Sudhir Chaudhary is one of India’s most prominent television journalists, known for his sharp news analysis, bold opinions and decades-long career in broadcast media. He has been at the forefront of Indian journalism’s evolution and its many controversies.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sudhir Chaudhary opens up like never before, on the TRP-driven state of TV news, the pressure anchors face from political and corporate forces and the criticism that comes with being one of the highest-paid figures in Indian media.

He speaks candidly about the ‘nano chip’ controversy, fake news allegations, the Naveen Jindal sting case and how every court eventually gave him a clean chit. Sudhir also reflects on his journey, his mistakes, what he’s learned from them and why he joined DD News after working at Zee News and Aaj Tak.

*Timestamps*

00:00 – Introduction

01:20 – Is Sudhir Chaudhary the Highest-Paid Anchor?

02:44 – TRP vs Reality in News Channels

08:16 – Debates vs Real News Reporting

09:46 – Editorial Freedom & Connecting with Viewers

16:38 – Evolution of News Anchoring

19:03 – Journalism Ethics in War Reporting

21:53 – Challenges as a Ground Reporter

24:38 – Misinformation During Op Sindoor

27:11 – Rs 2000 Notes 'Nano Chip' Controversy

30:14 – Uma Khurana TV ‘Sting’ Operation

37:05 – Naveen Jindal ‘Extortion’ Case

55:07 – Trolls, Labels & Comeback

59:42 – Newsroom Politics Before 2014

1:11:04 – Politics & Professional Boundaries

1:17:30 – The Red Tie Selfie with Trump

1:21:40 – Organic Reach on Social Media

1:23:49 – Career Moves & Running Own Show

1:32:45 – Indian Work Culture & Values

1:36:20 – YouTube Journalism vs Traditional Media

1:41:26 – Deepfake Threats to Journalists

1:45:10 – Working in Private Channels vs Public Broadcasting

1:50:23 – Sudhir Chaudhary Making a Film?

1:53:00 – Hollywood vs Bollywood Storytelling

1:58:08 – Staying Real in Media Spotlight

2:06:22 – Friendships in Media World

Parikshit Sahni is one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors, known for his memorable performances in Kabhi Kabhie, Tapasya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. The son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni, he has carried forward a remarkable cinematic legacy with grace and depth.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parikshit Sahni takes us through the golden era of Bollywood, sharing stories of working with icons like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakhee.

He opens up about his father’s advice, his early years in Moscow studying film direction, assisting Raj Kapoor on Mera Naam Joker, and how he became an actor. Sahni also talks about the magic of directors like Yash Chopra and Rishikesh Mukherjee, and what made films of the '60s and '70s truly timeless.

This episode is a nostalgic journey through the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, told by someone who lived it.

00:00 – Introduction

00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee

02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s

04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey

09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore

10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni

13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia

16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'

18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life

22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake

25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style

27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan

30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra

34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan

36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi

39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar

42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades

46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'

51:10 – Family

52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab

54:03 – Writing Two Books

55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry

58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia?

1:01:35 – Closing Remarks

Saurabh Shukla is one of India’s most talented and loved actors, known for his roles in Satya, Jolly LLB, and Barfi. A National Award winner, he is admired for his natural acting and brilliant comic timing.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Saurabh Shukla talks about what acting really means, how he perfects his timing in comedy, and how he keeps his characters real and consistent across films.

He shares interesting stories about working with greats like Amrish Puri and Shekhar Kapur, his early struggles in the industry, moments of self-doubt, and the happiness of winning a National Award.

Saurabh Shukla also speaks about how Bollywood has changed over the years, why South Indian films are winning hearts, and how humour, language, and everyday life experiences help actors connect with their audience.

00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity

02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning

05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life

09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism

14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today

17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi!

21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare

24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen

32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film

47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More

49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri

54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor

1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed

1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience

1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences

1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films

1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat

1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT

1:26:15 – Closing

Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is one of India’s most respected business leaders and real estate developers. Co-founder and Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group, he has helped shape Mumbai’s skyline with landmark projects and continues to influence the debate on housing, infrastructure, and India’s growth.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Hiranandani talks about the India story, the impact of Trump’s tariffs, and India’s goal of becoming self-reliant through Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also shares his views on the real estate sector, jobs, and why skill development is key to India’s future.

He opens up about his early days, what inspired him to become a builder, his thoughts on industrialists like Adani and Ambani, and why he believes India’s next decade will be full of opportunity.

00:00 – Coming Up

02:14 – Introduction

03:11 – Can India Handle Trump’s Tariffs?

10:45 – Do Industrialists Believe in the India Story?

14:50 – Millionaires Leaving India

18:22 – Real Estate Journey

19:22 – Mumbai Real Estate’s Mafia Era

27:37 – What’s Stopping India from Growing?

29:48 – India’s Development Skewed?

31:18 – Mumbai’s Development

35:53 – Unemployment in India

42:25 – Challenges in the Healthcare Sector

50:08 – Inside a Billionaire’s Daily Routine

Kazem Samandari is the Executive Chairperson and Co-Founder of L'Opéra, one of India’s most prominent French bakery operations. Christine Samandari-Hakim, his wife and co-founder, played a key role in developing the bakery’s concept and brand identity.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kazem and Christine Samandari share their experiences as Baha’is in pre-revolutionary Iran, and the challenges their families faced during the Islamic Revolution.

They also talk about how their son’s love for French pastries inspired L’Opéra, following a year of preparation. The couple explains why India is the ‘El Dorado’ for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs, offering ease of doing business and living.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:32 – Story of Christine Samandari

06:32 – Story of Kazem Samandari

08:44 – Iran Before the Islamic Revolution

15:36 – Christine’s Father’s Assassination

17:35 – The Baha'i Faith Community in Iran

21:45 – What Is the Baha'i Faith?

29:22 – Connection with Iran

33:39 – Journey to India

37:54 – Story Behind French Bakery L’Opéra

42:48 – Sourcing Ingredients for L’Opéra

47:29 – Was India Ready for a French Bakery?

54:55 – Expanding Beyond Delhi

57:03 – Was India the Right Choice for L’Opéra?

59:06 – Ease of Doing Business in India

Rani Mukerji is one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed and versatile actors, renowned for her powerful performances in films such as Black, Mardaani, and Hichki. With a career spanning nearly three decades, she has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to remain a beloved star among audiences.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rani speaks candidly, on her very first podcast, about her journey in cinema, winning a National Award for the first time, and her long-standing friendship with Shah Rukh Khan.

She also shares her views on the recent debate around 8-hour work shifts in the film industry and explains why she prefers to stay away from the media and paparazzi. Beyond her on-screen life, Rani opens up about balancing family and career, and what continues to inspire her as an actor today.

00:00 – Introduction

01:20 – Winning the National Film Award

05:15 – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Story

07:31 – Challenges Faced by Immigrants

09:08 – Preparing for a Character

10:26 – Rani & Karan’s Kids Watched the Ceremony

11:43 – Wedding Pictures & Privacy

15:49 – Actresses and Their Private Lives

18:40 – First Screen Test & Mom’s Reaction

20:20 – Role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

21:36 – Backlash over Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

26:50 – Handling Setbacks After Success

28:54 – Reinventing Herself

32:14 – Creative Process During Hichki

36:00 – Pausing Career for Her Daughter

38:33 – Durga Puja Celebrations

41:26 – Competition With Kajol?

45:15 – Bringing Indian Women to the Forefront

48:37 – Husband’s Support for Hichki

51:29 – Deepika’s 8-Hour Shift Demand

54:19 – Films Better Planned Today?

55:57 – Who Shah Rukh Khan Gels With Better

56:41 – Winning National Award After 30 Years

58:06 – Directors Who Bring Out the Best in Her

1:04:04 – Will Rani Mukerji Direct a Film?

1:05:42 – Upcoming Projects

1:07:38 – A Message for All Women

Dr. Ramakanta Panda is a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, a leading cardiac care hospital in Mumbai. He has performed over 30,000 successful cardiac surgeries.

Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010, Dr. Panda has operated on several top Indian leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tarun Gogoi.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Panda discusses the rising cases of heart attacks among young people. He addresses whether the COVID-19 vaccine is linked to heart attacks.

Dr. Panda also highlights how lifestyle changes are driving the rise of heart disease in India. He emphasises that diet, exercise and daily habits play a crucial role in preventing heart problems. Dr Panda also shares how he stays calm and focused while performing high-risk surgeries.

00:00 – Introduction

00:46 – Lifestyle Factor Behind Heart Attacks

11:29 – COVID Vaccine and Heart Attack Link

14:49 – Late-Night Habits & Heart Health

21:46 – VIP Patients & High-Risk Surgeries

25:39 – Health Insurance & Financial Security

30:54 – Sugar & Processed Food

36:22 – Heart Risk from Smoking & Alcohol

40:41 – Veg Diet vs Non-Veg Diet

52:04 – Akshay Kumar Fitness Routine

59:53 – Surgery of Dr. Manmohan Singh

1:01:56 – Emotional Stress & Heart Attack Awareness

1:07:52 – Misconceptions About Heart Health

1:13:16 – Heart Attack Symptoms

1:17:02 – Self-Medication and AI Tools

Sardar Tarlochan Singh is a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He has spent his life fighting for Sikh causes, human rights, and keeping the Punjabi language alive, while promoting Sikhism around the world. At 92, Tarlochan Singh has seen it all, from India’s Partition to the rise of India as a major power in South Asia.

In Part 2 of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarlochan Singh talks about Rajiv Gandhi’s Cold War with President Giani Zail Singh and the Bofors scandal. He also shares how Operation Blue Star changed India, and speaks on Hindu-Sikh unity, the farmers’ protest, Punjab’s drug crisis, and the role of the Sikh diaspora in shaping politics today.

00:00 - Coming Up

01:55 - Introduction

03:13 - Bofors Scandal Stories

17:57 - Sikh Diaspora After Rajiv’s Assassination

19:14 - Sikh-Hindu Unity

19:56 - Attempts to Break Sikh-Hindu Unity

24:06 - BJP & Akali Alliance

27:24 - Farmers’ Protest

36:42 - Punjab Unemployment Fuels Drug Crisis

38:00 - How Vajpayee Valued Punjab & Sikhs

42:21 - Dr. Manmohan Singh Beyond Sikh Identity

49:01 - Parkash Singh Badal’s Political Legacy and Life

54:53 - Partap Singh Kairon and Indira Gandhi

59:00 - Role of Sikhs in Modern Delhi

1:04:06 - Khushwant Singh’s Contribution to Sikhs

1:29:10 - Message to Young Sikhs in India & Abroad

Cyrus Broacha is a comedian, political satirist, podcaster, and author. He is best known for MTV India’s Bakra and his popular satirical show The Week That Wasn’t, which ran on television for over 17 years.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Cyrus shares behind-the-scenes stories from The Week That Wasn’t and MTV Bakra, along with his experience on Bigg Boss.

He also talks about sitcoms and reality shows, the Parsis of Bombay, and opens up about crushes, colleagues, marriage, food, and Mumbai’s lifestyle.

00:00 – Introduction

00:30 – Bombay Hindi vs. Delhi Hindi

05:29 – Animal Love Paradox in India

08:57 – Bigg Boss Experience

15:16 – The Secret of Lean Celebrities

18:21 – BTS of ‘The Week That Wasn't’ & ‘MTV Bakra’

24:51 – Gen Z & Tech Distractions

28:52 – Indian Politics & Freebies Culture

34:46 – Friendship with Kunal Vijayakar

42:06 – Arnab Goswami & Pak Cricketers

51:03 – Sitcoms & Indian Reality Shows

55:40 – Parsis of Bombay

1:02:20 – Crushes, Colleagues & Marriage

1:10:26 – Food & Mumbai’s Lifestyle

1:21:49 – Parenting & Podcasting

Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma is the titular King of Tripura and the founder of the Tipra Motha Party. His party runs the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council and is also an ally of the BJP at the state level, making him one of the key voices from the Northeast.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Pradyot talks about infiltration from Bangladesh, his demand for a separate state called Greater Tipraland, and why he feels the Northeast is facing a crisis of identity.

He also explains why he wants a “Bihar-style SIR” in Tripura, slams vote bank politics, and raises concerns about the rights of indigenous people. Pradyot looks back at Tripura’s merger with India, the legacy of his royal family, and his own journey from student politics to leading a regional party.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

01:23 – Delay in the Tiprasa Accord

06:10 – Demand for SIR in the Northeast

13:52 – The Untold Story of Tripura’s Merger after Partition

18:28 – Refugee Influx in Tripura

32:43 – Local Identity vs. National Identity

38:31 – NRC and the Demand for Greater Tipraland

46:45 – Tribal Identity & Youth Aspirations in Tripura

54:20 – Tripura Royal Family & Entering Politics

1:00:24 – Snap Reaction Segment

1:24:35 – Movies, Mimicry & Languages

1:30:08 – Message to the Youth