Best Ajay Shah Podcasts (2025)

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Ep 104: What Ails Indian Manufacturing? 1:12:23

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15h ago1:12:23

1:12:23

Manufacturing in India was hobbled by the state for many decades after Independence — and is still not in great shape. Why is this so? How can we move forward? Welcome to Episode 104 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In the first of a two-parter, Ajay lays out the grim reality today, and Amit gives a …

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From Consumer Tech to Deep Tech: India’s startup evolution 14:10

4d ago14:10

14:10

In the latest episode of the Inside Forbes India podcast, Naini Thaker talks about the new special, which explores India’s evolving startup landscape. While consumer tech thrives, deep tech is emerging, driven by founders tackling unique Indian challenges. From InMobi’s AI pivot to EV tractors by Moonrider and rapid-charging batteries by Exponent E…

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Ep 420: Siddhartha Basu Is in the Hot Seat 4:10:06

7d ago4:10:06

4:10:06

Circumstance made him a legend of the quizzing world, but Siddhartha Basu is a man of many parts. He joins Amit Varma in episode 420 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about life, India, the art of asking questions and the answers he has found. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Siddhartha Basu on Wikipedia, Twitt…

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Ep 103: You Should Start a Business -- Part 2 1:22:53

9d ago1:22:53

1:22:53

Admit it, our last episode, You Should Start a Business, blew your mind. You couldn’t wait to get going! You wanted more! Welcome to Episode 103 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma & Ajay Shah. In this episode, Amit shares more gyan on starting a business. You have no excuse left now! Incorporate! TABLE OF CONTENTS: 0…

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Ep 102: You Should Start a Business 51:19

18d ago51:19

51:19

Welcome to Episode 102 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. There are many good reasons to start a business. In this episode, Amit and Ajay take you through a few of them — and then Amit elaborates on the mindset you need to get started. This is Part 1 of a grand two-parter. If you don’t start a business…

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Ep 101: Metrics for Intervention 43:51

18d ago43:51

43:51

When we think about state intervention, the first principle we consider is whether it is necessary. But we should also think about whether it is possible — and how easy or hard it is. How do we figure this out? Welcome to Episode 101 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Ajay lays out the…

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On the promise of AI beyond the hype 15:15

19d ago15:15

15:15

Homegrown innovators, policymakers, and startups are laying the groundwork for an AI future where Indian languages, datasets and social context will shape the future of AI. Forbes India's Naini Thaker unpacks our AI special which has identified 30 Indians who are leading the revolution in their own fields…

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Ep 419: India's MSME Landscape -- Some Useful Frameworks 4:40:23

21d ago4:40:23

4:40:23

Firms are the means of economic progress. India's micro, small and medium enterprises have been hobbled for decades, and flounder even today. Sudhir Sarnobat and Narendra Shenoy join Amit Varma in episode 419 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss this landscape -- and Sudhir's brilliant new venture that aims to tackle this. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NO…

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16 Essays, One Future: Forbes India's anniversary special on disruption 8:16

26d ago8:16

8:16

In this special edition of the Inside Forbes India Podcast, Kunal Purandare discusses the magazine's 16th anniversary issue, themed around disruption. The episode explores essays on India's resilience to global shocks, the rise of longevity science, AI's evolving role in work, why sport matters beyond medals and much more. The edition takes stock o…

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Ep 100: Ask me EVERYTHING! 1:42:18

1M ago1:42:18

1:42:18

We’ve reached episode 100 — HURRAY! — and it’s time for another session of Ask Me Anything. Amit and Ajay take questions from gentle readers about a variety of subjects, from Ajay’s love of suffering to Amit’s (dubious) haircare. (The two are not related.) Mad fun, watch! TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 Packaging00:13 Intro: Under the Banyan Tree03:38 The…

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Ep 99: Where Indian Regulation Went Wrong 1:20:45

1M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Regulation always has the potential to go wrong. But in India, it’s been worse than in much of the world. It has become a tool of oppression of the worst kind. Welcome to Episode 99 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Amit talks about the theory of regulation in general — and Ajay deliv…

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Ep 418: What Just Happened Between India & Pakistan? 2:29:46

1M ago2:29:46

2:29:46

Why did the attacks in Pahalgam happen? What took place in the skirmishes after that? What have we learnt about geopolitics and our military preparedness? Pranay Kotasthane and Aditya Ramanathan join Amit Varma in episode 418 of The Seen and the Unseen to try to clear some of the fog of war. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also c…

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Leadership, Risk, and Reinvention: Amitabh Chaudhry's new playbook for Axis Bank 9:44

1M ago9:44

9:44

In the latest episode of the Inside Forbes India podcast, Salil Panchal discusses Axis Bank's transformation under CEO Amitabh Chaudhry. From bold leadership shifts to the pivotal acquisition of Citibank's India consumer business, Axis Bank is now scaling up in credit cards and wealth management. Chaudhry's hands-on yet non-micromanaging style, foc…

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Ep 98: Is Your State Legitimate? 58:42

1M ago58:42

58:42

We define a state as the entity that has a monopoly on violence. But does political authority lead to political legitimacy? How do we define legitimacy? What happens without it? How should we approach it as citizens. Welcome to Episode 98 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Ajay draws f…

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Ep 417: Caste and the Census 2:15:39

2M ago2:15:39

2:15:39

Data is apolitical and always useful, right? Then why is the caste census so controversial? Pranay Kotasthane and Raghu S Jaitley join Amit Varma in episode 417 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss its history, context and implications. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Pranay Kotasthane on Twitter, LinkedIn, Am…

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Ep 97: The Light in Winter 1:06:36

2M ago1:06:36

1:06:36

We often assume that art and genius are the playground of the youth. Well, while giving himself an education in art during a vacation in Spain, Amit realised that all the great Spanish masters did their most powerful work in old age, when thehraav met mastery. The light in winter is different. Welcome to Episode 97 of Everything is Everything, a we…

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Sun Pharma's Quiet Architect: Inside Dilip Shanghvi's vision 14:27

2M ago14:27

14:27

In the latest episode of Inside Forbes India Podcast, Naini Thaker discusses her deep-dive profile on Dilip Shanghvi, the low-key founder of Sun Pharma, India's largest pharmaceutical company. Starting with just $200, Shanghvi's strategic focus on chronic therapies and high-value acquisitions—most notably Ranbaxy—helped shape Sun Pharma into a glob…

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Ep 416: Kavitha Rao Chases Chatto and Roy 2:55:15

2M ago2:55:15

2:55:15

The most astonishing men lie in the far, forgotten corners of history. Kavitha Rao joins Amit Varma in episode 416 of The Seen and the Unseen to shed light on the life and times of two magnificent failures, Chatto and Roy. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Kavitha Rao on Twitter, Instagram, Amazon and her own web…

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Ep 96: Is Globalization Doomed? 1:33:45

2M ago1:33:45

1:33:45

Last week, we went through a 101 of globalisation: the first principles, why it rocks, why tariffs are terrible. We also did a potted history of how it spread and almost unravelled. Now, it’s time to come to these current times. Is globalisation doomed? Welcome to Episode 96 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Aja…

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Ep 95: The Globalisation Episode 1:10:23

2M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

Globalisation is great. Tariffs are terrible. But why? What is the history of trade? What is the history of the ideas around it? Today, more than ever, it is important to understand. Welcome to Episode 95 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Amit and Ajay give a 101 masterclass on why gl…

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Ep 94: Good Gyan 2 1:09:13

2M ago1:09:13

1:09:13

For all the toxicity of social media, it is also a source of much Good Gyan, as every day the best minds in the world think aloud for our benefit. Here’s another conversation about some more wisdom that we have gathered! Welcome to Episode 94 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. TABLE OF CONTENTS: 00:00 …

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From Boardrooms to Podiums: The W-Power 2025 Edition 8:59

2M ago8:59

8:59

In this Inside Forbes India episode, Anubhuti Matta talks about the W-Power 2025 issue, spotlighting 20 inspiring women across business, mental health, and sports. It features Savita Balachandran, CFO of Tata Technologies, who led the group’s first IPO in 19 years; Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS; and Olympic shooter Manu Bhaker, who won tw…

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Ep 93: The Good Gyan Episode 59:01

2M ago59:01

59:01

Social media may be addictive, even sometimes toxic, but it is almost magical in one gift it gives us: every day, the best minds in the world think aloud for our benefit. And some of us, gentle readers, are listening & taking notes. Welcome to Episode 93 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episo…

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Ep 92: Rules, Not Discretion 1:19:49

2M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Too often, we think a Strong Man will solve all our problems, and that decisive leadership is all a nation needs. This could not be more wrong. We need strong rules, not strong rulers — and we need those strong rules to restrain the state. The secret to prosperity lies in rules, not discretion. Welcome to Episode 92 of Everything is Everything, a w…

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Ep 415: Ramki and the Ocean of Stories 4:49:24

2M ago4:49:24

4:49:24

He observed our society from up close as an advertising man -- and then became an iconic storyteller on Twitter. Ramakrishna Desiraju aka Ramki joins Amit Varma in episode 415 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about his journey, and all that it taught him. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Ramakrishna Desiraju a…

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Anish Shah: Taskmaster delivering for Mahindra Group 9:53

3M ago9:53

9:53

Family businesses in India have thrived across generations, with leadership often staying within the bloodline. But there are notable exceptions where family businesses have turned to seasoned professionals for day to day operations. Gracing Forbes India's cover for the latest issue, Anish Shah is one such leader. He is the first non-family CEO of …

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Ep 414 : The Spectacular Life of Prahlad Kakar 3:37:11

3M ago3:37:11

3:37:11

He learnt his craft from Shyam Benegal, became a pioneer & a legend of advertising filmmaking, learnt & taught scuba diving, started the Prithvi Cafe, and lived every moment to the full in a million different ways. Prahlad Kakar joins Amit Varma in episode 414 of The Seen and the Unseen to talk about his long and wondrous life. (FOR FULL LINKED SHO…

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Ep 91: Separation of Powers 1:01:26

3M ago1:01:26

1:01:26

We think of the state as a monolithic beast -- but it should be anything but monolithic. The state exists to serve us, not rule us, and for that, we must have checks and balances -- and the best kind is the separation of powers. Welcome to Episode 91 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, …

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Deepinder Goyal's game plan to live up to Zomato's new name 11:52

3M ago11:52

11:52

Zomato's latest rebranding to "Eternal" made headlines and generated curiosity about founder Deepinder Goyal's future plans. In this podcast, Rajiv Singh highlights Zomato's journey from 90-minute to 10-minute delivery post-pandemic, Goyal's long-term vision for profitability in quick commerce, and challenges like falling average order values and h…

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Ep 413: Shaheen Mistri Goes to School 3:12:53

3M ago3:12:53

3:12:53

One of India's tragedies lies in the schooling of our children. We have let our kids down. Can we fix this problem? Shaheen Mistri joins Amit Varma in episode 413 of The Seen and the Unseen to describe her journey -- and what she has learnt about education. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Shaheen Mistri on Inst…

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Ep 90: Constraints & Creativity 55:54

3M ago55:54

55:54

All of us suffer from constraints in our life. Some are small -- and some can be huge. We should take inspiration from people who have fought huge constraints and broken barriers despite the obstacles in their way -- and sometimes because of them. Welcome to Episode 90 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah…

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Ep 89: Beware of Industrial Policy 1:27:25

3M ago1:27:25

1:27:25

There are few things a government can do to harm society more than Industrial policy. It sounds well-intentioned, but is born out of hubris and results in disaster. Welcome to Episode 89 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Ajay breaks down the thinking behind industrial policy, the prac…

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Ep 88: Why I Am a Free Speech Absolutist 1:04:25

3M ago1:04:25

1:04:25

Society needs free speech. Democracy needs free speech. For our lives to have meaning and purpose, WE need free speech. Welcome to Episode 88 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, Amit lays out the case for free speech absolutism -- and also, the troubled history of free speech in India. …

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United Colors of Holi 2025 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Holi, the festival of colors, is a powerful symbol of unity and inclusivity, signifying the victory of good over evil. It's a joyous and colorful festival where the community gathers, and the skies are filled with vibrant colors. The United Colors of Holi, a collaborative initiative of Hindu organizations and temples in the US, is a testament to th…

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Forbes India Leadership Awards 2025: Winners despite the challenges 12:13

4M ago12:13

12:13

Forbes India's flagship Leadership Awards celebrate leadership, entrepreneurship, value creation, and philanthropy. For our 14th edition, FILA jury members chose Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and CEO (Auto & Farm Sector) of Mahindra & Mahindra, as the CEO of the Year. Our cover star was chosen for encouraging strong innovation, his risk-taki…

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Ep 412: Probal DasGupta Goes to the Himalayas With Books in His Bag 6:03:17

4M ago6:03:17

6:03:17

So much in history never made it to the popular imagination -- such as the battles of 1967 in which India beat China. Probal DasGupta joins Amit Varma in episode 412 of The Seen and the Unseen to discuss his time in the Indian army -- and his fascinating discoveries as a military historian. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also ch…

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Ep 87: The Power of Moore's Laws 1:15:49

4M ago1:15:49

1:15:49

Humanity has progressed more in the last few decades than in all of history before that. Moore's Laws -- yes, we used the plural -- go some way in addressing that, as do a couple of other frameworks shared in this episode. Welcome to Episode 87 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. In this episode, you wi…

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Ep 86: The Heart of Disruption 1:32:27

4M ago1:32:27

1:32:27

Amit had a minor heart attack recently. As he was put back together, he reflected on how the miraculous technology that was reviving & renewing him was a result of rebels questioning conventional thinking. Indeed, all progress depends upon that. Welcome to Episode 86 of Everything is Everything, a weekly podcast hosted by Amit Varma and Ajay Shah. …

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Ajay Singh and SpiceJet: A story of survivors 13:20

4M ago13:20

13:20

Ajay Singh, chairman and MD of SpiceJet, calls himself a survivor. He bought ModiLuft in 2005 and turned it into SpiceJet. The budget airline faced turbulent times in January 2015, and once again, it was Singh who revived the outfit. A decade later, SpiceJet is at a similar crossroads again. Singh's resilience remains unchanged, but now the odds ar…

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Ep 411: Vishal Nevatia Finds His True North 4:46:27

4M ago4:46:27

4:46:27

Business and life can sometimes be seen more as a search for values than a quest for profit. Private equity pioneer Vishal Nevatia joins Amit Varma in episode 411 of The Seen and the Unseen to describe his journey towards finding his true north. (FOR FULL LINKED SHOW NOTES, GO TO SEENUNSEEN.IN.) Also check out: 1. Vishal Nevatia at True North. 2. I…