The xMonks Drive

Gaurav Arora
  • 4.4 (44)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated weekly

What if wisdom had a voice and it sounded like this Welcome to The xMonks Drive with Gaurav Arora, where soulful conversations meet real-world insight. Hosted by Master Certified Coach and founder of xMonks Gaurav Arora, this weekly podcast brings together a rare mix of CEOs, monks, psychologists, spiritual masters, doctors, and changemakers. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, live with clarity, and grow from the inside out. From mindfulness and emotional mastery to conscious leadership, healing, entrepreneurship, and legacy, these episodes are more than interviews. They are invitations to shift your perspective and awaken your potential. If you are done with surface-level talk and crave depth, truth, and transformation, you are in the right place. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify along with short, powerful clips to fuel your daily journey. Come curious. Leave clearer.

  1. 6 days ago

    Father of Startup Revealed Zomato's Growth Secret | Sanjeev Bikhchandani

    In this exclusive episode of our entrepreneurship podcast, we explore raw, unfiltered startup founder stories with none other than Sanjeev Bikhchandani (often celebrated as the father of Indian startups). Join host Gaurav Arora on The xMonks Drive as we unpack how Sanjeev pioneered the digital wave with Info Edge—building platforms like Naukri.com, Jeevansathi, 99acres, and Shiksha.com—while backing disruptive Indian startups through smart venture capital investments. Learn the critical business decision making process behind Deepinder Goyal and the early moves that shaped Zomato into a giant. This in-depth zomato case study breaks down the early Deepinder Goyal Zomato partnership, the specific cold email exchanges, and the strategic pivots that defined the trajectory of the company. We examine why the decision to enter the hyper-competitive food delivery market and acquire Blinkit were pivotal moments, offering an insider look at the Zomato business strategy and the ultimate Zomato success story. Beyond the food tech ecosystem, we dive deep into the Naukri.com history and a foundational naukri.com case study to uncover how early bootstrap motivations differ from modern startup growth playbooks. Sanjeev Bikchandani shares why backing the right founder matters more than just the initial idea—even reflecting on early-stage opportunities with companies like Ola and where classical valuation models get challenged. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, investor, or business student looking for actionable entrepreneurship lessons, understanding the logic behind these high-stakes choices offers a masterclass on how major platforms scale. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: The origin story of Naukri.com and navigating the pre-internet era in India Inside the Deepinder Goyal & Info Edge investment journey: From Foodiebay to IPO Deciding when an investor should step back and trust the founder’s vision The impact of AI and deep tech on the future of Indian startup founders Unfiltered startup stories and lessons on surviving down-cycles Timestamps 00:00 Cold Email to Deepinder 00:27 MBA Debate and Startups 01:24 Why I Quit the Job 01:30 Naukri.com Began as Small Idea 03:36 Rat Race Realization 07:17 Kickback Moment of Truth 11:10 Why Invest in FoodieBay/Zomato 14:17 Zomato Origin Story 17:31 Funding Rounds and IPO 18:48 Saying No to Winners 19:53 Ola Rejection Lesson 21:08 Ideas That Evolve 22:14 Habit Apps Versus Insurance 23:46 Investor Founder Disagreements 26:08 Leap Of Faith Decisions 27:39 Why Founders Win 29:07 Defending Startup Choices 31:46 From Operator To Investor 33:01 Energy From Young Founders 33:52 AI Jobs And Uncertainty 38:23 Learn AI Or Lose Out 🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth startup stories and business breakdowns. Tell us in the comments: Which founder or startup case study do you want us to analyze next? 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com Learn the critical business decision making process behind Deepinder Goyal and the early moves that shaped Zomato into a giant. This conversation breaks down the specific email exchanges and strategic pivots that defined the trajectory of Zomato. We examine why the decision to enter the food delivery market was a pivotal moment for the company and how these high-stakes choices were managed at the executive level. Beyond the logistics, we discuss the origins of Naukri.com and how its early motivations differ from modern startup growth strategies. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a business student, understanding the logic behind these choices offers a clear look at how major platforms scale in competitive environments. By analyzing the Zomato business strategy, you gain perspective on the risks taken by founders and the financial realities they face during expansion. Subscribe for weekly business breakdowns, and tell me in the comments which founder you want to see analyzed next. #TheXMonksDrive #SanjeevBikhchandani #GauravArora #InfoEdge #Naukri #Zomato #StartupsIndia #VentureCapital #Leadership #Podcast 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Father of Startup Revealed Zomato's Growth Secret | Sanjeev Bikhchandani

  2. 5 Aug

    Scientists Are Leaving ISRO - Why? 100 Scientists Resigned in One Year | Ex-ISRO Scientist Reveals

    From the NEET Exam Paper Leak and student protests at Jantar Mantar to the coaching factory culture and the reality behind the resignation of hundreds of scientists from ISRO, we discussed it all with Ex-ISRO Scientist and Educator Manish Purohit. India's education system is under immense pressure, and students are paying the price. In this conversation, Manish Purohit (Nimbus Education | BITS Pilani | Ex-ISRO) joins Coach & Podcast Host Gaurav Arora to uncover the truth behind the NEET paper leak, the accountability of the NTA, Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Education Minister, the growing mental health crisis among students, and why India's coaching ecosystem needs serious reform. The conversation also takes us inside ISRO, where Manish shares what life as a scientist is really like, why more than 700 scientists have resigned over the past 12 years, how India's private space sector is evolving, and what the National Quantum Mission means for the country's future. About the Guest Manish Purohit is a BITS Pilani alumnus and former ISRO Scientist who worked on satellite and interplanetary missions. After leaving ISRO, he co-founded Nimbus Education, where he mentors NEET and JEE aspirants while also advising deep-tech and space startups. In this episode, we discuss: • How the NEET 2024 paper leak happened and who should be held accountable • The role of the NTA and whether real reforms are possible • Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and what it actually changes • Student protests at Jantar Mantar and what aspirants were demanding • The mental health crisis behind India's competitive exams • The reality of Kota and Sikar's coaching culture • Management quota in medical colleges and the debate around merit • What life inside ISRO is actually like • Why 700+ scientists have resigned from ISRO in the last 12 years • ISRO vs India's private space sector, including Skyroot, Vikram, and Agnikul • India's National Quantum Mission and the global race against China Whether you're a NEET or JEE aspirant, a parent, someone curious about ISRO, or simply interested in India's education system, science, and technology, this episode offers a perspective that goes beyond the headlines. Timestamps: 00:00 NEET Leak Outrage 00:57 Is Resignation Enough 02:20 How Papers Leak 06:00 NEET Pressure Cooker 09:44 Coaching Hubs and Buyers 18:26 Student Mental Health 20:01 Mentoring Struggling Kids 29:02 Leaving ISRO for Education 34:19 Life Inside ISRO 39:00 Why Scientists Resign 47:01 Space Startups Boom 51:10 China Speed Explained 57:22 India Deeptech Missions 01:02:58 Why India Is Great 01:05:58 Closing Thanks Subscribe to The xMonks Drive with Gaurav Arora for weekly conversations with CEOs, Scientists, Monks, and Changemakers where soulful insight meets real-world wisdom. 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com #NEETExam #NEETPaperLeak #NEETScam #NEETControversy #ISROScientist #ISROBrainDrain #GauravArora #xMonksDrive #LifeAtISRO 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Scientists Are Leaving ISRO - Why? 100 Scientists Resigned in One Year | Ex-ISRO Scientist Reveals

  3. 28 Jul

    How has journalism changed in India? | 1984 Riots, Media TRP Race & Gen Z Protests | Shammi Narang

    In this hard-hitting podcast episode with host Gaurav Arora, veteran Doordarshan news anchor and the iconic voice of Delhi Metro, Shammi Narang, breaks his silence on India's changing media landscape and rising youth discontent. From analyzing the recent NEET paper leak protests at Jantar Mantar and the emergence of movements like CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) to questioning government accountability and Gen Z student outrage, Shammi Narang provides an unfiltered insider perspective on how public frustration reached a boiling point and why these crises could have been handled through mature dialogue. Taking a deep dive into 1984 Media vs Modern Media, Narang contrasts the era of dignified, balanced broadcasting with today's TRP-driven, sensationalized news channels. He reflects on his emotional memories reporting during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, shares the fascinating backstory behind becoming the voice of Delhi Metro announcements, and reveals practical vocal modulation techniques like Om chanting for deep voice projection. Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on Indian journalism, youth affairs, and societal change. Timestamps 00:00 Education Minister Resigns 01:02 Student Protests Erupt 02:38 Diffuse the Street Anger 03:58 Media Responsibility Today 08:45 TRP and Survival Pressures 18:23 Advice to Loud Anchors 22:16 Remembering 1984 Riots 23:58 Becoming a TV Newsreader 32:35 Metro Voice Origin Story 41:04 Voice Training Myths 44:34 Improve Clarity and Delivery 49:54 Closing Thanks and Wrap 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com #protest #indianmedia #youtubemedia #podcast #delhimetro 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

  4. 22 Jul

    Delivery Riders are Earning More than Engineers? | Akash Gupta

    In this video, Akash Gupta, the co-founder of Zypp Electric, shares the real story and daily lives of delivery riders across India. Every single day, thousands of delivery partners from platforms like Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zomato work hard to bring food and groceries right to our doorstep. But behind every quick delivery is a story of intense hard work, daily struggles, and a deep dedication to supporting their families. This podcast takes a deep dive into the reality of the gig economy, exploring how much delivery workers actually earn and the truth behind 10-minute quick commerce deliveries. Akash Gupta explains how electric scooters from Zypp Electric are making a big difference by helping riders save petrol money, lower their daily expenses, and significantly increase their monthly income. You will also hear inspiring real-life success stories of young gig workers who are changing their lives through hard work. Beyond the business numbers, this conversation highlights why delivery workers are micro-entrepreneurs who deserve dignity, respect, and better support from society. Watch the full video to understand how the gig economy is shaping the future of India and how small changes in our attitude can make a huge impact on the lives of these delivery heroes! 📌 Don't forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe to the channel for more insightful podcast episodes and inspiring business stories! Timestamps 00:00 Riders as Middle Class 01:27 Meet the Gig Entrepreneur 02:58 Ritik’s Hustle Story 06:01 Myths and Tipping 10:21 New Middle Class Message 11:41 Exploitation vs Narrative 14:46 Safety and 10 Minute Debate 18:08 Zip’s Role and Scale 19:48 Mobility Cost Magic 22:22 Uptime Insurance Data Edge 24:03 Boosting Rider Earnings 24:13 Zero Downtime Battery Swaps 24:36 Building Trust Scores 26:34 Equity for Gig Partners 27:36 He build house from delivering Groceries  29:34 Purpose Beyond Climate 30:53 Who Comes First 31:42 Layoffs and Productivity 35:33 Margins IPO Balance 37:17 Kirana to Dark Stores 39:37 Future of Gig Work 41:41 Government Support Ideas 43:28 Rainy Day Realities 44:51 Startup Journey Reflections 47:39 Closing Mic Drop 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com #GigEconomy #ZyppElectric #DeliveryRiders #QuickCommerce #Blinkit #Zepto #Swiggy #Zomato #Podcast #startupindia 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Delivery Riders are Earning More than Engineers? | Akash Gupta

  5. 15 Jul

    What China Understands About Execution That India Is Missing | Satish Rao

    Is the Indian corporate growth engine lacking a critical execution strategy? In this deep, unfiltered conversation on the Gaurav Arora Podcast, we sit down with global corporate leader and author Satish Rao to uncover the hidden realities of scaling from humble beginnings to navigating elite multinational boardrooms. From growing up in a classic Mumbai chawl environment with limited access to modern resources, to executing high-stakes international turnarounds in Shanghai, Satish breaks down the profound differences between the global execution mindset and typical Indian corporate structures. We dive into the harsh truths of office dynamics, why leaders often struggle to simplify complex communications for their teams, and why standard MBA degrees fail to prepare young professionals for real-world business challenges. Whether you are an aspiring executive trying to climb the corporate ladder, an observer tracking global business representation, or navigating generational gaps within your current team, this episode provides an intentional blueprint on corporate integrity and professional strategy. Timestamps for the Conversation: 00:00 Chawl to CEO Teaser 01:26 Childhood in a Chawl 03:29 First Corporate Shock 05:40 CEO by 45 Promise 07:06 Delearn to Grow 10:05 Dreaming Big from Bottom 12:25 New Orbit Same Roots 15:09 Office Dynamics Not Politics 18:01 China Assignment Hard Lessons 19:17 Leading in Shanghai 20:14 Ego Off Learn Fast 21:27 Trust and True Success 22:59 China Execution Mindset 24:44 From Labor to Tech 26:25 Understanding Gen Z 28:05 Writing for Gen Z 30:42 Myth of MBA Jargon 33:19 Mirror Test Integrity 36:01 CEO Stretch and Sync 37:28 Advice to Younger Self 38:17 Closing Reflections About the Guest: Satish Rao is an experienced global corporate strategist, speaker, and the author of "Can I Fly? Giving Wings to Your Dreams". Throughout his career, he has driven monumental organizational transitions, focusing on operational clarity, cultural agility, and authentic leadership models. Join the Community: ► Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns and high-growth deep dives. ► Drop a comment below: Which business ecosystem do you think needs a complete leadership overhaul next? Subscribe for weekly leadership breakdowns, and comment below on which industry you think needs better representation next. 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com #CorporateIndia #LeadershipMindset #podcast  #GauravArora #SatishRao #CareerGrowth #globalbusiness 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    What China Understands About Execution That India Is Missing | Satish Rao

  6. 8 Jul

    Detective Reveals India's Most Disturbing Family Secret | Baldev Puri

    In this shocking episode of the Gaurav Arora Podcast, we sit down with Baldev Puri, the founder of AMX Detectives, to uncover the hidden, dark secrets of rich families, politicians, and the hidden underbelly of society. Moving far past standard marital disputes, this discussion exposes the real-life dark secret of Bollywood circles and high-society networks operating in major metros. Baldev Puri breaks down some of his most unsettling cases, from a high-profile wife swapping case exposed by an unsuspecting daughter to the terrifying reality of the Sugar Mommy trap destroying young Indian men. We dive deep into how wealth modifies human morality, uncovering instances of extreme family betrayal, corporate espionage, and honey trap scams. Whether it is the necessity of pre-employment vetting for multi-million dollar corporations or the extreme measures elite individuals take for covert surveillance, this episode serves as an eye-opening look into a world completely hidden from the public eye. If you want to understand the true psychology behind true investigative cases India rarely talks about, watch this full episode. 00:00 - Introduction & The Dark Realities of Elite Indian Families 01:35 - The High-Society Wife Swapping Case 04:10 - A Dark Family Secret Exposed 07:18 - High-Profile Escort Scams 11:10 - Sugar Mommy Trap Destroying Young Men 16:06 - How Celebrities and Politicians Hire Detectives 22:44 - Why Pre-Employment Vetting is Crucial for Businesses 28:50 - A Bizarre Story of Marital Betrayal 34:30 - Female Detectives Six Sense 40:00 - Outro & Final Message on Maintaining Personal Relationships #GauravArora #BaldevPuri #AMXDetectives #Podcast #DarkSecrets #Investigation 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Detective Reveals India's Most Disturbing Family Secret | Baldev Puri

  7. 1 Jul

    Bijay Anand: Bollywood Actor Turned Yogi on The Spiritual Science of Success

    What does real success look like? Bollywood actor Bijay J Anand rejected 22 Bollywood film offers at the peak of his career to pursue Kundalini Yoga and spirituality — and in this conversation with Gaurav Arora on the xMonks Drive Podcast, he explains exactly why, and what he found on the other side. Bijay J Anand is one of India's most extraordinary voices on spirituality, wellness, and conscious living. A working Bollywood actor, international Kundalini Yoga teacher, author, art consultant, and founder of Anahata Retreats Mumbai, Bijay has taught Kundalini Yoga and chakra healing across more than 30 countries, headlined international yoga festivals worldwide, and trained under legendary Kundalini Yoga teacher Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa in Los Angeles. He is the author of The Prosperity Code: The Spiritual Science of Wealth, Success and Power. In this episode Bijay reveals why he knows people worth $8 billion who have attempted to end their lives multiple times — and what that tells us about the real meaning of prosperity, success, and happiness. He breaks down the four stages of enlightenment, why the Anahata chakra is the easiest and most important chakra to open, what most people get completely wrong about Kundalini awakening and tapasya, and why going after Saraswati is the only real path to Lakshmi. He also shares his personal journey — from selling soaps on Mumbai local trains to becoming a Bollywood actor, a globally recognised Kundalini Yoga guru, and the author of The Prosperity Code — and why he believes you don't need a guru, a temple, a mosque, or a church to find God. Aham Brahmasmi. The divinity already exists within you. Released on International Yoga Day, this episode is one of the most honest and thought-provoking conversations on Kundalini Yoga, Indian spirituality, chakra healing, karma, Vedanta, and what it truly means to live a prosperous, awakened, and fulfilling life. --- ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 Chasing Wisdom Not Wealth 00:21 Leaving Bollywood Behind 02:41 Returning as King Janak 04:14 Redefining Prosperity 06:54 Anahata and Love 09:22 Goals Versus Flow 12:06 Warrior Sage Balance 14:32 Self Work Attracts Lakshmi 18:41 Kundalini and Miracles 19:36 Be Honest Be Humble 21:12 Rich Happy Blissful Enlightened 21:41 You Are Your Own Guru 22:44 Closing Gratitude --- 🎙️ Guest: Bijay J Anand — Bollywood Actor | International Kundalini Yoga Teacher | Author of The Prosperity Code | Founder Anahata Retreats Mumbai 🎙️ Host: Gaurav Arora — Founder xMonks 📖 The Prosperity Code: The Spiritual Science of Wealth, Success and Power — Bijay J Anand 🔔 Subscribe to xMonks Drive for conversations on leadership, consciousness, spirituality, and human potential. --- TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE: Kundalini Yoga | Kundalini Awakening | Kundalini Yoga India | Chakra Healing | Chakra Balancing | Anahata Chakra | Heart Chakra | Ajna Chakra | Sahasrara Chakra | Spiritual Awakening | Indian Spirituality | Vedanta | Aham Brahmasmi | Karma | Law of Attraction | Meditation | Mindfulness | Yoga Philosophy | The Prosperity Code | Wealth and Spirituality | Money and Happiness | Real Success | Personal Growth | Life Transformation | Self Realisation | Ayurveda | Naturopathy | Bollywood Actor | Bijay J Anand | Bijay Anand | Gaurav Arora | xMonks | xMonks Drive | xMonks Drive Podcast | Indian Podcast | Spirituality Podcast | Yoga Podcast | Wellness Podcast | Hindi Podcast | International Yoga Day | Yoga Day 2026 | Anahata Retreats | Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa | Siya Ke Ram | Bollywood Spirituality | Celebrity Yoga Teacher | Prosperity Code Book | Mumbai Wellness | Tapasya | Saraswati Lakshmi | Yoga Guru India 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Bijay Anand: Bollywood Actor Turned Yogi on The Spiritual Science of Success

  8. 24 Jun

    Tailor, Theatre, Then Filmfare | Bollywood's Favourite Dad Gajraj Rao Breaks It Down

    Gajraj Rao — the actor who waited 25 years for Bollywood to notice him — sits down with Gaurav Arora on xMonks Drive for his most honest interview yet. Best known for his National Award and Filmfare Award-winning role as Jeetendra Kaushik in Badhaai Ho, Gajraj Rao opens up about his journey from a railway colony in Rajasthan to Delhi theatre to becoming one of Hindi cinema's most loved character actors. In this episode, Gajraj Rao talks about his early struggles before fame — working as a tailor, writing for newspapers for a few hundred rupees, and getting rejected at hundreds of auditions alongside actors who are now household names. He shares rare, personal stories from the set of Bandit Queen with Shekhar Kapur, his 40-year friendship with Manoj Bajpayee, and an unforgettable backstage memory from their theatre days together. He also opens up about his father, the quiet lessons he learned at home, and how that shaped the man and actor he became. Gajraj Rao reflects on his chemistry with Neena Gupta in Badhaai Ho, the hardest scene he ever shot, his preparation process as an actor, and his sharp, unfiltered opinion on what it really means to be a "character actor" versus a star in Hindi cinema. He also speaks about his decades-long career in advertising filmmaking that quietly supported him through his most uncertain years, and the one principle he says he never compromised on — his self-respect. This conversation covers his most celebrated films and shows — Badhaai Ho, Talvar, Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, Maidaan, Dabba Cartel, Dupahiya — and the people who shaped his career, including Manoj Bajpayee, Ashish Vidyarthi, Neena Gupta, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Ajay Devgn. Whether you know him as the dad from TVF's Tech Conversations with Dad, Kaushik Saab from Badhaai Ho, or one of Bollywood's most respected character actors, this episode of xMonks Drive gives you the most complete, honest, and personal conversation with Gajraj Rao yet. 🎙️ Watch the full episode for stories on Bollywood, struggle, fame, friendship, and self-respect — straight from one of Hindi cinema's most underrated actors. ▶️ Subscribe to xMonks Drive for more honest, in-depth conversations with India's most interesting minds. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Green Room Dedication 00:19 Building Onscreen Chemistry 00:33 Feeling Like a Servant 01:06 Badhaai Ho Breakthrough 02:57 Gratitude For The Team 04:01 Luck And Casting Journey 05:23 Where Characters Live 07:40 Hardest Scene To Play 09:17 Bandit Queen Set Lessons 13:21 Preparing For A Role 16:21 Staying Present On Set 17:38 Stars Versus Character Actors 20:14 Manoj Bajpayee Stories 23:42 Childhood Values And Equality 30:43 Choosing Theatre At 17 32:39 Early Career Humiliations 36:38 Pride Mentors And No Compromise 38:35 Closing Thanks #GajrajRao #xMonksDrive #BadhaaiHo #BollywoodPodcast #GauravArora #ManojBajpayee #IndianPodcast #HindiPodcast #BollywoodInterview #CharacterActor 🔗 Connect with us: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravaroragrv Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirewithgrv Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7vdhTjZlhltIt4e9YiBgMF?si=92853a15e3584866 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/the-xmonks-drive/id1549886334 Website: https://xmonks.com

    Tailor, Theatre, Then Filmfare | Bollywood's Favourite Dad Gajraj Rao Breaks It Down
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4.4
out of 5
44 Ratings

About

What if wisdom had a voice and it sounded like this Welcome to The xMonks Drive with Gaurav Arora, where soulful conversations meet real-world insight. Hosted by Master Certified Coach and founder of xMonks Gaurav Arora, this weekly podcast brings together a rare mix of CEOs, monks, psychologists, spiritual masters, doctors, and changemakers. Together, they explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, live with clarity, and grow from the inside out. From mindfulness and emotional mastery to conscious leadership, healing, entrepreneurship, and legacy, these episodes are more than interviews. They are invitations to shift your perspective and awaken your potential. If you are done with surface-level talk and crave depth, truth, and transformation, you are in the right place. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify along with short, powerful clips to fuel your daily journey. Come curious. Leave clearer.

Information

  • Creator
    Gaurav Arora
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    272
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The xMonks Drive
  • Show Website
    The xMonks Drive

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