Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya

In this episode, we explore Kanu Behl's cinematic world and his journey as a filmmaker who brings raw, unfiltered realism to the screen. From his early days studying filmmaking at Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute to his first Bollywood break working with Dibakar Banerjee as an Assistant Director for the film Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye! He shares the creative process behind his acclaimed films, we uncover the stories and struggles that shaped his vision including his latest directorial Despatch starring Manoj Bajpayee.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on pushing boundaries in Indian cinema and crafting deeply resonating narratives only on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya! You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries, you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts so that other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Koral has published an eclectic range of books from academic nonfiction to relationship dramas. Her books are discussed from the context of gender studies, art, myth and ecocritical literature.  Other than India, Koral's books are shelved in the libraries of University of Harvard, Columbia University, University of Chicago, and many others. Her fourth book, Summer Holidays, has been optioned for screen adaptation.  She is currently working with Pan Macmillan on the five-book Sati series - a retelling of the stories of the Pancha Kanya from Indian mythology. She conducts writing programmes and critical thinking workshops for educational and corporate floors.  www.tellmeyourstory.biz founded by Koral leverages literature to design and execute extensive learning programmes which inspire social engagement and behavioural change for Inclusion & Diversity.  She is recognised in the list of Innovator25 Asia Pacific 2019 prepared by The Holmes Report, a New York based PR news agency and has been listed under the Women of Wonder (WOW) series in Outlook Business (September 2019). You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Uma Rahul Rele is the Principal of Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya which was established by Padma Bhushan Kanak Rele, who is her guru and mother-in-law. Uma was born and brought up in Mumbai. She did her B.A. in Economical Science from Mithibai College, Mumbai. She has also done a doctorate in Bharatanatyam dance. On this GuruPurnima Special Episode, listen to her experiences under the tutelage of Padma Vibhushan late Dr. Kanak Rele, and also her delightful explanation of the Ashta Nayika as she shares her story only on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaay: Diary Of A Dancer You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet Kalamandalam Gopalakrishnan, the living legend of Kathakali. With 40 years of teaching experience at Nalanda Nritya Kala Maha Vidyalaya and 25 years in Mohiniattam, he's a nattuvanar, performer, and award-winning artist. His rhythmic magic has graced prestigious stages across India and beyond. From captivating audiences with Padmabhushan Dr. Kanak Rele's performances to mentoring students who've become Kathakali stars, Gopalakrishnan's legacy is etched in every mudra. Listen to his experience of growing up learning Kathakali to teaching and performing it on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya: Diary Of A Dancer You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neeraj Churi, founder of Lotus Visual Productions, promotes South Asian LGBTQ+ films worldwide. He produces, screens, and curates film festivals while also mentoring emerging projects. Neeraj's expertise extends to advisory roles and prestigious film market selections, solidifying his impact in the industry. Listen to his experience of raising awareness for the cause through his love for films and filmmaking on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smriti Mundhra started a production company, Meralta Films, that specializes in documentary films and non-fiction content.Mundhra won the Albert Maysles New Documentary Director Award at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival for her first feature documentary film A Suitable Girl, along with her co-director Sarita Khurana.In 2020, she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject for her film St. Louis Superman (2019)Mundhra was born in Los Angeles, California and raised between Los Angeles and Mumbai, India. Her father, Jag Mundhra was also a filmmaker. She is also known for the Netflix series "Indian Matchmaking" and her most recent work which is being appreciated by the entire film industry - The Romantics, that encapsulates 70 years of film history of Yash Raj Films. Listen to Smriti Mundhra share what went behind making such enigmatic documentary series as she chats with Bhawana Somaaya.   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The journey that Padma Shri Bhawana Somaaya & Ep.Log Media embarked on 8th Marc, 2019 to share unheard stories about people from the field of art, and business of entertainment completes 100 episodes! Over the past countless minutes of conversations, we have had some of the most memorable experiences. This 100th episode is a trip down memory lane featuring a few of the voices that appeared on the podcast. Featuring: Manish Malhotra, Sonakshi Sinha, Paresh Rawal, Ashvini Yardi, Sameer Nair, Arshad Warsi, Daksha Mashruwala, Namita Thapar, and Shobhaa De!   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trained since the age of 7, in the Guru-Shishya Parampara of the Tanjavur style under the tutelage of renowned,  Late Kalaimamani Guru T. K. Mahalingam Pillai, In 1984, Anusree Bonnerjee won the prestigious Singar Mani Award at the “Kal ke Kalakaar”, a national conference of music and dance and has since performed at a number of dance & music conferences including the prestigious  Haridas Sammelan and other programmes  in Mumbai, Mysore, Kolkata, Delhi, Pune. Has been regularly performing Rabindra Nritya (dance form developed in Shanitiniketan by Rabindranath Tagore) from a very early age having performed in numerous ballets under the aegis of Shahana, Tagore Centre for Indian Music and Culture, and other cultural organizations  As Founder & Artistic Director of her dance ensemble Drutam Dance Ideas Lab, she performs regularly for corporates, cultural organizations, and Universities within India and abroad.   Listen to her experience on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sachin is a National Award-Winning filmmaker who studied at The University of Texas at Austin as part of their MFA program in Film & Media Production. His work has been screened at prestigious film festivals such as Hot Docs, Raindance, EnergaCAMERIMAGE, and Krakow. He strives to tell stories that demand an urgent conversation and seeks to engage with people, places, and communities that are slowly disappearing. He aims to affirm their existence through cinema by preserving their lives and memories. Listen to his experience on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reeta Ramamurthy Gupta is a writer from Mumbai, India. Her debut book, Rescript Your Life: Awaken The Voice Within You had a powerful message- being unkind to yourself is a form of violence. In the book, she coined the term THECO (The Chosen One), asking her readers to engage in positive self-talk. She followed this up with two biographies; in which her protagonists lived with the  THECO mindset. The first biography, The Stranger in the Mirror, chronicled the life and times of BAFTA nominated Indian producer-director of Rang De Basanti fame, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra. The second biography, Sanjeev Kumar-The Actor We All Loved has been an Amazon No.1 bestseller since its pre-order announcement in June 2022. Sanjeev Kumar, one of India's favorite actors, lived rags to riches story which is the stuff of celluloid dreams.A lifelong communications professional, she started her journey as a writer with the Economic Times in 2001. She has been running The Network, a content writing and advocacy firm for almost two decades. In 2020, she finished her six- nation, decadal study called the Red Dot Experiment about how culture impacts communication.Reeta is passionate about promoting the reading habit. She authored a series titled ‘The Celebrity Bookshelf' for Amazon Kindle in 2021. She writes columns for CNBCTV18 India and Khaleej times UAE to emphasise the importance of reading. Listen to her writing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astitva is the brainchild of Nirali and Rajeev, who together felt the need for sustainable fashion,  intending to establish a connection with the rural past.  Rajeev, a microbiologist, theatrist and a travel enthusiast, always had a keen interest in discovering our past in heirloom and vintage products. Being a theatre enthusiast, he believes  that theatre has played a strong role in influencing Astitva.  He always felt that there is a pandora of secrets hidden in our local villages, which, if nurtured,  can add value to our lives as well as strengthen the local craftsmen and tribal workers. He felt a  strong urge to create something which is environmentally sustainable and supports the  livelihood of these craftsmen.   Nirali, a Commerce graduate & theatrist, joined the journey of Astitva with a keen sense of  eclectic taste in everything. She has spent long hours with the tribal women and has added a  fashionable touch to the boho and vintage jewellery, bags and clothes. She strongly displays an  inherited form of art and creativity and believes that everything around is full of inspiration.   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetha J is a writer, director and producer from Kerala, India. She is known for her writings and distinctive films on women. Her critically acclaimed debut feature fiction is the mesmerizing Malayalam film RUN KALYANI (2019), a poetic and realist drama about duties, dreams and desire. This film has travelled to many international festivals and received nine awards.   On acquiring her own video camera, Geetha made her first independent film Woman with a Video Camera in 2005 from Kerala that had hardly any woman filmmaker then. She received the Göteborg International Film Festival's Film Development Fund for her first feature script A Certain Slant of Light, about three sisters growing up in 1970s to 1990s Kerala. This was also selected for NFDC's Directors' Lab. Geetha is now in development on three scripts that continue to have women as leading characters.    Between 2008 and 2018, Geetha focused on collaborations with multi-award-winning documentary filmmaker Ian McDonald on all his works most notably the internationally acclaimed Grierson-nominated feature documentary Algorithms (2012) about young blind chess players from India and FREEDOM (2017), a four-screen film installation on the radical legacy of Martin Luther King, exhibited in Newcastle, Brighton and London. Their films have screened at film festivals, galleries, academic conferences, campaign-meetings and in cinemas around the world.   Born and brought up in Kerala, Geetha is trained in classical music and dance. She started her professional life as a print journalist, later moving into television and documentaries. She now lives alternatively in Trivandrum & Chennai, India and Newcastle, UK where she lectures at Film@CultureLab. Geetha is a KV product and is fluent in English, Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam.  .  You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shefali Shah has never been the kind to take the path that's got many travelers on it. Her roles have never been conventional, she's always playing a character that has something to say or leaves an impact. From playing a minor girl's role in Rangeela to portraying the role of an urban - Indian housewife who cannot find the confidence to leave her broken marriage in Dil Dhadakne Do, Shefali Shah's performances have been path-breaking. However, her character in International Emmy Win web series ‘Delhi Crime' as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi was a game changer in more ways than one and it left a resounding effect on the hearts and minds of audiences and critics alike. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mukesh Chhabra is the driving force behind streamlining the casting process in the Hindi Film Industry. After training for 2 years to understand the craft of acting from Shri Ram Centre, he completed 9 years of acting and teaching stint with the ‘Theatre in Education' Company (TIE) affiliated with the National School of Drama in India.Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company, founded in 2008, has grown to become the leading casting company in India. With an eye for talent, Mukesh Chhabra has discovered faces like Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput, Mrunal Thakur, Pratik Gandhi, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh. MCCC believes in nurturing new talents to carve a niche in the big bustling world of Hindi Cinema. Today, the biggest directors in the Hindi film industry like Rajkumar Hirani, Nitesh Tiwari, Imtiaz Ali, Kabir Khan, Abhishek Kapoor, Aanand L. Rai, Anurag Kashyap, Raj Nidimoru, Krishna D.K., Anubhav Sinha, Hansal Mehta, Vishal Bhardwaj, A.R. Rahman, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and producers like Sajid Nadiadwala, Karan Johar, Bhushan Kumar, Ekta Kapoor and many more all choose MCCC for their casting needs. In recognition of his outstanding work, he has been made a member of the Casting Association of America (CSA). Listen to Mukesh Chhabra share his kahani on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umesh is a National Award-Winning filmmaker known for his film ‘The Whistle Blowers' an investigation into pesticides in soft drinks and bottled water.  He also won Ramnath Goenka Award for excellence in journalism for his film ”Brokering News” which exposed the practice of PAID NEWS in Indian media.  His show on Doordarshan ‘KIRAN' was adapted into a book ‘Power of One' by Penguin Publishers. Umesh's films have been part of various international film festivals across the globe.  He is currently writing & directing RAHMAN MUSIC SHEETS, a series that's streaming on the YouTube channel o2india The series is celebrating 30 years of AR Rahman in film music and has already featured stalwarts of cinema Listen to Umesh Aggarwal share his kahani on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Namita Thapar is the Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Pune with a turnover of 6000 crores ($750 million). It has a presence in 70+ countries and an employee strength of over 10,000.Namita is an MBA graduate from the Fuqua School of Business and a Chartered Accountant from ICAI. She is a recipient of various prestigious corporate awards such as the 40 under Forty award by Economic Times and Top 50 Most Powerful Women in business by Business Today. Outside of work, Namita is passionate about improving women's health in India and promoting entrepreneurship.Namita has launched a unique YouTube talk show on women'shealth called Uncondition Yourself with Namita. She leads TEA which teaches entrepreneurship and is part of the global Television show Shark Tank India. Listen to Namita Thapar share her kahani on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaditi Pohankar is an actor who has made her mark in the Indian entertainment scene with critically acclaimed projects such as Aashram and SHE. The second season of SHE and the third season of Aashram have just been released which has garnered immense appreciation from audiences and critics alike, making her one of the most sought-after actors on the block. The actor was born and brought up in Mumbai and has worked in Hindi, Marathi and Tamil projects.   Listen to her kahani on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.mediaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She's a model, an actor, and a reality-tv judge. She has worked for more than 2 decades in both artistic and mainstream movies, and while language have blurred the lines today, Sonali Bendre starred in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, and of course Hindi movies.  She has flirted with theatre, is a cancer survivor, and is a host of an extremely successful book club.  Recently she made her digital debut in the series "Broken News", and judging from the response, there's no looking back for Sonali Bendre. Listen to her kahani on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are many ways to describe Shobhaa De. She's a columnist. author, commentator, publisher, and most importantly a rule-breaker In the 70s, when film stars were revered like deities, she made dust of all of them. Over the decades, she has commented on society, politics, economics, and relationships in a fearless candid way. When she turned an author, all her books turned to best-sellers! But all the glory that came her way, there were certain cliques, and accusations that followed her at every step. Unlike other episodes where we talk about our guests' journeys, Bhawana Somaaya and Shobhaa De chat about busting myths and cliques on this episode of Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hetal Gadhia started as an assistant in her father's office, after that for a very brief time she did costumes for theatre, she even flirted with the idea of being in the gifting business. However, her heart belonged to the kitchen, for the fragrance of the cooked food, because she was the happiest cooking, and serving it to her family and friends. Listen to her kahani of discovering this passion and how she started her very popular home cooking venture- Not A Chef. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In times when everyone's emphatically talking about women's rights, Deepika makes a strong case for protection of rights of men too whether it's false accusations or domestic violence or sexual crimes perpetrated upon them. Her documentary films focus on gender politics as it intersects with laws, justice, culture, society, and institutions and explores often ignored side of gender issues from a new perspective. Her films are particularly known for ground research, facts & statistics elaborated in depth.  In 2016, Deepika achieved prominence through her documentary film "Martyrs of Marriage " which is about abuse of section 498a (Anti-dowry law) of Indian Penal Code. Martyrs of Marriage got a global release on NETFLIX in 2018. Her latest documentary is India's Sons, a documentary film that traces journey, ordeals and escape of innocent men who were falsely accused of a rape charge in India. It's a first person account of men and families who bore the brunt of being called a rapist and a rapists family, only to be eventually honorably acquitted of the said crime after years of trial, on basis of credible evidence proving beyond doubt that they were falsely accused. The film brings out voices that matter, facts that are shocking and tales that are moving. Listen to Deepika Bhardwaj talk about how she recorded these events on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya.   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manasi Parekh was recently seen in Gujarati films “Dear Father” and “ Golkeri”. She debuted in Bollywood in the National award-winning Hindi film “URI” where she played Vicky Kaushal's sister.  Her short film “Ladoo” also won the national award in a special mentions category. She has been the lead actor in tv shows like “Sumit Sambhal Lega”, “Gulaal” “India calling”, and web series like “SIT” and "Do Not Disturb”. She was the lead in the renowned Gujarati play "Maro Piyu Gayo Rangoon" which opened at the Globe Theatre London. She won the Indian Television Award for "Best Supporting Actor in a Comic Role" for her serial Sumit Sambhal Lega on Star Plus. Manasi is also the winner of the singing reality show "Star Ya Rockstar" on Zee RC. Her Tamil film "Leelai" is very popular and a sleeper hit. She has studied theatre and dramatics at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Academy. She produces content under her production company "Soul Sutra". Listen to her amazing experiences only on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dinesh Khanna is the Chairman of The Club, the brain behind Taj Bekal Resort & Spa(Kerala), he is the former President of Federation of Hotels & Restaurants Association of India (FHRAI), Rotarian, Restaurantier, Chairman of WTTCI, and advisor to  UPPERCRUST India – a leading food & wine magazine! Listen to his amazing experiences about building India's most premium hotels only on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prakash Kapadia is a screenwriter who has been in the movie business for more than 2 decades, and is associated with all kinds of cinema, particularly period & dramatic genres and is most remembered for his association with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Listen to his amazing and rare appearance sharing his experiences only on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paresh Rawal as an actor needs no introductions! He has enthralled the Gujarati and Hindi audience for decades, both on-stage and on-screen. He is a master of his craft, and as a performer has never let down his audience. What goes on in the mind of an actor before he goes on stage or in front of the camera? How does he accept, embrace and internalize a character?  How does he make every character he plays - a good man, bad man, poor man, rich man, or thief, so believable?! What is the secret? What is the process? Paresh Rawal for the first time shares- how an actor prepares on-stage/before the camera! Listen to his amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Women's Day special episode, Bhawana Somaaya is joined by renowned Dancer, Choreographer, academic and Mohiniattam exponent - Dr. Kanak Rele. She is the founder-director of India's premier institution for Classical Dance - the Nalanda Dance Research Centre and the founder-principal of the Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya. Listen to her exciting journey that shaped the foundations for Indian Classical Dance in Modern India.   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Actress Additi Gupta made her debut with teleseries Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil playing the role of Heer Maan. She is currently playing the powerful role of Dr. Deepika Sinha in Dhadkan Zindaggi Kii. She is best known for playing Sanam Ibrahim/Khan Begum in Qubool Hai, Nandini Tiwari in Badalte Rishton Ki Dastaan, Sanjana in Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, Archana Singh in Kaal Bhairav Rahasya Season 2. Additi shares how her role as a doctor has been a life-changing experience. Listen to her amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tusshar Kapoor is an actor, filmmaker, writer and India's first bachelor dad.  He shares his passion for cinema and his journey to first become a dad and later document his story in his debut book.   Listen to his amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Hardik Gajjar has an extensive lineup in the coming year, he started his direction with Pratik Gandhi's Bhavai, and in the upcoming year has Atithi Bhooto Bhava, Gandhi na Lagan maa, Chandlo, one film with Neena Gupta and 3 in pipeline. The talented director is also known for TV Serial like Devon Ke Dev Mahadev, Siya Ke Ram, Mahavir Hanuman and many more He started his career as a flame artist and editor and started his own VFX studio named Vertex Volt which is known for several big films and shows. He has won 14 awards (4- maac international animation award) telly awards, ita n more for VFX.   Listen to his amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amole Gupte is a child rights activist. In addition to being an active part of the social sector, he is also an award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor. Born in 1962, in Mumbai, in a middle class household, Amole found freedom at an early age. His earliest foray into the arts was that into painting, a passion that lasts till today. He is known for this magnificent work in creating the story and screenplay for Taare Zameen Par was also India's official entry to the Oscars. The film also triggered another important movement in Amole's life. It led Amole to think about the filming processes of children in mainstream media in the country.  He also made the revolutionary film Stanley Ka Dabba in which his son Partho starred and also received a National Award for the same. Gupte, also went ahead to make Hawaa Hawaai, Sniff!!!, Saina, One Idiot (on YouTube) Return Of One Idiot (on YouTube), and acted in several blockbusters like Kaminey, Stanley Ka Dabba, Bheja Fry 2, Phas Gaye Re Obama, Urumi, Singham Returns, Mumbai Saga. Another important part of his life has been working with under‐privileged children from all around Mumbai and holding theatre and filmmaking workshops with them. Amole Gupte is currently also the Chairman of the Children Film Society of India. Listen to his amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Amee has been active on stage for more than 30 years. She owns a production house- Avni Arts Pvt. Ltd. which stages Gujarati plays in which she performs as the lead actress. She is the recipient of Best Actress Award five times by Trans Media Gujarati Theatre Film and Serial Award for my play TAMAS, DEV NA DIDHEL and AME MASTI NA MATWALA and Dharmo Rakshati and Jaantaa Ajaantaa. She also won the Best Play Awards at the Trans Media Festival for Gujarati Theatre and Film and Serial for my plays Dharmo Rakshati, Jaantaa Ajaantaaa, and Tamas  Her latest project is producing and acting in a Web Series in Gujarati for Shemaroo titled 'Be- Naquaab'. Not just that, Dr. Amee has also been Vice-Principal of Narsee Monji College in Mumbai for 8 years and is now the Principal of Deviprasad Goenka Management College of Media Studies. Listen to her amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monica Asrani is a partner at S R Brothers one of the pioneering Corporate gift companies in India having a global presence and having provided merchandise for leading multinational companies. She has played a significant part in creating the launch merchandise for Coca-Cola when they first came to India. She has won several awards for creative presentation at International Corporate gift conferences. Recently, Monica's company launched an online retail leather and vegan leather brand ‘Hyde & Tanor' As a freelance writer and journalist, Asrani has written for Screen and G magazine amongst others and also has her own blog. Also work in the capacity of a freelance copywriter for Rahul Nanda, a leading publicity designer.  Due to her spiritual leanings, she found a strong calling as a Tarot Card Reader. Listen to her experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mrunalini is a renowned lawyer with a professional experience in the field of Family Law for over two decades.   In the past Mrunalini has been a professor of Constitutional Law at the K.C. College, Mumbai and taught post graduate students as a visiting faculty at the Department of Law, Mumbai University.   She belongs to a family of jurists wherein her father Late Dr. T.K Tope was a Constitutional Expert and Professor of Constitutional Law who later rose to become Vice-Chancellor of Mumbai University.   She has been invited to judge various prestigious moot court programs owing to her expertise in her field of practice. She has also addressed and contributed in writing towards issues of sexual harassment at the workplace and also regarding issues of safety of women and children. She has been invited as an expert by several MNC‘s on Committees to deal with Sexual Harassment Cases at Work Place.   Mrunalini often participates and has addressed domestic and international conferences on issues relating to family law and structuring of wealth and alimony issues especially the laws governing women.   Mrunalini strongly believes in gender justice and is extremely sensitive about injustice and malpractices while actively propagating gender equality. She recently addressed an International Conference on Wealth Planning for Global Indian Families in Dubai, U.A.E.   She has authored a book on Divorce “Breaking Up Your Step – by – Step Guide to Getting Divorced”. The book has an overview of the various laws with reference to marriage, divorce, child custody, Alimony, etc. with illustration of the cases personally handled by her.   Mrunalini has also dealt with cross border cases relating to marriage, Validity of foreign court orders, Applicability of the Indian laws of Marriage and their effect, Cross border child custody cases, Effect and enforcement of foreign court orders, Validity and enforcement of Indian laws on child custody with specific reference to foreign court orders. Mrunalini has appeared and argued all the above in the trial courts as well as the Supreme Court of India   Listen to her experiences with law on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anu Choudhury has achieved remarkable success in the field of cinema, media, and social activities. She has created a benchmark in Odia, Bengali, Telugu and Hindi Film Industries as one of the leading actresses. Her work as a social activist has given voice to many and has been instrumental in raising awareness on various social issues. Listen to her interesting journey on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the age of nineteen, Avinash approached his father and told him that he wanted to drop out of college and be a photographer. The following day, his father gifted him his first -camera. And that was the start of a lifelong commitment to the craft.  With the support and guidance of ‘the Ashutosh Gowariker – Aamir Khan– Salman Khan'  trifecta he established himself as a celebrity photographer.  Avinash enjoys creating the drama inherent in shooting genres like Film Posters as well as  Portraiture, Editorial, and Fashion where human beings are carefully “arranged”. The expressions on their face, their gestures, and moods, their clothes and movements, every  detail in fact, is part of the “setup” that sells something; a movie or a product. Listen to his fascinating experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smitaji Jayakar is a well-known and recognized face and appreciated for her skills as a fine actor in cinema, television and theatre.  As a veteran actress, she has been a part of 23 Blockbuster Bollywood Movies, the Author of 2 life-changing books and is a transformative speaker at TEDx. Smitaji is certified in 36 Healing Modalities, a facet beyond her well-known self (Smitaji), has been working for over 35 years, exploring and self-experimenting with various Holistic Healing techniques. Her Spiritual Learning stretches across the globe. It started from Mumbai and various states of India and has travelled through Asia, America and Europe. Listen to her fascinating experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gajra Kottary debuted as an author in early 1996 with her first collection of women-centric short stories titled Fragile Victories, followed by another compendium, The Last Laugh. Her debut novel Broken Melodies was published by HarperCollins India Publishers, India in 2011, simultaneously with its Hindi translation Bikhre Sur.  Gajra subsequently co-authored her first original Hindi novel, Kora Kaagaz, followed by two more English novels “Once Upon a Star” and “Girls don't Cry”, and 3 audio and one e book to date.  Gajra's next is her first non-fiction book called “Healing at the Movies ” co-authored with Ridhi Sarda released in mid-2021. Gajra had stepped into the audio-visual world in the year 1999, by being script associate with Mahesh Bhatt on a film called Ye Zindagi Ka Safar and then entered the world of television when she wrote the story and screenplay of the serial Hamare Tumhare for Vishesh Films, followed by her first long running daily of 668 episodes- the award-winning Astitva – Ek Prem Kahani.  Her next major writing assignment was, to develop the story of the nation's popular and acclaimed daily television serial Balika Vadhu, on Colors,from 2008. Gajra has also written the story for the 55 episodes mega historical television serial Buddha, currently available on Netflix and many other acclaimed shows including Jyoti, Godh Bharai, Ghar Ek Sapna and Ek Veer ki Ardaas – Veera, Satrangi Sasuraal etc.   She currently has on air, a show called “Molkki” on Colors at 10 pm  Gajra has won all the major writing awards for television, multiple times, including the Indian Television Academy Award, RAPA award, Indian Telly Award, Apsara Award and the Global Indian Television's Best Writer Award.  Listen to her interesting journey on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Neeta Sinha, famously known as the house doctor for most starry homes, is a globally renowned practitioner in the field of Astroarchitecture®. She is the pioneer of the pathbreaking theory that 'EVERY HOUSE HAS A HOROSCOPE'. Driven by the question that why is it that in a high rise building, where the Vaastu of all the houses is the same, different individuals get different results? Dr. Kusuma and she researched around 30,000 homes, offices and other premises to study the effects of the laws of Vaastu. After years of extensive and in-depth research, they discovered that not only people, but their spaces also have horoscopes. Thus was discovered AstroArchitecture.   Listen to her interesting journey on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya   You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the most respected names in classical dance in India- Deepak Mazumdar, is an artiste par excellence. Deepak is known for his deep sensitivity and subtlety in abhinaya and a mesmerizing presence. His scholarly approach lends an in-depth understanding of characters and a unique perspective in their expression.  Recently, in 2019, he has been honored by the prestigious "Sangit Natak Akademi" award for his contribution to dance by Govt. of India Listen to his interesting journey on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anand Pandit has collaborated and produced some iconic films under the banner Anand Pandit Motion Pictures. Interestingly he have worked with both the Bachchans currently - with Big B in ‘Chehre' and Junior Bachchan in ‘The Big Bull' released earlier in 2021. His high-end, luxury real estate company, Lotus Developers has developed state-of-the-art residences for the who's who of Bollywood. Listen to his interesting journey and the insider's view to the business of making films on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hailed as the czarina of fashion From minimalism to opulence, when it comes to South Asian fashion, Neeta Lulla is an icon. In different shades and hues of colour, she fires up a canvas, creating waves across runways and the big screen world of cinema. With over 350 films to her credit and having worked for 34 years she believes in creativity you do not think out of the box you don't have a box! As a costumer for films she is the only designer in the country to be the recipient of 4 National Awards for best costume design. Invited by the Academy of Motion pictures of Arts and Sciences as a member of the jury for Oscar Awards. A couturier and an unprecedented originator, Neeta Lulla has given a contemporary touch to heritage textile like Kanjeevaram, Banarsi, Paithani and Kalamkari , reviving weaving and embroidery and creating romantic looks in her ensembles with Edwardian cuts and Renaissance colors. Listen to her amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Himanshuu Sheth graduated from St.Xaviers College, Mumbai, with a degree in Ancient Indian Culture. After numerous diploma courses in diverse subjects, he decided that his heart craved for the camera and photography. He was groomed in varied styles by industry experts and got an opportunity to travel around the world. Currently, he works for a number of Advertising Agencies, Design Houses, Industrial Organisations, Creative Consultancies, Fashion Magazines, Travel and Hotel Industries…etc. He has also been a guest lecturer at prestigious institutions. In order to give back to his profession, Himanshuu started a parallel project, Himanshuu Sheth Photosafaaris, where he takes photography enthusiasts on a photography adventure. Teaching them along the way to improve their photography skills.  Continue conducting various Photosafaris in India, Turkey, Ecuador, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda and looking at expanding to various parts of the world.  Listen to his amazing experiences on Meri Kahani with Bhawana Somaaya. You can follow us and leave us feedback on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @eplogmedia, For partnerships/queries send you can send us an email at bonjour@eplog.media. If you like this show, please subscribe and leave us a review wherever you get your podcasts, so other people can find us. You can also find us on https://www.eplog.media See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.