Columbia Broken Couches is Prakhar’s journey through the series of interesting conversations he finds himself in at Columbia. Prakhar talks to a variety of people, from ex-army men to social entrepreneurs, mapping an unfiltered view of the intellectual landscape of an Ivy league school for the rest…
Episode 119 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Farhan Akhtar, one of the most versatile talents in Indian cinema. He made his directorial debut with the iconic Dil Chahta Hai and went on to build a successful career as a filmmaker, actor, writer, and singer. From Rock On!! to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Farhan has consistently pushed creative boundaries and left a lasting impact on Indian storytelling.Recording Date: July 31, 202500:00 - Intro0:01:06 - Kavi Kehna Chahate Hain Ki..0:10:49 - Farhan on Dil Chahta Hai0:17:16 - Why Sholay Is So Special0:22:32 - ZNMD's Core Emotion0:27:46 - The Story of 120 Bahadurs0:38:14 - Growing Up with an Intellectual Father0:41:56 - What He Likes to Read0:52:07 - Relationship with His Mother0:54:50 - Founding MARD1:02:00 - Men's Issue with Masculinity1:05:53 - Farhan's First Heartbreak1:10:12 - Learnings from His Spouse1:20:33 - Being Raised by a Successful Father1:22:33 - Directing Aamir Khan vs Shah Rukh Khan1:23:43 - Advice to the Young Generation1:27:08 - Getting Kicked Out of College1:34:38 - Question for Prakhar
Episode 118 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Viswanathan Anand, one of the greatest chess players of all time. He is a five-time World Champion and was the first Grandmaster from India. His journey has inspired millions and helped make chess popular across the country. Known for his calm mind and sharp thinking, Anand has received many top honours, including the Padma Vibhushan.Beyond the board, Anand is a proud father to 12-year-old Akhil, a prodigious talent in art and mathematics. Akhil has a deep fascination with patterns and often blends his love for both subjects by spotting mathematical beauty in the world around him. He has written a book titled The Heart of Math: A Young Boy's Passion for Art, Math and Pattern, which showcases his unique way of seeing the world.This is what we talked about:00:00 - Intro01:06 - Gukesh vs Magnus06:46 - Cheating in Chess 16:22 - Samay's Impact on Indian Chess 20:15 - Vishy's Impact on Indian Chess 26:24 - Rating His Juniors 31:58 - Why South India Dominates Chess 33:17 - Arjun vs Gukesh vs Prag 33:34 - Vishy's Favourite Rivalry 35:48 - Vishy vs Magnus 41:12 - Computers in Chess 48:12 - Kasparov vs Deep Blue 53:16 - How the Mind of a Grandmaster Works 56:19 - Levon vs Vishy (2013) 01:16:20 - Vishy on Mikhail Tal 01:22:05 - Who Was Paul Morphy? 01:24:06 - Can Chess Make You Insane? 01:30:37 - How chess players make money? 01:38:46 - Learning from His Spouse 01:40:26 - What's Next for Vishy 01:43:28 - Vishy's Question for Prakhar
Episode 117 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features C. Sivasankaran, a fearless visionary entrepreneur who transformed India's telecom landscape with Aircel and Sterling Cellular. His latest venture AIWO offers preventive healthcare solutions targeting physical, mental and cellular-level rejuvenation.Recording Date: July 14, 2025
Episode 116 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Balaji Srinivasan, a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and author known for his influential ideas on technology, decentralization, and the future of society. Based in Silicon Valley, CA, he's the former CTO of Coinbase, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz-backed startups like 21 Inc., and author of The Network State, a groundbreaking book on building digital-first nations.Recording Date: May 28, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - How Global Power is Shifting?07:16 - The US, China and the Internet 24:00 - How Powerful is China?53:45 - What China is NOT01:00:00 - The Internet Century 01:38:00 - What is Internet Place?01:40:00 - Concept of Network States01:47:10 - How can India Play to Win?02:19:45 - Are Dangers of AI Understated?02:26:54 - The Ignored Global Conspiracy.02:29:33 - The Truth about Human Psychology 02:35:00 - About Network School02:37:35 - Prakhar's Reflections
Episode 114 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Akaash Singh, an Indian-American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster. He's known for his work on MTV's Guy Code and Wild ‘N Out, and co-hosts the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz.Recording Date: July 18, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Virat Kohli's controversy07:28 - Akaash on Andrew Tate 09:48 - His Take on Donald Trump14:44 - Favorite podcasts16:07 - “How can she slap?”18:28 - What he learnt from people 22:00 - Dark side of Fame 25:48 - India's Got Latent27:28 - His Experience on Joe Rogan's podcast31:10 - Thoughts on Bollywood Movies37:02 - He loves Shah Rukh Khan39:08 - Relationship with his wife41:29 - Is he a People pleaser?46:30 - What is love for him?49:42 - His Relationship with God52:22 - Questions for Prakhar
Episode 113 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Namit Malhotra, Founder of Prime Focus and Global CEO of DNEG - the VFX powerhouse behind global hits like Inception, Interstellar, Dune, Avatar, Oppenheimer, and major Marvel & DC films.Starting Prime Focus from a garage in Mumbai, Namit has gone on to work with top directors like Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve. His companies have also shaped Indian cinema - with Prime Focus handling the Digital Intermediate (DI) on Bajirao Mastani, and DNEG contributing to blockbusters like Baahubali.He is now producing India's biggest epic - Ramayana, with music by Hans Zimmer and A.R. Rahman.Recording Date: July 1, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction03:50 - His Vision of Ramayana12:50 - The Pressure of Making Ramayana23:44 - Working w/ AR Rahman & Hans Zimmer32:14 - Why India Still Hasn't Won an Oscar46:44 - Working w/ Christopher Nolan55:44 - Working w/ Denis Villeneuve58:01 - What Does the Future Look Like1:02:46 - Namit's Biggest Fear1:14:39 - Questions for Prakhar
Episode 112 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features India's top mental health experts in a round table discussion on depression.Dr. Annie BaxiDr. Annie Baxi is a psychologist and academic with over 7 years of teaching experience. She is currently a visiting faculty member at Ashoka University, where she teaches courses such as Qualitative Research Methods and Psychology of Health and Illness. Her research focuses on the social and cultural dimensions of mental health, with a particular emphasis on gender.Dr. Praveen TripathiDr. Praveen Tripathi is a leading psychiatrist, sexologist, and addiction specialist with 17 years of clinical experience. He has worked extensively in the fields of neuropsychiatry and behavioral medicine. Notably, he is one of the few Indian doctors to have cleared the United States Clinical Skills Exam, bringing an international standard to his practice.Dr. Siddharth WarrierDr. Siddharth Warrier is a Mumbai-based neurologist with a passion for science communication. He is widely known for his YouTube channel, where he educates over 400,000 subscribers on topics related to the brain, human behavior, and mental health.Recording Date: February 18, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction02:50 - First Experience with Depression08:31 - Is Sadness the Beginning of Depression27:11 - Is Depression a Real Disease33:56 - The Brain Science Behind Depression52:01 - How Society Impacts the Mind1:00:31 - Is Modern Life Making Us Depressed1:04:38 - Can Anger Help You Heal1:12:15 - How Doctors Decide Prescriptions1:14:02 - The Role of Childhood in Depression1:23:00 - How to Identify the Root Cause1:32:35 - Body vs. Mind What's Really Wrong1:38:57 - The Rise of Antipsychotic Drugs1:42:30 - Experts on Depression and Anxiety1:43:17 - Can Fear Lead to Depression1:49:35 - What Healing with a Psychologist Looks Like2:02:12 - The Limitations of Therapy2:07:00 - Is the Mental Health System Actually Helping2:14:31 - Are We Overdiagnosing Mental Illness2:18:11 - Why People Avoid Psychiatric Medication2:26:30 - Beyond CBT What Else Can Help2:29:16 - What Are ACT and CBT2:30:24 - The Bhagavad Gita and Mental Health2:34:44 - How CBT Actually Works2:45:13 - Can Psychedelics Treat Depression
Episode 111 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Arjun Vajpai, India's youngest mountaineer to scale Mt. Everest at the age of 16. Since then, he has climbed some of the world's most dangerous peaks, including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Makalu, surviving avalanches, extreme altitudes, and multiple near-death experiences.Recording Date: June 3, 2025This is what we talked about0:00 - Intro8:14 - The Psychology of a Mountaineer16:57 - Climbing as a Spiritual Journey26:24 - Scenery from the Peak32:46 - Why South Asian Mountaineers Need a Voice39:23 - Hardest Mountains to Climb50:01 - Why No One Has Ever Climbed Mount Kailash56:09 - India's Rise in Global Sports1:00:06 - The Real Risks of Mountaineering
Episode 110 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Madan Gowri, one of South India's top content creators. He has crossed a billion views by explaining difficult topics in a clear and simple way. His videos cover culture, news, and social issues, making him one of the most trusted voices in Indian digital media.Recording Date: May 17, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction01:07 - Three Things Madan Would Change in India05:09 - The Reality of Indian Media15:17 - How Madan Makes Videos Daily23:39 - How India Can Move Forward28:15 - What Is TFR?30:29 - Language Debate: North vs. South45:54 - Madan's Influencers50:10 - Caste in India53:53 - Politics and Identity1:01:29 - Success and Failure1:04:59 - '90s Parents vs. Today's Kids1:16:32 - Parenting differences in South & North India1:19:56 - Neem Karoli Baba's Story
Episode 109 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Taksh Gupta. Taksh Gupta is the founder and CEO of IITIIMShaadi.com, a private matchmaking platform for IIT and IIM alumni. He started the company at 19 to offer a more secure, refined, and trusted way for high-achieving individuals to find life partners. The platform provides personalized services, verified profiles, and curated matches for serious, like-minded professionals.Recording Date: June 5, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Introduction01:31 - The Dark Side of Matrimonial Sites07:31 - Which IIT/IIM Grads Are Most in Demand?10:08 - How Highly Educated People Choose Partners12:07 - What Men and Women Look for in a Partner15:54 - Unrealistic Expectations in Indian Matchmaking22:06 - Family Pressure27:48 - Taksh on True Love35:59 - What Exactly Is IITIIMShaadi.com?38:03 - Why Divorces Are Rising in India41:24 - Building IITIIMShaadi53:51 - Questions for Prakhar
Episode 108 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Abhijit Iyer-Mitra. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies with a focus on military strategy and foreign policy. Known for his candid and often provocative commentary, he offers unique insights on topics ranging from defense and international relations to regional conflicts. With extensive experience in analyzing geopolitical dynamics, Abhijit is a respected voice in discussions on India's security and global positioning.Recording Date: June 27, 202500:00 - Middle East Tensions Explained13:04 - Does the US Want Regime Change?18:44 - Israel's Strategy & Deterrence29:28 - India's Strategy Against Pakistan33:43 - Trump's Role in Global Politics46:13 - Pakistan's Nuclear Power55:10 - B2 Stealth Bombers1:04:03 - Israel's Military & Global Impact1:12:38 - Is War Just a Theatre Now?1:17:43 - Iran vs Israel: The History1:24:52 - Indira vs Rajiv: What They Believed1:35:06 - India's War Plans in the 80s & 90s
Episode 107 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Gaurav Taneja, also known as Flying Beast - a licensed commercial pilot, IIT Kharagpur graduate, professional bodybuilder, and one of India's most successful content creators. He runs multiple YouTube channels spanning fitness, vlogging, and gaming.Recording Date: June 23, 2025
Episode 105 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Air Vice Marshal Suryakant Chintaman Chafekar (Retd.), a decorated Indian Air Force officer awarded the Shaurya Chakra and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal. He survived a missile strike during the Kargil conflict and carried out high-altitude landings at Daulat Beg Oldi. With over 30 years of service, he led some of the toughest missions in hostile areas and is widely respected for his courage, sharp thinking, and contribution to Indian military aviation.Recording Date: June 7, 202500:00 - What really happened in 2002?04:41 - Challenges he faced during his mission16:02 - Getting hit by a missile & escaping28:34 - Soldier's mindset in life-or-death moments34:02 - Difference between IAF & PAF38:58 - New-Gen Pilots & new tech in IAF46:40 - Glamorized Fighter Jets47:14 - Landing at Daulat Beg Oldi1:15:12 - Message to India's youth
Episode 105 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Aman Gupta, co-founder of boAt, one of India's leading lifestyle electronics brands. Starting with a background in sales and marketing, he worked at companies like JBL and Harman International before launching boAt. Under his leadership, boAt grew rapidly by targeting young consumers with stylish, affordable audio products.Recording Date: May 19, 202500:00 - Aman on Other Sharks05:33 - Getting Bullied as a Kid08:25 - Favorite Movies of All Times10:54 - Favorite Travel Destinations16:53 - Aman on “Everyone Sucks”25:04 - How the Name ‘boAt' Happened27:50 - CA Prep & School Days32:11 - What's Wrong with Our Education System43:00 - Indian Market vs Global Market51:36 - Aman Gupta on Net-worth 59:43 - Why Teams Aren't Families1:04:41 - Is Aman an Obsessive Types?1:09:14 - Aman on Work-Life Balance1:13:35 - Obsession with English1:18:30 - Aman's Biggest Fear1:24:40 - Lessons from His Parents1:32:22 - Questions for Prakhar
Episode 104 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Aamir Khan, a legendary actor, director and producer, and one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema. He is known for his roles in iconic films like 3 Idiots, Lagaan, Dangal and Taare Zameen Par. Aamir has built a reputation for choosing meaningful stories and delivering powerful performances that leave a lasting impact. He also created the television show Satyamev Jayate, where he addressed important social issues like child abuse, caste discrimination and corruption. Throughout his career, Aamir's work has gone beyond entertainment and has aimed to create awareness, spark conversations and bring real change.Recording Date: June 8, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Is Cinema Dying?03:12 - Is Aamir Anxious?05:35 - What Makes a Story Worth Telling?12:00 - Does Art Have a Responsibility?18:45 - Favorite Childhood Memory22:32 - How Did He Get Into Acting?26:40 - Aamir on Perfectionism31:38 - Is He Self-Conscious?34:22 - His Favorite Movie Ever36:10 - Sitaare Zameen Par40:52 - Aamir's Best Friend in Bollywood42:11 - Does He Still Play Chess?43:53 - Is Aamir Spiritual?45:48 - Advice He Would Give His Younger Self
Episode 103 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Harsh Beniwal, one of India's most popular digital creators, known for his funny YouTube videos and relatable comedy. He started by posting short videos online and quickly became a star with over 15 million subscribers. Harsh has acted in movies like Student of the Year 2 and makes web series and sketches that connect with young audiences. Recording Date: June 2, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Childhood Stories & Old Memories03:15 - Growing Up with Strict Parents05:31 - Funny Moments from the Past15:07 - Harsh on His Height17:18 - Starting Out on YouTube & Acting24:10 - Opinions on Other YouTubers26:44 - Stories About a Close Friend29:46 - Harsh's New Project35:53 - Talking About His Dad41:00 - Favorite Travel Destination48:51 - Thoughts on Relationships51:00 - Tough Times & Support59:04 - Monologue
Episode 102 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Bhavesh Yuj. He is a spiritual guide and content creator who helps people reconnect with themselves through silence, self-inquiry, and simple living. Known for his calm presence and clear way of explaining deep ideas, Bhavesh shares ancient Indian wisdom through videos, talks, and retreats.Recording Date: April 14, 2025This is what we talked about: 00:00 - Introduction04:30 - Who Is a Yogi?06:30 - Dealing with Inner Silence08:15 - Bhavesh's Worship Practice13:25 - Rules for Life19:55 - Non-Duality in Life27:25 - What's Beyond Anger33:45 - Understanding Tantra and Vedanta40:45 - The Aghori Path and Common Myths49:35 - What Makes a Good Death?58:10 - Talking to Goddess Kali1:02:10 - True Meaning of Surrender1:12:30 - Divine Play and Controlling the Ego1:21:15 - Bhavesh's Vision and Goals1:27:42 - Advice for Prakhar
Episode 101 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Passenger Paramvir. He is an Indian travel YouTuber who has visited over 70 countries and shares Hindi travel stories about local people, cultures, and hidden places.Recording Date: May 10, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Why Paramvir Chooses to Travel Alone04:01 - Stories from Kasol06:12 - A Life-Threatening Experience in Congo15:44 - Facing Racism Abroad17:35 - How Indian Cinema Influences the World21:32 - Meeting Desis Abroad29:34 - Exploring the Middle East and Beyond36:25 - Why India Struggles with Cleanliness45:40 - If Prakhar Were India's Tourism Minister49:18 - Paramvir on European Culture54:40 - Paramvir's Top Travel Picks and Future Plans1:00:01 - Hilarious Travel Stories1:04:48 - Prakhar's Monologue
Episode 100 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Rakesh Gupta who is Prakhar's father.Recording Date: May 24, 2025
Episode 99 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the co-founder of Info Edge, the parent company behind platforms like Naukri.com, one of India's earliest and most successful internet businesses. A pioneer of India's startup revolution, Sanjeev has played a foundational role in shaping the country's digital economy. Recording Date: May 3, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - The mistakes this generation is making09:20 - What success really means16:26 - Conventional vs. Unconventional paths21:36 - How important is money?38:44 - What to do during uncertain times48:12 - When he stopped working for money1:01:14 - His formula for success1:07:04 - What success doesn't include1:19:50 - His biggest failures and how he overcame them1:33:56- How to handle the highs and lows of life1:40:56 - Advice for Prakhar
Episode 98 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Prashant Kishore. He is an Indian political strategist and politician who has been involved in various political campaigns and parties. He founded the Jan Suraaj party and is set to debut in the upcoming Bihar assembly elections.Recording Date: April 19, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Why 2014 Elections were Important for Modi04:46 - How should a voter decide his choice08:13 - Is it more important to vote for a person or for his work16:30 - Why Bihar got left behind 22:20 - How COVID-19 destroyed Bihar?29:02 - Will Prashant become a MLA/MP?33:44 - “Pad-Yaatra” & Extreme Poverty of Bihar 43:50 - What is “Ram Rajya”?46:31 - Indian politics in next 15 years.
Episode 97 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Smita Prakash. She is a veteran journalist with nearly two decades of impactful contributions in the field of news and documentary film-making. She also hosts the ANI PodcastRecording Date: May 05, 2025
Episode 96 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Major General G.D. Bakshi, a decorated Indian Army veteran with extensive experience in counter-terror operations and strategic warfare. He served in key commands across Jammu & Kashmir and was a part of the Kargil conflict. A prolific author and military historian, he is known for his in-depth analysis of India's security landscape and national defense.Recording Date: May 9, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Monologue03:37 - Escalation of Events After Pahalgam19:40 - Why Pakistan Cannot Match India's Military Power22:20 - Are India and Pakistan Nearing Full-Scale War?27:16 - How Propaganda Shapes Pakistani Citizens' Opinions32:33 - The Importance of Information Flow During Wartime33:50 - Pakistani Army's Loss of Morale38:09 - Will China Intervene in the India-Pakistan Conflict?41:33 - Cold Warfare vs. Modern Warfare53:28 - How India and Pakistan Can De-escalate the Conflict
Episode 95 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Captain Raghu Raman. He is a former Indian Army Captain who served in Siachen, led counter-terror operations in Punjab, and is currently serving as a UN Peacekeeper. He is also a bestselling author and a respected expert on leadership and strategy, with experience in both the defense forces and the corporate sector.Recording Date: April 30, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - 11:24 : What should be India's tactical response?11:25 - 19:06 : The fundamentals of modern warfare19:07 - 24:12 : Why Pakistani youth admire the military24:13 - 33:35 : India caught between China and Pakistan33:36 - 35:37 : The real reason terror attacks happen35:38 - 38:05 : How nations think strategically38:06 - 44:56 : The best move for India right now44:57 - 48:22 : What life looks like in insurgent areas48:24 - 53:02 : How strong is India's counter-terrorism system53:03 - 1:00:45 : How public fear is manufactured1:00:46 - 1:09:48 : Pakistan's strategy against India1:09:48 - 1:14:59 : Understanding war games1:15:00 - 1:31:45 : Who is the real enemy?
Episode 94 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Nitin A. Gokhale, a national security expert who actively writes and lectures on defense and geopolitics. In this episode, Nitin A. Gokhale breaks down the planning behind the Pahalgam attack and explains the key national security issues India is facing today.Recording Date: April 23, 2025
Episode 93 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Arsh Ali. Arsh Ali is World's youngest archaeologistRecording Date: April 17, 202500:00 – Who Is Arsh Ali and the Story of Mummifying a Fish06:57 – Arsh Ali on Languages Like Sanskrit, Hindi, etc.19:28 – Secrets of Ancient Egyptian Tombs and Pyramids36:25 – Did the Mahabharata and Ramayana Really Happen?54:30 – Ancient vs. Modern Technology and Wisdom1:04:36 – Why Ancient Wisdom Was Lost1:18:53 – Ancient Indian Concepts of Life and Death1:28:07 – Ancient Egyptian Concepts of Life and Death1:38:30 – Questions for Prakhar
Episode 92 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Rajat Chauhan. He is a Stand Up Comedian.Recording Date: February 5, 202500:00 – School Life Stories: S*x, Exams, and Friendships10:51 – Rajat Roasts Prakhar24:34 – Performing and Crafting a Stand-Up Act29:21 – The Evolution of Comedy in India45:06 – Crowd Work and Making Money in Comedy59:00 – Rajat's Jokes About Prakhar and His Team1:02:12 – The Art and Craft of Joke-Telling1:09:19 – Rajat and Prakhar's Sri Lanka Trip Experience1:16:38 – Rajat's Advice for Prakhar
Episode 91 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Gagan Deep Bakshi. G.D. Bakshi is a distinguished Indian Army veteran, author, and defense analyst.Recording Date: March 27, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Intro01:30 – What has War taught GD Bakshi?06:05 – Can Warriors be spiritual?13:07 – GD Bakshi on Death & God20:48 – Indic vs Abrahamic religions32:24 – Modern v/s Ancient Science on Consciousness40:30 – What Was SOMA? India's Greatest Spiritual Secret1:06:45 – What Awakening Really Feels Like and GD Bakshi on Osho1:18:05 – Are Siddhis Real?1:28:48 – GD Bakshi's New Book "DNA: The Language of Vedas"1:41:48 – GD Bakshi Explains his Meditation Experience1:49:13 – GD Bakshi's Message for Prakhar
Episode 90 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Karan Singh Magic. Karan Singh is an Indian mentalist, illusionist, and psychological performer known for his mind-reading skills.00:00 - Intro01:26 - Mind Blowing Card Tricks06:25 - David Blaine & KSM's Magic Show17:07 - What Makes Magic so Amazing21:32 - KSM Hypnotizing Prakhar & Audience31:48 - Insane Magicians in India46:45 - KSM talks to the dead50:45 - Reacting to GOAT magicians1:07:44 - How do magicians read mind1:15:56 - Inviting Prakhar's Team on Camera1:20:48 - Reading Prakhar's Mind1:25:19 - KSM's Question for Prakhar
Episode 89 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Subramanian Swamy. Subramanian Swamy is an Indian politician, economist and statistician.Recording Date: March 31, 2025This is what we talked about00:00 - Why isn't Subramanian Swamy expelled?08:02 - India's Economic Rise, Challenges & Swamy's Vision16:45 - Is he bitter?27:44 - Evolution of Indian Politics before Modi30:20 - Is India really progressing?34:18 - His contribution to Ram Mandir and the Hindutva Movement37:53 - Honesty & Free Speech in Modern India48:35 - Is PM Narendra Modi retiring?56:30 - Subramanian Swamy had private sources for intelligence1:00:06 - India's Relationship with Russia & the USA1:06:51 - Tensions between China and India1:14:38 - Subramanian Swamy praises Prakhar
Episode 88 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Ravi Gupta. Ravi is a stand-up comedian. Recording Date: March 25, 2025This is what we talked about00:00 - The Legend is back03:31 - Ravi's viral BBC video13:17 - Hilarious bit on the singer - Kaka24:11 - Ravi Gupta on Men, Women & Equality34:58 - Substance abuse & Happiness37:07 - “Aap Maut ke baare me sochte ho?”44:34 - Ravi Gupta on Tollywood & Video Games52:07 - Ravi Gupta on Money & His Philosophy of Life1:00:21 - Animal and Gangs of Wasseypur1:05:29 - Hera Pheri and other Priyadarshan Movies1:18:14 - Ravi congratulates Prakhar for his engagement
Episode 87 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Inder Sahani. Inder is a stand-up comedian, actor, host, and writer.Recording Date: March 18, 2025This is what we talked about:00:00 - Why is Virat Kohli the G.O.A.T.? Reaction to Wasay Habib19:08 - Inder's Crowd Work Story & Live Show Hate31:03 - School Life Story by Inder Sahani & Prakhar42:14 - Weight Loss Journey & Health Issues48:00 - 9-to-5 Jobs & the Monotony of Work Life50:05 - Exploring Music & Its Impact on People's Minds1:05:46 - Relationships, Breakups & Marriage in a Man's Life
Episode 86 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Aaditya “Kullu” Kulshreshth. Kullu is a stand-up comedian, actor and a writer.00:00 - Meeting David Dhawan and Govinda's Comedy Era07:53 - Evolution of Bollywood's Comedy Era18:01 - School Memories and Crazy Europe Trip Stories25:24 - Western Culture vs. Indian Culture31:24 - How Gossip Shaped Human Evolution37:03 - The Reality of Male Friendships41:50 - Kullu's Experience with Anxiety and Mental Health55:58 - Life in a Boys' School1:01:25 - Kullu's Relationship with His Mother1:06:46 - Growing Up Without a Father1:11:26 - Kullu on Dating, Relationships, and Marriage1:14:50 - Kullu Talks About His Male Role Models1:19:12 - Lessons He Learned from His Mother1:21:18 - Kullu Shares His Relationship Philosophy
CoinDCX Website: https://bit.ly/4hsVrZNEpisode 85 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience features Sumit Gupta, CoinDCX Co-founder and IIT Bombay alum, talking with Prakhar about his college days and path to crypto. We dig into Bitcoin's ups and downs, Web 3.0's potential, and what makes ideas click.Recording Date: 1st March, 2025Time Stamps of Sumit Gupta00:00 - Sumit Gupta & IIT Bombay: The Game Changer14:52 - What is Bitcoin? Why Does Bitcoin Have High Value?24:08 - How Crypto Is Not a Currency but a New Asset Class32:55 - Why Crypto Is More Trustworthy Than Traditional Currencies47:50 - Can Crypto Dethrone the Dollar?54:08 - Challenges in the Adoption of Crypto & NFTs1:06:53 - How India Can Win the Information War1:15:48 - How to Find Million-Dollar Ideas & Make Them Successful1:28:03 - How Web 3.0 Will Change the World
In episode 84 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience, Prakhar Gupta is joined by Paras Chopra, an entrepreneur and thought leader. Together, they explore a range of intriguing topics, from the role of intelligent blogs in shaping ideas to the evolving relationship between technology and survival. Paras and Prakhar discuss the impact of AI, the alignment problem, and how reality is shaped by both accidents and intentional decisions. The conversation also dives into the complexities of consciousness, language, and how the brain forms decisions and identities. Towards the end, they share insightful book recommendations and personal reflections that provide a deeper understanding of the world around us.Paras Chopra is the founder of Wingify, a leading SaaS company known for VWO (Visual Website Optimizer), a top A/B testing and conversion optimization platform. A passionate entrepreneur and thinker, he shares deep insights on startups, decision-making, and psychology.00:00 - Who is Paras00:00 - Who is Paras? 06:32 - The Journey of Bootstrapped vs. Funded Startups 15:16 - How False Ideas Distort Reality and Spark Offense 24:09 - How the Brain Processes Decisions and Constructs Identity 28:36 - The Hard and Soft Problems of Consciousness 47:22 - Language and Its Global Variations1:02:27 - The Pros and Cons of AI and LLMs 1:14:58 - The AI Alignment Problem 1:20:09 - How Technology Relates to Survival and Evolution 1:27:38 - Book Recommendations by Paras and Prakhar 1:36:35 - Paras's Final Comments for Prakhar
In episode 83 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience, Prakhar welcomes Astro Arun an expert in astrology and its impact on human life. In this deep and engaging conversation, they explore the origins of astrology, what it can predict, and the factors that influence its accuracy. The discussion delves into why people turn to astrology, how it works, and the role of prayers and remedies. Prakhar and Arun also examine arguments against astrology, the prevalence of fraud, and the common concerns people bring to astrologers.Astro Arun is a renowned astrologer and researcher known for his in-depth knowledge of astrology, psychology, and its cultural significance. With years of experience in the field, Arun has helped people navigate their lives through astrological insights while also addressing the skepticism surrounding the practice.This is what we talked about:00:00 - Purpose of the Podcast01:44 - What is Astrology? & What Can Astrology Predict?10:04 - Astrology Factors That Affect Our Lives15:47 - When & Why Do People Start Believing in Astrology?24:34 - How Does Astrology Work?29:55 - Solutions in Astrology & the Role of Prayers36:54 - Arguments Against Astrology & Frauds53:43 - Problems People Ask an Astrologer About1:00:35 - Philosophy and Psychology in Astrology1:14:14 - Is Astrology Just a Placebo Effect?1:18:21 - Superstition and Past Life1:20:11 - Arun's Question to Prakhar
In episode 82 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience, Prakhar Gupta sits down with Sadhguru @sadhguru , a globally renowned spiritual leader, yogi, and visionary. This deep and thought-provoking discussion delves into fundamental questions about existence, consciousness, and the nature of liberation.Throughout the conversation, Sadhguru shares profound insights on topics such as Dhyanalinga, the origins of the universe, the essence of meditation, and the misconceptions surrounding enlightenment. He also explores the intricate relationship between spirituality, religion, and God while addressing the concept of rebirth and past lives.This is what we talked about:00:00 - What is Dhyanalinga?16:53 - How did the Universe begin?22:33 - How did Sadhguru decide on Dhyanalinga?30:50 - Meditation and its liberating effect42:11 - How enlightenment is a false idea and unexplainable58:01 - What is liberation?1:05:52 - The relationship between spirituality, religion, and God1:18:51 - What is consciousness?1:31:03 - Is the idea of rebirth and past life true or not?1:34:55 - What is the Miracle of Mind app?1:49:40 - Sadhguru's Message to Prakhar
In Episode 81 of The Prakhar Gupta Xperience, Prakhar Gupta welcomes Raghu Ram, a renowned television producer, writer, and entrepreneur known for co-creating MTV Roadies. In this insightful conversation, they explore Raghu's journey of personal growth, his influence on Indian youth, and his evolving perspective on masculinity.Raghu Ram is a celebrated media personality, best known for revolutionizing Indian reality television with MTV Roadies. Beyond television, he has been an advocate for various social causes and has explored themes of masculinity, leadership, and personal growth in his work.This is what we talked about00:00 - How Has Raghu Changed?07:06 - The Creation of Roadies16:33 - The Impact Raghu Had on Society22:37 - Raghu Talks About His New Self / True Masculinity29:47 - Raghu's Experience in Activism and Politics32:50 - What Does It Mean to Be a True Man?37:07 - Raghu's Experience of Being a Father39:49 - Wartime Man vs. Peacetime Man42:07 - What Is True Happiness?48:02 - How the Psychology of Men Changes Through Life's Ups and Downs50:43 - Why Is Toxic Masculinity Attractive to Men?1:00:12 - Is It Okay for Men to Cry?1:03:23 - Addressing Work-Life Balance1:14:53 - Society Makes Men Laborers Rather Than Happy1:18:09 - The Transition of Wartime Men to Peacetime Men1:26:26 - Peacetime Raghu Fears Wartime Raghu1:33:52 - Raghu's Question for Prakhar
In Episode 203 of PG Radio, Prakhar engages in a deep conversation with Satyakaam Ramakrishnan @Satya_Speaks , exploring spirituality, consciousness, and the philosophies that shape our understanding of life.Satya Ji has dedicated his life to the exploration of human consciousness and energy through meditation, fine arts, martial arts, singing and wisdom traditions. His diverse approach is centered around forming a heartfelt connection with life and his work is to inspire others to discover a creative way of living without denying or rejecting any aspect of life.This is what we talked about:00:00 - Being Human and Human Energy Flow05:06 - What is Satya Teaching13:29 - Satya's Life Philosophy25:23 - Life Changing Lessons from Satya38:55 - Accessing & Understanding the Human Life46:31 - Connection of Humans with Cosmos, Relationships58:02 - Understanding S*x, Sexuality & Love1:11:37 - Understanding Kundalini and Flow State1:24:26 - Psychedelics, Good or Bad?1:30:39 - Satya on Hindu Mythology1:33:21 - What makes Satya "Satya Speaks"1:40:09 - How Virtual World is changing Current World1:46:57 - Where to Find Satya1:48:52 - Satya's words for Prakhar
In episode 202 of PG Radio, Prakhar welcomes Rahul Dua, the stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit and relatable humor. In this candid and entertaining conversation, Rahul shares insights into his early life, the evolution of his comedy career, and the deeper emotions behind his jokes. From disDua, one of India's most promising comedy talents, has captivated audiences with his unique storytelling and observational humorfiltered take on life, laughter, and everything in between. Rahul Dua is a popular Indian stand-up comedian known for his sharp wit, observational humor, and relatable storytelling. Rising to fame as a finalist on Comicstaan Season 1, he has since built a strong fan base with his live shows, YouTube specials, and social media content Recording Date: 19th December 2024 This is what we talked about: 00:00 - Early Life Stories of Rahul Dua 11:20 - How boys discover S*x in School 17:54 - Why Men Can't Express Their Emotions 23:35 - How to Make a Relationship Work 26:32 - Why Peace of Mind Is Important for Creativity 28:23 - Divorce Is Escapism, Not a Solution 31:53 - Relatives are annoying 33:57 - Rahul Dua on India's Got Talent 40:03 - Unreleased Comedy Specials & the Creative Process 45:24 - Rahul Dua on Manik Mahana, Samay & Storytelling 49:48 - Rahul Dua on His Late Father & His Father's Sacrifices 1:09:47 - Family's Reaction to Rahul Dua's Comedy 1:11:05 - Physiotherapy Joke & Death Threat from a Physiotherapist 1:15:53 - World Chess Championship, COB & Cards 1:19:04 - Reacting to Reels & Instagram Comments 1:24:06 - Diljit Dosanjh's Philosophy & Mental Health 1:28:06 - Rahul's Question for Prakhar 1:29:08 - Monologue
In episode 200 of PG Radio, Prakhar welcomes Rahgir, a multi-talented artist known for his soulful music, thought-provoking poetry, and raw storytelling. In this unfiltered and heartfelt conversation, Rahgir dives into his journey as an artist, the philosophies that guide his life, and the personal experiences that have shaped his art. This episode offers a deep exploration of creativity, self-discovery, and the stories behind Rahgir's unique worldview. Rahgir, known for his iconic songs like Aadmi Chutiya Hai and Kaccha Ghada, is a fearless storyteller and poet whose work resonates with audiences across generations. With his blend of folk music, raw poetry, and candid reflections on societal norms, Rahgir has built a loyal following that admires his authenticity and thought-provoking art. From discussing childhood memories and village life to exploring complex themes like mental health, relationships, and freedom, Rahgir's art provides a window into his self-expression and philosophical exploration journey. Timestamps: 00:00 - Rahgir Sings "Aadmi Chutiya Hai” 09:28 - Reality of child marriage & Domestic Violence 14:48 - Male Friendships are special 23:13 - Rahgir's Village and Early Life Stories 26:14 - Does Rahgir believe in God? 37:07 - Meditation and Vipasana Experience 50:38 - Rahgir's favourite philosopher 1:03:07 - Exploring Bhagat Singh and his Philosophy 1:06:11 - Ideal India and Real India 1:09:16 - Prakhar's opinion on "Aadmi Chutiya Hai" 1:10:41 - Story Behind the name “Rahgir” 1:12:13 - Rahgir's thoughts on Mental Health 1:23:12 - Rahgir on Yograj Singh and Yuvraj Singh 1:33:06 - "Kaccha Ghada" 1:54:45 - Rahgir's new DHH song 2:00:16 - Rahgir's Question for Prakhar 2:09:11 - Prakhar's Favorite Episode 2:11:52 - Rahgir's Tour
In episode 199 of PG Radio, Prakhar welcomes Apoorva, better known as Rebel Kid @the.rebelkid for an unfiltered and engaging conversation. Known for her bold personality and raw storytelling, Rebel Kid opens up about her journey as a creator, the highs and lows of her personal life, and her aspirations for the future. This episode dives deep into the nuances of her character and the experiences that have shaped her unique outlook on life. Rebel Kid, known off-screen as Apoorva, is a fearless and unapologetically candid content creator. With her edgy humor, raw storytelling, and unfiltered takes on relationships, self-discovery, and societal norms, she's built a loyal following that admires her authenticity and relatability. A self-made creator, Rebel Kid's content blends personal anecdotes, bold opinions, and a dash of vulnerability, offering her audience a glimpse into her life beyond the screen.
In Episode 198 of PG Radio, we sit down with Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav, a living legend and Param Vir Chakra awardee, to dive deep into his extraordinary life journey. From his experiences in the Kargil War, Captain Yadav shares gripping accounts of bravery and resilience. The conversation culminates in a reflection on his philosophy of life and the values that have guided him through challenges and triumphs. Captain Yogendra Singh Yadav is a decorated war hero and the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military honor. Known for his unmatched bravery during the Kargil War, he was instrumental in the victory at Tiger Hill. This is what we talked about: 00:00 - The Journey of YS Yadav 11:13 - Pervez Musharraf's Ambitions 16:10 - Inside the Kargil War Story 59:36 - Talking About His Autobiography 1:02:52 - Reacting to an Old Photograph 1:03:29 - Relationships with Friends and Family 1:04:51 - His Philosophy of Life 1:16:32 - Prakhar's Monologue
In Episode 198 of PG Radio, we're joined by Prasanna Tantri from the Indian School of Business to explore the current state of India's economy. We delve into important discussions on economic growth indicators, changes in the last 10 years, and the future of Indian economy . The conversation covers India's economic infrastructure, sectors driving growth, and insights on the nation's economic future. We also explore the evolving modern middle class and the complexities of India's tax system Prasanna Tantri is an economist and faculty member at the Indian School of Business, specializing in macroeconomics, policy analysis, and economic forecasting. With a wealth of experience in evaluating India's growth sectors and economic infrastructure, Prasanna offers valuable insights into India's economic challenges and opportunities. His work focuses on understanding the complexities of India's development, fiscal policy, and the evolving economic landscape. This is what we talked about: 00:00 - GDP vs. Per Capita: Which is the Better Growth Indicator? 05:00 - What's Changed in the Last 10 Years? 12:12 - Is India's Standard of Living Declining? 15:30 - The State of India's Economic Infrastructure 22:20 - Sectors Driving India's Growth 28:42 - India's Economic Future: What Lies Ahead? 37:20 - Defining the Modern Middle Class 39:29 - Navigating India's Complex Tax System 52:27 - Questions for Prakhar
In episode 196 of PG Radio, host Prakhar Gupta sits down with Aarush Bhola @aarushbhola17 and Varun Yadav @VarunYadavLailaa , better known as Laila, for a fun and engaging conversation. The duo reminisces about their unforgettable trips and standout moments from 2024, swapping hilarious stories and reflecting on the experiences that made the year memorable Aarush Bhola and Varun Yadav, popularly known as Laila, are a dynamic content-creating duo celebrated for their humor, storytelling, and unique chemistry. Together, they've carved a niche in the digital space, blending pranks, travel adventures, and vlogging into an engaging and authentic experience for their audience. Recording Date: 23 November, 2024
In episode 195 of PG Radio, host Prakhar Gupta sits down with former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for a thought-provoking discussion. The conversation explores the upcoming 2025 Delhi elections, the evolving political landscape, and Kejriwal's vision for the city's future. He opens up about his governance strategies, addressing critical issues like education, healthcare, and public welfare, while reflecting on the values and experiences that have shaped his political journey. Arvind Kejriwal @ArvindKejriwal is an Indian politician and social activist renowned for his reform-oriented leadership and grassroots advocacy. A significant figure in Indian politics, he has stood for causes like transparency, anti-corruption, and sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on governance and public policy. Recording Date: 26th December, 2024
In episode 194 of PG Radio, host Prakhar Gupta sits down with Elvish Yadav @ElvishYadavVlogs to uncover the untold stories of his life. From his school and college days to his rise as a digital sensation, Elvish shares his journey, his relationship with his parents, and the challenges he faced off-camera. Elvish Yadav is one of India's leading YouTube creators, known for his relatable humor and viral content. Beyond the screen, he is admired for his wit, authenticity, and ability to connect with millions of fans. Recording Date: 18th December, 2024 This is what we talked about:
In episode 193 of PG Radio, host Prakhar Gupta sits down with Naman Arora, an actor and character comedy stand-up comedian. Naman shares his journey into the world of acting and comedy, discussing how he developed his unique comedic characters and his aspirations for the future. Additionally, Naman talks about his experiences with Samay Raina and "India's Got Latent" Naman Arora is an Indian actor and comedian who gained prominence after his performance on "India's Got Latent" and opening show for Samay Raina. Known for his character comedy, Naman has also worked as a writer on "The Kapil Sharma Show". This is what we talked about:
In episode 192 of PG Radio, Prakhar hosts stand-up comedian and writer Kaustubh Agarwal for a candid and entertaining discussion. The conversation delves into Kaustubh's humorous take on dating, school relationships, and the realities of performance pressure. The episode also explores women's dating perspectives and personal anecdotes from Kasol. Kaustubh Agarwal is a stand-up comedian and the writer of The Pretty Good Roast Show. Known for his sharp wit and relatable humor, Kaustubh combines storytelling with incisive commentary on relationships and social dynamics Recording Date: 27th November, 2024 This is what we talked about: 00:00 – Intro 04:45 - Kaustubh Hates Americans 10:20 - Reacting to Viral Ravi Gupta reels 15:28 - Kaustubh on being a foodie on dates 17:24 – School Relationships and Dating Life Stories 24:16 - Kaustubh's Hilarious Dating Experiences 37:54 - Women's dating Life POV 40:04 – Kasol Stories 48:30 – Bad S*x and Performance Pressure 01:02:30 - Kaustubh's Mommy issues 01:04:51 - Kaustubh on Aashish Solanki 01:14:02 – How to Approach Women 1:34:13 - Prakhar's Monologue: Dating, Relationships and Breakups
In episode 191 of PG Radio, Prakhar speaks with Bryan Johnson @BryanJohnson about the future of humanity, exploring topics like longevity, immortality, and the philosophy of impermanence. They dive into the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and discuss what it means to live a meaningful life in the face of the possibility of immortality. Bryan Johnson is an entrepreneur and founder of Kernel and Blueprint, renowned for his pioneering work in longevity and biohacking. With a deep focus on technology and human performance, he brings a bold vision for navigating the intersection of innovation and the existential questions shaping our world Recording Date: 3rd December, 2024
In episode 190 of PG Radio, Prakhar and Abhijit Iyer-Mitra explore the recent indictment of the Adani Group, discussing its potential impact on India's economy and its standing on the global stage. They also dive into the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, analyzing military strategies, and the broader geopolitical implications. Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a senior fellow at the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies with a focus on military strategy and foreign policy. Known for his candid and often provocative commentary, he offers unique insights on topics ranging from defense and international relations to regional conflicts. With extensive experience in analyzing geopolitical dynamics, Abhijit is a respected voice in discussions on India's security and global positioning. Recording Date: 25 November, 2024 This is what we talked about: 00:00 - Is American conspiring against Adani? 00:13 - Adani works with the Indian Government 04:38 - Bribery and it's reality 08:10 - All the details about the indictment 17:55 - Did Adani actually bribe the officials? 22:08 - Is this a genuine indictment? 33:30 - Is Congress Pro-China? 46:58 - What are the real causes of Delhi Pollution? 1:08:00 - Recent events of the Russia-Ukraine War 1:16:40 - Why is George Soros Pro-china? 1:28:28 - Can Trump stop the Russia-Ukraine War? 1:32:27 - Prakhar's analysis