Episode #35 | Power. Devotion. Controversy. | The PVT Show
Who was Ma Anand Sheela beyond the headlines?
Beyond the documentaries?
Beyond the labels of villain, rebel, or cult enforcer?
In this rare and deeply confronting episode of The PVT Show, we sit down with Ma Anand Sheela, one of the most controversial and powerful women of the 20th century.Once listed among the most powerful women in the world, alongside Indira Gandhi, Sheela was the executive force behind Rajneeshpuram, commanding over 7,000 followers in rural Oregon at just 33 years old. This conversation goes far beyond history.
If you are interested in human psychology, leadership extremes, belief systems, power dynamics, and controversial figures, this episode will challenge everything you think you know.
This is not redemption.
This is not accusation.
This is Sheela in her own words.
TOP 5 REASONS TO WATCH
• A rare, unfiltered conversation with Ma Anand Sheela
• The psychology of power, loyalty, and unquestioned belief
• How leadership functions inside closed systems
• Identity, control, and moral certainty under pressure
• What happens when devotion becomes dangerous
WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE
• Who Sheela was through Osho’s lens
• The belief systems that governed Rajneeshpuram
• Leadership, authority, and absolute loyalty
• Identity after downfall and public vilification
• Life after prison and reinvention
• Control, regret, narrative, and legacy
KEY SEGMENTS
(00:00) – Introduction
(06:55) – Rise, Fall & Resurrection of Sheela
(09:50) – Controversies, Allegations & Questions
(12:35) – Power, Silence & Osho’s Role
(15:20) – Media, Netflix & Public Narratives
(18:25) – Following the Heart vs Following Osho
(22:45) – Childhood in Baroda
(25:50) – School, Freedom & Early Mindset
(32:00) – Sports, Discipline & Strength
(36:45) – Family Values & Father’s Guidance
(41:00) – Love, Marriage & Loss
(44:45) – Return to India
(47:00) – First Personal Meeting with Osho
(52:45) – Himalayan Journey & Survival
(59:55) – Tests, Faith & Endurance
(01:03:20) – Life Inside the Commune
(01:09:15) – Vision of a New Community
(01:12:05) – From Bombay to Pune Ashram
(01:15:20) – Love, Devotion & No Labels
(01:22:10) – Therapies & East–West Differences
(01:28:55) – Power, Responsibility & Leadership
(01:31:30) – Decision to Move Abroad
(01:38:10) – Building Rajneeshpuram
(01:41:30) – Media Pressure & Political Conflict
(01:49:00) – Creating a City of Their Own
(01:56:00) – Osho, Silence & Authority
(02:00:30) – Lessons from Life & Bhagwan
(02:07:30) – Living Life on Your Own Terms
(02:09:06) – Channel Intro(02:09:33) – Outro
ABOUT THE GUEST — MA ANAND SHEELA
Ma Anand Sheela is one of the most controversial figures in modern spiritual history.Former secretary to Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), she was the chief architect and administrator of Rajneeshpuram and one of the most powerful women of her time.Her life has been chronicled globally through books, documentaries, and the Netflix series Wild Wild Country, making her a symbol of power, devotion, controversy, and reinvention.
ABOUT THE HOST — POONAM VIJAY THAKKAR
Award-winning Corporate Marketing Leader | Social Entrepreneur | Mindset CoachNamed among Top 100 CMOs & Top 100 Women Leaders in BFSI India🔗 Read more: www.poonamvijaythakkar.com
ABOUT THE SHOW — THE PVT SHOW PODCASTThe
PVT Show is a space for courageous conversations, transformative journeys, and minds that shape the future.Where identity, behaviour, leadership, and inner work meet real stories. Bilingual — Hindi & English
Connect with Ma Anand Sheela
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maanand.sheela
Twitter X: https://x.com/maanandsheela1
Connect with Poonam Vijay Thakkar & The PVT Show
Website: www.poonamvijaythakkar.com
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/poonamvijaythakkarcmo
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/poonamvijaythakkarofficialX (Twitter): https://x.com/poonamvt
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