Femme Forward

In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast, Smriti Agarwal is joined by Dr. Ananya Awasthi, a public health expert working at the intersection of nutrition, motherhood, and real-world health challenges in India. Together, they explore how everyday food habits—what we often consider “normal”—can quietly impact women’s health, children’s development, and long-term well-being. From pregnancy nutrit...

In this special International Women’s Day episode of the Femme Forward Podcast , Smriti Agarwal sits down with acclaimed Indian couturier and heritage revivalist Rimple Narulah , co-founder of the celebrated label Rimple & Harpreet . In this thoughtful and inspiring conversation, Rimple Narulah shares her journey of building a brand rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury while n...

In this powerful episode of The Femme Forward Show, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Navika Kumar, Group Editor-in-Chief of Times Now and Times Now Navbharat. With over three decades in journalism, Navika Kumar reflects on the journey from her early days in print media to leading India’s prime-time political debates. This conversation explores: • What it takes to lead under national pressure • T...

What really goes on behind Bollywood’s flawless makeup looks? In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Srishti, a celebrity makeup artist and educator, for a raw and honest conversation about the beauty industry—beyond filters, trends, and stereotypes. From working with celebrity clients to redefining beauty standards, Srishti breaks down what makeup truly m...

What happens when fame fades — but purpose doesn’t? This is Neelam Kothari, beyond Bollywood. 🎙️ Bollywood. Business. Balance. Reinvention. From being one of the most recognisable faces of 90s Bollywood to building a successful jewellery brand, Neelam Kothari Soni has lived multiple lives — each shaped by courage, choice, and clarity. In this intimate episode of Femme Forward , host Smriti Agarwal...

Women’s safety is not just a discussion — it’s a reality that demands attention. In this powerful episode of Femme Forward , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Seema Rajput Verma , a gender justice advocate, to uncover the hard truths surrounding stalking laws, crime, power dynamics, and women’s safety in India . This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how stalking is legally defined, w...

🔴 DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this episode are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or production team. All trademarks mentioned belong to their respective owners. This episode is for informational purposes only. Episode: India’s Voice for Animals ft. Maneka Gandhi In this powerful episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Maneka Gan...

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Vani Tripathi Tikoo opens up like never before about faith, destiny, womanhood, and the unseen forces that guide our lives. From her early days in theatre… to representing India globally… to the quiet spiritual strength she draws from Neem Karoli Baba and Kechi Dham this is a story of a woman who built her voice on her own terms. Together with Smriti Z...

In this raw and fearless conversation, Smriti Agarwal sits down with Dr. Gauri Agarwal , Founder of Seeds of Innocence and one of India’s leading IVF specialists, to decode the science, stigma, and silent struggles behind fertility and reproductive health. They talk about: The real journey of IVF beyond clinic walls Myths around infertility and how they hurt women & men Why painful periods sho...

In this raw and revealing episode of Femme Forward, host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Malini Ramani — iconic fashion designer, creative rebel, and spiritual seeker — to uncover the story they never told you. From launching her own café and designing for Kingfisher Airlines, to being linked with the Jessica Lall case, Malini opens up about fame, fear, forgiveness, and finding herself again in Rish...

In this episode of Femme Forward Podcast , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Anshu Khanna — journalist, writer, and founder of Royal Fables & Good Word Media Services . From pioneering India’s first boutique PR agency to working with global luxury brands like Dior, Armani, and Jimmy Choo, Anshu has shaped the way luxury is seen in India. She also leads Royal Fables , an initiative reviving th...

What really happens behind the scenes of Indian politics? In this episode of the Femme Forward Podcast , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Pallavi Ghosh, Senior Editor at CNN-News18 , to explore the untold truths of political journalism. From the chaos of Parliament debates to the beauty of democracy, from TRPs vs Truth to the struggles of women in newsrooms — Pallavi opens up about her journey,...

Award-winning journalist and entrepreneur Shaili Chopra joins host Smriti Agarwal on Femme Forward to share her fearless journey — from reporting live during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks to founding SheThePeople and Gytree . In this powerful conversation, Shaili opens up about: Facing risks as a frontline journalist Her shift from media to entrepreneurship Building platforms that amplify women’s voice...

In this episode of Femme Forward Podcast , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Sonam Kalra — internationally acclaimed singer, composer, and creator of The Sufi Gospel Project . From performing at the Sydney Opera House to receiving three global music awards , Sonam opens up about: ✨ Finding harmony between purpose and passion ✨ Why she believes humanity is the ultimate religion ✨ Her journey as...

From the roots of Kathak tradition to performing on global stages , Shivani Varma’s journey is a story of courage, culture, and creative freedom. In this inspiring episode of Femme Forward , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Shivani Varma —a disciple of the legendary Pandit Birju Maharaj —who is reshaping classical dance for today’s world. Shivani opens up about: ✅ Balancing tradition and innova...

From Monsoon Wedding to Heeramandi , actor, theatre director, and mentor Natasha Rastogi has lived many lives on stage and screen. But her story goes far deeper than Bollywood fame. In this heartfelt conversation with Smriti Agarwal on the Femme Forward Podcast , Natasha shares her journey as a Bollywood actress, theatre artist, cultural educator, and mentor . She opens up about resilience, reject...

From commanding rescue missions in the skies to walking the ramp as Mrs India 2024, Wing Commander (Retd) Anjali Rathee , also known as Angelina Josh , has lived a life of extraordinary courage, discipline, and reinvention. In this Independence Day Special episode of Femme Forward Podcast , host Smriti Agarwal sits down with Anjali to explore her inspiring journey — from a fourth-generation defenc...

What really happens behind the cameras in Bollywood? In this bold and unfiltered conversation, veteran actor Nassar Abdulla joins host Smriti Agarwal to reveal what the world rarely hears — the silent struggles of women in the industry, the systemic power imbalances, and the emotional toll behind the so-called “glamour.” From the impact of iconic women like Sridevi to how menstrual health is (or i...

🎙️ Episode 1 – Harjeet Kaur: Rising Stronger After Stage 4 Blood Cancer In our very first episode of Femme Forward , we sit down with Harjeet Kaur , a Stage 4 Blood Cancer survivor whose journey redefines strength, hope, and the will to live. From life-altering diagnoses to stem cell transplants and emotional rebirth, Harjeet opens up about the challenges she faced and the unexpected wisdom she ga...