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

D. Sivanandhan is one of Mumbai’s most respected former Police Commissioners, a man who saw the city’s darkest days up close, from the bloody gang wars of the 1990s to the 1993 bomb blasts that shook Mumbai. He led the fight against Dawood Ibrahim’s underworld empire and is known for cleaning up the mafia.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, D. Sivanandhan takes us back to that era, when gangsters ruled the streets, businessmen were shot in broad daylight, and the Mumbai Police decided to strike back.He talks about how the cleanup began, the underworld’s deep links with Bollywood and real estate, and how Dawood’s network thrived with Pakistan’s ISI. D. Sivanandhan also shares what went wrong during the 26/11 terror attacks and what it truly takes to protect a city like Mumbai.00:00 – Introduction01:42 – The Book 'The Brahmastra Unleashed'05:35 – 90s Mumbai Underworld16:48 – How Powerful the Underworld Was20:45 – Dawood & the 1993 Bomb Blasts25:46 – Transition from Karim Lala to Dawood31:26 – Dawood vs Chhota Rajan43:13 – The Underworld’s Pact46:40 – Politics & Mumbai Police58:28 – Bollywood's Underworld Connection01:09:13 – Reel Encounters vs Real Violence01:12:04 – The 26/11 Attacks01:23:21 – New-Age Threats & Security Gaps01:32:12 – Rise of Cybercrime

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.Timestamps00:00 - Coming Up02:24 - Introduction03:28 - Why India Has No Global Product13:27 - Layoffs in the Tech Industry17:40 - India Trapped in US–China Trade War?20:25 - Why India Needs Its Own Tech IP27:02 - The Push for Data Localisation38:47 - The Making of HCL45:55 - Indian Industries Ready for the AI Boom?51:50 - Human vs Machine: Who Wins?56:16 - Quantum Computer Ops in India01:03:38 - The Fight Over Rare Earths01:07:28 - Nurturing Tech Talent in India01:12:11 - 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 Up02:24 – Introduction03:36 – Punjab’s Drug Crisis11:18 – India’s Silent Security Threat15:29 – Punjab’s Youth Migration22:14 – BJP’s Future in Punjab30:24 – Influence of Diaspora in Punjab39:15 – Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations51:00 – Rahul Gandhi’s Style of Politics01:00:14 – Diljit Dosanjh Controversy01:08:51 – Quick Reactions on Stars, Politicians & Food01:24:45 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – Intro 00:37 – Iconic Ads01:30 – Prahlad’s Favourite Ad06:16 – Pepsi Ad Story09:37 – Aishwarya’s Pepsi Casting12:54 – Aamir’s Pepsi Casting15:55 – Maggi Ad Idea24:14 – Maggi Ketchup Ad Story33:03 – Understanding Audience Pulse37:09 – When Actors Misfit Ads39:11 – Big B as Perfect Fit for Ad42:20 – Shabana & Smita Era47:54 – Aishwarya vs Sushmita51:18 – Aishwarya–Salman Feud55:34 – Sridevi & Hema Era59:30 – Ad Films vs Feature Films1:00:42 – 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 – Introduction01:20 – Is Sudhir Chaudhary the Highest-Paid Anchor?02:44 – TRP vs Reality in News Channels08:16 – Debates vs Real News Reporting09:46 – Editorial Freedom & Connecting with Viewers16:38 – Evolution of News Anchoring19:03 – Journalism Ethics in War Reporting21:53 – Challenges as a Ground Reporter24:38 – Misinformation During Op Sindoor27:11 – Rs 2000 Notes 'Nano Chip' Controversy30:14 – Uma Khurana TV ‘Sting’ Operation37:05 – Naveen Jindal ‘Extortion’ Case55:07 – Trolls, Labels & Comeback59:42 – Newsroom Politics Before 20141:11:04 – Politics & Professional Boundaries1:17:30 – The Red Tie Selfie with Trump1:21:40 – Organic Reach on Social Media1:23:49 – Career Moves & Running Own Show1:32:45 – Indian Work Culture & Values1:36:20 – YouTube Journalism vs Traditional Media1:41:26 – Deepfake Threats to Journalists1:45:10 – Working in Private Channels vs Public Broadcasting1:50:23 – Sudhir Chaudhary Making a Film?1:53:00 – Hollywood vs Bollywood Storytelling1:58:08 – Staying Real in Media Spotlight2:06:22 – 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.00:00 – Introduction00:38 – Working with Hrishikesh Mukherjee02:58 – Rivalries Among Actors in the 60s & 70s04:38 – Being Balraj Sahni’s Son & His Film Journey09:50 – Named by Rabindranath Tagore10:40 – Living with Uncle & Poet Bhisham Sahni13:30 – Studying Film Direction in Russia16:34 – Assisting Raj Kapoor on 'Mera Naam Joker'18:34 – Balraj Sahni’s Acting Secrets & Life22:27 – Becoming an Actor by Mistake25:53 – Yash Chopra’s Working Style27:32 – Balraj Sahni’s Connection with Pakistan30:35 – Working with Yash Chopra34:01 – Working with Amitabh Bachchan36:09 – Acting with Balraj Sahni in Pavitra Papi39:23 – Friendship with Sanjeev Kumar42:38 – Working in the Industry for Six Decades46:04 – Working on 'Gul Gulshan Gulfam'51:10 – Family52:53 – Working with Dev Anand Sahab54:03 – Writing Two Books55:48 – Friends in the Film Industry58:08 – Was Balraj Sahni’s House Grabbed by the Mafia?1:01:35 – Closing Remarks

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 – Introduction00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi!21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT1:26:15 – 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 Up02:14 – Introduction03:11 – Can India Handle Trump’s Tariffs?10:45 – Do Industrialists Believe in the India Story?14:50 – Millionaires Leaving India18:22 – Real Estate Journey19:22 – Mumbai Real Estate’s Mafia Era27:37 – What’s Stopping India from Growing?29:48 – India’s Development Skewed?31:18 – Mumbai’s Development35:53 – Unemployment in India42:25 – Challenges in the Healthcare Sector50:08 – 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.Timestamps00:00 – 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

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 – Introduction01:20 – Winning the National Film Award05:15 – Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway Story07:31 – Challenges Faced by Immigrants09:08 – Preparing for a Character10:26 – Rani & Karan’s Kids Watched the Ceremony11:43 – Wedding Pictures & Privacy15:49 – Actresses and Their Private Lives18:40 – First Screen Test & Mom’s Reaction20:20 – Role in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai21:36 – Backlash over Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna26:50 – Handling Setbacks After Success28:54 – Reinventing Herself32:14 – Creative Process During Hichki36:00 – Pausing Career for Her Daughter38:33 – Durga Puja Celebrations41:26 – Competition With Kajol?45:15 – Bringing Indian Women to the Forefront48:37 – Husband’s Support for Hichki51:29 – Deepika’s 8-Hour Shift Demand54:19 – Films Better Planned Today?55:57 – Who Shah Rukh Khan Gels With Better56:41 – Winning National Award After 30 Years58:06 – Directors Who Bring Out the Best in Her1:04:04 – Will Rani Mukerji Direct a Film?1:05:42 – Upcoming Projects1:07:38 – A Message for All Women