Episodes
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In this powerful season finale, Akarsh Khurana sits down with the legendary Shah family - Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Heeba Shah, Imaad Shah, and Vivaan Shah for their first-ever podcast appearance together.Through candid reflections, spirited banter, and deeply personal stories, the Shahs take us behind the curtain of their remarkable lives in Indian theatre and cinema. From the early days of artistic rebellion and backstage chaos, to family dinners turned creative summits, this episode is a rich exploration of legacy, learning, and living artfully.What’s it like growing up in a theatre dynasty? Learning the craft of acting across generations, Navigating the complex balance of family and professionalism, The evolution of iconic productions like Waiting for Godot and Dear Liar, Education and self-discovery in creative careers are important? And many more such questions!Expect witty anecdotes, sincere insights, and a masterclass in storytelling—featuring the finest family of theatre.Whether you're a drama enthusiast or just curious about what it’s like to be a part of the shah family, this conversation is bursting with warmth, wisdom, and Shah-style sharpness.
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes.
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In this powerful season finale, Akarsh Khurana sits down with the legendary Shah family - Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Heeba Shah, Imaad Shah, and Vivaan Shah for their first-ever podcast appearance together.Through candid reflections, spirited banter, and deeply personal stories, the Shahs take us behind the curtain of their remarkable lives in Indian theatre and cinema. From the early days of artistic rebellion and backstage chaos, to family dinners turned creative summits, this episode is a rich exploration of legacy, learning, and living artfully.What’s it like growing up in a theatre dynasty? Learning the craft of acting across generations, Navigating the complex balance of family and professionalism, The evolution of iconic productions like Waiting for Godot and Dear Liar, Education and self-discovery in creative careers are important? And many more such questions!Expect witty anecdotes, sincere insights, and a masterclass in storytelling—featuring the finest family of theatre.Whether you're a drama enthusiast or just curious about what it’s like to be a part of the shah family, this conversation is bursting with warmth, wisdom, and Shah-style sharpness.00:00-01:21 - Episode Introduction 01:22-02:30 - Guest Introduction 02:31-06:20 - How is growing up a shah? 06:21-10:37 - Personal and Professional Demarcation? 10:38-11:25 - “Dear Liar” 11:26-13:06 - Family as well as Artistic Partners 13:07-21:17 - How did Senior Shah's Parents shape them? 21:18-22:34 - Did you always want your kids to carry your legacy? 22:35-26:20 - You can never skip your education! 26:21-28:26 - Importance of Education 28:27-33:41 - “Waiting for Godot”33:42-36:33 - The experience of watching Waiting for Godot36:34-38:24 - Vivan’s experience in the play 38:25-41:41 - The difference in Approaches towards acting 41:42-43:35 - Theatre Acting Vs Cinema Acting43:36-46:40 - Vivaan’s experience working with Cameras46:41-47:38 - You should never focus on the next line! 47:39-49:22 - I carry the knapsack of my theatre tricks! 49:23-52:35 - Difference in efforts when acting in the cinema? 52:36-53:31 - How many shifts in a day?53:32-54:41 - Heeba’s training as a Director! 54:42-56:24 - Alchemy Theatre Group56:25-59:06 - How to figure out if a play isn't working? 59:07-1:01:25 - Future of Motley Productions1:01:26-1:04:05 - Legacy and Owning a Performance Space1:04:06-1:14:35 - Slow Burn Round 1:14:36-1:14:54 - Episode Outro
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Missing episodes?
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana – Season 2, we shine the spotlight on a new generation of storytellers redefining performance and creativity — Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aadar Malik and Aisha Ahmed.From viral videos to theatre stages, screen roles to sketch comedy, these multi-talented creators and performers have carved out unique spaces for themselves in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. They join Akarsh for a candid, chaotic, and deeply insightful conversation about what it means to be a modern-day artist in India.What’s it like navigating the industry as a digital-first creator? How do you maintain authenticity while juggling algorithms, auditions, and expectations? What shifts when a YouTuber steps onto the stage or a theatre kid goes viral online? And what does “holding space” even mean in this hyper-connected, content-hungry world?Expect sharp reflections, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and refreshing honesty about the joys, struggles, and sheer hustle of living a creative life.Whether you're a budding influencer, a theatre nerd, or just someone curious about the messy beauty of modern storytelling — this episode is packed with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of heart.Watch the episode to know more!
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana – Season 2, we shine the spotlight on a new generation of storytellers redefining performance and creativity — Prajakta Koli, Zervaan Bunshah, Aadar Malik and Aisha Ahmed.From viral videos to theatre stages, screen roles to sketch comedy, these multi-talented creators and performers have carved out unique spaces for themselves in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. They join Akarsh for a candid, chaotic, and deeply insightful conversation about what it means to be a modern-day artist in India.What’s it like navigating the industry as a digital-first creator? How do you maintain authenticity while juggling algorithms, auditions, and expectations? What shifts when a YouTuber steps onto the stage or a theatre kid goes viral online? And what does “holding space” even mean in this hyper-connected, content-hungry world?Expect sharp reflections, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and refreshing honesty about the joys, struggles, and sheer hustle of living a creative life.Whether you're a budding influencer, a theatre nerd, or just someone curious about the messy beauty of modern storytelling — this episode is packed with laughter, learning, and a whole lot of heart.Watch the episode to know more!📱 Listen on other platforms:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unscripted-with-akarsh-khurana/id1795005785Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32MtZrIUns7iU0jSDBykfO?si=CSXs_bLPQOqXV-290UlsxQ&nd=1&dlsi=3d64464610364822Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a3e58c5f-946f-434b-82f9-3d5b181b322e/unscripted-with-akarsh-khuranaCastboxhttps://castbox.fm/channel/Unscripted-with-Akarsh-Khurana-id6423561?country=usJiosaavnhttps://www.jiosaavn.com/shows/unscripted-with-akarsh-khurana/2/7MBPS-LoM40_🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!#UnscriptedWithAkarshKhurana #season2premiere
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana - Season 2, we celebrate the fierce, fearless, and fabulous women of Indian theatre — Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole, and Manasi Parekh.
With decades of experience on stage and screen, these powerhouse performers and storytellers take us behind the curtain to explore the craft, chaos, and courage it takes to thrive in the performing arts.
What does it mean to hold space as a woman in this industry? What are the disparities they face? How is it to be a Women Director in the Theatre Circle? And many more such questions!
Expect honest reflections, humorous anecdotes, and a whole lot of wisdom as they share the joys and heartbreaks of a life in storytelling.
Whether you're a theatre buff, an aspiring actor, or just curious about the magic behind the scenes this conversation is rich with insight, inspiration, and sisterhood.
00:00 -01:03 - Episode Introduction
01:04-01:59 - Guest Introduction
02:00-07:47 - Does Disparity Exist in Theatre?
07:48-12:50 - What's it like to be a Women Director?
12:51-13:39 - Supporting Women is not Feminism!
13:40-20:06 - Difference working with Female & Male Directors
20:07-21:38 - The Change after MeToo Movement
21:39-23:20 - The Disparity in the Technical Department
23:21-24:54 - Less Female Representation in Writing?
24:55-28:23 - Does Female Centric work sell?
28:24-30:44 - The Perspective Of Commercial Theatre
30:45-33:55 - An Advent of Female Driven Content in Theatre?
33:56-38:40 - The Women that Inspired you in Theatre
38:41-40:17 - Dreams Projects
40:18-43:11 - Projects that you Regretted
43:12-45:17 - Recent Plays Recommendation
45:18-45:35 - Episode Outro
Watch the episode now!
📱 Listen on other platforms:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/32Mt...
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/a3e5...
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana - Season 2, we celebrate the fierce, fearless, and fabulous women of Indian theatre — Anahita Uberoi, Purva Naresh, Girija Godbole, and Manasi Parekh.
With decades of experience on stage and screen, these powerhouse performers and storytellers take us behind the curtain to explore the craft, chaos, and courage it takes to thrive in the performing arts.
What does it mean to hold space as a woman in this industry? What are the disparities they face? How is it to be a Women Director in the Theatre Circle? And many more such questions!
Expect honest reflections, humorous anecdotes, and a whole lot of wisdom as they share the joys and heartbreaks of a life in storytelling.
Whether you're a theatre buff, an aspiring actor, or just curious about the magic behind the scenes this conversation is rich with insight, inspiration, and sisterhood.
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In this episode of Unscripted, we explore the art of storytelling and the creative journey behind the scenes with three dynamic voices from the world of Indian cinema and theatre — Sheeba Chaddha, Neil Bhoopalam, and Shweta Tripathi.
From navigating the transition between stage and screen to crafting authentic performances, this episode dives into questions like: What does it take to truly embody a character? How do actors and storytellers find meaning in their roles? What are the highs and lows of life in the performing arts?
Our guests open up about their personal journeys, creative struggles, and the philosophies that shape their work across film and theatre.
Whether you're an aspiring actor, a theatre enthusiast, or just love compelling stories — this conversation is filled with inspiration, insight, and heart.
00:00-01:08 - Episode Introduction
1:09-2:25 - Guest Introduction
2:26-17:42 - Passion and Profession
17:43-26:30 - Character work on Camera tougher?
26:31-29:00 -9 years to Mirzapur S1?
29:01-38:25 - Do you take anything from one to another sphere?
38:26- 45:08 - Offseason for theatre?
45:09-48:47 - Shweta’s Journey in Theatre
48:48-55:15 - Importance of Formal Training
55:16-56:52 - Keep Learning Always
56:53-59:07 - The Magic of Control over Audience
59:08-1:01:07 - Wish your kids take after you?
1:01:08-1:05:23 - Most challenging Roles
1:05:24-1:06:44 - Dream Projects
1:06:45-1:09:36 - Recent play that you loved
1:09:37-1:12:365 - Projects you Regret
1:12:36-1:13:12 - Outro
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In this episode of Unscripted, we explore the art of storytelling and the creative journey behind the scenes with three dynamic voices from the world of Indian cinema and theatre — Sheebha Chadha, Neil Bopanna, and Shweta Tripathi.
From navigating the transition between stage and screen to crafting authentic performances, this episode dives into questions like: What does it take to truly embody a character? How do actors and storytellers find meaning in their roles? What are the highs and lows of life in the performing arts?
Our guests open up about their personal journeys, creative struggles, and the philosophies that shape their work across film and theatre.
Whether you're an aspiring actor, a theatre enthusiast, or just love compelling stories — this conversation is filled with inspiration, insight, and heart.
To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
https://www.instagram.com/aadyam.official/?hl=en
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In this episode of Unscripted, we dive deep into the world of storytelling, scriptwriting, and the creative process with three brilliant scriptwriters from the Indian Theatre Society - Abhishek Majumdar, Irawati Karnik, and Siddharth Kumar. This episode covers questions like What does it take to write a compelling script?How do writers bring characters to life on stage?What are the struggles and triumphs of being a playwright? And our guests here have the answers just for you! They share their personal journeys, creative challenges, and writing philosophies that have helped them shape some of the most powerful stories in Indian theatre. Whether you’re an aspiring scriptwriter or simply love theatre, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Listen now to uncover the secrets of great storytelling!
To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
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In this episode of Unscripted, we dive deep into the world of storytelling, scriptwriting, and the creative process with three brilliant scriptwriters from the Indian Theatre Society - Abhishek Majumdar, Irawati Karnik, and Siddharth Kumar. This episode covers questions like What does it take to write a compelling script?How do writers bring characters to life on stage?What are the struggles and triumphs of being a playwright? And our guests here have the answers just for you! They share their personal journeys, creative challenges, and writing philosophies that have helped them shape some of the most powerful stories in Indian theatre. Whether you’re an aspiring scriptwriter or simply love theatre, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration!Watch now to uncover the secrets of great storytelling!
00:00 - 01:02 (Intro) 01:02 - 02:40 (Guest Introduction)02:40 - 10:35 (What inspired you to be Playwrights?) 10:36 - 16:19 (Writer’s Bloc and Why did it shut?) 16:20 - 21:29 (How do you decide what to write?21:30 - 22:32 (Story behind Chappa Katta) 22:33 - 25:53( Theatre becoming a Thesis)25:54 - 31:24 (Constraints of Practically Writing a play) 31:25 - 35:37 (Controversies and Its Impact on your work)35:38 - 36:10 (Language of the Newspaper) 36:11 - 37:10 (The Djinns of Eidgah and Pulwama Attack) 37:11 - 40:00 (Compulsion to make plays entertaining?) 40:01 - 43:14 (How does a play lose relevance?)43:15 - 47:08 (Modifying previous works) 47:09 - 51:49 (Is there a lack of original writing?) 51:50 - 53:01 (Programs for young writers)53:02 - 55:11 (Good Theatre and Bad Theatre Scene) 55:12 - 58:52 (Slow Burn) 58:53 - 1:02:39 (Advice for Writers) 1:02:40 -1:06:16 (Your Own Favourite Piece of Writing) 1:06:17 - 1:06:35 (Outro)
🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned for more incredible episodes this season!
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This episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana covers some very interesting aspects of the teaching methodology of theatre in India. Our esteemed guests and forerunners of Adishakti Vinay Kumar and Nimmy Raphel along with the visionary director Atul Kumar talk of the various approaches that might help budding thespians.
This episode can act as a guide to learning theatre, while the main question that was posed to them was “Can acting be learned?” The conversation covers all aspects, ranging from personal anecdotes to research, methodology and the teachings of Veenapani Chawla. A beautiful, insightful conversation opens up multiple perspectives toward the depths of theatre as a discipline, medium of expression and an art form!
Listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
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This episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana covers some very interesting aspects of the teaching methodology of theatre in India. Our esteemed guests and forerunners of Adishakti Vinay Kumar and Nimmy Raphel along with the visionary director Atul Kumar talk of the various approaches that might help budding thespians. This episode can act as a guide to learning theatre, while the main question that was posed to them was “Can acting be learned?”.
The conversation covers all aspects, ranging from personal anecdotes to research, methodology and the teachings of Veenapani Chawla. A beautiful, insightful conversation opens up multiple perspectives toward the depths of theatre as a discipline, medium of expression and an art form!
Watch the episode to know more!
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we dive deep into the interaction and relationship of theatre and politics. Our guests, renowned director Sunil Shanbag and well known actor Gitanjali Kulkarni throw light on aspects that develop a deeper understanding of how politics truly affects and influences theatre.
From their own plays to their residencies and goodwill projects like Goshtarang and Quest, theatre has been a big part of their lives and made a change in some form.
To get an exclusive cut of the conversation, listen to the episode now!
Produced by MnM Talkies.
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In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, we dive deep into the interaction and relationship of theatre and politics.
Our guests, renowned director Sunil Shanbag and well known actor Gitanjali Kulkarni throw light on aspects that develop a deeper understanding of how politics truly affects and influences theatre. From their own plays to their residencies and goodwill projects like Goshtarang and Quest, theatre has been a big part of their lives and made a change in some form.
To know more, watch the entire episode now!
Produced by MnM Talkies
00.00-00.35- Intro.
00.35- 01.49- Cold Open.
1.50-2:45 -Intro to ep and Guest intro.
2:46- 07:07- Beginning of their theatre journey!
07:08- 08:32- Gitanjali's journey to NSD.
08:33- 09:15 - Process of getting into NSD.
09:16- 10:50 - The importance of formal training.
10:51- 14:51 - Key Productions and influence.
14:52- 19:21- QUEST and Goshtarang.
19:22- 22:32 - Stories from Cotton 56, Polyester 84.
22:33- 24:44 - Theatre of Roots and the danger of appropriation
24:45- 26:12 - Gitanjali as a producer.
26:13- 26:51 - The importance of working in a theatre production.
26:52- 30:51 - Sex, Morality and Censorship!
30:52- 32:45 - Sunil's struggles with Censorship
32:46-33:43 - Self censorship
33:44- 37:48- The importance of theatre that questions.
37:49- 40:28- Safdar Hashmi.
40:29- 41:44- Sunil's acting career.
41:45- 44:58 - Audience interaction.
44:59- 55:41 - Slow Burn!
55:42- 56:15- End.
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In the first episode of season 2 of the Aadyam Podcast, Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana we cover all things funny! The conversation, led by our host and blessed by our guests Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee and Varun Thakur ranges from standup specials to theatrical performances. We dive deep into the art of comedy, the process of building jokes, dealing with self-censorship, the struggles of getting non comic work for typically comic actors and much, much more! To know more, watch the entire episode now!
Chapters:
00:00-01:56: Introduction.
01:57- 3:13: Episode and Guest Introduction.
03:11- 11:56: The state of comedy in our nation today and taking offence!
12:00- 14:36: Self-censorship in theatre and the dichotomy of comedy right now.
14:39- 18:47: The process of building a joke.
18:47- 22:50: The lifespan of a set.
22:50- 26:33: The process of preparing for comic v/s non comic roles.
26:35- 31:30: Vicky Malhotra!
31:30- 32:10: Theatricality in standup.
32:14- 36:02: How difficult is it to be taken seriously as a comic actor?
36:03- 41:05 :The hustle and struggles of auditioning.
41:07- 42:01 : Lola Kutty!
48:44- 51: 36: Slow Burn.
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In the first episode of season 2 of the Aadyam Podcast, Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana we cover all things funny! The conversation, led by our host and blessed by our guests Anu Menon, Vrajesh Hirjee and Varun Thakur ranges from standup specials to theatrical performances.
We dive deep into the art of comedy, the process of building jokes, dealing with self-censorship, the struggles of getting non comic work for typically comic actors and much, much more! To know more, listen to the exclusive cut of the episode now!
Produced by MnM Talkies
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Presenting: Season two of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, an Aadyam Podcast produced by MnM Talkies.
This season is funny, controversial, exciting and extensive. Ranging from comedy to playwriting to feminism, we have it all ready and waiting for you! We have for you a diverse collection of very interesting and insightful conversations with our extremely enthusiastic guests.
Over these 8 episodes we will talk considerably about all things theatre and beyond. Additionally, we have two versions of the show this time- one that you can watch on YouTube and another with exclusive content that you can hear on all audio platforms. Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, coming soon!
Produced by MnM Talkies
Disclaimer: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Aadyam, its producers, or affiliates. We strive to promote respectful and inclusive conversations. We do not intend to offend or hurt the sentiments of any individual, community, caste, religion, gender, or ethnicity. Viewers and Listener’s discretion is advised.
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Discussing familial dynamics, the theatre world, and meaningful career advice! In this episode, Akarsh Khurana engages in a friendly, reflective conversation with his father Akash and brother, Aadhar discussing their relationship as theatre artists.
The conversation traverses the duality of their roles as family and colleagues, exploring the balance between personal and professional dynamics. They also share their views on the recent evolution in the theatre world, attributing shifting audience sensibilities to changes in performance style and content.
They elaborate on their respective journeys in the theatre world. The episode concludes by sharing some valuable advice for those seeking to build a meaningful theatre career, emphasising commitment and passion for the craft.
An episode you just shouldn't miss. -
In this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana, Sarang Sathaye and Mantra discuss their leap into regional and audio content creation. Discussing their individual journeys into the world of performing arts starting in smaller towns and moving to the urban hubs, the episode reveals how both Sarang and Mantra pioneered into uncharted territories with BhaDiPa and MNM Talkies, respectively.
Sarang talks about the challenge to represent local stories through BhaDiPa and appeal to a widespread audience; Mantra shares about MNM Talkies, how it united his love for radio, cinema and theatre, and its impact.
Catch this fun, roller coaster episode with two pioneers of the new age entertainment scene. -
Bonded by their love of theatre, Zayn Khan and Abhishek Saha have had very different routes to making it in the world of entertainment. They open up to Akarsh Khurana and share how their journey has been so far and how it's going.
Tune in for some amazing insights and a sparkling conversation on this episode of Unscripted with Akarsh Khurana. - Show more
