In this deeply honest conversation, Vamsee Chaganti opens up about his journey from engineering and IT jobs to cinema, theatre, and choosing creative freedom over comfort. Known to audiences from Happy Days, he reflects on how early success shaped his personal and professional life in Telugu cinema.Hosted on Kaushik & Co, this episode goes beyond fame and formulas. Through the experiences and perspectives of Vamsee Chaganti, the discussion explores filmmaking realities, middle-class expectations, industry myths, and why choosing meaningful roles often comes with uncertainty.From cricket conversations to artistic integrity, from theatre struggles to life lessons after Happy Days, this episode is a raw look at what success really means beyond money, fame, and visibility.🔑 Key Discussion PointsImpact of Happy Days and being typecast for yearsTransition from an engineering & IT job to full-time actingPassion vs practicality: quitting a stable career for cinemaChoosing to be an actor over chasing a “hero” imageMoney, success, and creative satisfaction in the film industryReality of filmmaking, failures, and industry risksVision behind Tollywood Pro League (TPL) and artist welfare🎯 What You Will Learn From This EpisodeHow to take bold life decisions without living with regretWhy passion often looks like “madness” to othersThe real meaning of success beyond money and fameWhat aspiring actors should realistically expect from cinemaHow to stay mentally strong through uncertainty and rejection Timestamps 00:01 - Intro 01:52 - About happy days 03:04 - Happy days character of him 04:00 - Middle-class journey from IT to cinema06:37 - Were you always passionate about movies?07:27 - What was the first movie you watched?08:21 - About the show 08:57 - Why did you take such a long gap after Happy Days movie ? 10:46 - Did your parents ask why you’re doing fewer films?11:44 - Did you face relatives questioning what you’re doing?13:11 - Advice for the people who are willing to get into movies 15:38 - What is your relationship with money?18:44 - Our upbringing impacts everything23:41 - Was your engineering life like Happy Days engineering? 24:07 - How was your Cognizant/IT life?28:24 - How do you define success?30:29 - Banks don’t treat the film industry as an industry 31:27 - Have you faced any fearful situations? 33:16 - Is it true that there are no real friends in the film industry?34:17 - Finding good producers is tough, even with a strong script 36:19 - Story vs star power - what makes a movie successful? 42:57 - Why is Rajamouli so successful? 45:56 - What is the process of making a film?51:34 - How to get on-set film experience? 54:56 - Is a Happy Days sequel being planned?57:46 - I’ll act if Pawan Kalyan directs me58:49 - How was working with Vishwanath sir?1:02:03 - Recommendations of k . vishwanath garu movies 1:06:28 - What makes him stand out ? 1:09:11 - Any directors you dream of working with?1:11:40 - How is RGV as a director?1:16:02 - Loves performing on stage1:17:26 - Male emotions 1:21:09 - How important are male friendships? 1:23:09 - Men show emotions through sports 1:25:07 - What is your association with cricket? 1:27:37 - Tollywood pro League start will stun people 1:37:55 - What is the structure of the league 1:42:13 - Registrations of players 1:47:44 - How much influence did Dil Raju garu have on you? NC Kaushik ( Host ) - instagram.com/KaushikncKaushik&co - instagram.com/Kaushikandcoshow Kathanika Media - instagram.com/kathanikamedia Presented by : Kathanika Media Co-Presented by : Rojo Elephant Entertainment Venue Partner : Columbus coffee - The Cozy Eatery#kaushikandco #cinema #tollywood #movieindustry #pawankalyan #maheshbabu #happydays #cricket #passion #engineeringlife #sekharkammula #podcast #telugupodcast

Why You Pay ₹149 for a ₹99 MilkshakeThe Dark Reality of Food Delivery | MOM x Kaushik & CoIn this episode of Kaushik & Co, we sit down with Rahul, founder of Makers of Milkshakes (MOM), to break down the real business truth behind food delivery pricing, margins, and survival in India’s F&B ecosystem.From studying Computer Science and pursuing an MBA in London to building one of Hyderabad’s most recognisable milkshake brands, Rahul shares a journey shaped by grit, first-principles thinking, and a deeply rooted middle-class mindset.This is not a motivational story.This is a ground-level business reality check.Key Discussion PointsThe ₹149 Milkshake TruthWhy a ₹99 milkshake becomes ₹149 on delivery apps. Commissions, packaging, discounts, and hidden costs nobody talks about.Idea Validation at ScaleHow MOM was validated by giving away 1,700 free milkshakes and what real customer behaviour revealed.Word of Mouth Over Paid AdsWhy MOM avoids heavy ad spends and focuses on organic brand trust.Chef-Independent ModelHow SOP-driven systems allow MOM to train staff in just one week, without relying on star chefs.COVID RealityThe toughest phase — selling personal property to pay salaries, clear dues, and keep the business alive.What You’ll Get From This Episode• A raw breakdown of food delivery economics• How middle-class thinking shaped business decisions• Scaling without compromising ethics• Hiring, training, and SOP systems explained simply• Founder stress, risk, and responsibility behind the scenes• A fun segment comparing milkshake flavours to Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit SharmaThis Episode Is For You If You Are• An aspiring entrepreneur• Running or planning an F&B brand• Curious about Swiggy and Zomato economics• Interested in system-driven scaling• Someone who believes values matter while building profitWatch till the end. This conversation will change how you look at food delivery.Chapters00:00 – Intro14:08 – First stall & early risks19:09 – COVID & survival27:01 – Stubbornness in business41:46 – Evaluating business ideas57:24 – Favourite MOM milkshake1:00:12 – Franchising decision1:18:20 – Walk-ins vs delivery apps1:27:02 – Digital presence & marketing1:33:25 – Fun segment1:47:04 – Costly business mistake2:05:16 – Personal side & family2:26:44 – LegacyHashtags#makersofmilkshakes #podcast #mom #kaushikandco #foodbusinessindia #startupreality #fooddeliverytruth #hyderabadstartups #indianstartups #businesspodcastindiaSearch Keywordswhy food delivery is expensive₹149 milkshake realitymakers of milkshakes founder interviewfood delivery commission indiaswiggy zomato margins explainedrestaurant business india reality

In this inspiring episode of Kaushik & Co, Charan Lakkaraju shares deep insights on how Gen Z is redefining success, career growth, and leadership in 2026. From the truth behind ₹1 Crore salary packages to the rise of startup culture, this episode explores what really matters for students and professionals today.We discuss how the Rich Dad Poor Dad mindset applies to modern parenting, why “proof of work” matters more than degrees, and how Gen Z can turn chaos into opportunity.If you are a student, parent, or young professional navigating today’s rapidly changing world, this conversation will provide you with the clarity and motivation you need.💬 Key Discussion Points • Gen Z’s Advantage: Why Charan calls them the “Golden Generation” despite the criticism • Cool Dad vs Rich Dad: How upbringing shapes financial and career mindset • The Salary Myth: Understanding the reality behind viral ₹1 Crore package stories • Future Skills: Why implementation matters more than just having knowledge • Startup Chaos: How starting your career in unstructured environments accelerates growth🎓 What You Will Learn • Proof of Work vs Degrees: Why tangible projects matter more than paper qualifications • Networking Hacks: How to get into the right rooms and connect with mentors • Women in Leadership: The strengths women bring to modern workplaces • Soft Skills Mastery: The art of reading people and building emotional intelligence • Career Strategy: Choosing between startups and corporate jobs the smart wayTime stamps 00:00 - Kaushik's intro 00:45 - Intro 02:09 - Introduction of the show 02:56 - Charan Lakkaraju gifted his father a ₹6,000 shirt 04:07 - Is your relationship with money shaped by your father’s views on money?05:50 - Was there a rich dad while you are growing up 11:34 - What dos and don’ts did you learn from your father?13:57 - Dos and values for future generations17:36 - Free will of the newer generations20:43 - Changes observed in today’s student generation24:19 - Present generation students are not chasing marks anymore29:34 - Are we equipping students with enough financial knowledge?35:17 - Game 40:00 - What was your first investment?43:14 - Do you see gender bias in the hiring process?46:36 - Are women employees undermined at the workplace?49:56 - Difference between men leaders and women leaders54:01 - Are women in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities more focused on their careers? 56:09 - Are men and women equally unequipped for household work?59:03 - Not everyone gets a high-paying job1:00:02 - Difference between CTC and in-hand salary1:03:33 - Do you support structureless organizations?1:07:15 - What should a student look for before joining a startup?1:15:49 - Is there anything that makes you angry?1:17:08 - Have you learned something from Gen Z?1:20:06 - Is there anything you’d like to talk about? 1:23:00 - What did you read in this room 1:24:22 - Advice for fresh graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs #genzcareer #genz #charanlakkaraju #kaushikandco #richdadpoordad #proofofwork #womenleaders #startupindia #careeradvice #networking #corporatelife #startup NC Kaushik ( Host ) - instagram.com/KaushikncKaushik&co - instagram.com/Kaushikandcoshow Kathanika Media - instagram.com/kathanikamedia Presented by : Kathanika Media Venue Partner : Columbus coffee - The Cozy Eatery

In this episode of Kaushik & Co., we explore Telugu hip hop with Abhinava Kavi, a Telugu rapper, poet, and thinker redefining what hip hop means in today’s world.From the streets to self-expression, this conversation dives deep into how hip hop becomes more than just music. It is knowledge, rhythm, language, and revolution. Abhinava Kavi opens up about the power of Telugu, his philosophy of art, his mental battles, and how sports, family, and culture shaped his mindset.This episode is not about trends or fame. It is about authenticity, respect for language, and finding peace in chaos, the true essence of an artist.Key Discussion Points• What “Hip Hop” truly means: knowledge in motion • The musical vibration of the Telugu language • Why respecting a language’s frequency opens cultural connection • The origin of the stage name “Abhinava Kavi” and what it represents • Lessons from Sachin Tendulkar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and UFC fighters • Growing through bullying, rebellion, and self-discovery • Why artists must stay responsible, aware, and real • The balance between chaos, emotion, and composureWhat You’ll Learn From This Episode• How language carries rhythm, emotion, and power • The deeper connection between art, mindset, and movement • Why creative freedom comes from self-discipline • How to channel chaos into purpose through your art • Why imperfection makes you more human and more relatableHip hop is not just sound. It is a mirror of life, culture, and consciousness. Through poetry, rhythm, and honesty, Abhinava Kavi reminds us that true art is born from struggle, reflection, and respect for roots.👉 Watch till the end. This one will change how you see hip hop, art, and identity.

Fix your Sleep, Gut issues, Eating habits and be healthy ‎⁨@drsamathatulla⁩ x Kaushik&coIn this episode of Kaushik & Co., we sit down with Dr Samatha Tulla (MD) to break down the real health threats faced by people living in urban India — and how to protect yourself from the Big Three: Air, Food, and Water.Moving beyond population medicine, this conversation explains why being “normal” on blood reports doesn’t mean you’re actually healthy. We dive deep into sleep science, gut health, fasting, hormones, inflammation, and diet myths, and how small micro-habits, practiced consistently, can completely change your energy levels, focus, mood, and long-term health.This episode isn’t about extreme diets or trends.It’s about understanding your body, fixing what’s broken early, and operating at your optimal capacity — not just surviving, but performing better every day.Key Discussion Points• Why air, food, and water are the biggest silent health risks in metro cities• Why poor sleep damages hormones, metabolism, and recovery• The 2-hour sleep protocol using temperature and breathing• How fasting works — and why women must fast differently• The gut as the “second brain” and its impact on mood and anxiety• Saturated fats, eggs, whey protein, carbs — myths vs facts• Why “normal” blood test ranges keep people tired and unhealthyWhat You’ll Learn From This Episode• A practical sleep blueprint for deep recovery• How fasting supports metabolic health and cellular clean-up• Which health markers actually matter for energy and brain fog• How to identify hidden inflammation triggers in daily food• Simple longevity habits that actually work in real lifeThink of your body like a high-performance engine.Most people wait for breakdowns.This episode teaches you how to fine-tune it before the warning signs appear.👉 Watch till the end — this one can genuinely change how you approach your health.Timestamps00:00 – Kaushik’s intro00:50 – Episode opener02:46 – About the show03:19 – Biggest health damage this year04:37 – Micro habits & consistency06:45 – Sleep basics08:31 – Why sleep worsens with age10:46 – Reversible vs irreversible sleep damage13:10 – Most damaging effect of less sleep14:20 – Eyes closed but unable to sleep21:39 – How often should one fast?27:48 – Who should & shouldn’t fast29:02 – Benefits of fasting34:58 – Should young adults avoid fasting?38:14 – Loneliness & life expectancy40:42 – Explaining macros & micros to parents42:49 – Diet myths busted45:21 – Increasing daily protein48:02 – Protein needs for kids49:34 – Keto & carb confusion50:25 – Protein needs: men vs women51:54 – Diet cycling52:59 – Macro breakdown55:03 – Whey protein myths55:53 – Best non-veg protein sources57:57 – How many eggs are safe?1:02:18 – Inflammatory vs anti-inflammatory foods1:05:03 – Iron deficiency1:06:11 – Anemia1:08:11 – Vitamin B12 deficiency1:10:15 – B12 symptoms1:11:38 – Vitamin B91:12:37 – Vitamin D1:14:00 – Vitamin D symptoms1:16:42 – Omega-61:18:40 – Magnesium1:23:10 – Processed foods1:26:29 – 4 AM biryani culture1:29:30 – Gut health1:35:21 – Alcohol & health1:36:43 – Alcohol vs tobacco vs sugar1:38:45 – Does food order matter?1:41:33 – Genetics, obesity & diabetes1:43:50 – Is egg veg or non-veg?1:44:18 – Top 3 rules everyone should followDescription Tagsurban health indiasleep optimizationgut health explainedintermittent fasting indiabiohacking healthpersonalized medicine indiasleep science podcastgut brain connectionhormone health indiafasting for longevitywomen fasting safetyurban lifestyle health risksair food water pollution healthmicro habits for healthdeep sleep recoveryprotein intake indiaegg myths indiawhey protein factsinflammation causing foodsanti inflammatory diet indiavitamin b12 deficiency symptomsvitamin d deficiency indiakaushik and co podcastdr samatha tulla interviewtelugu health podcast

Inside Hyderabad’s Pub & Live Music Bussiness | Moonshine Project x Kaushik & CoIn this episode of Kaushik & Co., we sit down with Hemender Reddy, co-founder of Moonshine Project — one of Hyderabad’s most influential live music venues.From a small café idea to a cultural landmark, Hemender reflects on how Moonshine grew into a home for independent artists, original music, and community-driven culture. This conversation traces the thinking, risks, and people-first choices that shaped a decade-long journey.This isn’t just a story about a pub.It’s about building culture, sustaining creativity, and running a business rooted in trust.---What to Expect• How Moonshine became a hub for indie bands and original music• The Milange Café beginnings and how it started it all• Building a venue before Instagram shaped discovery• Treating staff and artists as long-term collaborators• Ten years of challenges, growth, and creative decisions• Honest lessons from entrepreneurship and leadership• Supporting Telugu and regional independent music• The next chapter: Creative Square and Aroma of Dakshin---Key Discussion Points• Moonshine as a cultural space, not just a pub• Building community before scale• Live music ecosystems in Hyderabad• Cost structures and break-even realities in F&B• Risk, failure, and long-term thinking• Money, relationships, and personal values---Time Stamps00:00 – Intro01:43 – Moonshine wall of bands01:54 – The beginning of Moonshine07:56 – Favourite drink08:23 – Moonshine as a cultural venue10:14 – The original idea behind Moonshine26:54 – Milange Cafe31:48 – Learnings from engineering33:01 – Regional music and representation39:18 – Toughest moments40:27 – Prior experience in the field41:55 – Staff challenges43:32 – Gentleman’s agreement with Capricio band (B-roll)48:56 – Moonshine during COVID54:38 – How to start an F&B or club business56:14 – Does architecture cost a bomb for clubs?58:06 – Why owners should know how to run the venue1:00:17 – Starting an F&B business the right way1:03:49 – Average time to break even1:04:48 – No.1 criteria in F&B1:09:32 – Why people spend so much on drinks1:11:54 – Learning the business before starting1:13:55 – Should this be a full-time business?1:16:23 – Games Part1:19:02 – Building a community1:22:43 – Bhaitak Project1:26:42 – Number of events hosted1:29:54 – Relationships that began at Moonshine1:30:27 – Then vs now in event culture1:33:29 – Never having asset issues1:34:04 – NH7 Weekender1:35:23 – Event cost structures1:35:53 – Mentorship for the next generation1:38:05 – Crab mentality1:39:10 – Live music scene today1:42:59 – A.R. Rahman concert and where we lag1:44:20 – Telugu stand-up comedy1:47:25 – Aroma of Dakshin1:49:34 – Lessons from Moonshine applied to Aroma of Dakshin1:54:50 – Pre-Instagram vs today1:57:55 – Most in-demand food or drinks at Moonshine1:58:12 – Cocktails2:00:00 – Cocktail naming philosophy2:01:00 – Sensible drinking2:06:00 – CreativeSquare.altplay2:11:00 – What’s next2:13:33 – Biggest learnings from 15 years2:14:15 – Relationship with money2:16:05 – Relationship with father2:17:36 – Where risk-taking comes from2:18:28 – Building a legacy2:19:44 – Dealing with failure2:21:11 – Audio business2:22:15 – Which business has the biggest future potential---Tags#KaushikAndCo #MoonshineProject #HyderabadMusic#IndependentMusicIndia #LiveMusic #CreativeEntrepreneurship#TeluguMusic #CulturalSpaces---Presented by: Kathanika MediaVenue Partner: The Moonshine Project / EXT

In this episode of Kaushik & Co., we sit down with National Award–winning singer and composer PVNS Rohit for an honest, unfiltered conversation about his journey.He talks about the early years of constant eliminations, the night his voice transformed, and the inner shift that shaped the artist he is today.This is a story of doubt, discipline, faith, music, and the courage to stay committed when the world keeps saying no.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:35 – Clubhouse & Ludo, National Award04:17 – Arijit Singh & Rohit04:48 – Child labour days of Rohit10:21 – SPB 11:25 – Rohit’s first teacher14:36 – Rohit’s school – Harvard or Howard16:14 – Rohit’s recognition & decision to become a singer17:12 – SP Sailaja18:14 – Rohit’s voice changeover19:52 – Hema Chandra & Karunya20:52 – About SPB & Rohit23:01 – Rohit song “Kaatuka Kallakettinaave”23:59 – Vishal Dadlani25:05 – Rohit’s Padutha Teeyaga experience29:00 – Rohit’s favourite SPB songs30:25 – Sudden decision to join Indian Idol & quitting engineering37:54 – Rohit’s interest in movies39:59 – Favourite movie – Interstellar41:32 – If Rohit makes a movie, who will be the music director?45:48 – Sonu Nigam & Rohit51:07 – Indian Idol journey55:15 – Why Rohit calls himself a self-critic1:00:14 – Message to younger self1:02:38 – Dealing with insecurities1:04:31 – Being a different person on the mic1:05:28 – Playback singing1:06:43 – MM Keeravani & Rohit1:07:11 – “Premistunna” song from Baby1:07:13 – “Bandhameyle” song1:09:23 – Love for IPL and RCB1:09:58 – Cousin Sinjith Yerramilli – Little Hearts composer1:10:16 – Rohit sings a Sonu Nigam song1:12:24 – Kaushik admits jealousy of singers1:14:13 – Self-doubt1:14:44 – Playback singing1:16:10 – His songs being replaced1:17:46 – Songs he thinks would sound nice if he sang them1:18:20 – How he listens to movie songs – singer or listener1:20:23 – Pattern for hit songs1:22:54 – Why “Kolaveri Di” is a hit1:23:54 – Technicalities vs emotional connection1:25:12 – Independent music1:27:13 – Sonu Nigam’s song composition1:28:54 – Mass validation & selective validation1:30:08 – Best playback singer award1:31:13 – A song kept unreleased for 5 years1:33:02 – Rohit’s first song & writing1:37:15 – Western music1:37:29 – “Lazy Song” & “Count On Me”1:37:43 – Charlie Puth – Voice Notes1:40:21 – Rohit’s wishlist1:40:59 – Process of composing1:44:06 – Rohit’s mom felt happy hearing his song1:45:31 – Languages he speaks1:45:46 – Mind shifting1:47:23 – Rohit is an introvert1:48:52 – Arunachalam’s impact1:53:10 – Spiritual or religious1:56:37 – Astrology1:58:13 – What is God to you?1:58:26 – Equation with God2:01:12 – Recommending Arunachalam2:01:46 – Ramana Maharshi2:03:04 – Fame2:04:39 – Books2:05:15 – Discovery of Ramana Maharshi2:06:26 – Friend introducing Arunachalam2:07:49 – Family surprised by his mind shifting2:08:40 – Rohit’s marriage2:09:58 – “Do your work & disappear”2:11:25 – Peace in temples2:13:50 – Nazar2:15:33 – Favourite genres2:15:50 – Favourite singers2:16:59 – Fun session2:18:40 – Telugu no BGM2:19:36 – Cover songs2:20:42 – Next big song2:21:59 – Collaboration2:23:02 – Arijit Singh show in Hyderabad2:23:47 – Ramachari sir batch get-together2:25:26 – Payroll of singers2:27:07 – Did the National Award open new doors?2:28:52 – “Kahani Meri” Telugu song2:29:47 – Conclusion---Tags#pvnsrohit #kaushikandco #kathanikamedia #nationalawardwinner #indiansinger #musicjourney #playbacksinger #indianmusic #tollywood #arunachalam #inspiration #telugumusic ---LinksNC Kaushik (Host) – instagram.com/kaushikncKaushik & Co. – instagram.com/kaushikandcoshowKathanika Media – instagram.com/kathanikamedia---Presented by: Kathanika MediaVenue Partner: Columbus Coffee – The Cosy Eatery