The Mohua Show

In this episode, social entrepreneur Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization, shares how he turned a global taboo into a movement. From starting the Restroom Association of Singapore to launching the first World Toilet Summit in Delhi with support from leaders like Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Jack has helped bring toilets to 2.5 billion people. He discusses India's Swachh Bharat Missio...

In this powerful episode, author, activist, and festival curator Sharif D. Rangnekar joins Mohua Chinappa for a deeply personal and political conversation on queer rights in India. They discuss the slow implementation of the NALSA verdict, the stigma behind the blood donation ban, and the challenges queer communities face in accessing public spaces. Sharif reflects on his own journey of surviving...

Celebrated actor and activist Kalki Koechlin joins us to share her journey across cultures and art forms—from growing up in Tamil Nadu with French parents to making bold creative choices in theatre, film, and digital media. She opens up about navigating identity, overcoming rejection, and redefining motherhood and feminism. From Margarita with a Straw to Made in Heaven, Kalki reflects on storytell...

In this enlightening podcast episode, Sonal Giani, a prominent LGBTQIA+ advocate, delves into the complex landscape of queer activism. The discussion opens with the impact of global political backlash, exemplified by figures like Donald Trump, on LGBTQIA+ initiatives, highlighting funding cuts and safety challenges in India. Giani shares poignant insights into the evolving visibility of lesbian re...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Nighat Arif, GP, women’s health expert, and author of The Knowledge: Your Guide to Female Health , takes us on a journey through the often-overlooked landscape of women’s health. With warmth and clarity, she unpacks the biological changes women experience throughout their lives and calls out the cultural taboos that too often silence these essential co...

In this conversation, Mohua and Trauma counselor Renee Chopping delve into the alarming realities of digital exploitation, particularly focusing on the safety of children in a hypersexualized online environment. They discuss the troubling influence of social media platforms like Instagram & Spotify, the radicalization of young boys through toxic ideologies, and the pervasive myths surrounding...

In this engaging conversation, Anuradha Gupta, a pioneering woman entrepreneur, shares her journey in the matchmaking industry and the challenges she faced as a woman in business. She discusses the evolution of relationships, the importance of financial independence for women, and the need for emotional wellness in the workplace. Anuradha emphasizes the significance of humility in leadership and t...

What if the journey of parenting began long before your baby is even born? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Dr. Sonal Jain Jayaswal takes us through the practice of Garbh Sanskar—a timeless tradition that combines ancient Indian wisdom with the latest in medical science to nurture babies right from the womb. Drawing from her own emotional journey with conception, she opens up about the c...

In this warm and reflective episode of The Mohua Show , Dr. Saroj Dubey—gastroenterologist and author of Rx for Resilience —shares the deeply personal journey that led him to write his book. Born from heartbreak and emotional upheaval, his story is one of growth, healing, and the quiet strength that comes from living in the present moment. Dr. Dubey speaks about acceptance as an active, empowering...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with the multi-faceted Amrutha Dongray—a poet, author, and jewellery designer—who shares the winding path she’s taken to find her voice, both on the page and in life. Amrutha opens up about growing up with strong parental influences, how early leadership roles shaped her, and the big move from Bombay to Bangalore that changed everything. She tal...

In this episode of The Mohua Show, we celebrate the legacy of one of India’s most iconic textile businesses, Mysore Saree Udyog. In conversation with co-founder Dinesh Talera, we explore the fascinating journey of a family business that has stood the test of time.  Dinesh talks about what it takes to run a decades-old family business, the beauty of zari work and handcrafted sarees, and why integri...

What makes a nuclear physicist leave science to transform millions of lives? In this powerful conversation, Dr. Kalpana Sankar shares her extraordinary journey—from working in cutting-edge research to building Hand in Hand India, an organization that has uplifted millions of women through microfinance, education, and entrepreneurship. She dives into the game-changing five-pillar approach that tack...

In this engaging conversation, Anuj Radia, a British film journalist and broadcaster, shares his journey in promoting South Asian cinema through his platform, Filme Shilmy. He discusses the evolving trends in Indian cinema, the impact of OTT platforms, and the lessons Bollywood can learn from regional cinema. Anuj also reflects on the significance of the #MeToo movement and its implications in the...

In this engaging conversation, Gautam Gupta, co-owner of Asha Gautam and founder of GG by Asha Gautam, shares his journey in the Indian fashion industry, highlighting the evolution of his brand, the importance of reviving traditional crafts, and the balance between modernity and heritage. He discusses the unique offerings of Asha Gautam, including the exquisite Vrindavan collection, and emphasizes...

In this engaging conversation, filmmakers Jayant Somalkar and Shefali Bhushan  discuss their debut feature film 'Sthal', exploring its personal roots, the challenges of independent cinema, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. They share insights on casting non-actors, the film's reception at international festivals, and the broader themes of women empowerment and soci...

Kanika Dewani, founder of Mintree, shares her journey in the beauty and wellness industry and her commitment to sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of creating products that solve problems and provide value to customers. Kanika discusses the challenges of maintaining high product quality while keeping prices competitive and highlights the need for Indian brands to be recognized globally....

In this conversation, Mohua engages with filmmakers Sridhar Rangayan And Saagar Gupta, who are at the forefront of LGBTQ+ storytelling in Indian cinema. They discuss their latest film 'Kuch Sapne Apne', the challenges of queer representation, the impact of censorship, and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ narratives in Bollywood.  In this engaging conversation, Sridhar Rangayan and Saagar...

In this enlightening conversation, Rajyogi Brahmakumar Nikunj shares his unique journey from being an atheist to becoming a spiritual leader within the Brahma Kumaris organization. He discusses the importance of spirituality in today's chaotic world, the significance of inner peace, and the role of family support in personal growth. Nikunj Ji emphasizes the need for digital detox and groundin...

In this episode, Dr. Saurabh Mishra, Senior Consultant at Apollo Hospital, shares the inspiration behind his book Incisions and discusses the challenges faced by medical professionals, including violence against doctors and the corporatization of healthcare. He highlights the critical role of empathy and effective communication in strengthening patient-doctor relationships and provides practical a...

In this heartwarming episode, Bijal Vachharajani, children’s author of planet-friendly books, takes us on a unique journey of all the beloved fairy tales we grew up with, but against a backdrop of climate change. Imagine Snow White without snow, the Little Mermaid without the ocean, the Big Bad Wolf without his enchanted forest. This makes up the plot and theme of her intriguing book, ‘When Fairyl...

In this gut-wrenching episode, meet Sunil Gupta, real life Tihar Jailer and Author of ‘Black Warrant: Confessions of a Tihar Jailer.’ He shares all his experiences about the brutal and gritty world of the infamous Indian prison that inspired a Netflix series.  Sunil describes the goings-on at Tihar Jail, and addresses the rumours of sexual assault and things being smuggled in. Witness to high-prof...

In this compelling episode, Mohua engages in a heartfelt conversation with Gaurab Sen, a dedicated advocate for leprosy awareness and the CEO of Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation (SILF). Gaurab shares his inspiring two-decade-long journey in the development sector, his motivation to tackle the stigma surrounding leprosy, and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities.  From SILF’s i...

In this episode, renowned Kathak dancer Alaknanda Dasgupta shares her inspiring journey, from her rigorous training at Kathak Kendra to the challenges of pursuing a career in the performing arts. Alaknanda opens up about her battle with cancer, the lessons it taught her, and her efforts to address gender and mental health issues through her art. She discusses the lack of funding and evolving socie...

The Literature Lounge, hosted by Mohua Chinappa is a popular podcast series dedicated to the world of books and the brilliant minds behind them. Through exclusive conversations, we uncover how authors craft captivating stories, thought-provoking essays, insightful biographies, provocative prose and poetry that spark possibilities within us. From dreaming big to breaking conventions, each episode e...

In this inspiring episode, Yasmeen Shaikh, ex-Vice President of Human Resources at a healthcare company and a renowned badminton player, shares her inspiring journey and the challenges of balancing her corporate leadership role with her passion for sports.  She talks about her early days in badminton, her hiatus from the sport, and her triumphant return after 20 years. Yasmeen discusses the lack o...