Omar Abdullah, an Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, has led the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference since 2009. He was the last Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly before its dissolution in 2018. He has served twice as an MP for Srinagar and was briefly a Union Minister of State for External Affairs in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's government, resigning in 2002 to focus on party matters. Omar was detained under the Public Safety Act in February 2020, with the order revoked in March of the same year.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Omar Abdullah discusses his decision to contest two seats in the upcoming J&K Assembly elections. He also talks about his party's alliance with Congress and explains why the Gupkar Alliance with the PDP failed. He claims that the current J&K Legislative Council is compromised, though he believes it will be strengthened.

The former J&K CM criticizes the abrogation of Article 370 and calls Kashmir's domicile laws the weakest in India. He also accuses the BJP of failing to prevent terror attacks in the South of Pir Panjal. Additionally, Omar shares his views on Afzal Guru's execution, opposing capital punishment. He also emphasizes his party's commitment to bringing Pandits back to the valley.

(0:00) Coming Up

(1:27) Introduction

(2:14) Omar Contesting in Two Seats

(7:55) J&K Assembly: Empowered or Compromised?

(10:00) 'Independent' Candidates in Kashmir

(11:25) Where Does The BJP Stand?

(13:15) Should India Normalize Relations with Pak?

(15:15) Separatism in 'Naya Kashmir'

(20:31) Congress-NC Alliance

(24:50) The Battle For Jammu

(26:48) Kashmir's Domicile Laws

(34:00) Will Pandits Go Back To Kashmir?

(35:22) The IC-814 Saga

(37:40) Afzal Guru's Execution

(39:50) Terror Attacks in Jammu

(44:30) J&K Floods 2014

(46:00) Will NC 'Undo' Article 370?

(49:00) NC-PDP Alliance Split

(53:55) Omar Abdullah's Detention

(57:380 Lunch With the Gandhis

(1:01:00) US Making Inroads in Kashmir?

(1:03:16) Farooq Abdullah's Role Within NC

Nawazuddin Siddiqui is a prominent Indian actor recognized for his contributions to Hindi cinema. He has delivered notable performances in films like Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), The Lunchbox (2013), Raman Raghav 2.0 (2016), and Manto (2018) among others. His work has earned him significant acclaim, with eight of his films being showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Nawazuddin has also received several prestigious awards, including a National Film Award, a Filmfare Award, and two Asia Pacific Screen Awards.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Nawazuddin Siddiqui opens up about his journey in Bollywood, sharing the struggles he faced in getting roles and how people often doubted he would ever become a hero. The acclaimed actor also talks about the challenges his films face in securing screenings and his interest in producing movies in the future. Nawaz also reflects on his experiences working on the cult classic role of Faizal Khan in Gangs of Wasseypur and shares how he met with followers of the 'real' Faizal Khan to perfect the role. He also offers his perspective on why the second season of Sacred Games fell short of audience expectations.

In this candid interview, Nawazuddin Siddiqui shares his thoughts on the actors and directors who inspire him. He discusses the contrast between commercial and artistic films in Bollywood and how conflict often influences art. He also reflects on his rural upbringing and his mother's reaction to seeing him on the big screen.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:20) Nawazuddin's Definition of Success

(08:40) Nawazuddin's Cinema & Struggles

(16:55) NSD Days

(21:55) Commercial Cinema vs. Alternate Cinema

(26:44) Film Promotions

(28:25) Conflict Reflects in Art

(30:23) Rural Background

(31:39) Gangs of Wasseypur

(36:02) Nawaz's Favourites

(42:17) Films That Impacted Nawazuddin Siddiqui

(43:19) Small Roles

(45:34) Favourite Co-Actors

(46:44) Sacred Games

(51:52) Unexplored Human Emotions in Performance

(55:57) Upcoming Projects

(01:00:50) Family's Role in Life

(01:02:13) Nawaz's Love for Desert

(01:03:52) New Filmmakers That Inspire

Lieutenant General Devendra Pratap Pandey (Retd), is a former Commandant of the Army War College, Mhow, and an ex-Commander of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps (XV). He previously served as the first Director General of the Territorial Army of the Indian Army.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Lt. Gen. Pandey discusses Jammu & Kashmir's current security and political landscape. He talks about how Kashmiris are increasingly rejecting terrorism and addresses the challenges that lay ahead in the upcoming assembly elections. The general also touches on the potential for Pakistani interference in the electoral process and considers how the abrogation of Article 370 could become a key election issue.

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Pandey shares his perspective on the recent terror attacks in Jammu, highlighting the difficulties that the region's tough terrain presents for security forces. This conversation offers valuable insights into the evolving situation in Jammu & Kashmir and its broader implications for India's security.

(00:00) Coming Up

(01:31) Introduction

(02:12) Upcoming J&K Assembly Elections

(04:13) Abrogation of Article 370

(09:39) Terror Attacks in South Pir Panjal

(20:10) Security Challenges In J&K

(29:09) Stone Pelting in Lal Chowk

(33:45) Corps Commander Responsibilities

(37:02) How Integrated Security Works in J&K

(43:30) Article 370 as a Political Issue?

(48:15) India-Pakistan Dialogue

(55:20) Army's Communication Strategy

(58:23) Media Engagement Rules

(01:02:53) Near-Death Experience

(01:06:48) Going Back to Civilian Life

(01:09:15) Agnipath Scheme Controversy

(01:15:55) Has Peace Returned in the Valley?

From fitness trainer to podcaster, Ranveer Allahbadia, known as 'BeerBiceps,' has become a major figure in the digital world. He hosts 'The Ranveer Show,' one of India’s most-watched podcasts, and recently won the "Disruptor of the Year" award from PM Narendra Modi at the National Creators Awards 2024.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ranveer talks about his journey from gym sessions to podcast fame. He openly discusses his challenges, including criticism of his interviewing style and issues with cancel culture.

Ranveer addresses claims that he oversimplifies topics and explains his approach to making content relatable and easy to understand. He also talks about his business venture, ‘Monk Entertainment,’ and the importance of content creators exploring business opportunities.

He explores the changing world of content creation and the future of India’s creator economy. Ranveer also touches on mental health, noting the burnout that many young content creators face.

Additionally, Ranveer shares how former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli has inspired him and why interviewing Kohli is still a top goal for him.

(0:00) Introduction

(1:12) Ambani Wedding

(6:09) Lowest Phase in life

(8:37) When Views Don't Come

(12:05) Being a Fitness Trainer

(14:02) BeerBiceps' as a Name

(16:35) The Influence of Trolling

(18:34) Aamir Khan Controversy

(19:58) John Abraham's Controversy

(25:37) Ranveer's Podcast Reach

(29:17) Content

(30:55) Guests from Different Fields

(36:12) Brand Building

(39:17) How to Break Monotony in Content?

(41:07) Trust Factor with Brands

(43:52) Political Podcasts

(48:22) Favourite Guest to Interview

(51:35) Rejected Podcasts

(57:37) Fanboy Moment Over Guests

(1:01:07) Congressmen Rejecting Invites

(1:02:15) Competitions and Learnings

(1:04:07) Nikhil Kamath

(1:06:19) Celebrity Interviewers

(1:08:42) Young Actors

(1:09:43) Influencer as a Career

(1:14:39) Childhood

(1:21:00) Celebrityhood

(1:24:37) Appearing in a Music Video

After the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, Dushyant Chautala's newly formed Jannayak Janta Party (JJP) emerged as a kingmaker. He allied with the BJP and was sworn in as Haryana's Deputy Chief Minister. However, just before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP snapped ties with the JJP, and Dushyant Chautala was shown the exit door.

The Lok Sabha poll results also brought no joy for the JJP, as the party lost its deposits in all 10 seats it contested. With the Haryana elections due in October, the question arises: Is this the end of the road for Dushyant Chautala, or can he become a kingmaker once again?

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, the former Hisar MP goes on record to state that he will not ally with the BJP again. He explains what went wrong with the JJP-BJP alliance after four and a half years.

The former Haryana Deputy CM expresses confidence that his party will become the most important political force in the state and supports the decision to contest all 90 seats in Haryana.

He also criticizes former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, alleging his involvement in the land mafia and claiming that Hooda and Congress were behind the arrest of his grandfather, Om Prakash Chautala, in the JBT scam.

More on the India Alliance, Jat Quota Protests, and former Deputy PM Chaudhary Devi Lal.

Introduction (0:00)

The Chautala Clan (1:08)

Memories with Ch. Devi Lal (2:55)

Memories with Om Prakash Chautala (4:09)

Youngest MP in 16th Lok Sabha (6:33)

Why Dushyant Joined Politics (6:58)

JJP's Prospects in Upcoming Haryana Polls (7:54)

History of Farmers' Protests in India (9:44)

JJP & INLD Performance in Polls (15:47)

Jat Politics in Haryana (18:01)

BJP-JJP Alliance Breakup (21:22)

Exodus in JJP (22:01)

Will JJP Align with BJP Again? (23:42)

Vision for Haryana (27:24)

Role of Sentiments in Elections (30:48)

Infra Collapse & Land Mafia (33:30)

Can JJP Be a Kingmaker? (35:39)

Nayab Singh Saini's Tenure (36:41)

AAP & BSP in Haryana Polls (41:26)

Expulsion from INLD (44:42)

Om Prakash Chautala's Jail Time (48:40)

JJP to Join Hands with INLD? (52:36)

Parivarvaad Politics (53:17)

Influence of Haryana (56:09)

Headlines about Dushyant Chautala (58:32)

Women Wrestlers in Haryana Politics? (1:04:23)

Women's Safety in India (1:07:55)

From an engineer to 'Haseen Dilruba' of the Hindi film industry, Taapsee Pannu has carved out a niche in Bollywood over the past decade. Starting with roles in South Indian movies and working her way up to collaborating with Bollywood’s ‘Badshah,’ Shah Rukh Khan, the ‘Thappad’ actor has come a long way. Known for her candidness, Taapsee is not one to shy away from speaking her mind.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Taapsee discusses her latest projects, including 'Phir Aayi Haseen Dilruba' and 'Khel Khel Mein'. The 'Pink' actor dives into the nepotism debate and also explains why many actors avoid discussing their political views.

She talks about attending the Paris Olympics, where her husband was the coach of the Indian badminton players. Taapsee also reveals why she chooses not to share details about her personal life on social media and addresses the Imane Khelif gender row at the Paris Olympics.

Additionally, Taapsee explores the differences between Southern and Hindi film audiences, recalls her family’s experience during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and explains why she chose a career in films over-engineering. Taapsee also criticizes the paparazzi for breaching privacy and invading actors' personal space.

Eknath Shinde is Maharashtra's Chief Minister and a key leader in the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes his party, the Shiv Sena (Shinde), along with the NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction and the BJP. He rose to prominence after leading a significant split within the Shiv Sena, marking a new chapter in the party's history. Eknath Shinde is a staunch follower of Sena founder Bal Thackeray and often invokes his legacy in his political journey.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, CM Eknath Shinde delves into the ongoing issue of Maratha reservation and shares insights on Maharashtra's Ladli Behna Yojana, a scheme aimed at empowering women at the grassroots level. The Maharashtra CM also reflects on the Shiv Sena split and explains how fleeing to Guwahati was a crucial strategy.

CM Shinde remembers Bal Thackeray's enduring influence on Maharashtra's politics and reflects on the Sena's founding Hindutva ideology. He speaks confidently about the upcoming Maharashtra elections, expressing a strong belief that the Mahayuti alliance, will emerge victorious.

Introduction (0:00)

Fake Narratives' in 2024 LS Polls (2:02)

Maratha Reservation (4:58)

Uddhav Thackeray as a Competitor (9:27)

Maha Vikas Aghadi (14:17)

CM Eknath Shinde (18:07)

Shiv Sena Suffered Due to Pawar? (23:37)

Shiv Sena Split (31:12)

NCP(Ajit Pawar): A Reliable Ally? (33:47)

Shinde's Developmental Schemes (36:32)

Farmer Suicides in Maharashtra (39:25)

Freebie Politics in Maharashtra (40:42)

Eknath Shinde's Early Life (45:40)

Family Tragedy (47:25)

Real Reason Behind Shiv Sena Split (52:29)

Shiv Sena's Hindutva Ideologue (56:12)

Who Will Win Maharashtra? (1:01:33)

Raj Thackeray: Balasaheb's 'Real' Successor? (1:05:08)

Mahayuti's CM Candidate (1:09:07)

Ajit Pawar is Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and a partner in the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP and the Shiv Sena Shinde faction. He is the nephew of Sharad Pawar, who has served as Maharashtra's Chief Minister four times. In July 2023, Ajit Pawar split the NCP, a party founded by his uncle. In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Ajit Pawar faced a setback when his wife lost the election against Supriya Sule, Sharad Pawar's daughter.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ajit Pawar calls fielding his wife against Supriya Sule in Baramati a bad decision. He also explains why his party and its alliance partners didn't perform well in the Lok Sabha polls. He declines to comment on the possibility of returning to his uncle's party.

The Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister also discusses the farmers' crisis and the state of infrastructure in Pune and Mumbai. He advocates for a caste census, stating that the real numbers of every community should be revealed.

Introduction (0:00)

Pawar vs. Pawar (0:35)

Ajit Pawar with Mahayuti? (9:57)

Maharashtra Assembly Polls (17:15)

Civic Polls (22:07)

Ajit Pawar's Vision (25:44)

Maha Farmers' Crisis (32:10)

Water Management Issues (36:05)

City Infrastructure Issues (40:15)

Voters on Mahayuti Government (49:15)

Jan Samman Yatra (50:53)

Pawar’s Family & Politics (54:52)

Ajit Pawar on 'Waqf Board' (1:01:12)

CM if Mahayuti Wins? (1:05:35)

Ajit Pawar's Future Plans (1:12:15)

Caste Census (1:15:28)

Sonia Narang is one of Delhi's leading dietitians. She provides medication, healthy diet plans, weight loss programs, and workouts. Sonia advocates for realistic lifestyle changes that allow you to enjoy eating while achieving your health goals, rather than imposing strict diets.

In this ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sonia Narang debunks many myths related to the Indian diet. She also explores the debate between vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets, addressing the notion that vegetarian food doesn't provide enough protein. Sonia explains what a balanced diet should include and how much carbohydrates, protein, and fat it should contain.

She discusses whether skipping breakfast is a good way to lose weight, how to eat for effective weight loss, and the ideal timeline for losing weight. Sonia also talks about the popularity of Sattu and whether it can replace whey protein for gym-goers. She shares 10 tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced diet.

Introduction (0:00)

Dietitian vs. Nutritionist (1:07)

Myth vs. Fact Segment (5:55)

Plant vs. AnimalBased Protein (13:22)

8 Glasses of Water a Day (17:51)

Supplements for Nutritional Needs? (20:03)

Supplements for Children (24:52)

Dairy Products for Bone Health (29:14)

Is Juicing Healthy? (31:15)

Is Ghee Healthy? (33:09)

Papaya & Menstrual Cycle (41:39)

Seasonal Veggies (53:27)

Junk Food (55:57)

Yay or Nay Segment (1:03:45)

Tea Intake1:13:57Weight Loss (1:16:17)

Sattu vs. Whey Protein (1:26:09)

Arjun Singh Kadian is an academic and author having expertise in Haryana's political and cultural landscape. Arjun has authored two insightful books: 'Land of the Gods: The Story of Haryana' and 'Neeraj Chopra: From Panipat to Podium'. He also worked in the policy communication department under the Haryana Chief Minister in 2018-19. His political leaning is with the BJP.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Arjun talks about the upcoming Haryana elections and shares his views on the importance of fostering a unified Haryanvi identity in a region often divided by caste and community lines.

He also discusses what went wrong for the Haryana BJP and why they lost 5 seats to the Congress in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, mentioning the "Hooda Factor" giving Congress an edge in this election. Arjun also talks about the power shift from Manohar Lal Khattar to Nayab Singh Saini and whether it will benefit the BJP.

He also highlights Haryana's cultural significance as the land of the gods, reflecting on the historical presence of the Saraswati River and the state's role as the birthplace of Bharat.

Introduction (0:00)

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 BuildUp (1:27)

Jat Agitation & Farmer Protests (8:52)

The 'Satrap' System of Haryana (12:10)

The '400 Paar' Effect (17:34)

The Jat Votebank (20:54)

The 'Hooda' Factor (29:44)

Manohar Lal Khattar's Legacy (36:28)

Why Haryana Matters for BJP (39:14)

The Congress Narrative (45:54)

The 'Agniveer' Sentiment (53:22)

Haryana's Chautala Clan (56:14)

Growth Slowing Down in Haryana? (1:01:14)

Gurugram's Crumbling Infrastructure (1:04:51)

The 'Neeraj Chopra' Phenomenon (1:08:14)

Saraswati River: Myth & Facts (1:09:50)

The Haryanvi Identity (1:14:21)

Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin is a veteran gastroenterologist and hepatologist, renowned for his clinical research and reforms in medical education and health sciences.

He is the director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), which aims to provide cost-effective solutions to liver problems. He has been awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India. Dr. Sarin is also credited with launching the Hepatitis B vaccination program in India.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr. Sarin explains why India may become the 'fatty liver' capital of the world, with 40% of the population suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. He shares tips on keeping the liver healthy and identifies products to avoid.

Dr. Sarin calls the liver 'the real heart' of the body, explaining how every function of the body is directly or indirectly dependent on it. He also delves into the dangers of alcohol and how it is slowly killing people.

Introduction (0:00)

Significance of Liver in Ancient Cultures (1:22)

Liver: The Boss of the Body (5:17)

Fatty Liver & Diabetes (8:13)

Liver & Cholesterol: What's the Link? (12:58)

Obesity on the Rise? (14:10)

Sugar: A Silent Killer (19:42)

Alcohol & Liver Health (20:54)

Anyone Can Have Cirrhosis (24:32)

True & False Segment (25:52)

Know What You Eat (41:08)

Reversing Fatty Liver (45:24)

Can Diabetes Be Fixed? (51:07)

Tips for a Healthy Life (52:47)

Importance of the Bile System (56:56)

How to Identify Fatty Liver (59:33)

Everything About Hepatitis (1:00:49)

Dangers of Alcoholism (1:09:26)

Lack of Health Awareness (1:11:52)

Are You Healthy? (1:13:45)

Ozempic: Yay or Nay? (1:15:45)

Train Your Mind to Adopt Healthy Habits (1:18:12)