Call Him Curious

By HT Smartcast Originals

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.

Hosted by Shikhar Varshney, a seasoned pod... more

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FAQs about Call Him Curious:

How many episodes does Call Him Curious have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.

Call Him Curious episodes:

August 14, 2025 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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45min
August 02, 2025 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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1h 6min
July 27, 2025 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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43min
April 16, 2025 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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45min
March 10, 2025 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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56min
February 24, 2025 True Indian Horror Stories ft. ‪Khooni Monday‬
Brace yourself for the scariest episode of Call Him Curious podcast as we dive deep into the world of Indian horror, paranormal stories, tantrik vidhya and spine-chilling myths with none other than Divay Agarwal aka Khooni Monday – India’s biggest horror storyteller on YouTube.

In this gripping conversation, Divay breaks down what truly makes horror so addictive, the mystical world of tantriks and rituals, and shares real paranormal experiences that will send shivers down your spine. From haunted locations like Mehndipur Balaji in Rajasthan and Lambi Dher Mines in Mussorie Range, Uttarakhand to terrifying supernatural encounters, this episode unravels the most bone-chilling secrets of Indian horror.

But why does horror work so well? Why do we love being scared? And is there more to the mystical side of India than what meets the eye? Host Shikhar Varshney explore all of this and more with Khooni Monday in this latest podcast episode of Call Him Curious Podcast.

What’s Inside This Episode?
👻 Real-life horror stories from India that will haunt you
🎭 The psychology behind fear & why horror content works
🕉️ Tantrik rituals & the power of dark energy
💀 Spirit possessions, afterlife theories & Indian haunted locations
😱 Divay’s personal ghost encounters & unexplained paranormal events

👻 If you love horror, mysteries, and the paranormal, make sure to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more spine-chilling conversations!
#KhooniMonday #HorrorStories #IndianHorror #DivayAgarwal #CallHimCurious #ParanormalIndia #HauntedPlaces #GhostStories

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1h 9min
February 14, 2025 Love, Cheating, Marriage Laws & Relationship Struggles
Love isn’t always a fairytale—it’s complicated, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. In this Valentine’s Day special episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney is joined by Lovely Sharma & Aditya Rao to uncover the real struggles in relationships, marriage, and modern dating. We dive deep into cheating, insecurity, trust issues, and why marriages are failing today. "प्यार में भरोसा सबसे जरूरी है, वरना रिश्ते सिर्फ नाम के रह जाते हैं।" 💔

Why are divorce rates rising? How does jealousy and insecurity impact relationships? Is Bollywood misleading us about love? We explore marriage laws, fake alimony cases, and the psychology of men before & after marriage. "जब प्यार में शक आ जाए, तो रिश्ता टूटने में देर नहीं लगती।" Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or planning marriage, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and practical advice.

And for some fun, we challenge our guests with a Gen Z Dating Terms Game! 🎮 Can they decode today’s relationship trends, or will they be lost in the lingo? 🤔 If you’ve ever searched for ‘relationship advice,’ ‘why marriages fail,’ or ‘trust issues in love,’ this episode is for you! 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/wFmeAGFM1yo

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46min
February 11, 2025 The Office Rant Podcast ft. Aashi Sahni
In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Aashi Sahni, a content creator who transitioned from corporate life to digital fame. Aashi shares her journey—from experimenting with TikTok filters during the lockdown to becoming a creator at Let's Droom. She candidly discusses workplace culture, gender biases in the industry, and the power of engaging content in brand marketing.

The conversation dives into work-life balance, the evolving debate on long work hours, and how Gen Z prioritizes smart work over traditional hustle culture. Aashi also opens up about her aspirations beyond content creation, her admiration for Bollywood actors like Ranbir Kapoor, and her strategy of recreating old pictures to attract directors.

From corporate loyalty and toxic managers to dating red flags and the importance of self-respect in relationships, this episode covers it all with humor and honesty. Tune in for valuable insights on career shifts, content trends, and the realities of digital success.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Call Him Curious!
Follow :-
Shikhar Varshney: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var?igsh=MW1lbGRkMGVnaHRvNQ==
Aashi Sahni: https://www.instagram.com/aashixsahni?igsh=MXdreWQ5bXF0ZjJtdw==
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43min
January 21, 2025 Ami Ganatra Shares Unknown Mahabharat Facts
In the latest episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney is in conversation with author Ami Ganatra who delves into the aftermath of the Mahabharata war, shedding light on the Pandavas' final journey, the roles of Dronacharya, Bhishma, and Parashurama, and the complexities of Karna's character. Discover how Draupadi's portrayal has evolved and unravel the mysteries surrounding Gandhari's 101 children. Gain fresh perspectives on the necessity of the war and the nuanced character of Shakuni.

Timestamps:
0:00 - 1:29 - Teaser
1:30 - 4:30 - What happened after the war?
4:31 - 8:20 - Pandavon ka aakhiri ansh
8:21 - 9:37 - Was Dronacharya unfair?
9:38 - 13:13 - Dronacharya vs. Bhishma vs. Parashurama
13:14 - 16:58 - Karna ki kya galti thi?
16:59 - 24:28 - Did Karna have a victim mentality?
24:29 - 28:29 - Did TV play around Draupadi's image?
28:30 - 31:25 - Mahabharat kaise sunayi gayi?
31:26 - 35:35 - How could Gandhari conceive 101 kids?
35:36 - 41:44 - Karna was loyal to himself!
41:45 - 45:05 - Why was the war necessary?
45:06 - 46:50 - Why did Krishna need Hanuman in the war?
46:51 - 53:10 - Shakuni wasn't that bad
53:11 - 57:00 - Kuch toh log kahenge
57:01 - End - Final thoughts

Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/
Follow Ami Ganatra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amig_insta/

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58min
January 06, 2025 Behind the Scenes of India’s Creator Economy ft. Tusharr Kumar, CEO, OML
What goes into managing the biggest names in entertainment? In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney chats with Tusharr Kumar, CEO of OML, about the evolving entertainment industry. Tusharr reveals the business of live shows, influencer marketing metrics, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of signing and managing artists.
From discussing why Samay Raina went independent to unveiling the revenue streams of top creators, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about the creator economy and live entertainment in India. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a brand looking to collaborate with influencers, or someone interested in the entertainment industry's inner workings, this episode offers valuable insights.
Episode Timestamps:
0:00 - Episode Precap
1:40 - OML karta kya hai?
4:00 - What if an artist does not succeed?
5:24 - Why Samay went Independent?
6:28 - Samay’s Creative Genius
7:33 - Why brands should create content?
8:39 - Signing up an influencer
9:55 - Tanmay understands the Internet
11:38 - Live Entertainment Scene
14:28 - How can audiences have a better experience?
16:58 - Math of a live show
19:55 - Revenue sources of an artist
22:07 - Why Spoken Word is still struggling?
23:50 - Artist Management Skills
28:37 - How brands sign influencers?
31:58 - Quick fire
37:47 - Episode Wrap Up
👉 Tune in to uncover the future trends and innovations shaping the entertainment industry today.
Know more about Only Much Lounder: https://oml.in/
Know more about Tusharr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tusharr-kumar-2a73a912/
Follow Shikhar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/

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40min

FAQs about Call Him Curious:

How many episodes does Call Him Curious have?

The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.