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

Sudhir Chaudhary is one of India’s most prominent television journalists, known for his sharp news analysis, bold opinions and decades-long career in broadcast media. He has been at the forefront of Indian journalism’s evolution and its many controversies.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sudhir Chaudhary opens up like never before, on the TRP-driven state of TV news, the pressure anchors face from political and corporate forces and the criticism that comes with being one of the highest-paid figures in Indian media.

He speaks candidly about the ‘nano chip’ controversy, fake news allegations, the Naveen Jindal sting case and how every court eventually gave him a clean chit. Sudhir also reflects on his journey, his mistakes, what he’s learned from them and why he joined DD News after working at Zee News and Aaj Tak.

*Timestamps*

00:00 – Introduction

01:20 – Is Sudhir Chaudhary the Highest-Paid Anchor?

02:44 – TRP vs Reality in News Channels

08:16 – Debates vs Real News Reporting

09:46 – Editorial Freedom & Connecting with Viewers

16:38 – Evolution of News Anchoring

19:03 – Journalism Ethics in War Reporting

21:53 – Challenges as a Ground Reporter

24:38 – Misinformation During Op Sindoor

27:11 – Rs 2000 Notes 'Nano Chip' Controversy

30:14 – Uma Khurana TV ‘Sting’ Operation

37:05 – Naveen Jindal ‘Extortion’ Case

55:07 – Trolls, Labels & Comeback

59:42 – Newsroom Politics Before 2014

1:11:04 – Politics & Professional Boundaries

1:17:30 – The Red Tie Selfie with Trump

1:21:40 – Organic Reach on Social Media

1:23:49 – Career Moves & Running Own Show

1:32:45 – Indian Work Culture & Values

1:36:20 – YouTube Journalism vs Traditional Media

1:41:26 – Deepfake Threats to Journalists

1:45:10 – Working in Private Channels vs Public Broadcasting

1:50:23 – Sudhir Chaudhary Making a Film?

1:53:00 – Hollywood vs Bollywood Storytelling

1:58:08 – Staying Real in Media Spotlight

2:06:22 – Friendships in Media World

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.

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

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

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