Govinda is one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars of the 80s and 90s. Known for his unique comic timing, energetic dance moves, colourful style and unforgettable performances, he became one of the most loved entertainers of his generation.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Govinda talks about his rise to superstardom, his work with David Dhawan and Kader Khan, highs and lows of his career, and memories of legends like Rajesh Khanna, Dilip Kumar and Dev Anand.

This is Govinda like you have never seen him before - candid, emotional and completely unfiltered.

00:00 – Introduction

01:07 – 90s Stardom

03:42 – Dilip Kumar’s Advice

10:27 – Memories of Rajesh Khanna

14:26 – Mother’s Influence

21:20 – ‘Outsider’ Tag in Bollywood

25:29 – Flop Movies

32:18 – Working with David Dhawan

34:49 – Upcoming Films

37:53 – Love Affairs & Relationships

41:14 – Suicide Attempt & Spirituality

46:57 – Underworld Threats

50:34 – Pairing with Kader Khan

53:34 – Iconic Dance Style

58:00 – Chemistry with 90s Leading Heroines

1:03:34 – Global Fashion Trendsetting

1:05:52 – Tips to Salman Khan

1:07:58 – What’s Next for Govinda?

Amitabh Tiwari is a political strategist, election analyst, author and commentator. He is the founder of Vote Vibe and a regular columnist and television panellist. Mallika Bajaj is a digital transformation expert who studies how technology affects the way people learn, behave and think.

In this live edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, they discuss what Gen Z wants and why there is a disconnect between the government and young people. They also explain how algorithms work and why Instagram is becoming the next major platform for election campaigns.

00:00 – Introduction

00:58 – BJP Lost Gen Z Support?

06:22 – Algorithms & the Digital Divide

14:04 – BJP's Social Media Edge

19:58 – Q&A with Gen Z

20:51 – Foreign Apps & Data Leaks

26:39 – Need for Younger Politicians

34:08 – Fake Information in AI Age

42:10 – Gen Z's Political Grammar

45:35 – Job Creation

49:28 – CJP's Future Role

51:21 – Youth Representation in Parliament

56:41 – Legacy vs Independent Media

1:01:08 – Gen Z's Electoral Influence

1:06:02 – Political Labels

1:07:58 – Traditional Media

1:11:46 – The Right Way to Protest

1:17:26 – Political Influencers

1:21:19 – CJP's Political Ambitions

Pavan Malhotra is one of Hindi cinema’s finest actors, known for his powerful performances across films, television, theatre and OTT. In a career spanning over 45 years, he has delivered memorable roles in films like ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’, ‘Black Friday’, ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ and ‘Jab We Met’.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pavan Malhotra talks about his journey in cinema, working with legendary actors and directors, Bollywood’s PR culture, typecasting, political films and changing approach of new actors.

00:00 – Introduction

00:54 – Working On ‘Gandhi’ Film

05:32 – Theatre’s Marxist Influence

11:40 – Political Films & Selective Outrage

15:34 – ‘Salim Langde Pe Mat Ro’ Story

22:06 – Indian Parallel Cinema

27:04 – Amrish Puri’s Advice

31:36 – ‘Black Friday’ & Anurag Kashyap

38:52 – BTS of ‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’

46:10 – Bollywood’s New-Gen Actors

49:46 – Legacy Of Om Puri

54:20 – Bollywood PR Culture

57:42 – OTT vs Theatre

1:02:23 – Rakesh Bedi’s Bollywood Journey

1:07:33 – Making Of ‘Punjab 1984’

1:12:05 – Art Of Storytelling

1:19:48 – Indian Culture & Traditions

Ronnie Screwvala wears many hats: entrepreneur, investor, film producer and philanthropist. He built UTV into one of India’s biggest media companies, co-founded upGrad and established the Swades Foundation.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ronnie Screwvala speaks about the student anger, paper leaks and what is wrong with India’s education system.

He also discusses degrees versus skills, unemployment, AI, India’s competition with China, entrepreneurship, start-ups and why India must become a “no-collar nation”.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:45 – AI Bubble

02:54 – China in AI Race

06:54 – India’s Service Economy

09:48 – Entrepreneurial Journey

14:41 – Rang De Basanti

16:46 – Licence Raj & Liberalisation

22:30 – Education and upGrad

26:39 – Quick Commerce

30:02 – Advertising Agencies

32:30 – India’s Television Revolution

38:47 – Did OTT Save Indian Cinema?

44:34 – Will AI Make Our Minds Dull?

47:38 – Education & Rural Digital Divide

52:56 – India’s Untapped Tourism

55:52 – Student Protests & Education Reform

1:03:15 – AI & Entry-Level Jobs

1:07:31 – Blue-Collar Work

1:13:11 – AI, Agriculture & Farming

Mahesh Jethmalani is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India and a former Rajya Sabha MP. He has represented the BJP in several high-profile legal battles over the past four decades.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Mahesh Jethmalani speaks about his father Ram Jethmalani's legacy.

The conversation also covers 2002 Gujarat riots, 26/11 Mumbai attacks, judicial reforms, anti-defection law, Vande Mataram debate and NEET student protests.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:54 – NEET protests

10:51 – Anti-defection law

22:35 – Article 370 & Ram temple

29:20 – Ram Jethmalani's legacy

39:20 – High-profile cases

43:45 – LK Advani's leadership

48:13 – 2002 Gujarat riots

1:00:20 – 26/11 terror attacks trial

1:05:16 – 'Cockroach' remark by CJI

1:11:17 – Ram Jethmalani's courtroom drama

1:15:19 – Handling BJP cases

1:18:11 – Modi-Trump relationship

1:27:30 – Indus Waters Treaty

1:31:28 – Judicial reforms

1:43:19 – Vande Mataram debate

1:49:06 – Harshad Mehta case

Manish Tewari is a senior Congress leader, lawyer and Member of Parliament from Chandigarh. He previously represented Ludhiana and Anandpur Sahib in the Lok Sabha and served as Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting. He is also an author and has been active in Indian politics for over four decades.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Cockroach Janta Party protest, the NEET controversy, police action against students, Rahul Gandhi’s protest and the Parliament deadlock. He also speaks about the Punjab Congress, the 2027 Assembly elections, Operation Sindoor, his viral interaction with PM Modi.

00:00 – Introduction

01:16 – Cockroach Janta Party

06:01 – Political Involvement

07:36 – INDIA Alliance

14:36 – PM Residence Protest

15:54 – Pradhan’s Resignation

17:43 – Parliament Washout

20:05 – Anti-Defection Law

36:18 – Interaction with PM Modi

40:28 – Journey Through Congress

43:45 – Punjab Elections 2027

45:46 – Operation Sindoor

51:32 – Father’s Assassination

56:15 – Political Entry

57:52 – Rajiv Gandhi

01:01:53 – Punjabiyat

01:05:32 – Punjab Partition

01:10:43 – Satluj Movie

01:12:26 – Accidental Prime Minister

01:14:29 – Chandigarh Connection

01:16:50 – Partition Trauma

01:20:20 – Bittu Traitor Remark

01:26:19 – Bhagwant Mann

01:31:57 – US Trade Deal

01:35:02 – Conclusion

Arnab Ray, also known as Greatbong, is known for his satirical commentary on Indian politics, society, and popular culture. He is an author and holds a PhD in Computer Science.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arnab Ray discusses racism against Indians, the H-1B visa crackdown, AI-driven job cuts, and the changing American Dream.

00:00 – Introduction

01:33 – Image of Indian Immigrants

05:55 – Challenges for Indian Immigrants

10:23 – Indian American Cultural Identity

17:10 – Political Influence of Immigrants

27:20 – H-1B Crackdown

32:41 – Indian Students in U.S.

40:01 – NRI Stereotype

46:01 – Indian Politics and NRI Connection

53:53 – Indian Diaspora and Political Polarisation

59:09 – Jimmy Kimmel Controversy

1:07:18 – Rise of BJP in Bengal

Medha Bhaskaran is an author and researcher known for her work on Maratha history. She has written extensively about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Maharani Tarabai.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Medha Bhaskaran explores the long conflict between the Marathas and the Mughal Empire.

She also discusses Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign, the destruction of temples, Shivaji Maharaj’s military leadership, Maharani Tarabai’s resistance, Tipu Sultan and the continuing debate over how Indian history has been written.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

00:56 – Life in Dubai

05:31 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

10:16 – Mughal-era Violence

15:36 – Aurangzeb's Deccan Wars

22:27 – Aurangzeb's Family Conflicts

31:25 – Idea of Hindavi Swarajya

45:29 – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj’s Legacy

52:40 – Untold Story of Maharani Tarabai

58:54 – Maratha Weapons

1:02:43 – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Final Days

1:07:34 – How Shivaji Maharaj Became Chhatrapati

1:22:25 – Rewriting Indian History

1:28:57 – Story of Tarabai’s Courage