Call Him Curious

In this episode of Call Him Curious, join host Shikhar as he sits down with Nikhil Doda, COO & Co-founder of Lahori Zeera, to uncover the incredible business journey behind one of India's fastest-growing beverage brands. From a simple idea to producing over 50 lakh bottles a day, Nikhil reveals the mindset shifts and strategies that built Lahori Zeera into a household name. He dives into the tactical secrets of building a brand from scratch, including how they navigated the competitive beverage market and onboarded their first distributors. Discover why a product with almost zero marketing budget is winning in the offline market and how it still tastes better than all its competitors. This is more than just a conversation about business; it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, brand building, and distribution, with a brutally honest look at the economics and future of the beverage industry. Subscribe for More! If you found this conversation valuable, hit that subscribe button! We're decoding the mindset shifts and psychological struggles of our generation every week. Connect with the Host & Guest Follow Shikhar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Connect with Nikhil Doda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhil-doda-256a7a57/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered how viral creators go from funny reels at home to millions of loyal fans? In this heartwarming, funny, and brutally honest episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney sits down with one of India’s most loved Instagram creators —  @Ankuragarwalvines00  From middle-class observations and classic Bollywood nostalgia to navigating fame, family expectations, and future dreams — this is Ankur like you've never seen him before. Follow Ankur Agarwal Vines on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ankur_agarwal_vines/?hl=en Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ #AnkurAgarwalVines #PodcastIndia #ContentCreators Subscribe to the channel for more real, raw, and relatable conversations with creators, artists, and curious minds! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if we told you that most of what you believe about skincare might just be wrong? In this myth-breaking episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with none other than celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jayshree Sharad — India's go-to skin expert who treats everyone from Bollywood A-listers to real people battling real skin issues. This episode is your complete skincare guide, tackling everything from daily routines to advanced treatments. Whether you're confused about oily vs. dry skin, wondering if Vitamin C serums really work, or debating whether Botox is worth the hype, Dr. Jayshree breaks it all down — with science, clarity, and zero fluff. Whether you’re a skincare newbie or someone who’s tried every product on the shelf, this episode will change the way you treat your skin. It’s funny, insightful, evidence-based, and shockingly relatable. Watch the full episode on HT Smartcast Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@htsmartcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unfiltered episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Punjabi singer  @NinjaMusic01  for a heart-to-heart that goes beyond the music. From his journey as Amit to Ninja, the guidance of his Guruji, and the special bond with Sidhu Moosewala—including unheard, unreleased songs—to his devotion to Mahadev and the realities of life in Punjab, Ninja opens up like never before. We talk about why he hasn’t collaborated with Parmish Verma, the overspending culture among Punjabi singers, his love for food across India, maintaining vocal health, and the moment Honey Singh pulled him up on stage. The episode also features fun segments like This or That, his love for gold & silver, his friendship with Shehnaaz Akhtar, the strategy behind making a song a hit, and an exclusive Ninja mashup to wrap things up. Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:07 - Coming Up 1:08 - 5:10 - Amit se Ninja tak ka safar 5:10 - 6:40 - Ninja Paaji ke Guruji 6:41 - 10:20 - Sidhu Moosewala ka debut 10:21 - 11:06 - Unreleased songs with Sidhu 11:07 - 12:59 - Audience kaise badli hai? 13:00 - 13:20 - Aadat ki aadat 13:21 - 14:33 - Mahadev ki bhakti 14:34 - 15:26 - Parmish Verma ke sath collab kyu nahi? 15:27 - 20:25 - Yeh Hai Punjab 20:26 - 21:38 - Punjabi Singers ka overspend 21:39 - 23:29- Hindustan mei khaane ka pyaar 23:30 - 24:48 - Vocal Health 24:49 - 27:56 - Honey Singh ne stage par chadhaya 27:57 - 30:27 - Kaise Pita Hai Ninja? 30:28 - 32:06 - This or That? 32:07 - 33:30 - Heer ki kahani 33:31 - 34:47 - Sone Chandi se pyaar 34:48 - 38:27 - Shehnaaz Akhtar & Ninja ki dosti 38:28 - 41:04 - Gaana Hit karne ke strategy 41:05 - 44:02 - Ninja Mashup If you love Punjabi music, behind-the-scenes stories, and raw conversations, this one’s for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Shikhar lifts the curtain on misunderstood, misrepresented, or rarely discussed facets of Indian mythology with Devdutt Pattanaik—from why only men dominate myth-writing, to the secret truths of Bhairav temples and the so-called “death of curiosity” in today’s Insta-reel culture. Expect candid takes on the Mahabharata, the real meaning of karma, the complex love of Radha-Krishna, and the shocking stories mainstream narratives skip—plus practical wisdom inspired by the “Business Sutra.” 0:00 — Precap 1:20 — Relevance Ka Art 6:50 — Myth का मतलब 7:57 — Mythology समझें 12:33 — Writers में Gender 14:28 — Curiosity क्यों कम? 15:55 — Bhairav Temple Facts 19:16 — Curiosity Khatam! 21:36 — Hidden Wisdom 27:45 — Celebration क्यों? 30:33 — Radha-Krishna पहलू 32:33 — Parshuram Story 35:15 — असली Apsaras 38:48 — Sita की कहानी 44:40 — Swayamvar सच/झूठ 48:01 — Business Sutra links Subscribe now for myth-busting, mind-opening discussions at the crossroads of culture, psychology, and identity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered who’s behind the voice that made your childhood feel like magic? In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with India’s most iconic voice artist — Sonal Kaushal, known to millions as The Motor Mouth and the voice behind Doraemon, Chhota Bheem, Harley Quinn, and dozens more. This is not just an interview. It’s a deep-dive into how voice acting works, how a young girl from Delhi turned into the sound of a generation, and why voice-over artistry is far more layered, technical, and powerful than most people realize. 0:00 – 1:35 – Coming up 1:55 – 5:05 – The Motor Mouth Journey 5:06 – 8:59 – How She Treated Fame 9:58 – 11:26 – First Audition 11:27 – 12:51 – Voice vs. Screen Acting 12:55 – 18:05 – Pro Voice Acting Tips 18:15 – 19:44 – Breathing Matters 21:47 – 23:42 – Speak with your Head 24:47 – 27:50 – Reality of Voice Institutes 28:43 – 30:12 – Indian Animation Today: Limits & creative freedom. 30:41 – 33:22 – Cartoons Then vs. Now 33:23 – 36:50 – Prank Call with  @ComicKaustubhAgarwal  37:07 – 39:46 – Bollywood in Cartoon Voices 40:01 – 42:51 – Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up Whether you’re a budding voice artist, an animation lover, or simply curious about the craft of creating unforgettable characters, this episode is your crash course in the voice acting world with India's cartoon queen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, Shikhar Varshney sits down with the incredibly soulful singer  @SagarBhatiaOfficial , diving deep into the world of qawwali, Sufism, and the evolution of Indian music. From his spiritual connection to Sufi music to the electrifying vibe of performing live, this episode explores the emotional journey of an artist in today’s fast-changing music landscape. Sagar talks about the special bond with his team, his dilemma between performing at Indian weddings, going on a pan-India tour, or vibing at Studio XO gigs. His answer? Pure love for his fans and audience. He opens up about his inspiration from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the creative energy behind remaking classic qawwalis, and the raw emotion that gave birth to his song Raazdaariyan ft.  @MostlySane  |  @taaruk . The episode also features a heartfelt moment when Sagar Bhatia meets Gurdas Maan, which left a lasting impression on him as an artist. We dig into the reality of choosing between label deals and being an independent musician and why local Indian voices struggle to go global. Don’t miss Sagar’s honest take on Jasleen Royal’s Coldplay performance, Bhojpuri rap, and Hindi hip-hop, which is based on his experience in the music scene.  If you're passionate about Indian music, the independent artist journey, or just love a good desi podcast, this episode is a must-watch. 🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE. 📲 Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Follow Sagar Bhatia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagarthesoul/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Women’s Day special episode of Call Him Curious features an unfiltered and insightful conversation with comedian Supriya Joshi, hosted by Shikhar Varshney. As one of India’s most fearless and hilarious voices in comedy, Supriya shares her journey in stand-up, challenges of being a female comic, the pressure to create viral content, and the evolution of the Indian comedy scene. From navigating the stand-up circuit in Mumbai vs Delhi to discussing the influence of AIB, Comicstaan, and viral meme culture, this episode is a deep dive into the realities of comedy in India. Supriya opens up about writing for different comedy formats, the difference between roasting and traditional stand-up, and what it takes to make a mark in an industry still dominated by men. How has the Indian comedy scene changed over the years? Is YouTube better than live shows? What did Tanmay Bhat and Biswa Kalyan Rath teach about comedy and audience engagement? Supriya answers it all with her trademark wit and honesty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brace yourself for the scariest episode of Call Him Curious podcast as we dive deep into the world of Indian horror, paranormal stories, tantrik vidhya and spine-chilling myths with none other than Divay Agarwal aka Khooni Monday – India’s biggest horror storyteller on YouTube. In this gripping conversation, Divay breaks down what truly makes horror so addictive, the mystical world of tantriks and rituals, and shares real paranormal experiences that will send shivers down your spine. From haunted locations like Mehndipur Balaji in Rajasthan and Lambi Dher Mines in Mussorie Range, Uttarakhand to terrifying supernatural encounters, this episode unravels the most bone-chilling secrets of Indian horror. But why does horror work so well? Why do we love being scared? And is there more to the mystical side of India than what meets the eye? Host Shikhar Varshney explore all of this and more with Khooni Monday in this latest podcast episode of Call Him Curious Podcast. What’s Inside This Episode? 👻 Real-life horror stories from India that will haunt you 🎭 The psychology behind fear & why horror content works 🕉️ Tantrik rituals & the power of dark energy 💀 Spirit possessions, afterlife theories & Indian haunted locations 😱 Divay’s personal ghost encounters & unexplained paranormal events 👻 If you love horror, mysteries, and the paranormal, make sure to hit LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more spine-chilling conversations! #KhooniMonday #HorrorStories #IndianHorror #DivayAgarwal #CallHimCurious #ParanormalIndia #HauntedPlaces #GhostStories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Love isn’t always a fairytale—it’s complicated, emotional, and sometimes heartbreaking. In this Valentine’s Day special episode of Call Him Curious, Shikhar Varshney is joined by Lovely Sharma & Aditya Rao to uncover the real struggles in relationships, marriage, and modern dating. We dive deep into cheating, insecurity, trust issues, and why marriages are failing today. "प्यार में भरोसा सबसे जरूरी है, वरना रिश्ते सिर्फ नाम के रह जाते हैं।" 💔 Why are divorce rates rising? How does jealousy and insecurity impact relationships? Is Bollywood misleading us about love? We explore marriage laws, fake alimony cases, and the psychology of men before & after marriage. "जब प्यार में शक आ जाए, तो रिश्ता टूटने में देर नहीं लगती।" Whether you’re in a relationship, single, or planning marriage, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights and practical advice. And for some fun, we challenge our guests with a Gen Z Dating Terms Game! 🎮 Can they decode today’s relationship trends, or will they be lost in the lingo? 🤔 If you’ve ever searched for ‘relationship advice,’ ‘why marriages fail,’ or ‘trust issues in love,’ this episode is for you! 🎧 Watch here: https://youtu.be/wFmeAGFM1yo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Aashi Sahni, a content creator who transitioned from corporate life to digital fame. Aashi shares her journey—from experimenting with TikTok filters during the lockdown to becoming a creator at Let's Droom. She candidly discusses workplace culture, gender biases in the industry, and the power of engaging content in brand marketing. The conversation dives into work-life balance, the evolving debate on long work hours, and how Gen Z prioritizes smart work over traditional hustle culture. Aashi also opens up about her aspirations beyond content creation, her admiration for Bollywood actors like Ranbir Kapoor, and her strategy of recreating old pictures to attract directors. From corporate loyalty and toxic managers to dating red flags and the importance of self-respect in relationships, this episode covers it all with humor and honesty. Tune in for valuable insights on career shifts, content trends, and the realities of digital success. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to Call Him Curious! Follow :- Shikhar Varshney: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var?igsh=MW1lbGRkMGVnaHRvNQ== Aashi Sahni: https://www.instagram.com/aashixsahni?igsh=MXdreWQ5bXF0ZjJtdw== _____________________________________________________________________ For more such podcasts log on to https://www.htsmartcast.com/ Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/htsmartcast/ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/htsmartcast Tweet us on X: https://x.com/HTSmartcast Find us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ht-smartcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the latest episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney is in conversation with author Ami Ganatra who delves into the aftermath of the Mahabharata war, shedding light on the Pandavas' final journey, the roles of Dronacharya, Bhishma, and Parashurama, and the complexities of Karna's character. Discover how Draupadi's portrayal has evolved and unravel the mysteries surrounding Gandhari's 101 children. Gain fresh perspectives on the necessity of the war and the nuanced character of Shakuni. Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:29 - Teaser 1:30 - 4:30 - What happened after the war? 4:31 - 8:20 - Pandavon ka aakhiri ansh 8:21 - 9:37 - Was Dronacharya unfair? 9:38 - 13:13 - Dronacharya vs. Bhishma vs. Parashurama 13:14 - 16:58 - Karna ki kya galti thi? 16:59 - 24:28 - Did Karna have a victim mentality? 24:29 - 28:29 - Did TV play around Draupadi's image? 28:30 - 31:25 - Mahabharat kaise sunayi gayi? 31:26 - 35:35 - How could Gandhari conceive 101 kids? 35:36 - 41:44 - Karna was loyal to himself! 41:45 - 45:05 - Why was the war necessary? 45:06 - 46:50 - Why did Krishna need Hanuman in the war? 46:51 - 53:10 - Shakuni wasn't that bad 53:11 - 57:00 - Kuch toh log kahenge 57:01 - End - Final thoughts Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Follow Ami Ganatra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amig_insta/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What goes into managing the biggest names in entertainment? In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney chats with Tusharr Kumar, CEO of OML, about the evolving entertainment industry. Tusharr reveals the business of live shows, influencer marketing metrics, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of signing and managing artists. From discussing why Samay Raina went independent to unveiling the revenue streams of top creators, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone curious about the creator economy and live entertainment in India. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a brand looking to collaborate with influencers, or someone interested in the entertainment industry's inner workings, this episode offers valuable insights. Episode Timestamps: 0:00 - Episode Precap 1:40 - OML karta kya hai? 4:00 - What if an artist does not succeed? 5:24 - Why Samay went Independent? 6:28 - Samay’s Creative Genius 7:33 - Why brands should create content? 8:39 - Signing up an influencer 9:55 - Tanmay understands the Internet 11:38 - Live Entertainment Scene 14:28 - How can audiences have a better experience? 16:58 - Math of a live show 19:55 - Revenue sources of an artist 22:07 - Why Spoken Word is still struggling? 23:50 - Artist Management Skills 28:37 - How brands sign influencers? 31:58 - Quick fire 37:47 - Episode Wrap Up 👉 Tune in to uncover the future trends and innovations shaping the entertainment industry today. Know more about Only Much Lounder: https://oml.in/ Know more about Tusharr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tusharr-kumar-2a73a912/ Follow Shikhar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney chats with @PeepalBaba-Givemetrees, a leading environmentalist who has planted over 20 million trees in India. Peepal Baba discusses urgent environmental issues, the impact of climate change, and the need for a unified approach to ecological challenges in India. He also shares personal stories, including the influence of his teacher and his time at Osho's ashram. The conversation touches on the environmental costs of infrastructure development, the benefits of natural over chemical-based methods, and the wisdom of Osho. Watch the full episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/o1GKKHIC3x8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A full-on gossip episode with Harshita Gupta aka SoHarshi to discuss her journey, life lessons, and her newly released book, "Unloved: The Art of Moving On." From personal stories about trust, love, and self-discovery to her perspective on relationships in the social media era, Harshita opens up with host Shikhar Varshney like never before. Highlights include her take on self-love and happiness, the art of letting go, and the small joys of life in a small town. Tune in for candid anecdotes, powerful insights, and Harshita's ultimate post-break-up guide that will leave you inspired! Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:05 - Episode Montage 1:06 - 1:53 - Don’t talk about my best friend 1:54 - 2:49 - Book release got delayed 2:50 - 4:53 - Purani generation ki galti nahi hai 4:54 - 5:36 - Harshita: The BAHU 5:37 - 8:09 - Happiness is your choice 8:10 - 9:22 - I can’t love again 9:23 - 10:05 - Love is a retrospective feeling 10:06 - 11:25 - I’ll light my own cigarette 11:26 - 13:19 - Self Love & Jackpot 13:20 - 15:09 - Good Sex = Happy Relationship 15:10 - 16:13 - Social Media is ruining more relationship 16:14 - 17:50 - The TRUST Problem 17:51 - 20:16 - Kya chal raha hai market mein! 20:17 - 22:22 - Right time to get married 22:23 - 24:40 - Make her feel special 24:41 - 25:25 - Woh aur uska rant 25:26 - 30:40 - Shaddi wale qisse 30:41 - 32:38 - Choti Baatien 32:39 - 36:13 - Chote shehr ka sukoon 36:14 - 38:20 - The purpose of writing Unloved 38:21 - 41:24 - Businesswoman Harshita 41:25 - 43:41 - Kuch toh log kahenge 43:42 - 46:04 - Love correctly in your life 46:05 - 46:44 - The ultimate post-break-up guide 46:47 - 48:25 - Harshi recommends 48:26 - 49:39 - Khatam Tata Bye Bye Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon to stay updated on more intriguing conversations! Follow Shikhar Varshney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shikhar_var/ Follow Harshita Gupta on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soharshi_/ #Relationships #SelfLove #Heartbreak #Podcast #CallHimCurious Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Timestamps: 1:38 - 3:25 – Art is not Mainstream! 3:26 - 5:27 – Attention Span & Art 5:28 - 7:55 – Ayodhya Airport Artwork 7:56 - 8:44 – What’s Special in Patna? 8:45 - 10:15 – The India We Don’t Know 10:16 - 14:19 – India & the World 14:20 - 16:00 – Religion & Logic 16:01 - 17:17 – How art is conceptualized. 17:18 - 23:32 – Museums & Paintings 23:33 - 29:38 – Kalesh Ka Case 29:39 - 32:45 – Ministers Insider 32:46 - 35:04 – Episode Wrap-Up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wondering how to take control of your health with simple daily changes? In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney chats with nutritionist and social media influencer Ambika Dutt, to unpack critical topics around daily health, nutrition, and fitness. This engaging conversation covers everything from the truth about sugar’s impact on your diet to practical tips on mindful eating, balanced nutrition, and the hidden dangers of processed foods. With a focus on the fundamentals of a balanced diet and how mindful eating practices can transform your health, Ambika shares invaluable insights and actionable steps for a healthier lifestyle. Dive in to learn how you can easily make positive changes in your diet, exercise routine, and mental well-being! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Struggling with self-identity and mental peace? Join Gauranga Das Prabhu in this enlightening episode of Call Him Curious with host Shikhar Varshney as he dive deep into overcoming an identity crisis through the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and Shri Krishna’s teachings. Learn how spirituality and understanding your "Mann" can positively transform your life and mental health. In this conversation, Gauranga Das Prabhu shares profound insights into navigating life’s challenges by aligning with Dharma, finding balance, and reconnecting with our true self. This episode is a unique blend of spirituality, mental health, and practical wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita to help you handle the pressures of modern life. Whether you’re on a journey of self-discovery or managing the demands of a corporate career, this episode is packed with relatable, impactful guidance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Call Him Curious podcast, host Shikhar Varshney gets into a conversation with Indeep Bakshi and dives deep into one of the most talked-about controversies in the Indian Music Scene—the Honey Singh vs Badshah clash over the hit song Saturday-Saturday. How did this song become a battleground for two of India's biggest rappers? We’ll explore the origin of Saturday-Saturday, Honey Singh’s influence, and his comeback after battling personal challenges. Plus, we’ll uncover how Badshah’s version created waves and why Honey Singh feels exposed by his rival. Watch the full episode on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/qiYEpWFLL2E Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices