The Real Story with Sanghmitra Hitaishi

In this very special episode, I sit down with my dear friend Romil Modi, the game changing casting director of films like Laapata Ladies, Newton, Judgemental Hai Kya, Sherni, etc. I’ve known him for over a decade. Our conversation is not just about auditions, actors, and the craft of casting. It’s a deeply personal reflection on resilience, reinvention, and the unpredictable journey of finding you...

Actor Indraneil Sengupta joins me in this deeply honest and personal conversation about shedding perfection, embracing vulnerability, and the long, winding journey to authenticity. From early fame and TV success to the quiet power of independent cinema, Indraneil reflects on the breakdown of his marriage, navigating the industry, redefining masculinity, dealing with public heartbreak, and falling...

In this powerful and reflective episode of The Real Story Podcast, I sit down with filmmaker and cinematographer Shanker Raman, whose storytelling often explores the murky spaces between justice, redemption, violence, and humanity. We talk about his deep discomfort with being boxed into labels like "truth-teller" and why, after decades in the industry, he’s more interested in what it means to make...

In this deeply personal and sharp-witted episode, I sit down with Varun Grover, writer, comedian, lyricist, to talk about the role of art in protest, the loneliness of thinking differently, and how humour became his way of surviving a fractured world. From navigating anger with grace, to resisting conformity with comedy, Varun opens up about the politics of sensitivity, the pressures of being an a...

In this deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation, actor Gulshan Devaiah opens up about what it truly means to live an artistic life. From confronting self-doubt and wrestling with identity, to reflecting on the meaning of death and the redemptive power of art, this episode is a journey into the inner world of one of India’s most thoughtful performers. We talk about resilience, emotional hones...

What does it take to stay true to yourself in an industry built on appearances? In this honest and inspiring conversation, actor Barun Sobti opens up about navigating self-doubt, fame, and finding meaning in art. From quitting television at his peak to chasing work that resonates with his soul, Barun talks about his evolving relationship with authenticity, vulnerability, and creative freedom. This...