Tigmanshu Dhulia is a filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and casting director, best known for Paan Singh Tomar (2012) and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011). His films, often critically acclaimed and explore human relationships, social issues, and the nuances of Indian culture.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tigmanshu takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his childhood in Allahabad- now known as Prayagraj- and what makes the city so special to him. He reflects on his days at the National School of Drama (NSD), his friendships with those who made a mark in Bollywood, and how he got his first break as a director. He also shares how legendary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur played a crucial role in shaping his career.

Tigmanshu doesn’t hold back in criticizing corporate influence in Bollywood, calling out how films are often sold even before they are made. He also shares untold stories about Shah Rukh Khan and Irrfan Khan.

From rising ticket prices to his upcoming Bollywood project, this conversation is a straight talk about the Hindi Film Industry.

00:00 - Introduction

00:22 - Childhood Memories of Allahabad

05:13 - Recalling NSD Days

10:44 - Working as an Assistant Director

12:22 - Getting Credit as a Casting Director

17:12 - Collaborating with Shekhar Kapur

23:17 - Experience in the TV Industry

24:49 - Working on Dil Se

30:24 - Impact of Irrfan Khan’s Demise

36:34 - Working with Favorite Actors

45:17 - Experience in Gangs of Wasseypur

50:02 - Corporate Interference in Filmmaking

58:48 - The Cult of Sanjay Leela Bhansali

01:04:57 - Lack of Focus in Today’s Actors

01:09:06 - Working in the OTT Space

Raza Murad comes from a family of actors and is known for his astounding voice. He started his career with the film 'Ek Nazar' in 1972 and became famous for his versatility, especially in villain roles. He has worked in over 200 films and has been featured in several popular Bollywood films, including Prem Rog, Henna, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, and Ram Lakhan. He continues to leave his mark with roles in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Padmaavat, Jodhaa Akbar, and Bajirao Mastani.

In this Mumbai edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Veteran Actor talks about his journey into Bollywood. He shares insights into how the Hindi Film Industry has changed over the last 50 years.

He also shares stories about legends like Raaj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rajesh Khanna, and Raj Kapoor. He discusses his experiences working with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowariker and how they tell their stories on the silver screen.

More on why Bollywood movies aren’t clicking as much today and what stardom truly means.

Audio Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:35 - Working with Amitabh & Rajesh Khanna

11:55 - Experience with Hrishikesh Mukherjee

22:21 - Raj Kapoor as a Director

25:26 - Regret of not interacting with Raj Kapoor

30:08 - Raza Murad’s voice: Asset or drawback?

33:31 - Media favoritism towards actors

36:20 - Did Raaj Kumar commit a crime?

40:44 - Funny stories about Raaj Kumar

48:41 - Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

55:56 - Upcoming projects with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

57:18 - Collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker

59:21 - Why was Mughal-e-Azam never remade?

01:01:21 - Why aren’t films succeeding today?

01:03:49 - Controversy during Padmaavat release

01:05:51 - Old actors vs. today's stars

01:08:01 - Teaching at FTII

01:09:14 - Ranveer Allahabadia controversy

01:12:41 - Raza Murad’s childhood love story

01:14:47 - Raza Murad’s wedding

01:18:16 - Maintaining relationships in cinema

01:20:19 - Zeenat Aman’s second marriage

01:21:45 - Battling Depression in Bollywood

Yogi Adityanath's government has completed eight years in Uttar Pradesh, making him the longest-serving Chief Minister in the state's history and the only one to serve two consecutive terms.

In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Yogi Adityanath discusses his government's achievements over the past 8 years and shares his vision for making Uttar Pradesh a one-trillion-dollar economy. He also defends his bulldozer action, stating that strict measures are necessary to eliminate 'Mafia Raj' in the state.

He addresses concerns about Muslim safety in Uttar Pradesh and explains why the Mandir-Masjid debate resurfaces from time to time. Additionally, he reflects on what went wrong for the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The conversation also covers Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi, the Kumbh tragedy, Aurangzeb, freedom of speech, and the Constitution controversy.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:24 – 8 Years of Yogi Sarkar

04:55 – Transformation of Ayodhya

08:32 – Aurangzeb Controversy

13:09 – Muslims' Safety in U.P

19:59 – Sambhal Excavation Controversy

24:17 – Kumbh Tragedy

32:11 – Muslim Vote Bank Politics

37:53 – Constitution Row

42:19 – Kunal Kamra Joke Controversy

43:28 – ‘Batenge to Katenge’ Slogan

51:17 – Pride in ‘UP Identity’

53:42 – Waqf (Amendment) Bill Controversy

56:08 – Delimitation Debate & Language War

1:01:40 – Foreign Funding in 2024 LS Polls

1:07:44 – Rahul Gandhi

1:10:35 – $1 Trillion Economy Aim for UP

The recent train hijacking and the Noshki convoy attack have raised serious questions about Pakistan losing control of Balochistan. Is the Baloch insurgency entering a new phase? Can Pakistan’s army crush the rebellion? Is China pressuring Pakistan to act harshly to protect CPEC? Is India secretly involved, as Pakistan claims? What exactly do the Balochs want?

To answer all these questions, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by Tilak Devasher, an author, expert on Pakistan, and a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board.

He also discusses Pakistan's unstable political landscape. Imran Khan remains in jail, and tensions between Punjab and Sindh are rising. With growing insurgencies and internal conflicts, is Pakistan heading toward another breakup like 1971?

00:00 - Introduction

01:52 - Baloch Train Hijack

08:29 - Noshki Bus Attack

10:11 - Should India Help Balochistan?

14:12 - Women's Involvement in the Baloch Armed Movement

19:55 - Half-Widow Concept in Balochistan

24:59 - The West Ignoring Balochistan

29:05 - India Involved in Baloch Insurgency?

36:59 - Baloch Rebels Targeting Only the Pakistan Army?

37:54 - Can India Step Into the Baloch Issue?

39:20 - Sardars vs. Young Baloch Movement

43:27 - Who Are the Leaders of the Balochistan Movement?

46:52 - Is Balochistan’s Situation Similar to 1971?

49:43 - Impact of the Baloch Crisis on the CPEC Deal

52:48 - What Is the Pakistan Army’s Next Move?

55:33 - Can Balochistan Win Without Sindhis & Pashtun Support?

01:01:25 - Who Calls the Shots in Pakistan?

01:05:36 - How Are Pakistanis Reacting to the Train Hijack?

01:07:39 - Will Trump Step In?

01:11:44 - Why No Western Sanctions on Pakistan’s Death Squads?

01:21:00 - Mufti Shah Mir Killed—Who's Behind It?

Rakesh Roshan began his career as an assistant director on the film Anjaana (1969) and later went on to direct the action drama Khudgarz (1987).

With films like ‘Karan Arjun,’ ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai,’ ‘Koi... Mil Gaya,’ and the Krrish franchise, Rakesh Roshan has earned his place as a seasoned filmmaker across multiple genres in the Hindi film industry.

In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rakesh reveals the magic behind filmmaking and his unique style of directing Bollywood films. He explains the 'K' connection in his movie titles.

Rakesh also talks about how his father’s legacy was lost and how the ‘The Roshan’ docu-series on Netflix contributed to its revival.

Rakesh also shares his experiences of working with veteran actresses like Rekha, Hema Malini, and Jaya Prada. He also opens up about his bond with Rishi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Shatrughan Sinha, and Jeetendra.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:00 – Making of ‘The Roshans’

05:03 – Working with leading actresses

11:00 – Vision as filmmaker

17:47 – Friendship with Rishi Kapoor

22:13 – Funds for Bollywood Movies

25:38 – ‘K’ Letter Obsession

32:46 – Story behind the bald look

37:36 – Backstory of ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’

42:25 – Mentoring Hrithik Roshan

51:41 – Fitness secret

57:15 – Family values in South Indian movies

Get ready for the much-awaited episode of the 'Real' Samosa Caucus!

Edition 5.0 is here and it's all about raw, uncensored, no-holds-barred discussions.

Joining the chat are: Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst Anand Ranganathan, author and scientist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies

This episode dives into some topics, including the Ranveer Allahbadia-Samay Raina controversy, the Shama Mohamed tweet row, and Arvind Kejriwal's future in politics.

The group also discusses the Trump-Zelensky spat at the Oval Office and the ceasefire plan proposed by the USA President Donald Trump to stop the Russia-Ukraine war.

The group also digs into why Aurangzeb remains relevant in Indian politics and discusses the Hindi vs Tamil language war.

00:00 – Introduction

01:40 – Samosa Caucus Returns

18:50 – Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy

27:23 – Aurangzeb and Hindutva Debate

36:32 – Trump’s Policies on Campus Activism

49:15 – Shama Mohamed Tweet Row

1:00:46 – Rahul's Remark on Gujarat Congress

1:10:16 – Trump-Zelensky Oval Office Spat

1:24:05 – What Europeans Think of Russia

1:42:58 – Obesity and Diabetes

1:54:08 – Arvind Kejriwal's Future

2:10:16 – Debt of States in India

2:19:04 – Hindi vs Tamil Language War

Komal Nahta is a film trade analyst, the Editor-in-Chief of 'Film Information', and a well-known television show host. With decades of experience in the film industry, he is regarded as one of the most trusted voices in box office analysis.

Bharathi Pradhan is a columnist, film critic, and author. She hosts podcasts and Lehren TV and writes a Sunday column for The Telegraph. She has been reviewing films since the 1970s, making her one of the most respected critics in the industry.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Komal Nahta exposes how box office numbers are being manipulated. He reveals how producers use block bookings and fake figures to inflate collections. He also talks about the culture of paid reviews, claiming that 9 out of 10 movie reviews are bought. He shares his views on what’s wrong with Bollywood and why films are struggling to connect with audiences.

Bharathi Pradhan discusses how PR companies have become powerful in Bollywood and how actors misuse them. She shares untold stories about Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan and reflects on how the industry has changed since the 1970s. She also talks about the role of film critics and why they should stay honest to their readers, not cater to actors and producers.

00:00 – Introduction

01:58 – How movie critics review films

09:38 – The truth about Bollywood’s paid reviews

14:00 – Inside Bollywood’s PR game

21:12 – How box office numbers are manipulated

27:19 – Movies that got bad reviews but became hits

30:03 – Losing friends over honest movie reviews

43:31 – The rise of paparazzi culture

49:45 – What really makes a movie a hit?

1:01:42 – Remaking old classics and blockbusters

1:11:38 – The problem of over-PR in Bollywood

Kiran Rao began her career as an assistant director on the iconic film Lagaan and later went on to direct Dhobi Ghat (2010) and the critically acclaimed box office success Laapataa Ladies (2024). She graduated with a degree in Economics from Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, in 1995, and later pursued her Master’s at AJK Mass Communication Research Center, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiran Rao delves into the intricacies of storytelling, the impact of cinema on our lives, and how films can be a powerful tool for messaging. She also shares her perspective on patriarchy, emphasising how men can be its victims.

She also opens up about her divorce from Aamir Khan, highlighting the mutual respect and strong bond they continue to share. More on the creative challenges in filmmaking and how she deals with an industry dominated by men.

00:00 - Introduction

02:27 - Movie Ticket Tax Row

06:55 - The Art of Storytelling in Bollywood

17:15 - Commercial Success vs. Critical Acclaim

23:12 - The Auditioning Process in Bollywood

24:54 - Working with Naseeruddin Shah

27:47 - Collaborating with Ashutosh Gowariker

28:52 - How SRK Behaves on Set

29:50 - Memories from Jamia University Days

32:39 - Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

38:49 - South Indian Films vs. Bollywood

48:25 - Laapataa Ladies vs. Animal

50:21 - Are Films Being Over-Promoted?

57:15 - Nupur’s Wedding

59:12 - Marriage & Divorce with Aamir Khan

01:02:45 - Nostalgic Memories from Dil Chahta Hai

Ruchi Ghanashyam joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1982. Over her 38-year career, she served at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and as High Commissioner to Ghana, South Africa, and the UK, where she retired in 2020. She was also a Counsellor at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

Shaina NC is a fashion designer, politician, and social worker. She is the daughter of former Mumbai Sheriff Nana Chudasama. In 2024, she left the BJP and joined Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ruchi Ghanashyam shares her journey as a woman in the Indian Foreign Service and her experiences as a diplomat in Pakistan and the UK.

Shaina NC talks about her transition from fashion to politics. She shares her experience of contesting elections from the Mumbadevi constituency and addresses the ‘Imported Maal’ controversy. She also discusses the debate over politicians' looks.

For generations, leadership, diplomacy, and power corridors have been dominated by men. But trailblazers like Ruchi Ghanashyam and Shaina NC have shattered stereotypes, proving that gender is no barrier to success.

00:00 - Introduction

03:01 - Indian Tradition

08:19 - The Story of Banarasi Joda in Pakistani Weddings

09:41 - Indian Saree in the Fashion Industry

13:55 - Saina's Entry into Politics

16:19 - Women in the Foreign Service

18:55 - Ruchi as an Indian Woman Diplomat in Islamabad

21:11 - Contesting Elections from Mumbadevi

25:04 - The 'Imported Maal' Controversy

32:32 - Ruchi as High Commissioner to the UK

37:50 - Debate over Politicians’ Looks

44:13 - Snap Reaction Segment

01:10:06 - Why Did Saina Leave the BJP?

01:13:24 - Dealing with Mental Health

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, we take a deep dive into Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy and how it continues to shape Indian politics. Joining the conversation are Dr. Guru Prakash Paswan, National Spokesperson of the BJP with a deep understanding of Dalit issues, and Kushal Mehra, a podcaster and author known for his sharp takes on politics and society.

They discuss the role of Dalit votes in elections, how Ambedkar’s vision is understood today, and the political battles fought in his name. The conversation also touches on the rise of Hinduphobia in Canada and the USA—why it’s happening, who is driving the narrative, and what it means for Indian communities abroad.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

01:17 - Ambedkar's Legacy

12:52 – Neo-Feudalism in India

16:15 - Caste Discrimination in the USA

26:04 – Migration Patterns from India to the West

34:27 - Merit vs Quota

45:05 - ‘Hinduphobia’ in the USA

52:40 – Caste Census in India

58:04 – Dalit Icons statues

1:06:42 - Dalits & Babasaheb

1:18:53 – Indian Community in Canada & the USA

1:29:49 – Dalit Politics in Punjab

1:37:04 - Politics over Dalit Vote Bank