The Expressions Podcast

Jaksot

• 
  Why India’s judiciary is in crisis? A.S. Ponnanna on the justice system 12.09.2026 31min

  What happens when a senior advocate steps from the courtroom into politics?In this episode of Expressions, A.S. Ponnanna, Member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly and senior advocate, reflects on his journey from law to public life — and the questions it raises about Karnataka’s judiciary, governance, politics and society.From the challenges facing India’s justice system and why people hesitate to become judges, to the role of competent public institutions and legal advice in political decision-making, Ponnanna offers an insider’s perspective.He also discusses the Governor’s role, politically significant cases including the 2010 Karnataka disqualification case, the Cauvery water dispute and Bengaluru’s dependence on the KRS.The conversation also turns to his roots in Kodagu, Kuppayachale and Talakaveri — and why sacred spaces must be approached with respect, not merely as tourist destinations.🎧 Listen to the full episode of Expressions with A.S. Ponnanna on Spotify.#ASPonnanna #DKShivakumar #KarnatakaPolitics #Karnataka #Expressions #TheNewIndianExpress #Judiciary
• 
  Krishna Byre Gowda on Bengaluru’s Growth, Traffic, Weather & Future | Expressions | The New Indian Express 31.08.2026 26min

  Bengaluru has grown rapidly — but what has the city gained, and what has it lost along the way?In this episode of Expressions, Krishna Byre Gowda, Karnataka’s Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development shares about the city’s explosive growth, traffic, changing weather, infrastructure, urbanisation and future.From returning to India after his father’s death to entering public life, Gowda reflects on his journey and the responsibility of serving a city as complex and ambitious as Bengaluru.The conversation explores the cost of Bengaluru’s growth, the environmental and social impact of rapid urbanisation, rising vehicle ownership and why the city continues to attract talent, technology, investment and Global Capability Centres (GCCs).Gowda also shares his perspective on age versus experience in politics, what voters should really look for in a political leader, the importance of intent and sincerity in public life, and why he believes Bengaluru continues to remain ahead of competing cities such as Hyderabad and Chennai.He also opens up about the challenges of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the pressure of governing Bengaluru and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.In this episode:• Krishna Byre Gowda’s journey from Washington to public life• The challenges of governing Bengaluru• Bengaluru’s traffic and infrastructure crisis• What happened to Bengaluru’s famous weather?• The environmental and social cost of rapid urbanisation• Why Bengaluru continues to attract talent and investment• Bengaluru vs Hyderabad and Chennai• Age vs experience in politics• What voters should look for in a leader• The future of Bengaluru and the Greater Bengaluru Authority• Krishna Byre Gowda on his political legacyChapters01:07 – Introduction: Krishna Byre Gowda on Bengaluru01:49 – Why He Returned to India From Washington03:09 – Nobody Is Indispensable04:33 – The Responsibility of Public Office05:55 – When Bengaluru Makes You Run Out of Air06:09 – Bengaluru Is Like a Treadmill07:15 – Is Bengaluru Going to Choke?08:07 – What Keeps Him Going?08:50 – The Challenges of the Greater Bengaluru Authority10:27 – Why He Keeps Trying Every Day11:34 – Six Consecutive Terms & Public Trust13:02 – Does Age Matter in Politics?14:45 – Capacity vs Experience in Politics15:23 – The Importance of Sincerity in Public Life16:48 – Who Took Bengaluru’s Weather From Us?18:50 – How Bengaluru Changed After 199519:25 – Bengaluru’s Exploding Vehicle Population21:11 – Why Bengaluru Still Attracts Everyone22:22 – Bengaluru vs Hyderabad & Chennai22:48 – Why Bengaluru Is Still Winning24:34 – The Race for Talent, Investment & Startups25:19 – What Will His Legacy Be?About the GuestKrishna Byre Gowda is Karnataka’s Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development and a senior Congress politician. He has held several portfolios in the Karnataka government, including Agriculture, Rural Development, Law & Parliamentary Affairs and Revenue. He has represented Karnataka on the GST Council and has served multiple terms as an MLA.Follow Krishna Byre Gowda: Instagram (@krishna_byregowda)Facebook (@krishnabyregowda.official)Youtube Krishna Byre GowdaAbout Expressions is a New Indian Express video series featuring conversations with people shaping society, politics, business, culture and public life.ConnectInstagram: @expressionsbytnieInstagram: @newindianexpressInstagram: @indulgexpressWebsite: newindianexpress.com#krishnabyregowda #bengaluru #expressions #greaterbengaluru #bengalurutraffic #karnataka
• 
  Jayana Kothari on the Fight for Gender Equality & Justice | Expressions | The New Indian Express 24.08.2026 30min

  Jayana Kothari, Supreme Court litigator and founder of the Centre for Law and Policy Research, joins Expressions for a candid conversation on gender equality, constitutionalrights, disability rights and the power of law to bring social change.With 25 years of litigation, Jayana reflects on representing women, persons with disabilities and transgender communities, and the landmark battles that challenged deeply rooted inequalities. She speaks about arguing that women are not the property of their husbands, the continuing challenges around domestic violence, and the need to remove the marital rape exception.From fighting for reservations in promotions for persons with disabilities to challenging outdated assumptions around gender identity, Jayana shares how her clients and cases have also changed her understanding of equality, justice and her own biases.What to Look For• Jayana Kothari’s 25-year journey as a human rights lawyer• The power of courts and constitutional law to create social change• Her landmark work on gender equality and women’s rights• The continuing challenges around domestic violence• Why verbal, sexual and financial abuse are often overlooked• The debate around restitution of conjugal rights• Her work advocating for transgender rights and gender identity• Fighting for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities• The limitations of fast-track courts in sexual assault cases• Why witness and victim protection are essential to justice• Her call to remove the marital rape exceptionPeople and Organisations Mentioned in the Episode• Indira Jaising: Human rights and feminist lawyer Jayana worked with early in her career• Supreme Court of India: Discussed in relation to landmark constitutional and rights-based cases• Centre for Law and Policy Research: Organisation founded by Jayana Kothari• Karnataka High Court: Discussed in relation to disability rights and government employment• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act: Discussed in relation to employment and promotions• Karnataka Administrative Tribunal: Part of the legal journey in the disability rights case• Section 377: Referenced in the discussion on the decriminalization of homosexuality• Nirbhaya case: Referenced in the discussion on the creation of fast-track courts• Fast-track courts: Discussed in relation to sexual assault and child abuse casesAbout Jayana KothariJayana Kothari is a Supreme Court litigator and the founder of the Centre for Law and Policy Research. She has spent around 25 years working on constitutional law, human rights, gender equality, disability rights and the rights of marginalised communities.Her work has included representing women, persons with disabilities and transgender persons, while taking important questions of equality and access to justice before the courts.Follow Jayana : @kothari.jayna)ABOUT EXPRESSIONSExpressions is a series of thoughtful conversations with the people shaping India’s culture, sport and public life. Honest stories, meaningful insights, and the journeys behind theheadlines.ConnectInstagram: @expressionsbytnieInstagram: @newindianexpressInstagram: @indulgexpressWebsite: newindianexpress.com
• 
  Ruth Manorama on Resilience, Leadership and Finding Your Voice | Expressions 24.08.2026 22min

  Ruth Manorama, social activist and 2006 Right Livelihood Award laureate, joins Expressions for a deeply personal conversation on resilience, leadership, dignity and the power of finding your voice.She reflects on the experiences that shaped her, the influence of her mother, her journey of working alongside marginalized communities, and the importance of education and self-reliance.From building platforms for women to working with Dalit women, domestic workers, slum dwellers and unorganized labour, Ruth speaks about decades of organizing, mobilizing and empowering communities. She also shares stories from her life in Bangalore, her partnership with her husband and colleague, and her experiences taking issues of poverty, discrimination and human rights to national and international forums.
• 
  Pramila Nesargi on Justice, Women’s Rights & Judicial Accountability | Expressions 10.08.2026 34min

  Disclaimer: Views expressed are solely those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the views of The New Indian Express, its editorial team, or Expressions.What does it take to challenge the system for over six decades?In this episode of Expressions, lawyer and women’s rights advocate Pramila Nesargi speaks candidly about her journey in law, fighting for women’s rights, judicial accountability,access to justice, the Uniform Civil Code and the role of social media in society.From challenging an examiner as an LLM student to taking on powerful institutions, Nesargi reflects on the battles that shaped her career and shares her views on what needs to change in India’s legal and social systems.What to Look For:• Her early battles as a young woman lawyer• Judicial accountability and access to justice• Women’s rights, marriage and equality• Her views on freebies and political welfare schemes• The Uniform Civil Code and women’s rights• Justice delayed and the cost of litigation• The responsibility of social mediaPeople & Organisations Mentioned:Justice Somnath IyerJustice Hombay GowdaChanakyaChandraguptaLord BasavannaJustice MalimathSupreme Court of IndiaKarnataka State Bar CouncilKarnataka State Commission for Women.About Pramila Nesargi:Pramila Nesargi is a lawyer, educationist, politician and women’s rights advocate. She has spent decades working in law, public life and social causes, and was the first woman in 50 years to become Chairman of the Karnataka StateBar Council.ABOUT EXPRESSIONSExpressions is a series of thoughtful conversations with the people shaping India's culture, sport and public life. Honest stories, meaningful insights, and the journeys behind the headlines.ConnectInstagram: @expressionsbytnie | @newindianexpress | @indulgexpressWebsite: newindianexpress.com
• 
  From Hearts to Boardrooms: Dr. Sunita Maheshwari's Purpose-Led Life | Expressions | The New Indian Express 03.08.2026 36min

  Dr. Sunita Maheshwari, a US Board-certified Pediatric Cardiologist and co-founder of Teleradiology Solutions, shares her remarkable journey from healing newborn hearts to building impactful healthcare innovations. She discusses the challenges and rewards of medical entrepreneurship, the role of AI in medicine, her philosophy of giving and staying grounded, and her unique parenting hacks. The conversation delves into her experiences on the board of India's largest private bank and GlaxoSmithPharma, and her insights on leadership, balance, and making decisions that benefit millions.What to Look For•The balance between medical practice and entrepreneurship•The role of AI in healthcare•The philosophy of giving and groundedness•Entrepreneurial journey without external funding• Practical advice for busy parents on raising logical and empathetic children.• Her simple yet effective approach to making big life decisions.• Lessons on risk-taking, timing and creative growthPeople and Organizations Mentioned in the Episode•Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur: Dr. Sunita Maheshwari's husband and co-founder.•Saswita Bagchi: Author who wrote about mental disorders.•HDFC Bank: India's largest private bank, where Dr. Maheshwari serves as an independent director.•Teleradiology Solutions: India's largest teleradiology company, co-founded by Dr. Maheshwari.•RxDx: A chain of primary care clinics in Bangalore, founded by Dr. Maheshwari.•People for People: A trust fund started by Dr. Maheshwari for philanthropic work.•Delrad Foundation: Another foundation involved in Dr. Maheshwari's philanthropic efforts.•Yale University: Where Dr. Maheshwari trained in the US.•GlaxoSmithPharma: Where Dr. Maheshwari sits on the board.About Dr. Sunita MaheshwariDr. Sunita Maheshwari is a Yale-trained, US Board-certified Pediatric Cardiologist and the "Chief Dreamer" co-founder of Teleradiology Solutions and RxDx clinics. With over 30 years of experience, she serves as an Independent Director for HDFC Bank and GSK Pharma. A dedicated philanthropist through the Delrad Foundation, she champions a life built on gratitude, groundedness, and giving.#TheNewIndianExpress #Expressions #HealthcareIndia #InspiringStories #ImpactfulConversations #MedicalEntrepreneurship #MentalHealthAwareness #EmpathyInMedicine
• 
  Can One Exam Decide Your Future? | Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil on NEET, Healthcare & Karnataka's Vision 27.07.2026 50min

  In this episode of Expressions by The New Indian Express, host Neha Sonthalia speaks with Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, Karnataka's Minister for Medical Education, about the future of healthcare, medical education, NEET, AI, public hospitals, organ transplants, nursing, and skill development. Dr. Patil explains why no exam can fully judge a student's capabilities, shares his vision of establishing governmentmedical colleges in every district, discusses Karnataka's leadership in medical education, and explains why communication and compassion are just as importantas clinical knowledge. The conversation also explores free organ transplant facilities, preventive healthcare, AI, employment, and why Indian doctors and nurses continue to earn global respect. 01:10 Welcome Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil01:28 Surprise Visits to Government Hospitals03:01 From Doctor to Politician05:02 Student Life & Academic Pressure07:09 Why Every District Needs a Government Medical College10:00 Advice for Students Who Miss NEET Cut-offs11:02 NEET & Challenges for Rural Students12:20 Can Exams Measure True Potential?13:17 Nutrition, Lifestyle Diseases & Prevention16:26 Fitness & Healthy Living17:02 Why Compassion Makes Better Doctors20:06 Communication: A Doctor's Greatest Skill21:21 Free Organ Transplants & Azim Premji Foundation25:58 Why Young Doctors Choose Government Hospitals27:59 Karnataka's 800+ Nursing Colleges29:38 Why Indian Doctors & Nurses Are Respected Worldwide31:02 Expanding Children's Healthcare33:00 Preparing for an Ageing Population34:26 Digital Health Records35:09 Prevention vs Treatment36:58 AI, Jobs & Skill Development43:17 Germany's Apprenticeship Model46:31 AI: Threat or Opportunity?48:29 Learning from Electoral Defeat50:37 His Vision for Karnataka's Healthcare Future52:45 Closing Thoughts
• 
  Success Isn't About One Business | Mahesh Krishnachari on O'ver Coffee, COVID Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Expressions 14.07.2026 17min

  Mahesh Krishnachari, founder of O'ver Coffee and Director of VEVRA, joins Expressions for a conversation on entrepreneurship, hospitality, architecture and buildingbusinesses with purpose.From creating one of Bengaluru's most distinctive café and wine destinations to leading industrial projects across India, Mahesh shares how patience, quality and long-term thinking shaped his journey. He talks about working with renowned chef Abhijit Saha, why he waited four years before launching O'ver Coffee, and how the COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to develop IoT-enabled medical isolation pods that later received recognition from the Karnataka government.The conversation also explores European café culture, customer experience, mentorship, business failures and why true success is about creating value wherever you're needed. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN• Why patience matters in entrepreneurship• The story behind O'ver Coffee• How Chef Abhijit Saha shaped the brand• Why customer experience is everything• Lessons from building COVID isolation pods• Why quality should never be compromised• What failure teaches every entrepreneur?• Mahesh's definition of success PEOPLE & PROJECTS FEATURED • Mahesh Krishnachari•O'ver Coffee• VEVRA• Chef Abhijit Saha• 48-H Pizza• COVID Isolation Pods• Dr. K. Sudhakar ABOUT MAHESH Mahesh Krishnachari is the founder of O'ver Coffee and Director of VEVRA, an architecture, engineering and construction company. His work spans hospitality, industrial infrastructure and healthcare innovation, including the development of IoT-enabled medical isolation pods during the COVID-19 pandemic.Follow Mahesh : @maheshkrishnachari@overcoffeeindia@overcoffeesadashivanagar
• 
  Kasim Raja — Preventing Crime Before It Happens | Cybercrime, AI & Modern Policing | Expressions | The New Indian Express 07.07.2026 32min

  Deputy Commissioner of Police Kasim Raja joins Expressions for a conversation on cybercrime, digital safety, AI's role in policing, and the lessons he learned directly from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. With 30 years of service transforming Bangalore's police force through technology and human judgment, he shares practical tips on spotting scams, protecting your digital footprint, and why prevention will always beat punishment.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN• The difference between a digital arrest and a real one• How language barriers can stop scammers mid-call• Why criminals will always be one step ahead—and how to stay ahead• The three golden rules of financial transactions and device security• How Dr. Kalam's "prevention mindset" revolutionized policing• Why witness interrogation will always be an art, not an algorithm• The real cost of peer pressure on teenagers' digital footprints• How 30 years of police work doesn't killyour belief in human goodness• The future of crime: What's coming next that doesn't exist yetPEOPLE AND CONCEPTS FEATURED• Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam: Whose advice shaped his approach to preventive policing• Karnataka Police: Modern policing through technology, heat mapping, and facial recognition• Bangalore City: Where his 30 years transformed public safety through innovation• Digital Arrest Scams: The concept created by criminals that doesn't exist in Indian law• AI and Voice Cloning: How criminals use artificial intelligence to mimic loved ones• MCA Education: His technical background that bridged technology and policing• Crime Prevention Technology: Electronic Bit System and police data digitalization• IPL and World Cup: Large-scale event management with Karnataka Police• Cyber Harassment: Online fraud, cybercrime, and digital safety awarenessABOUTRAJA IMAM KASIM P. Raja Imam Kasim P is Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City Police, with 30 years of service transforming law enforcement through technology and human intelligence. An MCA graduate, he brings a unique combination of technical expertise and investigative skill to modern policing.From preventing cybercrime to managing large-scale events, he has made Bangalore one of India's safest cities.
• 
  ‘I Could Have Been Rich’ | Arjun Sajnani on Sunny's, Theatre & Success | Expressions 22.06.2026 30min

  Theatre director, filmmaker, actor and restaurateur Arjun Sajnani joins Expressions for a conversation on creativity, success, envy, old Bangalore and building a meaningful life. From directing acclaimed productions like The Fire and the Rain and Amadeus to founding Sunny's, one of Bangalore's most iconic restaurants, Arjun reflects on passion, ambition,legacy and why success isn't always measured by wealth.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN• Why success isn't always about becoming wealthy• What Girish Karnad taught Arjun about storytelling• Why theatre demands attention unlike any other art form• The lesson behind Salieri, envy and creative ambition• Why Arjun chose passion over scaling a business• How Bangalore has changed over the decades• The importance of loyalty in hospitality• What makes a meaningful legacy• Lessons on creativity, discipline and purposePeople, Projects & Works Featured in This Episode● Arjun Sajnani: Theatre director, filmmaker, actor and founder of Sunny's● Sunny's: One of Bangalore's most iconic restaurants andthe story behind its creation● Sunny the Dog: The beloved dog whose arrival inspired thename and identity of Sunny's● Vivek: Arjun's close friend and business partner, whoplayed a key role in the Sunny's journey● Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: One of Sunny's earliest customers and supporters, remembered through stories from the restaurant's early days● Geeta Menon, Vikram and Geetanjali Kirloskar:: Mentioned in the discussion on friendship, community and Bangalore's social circles ● Girish Karnad: Playwright, actor and one of India's most influential literary figures● The Fire and the Rain: The production that became a turning point in Arjun's theatre career● Amadeus: The acclaimed play that sparked a discussion on genius, ambition and envy● Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri: Referenced during a conversation on comparison, self-doubt and artistic excellenceABOUT ARJUNArjun Sajnani is a theatre director, filmmaker, actor and restaurateur best known as the founder of Sunny's. Over the past three decades, he has directed acclaimed stage productions, worked in film and hospitality, and played a significant role in shaping Bangalore's theatre and cultural landscape.
• 
  AI Will Replace Marketers, Digital Is a Disaster & Why Hard Work Never Dies | Expressions 16.06.2026 39min

  Brand strategist, author, and consumer behavior expert Harish Bijoor joins Expressions for a conversation on branding, AI, digital culture, relationships, and the future of work. From his dream of becoming an IAS officer to advising some of India's biggest brands and political campaigns, he shares the lessons that shaped his journey, his views on a rapidly changing world, and why understanding people remains at the heart of every great idea.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN• Why hard work never goes out of fashion• The failure that still motivates Harish today• How AI is changing marketing and business• Why consumer research remains irreplaceable• What makes brands memorable• The hidden costs of digital dependency• Why relationships are becoming more transactional• The importance of continuous learning• How curiosity creates opportunity• Why empathy is a competitive advantagePeople, Brands & Topics Mentioned• Atal Bihari Vajpayee — Former Prime Minister of India• Neelam Sanjiva Reddy — Former President of India• V. V. Giri — Former President of India• George Fernandes — Former Defence Minister of India• Shiv Khera — Author & Motivational Speaker• Tata Coffee — Indian Coffee Company• Brook Bond Lipton — FMCG Company• Artificial Intelligence (AI)• Brand Positioning• Consumer Behaviour• Political Campaigns• Dating Apps & Relationships• Digital Culture• Rural India Marketing• Leadership & EntrepreneurshipABOUT HARISH BIJOORHarish Bijoor is a brand strategist, author, business consultant, and consumer behavior expert. Over the years, he has advised leading corporations, startups, political campaigns, and public figures on branding, positioning, market strategy, and consumer insights. Known for his sharp views on marketing, technology, and culture, he continues to be one of India's most influential voices in the world of brands and business.#HarishBijoor #Branding #Marketing #AI #ConsumerBehaviour #ArtificialIntelligence #Thenewindianexpress #Expressions #DigitalCulture #FutureOfWork
• 
  Samragnee Bandyopadhyay — Why She Writes About Abuse, Feminism & Real Women | Expressions 08.06.2026 28min

  Award-winning poet and screenwriter Samragnee Bandyopadhyay joins Expressions for a conversation on feminism, verbal abuse, storytelling, and writing flawed women. From creating Lojja and Noshtoneer to navigatingpublic criticism, creative compromises, and life's unexpected turns, she shares the lessons that shaped her journey from poetry to screenwriting.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN • Why feminism is about inclusion, equality and empathy• How Lajja helped people identify verbal abuse• The storytelling principle behind Samragnee’s "60% rule"• Why ordinary people make the most compelling characters• How teaching and radio shaped her voice as a writer• The emotional challenge of researching MeToo stories• Why she wants to write morally complex female characters• How to navigate criticism while staying true to yourself• Lessons on risk-taking, timing and creative growthPeople, Projects & Works Featured in This Episode● Lajja: Acclaimed web series on verbal and linguistic abuse ● Noshtoneer: Series exploring the emotional and familialaftermath of the MeToo movement ● Mukherjee Dar Bou: Award-winning Bengali feature film● Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar: National literary awardfor Khelnabatir Din Sesh ● Bangla Akademi Award: State literary recognitiondiscussed in relation to merit and public perception ● Political Leader (Samragnee's husband): Referencedduring a discussion on independence, privilege, integrity and public scrutiny ● Jadavpur University: Where she taught Bengali toforeign scholars ● Nusrat Jahan: Actor and Former Politician featured inthe viral dance video story IG: @nusratchirps ● Zinia Sen:  Songwriter and friend behind the dancechallenge that went viralABOUT SAMRAGNEE  SamragneeBandyopadhyay is an award-winning Bengali poet, screenwriter, scholar andlyricist. A recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar and KrittibasPuraskar, she is known for works such as Lojja, Noshtoneer, Mukherjee Dar Bou.Her writing explores gender, language, identity, relationships and the everydayrealities of women's lives.Follow Samragnee Instagram: @samragneebandyopadhyayFacebook: @samragneebandyopadhyayLinkedIn: Samragnee BanerjeeABOUT EXPRESSIONS Expressions is a series of thoughtful conversations with thepeople shaping India's culture, sport and public life. Honest stories, meaningful insights, and the journeys behind the headlines.
• 
  Sohini Sengupta — The Artist Who Turned Down Sacred Games | Expressions | The New Indian Express 01.06.2026 29min

  She grew up eating Satyajit Ray's sandwiches, sleeping in the homes of legends, and still had to fight for every single role. Sohini Sengupta, National Film Award winner, Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee, and the Heart of Nandikar, opens up about what it truly means to be an artist from the inside. In this episode of Expressions, Sohini talks about discovering herself on stage through Arthur Miller, the invisible cost of being the director's daughter, why she turned down Sacred Games and Yash Raj Films, and how theatre became her anchor through divorce, body shaming, loss, and self-doubt. She also reflects on her late mother, Swatilekha Sengupta's extraordinary discipline, the mystical dimension of fine arts, and why India is still catching up on giving women equal ground on screen and on stage.ABOUT SOHINI SENGUPTAA National Film Award winner for Paromitar Ek Din 2000 and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2007, she helped establish Naataca, the Nandikar Academy of Theatre and Communication, in honour of her late mother. In 2026, she was named a Devi Awardee by Indulge and The New Indian Express.Known for emotionally complex roles across stage, Bengali cinema, television and OTT, Sohini is an acting teacher who has made Naataca a living institution. She splits her time between active performance, directing, and nurturing the next generation of theatre artists.FEATURED IN THIS EPISODESohini Sengupta - National Award winner, Sangeet Natak Akademi AwardeeRudraprasad Sengupta - Theatre director, her fatherSwatilekha Sengupta -  Artist and musician, her motherNandikar - Theatre collectiveNaataca - Academy of Theatre and CommunicationSatyajit Ray - FilmmakerArthur Miller - PlaywrightSaptarshi Maulik - Husband ABOUT EXPRESSIONSExpressions is a series of unhurried, honest conversations with the people quietly shaping India's sport, culture, and consciousness. Less spectacle, more substance the stories behind the stories, told without filters.
• 
  Priya Mascarenhas — 47 Years of Winning, 91 Countries & a Garden Full of Memories | Expressions 22.05.2026 18min

  She grew up on a coffee plantation, studied art in Rome, and spent 56 years building a life with the man she loved. Priya Mascarenhas, an entrepreneur, gardener, and winner of the Javarayya Rolling Shield for 47 consecutive years, opens up about the discipline behind a lifelong passion, the loneliness of loss, and why a small garden done right will always beat a grand one done carelessly. A quietly extraordinary conversation about love, legacy, and the things we keep.What you'll learn from this episode• How Priya built a 47-year winning streak at the Bangalore Horticultural Society and why she walked in and rewrote the competition categories to make it fair• The hands-on philosophy that runs through everything she does: gardening, cooking, running a business, and raising a family across two very different worlds• Why small gardens often outshine grand ones and the simple principles that make plants thrive (including which ones to stop fighting and let go)• The real reason high-maintenance exotic plants keep dying in Indian homes, and what Priya grows instead now that she travels more• What 56 years of marriage, 91 countries, and a 150-year-old ancestral home teach you about holding on to the things that actually matter
• 
  7 Years. No Bribe. | Dr. Shukla Bose | Expressions Podcast 15.05.2026 37min

  Some people change jobs. She changed lives.Dr. Shukla Bose walked away from a 26-year corporate career, invested her life savings, and built free schools for over 2,000 street, slum, and orphan children in India. She volunteered with Mother Teresa. She waited seven years for school permission rather than pay a single bribe. She walked away from a large donation that came at the cost of her values.In this episode of Expressions, she shares what true poverty really means, what humility looks like up close, and why she believes every single child  no matter where they come from  has the power to change the world.What You Will Learn From This EpisodeWhy true poverty is not about money — it's about the mindWhat Mother Teresa taught her about humility, dignity & loveHow Parikrama puts well-being before marks — and still gets 97% resultsWhy she waited 7 years for school permission and never paid a bribeHow to build something meaningful without compromising your valuesWhy children from slums often have more potential than privileged kidsHow a 7-year-old boy quietly transformed a hardened criminal in prisonAbout Dr. Shukla Bose & Parikrama Humanity FoundationDr. Shukla Bose is the founder and CEO of Parikrama Humanity Foundation, Bangalore. After a 26-year corporate career, she invested her life savings to build free schools for street, slum, and orphan children. Today, Parikrama runs 4 schools and a junior college, serving over 2,000 first-generation learners with 1,700+ alumni who are now engineers, doctors, nurses, and entrepreneurs. Dr. Shukla holds a PhD in poverty of mind and volunteers with Mother Teresa for seven years during her college years in Calcutta.Learn more: https://parikrmafoundation.org/
• 
  Mon Nimrod Brokman — The Mind Behind India's Biggest Sporting Wins | Behavioural Foresight | Expressions Podcast 09.05.2026 54min

  The mental performance coach behind some of India's most-watched sporting moments finally steps out of the shadows. Mon Brokman breaks down how he trains champions like Lakshya Sen and HS Prannoy to stay calm at heart rate 170, why high-arousal athletes like Kohli and Nadal often struggle most off the court, and how anyone — athlete or not — can rewire their mind for pressure using methods rooted in neuroscience, Vipassana, and battlefield psychology.What you'll learn from this episodeThe "simple clarity" framework Mon uses to keep elite athletes calm when most people freeze — and how you can apply it before any high-pressure moment of your ownHow exposure-based training rewires panic at heart rate 170 — the same method behind Lakshya Sen's biggest comebacks, explained step by stepThe "mental currency" principle: why less noise equals more performance, and how to start training your mind from home with zero tools or appsWhy high-arousal personalities like Kohli and Nadal often struggle most off the court — and the recovery framework Mon uses to prevent burnout and addictive behavioursThe case for Vipassana as the ultimate performance edge — straight from a former soldier who's seen world podiums, war zones, and boardrooms#MonBrokman #LakshyaSen #HSPrannoy #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #BehaviouralForesight #ExpressionsPodcast #Bangalore #IndianAthletes #MindCoach #Olympics #Vipassana #Biopeak #PerformanceCoaching #SportsPsychologyIndiaAbout Mon Nimrod BrokmanBorn to two Olympians in Israel, Mon spent 12 years in Olympic-style fencing and commanded search-and-rescue operations in the Israeli Special Forces before moving to India a decade ago. He now runs Behavioural Foresight, a multidisciplinary mental performance lab in Bangalore that blends neuroscience, biofeedback, fMRI, and ancient Eastern practice to coach Olympians, IPL captains and tour-level golfers.
• 
  Wilma Rodruigues discusses India's garbage crisis & real solutions | Saahas Zero Waste | Expressions Podcast 01.05.2026 52min

  Wilma Rodrigues, Chief Transformation Officer of Sahas Zero Waste, joins us in an eye-opening conversation on this week’s episode of the Expressions Podcast. In the chat, we dive deep into India's waste management crisis and the systemic solutions that actually work.Tune in to learn how one woman's 1983 moment sparked a 25-year movement transforming waste management across India, why bulk waste generators hold the key to solving India's garbage crisis, and the uncomfortable truth about waste-to-energy plants and why they're failing cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, and Bangalore. Wilma also shares quick, practical home-composting solutions we can easily incorporate into our daily lives. Further, we also learn how decentralised waste systems work better than mega-infrastructure in cities like Indore & Pune. Also, listen to real stories of dignity – how Sahas Zero Waste transformed informal waste workers into salaried employees. In this episode, you'll learn:How the Solid Waste Management Rules Notification of April 2026 defines bulk generatorsWhy is bulk waste generator accountability importantWhy investing in home composting is a sustainable way forwardWhat are Kasa Rasa communitiesHow decentralised collection models will be helpfulA clear explanation of RDF technologies like pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration.  An understanding of windrow composting & bio-mining methodsObservations from the Okhla landfill failure case studyThe idea behind and progress made by Pune's SWACHH modelImportance of resource recovery tracking & circular economy frameworksAbout Wilma RodriguesWilma Rodrigues is the founder of Saahas and the Chief Transformation Officer of Saahas Zero Waste, a social enterprise. An alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, she is a former journalist with the Times of India and Business World.She has received numerous accolades, including the Best Social Entrepreneur award from the Namma Bengaluru Foundation and the FICCI Indian Circular Economy Award.She has successfully integrated zero-waste systems for global giants such as Microsoft, Accenture, Goldman Sachs, IKEA, and Coca-Cola.
• 
  Storytelling expert Geeta Ramanujam on education, parenting & more| Geeta Ramanujam | Kathalaya | Expressions Podcast 24.04.2026 1t 23min

  In this inspiring conversation with internationally acclaimed storytelling expert and educator Geeta Ramanujam, we explore the transformative power of stories in education, parenting and human connection. Geeta shares her remarkable 40-plus-year journey from her early days in a Bombay chawl to becoming a global storytelling champion — having trained teachers and professionals across many countries. As you tune in to the conversation, you will discover why storytelling is the antidote to screen addiction, how to build genuine connections with your children, and why AI can never replace the human voice.In this episode, you'll learn:How stories create lasting connections with the mind vs the rapidly evolving digital mediaWhy human presence and voice modulation matter more than just contentWhy parenting requires consistency, genuine interest and quality time being spent with the childHow grandparents can learn to adapt and focus on connection rather than controlWhy education should be holistic, not just academically orientedListening is a lost skill that can be relearnedHow flexibility and letting go of your ego can unlock infinite possibilitiesAbout Geeta RamanujamGeeta Ramanujam is the pioneer of the storytelling movement in India.A global ambassador of the craft, she has performed and trained practitioners in over 48 countries.She has been a teacher, librarian and coordinator of projects and programs related to arts in education in The Valley School, Sri Aurobindo Memorial Schools.She has also been the recipient of numerous honours, including the prestigious BoCaDeu Award for Best Storyteller (in Brazil) and the Ashoka FellowshipConnect with Geeta RamanujamWebsite: https://www.kathalaya.orgInstagram: @kathalayastoryhouseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geeta-ramanujam-97a22048YouTube: @kathalaya1998
• 
  Gut, Growth and Guidance | Dr Shruti Pai | Sagework | Expressions Podcast 17.04.2026 55min

  Have you ever wondered why you feel calmer in some rooms than others? Why certain colours lift your mood, or why your gut seems to "know" things before your brain does?In today's episode, Neha sits down with Dr. Shruti Pai — clinical nutrition scientist, gut microbiome researcher, and founder of Sage Works — to explore the invisible systems shaping our health every single day: what we eat, where we live, and how we feel.In this conversation, Dr Shruti discusses how microbiome science, clinical nutrition, and Sage Work’s 'health architecture' optimise immunity and longevity, among other topics. #GutBrainAxis #GutHealth #Microbiome #MicrobiomeScience #DrShrutiPai #ClinicalNutrition #HealthPodcast #WellnessPodcast #Longevity #Immunity #NutritionScience #HolisticHealth #PreventiveHealth #HealthyLifestyle #Biohacking #PersonalisedNutrition #MentalHealth #DigestiveHealth #BrainHealth #Sagework
• 
  Breaking Barriers, Building Futures | Pavithra YS | Vindhya E-Infomedia | Expressions Podcast 10.04.2026 1t 6min

  What if business could create impact and still be profitable?Discover the inspiring journey of Pavithra YS - Founder and MD of Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited, who turned her vision of inclusion into a movement that empowers thousands. From teaching slum children in her teens to building an enterprise with over 2,600 employees, she proves that profit and purpose can coexist.Parvathi shares how financial stability, confidence, and opportunity redefine independence for individuals often left out of the mainstream. Tune in to hear stories of resilience, second chances, and the power of inclusion.#PavithraYS #SocialEntrepreneur #ProfitWithPurpose #InclusionMatters #TheNewIndianExpress #TheExpressionsPodcast #TNIE