Project Life with Simply Pankaj

What really happened at Sidhu Moose Wala's last concert in 2022? What was he like offstage? And what does it take to build a successful career as a DJ performing alongside India's biggest music stars?In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with DJ Buddha, a Dubai-based DJ and music professional, for an exciting conversation about Sidhu Moose Wala, Bollywood celebrities, live concerts, DJing, and the music industry.DJ Buddha shares one of the most memorable experiences of his career: performing alongside Sidhu Moose Wala at his final concert. He recalls meeting Sidhu, his humble personality, and why sharing the stage with him became a career-defining moment.He also takes us behind the scenes of performing with renowned artists like Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, and other music celebrities, while discussing the business of DJing, career opportunities, and life in Dubai's entertainment industry.In this episode, we talk about:• DJ Buddha's experience at Sidhu Moose Wala's last concert• What Sidhu Moose Wala was really like in person• Performing alongside Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan and other celebrities• Behind-the-scenes stories from major concerts and live performances• How much professional DJs earn• The difference between club DJing and performing at large concerts• Building a successful DJ career in Dubai• The challenges and opportunities in the music industry• How the DJ industry has evolved over the years• The importance of passion, consistency and hard workBeyond the music and celebrity performances, this conversation explores the dedication, experiences and unforgettable moments that shape a career in live entertainment.Whether you're a Sidhu Moose Wala fan, a music enthusiast, or an aspiring DJ, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the decks.Watch the full episode and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.

What really happens inside the Bermuda Triangle? Are pirates still hijacking ships? How do sailors survive massive ocean storms? And what is life really like in the Merchant Navy?In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur, a maritime professional with 51 years of experience in the shipping industry, for a fascinating conversation about the Bermuda Triangle, Somali pirates, dangerous ocean routes, life at sea, and the realities of the Merchant Navy.Having started his maritime career in 1974, Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur shares stories from decades of sailing across the world's oceans, including his experience passing through the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, navigating dangerous weather conditions, and witnessing the extraordinary beauty of marine life.He also explains how modern-day piracy works, why Somali pirates hijack ships for ransom, how vessels protect themselves against attacks, and what happens when ships face emergencies thousands of kilometres away from land.From the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca to international shipping routes, global oil transportation, and the challenges of managing a ship and its crew, this conversation takes us behind the scenes of an industry that keeps the world moving.In this episode, we talk about:• The truth about the Bermuda Triangle and what Capt. Amarjit experienced while sailing through it• Are pirates still hijacking ships? The reality of modern-day piracy• How Somali pirates capture vessels and demand ransom• How merchant ships protect themselves from pirate attacks• Surviving dangerous ocean storms and waves reaching 15–20 metres• The difference between myths about sea monsters and real marine life• The fascinating experience of witnessing glowing ocean waters• What happens when a ship faces a medical emergency in the middle of the ocean• The importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca in global trade• How shipping disruptions affect oil supplies and international commerce• How sailors manage food, drinking water and essential supplies during long voyages• The reality of Merchant Navy salaries, contracts and working conditions• Spending months at sea and missing important family moments• The responsibilities of a ship captain and managing a crew of 20–25 people• How maritime technology and communication have evolved over the decades• Why Dubai has become a major global maritime and shipping hub• Career opportunities, discipline and life lessons from 51 years in the maritime industryBeyond the mysteries of the ocean, this episode explores the courage, discipline, responsibility and sacrifices required to spend a lifetime working at sea.Capt. Amarjit Kauchhur also reflects on his personal journey, his 28 years in Dubai, the importance of family, and why honesty, hard work and experience remain the foundations of a successful career.Whether you're fascinated by the Bermuda Triangle, curious about Somali pirates, considering a career in the Merchant Navy, or simply interested in understanding what happens behind the scenes of global shipping, this episode offers a rare perspective from someone who has spent over five decades in the maritime industry.Watch the full episode and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.Subscribe to Simply Pankaj for more conversations about extraordinary careers, real-life experiences, global industries, personal growth and the people whose stories deserve to be heard.

In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with Abhijit Vaghani, one of Bollywood's prominent music producers and composers, for an insightful conversation about Bollywood music, iconic remixes, T-Series Mixtape, music production, and the untold stories behind some of India's biggest hits.What does it really take to create a Bollywood hit? How are iconic songs recreated without losing their original soul? Why do music producers often remain unrecognized despite playing such an important role in the industry? And how are Instagram Reels and changing audience preferences influencing the way music is made today?Having worked on hundreds of songs and numerous Bollywood films, Abhijit Vaghani shares his experiences working with some of the industry's biggest names, including Pritam, Arijit Singh, Vishal–Shekhar, and Shah Rukh Khan.From producing memorable songs like Duniyaa from Luka Chuppi and recreations such as Halka Halka and Pyaar Manga Hai, to the making of T-Series Mixtape, Abhijit takes us behind the scenes of Bollywood's music industry.He also opens up about his personal journey, losing his father at a young age, growing up with financial difficulties, the sacrifices made by his mother and sisters, studying audio engineering in London, and eventually building a career in Bollywood.In this episode, we talk about:• The difference between a music producer and a music director• The making of T-Series Mixtape and the story behind its massive success• How Bollywood classics are recreated without losing their original essence• The stories behind Duniyaa, Halka Halka, Pyaar Manga Hai and other popular songs• Working with Pritam, Vishal–Shekhar and Arijit Singh• Why music producers often don't receive the recognition and credits they deserve• The influence of music labels like T-Series on the industry• How Instagram Reels and viral trends are changing Bollywood music production• Why today's songs are increasingly designed around hooks and shorter attention spans• His experience creating background scores for films like Ra.One, Krrish 3 and Bang Bang• The fascinating story of recording a car's exhaust sound for Ra.One• What Abhijit learned about Shah Rukh Khan while working on Ra.One• His childhood struggles, family support and journey into the music industry• The growing influence of independent and regional music in India• The future of Bollywood music, remixes and music productionBeyond the hit songs and blockbuster films, this conversation explores the creativity, technical expertise, hard work and often-unseen contributions of the people who shape the music we listen to every day.Abhijit also shares his perspective on success, the importance of family, the evolving Indian music industry, and why preserving the originality of a song matters even when creating something new.Whether you're a Bollywood music lover, an aspiring singer, a music producer, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of your favourite songs, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of Indian music.

In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with Dr. Vineet Aggarwal, author and mythology researcher, for a fascinating conversation about Lord Shiva, Shivling, Brahma, Vishnu, Sanatan Dharma, spirituality, and the ancient wisdom of Hindu scriptures.What is the true significance of a Shivling? Why is Lord Shiva known as the destroyer? What are the different roles of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh? And do we really need temples and rituals to connect with God?Dr. Vineet Aggarwal explores the stories, symbolism and philosophical ideas behind Hindu traditions, offering a deeper understanding of beliefs that have been followed for generations.From the spiritual significance of Shiva and Shakti to the mysteries of Jyotirlingas, the concept of Ardhanarishvara, and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, this conversation explores the deeper meanings behind Hindu mythology and spirituality.The episode also takes us through ancient Indian history, the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Upanishads, and the fascinating influence of Indian civilisation across Southeast Asia.In this episode, we talk about:• The significance and symbolism of Shivling in Hinduism• Why Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer and what that truly means• The roles of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh in Hindu philosophy• The connection between Lord Shiva and Shakti• Ardhanarishvara and the philosophy of masculine and feminine energies• Can women touch and worship a Shivling?• The different forms of Shivling and their significance• The mysteries of Jyotirlingas and ancient Shiva temples• Why temples, idols and rituals exist in Hindu traditions• Do we really need to visit temples to connect with God?• The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads• Untold stories and lessons from the Ramayana and Mahabharata• The connection between ancient Indian civilisation and Southeast Asia• Understanding spirituality beyond religious ritualsThis episode goes beyond religious beliefs to explore the philosophy, symbolism, history and timeless wisdom behind Sanatan Dharma.Whether you're curious about Lord Shiva, interested in Hindu mythology, or looking to understand the deeper meaning of spirituality, this conversation offers a thought-provoking perspective on faith, traditions and our connection with the divine.Watch the full episode and share your biggest takeaway in the comments.Subscribe to Simply Pankaj for more conversations on spirituality, culture, history, personal growth and the people shaping our understanding of the world.

In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Dheeraj sits down with Dolly Bindra for an unfiltered conversation about her nearly three-decade journey in Bollywood, the stories behind some of her most memorable experiences and the person behind the public image.From her early days in the entertainment industry to working on films like Gadar, Dolly takes us behind the scenes of an era of Bollywood she witnessed closely. She shares stories involving Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, David Dhawan, Dev Anand and many more, while opening up about the highs, struggles and unexpected moments that shaped her journey.In this episode, we talk about:• Dolly Bindra’s early life and entry into the entertainment industry• Nearly 30 years of experiences in Bollywood• Behind-the-scenes memories from Gadar• Stories of Akshay Kumar, Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol• Working with David Dhawan and meeting Dev Anand• Fame, friendships and relationships in the film industry• The side of Dolly Bindra people rarely get to see• Spirituality and how her perspective on life has evolved• Leaving India and starting a new chapter in Dubai• Life lessons from her personal and professional journey This is Dolly Bindra like never before, candid, nostalgic and full of stories from a life spent in and around Indian entertainment.Watch the full episode and share your favourite moment in the comments.Subscribe to Simply Pankaj for more conversations on life, entertainment, business, culture and everything in between.

What really happens behind the scenes of India’s Got Latent?In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with Rohan Deshmukh to unpack his experience of performing on India’s Got Latent Season 2 Bonus Episode 3, featuring Samay Raina, Deepak Kalal, Ravi Gupta and Agu Stanley.Rohan takes us inside the entire journey, from getting selected and almost backing out to finally stepping onto the Latent stage. He shares what the massive production looks like behind the cameras, how contestants are managed before their performances, what it feels like facing the panel, and the unpredictable moments that never make it into a short viral clip.The conversation also dives into Samay Raina’s personality and approach to comedy, Deepak Kalal’s unpredictable judging, the evolution of India’s Got Latent, and why Samay’s larger plans around content, comedy and entertainment could be much bigger than people realise.In this episode:Rohan Deshmukh’s India’s Got Latent experienceBehind the scenes of Season 2 Bonus Episode 3Meeting Samay Raina, Deepak Kalal, Ravi Gupta & Agu StanleyWhat happens before a contestant walks onto the stageThe reality of shooting India’s Got LatentSamay Raina on and off cameraThe +20 and -10 scoring momentHow the new season has evolvedComedy, controversy and the future of India’s Got LatentRohan’s journey as a creator and performerWhether you follow Samay Raina, India’s Got Latent, stand-up comedy or simply want to know what happens behind one of India’s most talked-about comedy shows, this conversation gives you a firsthand look from someone who actually stepped onto the stage.

What really goes into planning a big destination wedding?In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with Sachin Singhal, an award-winning Wedding & Events Planner with over two decades of experience, for an insightful conversation about the business, creativity, pressure, and behind-the-scenes realities of the wedding industry.From planning a $2.2 million wedding to managing destination celebrations across the UAE, India, Europe, and other parts of the world, Sachin shares what it takes to bring large-scale weddings to life - where hundreds of guests, multiple cultures, complex logistics, and huge expectations come together.The conversation explores why Dubai and the UAE have become major destinations for weddings, how wedding budgets are actually divided, the importance of food and guest experience, and what separates a memorable celebration from an expensive one.Sachin also takes us inside the world of wedding planners—from managing families and vendors to handling last-minute challenges and understanding the different traditions behind Indian weddings.In this episode:

• The reality behind planning luxury weddings
• Inside a $2.2 million wedding
• Why Dubai & the UAE are becoming global wedding destinations
• How wedding budgets are actually planned
• Food, décor, entertainment & guest experience
• Cultural traditions across Indian weddings
• Destination weddings vs local weddings
• The biggest challenges wedding planners face
• How the wedding industry has evolved over the years
• What couples should know before choosing a wedding planner

Whether you're planning your own wedding, working in the events industry, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of some of the biggest celebrations, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of weddings.Subscribe to Simply Pankaj for more meaningful conversations on Project Life.

In this episode of Simply Pankaj, Maria Goretti sits down for a warm and candid conversation about the many chapters of her life, from becoming one of the most recognisable faces of MTV India to building a life and family with Arshad Warsi.Maria looks back at a time when MTV gave its presenters the freedom to have a voice, shares stories from interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment, and reflects on how television and celebrity culture have changed over the years.The conversation also goes beyond her career. Maria opens up about her relationship with Arshad Warsi, their very different personalities, raising their children, navigating parenthood, and why maintaining your own identity matters even within a long marriage.She also talks about food, creativity, friendships, motherhood, travel, social media, and the experiences that have shaped the person she is today.In this episode:Maria Goretti’s journey into MTV IndiaBehind-the-scenes stories from her VJ yearsMeeting and building a life with Arshad WarsiMarriage, companionship and maintaining individualityRaising children and navigating modern parentingFame, social media and how celebrity culture has changedHer relationship with food, cooking and creativityLife lessons from different phases of her journeyThis is a conversation about much more than fame. It’s about relationships, family, identity, reinvention, and finding meaning in every phase of life.Subscribe to Simply Pankaj for more conversations with fascinating people and the stories behind their journeys.

In this episode of Simply Pankaj, celebrity fitness coach Shivohaam sits down with Pankaj Sharma for a conversation about fitness, discipline, transformation, and longevity.Having worked with some of Bollywood’s biggest names, including Aamir Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, and Ranbir Kapoor, Shivohaam shares what goes on behind the transformations audiences see on screen. From demanding training routines and nutrition to consistency, recovery, and mindset, he explains why lasting fitness is about much more than looking muscular.The conversation also explores training across different ages, the discipline required for dramatic physical transformations, common fitness mistakes, and why strength and mobility become increasingly important as we grow older.Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or have been training for years, this conversation offers a look at the principles behind building a stronger, healthier and more sustainable body.

What if your birth date, name, and personal year could reveal the patterns shaping your money, career, relationships, and opportunities?

In this episode of Project Life, Pankaj Sharma sits down with numerologist Nishank Mehta for a deep conversation about numerology, personal years, name corrections, angel numbers, and the role numbers may play in different phases of our lives.

Nishank explains why 2026 may not carry the same meaning for everyone. While 2026 is universally a Number 1 year in numerology, your individual Personal Year can be completely different — and understanding it can offer a framework for thinking about new beginnings, career moves, money, relationships, growth, and endings.

They also explore the idea behind name and spelling corrections, why celebrities and brands sometimes alter their names, and how Nishank approaches the relationship between birth numbers and name numbers.

The conversation also dives into 11:11 and angel numbers, why certain numbers seem to repeatedly appear in our lives, and Nishank's interpretation of what seeing 11:11 could signify.

In this episode:

• How to calculate your Personal Year for 2026
• What Personal Years 1–9 could mean for you
• Which years are associated with money, career and new beginnings
• The numerology behind your name and spelling
• Can changing your name influence your life?
• What does seeing 11:11 repeatedly mean?
• Birth numbers vs Life Path numbers
• Numerology for business and brand names
• Money, relationships, career and personal growth through numerology
• How to use numerology as a framework for planning different phases of life

Whether you already follow numerology or are simply curious about why numbers like 11:11 keep appearing everywhere, this conversation offers a detailed look at how numerologists interpret the numbers surrounding our lives.

Watch the full episode and discover what your numbers say about your 2026.