Express Conversations

Join us on the Indian Express for an exclusive conversation with Taapsee Pannu and Imtiaz Ali. In this engaging episode, Taapsee Pannu and Imtiaz Ali open up about their upcoming projects and delve into their creative processes. Hear Taapsee Pannu and Imtiaz Ali share personal anecdotes and reflect on pivotal moments that shaped their careers in Bollywood. This candid dialogue between Taapsee Pannu and Imtiaz Ali promises to offer unique insights into the world of cinema and storytelling. Subscribe to Indian Express to catch this captivating interview and stay updated with the latest from Taapsee Pannu and Imtiaz Ali, two of Bollywood's most dynamic personalities.

Welcome to another episode of Express conversations a podcast where eminent voices from the world of politics, governance Sports business and the Arts talk to us about their life, work and issues that really matter. In this episode, we will hear from Dr S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs.Dr Jaishankar has been the face of India's diplomacy in the fast-changing world in the last five years. The first Foreign Secretary to become the Foreign Minister of the country, S Jaishankar has been key to shaping India's foreign policy in the past few years of PM Modi Govt, where challenges like then COVID-19 pandemic, an assertive China in India's neighborhood, the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, have upended the global world order.He will be in conversation with Anant Goenka and Dr. C Raja Mohan, contributing editor of the Indian Express. They will be talking about India's foreign policy in a changing world, the country's relations with its neighbors and Dr. Jaishankar's book "Why Bharat Matters".

Step into the world of political insight with Prashant Kishor and his Jan Suraaj Abhiyan. In this episode of Express Adda, we unravel the latest flip-flop in Patna and its implications for both the city and the nation. Is 2024 already decided? And if so, why? Or if not, what factors are at play? Find out as we explore with Prashant Kishor, who has led successful campaigns for various Indian leaders. Kishor is currently leading a padayatra in Bihar under the Jan Suraaj banner, Kishor is on a mission to redefine politics in the state, focusing on aspiration, education, and youth empowerment, transcending caste and creed. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the political landscape ahead of the crucial general elections 2024.

Step into the world of political insight with Prashant Kishor and his Jan Suraaj Abhiyan. In this episode of Express Adda, we unravel the latest flip-flop in Patna and its implications for both the city and the nation. Is 2024 already decided? And if so, why? Or if not, what factors are at play? Find out as we explore with Prashant Kishor, who has led successful campaigns for various Indian leaders. Kishor is currently leading a padayatra in Bihar under the Jan Suraaj banner, Kishor is on a mission to redefine politics in the state, focusing on aspiration, education, and youth empowerment, transcending caste and creed. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the political landscape ahead of the crucial general elections 2024.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, renowned for steering India's economy to a remarkable 7 per cent-plus growth rate for three consecutive years amidst global challenges. Minister Sitharaman will be taking questions from Anant Goenka and P Vaidyanathan Iyer of the Indian Express. They will be talking on India's big growth push, and on other matters of national and global interest.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with one of the world's foremost public intellectuals, Michael Sandel. Renowned for his exploration of pressing moral dilemmas, Sandel's influential books, including "The Tyranny of Merit" and "What Money Can't Buy," offer profound insights into contemporary issues through the lens of history. Sandel will be in conversation with Anant Goenka and Aakash Joshi of the Indian Express. They talk about the concepts of Secularism and Nationalism in today's time and how they have changed over the years, the limits to Free Speech in different societies and they play a game of 'What's the right thing to do'.

In this episode we hear from spiritual leader Sadhguru. From climate activism and ecological preservation to rural school education and raising consciousness, Sadhguru has been an advocate of numerous social causes. He is also the founder of the Isha Foundation and has been involved in numerous initiatives like, Project GreenHands, Rally for Rivers, Cauvery Calling, and the Journey to Save Soil. He was in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director of The Indian Express Group about environment conservation, the identities of nations and much more.Listen to the other episodes of the show on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4v8sVR3NqXR5Y9Mjbwbfo9

In this episode we hear from a dynamic duo - acclaimed writer-director Meghna Gulzar and versatile actor Vicky Kaushal. Over the years, both Gulzar and Kaushal have earned accolades for their impressive individual body of work. Having previously collaborated on the critically acclaimed and commercially successful "Raazi", they're now set to bring to life the inspiring journey of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in the upcoming biopic, "Sam Bahadur." They were in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express group, and Shubhra Gupta, Film Critic, The Indian Express.

Republish: In this episode, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship speaks about building an entire ecosystem around semiconductors, tax on online gaming, regulating services like WhatsApp and much more.

In this episode we hear from IOC Athletes Commission member Abhinav Bindra on what hosting the Olympics could mean for India, engaging with the younger demographic, grooming talent through robust organisations and the growing self-belief of Indian athletes. The session was moderated by Senior Assistant Editor Mihir Vasavda.

In this episode we hear from, Chirag Paswan, leader of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas, LJP-RV). A MP from Jamui, Bihar, and one of the youngest faces in Parliament, Chirag Paswan talks about his ambitions for his State, being a NDA ally and why he disagrees with Nitish Kumar. The session was moderated by Deputy Political Editor Liz Mathew.

Republish: In this episode, life coach, author, and motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das spoke on living with multiple identities, liberalism and why you shouldn't seek validation on social media.

In this episode we hear from, athletes Parul Chaudhary and Avinash Sable. Chaudhary talks about the overwhelming reception she received after winning gold in 5000m in Asian Games, and Sable offers insights into the challenges of steeplechase. The medallists also speak about the warm bond they share. This conversation was moderated by Associate Editor Nihal Koshie.

In this episode actor Kareena Kapoor Khan speaks about her experience of working in Bollywood, the paparazzi culture, raising two sons and alternate casting of one of her most successful films, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

In this episode we hear from Janata Dal (United) national president Rajiv Ranjan Singh on the Bihar caste census, the role of Nitish Kumar in the INDIA alliance, and setting the Opposition agenda for 2024.

NK Singh, policymaker, economist and politician and Lawrence H Summers, Professor at Charles W Eliot University, President Emeritus at Harvard and the former US Treasury Secretary discuss economy, fiance and India. They say that India has the potential to grow at 7-8% per year. Singh attributes this to Prime Minister Modi's focus on policy implementations. Summers highlights the importance of global economic stability, domestic reforms, and openness to trade. They were in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express group.

Listen to Chhatisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel looking back at his eventful tenure — the highs and lows, his government's achievements and perhaps missed targets — and the challenges that lie ahead.

In this episode we hear from one of the dynamic young leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Raghav Chadha. Earlier this year, Chadha joined an Idea Exchange where he spoke about turning around law and order in Punjab, the need for a new brand of politics to take on the BJP, and the Kejriwal vs Modi battle. The session was moderated by Manraj Grewal Sharma, Resident Editor, Chandigarh.

In this episode we hear from Ruchir Sharma Chairman, Rockefeller International, and Founder of Breakout Capital. During a recent Express Adda, Sharma joined the dots between politics, economy and global affairs to identify emerging patterns and the big picture. He was in conversation with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express group, and Shyamal Majumdar, Editor, Financial Express.

In this episode goalkeeper of the Indian hockey team, PR Sreejesh talks about the changing landscape of Indian hockey, his journey to the top, using reflexes in real life and the role of education in sports.

In this episode, filmmaker Karan Johar speaks on the film industry facing trolling, viewers returning to theatres and creative people being fearless.

In this episode, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship speaks about building an entire ecosystem around semiconductors, tax on online gaming, regulating services like WhatsApp and much more.

In this episode, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, spoke on increased investment in railways, rollout of the Vande Bharat trains and how India can become the biggest chip producer.

In this episode, life coach, author, and motivational speaker Gaur Gopal Das spoke on living with multiple identities, liberalism and why you shouldn't seek validation on social media.

In this episode, Rajya Sabha MP from Punjab and AAP leader Raghav Chadha talks to members of the Indian Express on turning around law and order in Punjab, the need for a new brand of politics to take on the BJP and the Kejriwal vs Modi battle. The session was moderated by Manraj Grewal Sharma, Resident Editor, Chandigarh.He is among the dynamic young leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who has seen it grow both in Delhi and Punjab. His toughest challenge was to build the party organisation ground up in the Majha belt of Punjab, once the hotbed of militancy. Apart from manning election backrooms, Chadha has emerged as an articulate party spokesperson.

In this episode, the President of the Indian National Congress and leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge is in conversation with members of the Indian Express on a variety of topics related to Indian politics and political parties. He talks about elections in Karnataka, working towards Opposition unity, Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, and his autonomy in the Congress party.This session of Idea Exchange was moderated by Associate Editor Manoj CG. From the president of the Gulbarga Congress committee in 1969, and with no political background, Kharge has been an MLA 9 times, and a minister in all Congress governments.

In this episode, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is in conversation with members of the Indian Express on Indian politics, why he thinks the BJP might have overreached in the Rahul Gandhi political row, the opportunity it has created for a united resistance from the Opposition, and the road ahead for the Congress. The session of Idea Exchange was moderated by Indian Express Deputy Political Editor Liz Mathew.

Sushil Kumar Modi, senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member was a guest at Indian Express Idea Exchange. He started his decades long political journey in Bihar and was integrally involved in JP andolan. Mr Modi discusses key the takeaways from the Budget, Adani allegations the churn in Bihar's politics and why Nitish Kumar is losing ground. The session of Idea Exchange was moderated by Senior Assistant Editor Harikishan Sharma.

Former Australian prime minister, Tony Abbott, an old India hand and key player in furthering bilateral relations and trade agreements between the two countries. A centre right politician, known for his open and strong views on climate change and abortions and sports.He discusses why Australia can be India's trusted partner, the Adani allegations, trade deals and countering China and lots more with members of the Express team in a session moderated by Indian Express Deputy Chief of National Bureau Shubhajit Roy.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, whose long political journey started from being a student leader in the 1980s to finally now, becoming a state chief minister. Indian Express Manoj CG moderates the session as CM Sukkhu and members of the Indian Express group discuss the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and why the Congress needs to move from power-driven to organisation-driven politics, and a lot more.

Physician and author, Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee was the guest at The Indian Express Adda on 16th January. Indian Express Group's Executive Director Anant Goenka, and Indian Express' National Features Editor Devyani Onial spoke to Dr Mukherjee on a variety of topics around cancer, biology, and his latest books.

In this episode, Historian William Dalrymple speaks on the need for nuance in writing history, why tales around the Mughals are often misrepresented, and why the Marxist view of history is not the only way to tell a story.

Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forests & Climate Change and Labour & Employment, speaks about sustainable consumption and COP27, India's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) climate justice the clearance given to GM mustard, why development and environment are not opposed to each other, the Indian labour employment, BJP, RSS and more.

The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari was the guest at The Indian Express Adda on 13th December. Anant Goenka, the Executive Director of Indian Express Group, and Vandita Mishra, the National Opinion Editor, of The Indian Express spoke to Gadkari about transportation, railways, waterways, the Indian economy, BJP, RSS and more.

In this episode, Nick Clegg, Meta's president of global affairs speaks to the Indian Express about  the Metaverse push, the need to shrink the gap between policymaking and technology, and the challenges faced by social media platforms.

The Southern state of Travancore was one of the first among the princely states to refuse accession to the Indian union. It wanted to remain independent, but things changed after an assassination attempt on the dewan of the state, Sir CP Ramaswamy Aiyer. In this episode, historian Manu Pillai and renowned painter and descendant of the Travancore royal family, Rukmini Varma join us to tell us more about the story of the state's integration.Hosted by Adrija Roychowdhury and Damini JaimanEdited by Damini JaimanMixed by Suresh PawarEditorial Support: Shashank BhargavaListen to all five episodes on the Indian Express://indianexpress.com/audio/pages-from-the-past/Or download The Indian Express app:iOS link: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/indian-express-news-epaper/id506351833Android link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.indianexpress.android&hl=en_IN&gl=US&pli=1

In this episode, British High Commissioner Alexander Ellis talks to the Indian Express about India being a top priority for the UK, echoes of the past, the violence in Leicester and how there is no justification for the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In this episode, Umran Malik, the fastest bowler to emerge from India in recent years, speaks to the Indian Express about his first full IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, his family, his early years in Jammu & Kashmir, and his love for fast bowling.(Illustration: Suvajit Dey)

In this episode, boxer Nikhat Zareen spoke to the Indian Express right after she won the world championship in May 2022. She talked about how people ridiculed her choice to become a boxer as a girl, her struggles in a conservative society and how she feels women boxers wearing hijab is a matter of choice. (Illustration: Suvajit Dey)

In this episode, Professor Wendy Doniger, who is one of the world's foremost scholars on Hinduism and Sanskrit, speaks to the Indian Express about what drew her to study Sanskrit and Hinduism, and the backlash over her most successful book “The Hindus: An Alternative History” which was published in 2014. She also talks about why, at its core, Hinduism has always been diverse.(Cover image illustration: Shyam Kumar Prasad)

In this episode, former RBI Governor D Subbarao speaks to the Indian Express on the need for structural reforms, investment, and cryptocurrency, and why we should be looking at growth drivers instead of numbers.(Cover image illustration: Suvajit Dey)

In this episode, cricketer-turned-politician Gautam Gambhir speaks to the Indian Express about how it is being in politics, why reducing the Ghazipur landfill has been more satisfying than winning a World Cup, why he is against hero-worshipping and why BJP has a difficult run in the MCD polls.

In this episode, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, speaks about how different citizens in India use the internet differently, what exactly the “splinternet” is and the risks it poses, and how to balance safety and security.

In this episode, world championship medallist Anju Bobby George speaks about training in the US, facing fatigue, the importance of a good coach, India's performance in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the issue of doping in sports.