Bridging the East and West in South Asian Cinema

31:33: The rise of independent cinema vs Bollywood | Distribution

36:08: What should the East learn from the West about cinema & vice-versa

38:02: Spill the Chai | Chai with Champs' Rapid Fire

41:48: Advice to 18-year old Sucharita Tyagi

42:54: Building your Personal Brand45:24: How do you bring South Asian Cinema to Center Stage?

Chai with Champs is the Center Stage for South Asian Cinema Follow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithchamps/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RitikaAgrawalll

Welcome to the Chai with Champs Podcast; The Center Stage for South Asian Cinema. I am your host, Ritika Agrawal, where I sit down with Oscar-nominated producers, directors, award-winning directors, actors, composers, influential film critics and more who are shaping the future of South Asian Cinema. New episodes drop every Tuesday starting September 1st!

Follow us on @chaiwithchamps

Ankur Rathee is an Indian-American actor and dancer best known for his roles in the Amazon Prime series Four More Shots Please (2019), Zoya Akhtar's Made in Heaven (2019), the Hindi films Thappad (2020) and The Tashkent Files (2019) opposite Naseeruddin Shah, and as a finalist on Dance India Dance (2013).

He graduated from Princeton University where he trained under artists like Tony Award winner John Rando, Tony Award nominee Leigh Silverman, and Academy Award nominee Christina Lazaridi. He also briefly studied filmmaking at USC School of Cinematic Arts.After moving to New York City, he continued his training with Alice Spivak in the Stanislavsky Technique and began doing off-Broadway theater. His notable performances include "Jade Emperor" in the martial arts opera "Journey Beyond the West", an Iraqi soldier in "Between the Tigris and the Euphrates", and an ancient Cordoba poet in "My Heart is in the East" at the historic LaMaMa Theater.

In 2018 he found his way back to the stage as the lead in Ila Arun and K.K. Raina's rendition of "Baby's Blues".Ankur began training as dancer at the age of 8 in styles including Bollywood, hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, and acrobatic adage. He discovered his passion for singing and acting in his teens through musical theater. In 2015 he became a dance faculty member at "Steps on Broadway".

Tanpreet is a passionate mental health advocate, focusing on promoting self-love and

acceptance. Her diverse background encompasses modeling, acting, public speaking and

hosting, alongside her career as a Human Resources professional. As a speaker and educator

with the registered Canadian charity, Stigma Free Mental Health Society, Tanpreet works with

youth all over Canada to raise awareness about mental health and combat stigma. Drawing

from her own experiences, struggling with perfectionism, body image, anxiety, and depression.

Tanpreet sheds light on the harmful effects societal and media pressures can have on our

mental health, empowering both men and women to navigate these challenges and prioritize

self-love, acceptance, and body positivity.

Tanpreet is dedicated to using her platform to combat the harmful effects of unrealistic

standards perpetuated by modern society and mainstream media. Tanpreet firmly believes that

genuine self-love is essential for radiating love and positivity into our communities and the

world. She emphasizes how it enables individuals to achieve their goals, showcase their true

strengths, and embrace their true potential without self-doubt. Tanpreet's story is a testament to

the power of persistence and the importance of never giving up on your dreams.

Rianjali is an award winning, NYC born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter/composer with a mission to change South Asian musicians’ perspective in the diaspora. Rianjali was a former domestic violence case-worker until she found her ‘pinch me’ moment when she caught the attention of Oscar award-winning musician A.R. Rahman’s and was asked to work alongside him. Rianjali has collaborated and performed with internationally acclaimed artists like U2, Bishop Briggs, Shawn Mendes. She has worked with A.R. Rahman as a composer and music supervisor for multiple projects such as the Award-Winning Netflix original documentary Daughters of Destiny, Amazon Prime’s Harmony, Le Musk (A.R Rahman’s virtual reality film) and penned songs for films such as Blinded by the Light and Love Sonia (directed by the producer of Life of Pi). She was Oscar shortlisted in 2017 and was also featured on Broadway World as a notable female songwriter to watch. Rianjali has performed at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show in 2018 as a part of the Shawn Mendes band, performed with U2 in 2019 as a part of U2’s Joshua Tree Tour, and sang the National anthem at Barclay’s center for a Nets v. Pacers NBA game. She recently composed for Seeing God - which won Best Documentary at the South Asian Film Festival of America, Saltwater - officially selected for Wisconsin Film Festival and Chicago South Asian Film Festival of America, Sifter - an official selection at the Tasveer Film Festival, Upside Brown, a comedic TV series in production, and is slated to compose her first feature film in 2025. Rianjali continues to surround herself with all things film and music, making her mark in a space she never saw herself in.

Season 2, episode 5 drops September 30th!

️Praised as an “extremely sensitive and inspiring performer who touches souls,” award-winning pianist Jenny Huang has appeared in North America, Europe, and Asia as a featured artist at international music festivals, competitions, music salons, and master classes.

Jenny is also an exceptional brand marketer! Her exceptional accomplishments have earned her prestigious honors in the marketing industry, including recognition in Campaign Magazine US’ “Inspiring Women”, Ad Age Rising Stars, multiple Gold Lions in the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, and serving as a judge for esteemed awards such as AAF American Advertising Awards, The Shorty Awards, and ANA (Association of National Advertisers) B2 Awards. was left inspired after listening to this podcast!

Season 2, episode 4 drops September 16th!

Born and raised in Durham, NC, Vybhav Jagannath donned the alias VJDAMUSICMAN in early 2018. The singer-songwriter began his journey with Young Enough To Know Better, a YouTube exclusive project that allowed him to explore the genres of pop and ballads while trying his hand at songwriting for the very first time. MusicMan (short for VJDAMUSICMAN) used beats he found off of YouTube and wrote and recorded to them using GarageBand. This fifteen track album was well-received and pushed MusicMan to take himself more seriously and expand his sound.

Jagannath worked with his younger brother, Amith, under the duo name JagzBros. This duo allowed Jagannath to try his hand at the genres of hip-hop and rap. Together, they crafted two projects - D.E.S.I (Don’t Ever Stop Indians) and REIGN, both of which showcased the passion and drive Jagannath had to mix elements of his Indian roots to the tune of underground hip-hop beats.

Following these two records, Jagannath set sight on writing his debut album. After researching the process behind releasing music as an independent artist, MusicMan worked with producers in North Carolina, California, Virginia, New York, South Carolina and beyond to create Escape The Retrograde. This album would allow Jagannath to use his platform to advocate openly to break down the barrier between mental health and music, while delving into the genres of mainstream pop music, hip-hop, electronica, and R&B. Despite being written, recorded and released during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic, Jagannath’s debut album broke major streaming numbers without promotion, touring, or radio play. This was Jagannath’s first album to reach all streaming platforms, including but not limited to Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, TikTok, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and YouTube.

MusicMan released his second studio album, KINKS & TRAUMA, that tackled the deep-seated psychological beliefs behind starting, building, and ending a relationship in the digital age. It went on to become MusicMan’s most streamed body of work to date. His fourth album "Mind Altering Substance" dropped this Summer and has already crossed 3M streams! In this episode, we dive into his story and the WHY behind his dream!

Season 2, Episode 3 drops August 19th :)

Neha Joy is a Host and Producer at The Hollywood Reporter, where she reports on the latest in film, television, and pop culture through THR’s daily news videos and conducts interviews with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. She also led production on THR's monthly video series Heat Vision Breakdown. Before joining THR, Neha worked as a television host for MLB, The New York Mets, Sports Illustrated, Billboard, PeopleTV, and was nominated for a New York Emmy Award for her work on SNY. She previously worked as an Associate Producer for Good Morning America.

New episodes are every other Monday at 6pm CT! S2 Ep2 drops Monday, August 5th

In this engaging episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly versatile Sangita Patel, a true testament to the power of determination and following one's passions. Sangita's journey is a fascinating blend of engineering expertise and her rise as a prominent television personality in Canada.Sangita's career took a remarkable turn when she transitioned from her background in engineering to becoming a beloved television personality in the Canadian news landscape. In 2014, Sangita joined ET Canada, where she not only covered breaking entertainment news but also traveled the globe to interview some of the biggest stars in the industry. From Julia Roberts to Dwayne Johnson, Viola Davis to George Clooney, and Helen Mirren, Sangita has left her mark in the world of entertainment journalism.Her talents expanded beyond reporting when she took on the role of host for HGTV Canada's home renovation series, "Home to Win," leading the show for four successful seasons and earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination for her exceptional hosting skills.Sangita's influence also extends to the world of beauty and representation, as she was named the Canadian spokesperson for COVERGIRL's Simply Ageless Collection in 2019, becoming COVERGIRL's first Canadian South Asian ambassador.Beyond her career achievements, Sangita is a passionate supporter of education and philanthropy. She is actively involved with organizations such as Pathways to Education, Children's Wish, and ONE Campaign, demonstrating her commitment to giving back and making a positive impact.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Sangita Patel as we explore her journey from engineering to entertainment, her unforgettable moments with Hollywood's elite, and her dedication to causes close to her heart.

** This is episode was recorded before ET Canada announced they were ending after 18 seasons. **

In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Carla Eboli, a groundbreaker in the advertising industry and a true advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I). Carla's journey is a remarkable testament to the power of leadership, connection, and fostering the next generation of women leaders.As the EVP, PR & Multicultural - D,E&I Lead at Energy BBDO, an Omnicom Group Agency, Carla holds a pivotal role in shaping the agency's DE&I strategy and initiatives. With over two decades of experience in the communications industry, she is a seasoned expert in public relations, advertising, multicultural marketing, and business development.Carla's achievements have earned her recognition as one of the Adweek 50, and she has served as a jury member for prestigious awards like the Effie's Multicultural, ANA Multicultural Awards, and YouTube Creativity Awards.Join us for an enlightening conversation with Carla Eboli as we delve into her inspiring career, her vision for the future of DE&I in advertising, and her passion for connecting, empowering, and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share her values and commitment to positive change.

In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Jay, a true embodiment of the term "multi-hyphenate." Jay's career is a journey through diverse industries and roles, where he seamlessly navigates the realms of strategy and creativity.By day, Jay leads social media strategy at a leading advertising agency, crafting digital campaigns that make waves in the advertising world. But his passion for creativity doesn't stop there. Jay shares fashion content with his engaged audience on social media, where he offers a unique perspective on style and trends.Jay's impressive client portfolio includes industry leaders like Samsung US, Marc Jacobs, David Yurman, NWSL Angel City, and Unilever. Tune in to discover how Jay effortlessly bridges the gap between strategy and creativity, and how his unique knowledge of digital culture is shaping the future of social content that truly moves the needle.