India A Story in the Making with Loveena Tandon

Christmas in Desi Style In a true desi-style this Christmas Eve, India: A Story in the Making brings you a heartfelt tribute to the incomparable Mohammed Rafi Sahab on the centenary of his birth—December 24, 1924. This episode has been nothing short of a joyful journey—immersing myself in Rafi Sahab’s songs, and spending time with his grandson Rizwan and his wife Sabakat, who live in London and ru...

A few decades ago, and even now to a great extent, telling your parents you want to be a writer was often met with a cautious, if not outright disapproving, “What’s your backup plan?”  According to Deloitte, only 13% of people globally are passionate about their jobs. That quiet disconnect—the tension between what pays the bills and what feeds the soul—is something many of us experience.  It’s als...

What has the World missed About Modern Indian Architecture?   When we think of Indian architecture our mind gravitates to temples, palaces, and timeless symbols of a rich, ancient past. While these are iconic, the narrative is rapidly evolving, a story the world must not miss. By 2023, nearly a third of India’s population had already moved to cities. According to the World Bank, by 2036, 600 milli...

In this special High Five India section, we feature Professor Debashis Chatterjee, the longest-serving director of IIM Kozhikode and a leading voice in India's education and leadership landscape. In this sneak peek, he shares powerful insights on India's future, leadership, and the unique aspects of Indian thought. Whether you're a leader, educator, or thinker, this episode is packed w...

In a country still grappling with poverty and deprivation, where "chaos" is a way of life, sceptics might see this question as loaded. But for Professor Debashis Chatterjee, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Fresh from organizing a conference in London, titled Globalising Indian Thought, Professor Chatterjee brings a bold vision to the table—one that redefines what India can offer the...

In this episode of India: A Story in the Making, we speak to Martin Warner, an inventor, innovator, educator, bestselling author, film producer, and Cannes Film Festival advisor, often referred to as the "UK's Elon Musk."  Martin delves into his journey from making his first million to his ground-breaking achievements in 3D printing and the sale of his company. He also discusses his bestselling bo...

In this episode of India: A Story in the Making, we speak with Frederick Lauritzen, a historian at the Scuola Grande di San Marco, Venice. Frederick draws on meticulously documented historical facts to address this enduring debate. Frederick Lauritzen, a scholar of Classics from New College, Oxford, and Columbia University, brings more than just expertise to the table—his genuine love for history...

On the side-lines of the UK Asian Film Festival, which has been running successfully for over 25 years, I had the pleasure of meeting India's soulful playback singer, Kavitha Krishnamurthy. Interviewing her live, I found her to be as delightful and soulful as her music, exuding the same grace and warmth that her songs have brought to countless listeners. Kavitha Krishnamurthy is a legend whose voi...

AI is all good and great, but films need to have a heart to work.  This interview, shot on the side-lines of Britain's longest-running UK Asian Film Festival, talks all about AI's impact on Indian Cinema, the largest film industry in the world and has a heart too. We speak with the director and the primary cast of Baby Crasto—psychological thriller.  The film had its world premiere at the UK Asian...

To one nation that many thought would not survive the test of time—Jai Hind! One Nation, Countless Reasons to Rejoice ! On India: A Story in the Making we ask our very esteemed guests: "India for you in one word?" Here are the names of the guests as they appear in the clip: You Tube Link to: India: A Story in the Making    / @loveenatandonofficial   #indiaastoryinthemaking #foryou #independenceday...

What does it take for someone born and raised outside India to make it in Bollywood?  In this episode of India: A Story in the Making, we explore the incredible journey of Taha Shah Badussha, the standout star of Netflix's Heeramandi, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali. For Taha, a 'Gulf Boy,' it took 14-15 years of relentless struggle to achieve this success. What inspired a boy with Indian roots,...

From the World Bank to Morgan Stanley, everyone is bullish about India, yet the country's vast size and diverse cultures can leave investors feeling overwhelmed. Look no further! If you're eager to tap into India, the goldmine for investors, this is the episode you must listen to. Join me as I interview Dinesh Dhamija, a serial entrepreneur, visionary, and author of "The Indian Century," where he...

Free Trade Agreement between India and the UK has been in the works for some time. In this episode, we speak with Baroness Arlene Foster, who currently chairs Inter Trade UK and was the first female First Minister of Northern Ireland, about whether part of the delay comes from the colonial hangover that Britain still needs to shed completely. We also explore how the elections in both countries mig...

If you're seeking to understand and navigate India's dynamic investment landscape, this episode is just what you need.  Would you be so kind as to extend your support? Please consider subscribing to the show's audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, and the video on my YouTube channel, Loveena Tandon Official.  Your support is our energy. Let's stay connected!  On Ins...

As a self-proclaimed student of India, Richard Heald OBE, CEO of the UK India Business Council, has made significant contributions to fostering relations between the two countries and continues to work tirelessly. Whether you're seeking insights into the intricacies of this corridor, aiming for success within it, or simply looking to grasp the essence of New India, this episode is for you. Join us...

This was the- High Five India edition of the episode "Is India’s growth the next global game-changer?" on the show 'India: A Story in the Making', where we seek global perspectives on the India story.  In this episode, my guest Stefano della Chiesa d'Isasca, an investment banker with expertise in the structured credit market and deep knowledge of emerging markets, delves into the factors shaping h...

Born in Tanzania, raised in the UK, and still deeply connected to his Indian roots, Anuj Chande, OBE, embodies the experience of many NRIs who feel a strong tie to India despite never having lived there.  This episode delves into that connection while also offering valuable insights into the India-UK business corridor. With his extensive knowledge, Anuj sheds light on "how to do business in this I...

Are we viewing the world solely through the lenses of patriarchy and feminism, or is there another perspective to consider? Looking at the strong women deities in Hindu philosophy, we are inclined to think: Is the Hindu Goddess a Feminist?   These lingering questions inspire us to reflect.   Despite India's pride in powerful goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Chandi, we're confronted with harsh reali...

Empowerment is sometimes an overused term, especially when discussing women, and even more so during Women's Day. What does that word really mean, and how can it be applied to people's lives? India is often perceived as a conservative country, while Western society is viewed as more liberal.  Personally, I never felt that way when I came to stay in the UK.  When similar thoughts resonated during a...

This is the story of David Stollar. David lives in London and it has always been his home. He dropped out of A levels, and yet defied the odds to become a teacher… and then something even rarer: the Englishman who helped shape how Sanskrit is taught in the UK, writing course books, and contributing to the GCSE syllabus. David has never set foot in India. And still, Sanskrit became his unexpected c...

Strolling on the beautiful, stone-engraved streets of Marbella in Southern Spain, I never imagined I'd discover so much of India. It all began with the revelation that Flamenco, the eloquently powerful dance from Andalusia, Spain, has a surprising link to India.  This discovery led me to Asami, a single mom of two and an incredible Flamenco dancer. As I delved into the Flamenco-India connection wi...

How crucial is the significance of your place or country of origin, even if you weren't born and raised there? Discovering your roots or establishing a connection with it is a compelling urge that can shape people's lives. While the answers may vary, it held profound meaning for Anuj Chande OBE. Anuj Chande, OBE, born in Tanzania and primarily raised in the UK, has woven a substantial part of his...

To belong, be connected to roots, and conserve one's culture while passing it on to the next generation are themes that constantly recur in the lives of Indians living abroad. Festivals, apart from being occasions, also provide an opportunity to connect their children born in a different culture and environment to their roots. The building of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya encompasses all of the above...

"India calling”, “Bollywood calling,”  or “Destiny calling,” whatever be the pretext or reason, the journey that Datta Dave made from Hollywood to Bollywood is awesome. Born and brought up in the US, Datta Dave moved to India - Mumbai and now runs a successful company, Tulsea represating creatives For all those who are interested in films, entertainment or just what it means to listen to your intu...

In a content-overcrowded world, the question of how cinema, especially Indian cinema, needs to reinvent itself to stay relevant is one that tickles all creative minds. In 'India: A Story in the Making,' we present an audience perspective, especially from someone who has saddled continents and experienced both sides of the prism—India and the UK. In this episode, Loveena reflects on the pivotal rol...