Rajpal Yadav began his acting journey with television before making a mark in films like Shool (1999) and Jungle (2000).

Rajpal has delivered iconic performances in films such as Hungama, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Chup Chup Ke and Bhool Bhulaiyaa series, among others, where he impressed audiences with his blend of humor and comic timing.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Rajpal Yadav opens up about his iconic comic roles and his views on nepotism in Bollywood. He highlights how actors from non-film backgrounds carve their path in the industry.

He also discusses his time at the National School of Drama (NSD), and the lifelong friendships he formed with fellow actors who went on to achieve success in Bollywood.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

00:45 – Love for Theatre

02:42 – Typecast in Comic Roles

06:05 – Boundaries of an Artist

08:53 – Playing Multiple Characters

16:08 – Insecurity Among Actors

23:11 – Turning Point of Career

31:50 – Bollywood and its Audience

36:54 – PR Companies in Bollywood

42:07 – Family Background

44:14 – Nepotism Debate

47:39 – Iconic Comic Roles

52:00 – Roles in Sequel Movies

54:23 – Rapport with Actors

57:04 – Bonding with Directors

1:01:40 – Life After NSD Days

1:05:26 – Upcoming Projects

1:06:55 – Quitting Politics

1:13:07 – Directorial Venture

Shashi Shekhar is the founder of AI for India, an initiative focused on building a strong ecosystem for artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the country. He is also the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster.

In this episode of the Podcast with Smita Prakash, Shashi Shekhar talks about the battle of narratives surrounding Operation Sindoor and how false narratives against India are often amplified in the West through misinformation and fake news.

He highlights the role of AI platforms in this ongoing narrative warfare. He also discusses the outreach efforts by the all-party delegation on Operation Sindoor and stresses the importance of strong engagement and clear communication of India’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism.

Shashi Shekhar further explains why the global Indian diaspora, along with film celebrities, sports personalities, and spiritual leaders, must take a moral stand and speak up in support of India’s narrative.

Audio Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:08 - Narrative wars of Operation Sindoor

08:37 - Fighting Fake Narrative

17:23 - Balakot: Facts vs Bias

24:56 - J-10 Hype & Narrative Building

31:08 - Religious Spin by Western Media

34:53 - The Karachi Bombing Confusion

39:18 - Social Media’s Impact on Conflict

46:44 - Indian-Origin Billionaires

01:02:41 - US-Pakistan Relations and Propaganda

01:06:21 - Does Public Opinion Affect Govt?

01:10:23 - Why Film Industry Quiet on India-Pak War?

Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey is a former Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). He led a crucial operation in 2003 to capture terrorist Ghazi Baba, who was responsible for the 2001 Indian Parliament attack. During the operation, Dubey was shot multiple times, and one of the bullets still remains lodged in his body. He was awarded the Kirti Chakra for his bravery.

Sanjiv Krishan Sood is a retired Additional Director General of the BSF. In his 38 years of service, he served along all of India’s borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, including 8 years on the Line of Control and in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, both officers talk about what it takes to guard India’s borders and how difficult it is to stop infiltration along the Line of Control. They also speak about Operation Sindoor and what goes on in the mind of a soldier posted at the border.

The conversation also covers the operation against Ghazi Baba, the Attari–Wagah border ceremony, and the growing threat from drones.

*Audio Timestamps*

00:00 – Introduction

01:25 – BSF Foils Drone Entry Near Amritsar

08:25 – Challenges of Drone Warfare

09:56 – Challenges of Terrorist Hunt in Pahalgam

13:26 – BSF’s PK Shaw Case

21:40 – Will Pakistan Strike Back?

25:31 – India’s Anti-Drone Strategy

28:02 – Gazi Baba Encounter

38:32 – Cost of Killing Gazi Baba

40:16 – Operation Sindoor & Bahawalpur Attack

44:36 – Troop Morale After Attacks

47:01 – Troops Emotions vs Public Rage

52:53 – Role of Human Informants

01:00:40 – India-Pakistan Peace Talks Recalled

01:03:28 – Firing Decision on Border

01:10:37 – Recalling Funny Incidents on the Border

01:15:22 – Wagah Ceremony Debate

01:19:36 – Dealing with PTSD

01:23:40 – Operation Blue Star

01:27:07 – Do Soldiers Get PTSD Counselling?