Shashi Sekhar is the former CEO of Prasar Bharati, India's public broadcaster. He assumed office in 2017 and served a five-year term till 2022. An alumnus of IIT-Bombay, he was the youngest and first non-bureaucrat to hold the public office since its creation in 1997.

In the latest episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, former CEO of Prasar Bharati opens up about the Western media's 'obsession' with Prime Minister Modi, often calling him an 'authoritarian leader' – a direct attack on India's democratic setup.

He also explains why Global media is ‘biased’ against PM Modi and continues to defame India’s democracy.

Shashi Shekhar speaks up about how these foreign media outlets have repeatedly attacked India's majority population, the Hindus, and their sentiments around the newly inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He also advises foreign journalists not to cross a line and hype up India's internal issues, which in turn may create a security situation in the country.

28-year-old Akash Anand is the National Coordinator of the Bahujan Samaj Party. Nephew of BSP supremo Mayawati, Akash joined the party in 2016 and rose through the ranks, to become the the second most important leader in the party. In December 2023, Mayawati also known as 'Behenji' named him as her political successor at a party meeting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

In this episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Anand speaks about the current state of politics in Uttar Pradesh. He also speaks up about why his party had to split ways with their earlier rival the Samajwadi Party, and why his party wouldn't allign with Dalit leader and Bhim Army Chief Chandrasekhar Azad.

The young Dalit politician with a foreign MBA, also opens up for the first time about being discriminated against for his caste by a senior in school, despite being the CM's nephew.

Dr. Cholenahally Nanjappa Manjunath, known as Dr. C N Manjunath, is a renowned cardiologist, who was the director of Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences & Research for 18 years, the largest Heart Care Centre in Southeast Asia. Under his leadership, the institute introduced 'Treatment First and Payment Next', praised by former U.S. President Barack Obama for providing high-quality cardiac care at affordable rates.

Recipient of the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, Dr Manjunath is also the son-in-law of HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India. He is now contesting in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls on a BJP ticket against DK Suresh, brother of Karnataka's Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, from the Bengaluru Rural seat. This election is seen as a battle for leadership within the Vokkaliga community, to which both candidates belong.

In an episode of the ANI podcast with Smita Prakash, Dr Manjunath explains his delayed entry into politics despite his close ties to the JD(S) family and why he decided to contest on a BJP ticket. He discusses policies like Ayushman Bharat, aiming to provide healthcare to those below the poverty line, and the potential impact of the BJP-JD(S) alliance on his campaign against DK Suresh, the incumbent Congress MP from Bengaluru Rural.

Dr Manjunath also addresses the concerning rise of sudden heart attacks among young individuals, answering if COVID-19 vaccines play a role. He also shares insights on leading a healthy lifestyle.