Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini

Rohit Maini
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  • Entrepreneurship
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Everyday Empires brings you the inspiring journeys of ordinary people building extraordinary entrepreneurial empires. Every 3rd Thursday, Rohit Maini, London-based chartered accountant, Managing Director of award-winning businesses and an entrepreneur himself, interviews guests to uncover stories more relatable and inspiring than the same old narratives about out-of-touch entrepreneurs that seem to dominate media headlines, Forbes lists and our social feeds. Find us at https://everyday-empires.com/.

  1. Is Bollywood Struggling? OTT, Rising Costs & How the Industry Really Works | Abhishek Kapur | Ep.18

    May 8

    Is Bollywood Struggling? OTT, Rising Costs & How the Industry Really Works | Abhishek Kapur | Ep.18

    Abhishek Anil Kapur, director of Skyforce, breaks down how the Hindi film industry really works and what it takes to build a career in Bollywood from the ground up. Abhishek began with the dream of becoming an actor but quickly realised it wasn’t his strength. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, he found his way onto a film set, starting as an intern on Shor in the City with Raj & DK. Over the next 15 years, he worked his way up from intern to first assistant director and eventually to associate director at Maddock Films. He learned every aspect of filmmaking behind the scenes before finally directing his first feature film in 2025. In This Episode, We Cover: • How to enter Bollywood • What really happens behind the camera • Film crew hierarchy explained • How COVID and OTT changed the Indian film industry • Rising cinema costs, death of the single screen cinemas • Why audiences are more selective today Beyond the mechanics of the industry, this conversation is about mindset starting wherever you can, staying patient, and trusting that opportunities come to those who stick it out long enough. If you’re curious about how to join Bollywood, understand the Indian film industry, or build a long-term career in film, this episode offers a rare, honest look from someone who’s done it the hard way. 🎙️ Everyday Empires brings you real conversations with people building their careers and businesses from the ground up. 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights on entrepreneurship, careers, and creative industries 💬 Comment below: Would you ever try to break into Bollywood?

    1h 1m
  2. The Full Circle: Mukti Mohan on Dance, Acting, and Building MuktiManch | Everyday Empires Ep17

    Apr 11

    The Full Circle: Mukti Mohan on Dance, Acting, and Building MuktiManch | Everyday Empires Ep17

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with the multifaceted Mukti Mohan - dancer, actor, and entrepreneur. Mukti opens up about her journey from a childhood bedroom stage in New Delhi to the professional sets of Netflix and beyond. We explore: •⁠ ⁠The Science of Dance: Why 9 years of Bharatnatyam saved her from career-ending injuries. •⁠ ⁠The Industry’s "Male Gaze": A heartbreaking look at how professional technique is often edited out for "item shots". •⁠ ⁠The Actor’s Transition: How she "shamelessly" approached Anurag Kashyap to assist on Bombay Velvet just to learn the craft. •⁠ ⁠Mukti Manch (@MuktiManch): Her vision for creating a shelter where artists can return to "Ground Zero" and experiment without judgment. Mukti Mohan doesn't hold back in this raw episode of Everyday Empires. From the heartbreak of having her technical dance skills edited out for "male gaze" body shots to the bold move of assisting on film sets just to learn how a camera breathes , Mukti reveals what it actually takes to transition from a reality show winner to a Netflix actor. We dive deep into Mukti Manch, her "safe haven" for artists to fail, and why she believes money only exists to buy the freedom to learn.

    54 min
  3. How to Use AI in Business Strategy | Philip Milne on Automation, Leadership & Making AI Work | Ep16 AI for Entrepreneurs: Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong | Philip Milne | Ep.16

    Mar 7

    How to Use AI in Business Strategy | Philip Milne on Automation, Leadership & Making AI Work | Ep16 AI for Entrepreneurs: Why Most Businesses Get It Wrong | Philip Milne | Ep.16

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Philip Milne, entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, and author of Making Business AI Work, to unpack what artificial intelligence really means for business leaders. Long before AI became a buzzword, Philip was utilizing automation systems in the 1980s to reduce redundancy, streamline operations, and rethink how his business functioned. Today, through his latest venture, Intelidat, he continues to help businesses integrate AI not as a tool — but as a way of thinking. Philip shares decades of experience building companies, leading teams, and adapting to technological shifts — offering a grounded, practical perspective on artificial intelligence in business. “AI is not replacing people. AI is making people BETTER at what they do.” In this episode, we discuss: * How to use AI in business strategy * Why most companies implement AI incorrectly * The difference between automation and true AI thinking * Why AI is a leadership mindset, not just a technology tool

    1h 13m
  4. Quitting Corporate to Build an Affordable Luxury D2C Brand | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 15: Dishant Mehta

    Feb 4

    Quitting Corporate to Build an Affordable Luxury D2C Brand | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 15: Dishant Mehta

    How do you start a D2C business in India and does influencer marketing still work? In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with Dishant Mehta, co-founder of @WNTRTravel , an Indian D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) luggage brand built on a bold belief: India deserves luxury products at affordable prices. Dishant didn’t grow up dreaming of entrepreneurship. He pursued an MBA with plans to climb the corporate ladder. But the pull to build something of his own never left. Alongside his cousin and co-founder, Dishant began moonlighting WNTR while still working full-time slowly testing the Indian market before taking the leap. In this conversation, Dishant breaks down what it really takes to start a D2C brand in India, why influencer marketing failed for WNTR, and how founder-led marketing became their biggest growth lever. 📌 In this episode, we cover: Starting a business, while working a full-time job Building a D2C brand in India from scratch What “affordable luxury” actually means in the Indian market Raising VC funding and why founders must go all-in Why customers trust founders more than influencers today Everyday Empires shares real stories from founders building modern businesses no fluff, no filters. LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more such conversations on start-ups and entrepreneurship Comment below: Do you trust founders more than influencers?

    57 min
  5. Why Two American Founders Bet on the Indian Market | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 14: Mike Melli & Sanskruti Mehta-Melli

    Jan 8

    Why Two American Founders Bet on the Indian Market | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 14: Mike Melli & Sanskruti Mehta-Melli

    Is India the Best Emerging Market for Entrepreneurs? In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with The Power Couple, Mike Melli and Sanskruti Mehta — two American entrepreneurs who moved to India independently, spotted gaps in the market, and built their respective empires. Mike Melli is the founder of MissMalini Entertainment, one of India’s most influential digital media platforms, and The Good Creator Co., a creator-first talent and brand agency. Sanskruti Mehta is the founder of US-based FrostroX Jewelry and the Managing Director of Shashvi Agencies, bringing international men’s jewellery brands like INOX Jewelry to the Indian market. Though married, Mike and Sanskruti run separate businesses, navigating entrepreneurship, parenthood, and life in India on their own terms. In this conversation, they open up about: • Why they both saw opportunity in India and chose to move from the US • Building businesses as outsiders in India, and why they believe they're always a “guest” in the country. • Working within India’s systems rather than trying to reshape them • The importance of having voice, values, and responsibility in media — not just clicks and gossip • Sanskruti’s experience of not fully “fitting in” — and how motherhood reshaped her sense of belonging This episode is a thoughtful look at cross-cultural entrepreneurship, the Indian creator economy, and what it really means to build something meaningful — without entitlement. If you’re interested in: ✔️ Building businesses in India ✔️ Media, creators & the influencer economy ✔️ Diaspora identity & belonging ✔️ Entrepreneurship as a couple (without joint businesses) — this conversation is for you. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares #realstories from founders, creatives, and builders shaping modern culture — #nofluff #nofilters 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder conversations 💬 Comment below: Would you ever move countries to build your business?

    1h 5m
  6. The Princess of Poetry who Penned Her Own Fairytale | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 13: Nayab Midha

    11/25/2025

    The Princess of Poetry who Penned Her Own Fairytale | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 13: Nayab Midha

    Nayab Midha - viral poet, globally-touring spoken word artist, Vogue Bride, and the mind behind Rajkumari - joins us to break down how she built a global creative career through clarity, culture, and conscious reinvention. Nayab began performing poetry on small stages, built an audience without industry backing, and in just a few short years turned raw storytelling into a touring business and a social media empire. Along the way, she reimagined Indian wedding traditions, crafted viral work that shifted conversations, and built a marriage grounded in calm, equality and intention. Today, her work spans: 📝 Live poetry + global tours 📚 Bestselling storytelling & writing 🎭 Rajkumari: a cultural phenomenon 💍 A Vogue-featured wedding rooted in equality and zero-waste values Yet behind the virality is a creator who thinks strategically about brand, business, and longevity - and who believes the most powerful form of rebellion is quiet, honest and non-combative change. 📌 We covered: •⁠ ⁠How Rajkumari was built - and why it hit a nerve •⁠ ⁠Turning poetry into a scalable business •⁠ ⁠Reinventing tradition while embracing heritage •⁠ ⁠Navigating visibility, boundaries & creative pressure •⁠ ⁠Self-love, partnership & choosing calm over chaos Whether you're a creative, founder, or cultural storyteller, Nayab’s journey is a masterclass in building with intention - and leading with softness, not noise. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from real builders - no fluff, no filters. 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered conversations. 💬 Comment below: What part of Nayab’s story stayed with you?

    47 min
  7. The Bengali Supper Club redefining London fine dining | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 12: Sohini Banerjee

    10/02/2025

    The Bengali Supper Club redefining London fine dining | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 12: Sohini Banerjee

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Sohini Banerjee — economist turned chef, and the creative force behind Smoke & Lime, one of London’s most unique Bengali supper clubs. Born in Kolkata and raised in the UK, Sohini has worked with trailblazers like Asma Khan and Rohit Ghai before creating her own path. Since 2018, she and her husband have welcomed guests into their home — serving a seasonal and zero-waste menu that blends heritage, sustainability, and creativity. But Smoke & Lime is more than food. It’s about preserving culture, celebrating connections, and being your authentic self. In this conversation, Sohini opens up about: - Being bullied as a child for her clothes and food — and why she never stopped embracing her heritage - Why she doesn’t want to open a restaurant, and instead calls herself “the Bengali Omakase Chef” - Building an entrepreneurial path that celebrates culture while staying true to her values - Why supper clubs are the future of dining in London If you’re curious about food entrepreneurship, cultural identity, sustainable dining, or London’s evolving supper club scene, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Everyday Empires brings you the real stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers — no fluff, no filters. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring founder journeys. #SohiniBanerjee #SmokeAndLime #SupperClub #BengaliFood #ZeroWasteCooking #LondonDining #FemaleEntrepreneur #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #AsmaKhan #FoodEntrepreneurship #IndianFoodUK #CulturalHeritage #OmakaseExperience

    1h 23m
  8. Lad from Dubai on Why Dubai Beats the UK Every Time | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 11: Moiz Ahmed

    09/04/2025

    Lad from Dubai on Why Dubai Beats the UK Every Time | Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini | Ep. 11: Moiz Ahmed

    In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Moiz Ahmed — better known as the “Lad from Dubai” — a rising real estate advisor and content creator helping people understand Dubai’s booming property market. More than just buying or selling homes, he focuses on trust, transparency, and long-term value for his clients. Through his Instagram page @ladfromdxb, Moiz breaks down everything from luxury property investments to the realities of Dubai living — making him one of the most relatable new voices in the industry. In this conversation, we cover: 👨‍👩‍👧 Growing up as the youngest of four in a South Asian family 🏡 The truth about Dubai real estate vs. the UK housing market 🌍 Why more British investors and families are moving to the UAE 💡 The pressures of success, entrepreneurship, and carving your own path Whether you’re thinking about investing in Dubai property, or just curious about the mindset it takes to stand out in a competitive industry, Moiz’s story is full of insight, energy, and no-BS advice. 🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from everyday entrepreneurs, advisors, and creators — no fluff, no filters. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder and creator stories. #LadFromDubai #DubaiRealEstate #InvestInDubai #DubaiPropertyMarket #UKvsUAE #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #MoizAhmed #DubaiLiving #RealEstateAdvisor

    1h 12m
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About

Everyday Empires brings you the inspiring journeys of ordinary people building extraordinary entrepreneurial empires. Every 3rd Thursday, Rohit Maini, London-based chartered accountant, Managing Director of award-winning businesses and an entrepreneur himself, interviews guests to uncover stories more relatable and inspiring than the same old narratives about out-of-touch entrepreneurs that seem to dominate media headlines, Forbes lists and our social feeds. Find us at https://everyday-empires.com/.

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