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Call Him Curious

Call Him Curious

By: HT Smartcast Originals
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About this listen

 The world is full of stories—some told, some hidden, and some that challenge everything we believe. Call Him Curious is where we bring those stories to life. Hosted by Shikhar Varshney, a seasoned podcaster, radio host, and storyteller from Hindustan Times, this show is about asking the questions no one dares to. From deep dives into Indian culture, art, business, and technology to candid conversations with creators, leaders, and change-makers—we’re here to fuel your curiosity. Hit subscribe and join the journey of curiosity, knowledge, and unfiltered conversations.HT Smartcast Art Entertainment & Performing Arts Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Ninja on Sidhu Moosewala, Parmish Verma & Punjabi Music Industry Truth

    Ninja on Sidhu Moosewala, Parmish Verma & Punjabi Music Industry Truth
    Aug 14 2025
    In this unfiltered episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with Punjabi singer @NinjaMusic01 for a heart-to-heart that goes beyond the music. From his journey as Amit to Ninja, the guidance of his Guruji, and the special bond with Sidhu Moosewala—including unheard, unreleased songs—to his devotion to Mahadev and the realities of life in Punjab, Ninja opens up like never before. We talk about why he hasn’t collaborated with Parmish Verma, the overspending culture among Punjabi singers, his love for food across India, maintaining vocal health, and the moment Honey Singh pulled him up on stage. The episode also features fun segments like This or That, his love for gold & silver, his friendship with Shehnaaz Akhtar, the strategy behind making a song a hit, and an exclusive Ninja mashup to wrap things up. Timestamps: 0:00 - 1:07 - Coming Up 1:08 - 5:10 - Amit se Ninja tak ka safar 5:10 - 6:40 - Ninja Paaji ke Guruji 6:41 - 10:20 - Sidhu Moosewala ka debut 10:21 - 11:06 - Unreleased songs with Sidhu 11:07 - 12:59 - Audience kaise badli hai? 13:00 - 13:20 - Aadat ki aadat 13:21 - 14:33 - Mahadev ki bhakti 14:34 - 15:26 - Parmish Verma ke sath collab kyu nahi? 15:27 - 20:25 - Yeh Hai Punjab 20:26 - 21:38 - Punjabi Singers ka overspend 21:39 - 23:29- Hindustan mei khaane ka pyaar 23:30 - 24:48 - Vocal Health 24:49 - 27:56 - Honey Singh ne stage par chadhaya 27:57 - 30:27 - Kaise Pita Hai Ninja? 30:28 - 32:06 - This or That? 32:07 - 33:30 - Heer ki kahani 33:31 - 34:47 - Sone Chandi se pyaar 34:48 - 38:27 - Shehnaaz Akhtar & Ninja ki dosti 38:28 - 41:04 - Gaana Hit karne ke strategy 41:05 - 44:02 - Ninja Mashup If you love Punjabi music, behind-the-scenes stories, and raw conversations, this one’s for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Mythology का असली सच: RAMAYAN, MAHABHARAT aur DEVDUTT PATTNAIK

    Mythology का असली सच: RAMAYAN, MAHABHARAT aur DEVDUTT PATTNAIK
    Aug 2 2025
    In this episode, Shikhar lifts the curtain on misunderstood, misrepresented, or rarely discussed facets of Indian mythology with Devdutt Pattanaik—from why only men dominate myth-writing, to the secret truths of Bhairav temples and the so-called “death of curiosity” in today’s Insta-reel culture. Expect candid takes on the Mahabharata, the real meaning of karma, the complex love of Radha-Krishna, and the shocking stories mainstream narratives skip—plus practical wisdom inspired by the “Business Sutra.” 0:00 — Precap 1:20 — Relevance Ka Art 6:50 — Myth का मतलब 7:57 — Mythology समझें 12:33 — Writers में Gender 14:28 — Curiosity क्यों कम? 15:55 — Bhairav Temple Facts 19:16 — Curiosity Khatam! 21:36 — Hidden Wisdom 27:45 — Celebration क्यों? 30:33 — Radha-Krishna पहलू 32:33 — Parshuram Story 35:15 — असली Apsaras 38:48 — Sita की कहानी 44:40 — Swayamvar सच/झूठ 48:01 — Business Sutra links Subscribe now for myth-busting, mind-opening discussions at the crossroads of culture, psychology, and identity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Voice Behind Doraemon & Chhota Bheem: The MotorMouth Reveals Voice Acting Secrets

    Voice Behind Doraemon & Chhota Bheem: The MotorMouth Reveals Voice Acting Secrets
    Jul 27 2025
    Ever wondered who’s behind the voice that made your childhood feel like magic? In this episode of Call Him Curious, host Shikhar Varshney sits down with India’s most iconic voice artist — Sonal Kaushal, known to millions as The Motor Mouth and the voice behind Doraemon, Chhota Bheem, Harley Quinn, and dozens more. This is not just an interview. It’s a deep-dive into how voice acting works, how a young girl from Delhi turned into the sound of a generation, and why voice-over artistry is far more layered, technical, and powerful than most people realize. 0:00 – 1:35 – Coming up 1:55 – 5:05 – The Motor Mouth Journey 5:06 – 8:59 – How She Treated Fame 9:58 – 11:26 – First Audition 11:27 – 12:51 – Voice vs. Screen Acting 12:55 – 18:05 – Pro Voice Acting Tips 18:15 – 19:44 – Breathing Matters 21:47 – 23:42 – Speak with your Head 24:47 – 27:50 – Reality of Voice Institutes 28:43 – 30:12 – Indian Animation Today: Limits & creative freedom. 30:41 – 33:22 – Cartoons Then vs. Now 33:23 – 36:50 – Prank Call with @ComicKaustubhAgarwal 37:07 – 39:46 – Bollywood in Cartoon Voices 40:01 – 42:51 – Closing Thoughts and Wrap-up Whether you’re a budding voice artist, an animation lover, or simply curious about the craft of creating unforgettable characters, this episode is your crash course in the voice acting world with India's cartoon queen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    42 mins
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