Podcast
ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
Hosted by Asian News International (ANI) · EN
ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash gets eminent people from different walks of life to talk about issues that impact you and society at large. Join Smita Prakash as she brings important voices from the field of politics, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. Dive in for a great listening experience brought to you by India’s largest news agency.
77episodes
Episodes
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EP-341 | Opposition’s Parliament Gameplan, Dhankhar’s Exit, Vote Chori Row & Constitution Club Polls
Aug 3101:23:55Tap to summarizeHow does the Opposition make its strategy to counter the ruling government in Parliament? Who is responsible for running the House? Why was the Monsoon Session of Parliament completely washed out? What led to Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden exit? Why has the Opposition made the ‘Vote Chori’ row its main weapon against the government? Was there really a BJP vs. BJP fight in the Constitution Club polls?To answer these questions and give you the inside scoop, this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by ANI correspondents who closely cover Parliament and political parties, Suchitra Mukherjee, Siddharth Sharma, Nishant Ketu, Amit Kumar, along with Naveen Kapoor, National Bureau Chief.00:00 – Introduction00:50 – Opposition’s Strategy in Parliament04:59 – Parliament Session Washout: Who Is to Blame?06:40 – Where is Jagdeep Dhankhar?09:12 – What is Zero Hour in Parliament?12:37 – BJP vs BJP in Constitution Club Polls?21:09 – Jaya Bachchan’s Selfie Chaos24:39 – Shashi Tharoor vs Congress?25:58 – Restrictions on Media at BJP & Congress HQs?30:59 – ‘Vote Chori’ Allegations by Opposition36:05 – Which MP Says No to Giving Bites?40:21 – Covering Parliament as a Reporter42:25 – Women MPs Bonding in Parliament48:00 – Congress Removes the ‘Alcohol Abstention’ Clause52:09 – Priyanka’s Role in Congress54:27 – Man/Woman of the Match of the Parliament Session57:44 – The Man Behind Dhankhar’s Resignation1:01:03 – Story Behind Akhilesh Jumping Barricades1:05:15 – BJP–RSS Bonhomie1:08:41 – Can NDA Lose Its Majority?1:11:27 – Impact of Operation Sindoor1:13:08 – Manish Tewari & Shashi Tharoor Sidelined?1:15:44 – Experience of Covering Operation Sindoor
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EP-340 | Partition, Nehru, Indira, Bhindranwale, Op Blue Star, Gujarat Riots & Sikhism | T Singh
Aug 2701:47:48Tap to summarizeSardar Tarlochan Singh is a former Rajya Sabha member and ex-Chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. He has spent his life fighting for Sikh causes, human rights, and keeping the Punjabi language alive, promoting Sikhism around the world. He has seen it all, from Partition, Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s rule, the rise of Bhindranwale, Operation Blue Star, Rajiv Gandhi, to Modi’s government.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, he talks about Sikhism, what the Sikh community expects from the Central Government, and his experience as Press Secretary to President Giani Zail Singh during the difficult time after Indira Gandhi’s assassination and the anti-Sikh riots. From Partition to now, he shares how life for Sikhs in India has changed over the years.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:14 – Language Politics in India07:10 – Untold History of India-Pakistan Partition18:47 – Govt Engagement with Sikh Diaspora29:14 – Sikh Diaspora's Political Influence37:22 – Khalistan Issue & SGPC Politics41:02 – Giani Zail Singh’s Political Life48:43 – Giani Zail Singh vs. Rajiv Gandhi1:12:31 – Op Blue Star & Rise of Bhindranwale1:25:21 – Psychological & Political Impact of Op Blue Star1:32:50 – PM Modi's Bold Steps for Sikhs1:39:14 – Modi’s Role During the Gujarat Riots
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EP-339 | Political Pressure, TRP War, Media Credibility & Influencers vs Journalists | Kalli Purie
Aug 2501:41:17Tap to summarizeKalli Purie is the Vice Chairperson & Executive Editor-in-Chief of the India Today Group. She studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, UK. She is a core member of the team that created a modern newsroom designed for today’s multimedia and multi-device world. In this episode of the ANI Podcast, Kalli Purie talks about the kind of political pressure news channels face from governments and how they handle it. She explains why every channel calls itself “number one,” and why billionaires are buying news channels. She also opens up about why some top anchors left India Today, shares her opinion on influencers who do news without being journalists, and discusses how people are changing the way they consume news. She even makes a big prediction about the 2029 general elections.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction01:09 – Heated Newsroom Discussions04:46 – Battle to Get TRPs07:54 – Operation Sindoor: Flaws in Coverage?10:54 – Fake News & Fact-Checking Team17:10 – Reality of News Channel Ratings21:24 – Anchor Popularity vs Ratings27:39 – Traditional Media vs Influencers35:23 – Managing Anchors' Demands39:44 – Evolution of Hindi News Channels44:21 – Race for Exclusive Content47:01 – The ‘Godi Media’ Term52:59 – Billionaires buying Channels1:01:12 – TV News Criticism & Digital Shift1:07:45 – AI in Newsrooms1:11:46 – Childhood Passion to Media Leadership1:22:58 – Gender Perception in Media1:28:27 – Idea Generation and Teamwork1:35:06 – Work-Life Balance
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EP-338 | How Can India Defeat Pakistan’s Global Propaganda War? | Tilak Devasher & Sushant Sareen
Aug 1901:50:27Tap to summarizeTilak Devasher is an author and a former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board. Sushant Sareen is a Senior Fellow at ORF and an expert on Pakistan and security issues in the region.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the guests discuss how India can defeat Pakistan in its global propaganda war, the shortcomings in media and narratives during Operation Sindoor, and why Trump appears to be choosing Pakistan over India. They also delve into the psyche of Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir and his recent comments against India.Audio Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction01:23 - Asim Munir's Interview in Brussels10:47 - India-Pak Conflict: Why Did Pakistan Make It a Religious War?16:46 - Asim Munir: Next President of Pakistan?18:47 - Asim Munir's Allegations Against India21:17 - The Mission Behind Munir’s US Visit23:18 - Is Pakistan Choosing the US Over China?28:51 - US Independence Day Message for Pakistan30:13 - Will Asim Munir Ever Retire?33:40 - How Is the Pakistan Army Funded?36:35 - Pakistani Diaspora & Social Media Narratives45:33 - India’s Ban on Pakistani Handles51:45 - Has India Always Misread Washington?57:10 - End of the Road for the QUAD?01:02:51 - Western Hypocrisy on Russian Oil01:10:41 - America’s Double Standards on Democracy01:14:01 - Is India Losing the Narrative War?01:17:53 - Ex-Pak FM Calls India a Rogue State01:24:36 - Civil Society's Role in the Narrative War01:38:59 - Is History Taught in Schools Biased?
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EP-337 | 'Vote Chori' Row, Rahul, Modi, Dhankhar’s Resignation & Op Sindoor | Priyanka Chaturvedi
Aug 18, 202501:43:46Tap to summarizePriyanka Chaturvedi is a Rajya Sabha MP from Shiv Sena (UBT) and the party’s Deputy Leader in the Upper House. She has been active in politics for over a decade, after starting her career in media and communications. She is known for her articulate debates in Parliament and on news platforms. Representing Maharashtra, she is regarded as one of the well-known women parliamentarians in India.In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she speaks about Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of 'vote theft' against the Election Commission. She also shares her views on Jagdeep Dhankhar's sudden resignation as the VP. She also dives into the Marathi–Hindi language row, and what it takes for a woman without a political background to become an MP.She also discusses Operation Sindoor, her meeting with Prime Minister Modi, and what lies ahead once her term in the Rajya Sabha ends next year.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:24 - Jaya Bachchan's 'Don't Control Me' Remark02:29 - Why Jaya Bachchan Scolded a Man06:24 - Experience as Rajya Sabha MP07:34 - Rajya Sabha Suspension08:44 - Dhankhar's Sudden Resignation14:31 - Women Parliamentarians17:11 - Future of Women in Politics23:20 - How to Deal with Trolls31:04 - Meeting with PM Modi32:46 - What’s Next After Rajya Sabha?36:02 - Priyanka’s Party Switch Buzz39:27 - Hindi–Marathi Language Row40:27 - When PM Met Op Sindoor Delegates42:23 - Priyanka's Bilawal Bhutto Mimicry45:23 - Part of All-Party Delegation on Op Sindoor47:23 - Shiv Sena (UBT) Take on Op Sindoor49:23 - Ruckus in Rajya Sabha over Op Sindoor54:07 - Op Sindoor: Shiv Sena (UBT) Mixed Opinion57:20 - Personal Comments in Maharashtra Politics01:02:58 - Vote Chori Row01:03:43 - Rahul's 'Match Fixing' Remark01:15:10 - Is INDIA Bloc Still Together?01:17:07 - Bihar 'SIR' Controversy01:19:27 - Faith in Democracy01:21:01 - SC's Order on Stray Dogs01:26:15 - Priyanka Does Mimicry01:28:10 - Meeting with Amitabh Bachchan01:29:33 - Meeting with Ex-PM Dr Manmohan Singh01:33:20 - Stories About Women MPs’ Sarees01:35:20 - Is Shashi Tharoor Sidelined from Party?01:36:20 - Delhiites vs Mumbaikars
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EP-271 | Balochistan Insurgency, Train Hijacking, Attacks on Pak Army & China's Role |Tilak Devasher
Mar 20, 202501:30:03Tap to summarizeThe recent train hijacking and the Noshki convoy attack have raised serious questions about Pakistan losing control of Balochistan. Is the Baloch insurgency entering a new phase? Can Pakistan’s army crush the rebellion? Is China pressuring Pakistan to act harshly to protect CPEC? Is India secretly involved, as Pakistan claims? What exactly do the Balochs want?To answer all these questions, the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash is joined by Tilak Devasher, an author, expert on Pakistan, and a member of India’s National Security Advisory Board.He also discusses Pakistan's unstable political landscape. Imran Khan remains in jail, and tensions between Punjab and Sindh are rising. With growing insurgencies and internal conflicts, is Pakistan heading toward another breakup like 1971?00:00 - Introduction01:52 - Baloch Train Hijack08:29 - Noshki Bus Attack10:11 - Should India Help Balochistan?14:12 - Women's Involvement in the Baloch Armed Movement19:55 - Half-Widow Concept in Balochistan24:59 - The West Ignoring Balochistan29:05 - India Involved in Baloch Insurgency?36:59 - Baloch Rebels Targeting Only the Pakistan Army?37:54 - Can India Step Into the Baloch Issue?39:20 - Sardars vs. Young Baloch Movement43:27 - Who Are the Leaders of the Balochistan Movement?46:52 - Is Balochistan’s Situation Similar to 1971?49:43 - Impact of the Baloch Crisis on the CPEC Deal52:48 - What Is the Pakistan Army’s Next Move?55:33 - Can Balochistan Win Without Sindhis & Pashtun Support?01:01:25 - Who Calls the Shots in Pakistan?01:05:36 - How Are Pakistanis Reacting to the Train Hijack?01:07:39 - Will Trump Step In?01:11:44 - Why No Western Sanctions on Pakistan’s Death Squads?01:21:00 - Mufti Shah Mir Killed—Who's Behind It?
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EP-270 | Rakesh Roshan on Krrish 4, Working with SRK & Salman, Family & Obsession with Letter 'K'
Mar 18, 202501:04:47Tap to summarizeRakesh Roshan began his career as an assistant director on the film Anjaana (1969) and later went on to direct the action drama Khudgarz (1987).With films like ‘Karan Arjun,’ ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai,’ ‘Koi... Mil Gaya,’ and the Krrish franchise, Rakesh Roshan has earned his place as a seasoned filmmaker across multiple genres in the Hindi film industry.In the latest edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rakesh reveals the magic behind filmmaking and his unique style of directing Bollywood films. He explains the 'K' connection in his movie titles.Rakesh also talks about how his father’s legacy was lost and how the ‘The Roshan’ docu-series on Netflix contributed to its revival.Rakesh also shares his experiences of working with veteran actresses like Rekha, Hema Malini, and Jaya Prada. He also opens up about his bond with Rishi Kapoor, Sanjeev Kumar, Shatrughan Sinha, and Jeetendra.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:00 – Making of ‘The Roshans’ 05:03 – Working with leading actresses11:00 – Vision as filmmaker17:47 – Friendship with Rishi Kapoor22:13 – Funds for Bollywood Movies25:38 – ‘K’ Letter Obsession32:46 – Story behind the bald look37:36 – Backstory of ‘Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai’42:25 – Mentoring Hrithik Roshan51:41 – Fitness secret57:15 – Family values in South Indian movies
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EP-269 | The 'Real' Samosa Caucus 5.0 Edition | Abhijit, A Ranganathan, Sushant & Tehseen
Mar 14, 202502:36:46Tap to summarizeGet ready for the much-awaited episode of the 'Real' Samosa Caucus! Edition 5.0 is here and it's all about raw, uncensored, no-holds-barred discussions. Joining the chat are: Sushant Sareen, Senior Fellow at ORF Tehseen Poonawalla, TV personality and political analyst Anand Ranganathan, author and scientist Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies This episode dives into some topics, including the Ranveer Allahbadia-Samay Raina controversy, the Shama Mohamed tweet row, and Arvind Kejriwal's future in politics.The group also discusses the Trump-Zelensky spat at the Oval Office and the ceasefire plan proposed by the USA President Donald Trump to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. The group also digs into why Aurangzeb remains relevant in Indian politics and discusses the Hindi vs Tamil language war.00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Samosa Caucus Returns18:50 – Ranveer Allahbadia Controversy27:23 – Aurangzeb and Hindutva Debate36:32 – Trump’s Policies on Campus Activism49:15 – Shama Mohamed Tweet Row1:00:46 – Rahul's Remark on Gujarat Congress1:10:16 – Trump-Zelensky Oval Office Spat1:24:05 – What Europeans Think of Russia1:42:58 – Obesity and Diabetes1:54:08 – Arvind Kejriwal's Future2:10:16 – Debt of States in India2:19:04 – Hindi vs Tamil Language War
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EP-268 | Box Office SCAM, Bollywood's Paid Reviews & PR Dirty Tricks |Komal Nahta & Bharathi Pradhan
Mar 11, 202501:17:25Tap to summarizeKomal Nahta is a film trade analyst, the Editor-in-Chief of 'Film Information', and a well-known television show host. With decades of experience in the film industry, he is regarded as one of the most trusted voices in box office analysis. Bharathi Pradhan is a columnist, film critic, and author. She hosts podcasts and Lehren TV and writes a Sunday column for The Telegraph. She has been reviewing films since the 1970s, making her one of the most respected critics in the industry.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Komal Nahta exposes how box office numbers are being manipulated. He reveals how producers use block bookings and fake figures to inflate collections. He also talks about the culture of paid reviews, claiming that 9 out of 10 movie reviews are bought. He shares his views on what’s wrong with Bollywood and why films are struggling to connect with audiences.Bharathi Pradhan discusses how PR companies have become powerful in Bollywood and how actors misuse them. She shares untold stories about Rajesh Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan and reflects on how the industry has changed since the 1970s. She also talks about the role of film critics and why they should stay honest to their readers, not cater to actors and producers.00:00 – Introduction01:58 – How movie critics review films09:38 – The truth about Bollywood’s paid reviews14:00 – Inside Bollywood’s PR game21:12 – How box office numbers are manipulated27:19 – Movies that got bad reviews but became hits30:03 – Losing friends over honest movie reviews43:31 – The rise of paparazzi culture49:45 – What really makes a movie a hit?1:01:42 – Remaking old classics and blockbusters1:11:38 – The problem of over-PR in Bollywood
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EP-267 | Kiran Rao on South Cinema vs. Bollywood, Divorce with Aamir, Patriarchy, and More
Mar 8, 202501:05:42Tap to summarizeKiran Rao began her career as an assistant director on the iconic film Lagaan and later went on to direct Dhobi Ghat (2010) and the critically acclaimed box office success Laapataa Ladies (2024). She graduated with a degree in Economics from Sophia College for Women, Mumbai, in 1995, and later pursued her Master’s at AJK Mass Communication Research Center, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi.In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Kiran Rao delves into the intricacies of storytelling, the impact of cinema on our lives, and how films can be a powerful tool for messaging. She also shares her perspective on patriarchy, emphasising how men can be its victims.She also opens up about her divorce from Aamir Khan, highlighting the mutual respect and strong bond they continue to share. More on the creative challenges in filmmaking and how she deals with an industry dominated by men.00:00 - Introduction02:27 - Movie Ticket Tax Row06:55 - The Art of Storytelling in Bollywood17:15 - Commercial Success vs. Critical Acclaim23:12 - The Auditioning Process in Bollywood24:54 - Working with Naseeruddin Shah27:47 - Collaborating with Ashutosh Gowariker28:52 - How SRK Behaves on Set29:50 - Memories from Jamia University Days32:39 - Women in a Male-Dominated Industry38:49 - South Indian Films vs. Bollywood48:25 - Laapataa Ladies vs. Animal50:21 - Are Films Being Over-Promoted?57:15 - Nupur’s Wedding59:12 - Marriage & Divorce with Aamir Khan01:02:45 - Nostalgic Memories from Dil Chahta Hai
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