Beyond Borders Podcast

What happens when a political researcher, filmmaker, and activist decides to stop waiting for change — and becomes the voice of a movement? In this episode of Beyond Borders, host Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Vijeta Dahiya — political researcher, author, filmmaker, and spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) — for one of the most unfiltered conversations on Indian politics you'll hear t...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Surya Kumar Bose — grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, IT veteran of Siemens and Cap Gemini, and President of the Indo-German Association in Hamburg — we get into the raw realities that no one talks about. Hundreds of thousands of Indian students are now choosing Germany over the US, UK, and Canada. But what actually awaits them? The opportunity is real — b...

In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, our host Aakriti Dhawan is joined by Debarati Guha, Director of Programs for Asia at DW (Deutsche Welle). Together, they discuss issues that deeply affect women in everyday life, often ignored, as well as the fairness of the media in 2026. From being gifted a sewing machine instead of a bicycle as a young girl to constantly having to fight to make a place...

In this episode of the Beyond Borders Podcast, our host Aakriti Dhawan is in conversation with Surya Kumar Bose, the grandnephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Together, they dive into themes of politics, pre-independence India, the chapters of Indian history that most of us were simply never told and the present Indo-German connection that ties it all together “Can you ever truly belong to two wo...

Women's Day Special: Raga D'silva shares her journey of coming out in her late 40s, navigating stigma, resilience, and ultimately embracing her truth. From surviving trauma and discrimination to building platforms like Speaking Minds and Older Queer Voices, Raga's story is one of courage, feminism, and advocacy. LETS CELEBRATE TOGETHER This episode discusses themes including abuse, identity, viole...

Beyond Borders Podcast X Birmingham City University , Aakriti Dhawan sits down with an award-winning filmmaker and Senior Lecturer at BCU, Meera Darji for a powerful conversation on the lived realities of India’s trans community — the search for belonging, the gaps in public understanding of gender, and the impact of viewing Indian trans identities through a Western/UK lens. The discussion explore...

In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast X The Wire, Aakriti Dhawan speaks with the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, on the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, the politics of “ceasefire,” and the role of international actors. The Ambassador challenges the language used around the conflict, shares personal accounts from his family in Gaza, and outlines the scale of destruction...

In this powerful episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Anjali Gopalan — founder of the NAZ Foundation and one of India’s most prominent human rights activists, and All creatures great and small — for an unfiltered conversation on LGBTQ+ rights, HIV stigma, animal welfare, and the state of citizenship in India. From the fight to decriminalize Section 377 to the ongoing de...

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Reetika Hooda, an Indian Olympian who turned struggle into strength and dreams into global recognition. She speaks about competing at the World Championships and making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify in the heavyweight category for the Paris Olympics 2024. She also opens up about the ongoing doping allegations, the p...

This episode is not about pity. It’s about listening. In this conversation, Roopa shares her journey as an acid attack survivor — the pain, the fear, and the courage it takes to live every day in a society that often looks away. Roopa is an Indian acid attack survivor from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, who was attacked at the age of 15. The incident left her with severe facial injuries and long-te...

What does it mean to be a minority in India today? Is religion becoming the core of identity—for Hindus and Muslims? And why are safe spaces for women and marginalized communities more important than ever? In this episode of Beyond Borders, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Sabah Khan—feminist activist, founder of Guftagoo, and co-founder of the NGO Parcham. From creating safe spaces for women to figh...

In Episode 25 of our Beyond Border Podcast, we’ve with us Filmfare Award-winning Scriptwriter Mayukh Ghosh. In our conversation, he opens up about his remarkable journey into the world of writing, reflecting on the fateful twists that led him to the industry. Mayuk also shares his experiences within the Hindi Film industry, working with acclaimed artists like Nawazuddin and Sudhir Mishra, and offe...

In this deep-dive conversation, Aakriti sits down with Mona Irani, a pioneering casting director, producer, and one of the first women to shape modern casting in the Hindi film industry. With over 35 years of experience, Mona opens up about her unlikely journey from training as a pilot to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected creative forces. This episode is packed with real stories, insider...

Beyond Borders Podcast × TheMooknayak BJP ex-MP and PFA founder Maneka Gandhi explains the real impact of the Supreme Court's interim verdict on the removal of street dogs. The dogs play a crucial role in India’s safety and social fabric. She shares how police training links poisoned or missing dogs to a rise in crime, the original meaning of the word pariah, and why branding animals as a “menace”...

Today, in our Episode 22, we have with us, very talented & creative Art Director, Production designer, and (soon to be) producer Shiuli Thukral. Let's uncover with her some secrets of Bollywood, the reality of Nepotism, and the challenges of surviving and succeeding in the film industry. Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to...

In today’s Beyond Border Podcast, Episode 21, we have renowned actor, producer, director – the one and only Rahul Vohra. Besides being a versatile and conscientious actor, he is a profound human. In our podcast, we have explored his journey as a theatre artist, an actor, producer and director, his experience working with superstars like Shahrukh and Alia, and the 4-time Oscar-winning team. This ep...

Unlock the Secrets Behind Celebrity Fitness & Indian Football with Karan Sawhney! In this episode, we dive into an inspiring conversation revealing Karan’s journey from a pro footballer to a top celebrity fitness coach. Discover insights into Indian football’s challenges, myths around fitness and diet, and how fitness culture is evolving in India post-Covid. Plus, learn practical tips for ment...

-- What does it really take to be a sports commentator in India — especially during the Asia Cup 2025? In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, we sit with ⁨@ThukralTales⁩ and go behind the mic with insights into what it means to call one of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world. From high-pressure moments to unseen preparation, we unpack the discipline, storytelling, and chaos that defin...

When the Taliban returned to power in 2021, the world watched in shock - What has life really been like since? In this episode, we talk to Kanika Gupta, a senior journalist reporting on Afganistan, India, Srilanka, Lebanon, amongst others, about Taliban beyond the headlines: the silence, the fear, and the fading idea of freedom. From restricted voices to vanishing media, we explore what truth look...

What happens when you follow love across continents, from West to East? German national Saskia Groneberg Chitrak shares her unfiltered experience of migrating to India two decades ago. Saskia’s time in India has been a complex tapestry, marked by political clashes, navigating stark social and cultural differences, and, critically, finding immense joy. In this episode, we dive deep into the reality...

What happens when Indian classical dance meets Western percussion? In this episode of Beyond Borders, we sit down with Shivani Karmarkar Schürfeld (Kathak artist) and Tillmann Schürfeld (drummer & percussionist) to explore how love, culture, and music fuse across continents. From performing at the Beethoven Festival to blending taals with drumbeats, this Indo-German couple shares their journey...

In this powerful episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, journalist Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Saira Shah Halim — activist, educator, and author of Comrades and Comeback — to unpack the turbulent journey of the Left in Indian politics. From the rise of the Right to questions of democracy, dissent, and ideology, this episode dives into the political battle shaping India’s future. 🔥 00:00 Intro 1:40...

On this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, Aakriti Dhawan is joined by Sunanda Rao Erdem—opera singer, commentator, ex-journalist, and entrepreneur—who has built her career and life between India and Germany. From training as an opera singer in Germany to consulting with embassies, institutions, and cultural bodies, Sunanda’s journey reflects the power of cross-border dialogue and cultural diploma...

Ever wondered how Indian comedians like Zakir Khan, Rahul Dua, and Manhar Seth made their way to Germany’s live stages? We uncover the inspiration behind starting NRW Eventss, and the gaps in Europe’s entertainment market that led to a focus on Indian comedians and entertainers in cities like Cologne and Frankfurt. —This episode offers a candid look at the hustle behind the laughter. We also talk...

What does it take to maintain a deep friendship between an Indian and a Pakistani — especially in today’s political climate? In this episode, Aisha and Roma share the story of their 15-year-long friendship that began across borders and continues in Germany. They reflect on: How they met and built trust despite stereotypes Dealing with online trolls and nationalistic hate Finding common ground in c...