Komal 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 – Introduction

01:58 – How movie critics review films

09:38 – The truth about Bollywood’s paid reviews

14:00 – Inside Bollywood’s PR game

21:12 – How box office numbers are manipulated

27:19 – Movies that got bad reviews but became hits

30:03 – Losing friends over honest movie reviews

43:31 – The rise of paparazzi culture

49:45 – What really makes a movie a hit?

1:01:42 – Remaking old classics and blockbusters

1:11:38 – The problem of over-PR in Bollywood

Kiran 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 - Introduction

02:27 - Movie Ticket Tax Row

06:55 - The Art of Storytelling in Bollywood

17:15 - Commercial Success vs. Critical Acclaim

23:12 - The Auditioning Process in Bollywood

24:54 - Working with Naseeruddin Shah

27:47 - Collaborating with Ashutosh Gowariker

28:52 - How SRK Behaves on Set

29:50 - Memories from Jamia University Days

32:39 - Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

38:49 - South Indian Films vs. Bollywood

48:25 - Laapataa Ladies vs. Animal

50:21 - Are Films Being Over-Promoted?

57:15 - Nupur’s Wedding

59:12 - Marriage & Divorce with Aamir Khan

01:02:45 - Nostalgic Memories from Dil Chahta Hai

Ruchi Ghanashyam joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1982. Over her 38-year career, she served at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and as High Commissioner to Ghana, South Africa, and the UK, where she retired in 2020. She was also a Counsellor at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

Shaina NC is a fashion designer, politician, and social worker. She is the daughter of former Mumbai Sheriff Nana Chudasama. In 2024, she left the BJP and joined Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

In this episode of ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Ruchi Ghanashyam shares her journey as a woman in the Indian Foreign Service and her experiences as a diplomat in Pakistan and the UK.

Shaina NC talks about her transition from fashion to politics. She shares her experience of contesting elections from the Mumbadevi constituency and addresses the ‘Imported Maal’ controversy. She also discusses the debate over politicians' looks.

For generations, leadership, diplomacy, and power corridors have been dominated by men. But trailblazers like Ruchi Ghanashyam and Shaina NC have shattered stereotypes, proving that gender is no barrier to success.

00:00 - Introduction

03:01 - Indian Tradition

08:19 - The Story of Banarasi Joda in Pakistani Weddings

09:41 - Indian Saree in the Fashion Industry

13:55 - Saina's Entry into Politics

16:19 - Women in the Foreign Service

18:55 - Ruchi as an Indian Woman Diplomat in Islamabad

21:11 - Contesting Elections from Mumbadevi

25:04 - The 'Imported Maal' Controversy

32:32 - Ruchi as High Commissioner to the UK

37:50 - Debate over Politicians’ Looks

44:13 - Snap Reaction Segment

01:10:06 - Why Did Saina Leave the BJP?

01:13:24 - Dealing with Mental Health