Sonal Man Singh is a former Rajya Sabha MP, an Indian classical dancer and a Guru in Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance styles. She received the Padma Bhushan in 1992 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2003.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Sonal Man Singh shares untold stories about Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, and the challenges artists faced during the 1975 Emergency. She also discusses whether art can be separated from the artist.

She also speaks about today's cancel culture, how she got into dancing, the relationship between a Guru and Shishya, and what it takes to become a great dancer. She also shares her thoughts on whether today’s younger generation is losing interest in Indian classical dance.

00:00 – Introduction

00:56 – Dancing as a Career

05:58 – Rajya Sabha Experience

17:44 – Running Away from Home

24:02 – Divorce

24:55 – Kelucharan Mohapatra as a Guru

30:29 – Guru-Shishya Parampara

33:52 – Learning Odissi from Kelucharan Mohapatra

37:56 – Support from Family Members

39:18 – Story of Second Marriage

42:34 – Experience Meeting Indira Gandhi

47:57 – TM Krishna Getting Subhalakshmi Award Row

49:43 – Limits of Artistic Expression

53:59 – Inspiration to Be Creative

57:41 – Interacting with Pupul Jayakar

01:00:32 – Industrialists Backing Artists

01:08:26 – Living a Private Life

01:09:39 – Padma Award Story

01:17:26 – Why She Was Sacked from Sangeet Natak Akademi

01:20:10 – Cancel Culture

01:31:38 – Personal Relationships

01:35:51 – How to Handle Tough Times

01:37:21 – Favourite Cities for Performance

01:43:14 – Can an Atheist Emote Divinity in Dance?

Tigmanshu Dhulia is a filmmaker, actor, screenwriter, and casting director, best known for Paan Singh Tomar (2012) and Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster (2011). His films, often critically acclaimed and explore human relationships, social issues, and the nuances of Indian culture.

In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Tigmanshu takes a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about his childhood in Allahabad- now known as Prayagraj- and what makes the city so special to him. He reflects on his days at the National School of Drama (NSD), his friendships with those who made a mark in Bollywood, and how he got his first break as a director. He also shares how legendary filmmaker Shekhar Kapur played a crucial role in shaping his career.

Tigmanshu doesn’t hold back in criticizing corporate influence in Bollywood, calling out how films are often sold even before they are made. He also shares untold stories about Shah Rukh Khan and Irrfan Khan.

From rising ticket prices to his upcoming Bollywood project, this conversation is a straight talk about the Hindi Film Industry.

00:00 - Introduction

00:22 - Childhood Memories of Allahabad

05:13 - Recalling NSD Days

10:44 - Working as an Assistant Director

12:22 - Getting Credit as a Casting Director

17:12 - Collaborating with Shekhar Kapur

23:17 - Experience in the TV Industry

24:49 - Working on Dil Se

30:24 - Impact of Irrfan Khan’s Demise

36:34 - Working with Favorite Actors

45:17 - Experience in Gangs of Wasseypur

50:02 - Corporate Interference in Filmmaking

58:48 - The Cult of Sanjay Leela Bhansali

01:04:57 - Lack of Focus in Today’s Actors

01:09:06 - Working in the OTT Space

Raza Murad comes from a family of actors and is known for his astounding voice. He started his career with the film 'Ek Nazar' in 1972 and became famous for his versatility, especially in villain roles. He has worked in over 200 films and has been featured in several popular Bollywood films, including Prem Rog, Henna, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, and Ram Lakhan. He continues to leave his mark with roles in films like Gangubai Kathiawadi, Padmaavat, Jodhaa Akbar, and Bajirao Mastani.

In this Mumbai edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Veteran Actor talks about his journey into Bollywood. He shares insights into how the Hindi Film Industry has changed over the last 50 years.

He also shares stories about legends like Raaj Kumar, Amitabh Bachchan, Zeenat Aman, Rajesh Khanna, and Raj Kapoor. He discusses his experiences working with directors like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Ashutosh Gowariker and how they tell their stories on the silver screen.

More on why Bollywood movies aren’t clicking as much today and what stardom truly means.

Audio Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:35 - Working with Amitabh & Rajesh Khanna

11:55 - Experience with Hrishikesh Mukherjee

22:21 - Raj Kapoor as a Director

25:26 - Regret of not interacting with Raj Kapoor

30:08 - Raza Murad’s voice: Asset or drawback?

33:31 - Media favoritism towards actors

36:20 - Did Raaj Kumar commit a crime?

40:44 - Funny stories about Raaj Kumar

48:41 - Working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

55:56 - Upcoming projects with Sanjay Leela Bhansali

57:18 - Collaboration with Ashutosh Gowariker

59:21 - Why was Mughal-e-Azam never remade?

01:01:21 - Why aren’t films succeeding today?

01:03:49 - Controversy during Padmaavat release

01:05:51 - Old actors vs. today's stars

01:08:01 - Teaching at FTII

01:09:14 - Ranveer Allahabadia controversy

01:12:41 - Raza Murad’s childhood love story

01:14:47 - Raza Murad’s wedding

01:18:16 - Maintaining relationships in cinema

01:20:19 - Zeenat Aman’s second marriage

01:21:45 - Battling Depression in Bollywood