In this powerful episode of The Femme Forward Show, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat.

With over three decades in journalism, Navika Kumar reflects on the journey from her early days in print media to leading India’s prime-time political debates.

This conversation explores:

• What it takes to lead under national pressure
• The responsibility of shaping public discourse
• The story behind her first front-page breakthrough
• Lessons learned from interviewing India’s most powerful leaders
• The role of values, family, and contentment in sustaining ambition
• Advice for young women entering journalism

This is not just a discussion about media.
It is about leadership, resilience, and earning credibility in high-stakes environments.

Listen now on Spotify.

What really goes on behind Bollywood’s flawless makeup looks?

In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Srishti, a celebrity makeup artist and educator, for a raw and honest conversation about the beauty industry—beyond filters, trends, and stereotypes.

From working with celebrity clients to redefining beauty standards, Srishti breaks down what makeup truly means today. She shares practical skincare advice, behind-the-scenes industry stories, and why self-love matters more than any product. This episode also challenges outdated ideas—because makeup is not just for women, and beauty has no single definition.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear about:

The truth behind Bollywood makeup looks

Makeup myths vs. reality

Skincare habits that actually matter (for women and men)

The rise of the makeup industry in India

How makeup impacts confidence and self-expression

Real struggles and lessons from a professional MUA journey

Why inclusivity and self-love are the future of beauty

Whether you love makeup, work in the beauty industry, or are learning to feel confident in your own skin—this conversation is for you.

🎤 Host

Smriti Agarwal (Founder, Femme Forward)

👤 Guest

Srishti — Celebrity Makeup Artist & Educator

📩 Connect with Femme Forward

Instagram: @femmeforward___

Email: [email protected]

💬 If this episode resonated with you, follow the podcast and share it with someone who needs to hear this today.

#FemmeForwardPodcast #BollywoodMakeup #CelebrityMakeupArtist #BeautyIndustry #SelfLoveJourney #MakeupForAll #SkincareTalk #WomenEmpowerment #BeautyPodcast

What happens when fame fades — but purpose doesn’t?This is Neelam Kothari, beyond Bollywood.

🎙️ Bollywood. Business. Balance. Reinvention.

From being one of the most recognisable faces of 90s Bollywood to building a successful jewellery brand, Neelam Kothari Soni has lived multiple lives — each shaped by courage, choice, and clarity.

In this intimate episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Neelam for an honest conversation about what happens after fame — when applause fades and real purpose begins.

They talk about:

• Life behind the glamour of 90s Bollywood

• Working with legends like Govinda and Salman Khan

• Why stepping back from films was not a loss, but a turning point

• Building a jewellery brand from passion and precision

• Motherhood, balance, and redefining success on her own terms

• Advice for women navigating reinvention in any phase of life

This is not just a celebrity interview.
It’s a story of identity beyond validation and growth beyond spotlight.

🎧 Listen till the end for Neelam’s most honest advice to young women finding their voice.

Women’s safety is not just a discussion — it’s a reality that demands attention.

In this powerful episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Seema Rajput Verma, a gender justice advocate, to uncover the hard truths surrounding stalking laws, crime, power dynamics, and women’s safety in India.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how stalking is legally defined, why many cases remain unreported, and how gaps in interpretation and enforcement continue to affect real lives. The episode also addresses uncomfortable but necessary questions around misuse narratives, systemic loopholes, and the responsibility of institutions.

In this episode, you will learn:
• What legally constitutes stalking and why many people unknowingly cross legal boundaries
• The current reality of women’s safety in India
• Why stalking cases often go unreported or unresolved
• The difference between legal protection and misuse narratives
• Key loopholes within the system and how they are exploited
• Practical insights toward building a safer, more accountable society

This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants a deeper, more honest understanding of women’s safety, law, and justice — beyond social media debates and surface-level conversations.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of the host or production team. This episode is intended for informational and discussion purposes only. Discussions related to legal matters are based on publicly available information and personal perspectives. Listener discretion is advised.

Sponsored by Safeguard+
An initiative focused on self-defence awareness, legal literacy, and community safety.

Host: Smriti Agarwal
Guest: Seema Rajput Verma
Follow us on Instagram: @femmeforward__

🔴DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. This episode is for informational purposes only.

Episode: India’s Voice for Animals ft. Maneka Gandhi

In this powerful episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Maneka Gandhi — veteran politician, leading animal rights activist, and founder of People for Animals, India’s largest animal welfare organization.

From establishing 40+ animal hospitals to challenging outdated laws on street dogs and mobile zoos, Maneka Gandhi shares her decades-long journey of compassion, reform, and resilience. She opens up about the moment that changed her life, the mission behind People for Animals, and her vision for a kinder, more responsible India.

What You’ll Learn:

• The personal turning point that sparked her passion for animal rights

• How People for Animals was founded in 1992

• Her efforts to protect stray dogs and wildlife

• Why she advocates for veganism

• Guidance for young changemakers shaping India’s future

Whether you care about animals, politics, or social impact, this conversation encourages you to reflect on how one voice can drive collective change.

Connect with Femme Forward:

Instagram: @femmeforward__

Email: [email protected]

Host: Smriti Agarwal | @smritiagarwal96

Guest: Maneka Gandhi | @manekagandhibjp

Join the Conversation:

What role should governments play in protecting animals? Share your thoughts with us.

#femmeforwardpodcast #femmeforwardindia #animalvoises #manekagandhi

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Vani Tripathi Tikoo opens up like never before about faith, destiny, womanhood, and the unseen forces that guide our lives.

From her early days in theatre… to representing India globally… to the quiet spiritual strength she draws from Neem Karoli Baba and Kechi Dham this is a story of a woman who built her voice on her own terms.

Together with Smriti Zubin Irani, she reflects on:

✨ How destiny and effort shape us

✨ The Bhagavad Gita verse that keeps her grounded

✨ What belief means to a woman who carries many roles

✨ Finding courage through surrender

✨ The silent battles women fight and rise from

This episode is an emotional mirror for every woman who’s still choosing courage, effort, and faith even on the hardest days.

Femme Forward Women supporting women, one story at a time.

#FemmeForward #WomenSupportingWomen #PodcastIndia #VaniTripathi #SmritiIrani #NeemKaroliBaba #KechiDham #BhagavadGita #WomenInLeadershi

In this raw and fearless conversation, Smriti Agarwal sits down with Dr. Gauri Agarwal, Founder of Seeds of Innocence and one of India’s leading IVF specialists, to decode the science, stigma, and silent struggles behind fertility and reproductive health.

They talk about:

• The real journey of IVF beyond clinic walls

• Myths around infertility and how they hurt women & men

• Why painful periods shouldn’t be normalized

• The truth about intimate hygiene and self-care

• How rural India’s women are being empowered through awareness

This episode isn’t just medical — it’s emotional, personal, and revolutionary.
Because fertility isn’t a taboo — it’s a truth we must talk about. 💬

🎧 Listen now and share this with someone who needs to feel seen.

#drgauriagarwal #femmeforward #ivfjourney #infertilityawareness #womenshealthindia #smritiagarwal #periodpain #intimatehygiene #reproductiverights #healthwithoutshame

In this raw and revealing episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Malini Ramani — iconic fashion designer, creative rebel, and spiritual seeker — to uncover the story they never told you. From launching her own café and designing for Kingfisher Airlines, to being linked with the Jessica Lall case, Malini opens up about fame, fear, forgiveness, and finding herself again in Rishikesh. Discover how she turned heartbreak into healing through Kundalini Yoga and Tantric wisdom, and what it truly means to awaken your inner Shakti.

🎧 Highlights: Why she shut down her fashion label after 20 years Inside the Jessica Lall case: her truth, her pain, her peace Practicing Tantra & Kundalini Yoga during lockdown Lessons on anxiety, trauma & transformation

💬 Have you ever lost everything only to find your truth? Share your thoughts with us on

Instagram @femmeforward__

Guest: Malini Ramani @malini_ramani

Host: Smriti Agarwal @smritiagarwal96

#MaliniRamani #FemmeForward #SmritiAgarwal #IndianPodcast #SpiritualJourney #FashionToHealing #JessicaLallCase #KundaliniYoga #Tantra #WomenWhoLead

In this episode of Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Anshu Khanna — journalist, writer, and founder of Royal Fables & Good Word Media Services.

From pioneering India’s first boutique PR agency to working with global luxury brands like Dior, Armani, and Jimmy Choo, Anshu has shaped the way luxury is seen in India. She also leads Royal Fables, an initiative reviving the art and crafts of Indian royal families.

🔊 In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• How India’s media and luxury landscape transformed over 30 years

• Behind-the-scenes of PR for global icons & Indian designers

• The story of Royal Fables and cultural preservation

• Anshu’s advice to young women entrepreneurs: “Don’t wait for capital—just start.”

✨ A story of luxury, heritage, and women empowerment.

Follow us on Instagram 👉 @femmeforward__
Host: @smritiagarwal96 | Guest: @anshukhanna

#femmeforward #anshukhanna #royalfables #womeninleadership #luxuryindia #womenempowerment

What really happens behind the scenes of Indian politics?
In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Pallavi Ghosh, Senior Editor at CNN-News18, to explore the untold truths of political journalism.

From the chaos of Parliament debates to the beauty of democracy, from TRPs vs Truth to the struggles of women in newsrooms — Pallavi opens up about her journey, her battles, and why credibility matters more than clicks.

This is more than a conversation on media — it’s a look into how democracy works, what shapes narratives, and how women journalists hold power accountable.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify.
🎥 Prefer video? The full episode is available on YouTube — link : ( https://youtu.be/dl2XuNr0SMg?si=um4pCZSOVl1tR1J4 )

#femmeforwardpodcast #pallavighosh #cnnnews18 #indianpolitics #truthvstrp #womeninjournalism #democracyindia #journalismindia