Call Him Curious

Call Him Curious

By HT Smartcast OriginalsSociety & CultureReligion & SpiritualityArtsPerforming Arts
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Call Him Curious episodes

  • Indian Men Miss Out On This ft San Kalra | Style, Grooming & Dating Hacks

    Most Indian men were never taught the basics of looking and feeling their best how to dress sharp, approach women confidently, smell good, sit with perfect posture, or even pose naturally for photos. In this episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney sits down with men’s coach San Kalra to break down a practical, no-nonsense “glow-up” guide tailored for Indian men, especially from tier 1 and tier 2 cities.

    We cover everything from approaching women without being awkward, building a versatile wardrobe on a budget, picking the right fragrances, fixing posture mistakes, posing for photos, styling the perfect haircut, to a simple yet effective skincare routine.

    If you’ve ever thought, “Mujhe fashion aur grooming ka kuch nahi aata”, consider this episode your ultimate starter pack.

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    27 min
  • Want a PERFECT SMILE? Try This One Simple Brushing Technique

    Is night-time brushing a must? Are sensitivity toothpastes just marketing? In this eye-opening dental podcast episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar sits down with Dr. Prateek Jain, an expert dentist to bust the most common oral health myths, explore the truth about electric toothbrushes, and uncover what's really causing your bad breath and ulcers.
    From jawline exercises to the flasking trend, from tooth whitening to wisdom tooth formation, we cover it all. If you've ever been confused about Invisalign vs Toothsy, or wondered if mouthwash actually helps, this is the ultimate dental care guide you didn’t know you needed.

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    53 min
  • 50 Lakh Bottles a Day & No Marketing? | The Unbelievable Lahori Zeera Story

    In this episode of Call Him Curious, join host Shikhar as he sits down with Nikhil Doda, COO & Co-founder of Lahori Zeera, to uncover the incredible business journey behind one of India's fastest-growing beverage brands.
    From a simple idea to producing over 50 lakh bottles a day, Nikhil reveals the mindset shifts and strategies that built Lahori Zeera into a household name. He dives into the tactical secrets of building a brand from scratch, including how they navigated the competitive beverage market and onboarded their first distributors.
    Discover why a product with almost zero marketing budget is winning in the offline market and how it still tastes better than all its competitors. This is more than just a conversation about business; it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, brand building, and distribution, with a brutally honest look at the economics and future of the beverage industry.
    Subscribe for More!
    If you found this conversation valuable, hit that subscribe button! We're decoding the mindset shifts and psychological struggles of our generation every week.
    Connect with the Host & Guest
    Follow Shikhar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/
    Connect with Nikhil Doda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-doda-256a7a57/

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    1 hr 2 min
  • Ankur Agarwal Vines on Desi Comedy, Going Viral & Brand Deals

    Ever wondered how viral creators go from funny reels at home to millions of loyal fans? In this heartwarming, funny, and brutally honest episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney sits down with one of India’s most loved Instagram creators —  @Ankuragarwalvines00 
    From middle-class observations and classic Bollywood nostalgia to navigating fame, family expectations, and future dreams — this is Ankur like you've never seen him before.
    Follow Ankur Agarwal Vines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankur_agarwal_vines/?hl=en
    Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/
    #AnkurAgarwalVines #PodcastIndia #ContentCreators
    Subscribe to the channel for more real, raw, and relatable conversations with creators, artists, and curious minds!

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    47 min
  • Skincare Secrets BOLLYWOOD Won’t Share – Dr. Jayshree Tells All!

    What if we told you that most of what you believe about skincare might just be wrong? In this myth-breaking episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with none other than celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jayshree Sharad — India's go-to skin expert who treats everyone from Bollywood A-listers to real people battling real skin issues.

    This episode is your complete skincare guide, tackling everything from daily routines to advanced treatments. Whether you're confused about oily vs. dry skin, wondering if Vitamin C serums really work, or debating whether Botox is worth the hype, Dr. Jayshree breaks it all down — with science, clarity, and zero fluff.

    Whether you’re a skincare newbie or someone who’s tried every product on the shelf, this episode will change the way you treat your skin. It’s funny, insightful, evidence-based, and shockingly relatable.
    Watch the full episode on HT Smartcast Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@htsmartcast

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    58 min
  • Ninja on Sidhu Moosewala, Parmish Verma & Punjabi Music Industry Truth

    In this unfiltered episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Punjabi singer  @NinjaMusic01  for a heart-to-heart that goes beyond the music.
    From his journey as Amit to Ninja, the guidance of his Guruji, and the special bond with Sidhu Moosewala—including unheard, unreleased songs—to his devotion to Mahadev and the realities of life in Punjab, Ninja opens up like never before.
    We talk about why he hasn’t collaborated with Parmish Verma, the overspending culture among Punjabi singers, his love for food across India, maintaining vocal health, and the moment Honey Singh pulled him up on stage.
    The episode also features fun segments like This or That, his love for gold & silver, his friendship with Shehnaaz Akhtar, the strategy behind making a song a hit, and an exclusive Ninja mashup to wrap things up.
    Timestamps:
    0:00 - 1:07 - Coming Up
    1:08 - 5:10 - Amit se Ninja tak ka safar
    5:10 - 6:40 - Ninja Paaji ke Guruji
    6:41 - 10:20 - Sidhu Moosewala ka debut
    10:21 - 11:06 - Unreleased songs with Sidhu
    11:07 - 12:59 - Audience kaise badli hai?
    13:00 - 13:20 - Aadat ki aadat
    13:21 - 14:33 - Mahadev ki bhakti
    14:34 - 15:26 - Parmish Verma ke sath collab kyu nahi?
    15:27 - 20:25 - Yeh Hai Punjab
    20:26 - 21:38 - Punjabi Singers ka overspend
    21:39 - 23:29- Hindustan mei khaane ka pyaar
    23:30 - 24:48 - Vocal Health
    24:49 - 27:56 - Honey Singh ne stage par chadhaya
    27:57 - 30:27 - Kaise Pita Hai Ninja?
    30:28 - 32:06 - This or That?
    32:07 - 33:30 - Heer ki kahani
    33:31 - 34:47 - Sone Chandi se pyaar
    34:48 - 38:27 - Shehnaaz Akhtar & Ninja ki dosti
    38:28 - 41:04 - Gaana Hit karne ke strategy
    41:05 - 44:02 - Ninja Mashup
    If you love Punjabi music, behind-the-scenes stories, and raw conversations, this one’s for you!

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    45 min
  • Mythology का असली सच: RAMAYAN, MAHABHARAT aur DEVDUTT PATTNAIK

    In this episode, Shikhar lifts the curtain on misunderstood, misrepresented, or rarely discussed facets of Indian mythology with Devdutt Pattanaik—from why only men dominate myth-writing, to the secret truths of Bhairav temples and the so-called “death of curiosity” in today’s Insta-reel culture. Expect candid takes on the Mahabharata, the real meaning of karma, the complex love of Radha-Krishna, and the shocking stories mainstream narratives skip—plus practical wisdom inspired by the “Business Sutra.”
    0:00 — Precap
    1:20 — Relevance Ka Art
    6:50 — Myth का मतलब
    7:57 — Mythology समझें
    12:33 — Writers में Gender
    14:28 — Curiosity क्यों कम?
    15:55 — Bhairav Temple Facts
    19:16 — Curiosity Khatam!
    21:36 — Hidden Wisdom
    27:45 — Celebration क्यों?
    30:33 — Radha-Krishna पहलू
    32:33 — Parshuram Story
    35:15 — असली Apsaras
    38:48 — Sita की कहानी
    44:40 — Swayamvar सच/झूठ
    48:01 — Business Sutra links
    Subscribe now for myth-busting, mind-opening discussions at the crossroads of culture, psychology, and identity!

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    1 hr 6 min
  • Voice Behind Doraemon & Chhota Bheem: The MotorMouth Reveals Voice Acting Secrets

    Ever wondered who’s behind the voice that made your childhood feel like magic? In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with India’s most iconic voice artist — Sonal Kaushal, known to millions as The Motor Mouth and the voice behind Doraemon, Chhota Bheem, Harley Quinn, and dozens more.
    This is not just an interview. It’s a deep-dive into how voice acting works, how a young girl from Delhi turned into the sound of a generation, and why voice-over artistry is far more layered, technical, and powerful than most people realize.
    0:00 – 1:35 – Coming up
    1:55 – 5:05 – The Motor Mouth Journey
    5:06 – 8:59 – How She Treated Fame
    9:58 – 11:26 – First Audition
    11:27 – 12:51 – Voice vs. Screen Acting
    12:55 – 18:05 – Pro Voice Acting Tips
    18:15 – 19:44 – Breathing Matters
    21:47 – 23:42 – Speak with your Head
    24:47 – 27:50 – Reality of Voice Institutes
    28:43 – 30:12 – Indian Animation Today: Limits & creative freedom.
    30:41 – 33:22 – Cartoons Then vs. Now
    33:23 – 36:50 – Prank Call with  @ComicKaustubhAgarwal 
    37:07 – 39:46 – Bollywood in Cartoon Voices
    40:01 – 42:51 – Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up
    Whether you’re a budding voice artist, an animation lover, or simply curious about the craft of creating unforgettable characters, this episode is your crash course in the voice acting world with India's cartoon queen.

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    43 min
  • Sagar Bhatia on Hustle in Life, Independent Music and Spirituality

    In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, Shikhar Varshney sits down with the incredibly soulful singer  @SagarBhatiaOfficial , diving deep into the world of qawwali, Sufism, and the evolution of Indian music. From his spiritual connection to Sufi music to the electrifying vibe of performing live, this episode explores the emotional journey of an artist in today’s fast-changing music landscape.


    Sagar talks about the special bond with his team, his dilemma between performing at Indian weddings, going on a pan-India tour, or vibing at Studio XO gigs. His answer? Pure love for his fans and audience. He opens up about his inspiration from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the creative energy behind remaking classic qawwalis, and the raw emotion that gave birth to his song Raazdaariyan ft.  @MostlySane  |  @taaruk .


    The episode also features a heartfelt moment when Sagar Bhatia meets Gurdas Maan, which left a lasting impression on him as an artist. We dig into the reality of choosing between label deals and being an independent musician and why local Indian voices struggle to go global. Don’t miss Sagar’s honest take on Jasleen Royal’s Coldplay performance, Bhojpuri rap, and Hindi hip-hop, which is based on his experience in the music scene.


     If you're passionate about Indian music, the independent artist journey, or just love a good desi podcast, this episode is a must-watch.


    🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE.

    📲 Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/

    Follow Sagar Bhatia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagarthesoul/

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    45 min
  • INSIDER SECRETS of Indian Stand-up Comedy Culture, Writing Tips & AIB Nostalgia

    This Women’s Day special episode of Call Him Curious features an unfiltered and insightful conversation with comedian Supriya Joshi, hosted by Shikhar Varshney. As one of India’s most fearless and hilarious voices in comedy, Supriya shares her journey in stand-up, challenges of being a female comic, the pressure to create viral content, and the evolution of the Indian comedy scene.


    From navigating the stand-up circuit in Mumbai vs Delhi to discussing the influence of AIB, Comicstaan, and viral meme culture, this episode is a deep dive into the realities of comedy in India. Supriya opens up about writing for different comedy formats, the difference between roasting and traditional stand-up, and what it takes to make a mark in an industry still dominated by men.


    How has the Indian comedy scene changed over the years? Is YouTube better than live shows? What did Tanmay Bhat and Biswa Kalyan Rath teach about comedy and audience engagement? Supriya answers it all with her trademark wit and honesty.

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    56 min

About Call Him Curious

From the publisher's feed

The world is full of stories—some told, some hidden, and some that challenge everything we believe. Call Him Curious is where we bring those stories to life.