ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Meera Shankar is India's former Ambassador to the United States and Germany. She has decades of diplomatic experience and a deep understanding of India's relations with major world powers.
Dr Zorawar Daulet Singh is a foreign policy analyst, historian and author whose work focuses on India's foreign policy, the balance of power in Asia and the changing world order.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Meera Shankar and Zorawar Daulet Singh discuss India-US relations, Trump's foreign policy, trade tensions and allegations of American interference in Indian politics. They also talk about the Iran war, India's relations with China and Russia, the H-1B visa debate and the challenges India faces in making its own foreign policy decisions in a changing world.

*Timestamps*
0:00 – Introduction
2:11 – How Does America See India?
8:19 – Why Trump Targets India
11:20 – US Pressure on India’s Politics
17:49 – India’s Dependence on the US
20:57 – Elon Musk, Ambani, Polymarket
22:54 – India–US Trade Deal
24:53 – America During the Obama Years
25:44 – Trump & American Diplomacy
26:44 – India’s Brain Drain
30:40 – H-1B Crackdown
33:01 – West Asia Security Outlook
37:41 – China’s Confrontation with the US
42:00 – How Iran Surprised the World
48:36 – India’s Strategic Autonomy
52:27 – Jaishankar on India–China Tensions
55:33 – Future India–China Ties
1:02:21 – Europe’s Energy Crisis
1:04:15 – Can BRICS Challenge the US-Led Order?
1:06:31 – Dollar, Sanctions & Financial Systems
1:11:44 – Marco Rubio’s India Visit
1:16:21 – India’s Leverage over American Tech Giants
1:21:08 – India’s Own Digital Infrastructure
1:23:01 – Future of India–US Ties
1:26:34 – India’s Global Leverage
1:29:27 – Indian Foreign Policy
1:32:22 – Trade Corridors & Regional Connectivity
1:32:55 – New World Order
1:35:11 – Closing Remarks

M. Farook Sait is an attorney at law who moved to America from India in 1963, at the age of 23. He served as Special Counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Agriculture from 1972 to 2012. Over the past six decades, he has witnessed some of the most defining moments in American history.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Farook Sait discusses his early years in America, his experiences with racism, and the realities of the American Dream. He also talks about the H-1B visa debate and how life in America has changed for the Indian diaspora.

For more information on PILOT's initiatives to support girls' education, visit https://impilot.org/

00:00 – Introduction

01:02 – Moving to the U.S. in 1963

04:04 – Discrimination in America

08:42 – Studying in Alabama

15:04 – Life in Segregated American South

18:54 – Love Story with Yvette

33:24 – Elvis Presley Fan

39:14 – John F. Kennedy’s Assassination

48:11 – The Watergate Scandal

50:22 – The 9/11 Attacks

54:05 – H-1B Visas

58:29 – Indian American Community

1:01:51 – ANI Documentary on ‘Indian Muslims Abroad’

1:06:32 – Indian Diaspora’s Challenges Abroad

1:14:18 – Memories of Bangalore

1:17:18 – India’s Progress Over the Decades

1:23:07 – A Childhood Story from 1947

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, senior journalists Neerja Chowdhury, Rasheed Kidwai and Nistula Hebbar discuss the BJP’s strategy, the CJP protest, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach, the SIR controversy and the challenges facing the NDA government.
They also examine whether the opposition can turn public anger into votes and what the road ahead looks like for the BJP.*Timestamps*
00:00 – Introduction
01:40 – BJP on Protests
06:36 – NEET vs SIR Protests
12:26 – BJP Losing the Plot?
16:56 – SIR Controversy
19:49 – Indira Gandhi and Protests
22:32 – BJP’s Political Response
23:06 – SIR vs Mandal
25:59 – BJP’s Protest Strategy
29:24 – What Should CEC Do?
30:58 – INDIA Bloc’s Strategy
35:10 – Rahul Gandhi’s Spies Claim
40:34 – Social Media’s Power
42:51 – Rahul Gandhi’s Impact
44:47 – Is BJP Scared?
46:00 – Vote Bank Politics
48:01 – SIR in UP
50:49 – Akhilesh vs Congress
54:30 – Social Media and Voting
55:48 – New Blood in Congress
1:03:34 – Mamata’s National Ambitions
1:09:15 – Owaisi’s Vote Strategy
1:12:21 – Goa Politics
1:14:34 – Punjab Polls 2027
1:17:20 – BJP’s Punjab Strategy
1:24:13 – Rahul Ignoring State Polls?
1:26:29 – BJP Nervous About UP?
1:31:08 – BJP’s Biggest Challenge
1:33:50 – Reshuffle and Modi’s Successor
1:37:16 – Amit Shah as Deputy PM?

Pramod Sawant has been the Chief Minister of Goa since 2019. An Ayurvedic doctor by training, he succeeded Manohar Parrikar and led the BJP to victory in the 2022 Goa Assembly election.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he discusses the Goa SIR controversy, allegations of voter roll manipulation and the BJP’s chances in the 2027 polls. He also responds to questions about expensive holidays, the taxi ‘mafia’, drugs, jobs and rising land prices in Goa. The conversation covers Rahul Gandhi, his RSS background and how Goa can grow while protecting its local culture and identity.

*Timestamps*

00:00 - Introduction

01:20 - BJP’s Goa CM Face in 2027

03:30 - Manohar Parrikar’s Influence

06:30 - Goa SIR Controversy

11:10 - Rahul Gandhi’s Protest

13:00 - Opposition Alliance in Goa

17:10 - Free Electricity for Goans

18:10 - Corruption Allegations Against the CM

19:30 - Jobs and Unemployment

21:40 - Ease of Doing Business in Goa

22:30 - Industries, Shipbuilding and Education

24:00 - Mining and Environmental Protection

24:50 - Foreign Tourists

26:10 - Negative Stories About Goa

27:20 - Goa vs Thailand and Vietnam

29:40 - Public Transport and Expensive Taxis

30:30 - Why No Ola or Uber in Goa?

32:00 - Power Cuts in Tourist Areas

33:00 - Beach Cleanliness and Lifeguards

33:40 - Stray Dogs and Cattle

34:30 - Land Mafia Allegations

36:00 - Rising House Prices

37:00 - Protecting Goan Culture

38:00 - Migrant Workers and Local Jobs

39:30 - Goa’s Anti-Narcotics Action

41:40 - Foreigners Running Businesses

44:30 - Ayurveda and Politics

46:00 - Sawant’s RSS Background

47:00 - Rahul Gandhi, RSS and Minorities

50:40 - Sawant’s Vision for Goa

52:30 - Pothole-Free Goa and Tourist Safety

53:40 - Message to Tourists

54:20 - Closing Remarks

Shehzad Khan is an actor best known for his role as ‘Bhalla’ in the cult classic ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ and is the son of legendary actor Ajit.
In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about his father Ajit’s journey from hero to iconic villain, his friendship with Dharmendra and bond with Salim Khan.
Shehzad also looks back at his career in Bollywood and why Ajit never wanted him to use his name or influence to get work.
*Timestamps*
0:00 – Introduction
0:32 – Role of ‘Bhalla’ in ‘Andaz Apna Apna’
9:27 – Father Ajit’s Rules for Shehzad
16:21 – ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’ Story
22:23 – Why ‘Razia Sultan’ Flopped
26:25 – Ajit & Salim Khan’s Bond
31:17 – Bollywood’s Iconic Villains
35:28 – Ajit’s Entry Into Films
38:25 – Love Story of Ajit
43:43 – Ajit’s Early Retirement
47:52 – Screenwriting of Salim-Javed
52:03 – Working in ‘Tirangaa’ Movie
54:13 – Unpaid Bollywood Projects

Lieutenant General K.J.S. ‘Tiny’ Dhillon is the former Director General of the Defence Intelligence Agency and has commanded the strategically important 15 Corps in Kashmir. Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor is the former Commandant of the National Defence Academy and has extensive experience in air operations, training and strategic affairs. Together, they have written Nobody’s War, Everybody’s War.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, they discuss the FlyDubai incident, the radicalisation of professionals and how drones are changing modern warfare. They also explain what India can learn from the Iran war, China’s growing military power, threats to India’s energy security and why the country must strengthen its indigenous defence manufacturing.

*Timestamps*

00:00 – Intro

03:10 – FlyDubai Incident

07:44 – Brave Passengers

11:19 – Civilian Bravery

18:51 – Hijack Codes

23:56 – Teaching Children Safety

30:04 – Drone Warfare

35:05 – More Drones for India?

37:58 – Iran’s War Preparations

40:52 – US War Goals

45:53 – Fighting Terrorism

46:59 – Drones vs Soldiers

49:55 – Op Sindoor & Defence Industry

53:58 – China Arms Pakistan

55:08 – Maritime Chokepoints

56:34 – Oil & Gulf Security

58:15 – China Gains from War?

59:19 – War Room Decisions

1:06:39 – India Ready for Next Crisis?

1:07:50 – India’s Economic Challenges

1:11:16 – India–China & Third Parties

1:17:38 – India’s Military Power

1:20:14 – Politics & National Security

1:24:03 – Why They Wrote the Book

1:25:49 – Advice for Youth

1:30:35 – Manufacturing in India

1:33:42 – Closing Remarks

Nimrat Kaur is an actor known for her performances in The Lunchbox, Airlift, Dasvi, Homeland and The Family Man. She has worked in both Indian cinema and international television, playing a wide range of roles, from a lonely housewife to a spy.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she talks about her journey from modelling to films, and why she refused to be typecast after The Lunchbox. She also opens up about losing her father to terrorism in Kashmir, her mother’s strength, working in Hollywood, social media pressure and her life away from the screen.

00:00 – Introduction

01:22 – Success After The Lunchbox

04:20 – How Homeland Happened

05:27 – Avoiding Typecasting

10:35 – Working with Irrfan Khan

13:14 – Being Raised by a Single Mother

15:53 – Her Father’s Kidnapping and Assassination

20:01 – Filming Homeland

24:38 – Indian vs International Film Sets

26:31 – Paparazzi and Social Media

31:14 – PR Agencies

34:15 – Breaking the ‘Sanskari’ Image

40:00 – Growing Up in a Military Family

41:45 – Do Men Feel Intimidated by Thinking Actresses?

43:43 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan

45:42 – Spirituality, Solitude and Staying Grounded

49:22 – Dealing with Impostor Syndrome

52:14 – Artificial Intelligence in Filmmaking

54:24 – Body Image and Changing Perceptions

55:19 – Playing a Spy in The Family Man

55:38 – Akshay Kumar and On-Set Prank Stories

58:23 – Friendships in the Film Industry

1:00:08 – Auditions and Screen Tests

1:02:20 – Indian Actors and Hollywood

1:04:36 – Dhurandhar and Authentic Spy Films

1:09:50 – Role Models and Her Acting Dream

1:11:56 – Relationships and Staying Authentic

1:14:50 – Conclusion

Vivek Agrawal is a crime author and investigative journalist who has spent more than three decades reporting on crime, terrorism, organised crime and national security. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he takes us inside Mumbai’s underworld, its rivalries, networks and connections with the city’s business and film circles.

He also talks about Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan, the relationship between the underworld and Bollywood, and how extortion and traditional criminal networks evolved into real estate and business operations.

*Timestamps*

0:00 – Introduction

1:22 – Chhota Rajan’s Origin Story

6:24 – Haji Mastan, Karim Lala & Varadarajan Mudaliar

11:05 – Rise of Dawood Ibrahim

20:35 – Chhota Rajan vs Dawood

30:04 – Arun Gawli-Dawood Gang War

32:11 – 1993 Bombay Bombings

47:48 – Sanjay Dutt’s TADA Case

53:00 – Crime Reporting

56:00 – Dawood’s Portrayal in Bollywood

1:00:06 – D-Company at Present

1:01:23 – Karachi Module Uncovered

1:02:58 – Ajit Doval’s Covert Operations

1:07:21 – If Dawood Returns, Who Gets Exposed?

Biswajit Chatterjee is an actor who has spent seven decades in the Bombay film industry.
In the 1960s, Biswajit became one of Hindi cinema’s defining romantic leads. With his effortless charm and trademark smile, he starred in films such as Bees Saal Baad, Kohra, Mere Sanam, Night in London, April Fool and Kismat.
His films gave us enduring songs, including “Aap Yun Hi Agar Humse Milte Rahe” and “Kajra Mohabbat Wala.”
At 89, he sits down with Smita Prakash on the ANI Podcast to look back on his career, his life and his loves.

Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction
3:26 – Dharmendra’s Last Film
8:42 – Playing Different Roles
11:27 – Meeting Guru Dutt
16:07 – First Bollywood Film
18:50 – Guidance From Uttam Kumar
21:08 – Evergreen Songs
21:31 – Working With Waheeda Rehman
22:52 – Entering Bollywood
27:44 – Raaj Kumar Stories
31:45 – Acting With Kishore Kumar
33:12 – Forgotten Actors of Yesteryear
40:45 – The 70s and the Fall of Romantic Heroes
47:14 – Working With Mumtaz and Pran
49:34 – Dealing With Fame
49:44 – Kiss Controversy With Rekha
50:56 – Music Journey
53:20 – Dev Anand’s Son’s Debut Film
54:14 – Sunil Dutt’s ‘Rocky’
55:20 – Bangladesh Documentary
58:40 – His Son Prosenjit Chatterjee
59:31 – Meeting Shah Rukh Khan
1:02:03 – Bengali Film Industry vs Bollywood
1:07:14 – K. Asif, Bimal Roy and ‘Madhumati’
1:11:18 – Making Films Today

Dr Vikram Sampath is an author and historian known for his books on V.D. Savarkar, Tipu Sultan and Gauhar Jaan, among others. He is the founder of the Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research and the co-founder and director of Naav AI, which uses artificial intelligence to bridge language barriers.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Sampath questions why India’s history remains centred around Delhi and discusses how NCERT textbooks have shaped our understanding of the past. He speaks about Mahatma Gandhi, Veer Savarkar and Tipu Sultan, and challenges the influence of Leftist historians on India’s historical narrative.

This episode explores how India can reclaim and rewrite its history.

00:00 – Introduction

1:15 – History Textbooks in India

4:51 – Cholas, Ahoms and Marathas

10:09 – Narrative of Indian History

14:36 – India’s Cultural Geography

18:18 – Historical Research Projects

23:24 – Bias in Historical Writing

29:37 – Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy

35:23 – Ancient Texts & Language Barriers

40:36 – History of Buddhism

52:21 – Religious Conversion

58:00 – Forgotten Women in Indian History

1:04:12 – Kashmir’s Historical Documentation

1:10:51 – Portrayal of History in Movies

1:16:10 – Future of History Education

1:25:19 – India’s Musical Heritage