Episodes

  • PhD Life at IIT Bombay: A Candid Conversation with Kehkasha Siddiqui (Twisted Truths TT79)
    Sep 1 2025

    🎓 Ever wondered what PhD life is actually like at IIT Bombay?In this episode of Twisted Truths (TT79), we sit down with Kehkasha Siddiqui, a PhD student at IIT Bombay. She shares a raw, unfiltered look at the challenges, research grind, and the surprising realities of academic life in one of India’s premier institutions.We talk about:✅ Why they chose IIT Bombay for their PhD✅ The toughest challenges of research life✅ What keeps them motivated during the grind✅ Fun stories from campus and hostel lifeWhether you’re preparing for higher studies, curious about IIT Bombay, or just want to know what a PhD journey really feels like, this episode has a bit of everything.Watch the full podcast to find out.Timestamps 01:25 - 03:35 | 🏞️ Campus Life is Holistic and Self-sufficient03:35 - 06:00 |🐊 Wildlife Interaction Adds a Distinctive Layer to Campus Experience 06:00 - 10:13 |🔒Gender Interaction Governed by Strict Security but Without Oppression 10:13 - 13:37 | 🎓 PhD Admission and Fellowship Reflect a Structured but Challenging Academic Path13:37- 14:40 |🧠 Mental Health Challenges are Real and Complex14:40 - 17:20 | 💑 Changing Family Dynamics and Marriage Perspectives17:20 - 25:56 | 🔄 Inter-caste Marriages are Accepted, but Inter-religious Marriages Remain Challenging25:56 - 31:35 |👗 Freedom of Expression and Absence of Gender Bias31:35 - 33:45 | 🚨 Security Incidents are Rare but Highlight the Need for Vigilance33:45 - 36:11 | 💑 Dating apps, goals and everything in between.CREDITSGuest: Kehkasha SiddiquiHost and Creative Director: Joydeep SenCreative Writer & Content Strategist: Trisha DeyashiProduction Head: Disha AgarwalAudio & Video Editing: Rajesh Kr. SamantaPoster & Thumbnail Design: Bidyut Singha RoyProduced by: Lal BhatiaFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com#phd #phdlife #iitbombay #podcast #phdinindia #phdjourney #wildlife #datingadvice #datingtips #cafe #hostellife #campuslife #indoorgames #wildanimals #iitbombay

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • From Advertising to Acting | Sumanto Chattopadhyay | The English Nut's Journey Unfolded | TT 78
    Aug 26 2025

    Who is the man who went from leading iconic ad campaigns to becoming an actor and author? How did an executive creative director at Ogilvy reinvent himself? What surprising turns shaped his journey?Started as a copywriter with Response, an ad agency in Kolkata. Then he shifted to Ogilvy, rose through the ranks to be a creative director and executive director, and then became chairman and chief creative officer of 82.5 Communications, Ogilvy Group. He is now an actor and author too.Watch the full podcast to find out.Timestamps:00:00 – 01:33 | Introduction01:33 – 02:44 | How The English Nut began, from correcting English to creating a channel02:44 – 03:11 | Why social media mattered for his advertising career03:11 – 03:32 | His one-video-a-week challenge to test the channel’s success03:32 – 04:25 | Growing to 150,000+ followers across platforms04:25 – 09:16 | The quirky story behind the name The English Nut09:16 – 10:17 | Childhood in Manchester and learning English abroad10:17 – 10:50 | When his teacher called his mom about his reading habits10:50 – 17:18 | Why English is “a funny language” with mixed roots17:18 – 18:01 | From advertising to acting to writing: his creative journey18:01 – 19:23 | Defining himself as a creative across mediums19:23 – 21:21 | How Rupa Publications approached him to write a book21:21 – 21:57 | About his book Stories of Words and Phrases21:57 – 25:53 | Surprising word origins from the book25:53 – 29:49 | Interviewing Shashi Tharoor & Ruskin Bond29:49 – 33:59 | How Shashi Tharoor wrote the foreword and meeting Ruskin Bond—this is good33:59 – 40:00 | Reflections on language, creativity, and personal philosophy 40:00 – 43:00 | Lessons from a multi-faceted career 43:00 – 45:02 | Closing thoughts and outro CREDITSGuest: Sumanto ChattopadhyayHost and Creative Director: Joydeep SenCreative Writer & Content Strategist: Trisha DeyashiProduction Head: Disha AgarwalAudio & Video Editing: Rajesh Kr. SamantaPoster & Thumbnail Design: Bidyut Singha RoyProduced by: Lal BhatiaFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Money is Immaterial | From Satsang to Shots | Ahana Raheja Unfiltered | TT 77
    Aug 1 2025

    What do mandirs, luxury, and mental health have in common? For lifestyle influencer Ahana Raheja, they’re all part of one unapologetically “soft” life.In this episode of Twisted Truths, Ahana gets real about•⁠ ⁠Using workouts as therapy. 🏋🏼‍♂️•⁠ ⁠Why she calls Dubai the best “Indian” city. 🌆🌆•⁠ ⁠Her deep spiritual side—satsangs, seva, and the Maha Kumbh. 📿💫•The soft life aesthetic vs. the truth behind it. 🌸✨•Living wild, praying harder. 🥃•Co-owning a niche jewellery brand with her mom. 💍💎🎧 If you think influencers are all filters and no faith—watch this. A new episode is out now on Twisted Truths—streaming on YouTube and Spotify.CREDITSGuest: Ahana RahejaHost and Creative Director: Joydeep SenCreative Writer & Content Strategist: Trisha DeyashiProduction Head: Disha AgarwalAudio & Video Editing: Rajesh Kr. SamantaPoster & Thumbnail Design: Kamalika BiswasProduced by: Lal BhatiaFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthssigsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify: https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgforFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgf For any other queries contact us through our email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Inside Kyani & Co. : Farokh Shokri on Preserving Bombay’s 121-Year Irani Cuisine Legacy|
    Jul 31 2025

    Step inside Kyani & Co., Bombay’s legendary Irani Restaurant, with Farokh Shokri, the man carrying forward a 120-year-old legacy of food, community, and history. From bun maska and chai to stories of Bollywood icons and generations of loyal customers. Kyani remains a living symbol of Mumbai’s resilience and spirit.In this conversation, Farokh Shokri reflects on: ☕ The restaurant's origins and ties to Bombay’s heritage 🥐 Signature dishes that made Kyani famous (bun maska, mawa cake, keema pav) 🏛 The importance of preserving old-world charm over chasing trends 🚫 Why Kyani refuses food delivery apps and laptop-café culture 🎨 Stories of legends like Shashi Kapoor and M.F. Hussain visiting over the decadesKyani & Co. isn’t just a restaurant - it’s a piece of Bombay’s soul.Disclaimer: We sincerely apologize for the misspelling of Mr. Farokh Shokri’s name in the video—unfortunately, we’re unable to make edits post upload, but we truly appreciate your understanding.[KyaniAndCo,IraniRestaurant , HeritageStories, FarokhSokhri, MumbaiFood, CaféCulture, BombayHistory, BunMaska, IraniCafe]Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:00 | Introduction to Kayani Bakery’s history and rules (No laptops, no charging)01:00 – 02:20 | The heritage of the building and Irani café roots since 190402:20 – 02:44 | Legacy of the Kayani name and Irani café history02:44 – 03:25 | Celebrity customers: Shashi Kapoor, MF Husain03:25 – 05:53 | Kayani’s unchanged ethos over decades05:53 – 07:12 | Impact of historical events: Independence, Partition, and 2008 Terror Attacks07:12 – 08:09 | Refusing to modernize: Maintaining prices and structure08:09 – 09:45 | Maintaining heritage interiors: Polish chairs, century-old tiles09:45 – 10:44 | Policies on low-cost dining and no overstaying10:44 – 11:58 | Thoughts on hospitality industry changes11:58 – 13:17 | Nostalgia: Bombay of the 70s vs today13:17 – 14:23 | Signature dishes through the day (Chai, Bun Maska, Kheema, Dhansak)14:23 – 15:20 | Evolving menu and family’s role in expanding offerings15:20 – 15:52 | Refusing delivery apps: Maintaining customer experience15:52 – 16:27 | Secret recipes and legacy of homemade dishes16:27 – 16:40 | Advice to young restaurateurs: Patience, long-term vision, costsFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • No Sight. No Limits. How Ratul Is Creating a Digital Future for the Visually Impaired |
    Jul 31 2025

    What does it take to build a business without eyesight? Meet Ratul, a visually impaired entrepreneur who didn’t just stop at overcoming his own challenges—he’s now training 300+ visually impaired students to use computers and become self-reliant.In this powerful episode, Ratul shares:How he uses a computer without seeing the screenThe tools and software that help visually impaired people navigate the digital worldHis mission to uplift and empower others like himAnd how he’s rewriting what "disability" really means💡 This is not just an interview. It’s a story of grit, purpose, and transformation.🎧 Watch now and get inspired to look beyond what limits you.Timestamps: 00:00 – 00:36 | Introduction to Ratul’s journey as a visually impaired tech educator and musician00:36 – 02:53 | Ratul discusses job discrimination and poor RPWD Act implementation02:13 – 03:28 | Founding a computer academy to empower visually impaired learners02:48 – 05:43 | Ratul shares his early musical inspirations and love for tabla05:00 – 07:31 | Daily music practice and memories of performing with his band06:52 – 09:27 | Recounting live shows and the audience’s heartfelt reactions08:48 – 10:32 | Challenging societal prejudice and launching VI Tech Academy09:56 – 13:58 | India’s public spaces lack true accessibility for the disabled13:22 – 15:09 | Independence through online tools and debunking myths14:34 – 17:07 | Highlighting icons and the potential of visually impaired achievers16:29 – 17:39 | Smartphones and assistive tech empower blind users daily17:04 – 18:49 | Learning English through music and a mission to reach more people18:17 – 20:02 | Building a YouTube library of solutions for blind programmers19:29 – 22:03 | Training students and navigating poverty-related obstacles21:25 – 24:00 | Employer bias and lack of disability sensitivity during interviews23:29 – 25:02 | The need for informed compassion and awareness about braille users24:16 – 26:14 | Tech tools like screen readers enable digital independence25:34 – 26:52 | Freelancing offers income and dignity to visually impaired workers26:17 – 28:38 | Clarifying medical definitions of visual impairment stages27:44 – 29:49 | Government policies clash with unfair real-world competition29:10 – 30:58 | Exploring podcasting and a recent discriminatory bank experience30:22 – 32:52 | Using laws and RBI rules to fight for ATM access rights32:18 – 33:27 | Ratul reflects on his journey and encourages digital self-empowerment#Inspiration #Podcast #VisuallyImpaired #Entrepreneurship #RatulRoopkatha #SpeakingMirror #TechForGoodFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • 🎬 An Indian Novelist Quit Bollywood to Become a Writer, Here’s Why | Ft. Rishi Vohra |
    Jul 31 2025

    After years spent at the heart of Bollywood, a bold decision was made to step away from the spotlight — not due to failure, but because something even more meaningful was discovered.In this video, the real story behind that transition is shared. The highs, the lows, and the exact moment when it became clear that a new direction had to be taken are all revealed. Whether a creative journey is being navigated, a crossroads is being faced, or simple curiosity about life behind India’s biggest film industry is felt — this video is meant for you.🔍 In this video, the following is covered:•⁠ ⁠The journey into Bollywood•⁠ ⁠The reasons it was left behind•⁠ ⁠How a new voice was found through writing•⁠ ⁠The lessons that were learned along the way👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more stories about creativity, reinvention, and life beyond the spotlight.💬Have you ever walked away from something big to follow a deeper passion? Let’s talk in the comments.Timestamp:-0:00 – 2:00 | Opening & Introduction2:01 – 5:30 | Life in Bollywood5:31 – 8:00 | Inner Conflict & Disillusionment8:01 – 11:00 | The Breakaway Moment11:01 – 13:30 | Starting from Scratch as a Writer13:31 – 16:30 | First Novel: Writing & Reception16:31 – 19:30 | Freedom in Literature vs. Bollywood19:31 – 22:00 | Rejection & Perseverance22:01 – 25:00 | Building a New Identity25:01 – 28:00 | Writing Practice & Philosophy28:01 – 30:30 | Current Work & Evolving Style30:31 – 33:09 | Final Thoughts & Advice#Bollywood #TwistedTruths #TwistedTruthsPodcast #CreativeJourney #LifeChoices #WritingLife #QuitBollywood #CareerChange #StorytellingFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube:  @twistedtruthssbydgf Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=MWZraHU3d3hvZmJhdQ==Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqVDv5Gjg/ Spotify:https://www.podcasters...For any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Mangroves or Garbage Dumps? | Mumbai’s Wetland Crisis | Ft. Stalin Dayanand
    Jul 31 2025

    Every monsoon, Mumbai’s coastline turns into a dumping ground. Garbage choking the creeks, sewage flowing unchecked, and mangroves—Mumbai’s vital green lungs—being pushed to the edge.But what if we told you it’s not just an environmental issue… it’s a survival one?In this urgent and eye-opening episode, Stalin Dayanand, one of India’s fiercest environmental voices, joins us to explore:Why Mumbai's mangroves are under constant threatHow wetlands regulate temperature and rising sea levelsWhy governments ignore laws protecting natureThe Sundarbans paradox: protected yet vulnerableWhat every citizen needs to know—and do—todayIf Mumbai wants a future, it must listen to its wetlands.🎧 Dive into the truth behind the disappearing mangroves and the people still fighting for them.#SaveMumbai #MangroveMatters #StalinDayanand #EnvironmentalCrisis #PodcastIndia #ClimateChange #Wetlands #TwistedTruthsFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Adoption vs. Buying | Pets in India | Indie or Breed | Ft. Dr. Gloraine Carvalho
    Jul 31 2025

    Everyone’s adopting dogs. Celebs are adopting Indies. Pet parenting is trending in India like never before. But here’s the big question — can India actually care for its pets?In this brutally honest episode, Dr. Gloraine Carvalho, a leading veterinary expert, joins us to explore:Why India still lacks proper vet infrastructureWhat happens after you adopt a petThe reality of becoming a vet (BVSc & AH course explained)Why Tier 2 & 3 cities are still struggling with pet careHow to shift India from pet ownership to pet responsibilityAs more families open their hearts to animals, the question is no longer should you adopt — it’s can we care for them right?🎧 Tune in for the hard truths, hopeful insights, and what needs to change — now.#indiedogs #vetindia #petadvice #dogadoptionindia #twistedtruths #podcastindia #straydogs #doghealth #adoptdontshop⏱️ YouTube Timestamps:00:00 – How to become a vet in India02:00 – Lack of awareness & respect for veterinary field03:46 – Veterinary course structure & entrance exams06:39 – What it feels like to treat voiceless animals07:49 – Shortage of pet medical infrastructure in smaller towns09:46 – Buying vs adopting: The mindset in urban India11:02 – Why adoption creates deeper bonds with pets12:03 – Health problems in foreign breeds vs Indies13:06 – Dark side of faulty & inbreeding practices14:06 – Why Huskies are not suitable for Indian climate15:39 – The harsh reality of pet abandonment17:16 – Heartwarming rescue story: Saving a cat with FIP19:54 – Are cats really not loyal? Debunking the myth21:25 – Pets as alternatives to children for couples22:26 – Mental health benefits of having a pet23:01 – Common mistakes pet parents make25:02 – Are dogs & cats lactose intolerant?26:14 – Animal communication: Real or not?27:25 – Exotic pets: Legal issues & vet challenges28:31 – Birds in cages & fishes in aquariums – Ethical debate29:06 – Most common behavioral issues in dogs & cats30:38 – Vet’s view on euthanasia & end-of-life care32:51 – Govt & public role in promoting pet adoption33:56 – Why Indies are perfect for Indian homes35:38 – Misconceptions about stray dogs36:36 – Why strays run behind bikes at night37:51 – Checklist for first-time adopters38:24 – How fatal is parvo? Importance of vaccinations39:00 – Tick & flea dangers in dogs and cats40:08 – Closing thoughts & goodbyeFollow Twisted Truths' social media handles:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@twistedtruthssbydgfInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/twistedtruthss?igsh=aTIwcGhtM3p4aHUzFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/twistedtruthsbydgfSpotify:https://www.podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/twistedtruthsbydgfFor any other queries, email: info@dandgfilms.com

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins