In this episode, Abhay sits down with dance artist Nikita Banawalikar — a Kathak exponent, choreographer, and scholar who seamlessly bridges the gap between ancient tradition and modern storytelling.

Nikita shares why she views Kathak not just as a dance, but as her true "home". She discusses the rigorous journey of becoming a scholar of the arts and offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of choreographing for major films like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani. From finding inspiration in the mundance to the challenge of "unlearning" technical precision for the camera, this conversation explores how to maintain artistic purity while embracing evolution.

In this episode, Nikita shares insights on:

• How to find inspiration for art in everyday life, architecture, and nature.
• The reality of film choreography and making actors shine on screen.
• The impact of digitalization on classical arts and the debate between social media reach vs. live experience.
• Why "embracing innocence" is the key to staying authentic as an artist.

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Connect with Nikita :
https://www.instagram.com/nikkitakathak/

#Kathak #NikitaBanawalikar #BollywoodChoreography #IndianClassicalDance #TrustMeIKnowWhatImDoing #DanceEducation #RockyAurRani #ArtisticJourney

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome
03:13 – Living the Dream: When a Hobby Becomes a Profession
05:07 – Finding Inspiration in Nature, People, and even Mumbai Traffic
08:17 – The Integrated Life: Does an Artist Ever "Shut Off"?
10:08 – The Process of Falling in Love with Kathak
13:16 – Building Confidence
16:11 – Learning and Growth with Kathak
19:21 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod 
20:26 – Digitalization: Teaching and Performing Post-COVID
22:57 – Live Performance vs. Social Media: The Purist Debate
26:46 – Film Choreography: Working on Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
29:53 – Unlearning for the Commercial Screen
34:26 – The Future of Kathak: Evolution, Purity, and New Narratives
40:09 – Discipline and Observation: How Dance Shapes the Person
43:27 – Embracing Innocence and Sensitivity

Shout out to my cousins Vaishali Potdar from Nupur Kathak Academy and Vedashri Mahajan in Australia and anyone else out there who is learning, teaching, and promoting this dance art!

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Trust Me I Know What I'm Doing | Dr. Abhay Dandekar
A mirror and window for global Indians and South Asians through conversation.
Every week, we share chats with artists, leaders, musicians, chefs, experts, change makers, and innovators from the home and diaspora - sharing their journeys and motivations.

Support our sponsors: Start your journey with personalized travel support at https://vacation.travelopod.com/

For enquiries 📧 Email : [email protected]
About TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING:
My name is Abhay Dandekar and I share conversations with talented and interesting individuals linked to the global Indian and South Asian community. It’s informal and informative, adding insights and perspective to our evolving cultural expressions, where each person can proudly say “TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’m DOING.” New episodes weekly!

Find us on Instagram/ LinkedIn:
https://www.instagram.com/drabhaydandekar/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhaydandekar/
https://abhaydandekar.transistor.fm/

Listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform:
🎙️ Spotify : https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZReYDw6ta5zGuN4iLZ8Pt
🎙️ Apple Podcast : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trust-me-i-know-what-im-doing/id1635803563?uo=4
🎙️ Amazon Music : https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/acec47fd-da0e-4419-aab9-306503ea49c5

How does the intersection of science and spirituality unlock your inner healing? Monica Singhal joins the podcast to explain how to reconnect with yourself.

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we are joined by Monica Singhal, the founder of Hari Om Smiles, to explore the powerful synergy between scientific understanding and spiritual wisdom.

If you enjoy these deep dives into the global desi and diaspora experience, hit the Subscribe button to join our community.

Monica shares her transformative philosophy that "magic" isn't something to be found outside of ourselves—it is a dormant energy within that we simply need to reconnect with. We discuss how to bridge the gap between our physical experiences and our spiritual identities to find true mental and physical vitality.

In this episode, we cover:

• The core philosophy of Hari Om Smiles: Blending science with pure spirituality.

• Why we are "spiritual beings having a human experience."

• How to cultivate trust in yourself to go from "existing" to "truly living."

• Practical insights on ensuring the next generation is not "handicapped" by mental or physical blocks.

• The "science" of reconnecting with the innate power already inside you.

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Chapters

00:00  Introduction
05:09  Daily beginnings and  The Journey to Inner Peace
09:29  Bridging Science and Spirituality
13:53  Transformative Stories of Healing
18:10  The Role of Gratitude in Healing
22:40  Sponsor Break - Travelopod
23:14  Integrating Spirituality into Daily Life
25:27  The Burden of Expectation
28:11  Gratitude and the Flow of Life
30:02  Transforming Fear into Gratitude
32:30  The Journey of Unlearning
35:03  Hinduism and Spirituality
39:54  Engaging with Skepticism
46:46  Trusting the Journey of Self-Discovery

Connect with Monica:
https://hariomsmiles.org/monica-singhal/

Shout outs this week:
• Aaron Rai (for Golf History at the PGA)
• Anil Kochhar (for Generosity to NC State grads)
• Netherlands-India cross-connectivity
• Tasveer (for their Cannes Film Festival panel)

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

What happens when a musical pioneer finds himself and his artistic voice after a period of disillutionment?

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING, I sit down with musician, composer, and producer Karsh Kale to discuss his latest album, DUST, and the 'silent war' of staying creative in a world driven by algorithms. Karsh opens up about feeling lost after the pandemic and shares what he had to 'unlearn' to find his way back to music—not through a studio, but through a canvas and a paintbrush

We dive deep into: 

• The Creative Reset: Why Karsh started painting for "no one" to rediscover his childish curiosity. 
• The 10-Year-Old Rule: How he stopped chasing trends and decided to make a record specifically for his younger self. 
• Lessons from a Legend: What he learned about "permission" and identity while performing alongside Zakir Hussain. 
• The Anatomy of Dust: The symbolism of the end of an era and the rebirth that follows. 

Whether you’re an artist feeling the weight of the "dopamine cycle" or just someone looking to find more joy in your work, Karsh’s journey back to his "honest truth" is a blueprint for us all. 

If you enjoyed this deep dive, please subscribe and share it with someone who may need  a creative spark.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:16 The Evolution of Artistic Expression
05:55 Finding Personal Meaning in Music
08:37 The Symbolism of 'Dust' and Rebirth
11:19 Creating a Mirror for Listeners
14:13 Letting Go
15:46 Sponsor Break: Travelopod
17:28 The Importance of Authenticity in Art
20:21 The Lost Art of the Full Album Experience
24:23 Translating Moods into Live Performances
27:20 Optimism in the Independent Music Industry
29:49 Sponsor Break: Timberdog Ruffrest
30:59 The Role of Mentorship and Legacy
35:34 Knowing When a Song is Finished
36:59 The Intersection of Art and Music
38:14 Music as an Escape and a Place to Be Found

Learn more about Karsh Kale:
https://www.instagram.com/karshkale/

Big shout outs to Yashraj Akashi for connecting and building trust through Tedx and EDGE, and to 7-year-old Ishank Singh for becoming the youngest and fastest to ever swim the Palk straight between Sri Lanka and India.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is brought to you by RuffRest by Timberdog.  Learn more at https://timberdog.com/

How does metabolic health govern your long-term vitality, energy, and quality of life? Dr. Priya Jaisinghani outlines why monitoring some basic lifestyle actions could prevent so many common chronic diseases.

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, we sit down with NYU endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Priya Jaisinghani to decode the complexities of metabolic health.

Forget the quick fixes and diet culture — Dr. Jaisinghani walks us through a science-backed approach to understanding metabolic function as a comprehensive system. We move beyond the scale to explore how muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and hormonal balance dictate your long-term vitality.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why "metabolic health" is the true metric for longevity and quality of life.
• Actionable steps to improve insulin sensitivity and sustain energy levels.
• How to navigate health misinformation and advocate for yourself in the medical system.

The critical link between your daily habits—like sleep and hydration—and your organ function.
Subscribe for weekly conversations that serve as a mirror and window into the global Indian and South Asian experience.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introductions
04:07 Defining Metabolic Health
07:29 Personalizing the Approach
13:03 Bridging Knowledge Gaps in Health
16:43 Healthy Choices for Young Adults
19:29 Redefining Fun and Social Activities
20:40 Empowering Patients as Advocates
22:39 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
24:06 Tailoring Health Approaches for South Asians
28:15 Dismantling Weight Bias and Stigma
31:08 Building a Weight Neutral Approach
35:01 Understanding GLP-1 Medications
37:30 The Role of Nutrition in Metabolic Health
39:09 The Importance of Sleep in Metabolic Health
40:51 Building Trust in Patient Relationships

Connect with Dr. Jaisinghani
https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1942738547/priya-jaisinghani

Big shout outs to Anagha on her 50th, and to my friend, pediatrician colleague, and adolescent medicine guru Dr. Lauren Hartman,  whose latest book Freeing Children and Young Adults from Shame, Scales, and Stigma is available now.

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or Amazon or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

How does dance evolve beyond tradition?
Harini Nilakantan joins the podcast  to explore movement as a mosaic, bridging Bharatanatyam with modern expression.

In this episode of TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, Abhay chats with Chicago-based dancer and choreographer Harini Nilakantan to discuss the intersection of heritage and innovation.

Harini, a movement artist and award winning dancer and choreographer, shares her journey of reimagining ancestral storytelling for the modern stage. Instead of viewing dance as a "frozen" time capsule or a rigid discipline, Harini describes her practice as a "mosaic"—a refractive, evolving language that allows different cultural vocabularies to speak to one another without hierarchy.

In this episode, we cover:
- Why "purity" can be a problematic label in artistic evolution
- How to use traditional move sets, such as Tattamettu, to build new rhythmic dialogues
- Navigating the pressures of being a "winner" vs. finding success through honest expression
- How Harini’s upbringing in a polyglot, multi-disciplinary household shaped her identity and movement vocabulary

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Chapters-

00:00 Introduction to Harini Nilakantan
03:29 Defining her identity as a movement artist
06:49 Early dance memories and her "why"
11:52 Reimagining tradition through the art of kintsugi
14:58 Challenging inertia in classical dance forms
17:25 How her dance practice has evolved
20:16 Sponsor break: Travelopod
21:37 Unlearning audience preconceptions
27:41 Cultural influences and Harini's upbringing
33:15 Redefining success beyond trophies
36:59 Observer, student, teacher of dance
39:35 Building trust and expanding the lexicon

Connect with Harini:
https://harini-nilakantan.com

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

How can music serve as both an anchor and a form of political resistance? What does it mean to create art in an age of "cognitive violence"? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with the legendary Vijay Iyer—MacArthur Fellow, Harvard professor, and one of the most influential pianists and composers of our time. Described as a "social conscience" and "multicultural gateway," Vijay shares a masterclass on the physical and emotional labor required to maintain a creative life over three decades.

From the necessity of protecting time against the "colonization of memory" to the humbling experience of being an "eternal student," Vijay discusses the profound "transduction" that happens between an artist and their audience. Vijay's insights on "shared feeling," the mathematics of emotion, and the courage to remain vulnerable offer a roadmap for co-constructing a more intentional future.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Ritual of the Body: How the sensory, physical connection to an instrument serves as an anchor against modern information overload.
• The "Eternal Student" Mindset: Lessons from legends like Zakir Hussain on why mastery is a lifelong pursuit of learning.
• Music as Political Action: How instrumental compositions, like his tribute to Refaat Alareer, engage with the global zeitgeist.
• The Power of Collaboration: Building a sense of "home" and common cause through cross-cultural artistic partnerships.
• Mathematics vs. Feeling: Using "similarity relationships" and the physics of sound to evoke unquantifiable human emotions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Daily Routines and Creative Energy

05:59 The Power of Performance and Humility

10:03 Transduction in Music: Connecting with Audiences

14:18 Exploring the Concept of 'We' in Music

17:18 Unlearning as an Educator

20:11 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest

21:23 Contrasts in Musical Expression

22:41 Exploring Similarity in Music and Mathematics

28:12 The Intersection of Politics and Music

32:55 Identity and Belonging in a Global Context

39:43 Music as a Space for Community and Home

42:41 Conclusion

Shoutouts to to Gauri for turning 40, to the Artemis crew and Amit Kshatriya for a mission accomplished and job well done, and to artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat for his sculpted statue of Swami Vivekananda being unveiled in Seattle. 

Lastly, our collective hearts will always be filled with the songs and music of unforgettable Asha Bhosle - Hari Om Sadgati!

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is proudly brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

In a world increasingly governed by autonomous technology and integrated processes, how do we keep human passion and partnership at the center of leadership? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, Abhay sits down with Garima Shah, a 20-year veteran of the FinTech industry and the Co-Founder and President of Biller Genie. 

Garima pulls back the curtain on the "challenger mode" mentality common in Indian American and immigrant families and explains why scaling a company teaches you what "hustle" never will. From navigating a startup through the onset of a global pandemic to creating a culture that celebrates the "Fuck Up of the Month," Garima shares her framework for intentional growth, building resilient teams, and the necessity of radical trust. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why "doing it all" is the enemy of true leadership and scale. 
• The difference between working hard (hustle) and working on purpose (scaling). 
• How to utilize a "Happiness Journal" to rewire your brain for daily success. 
• The shared responsibility of startups in governing and democratizing Agentic AI. 
• How to embrace impatience as a "mover" and turn mistakes into fuel for growth.

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Introductions
02:34 The Joy of Building in FinTech
05:05 The Importance of Happiness and Positivity
07:58 Hustle vs. Scaling: A Shift in Mindset
10:28 Embracing Change: The Art of Pivoting
13:27 Communication and Team Dynamics in Fast-Paced Environments
14:01 Sponsor Break: Travelopod and RuffRest
17:07 The Role of Startups in AI Governance
19:52 Cultural Identity and Personal Motivation
22:41 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes
25:18 Parenting Lessons in Leadership
28:09 Cultivating Trust and Optimism in Leadership

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

What does it take to reach the World No. 1 ranking at the age of 43? In this episode of Trust Me, I Know What I’m Doing, host Abhay Dandekar sits down with recently retired Indian tennis legend Rohan Bopanna. A two-time Grand Slam champion and Padma Shri Award winner, Bopanna shares the "secrets" behind his storied multi-decade career: a relentless cycle of rebuilding, reinvention, and rejuvenation.

From his early days in the coffee-growing region of Coorg to the pinnacle of the ATP rankings, Rohan discusses the mental fortitude required to survive the "lonely" grind of the professional tour. He also reveals the pivotal moment Iyengar Yoga saved his career after he was told he had no cartilage left in his knees.

Whether you are an athlete looking for a competitive edge or a professional navigating your own "reincarnation," Bopanna’s insights on patience, trust, and the "Coorg mindset" offer a masterclass in aging gracefully while staying at the top of your game.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The transition from Junior to Pro and the power of rituals.
• The "Doubles" mindset: Building trust and collaboration with partners.
• The discipline of recovery and mental resilience in high-pressure moments.
• The future of Indian tennis and the Bhoomi Program for under-resourced youth.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction: Welcoming Rohan Bopanna
04:22 – Early years: Resilience, rituals, and the junior-to-pro transition
07:26 – The Art of Doubles: Building trust and collaboration with partners
11:34 – The Growth Mindset: Discipline, recovery, and learning from losses
16:40 – The Coorg Mindset: Gratitude, humility, and staying in the moment
19:30 – Sponsor Break: Travelopod
20:30 – Longevity in Sport: Mental resilience and aging gracefully
22:28 – The New Chapter: Transitioning to coaching, data, and mentorship
26:28 – Building a Sustainable Future: The vision for Indian tennis
36:24 – Final thoughts on legacy, passion, and purpose

Learn more about Rohan and his ongoing work with mentoring present and future young tennis athletes as well as the terrific grassroots work he is leading with youth from underresourced backgrounds through the 

Rohan Bopanna Tennis Development Foundation

Email [email protected] for information on how to donate and support!

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify or wherever you podcast!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

Actor, writer, comedian, and filmmaker Kiran Deol joins Abhay to talk about leading the new indie film Didn’t Die, navigating grief in a zombie apocalypse, and why humor is her sharpest tool for both survival and joy. She shares how playing Vinita—a podcaster in the middle of a black‑and‑white biter outbreak, losing family while chasing career—stretched her as an artist and forced her to embrace risk, unlikability, and deep trust with her director.

They dive into perfectionism in South Asian culture, the pressure to be excellent, and her intention this year to prioritize fun, play, and what feels good in her work. Kiran breaks down how stand‑up, the Hysteria podcast, and her comedy special JoySuck (free online and streaming on Amazon Prime) help her reframe anger and sadness, find optimism in grim times, and get those metaphorical “dicks off our backs.” She and Abhay also unpack internet trolls, the realities of algorithms, why not everyone has to like you, and how artists can be braver about calling things out instead of staying passive.​

Chapters/Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
03:04 Exploring the Role in 'Didn't Die'
06:03 Navigating Humor and Grief
08:49 The Art of Stand-Up Comedy
11:35 Identity and Representation in Hollywood
14:01 Sponsor Break - Travelopod
14:46 Navigating Identity in Performance
20:26 Unlearning and Evolving
22:02 The Role of Humor in Coping
22:58 Sponsor Break - RuffRest
23:32 JoySuck, Cultural Expectations, and Artistic Freedom
28:58 Crafting Your Own Narrative

Kiran Deol on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1234567/
Didn't Die (Film) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1234567/
JoySuck (Comedy Special) on Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYZ1234

It's March, so shout out to Ishan Sharma and (Coach) Amit Tailor and all the College Hoops fans out there. Let the madness of those brackets begin.  Remember to please be smart, be safe and be kind, especially to each other and to the planet.

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I'm DOING is 100% human - no bots allowed!

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more

AmBika 'B' Sanjana, a premier Los Angeles–based South Asian American stylist and creative director, joins Abhay to talk about what it means to “author” your own style. From styling Hollywood’s elite and NBA All-Stars to serving as the CEO and founder of the impactful nonprofit SEVASPHERE, Ambika shares how fashion is a narrative tool that bridges cultural heritage with modern identity while centering community service.

In this deep dive, Ambika chats about her style‑based “social experiment” involving labels vs fit, the power of comfort as a baseline for confidence, and how she’s combating food and housing insecurity in Los Angeles with dignity and community. Whether creating an ongoing blueprint for style and fashion or living a more meaningful life, this conversation explores how to leave a “sparkle” in every space you enter through inspiration.

Chapters/Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction to AmBika
03:09 – Style as Authorship: Telling Your Story 
05:47 – The Philosophy of Comfort and Confidence 
07:42 – The Label Experiment: Brands vs. Personal Taste 
12:17 – Evolving Through Eras: Styling for Life’s Seasons 
16:09  – Sponsor Break: Travelopod
16:42 – Effort and Effortless Style 
20:34 – Redefining Success Beyond Fame and Money 
25:18 – Sevasphere: Bringing Dignity to Community Service 
35:07 – Sponsor Break: Timberdog
35:45 – Rapid Fire: AI in Fashion & Celebrating Heritage
37:47 – Red Carpet Thoughts and Inspiration

Learn more at:
https://www.styledbyambika.com/
https://www.sevasphere.org/

Big shout outs this week to 2026 Oscar nominee and previous guest Geeta Gandhbir for her film The Perfect Neighbor which is on Netflix now, to T20 cricket and spring training, and to everyone who hopefully enjoyed a safe and happy holi.

TRUST ME I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING is brought to you by TRAVELOPOD, with personalized travel support to help you explore the wonders of the world.  Start your next journey at vacation.travelopod.com

This episode is also sponsored by RuffRest® , the only dog bed you'll ever need.  Go to www.timberdog.com to learn more