Episode 113 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Namit Malhotra, Founder of Prime Focus and Global CEO of DNEG - the VFX powerhouse behind global hits like Inception, Interstellar, Dune, Avatar, Oppenheimer, and major Marvel & DC films.

Starting Prime Focus from a garage in Mumbai, Namit has gone on to work with top directors like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve. His companies have also shaped Indian cinema - with Prime Focus handling the Digital Intermediate (DI) on Bajirao Mastani, and DNEG contributing to blockbusters like Baahubali.

He is now producing India’s biggest epic - Ramayana, with music by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.Recording Date: July 1, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction03:50 - His Vision of Ramayana12:50 - The Pressure of Making Ramayana23:44 - Working w/ AR Rahman & Hans Zimmer32:14 - Why India Still Hasn’t Won an Oscar46:44 - Working w/ Christopher Nolan55:44 - Working w/ Denis Villeneuve58:01 - What Does the Future Look Like1:02:46 - Namit's Biggest Fear1:14:39 - Questions for Prakhar

Episode 112 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features India’s top mental health experts in a round table discussion on depression.Dr. Annie BaxiDr. Annie Baxi is a psychologist and academic with over 7 years of teaching experience. She is currently a visiting faculty member at Ashoka University, where she teaches courses such as Qualitative Research Methods and Psychology of Health and Illness. Her research focuses on the social and cultural dimensions of mental health, with a particular emphasis on gender.Dr. Praveen TripathiDr. Praveen Tripathi is a leading psychiatrist, sexologist, and addiction specialist with 17 years of clinical experience. He has worked extensively in the fields of neuropsychiatry and behavioral medicine. Notably, he is one of the few Indian doctors to have cleared the United States Clinical Skills Exam, bringing an international standard to his practice.Dr. Siddharth WarrierDr. Siddharth Warrier is a Mumbai-based neurologist with a passion for science communication. He is widely known for his YouTube channel, where he educates over 400,000 subscribers on topics related to the brain, human behavior, and mental health.Recording Date: February 18, 2025

This is what we talked about:

00:00 - Introduction02:50 - First Experience with Depression08:31 - Is Sadness the Beginning of Depression27:11 - Is Depression a Real Disease33:56 - The Brain Science Behind Depression52:01 - How Society Impacts the Mind1:00:31 - Is Modern Life Making Us Depressed1:04:38 - Can Anger Help You Heal1:12:15 - How Doctors Decide Prescriptions1:14:02 - The Role of Childhood in Depression1:23:00 - How to Identify the Root Cause1:32:35 - Body vs. Mind What’s Really Wrong1:38:57 - The Rise of Antipsychotic Drugs1:42:30 - Experts on Depression and Anxiety1:43:17 - Can Fear Lead to Depression1:49:35 - What Healing with a Psychologist Looks Like2:02:12 - The Limitations of Therapy2:07:00 - Is the Mental Health System Actually Helping2:14:31 - Are We Overdiagnosing Mental Illness2:18:11 - Why People Avoid Psychiatric Medication2:26:30 - Beyond CBT What Else Can Help2:29:16 - What Are ACT and CBT2:30:24 - The Bhagavad Gita and Mental Health2:34:44 - How CBT Actually Works2:45:13 - Can Psychedelics Treat Depression

Episode 111 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Arjun Vajpai, India’s youngest mountaineer to scale Mt. Everest at the age of 16. Since then, he has climbed some of the world’s most dangerous peaks, including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Makalu, surviving avalanches, extreme altitudes, and multiple near-death experiences.

Recording Date: June 3, 2025

This is what we talked about

0:00 - Intro8:14 - The Psychology of a Mountaineer16:57 - Climbing as a Spiritual Journey26:24 - Scenery from the Peak32:46 - Why South Asian Mountaineers Need a Voice39:23 - Hardest Mountains to Climb50:01 - Why No One Has Ever Climbed Mount Kailash56:09 - India’s Rise in Global Sports1:00:06 - The Real Risks of Mountaineering

Episode 110 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Madan Gowri, one of South India’s top content creators. He has crossed a billion views by explaining difficult topics in a clear and simple way. His videos cover culture, news, and social issues, making him one of the most trusted voices in Indian digital media.Recording Date: May 17, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction01:07 - Three Things Madan Would Change in India05:09 - The Reality of Indian Media15:17 - How Madan Makes Videos Daily23:39 - How India Can Move Forward28:15 - What Is TFR?30:29 - Language Debate: North vs. South45:54 - Madan’s Influencers50:10 - Caste in India53:53 - Politics and Identity1:01:29 - Success and Failure1:04:59 - ’90s Parents vs. Today’s Kids1:16:32 - Parenting differences in South & North India1:19:56 - Neem Karoli Baba’s Story

Episode 109 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Taksh Gupta. Taksh Gupta is the founder and CEO of IITIIMShaadi.com, a private matchmaking platform for IIT and IIM alumni. He started the company at 19 to offer a more secure, refined, and trusted way for high-achieving individuals to find life partners. The platform provides personalized services, verified profiles, and curated matches for serious, like-minded professionals.Recording Date: June 5, 2025
This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction01:31 - The Dark Side of Matrimonial Sites07:31 - Which IIT/IIM Grads Are Most in Demand?10:08 - How Highly Educated People Choose Partners12:07 - What Men and Women Look for in a Partner15:54 - Unrealistic Expectations in Indian Matchmaking22:06 - Family Pressure27:48 - Taksh on True Love35:59 - What Exactly Is IITIIMShaadi.com?38:03 - Why Divorces Are Rising in India41:24 - Building IITIIMShaadi53:51 - Questions for Prakhar

Episode 108 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Abhijit Iyer-Mitra. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies with a focus on military strategy and foreign policy. Known for his candid and often provocative commentary, he offers unique insights on topics ranging from defense and international relations to regional conflicts. With extensive experience in analyzing geopolitical dynamics, Abhijit is a respected voice in discussions on India's security and global positioning.Recording Date: June 27, 2025

Episode 107 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast - a licensed commercial pilot, IIT Kharagpur graduate, professional bodybuilder, and one of India’s most successful content creators. He runs multiple YouTube channels spanning fitness, vlogging, and gaming.Recording Date: June 23, 2025

Episode 105 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Air Vice Marshal Suryakant Chintaman Chafekar (Retd.), a decorated Indian Air Force officer awarded the Shaurya Chakra and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. He survived a missile strike during the Kargil conflict and carried out high-altitude landings at Daulat Beg Oldi. With over 30 years of service, he led some of the toughest missions in hostile areas and is widely respected for his courage, sharp thinking, and contribution to Indian military aviation.Recording Date: June 7, 2025

00:00 - What really happened in 2002?04:41 - Challenges he faced during his mission16:02 - Getting hit by a missile & escaping28:34 - Soldier’s mindset in life-or-death moments34:02 - Difference between IAF & PAF38:58 - New-Gen Pilots & new tech in IAF46:40 - Glamorized Fighter Jets47:14 - Landing at Daulat Beg Oldi1:15:12 - Message to India’s youth

Episode 105 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, one of India’s leading lifestyle electronics brands. Starting with a background in sales and marketing, he worked at companies like JBL and Harman International before launching boAt. Under his leadership, boAt grew rapidly by targeting young consumers with stylish, affordable audio products.Recording Date: May 19, 2025

00:00 - Aman on Other Sharks05:33 - Getting Bullied as a Kid08:25 - Favorite Movies of All Times10:54 - Favorite Travel Destinations16:53 - Aman on “Everyone Sucks”25:04 - How the Name ‘boAt’ Happened27:50 - CA Prep & School Days32:11 - What’s Wrong with Our Education System43:00 - Indian Market vs Global Market51:36 - Aman Gupta on Net-worth 59:43 - Why Teams Aren’t Families1:04:41 - Is Aman an Obsessive Types?1:09:14 - Aman on Work-Life Balance1:13:35 - Obsession with English1:18:30 - Aman’s Biggest Fear1:24:40 - Lessons from His Parents1:32:22 - Questions for Prakhar

Episode 104 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Aamir Khan, a legendary actor, director and producer, and one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema. He is known for his roles in iconic films like 3 Idiots, Lagaan, Dangal and Taare Zameen Par. Aamir has built a reputation for choosing meaningful stories and delivering powerful performances that leave a lasting impact. He also created the television show Satyamev Jayate, where he addressed important social issues like child abuse, caste discrimination and corruption. Throughout his career, Aamir’s work has gone beyond entertainment and has aimed to create awareness, spark conversations and bring real change.

Recording Date: June 8, 2025

This is what we talked about:

00:00 - Is Cinema Dying?03:12 - Is Aamir Anxious?05:35 - What Makes a Story Worth Telling?12:00 - Does Art Have a Responsibility?18:45 - Favorite Childhood Memory22:32 - How Did He Get Into Acting?26:40 - Aamir on Perfectionism31:38 - Is He Self-Conscious?34:22 - His Favorite Movie Ever36:10 - Sitaare Zameen Par40:52 - Aamir’s Best Friend in Bollywood42:11 - Does He Still Play Chess?43:53 - Is Aamir Spiritual?45:48 - Advice He Would Give His Younger Self

Episode 103 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Harsh Beniwal, one of India’s most popular digital creators, known for his funny YouTube videos and relatable comedy. He started by posting short videos online and quickly became a star with over 15 million subscribers. Harsh has acted in movies like Student of the Year 2 and makes web series and sketches that connect with young audiences. Recording Date: June 2, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - Childhood Stories & Old Memories03:15 - Growing Up with Strict Parents05:31 - Funny Moments from the Past15:07 - Harsh on His Height17:18 - Starting Out on YouTube & Acting24:10 - Opinions on Other YouTubers26:44 - Stories About a Close Friend29:46 - Harsh’s New Project35:53 - Talking About His Dad41:00 - Favorite Travel Destination48:51 - Thoughts on Relationships51:00 - Tough Times & Support59:04 - Monologue

Episode 102 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Bhavesh Yuj. He is a spiritual guide and content creator who helps people reconnect with themselves through silence, self-inquiry, and simple living. Known for his calm presence and clear way of explaining deep ideas, Bhavesh shares ancient Indian wisdom through videos, talks, and retreats.Recording Date: April 14, 2025

This is what we talked about:

00:00 - Introduction04:30 - Who Is a Yogi?06:30 - Dealing with Inner Silence08:15 - Bhavesh’s Worship Practice13:25 - Rules for Life19:55 - Non-Duality in Life27:25 - What’s Beyond Anger33:45 - Understanding Tantra and Vedanta40:45 - The Aghori Path and Common Myths49:35 - What Makes a Good Death?58:10 - Talking to Goddess Kali1:02:10 - True Meaning of Surrender1:12:30 - Divine Play and Controlling the Ego1:21:15 - Bhavesh’s Vision and Goals1:27:42 - Advice for Prakhar

Episode 101 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Passenger Paramvir. He is an Indian travel YouTuber who has visited over 70 countries and shares Hindi travel stories about local people, cultures, and hidden places.Recording Date: May 10, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - Why Paramvir Chooses to Travel Alone04:01 - Stories from Kasol06:12 - A Life-Threatening Experience in Congo15:44 - Facing Racism Abroad17:35 - How Indian Cinema Influences the World21:32 - Meeting Desis Abroad29:34 - Exploring the Middle East and Beyond36:25 - Why India Struggles with Cleanliness45:40 - If Prakhar Were India’s Tourism Minister49:18 - Paramvir on European Culture54:40 - Paramvir’s Top Travel Picks and Future Plans1:00:01 - Hilarious Travel Stories1:04:48 - Prakhar’s Monologue

Episode 100 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Rakesh Gupta who is Prakhar's father.

Recording Date: May 24, 2025

Episode 99 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the co-founder of Info Edge, the parent company behind platforms like Naukri.com, one of India’s earliest and most successful internet businesses. A pioneer of India’s startup revolution, Sanjeev has played a foundational role in shaping the country’s digital economy. Recording Date: May 3, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - The mistakes this generation is making09:20 - What success really means16:26 - Conventional vs. Unconventional paths21:36 - How important is money?38:44 - What to do during uncertain times48:12 - When he stopped working for money1:01:14 - His formula for success1:07:04 - What success doesn’t include1:19:50 - His biggest failures and how he overcame them1:33:56- How to handle the highs and lows of life1:40:56 - Advice for Prakhar

Episode 98 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Prashant Kishore. He is an Indian political strategist and politician who has been involved in various political campaigns and parties. He founded the Jan Suraaj party and is set to debut in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.Recording Date: April 19, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Why 2014 Elections were Important for Modi04:46 - How should a voter decide his choice08:13 - Is it more important to vote for a person or for his work16:30 - Why Bihar got left behind 22:20 - How COVID-19 destroyed Bihar?29:02 - Will Prashant become a MLA/MP?33:44 - “Pad-Yaatra” & Extreme Poverty of Bihar 43:50 - What is “Ram Rajya”?46:31 - Indian politics in next 15 years.

Episode 97 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Smita Prakash. She is a veteran journalist with nearly two decades of impactful contributions in the field of news and documentary film-making. She also hosts the ANI PodcastRecording Date: May 05, 2025

Episode 96 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Major General G.D. Bakshi, a decorated Indian Army veteran with extensive experience in counter-terror operations and strategic warfare. He served in key commands across Jammu & Kashmir and was a part of the Kargil conflict. A prolific author and military historian, he is known for his in-depth analysis of India’s security landscape and national defense.Recording Date: May 9, 2025

This is what we talked about:

00:00 - Monologue

03:37 - Escalation of Events After Pahalgam

19:40 - Why Pakistan Cannot Match India's Military Power

22:20 - Are India and Pakistan Nearing Full-Scale War?

27:16 - How Propaganda Shapes Pakistani Citizens' Opinions

32:33 - The Importance of Information Flow During Wartime

33:50 - Pakistani Army's Loss of Morale

38:09 - Will China Intervene in the India-Pakistan Conflict?

41:33 - Cold Warfare vs. Modern Warfare

53:28 - How India and Pakistan Can De-escalate the Conflict

Episode 95 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Captain Raghu Raman. He is a former Indian Army Captain who served in Siachen, led counter-terror operations in Punjab, and is currently serving as a UN Peacekeeper. He is also a bestselling author and a respected expert on leadership and strategy, with experience in both the defense forces and the corporate sector.Recording Date: April 30, 2025

This is what we talked about:00:00 - 11:24 : What should be India’s tactical response?11:25 - 19:06 : The fundamentals of modern warfare19:07 - 24:12 : Why Pakistani youth admire the military24:13 - 33:35 : India caught between China and Pakistan33:36 - 35:37 : The real reason terror attacks happen35:38 - 38:05 : How nations think strategically38:06 - 44:56 : The best move for India right now44:57 - 48:22 : What life looks like in insurgent areas48:24 - 53:02 : How strong is India’s counter-terrorism system53:03 - 1:00:45 : How public fear is manufactured1:00:46 - 1:09:48 : Pakistan’s strategy against India1:09:48 - 1:14:59 : Understanding war games1:15:00 - 1:31:45 : Who is the real enemy?

Episode 94 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Nitin A. Gokhale, a national security expert who actively writes and lectures on defense and geopolitics. In this episode, Nitin A. Gokhale breaks down the planning behind the Pahalgam attack and explains the key national security issues India is facing today.Recording Date: April 23, 2025