Inside Forbes India

In this episode of the Forbes India cover story podcast, Naini Thaker talks about how Indian startups have had to build the infrastructure along with their businesses to succeed in the geography. The number of Indian startups has grown over the years in the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list and is likely to continue climbing with new companies in the frontier tech areas of deep tech, space tech, and others picking pace 

In this episode of the Forbes India cover story podcast, Naini Thaker discusses how startups are leveraging technology to overcome long-standing challenges like access and affordability in a healthcare market projected to double in the next few years. The conversation explores real-world examples, including innovative solutions for remote critical care, AI-driven diagnostics for faster results, and a path for Indian innovators that diverges from the high-spending American model

Bharat Forge, long known for its auto components, is fast emerging as a formidable force in India’s defence sector. Under Baba Kalyani’s leadership, the company has invested heavily in R&D, building capabilities in artillery, UAVs, and aerospace, while benefiting from supportive government policies. With exports beginning and new verticals taking shape, Bharat Forge is poised to transform into a defence-first enterprise in the coming years

In the latest Inside Forbes India podcast, Naini Thaker puts the spotlight on startups building for Bharat—India’s rural, small-town, and value-conscious consumers. From e-grocers mapping villages off Google Maps to CureBay’s hybrid e-clinics, SolarSquare’s tier-3 solar push, and CityMall’s micro-entrepreneur-led deliveries, these ventures tackle access, trust, language, and culture gaps. The episode shows why Bharat is the next big growth story for Indian entrepreneurship.

Ride-hailing apps are abandoning the controversial commission model in favor of a subscription model that prioritises drivers. How will the Ola vs Rapido vs Uber war play out? Naini Thaker, who authored this fortnight's cover story, gives us the details 

For the latest episode of Inside Forbes India podcast, Manu Balachandran discusses how a global shortage of rare earth magnets that are critical to EVs and electronics is threatening India’s auto industry. With China dominating supply, geopolitical tensions, and Trump tariffs disrupting imports, automakers face short-term uncertainty and long-term questions about self-reliance.

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 Energy, Indian startups are innovating for scale. The podcast discusses how optimism and patient capital are fueling a new wave of ambitious entrepreneurs.

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

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 of India's present and future potential with insights from leaders like Abhinav Bindra, Sanjeev Bikhchandani, and Rohan Murty.

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, focus on tech, and clear sector priorities are driving growth. With his term running till 2027, the bank has time to sharpen its edge.

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 global force. The conversation explores how the company weathered challenges, such as price erosion, by doubling down on R&D and pivoting toward complex speciality drugs. It also highlights that Shanghvi's leadership is marked by humility, passion for his work, and a focus on patient care rather than wealth accumulation.

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 two bronze medals at the 2024 Games. These stories underscore the importance of representation, perseverance, and the need to highlight women’s achievements to inspire the next generation of leaders.

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 the Mahindra Group. Anand Mahindra has given Shah a free rein to run the group, and his focus on efficiency is already yielding results. In this podcast, Samar Srivastav looks at Shah's results-oriented leadership style and pinpoints some challenges the CEO of Mahindra Group needs to overcome.

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 high order frequency. The conversation about Zomato and Eternal underscores the evolving consumer behaviour, the competitive landscape in the quick commerce space, and Zomato's survival.

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-taking abilities, and launching new electric-origin SUVs as the company strategically shifts towards premiumisation. In this podcast, Salil Panchal discusses Jejurikar's approach and other winners.