ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

Asian News International (ANI)
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ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.

  1. EP-354 | Untold Stories of Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Balraj Sahni & Amitabh Bachchan | Parikshit Sahni

    1 DAY AGO

    EP-354 | Untold Stories of Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Balraj Sahni & Amitabh Bachchan | Parikshit Sahni

    Parikshit Sahni is one of Indian cinema’s most respected veteran actors, known for his memorable performances in Kabhi Kabhie, Tapasya, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. The son of legendary actor Balraj Sahni, he has carried forward a remarkable cinematic legacy with grace and depth. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Parikshit Sahni takes us through the golden era of Bollywood, sharing stories of working with icons like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, and Rakhee. He opens up about his father’s advice, his early years in Moscow studying film direction, assisting Raj Kapoor on Mera Naam Joker, and how he became an actor. Sahni also talks about the magic of directors like Yash Chopra and Rishikesh Mukherjee, and what made films of the '60s and '70s truly timeless. This episode is a nostalgic journey through the heart of Bollywood’s golden era, told by someone who lived it. 00:00 – Introduction 00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee 02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s 04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey 09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore 10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni 13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia 16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker' 18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life 22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake 25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style 27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan 30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra 34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan 36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi 39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar 42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades 46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam' 51:10 – Family 52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab 54:03 – Writing Two Books 55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry 58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia? 1:01:35 – Closing Remarks

    1h 2m
  2. EP 353 |Saurabh Shukla on Ranbir Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Comic Timing, Awards & More

    4 DAYS AGO

    EP 353 |Saurabh Shukla on Ranbir Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Comic Timing, Awards & More

    Saurabh Shukla is one of India’s most talented and loved actors, known for his roles in Satya, Jolly LLB, and Barfi. A National Award winner, he is admired for his natural acting and brilliant comic timing. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Saurabh Shukla talks about what acting really means, how he perfects his timing in comedy, and how he keeps his characters real and consistent across films. He shares interesting stories about working with greats like Amrish Puri and Shekhar Kapur, his early struggles in the industry, moments of self-doubt, and the happiness of winning a National Award. Saurabh Shukla also speaks about how Bollywood has changed over the years, why South Indian films are winning hearts, and how humour, language, and everyday life experiences help actors connect with their audience. 00:00 – Introduction 00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity 02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning 05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life 09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism 14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today 17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi! 21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare 24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen 32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film 47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More 49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri 54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor 1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed 1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience 1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences 1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films 1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat 1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT 1:26:15 – Closing

    1h 30m
  3. EP-352 | Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani: India Story, Trump Tariffs, Adani, Ambani, Real Estate & Jobs

    8 OCT

    EP-352 | Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani: India Story, Trump Tariffs, Adani, Ambani, Real Estate & Jobs

    Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani is one of India’s most respected business leaders and real estate developers. Co-founder and Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group, he has helped shape Mumbai’s skyline with landmark projects and continues to influence the debate on housing, infrastructure, and India’s growth. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Hiranandani talks about the India story, the impact of Trump’s tariffs, and India’s goal of becoming self-reliant through Atmanirbhar Bharat. He also shares his views on the real estate sector, jobs, and why skill development is key to India’s future. He opens up about his early days, what inspired him to become a builder, his thoughts on industrialists like Adani and Ambani, and why he believes India’s next decade will be full of opportunity. 00:00 – Coming Up 02:14 – Introduction 03:11 – Can India Handle Trump’s Tariffs? 10:45 – Do Industrialists Believe in the India Story? 14:50 – Millionaires Leaving India 18:22 – Real Estate Journey 19:22 – Mumbai Real Estate’s Mafia Era 27:37 – What’s Stopping India from Growing? 29:48 – India’s Development Skewed? 31:18 – Mumbai’s Development 35:53 – Unemployment in India 42:25 – Challenges in the Healthcare Sector 50:08 – Inside a Billionaire’s Daily Routine

    54 min
  4. Fled Iran’s Revolution & Built a Bakery Empire in India | L’Opéra Founders | EP-351

    5 OCT

    Fled Iran’s Revolution & Built a Bakery Empire in India | L’Opéra Founders | EP-351

    Kazem Samandari is the Executive Chairperson and Co-Founder of L'Opéra, one of India’s most prominent French bakery operations. Christine Samandari-Hakim, his wife and co-founder, played a key role in developing the bakery’s concept and brand identity. In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kazem and Christine Samandari share their experiences as Baha’is in pre-revolutionary Iran, and the challenges their families faced during the Islamic Revolution. They also talk about how their son’s love for French pastries inspired L’Opéra, following a year of preparation. The couple explains why India is the ‘El Dorado’ for startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs, offering ease of doing business and living. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 01:32 – Story of Christine Samandari 06:32 – Story of Kazem Samandari 08:44 – Iran Before the Islamic Revolution 15:36 – Christine’s Father’s Assassination 17:35 – The Baha'i Faith Community in Iran 21:45 – What Is the Baha'i Faith? 29:22 – Connection with Iran 33:39 – Journey to India 37:54 – Story Behind French Bakery L’Opéra 42:48 – Sourcing Ingredients for L’Opéra 47:29 – Was India Ready for a French Bakery? 54:55 – Expanding Beyond Delhi 57:03 – Was India the Right Choice for L’Opéra? 59:06 – Ease of Doing Business in India

    1h 11m
  5. EP-350 | Rani Mukerji Unfiltered: Movies, Shah Rukh, 8-Hour Shift Row, Media, Paparazzi & More

    1 OCT

    EP-350 | Rani Mukerji Unfiltered: Movies, Shah Rukh, 8-Hour Shift Row, Media, Paparazzi & More

    Rani Mukerji is one of Bollywood’s most acclaimed and versatile actors, renowned for her powerful performances in films such as Black, Mardaani, and Hichki. With a career spanning nearly three decades, she has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to remain a beloved star among audiences. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rani speaks candidly, on her very first podcast, about her journey in cinema, winning a National Award for the first time, and her long-standing friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. She also shares her views on the recent debate around 8-hour work shifts in the film industry and explains why she prefers to stay away from the media and paparazzi. Beyond her on-screen life, Rani opens up about balancing family and career, and what continues to inspire her as an actor today. 00:00 – Introduction 01:20 – Winning the National Film Award 05:15 – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Story 07:31 – Challenges Faced by Immigrants 09:08 – Preparing for a Character 10:26 – Rani & Karan’s Kids Watched the Ceremony 11:43 – Wedding Pictures & Privacy 15:49 – Actresses and Their Private Lives 18:40 – First Screen Test & Mom’s Reaction 20:20 – Role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai 21:36 – Backlash over Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna 26:50 – Handling Setbacks After Success 28:54 – Reinventing Herself 32:14 – Creative Process During Hichki 36:00 – Pausing Career for Her Daughter 38:33 – Durga Puja Celebrations 41:26 – Competition With Kajol? 45:15 – Bringing Indian Women to the Forefront 48:37 – Husband’s Support for Hichki 51:29 – Deepika’s 8-Hour Shift Demand 54:19 – Films Better Planned Today? 55:57 – Who Shah Rukh Khan Gels With Better 56:41 – Winning National Award After 30 Years 58:06 – Directors Who Bring Out the Best in Her 1:04:04 – Will Rani Mukerji Direct a Film? 1:05:42 – Upcoming Projects 1:07:38 – A Message for All Women

    1h 12m
  6. EP-349 | The ‘SILENT’ Killer in Your Body: Tips from Top Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Ramakanta Panda

    28 SEPT

    EP-349 | The ‘SILENT’ Killer in Your Body: Tips from Top Cardiac Surgeon Dr. Ramakanta Panda

    Dr. Ramakanta Panda is a renowned cardiac surgeon and Chairman of the Asian Heart Institute, a leading cardiac care hospital in Mumbai. He has performed over 30,000 successful cardiac surgeries. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2010, Dr. Panda has operated on several top Indian leaders, including former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Tarun Gogoi. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Panda discusses the rising cases of heart attacks among young people. He addresses whether the COVID-19 vaccine is linked to heart attacks. Dr. Panda also highlights how lifestyle changes are driving the rise of heart disease in India. He emphasises that diet, exercise and daily habits play a crucial role in preventing heart problems. Dr Panda also shares how he stays calm and focused while performing high-risk surgeries. 00:00 – Introduction 00:46 – Lifestyle Factor Behind Heart Attacks 11:29 – COVID Vaccine and Heart Attack Link 14:49 – Late-Night Habits & Heart Health 21:46 – VIP Patients & High-Risk Surgeries 25:39 – Health Insurance & Financial Security 30:54 – Sugar & Processed Food 36:22 – Heart Risk from Smoking & Alcohol 40:41 – Veg Diet vs Non-Veg Diet 52:04 – Akshay Kumar Fitness Routine 59:53 – Surgery of Dr. Manmohan Singh 1:01:56 – Emotional Stress & Heart Attack Awareness 1:07:52 – Misconceptions About Heart Health 1:13:16 – Heart Attack Symptoms 1:17:02 – Self-Medication and AI Tools

    1h 22m
  7. EP-348 | Jinnah, Nehru & Indira, Rajiv, Sikh Diaspora, Modi & Punjab Politics | Tarlochan Singh

    26 SEPT

    EP-348 | Jinnah, Nehru & Indira, Rajiv, Sikh Diaspora, Modi & Punjab Politics | Tarlochan Singh

    Sardar Tarlochan Singh is a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He has spent his life fighting for Sikh causes, human rights, and keeping the Punjabi language alive, while promoting Sikhism around the world. At 92, Tarlochan Singh has seen it all, from India’s Partition to the rise of India as a major power in South Asia. In Part 2 of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tarlochan Singh talks about Rajiv Gandhi’s Cold War with President Giani Zail Singh and the Bofors scandal. He also shares how Operation Blue Star changed India, and speaks on Hindu-Sikh unity, the farmers’ protest, Punjab’s drug crisis, and the role of the Sikh diaspora in shaping politics today. 00:00 - Coming Up 01:55 - Introduction 03:13 - Bofors Scandal Stories 17:57 - Sikh Diaspora After Rajiv’s Assassination 19:14 - Sikh-Hindu Unity 19:56 - Attempts to Break Sikh-Hindu Unity 24:06 - BJP & Akali Alliance 27:24 - Farmers’ Protest 36:42 - Punjab Unemployment Fuels Drug Crisis 38:00 - How Vajpayee Valued Punjab & Sikhs 42:21 - Dr. Manmohan Singh Beyond Sikh Identity 49:01 - Parkash Singh Badal’s Political Legacy and Life 54:53 - Partap Singh Kairon and Indira Gandhi 59:00 - Role of Sikhs in Modern Delhi 1:04:06 - Khushwant Singh’s Contribution to Sikhs 1:29:10 - Message to Young Sikhs in India & Abroad

    1h 33m
  8. EP-347 | Bollywood, Bigg Boss & Payjama Party: The Funniest Podcast Ever with Cyrus Broacha

    22 SEPT

    EP-347 | Bollywood, Bigg Boss & Payjama Party: The Funniest Podcast Ever with Cyrus Broacha

    Cyrus Broacha is a comedian, political satirist, podcaster, and author. He is best known for MTV India’s Bakra and his popular satirical show The Week That Wasn’t, which ran on television for over 17 years. In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Cyrus shares behind-the-scenes stories from The Week That Wasn’t and MTV Bakra, along with his experience on Bigg Boss. He also talks about sitcoms and reality shows, the Parsis of Bombay, and opens up about crushes, colleagues, marriage, food, and Mumbai’s lifestyle. 00:00 – Introduction 00:30 – Bombay Hindi vs. Delhi Hindi 05:29 – Animal Love Paradox in India 08:57 – Bigg Boss Experience 15:16 – The Secret of Lean Celebrities 18:21 – BTS of ‘The Week That Wasn't’ & ‘MTV Bakra’ 24:51 – Gen Z & Tech Distractions 28:52 – Indian Politics & Freebies Culture 34:46 – Friendship with Kunal Vijayakar 42:06 – Arnab Goswami & Pak Cricketers 51:03 – Sitcoms & Indian Reality Shows 55:40 – Parsis of Bombay 1:02:20 – Crushes, Colleagues & Marriage 1:10:26 – Food & Mumbai’s Lifestyle 1:21:49 – Parenting & Podcasting

    1h 34m
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Hosts & Guests

About

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.

Information

  • Creator
    Asian News International (ANI)
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    354
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Asian News International (ANI)
  • Show Website
    ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash

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