Ajai Chowdhry is one of India’s leading tech visionaries and a co-founder of HCL, the company that helped build India’s computer revolution. Over the decades, he has advised governments and industry leaders on how to make India a true technology powerhouse.

He is also the chairman of the EPIC Foundation, an initiative aimed at developing electronic products of national importance and driving India toward self-reliance in technology.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajai Chowdhry talks about the real state of ‘Make in India’: are we truly manufacturing, or just assembling parts? He shares his insights on India’s tech product gap, China’s deep grip on the electronics supply chain, and what India must do to build world-class technology from the ground up.

He also opens up about his journey with HCL, the early days of India’s tech scene, and why the next big challenge for the country is not coding, but creating. Ajai Chowdhry also talks about how AI is reshaping the future of jobs, and why, without strong R&D, ‘Make in India’ will remain just a slogan.

Timestamps

00:00 - Coming Up

02:24 - Introduction

03:28 - Why India Has No Global Product

13:27 - Layoffs in the Tech Industry

17:40 - India Trapped in US–China Trade War?

20:25 - Why India Needs Its Own Tech IP

27:02 - The Push for Data Localisation

38:47 - The Making of HCL

45:55 - Indian Industries Ready for the AI Boom?

51:50 - Human vs Machine: Who Wins?

56:16 - Quantum Computer Ops in India

01:03:38 - The Fight Over Rare Earths

01:07:28 - Nurturing Tech Talent in India

01:12:11 - Family & Early Life

Jaiveer Shergill is a Supreme Court lawyer and national spokesperson of the BJP. He is known for his sharp arguments, nuanced views, and fearless commentary. Once among the Congress party’s national spokespersons, he made headlines when he quit the party, citing “sycophancy over merit,” before joining the BJP.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Jaiveer Shergill opens up about Punjab’s drug crisis, unemployment and migration, his take on the ‘Vote Chori’ campaign, and the state of Congress politics today.

He also speaks about how the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab has failed to deliver on its promises in the state. Furthermore, he talks about faith, Sikh history, and the need to revive Punjab’s spiritual legacy.

00:00 – Coming Up

02:24 – Introduction

03:36 – Punjab’s Drug Crisis

11:18 – India’s Silent Security Threat

15:29 – Punjab’s Youth Migration

22:14 – BJP’s Future in Punjab

30:24 – Influence of Diaspora in Punjab

39:15 – Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations

51:00 – Rahul Gandhi’s Style of Politics

01:00:14 – Diljit Dosanjh Controversy

01:08:51 – Quick Reactions on Stars, Politicians & Food

01:24:45 – Rift Between RSS and BJP?

01:29:19 – Cultural Significance of ‘Jore Sahib’

Prahlad Kakkar is one of India’s most iconic ad filmmakers. He is the man behind some of the most memorable commercials in Indian advertising history, including “Yehi Hai Right Choice Baby! Aha!” for Pepsi and the “2 Minutes!” Maggi noodles ad. Known for his sharp wit, creativity, and fearless storytelling, he is called the ‘adman’ of India. For over 40 years, Kakkar has changed how brands talk to people through advertisements.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Prahlad Kakkar talks about the golden era of Indian advertising, his collaborations with Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya Rai, and Priyanka Chopra, and the unforgettable Salman-Aishwarya feud that made headlines.

He shares insights into how ads became a mirror of Indian society, the craft of storytelling in 30 seconds, and why today’s advertising world lacks the madness and maverick spirit it once had.

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

00:37 – Iconic Ads

01:30 – Prahlad’s Favourite Ad

06:16 – Pepsi Ad Story

09:37 – Aishwarya’s Pepsi Casting

12:54 – Aamir’s Pepsi Casting

15:55 – Maggi Ad Idea

24:14 – Maggi Ketchup Ad Story

33:03 – Understanding Audience Pulse

37:09 – When Actors Misfit Ads

39:11 – Big B as Perfect Fit for Ad

42:20 – Shabana & Smita Era

47:54 – Aishwarya vs Sushmita

51:18 – Aishwarya–Salman Feud

55:34 – Sridevi & Hema Era

59:30 – Ad Films vs Feature Films

1:00:42 – Deepika–Priyanka 'Clash'

1:02:47 – Quick Reactions on Stars