An absolute honour and privilege to welcome today's guest on our Podcast, "The Billion Dreams," a luminary whose talents traverse the realms of advertising, poetry, and cinema with remarkable fluidity and finesse. With a spark in his heart, hailing from a small city Almora in Uttarakhand, India, our guest - Prasoon Joshi's journey from a poet to a celebrated lyricist and scriptwriter is inspiring, to say the least. A poet at heart, he started writing early on and published his first book at the tender age of 17, titled 'Main Aur Woh,' a 'conversation with himself'. Two more books Dard So Raha Hai and Samadhan followed thereafter establishing him as an author. The CEO of McCann Worldgroup India and the Chairman (Asia Pacific), he has revolutionized the advertising industry, crafting campaigns like Coca-Cola's "Thanda Matlab Coca-Cola" that resonated deeply with the Indian ethos while achieving global acclaim. His Happydent television commercial not only received personal accolades from Bob Garfield of AdvertisingAge but was also heralded as one of the 21st century's best ads by a Gunn Report poll. In the cinematic universe, Prasoon's debut as a lyricist with "Lajja" marked the beginning of an illustrious career. His lyrics and scripts are celebrated for their poetic depth, emotional intensity, and cultural richness, giving us unforgettable treasures for films like "Rang De Basanti," "Taare Zameen Par," and "Bhaag Milkha Bhaag," among many others. His work has not only won hearts but garnered him multiple awards, including two National Awards and the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award for songs in "Fanaa" and "Taare Zameen Par" solidifying his status as a visionary storyteller. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, showcasing his impact on India's cultural landscape. An advocate for social change, Joshi uses his craft to address crucial issues, from environmental consciousness to national pride, making him a voice of both, beauty and conscience. His leadership roles, including serving as the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification in India, reflect his commitment to nurturing a responsible and vibrant creative industry. Transforming India's creative landscape through groundbreaking advertising, inspiring lyrics, and his role in shaping public discourse, Prasoon Joshi's legacy is not just in the beauty of his words but in the breadth of his impact, making him an icon of the modern era.

In this episode, Ashish Vidyarthi & Prasoon Joshi delve into the nuances of life, discussing both, of its beauty and challenges: What it takes to come from a small town and make your mark in a big city; Working on one's shortcomings to learning the ability to fail gracefully, Adapting to the world of AI to discovering one's own authentic voice, this and much more. Tune in for an insightful dialogue as they dig into powerful themes of self-discovery and navigating the complexities of the modern world.

If you like what you have heard, please give a like.

Remember to engage with our content by sharing, and subscribing to our channel for more motivating tales. With 'The Billion Dreams,' we are on a mission to bring you a Billion stories that will ignite and inspire your life.

Until next time, let's keep surprising ourselves and embracing the infinite possibilities within us.

Alshukran Bandhu,

Alshukran Zindagi.

------

Follow Prasoon Joshi on Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/prasoonjoshilive

https://www.instagram.com/prasoonjoshi_

-------

Topics:

0:46 Jab Ashish Met Prasoon

1:23 Is this really our WEAKNESS?

1:51 India's Evolution of Strength

2:45 AI Aur Main

3:42 Democratisation of Intelligence

5:28 Meeting Sam Altman & Philosophy of Advaita

6:16 Poet To Advertising: Changing with Times

7:50 Challenges of Coming from Small Cities

10:47 The Art that will make your LIFE EASIER

11:25 Choosing to do the RIGHT THING

11:52 Story of David that will change the way you think

12:20 Discover your authentic voice

A father met another father and what they shared was simply magical…

By a chance encounter on flight, I got the privilege to meet this incredibly inspiring parent.

As a father, I could understand the journey that he is paving for his 10 year old child, “Tejas.” Every parent wants the best for their children and in every way possible they ensure that they can provide an amazing life in the best possible way that they know of! Mr. Ritesh Pandey has been on a journey, one external and one that is deeply internal, proudly taking on the role of nurturer for himself and his family. He believes that one is gifted with the capability that’s why they are entrusted with this responsibility and owns it with a lot of pride.

Apart from being an amazing father, he is also a treasure trove of incredible thoughts and words, inspired by Rashmirathi penned by the notable poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar.

If you are a parent who is nurturing a special child, this story will ignite you with hope and help build courage as you take on your journey with your children.

I feel privileged and grateful that I am in a position where I can share this heartwarming experience with you.

Please let’s help spread his inspiring story to as many people as possible.

Show your love and support to Mr Ritesh Pandey in every compassionate way you can.

Lots of Love and More Power To You Ritesh Ji…

You have inspired me and I am sure this will inspire many more.

Alshukran Ritesh Ji…

Alshukran Bandhu,

Alshukran Zindagi.

----------

You can reach out to Ritesh Pandey via email: ritesh.pandey@live.com

Staying true to his name, 'Abhay' - the Fearless one, a man who describes his life as a provocative journey and undauntedly wears his heart on his sleeves, it's our honour to have him on the podcast, "The Billion Dreams."

Abhay Deol, a name that conjures up images of a brooding Devdas, a witty conman in Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!, or a carefree adventurer in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. But beyond the silver screen facade lies a man who defies easy categorization. Abhay Deol is more than just an actor; he's a thinker, a questioner, a seeker on a journey of self-discovery.

Born into Bollywood royalty, Deol could have easily coasted on family fame. Instead, he carved his own path, shunning formulaic roles and gravitating towards those that challenged him and resonated with his soul. His filmography reflects a restless spirit, a constant exploration of human complexities and societal issues. But Deol's quest isn't confined to the film sets. He's an avid traveler, seeking inspiration and understanding in diverse cultures and experiences. He's a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing his own struggles and encouraging others to break the stigma. Deol's persona is an intriguing blend of contradictions. He's reserved yet enigmatic, introspective yet fiercely opinionated. He's comfortable in his own skin, unfazed by the trappings of fame, and more interested in exploring the depths of human experience than basking in the spotlight. He's a man who walks his own path, guided by his own compass, and that's perhaps what makes him so compelling, both on-screen and off.

Last seen together, sharing the screen for the drama series, 'Trial by Fire,' catch Ashish Vidyarthi & Abhay Deol in a candid tête-à-tête where they delve into the depths of the Indian film industry, dissect the role of fate, the price of bold choices, and the delicate dance between personal happiness and that of others. Brace yourself for a thought-provoking exploration of morality, artistic expression, and the power to craft your own life's narrative. This is more than a conversation; it's a journey into the hearts and minds of two extraordinary artists. Don't miss it!

If you like what you've heard, do leave us a LIKE.

The comment section is open for you to share your thoughts and begin a dialogue.

With this podcast, "The Billion Dreams" we are on a mission to share stories of a Billion people... So Subscribe and be a part of this journey.

Alshukran Bandhu,

Alshukran Zindagi.

-------

Follow Abhay Deol:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/abhaydeol

FB: https://www.facebook.com/AbhayDeol

-------

Topics:

00:48 Working together in Trial By Fire

1:15 What makes the Indian Film industry distinct from others?

2:16 Role of Fate & Thoughts on Manifestation

3:04 Challenges faced by Abhay when making Bold Choices

4:10 Being prepared for Consequences of your Choices

4:56 Making choices that may not necessarily make others Happy

6:28 Debate of Morally Right & Wrong

7:15 How does an artist choose to create?

8:08 Change begins with 'You'

8:27 Universe can be your Enemy or your Ally