Badi Badi Baatein https://bingepods.com/ hi An award-winning talk show hosted by The Quint's Eshwar, featuring conversations with political leaders, lawmakers, and key voices across fields. https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/960cadb4-1369-11f0-afeb-6b7ad46c70f5/image/ffb7e22c9eee7f906037807df2421146.jpeg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress Badi Badi Baatein https://bingepods.com/ no episodic The Quint An award-winning talk show hosted by The Quint's Eshwar, featuring conversations with political leaders, lawmakers, and key voices across fields. An award-winning talk show hosted by The Quint's Eshwar, featuring conversations with political leaders, lawmakers, and key voices across fields.

]]> The Quint studio@ideabrews.com Wars, Op Sindoor, Rahul Gandhi: Untold Stories of Indian Armed Forces ft Ex Army Chief MM Naravane In this exclusive and candid interview, General MM Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff of India, opens up about his distinguished career and shares untold stories from his time in the Indian Army. We discuss a range of critical topics, including his book controversy involving Rahul Gandhi, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindhu, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within the Indian military. General Naravane also addresses common military myths and misconceptions about the armed forces, taking us through the origins of military acronyms like SOS and M.H.O.W, and the historical roots of lezim, tracing it back to Chhatrapati Shivaji's era. He shares fascinating insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the military and the role of customs that shape its operations. The interview delves into the realities of war, contrasting popular war movies with the actual challenges faced on the battlefield. General Naravane talks about the emotional and social cost of war and sheds light on the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks, discussing how media speculation can harm national security. He reflects on his own experience with the book controversy that followed the leaks of his unpublished book, which stirred political debates, and his stance on the role of the media in military operations. In addition, we discuss the politicization of the armed forces, the complex relationship between India and its neighbors, especially China and Pakistan, and the need for a strategic approach to national security in today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Key Topics Discussed: General MM Naravane’s leadership in the Indian Army The book controversy with Rahul Gandhi and leaked excerpts Pahalgam attack and the Pahalgam incident Operation Sindhu and its impact on national security Military acronyms: From SOS to M.H.O.W. The true cost of war: Emotional, social, and physical impacts Military myths vs reality: Breaking misconceptions Bollywood war movies vs the truth of military operations India’s strategic approach to China and Pakistan Media speculation and its impact on national security during crises Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 01 May 2026 06:37:00 -0000 full The Quint In this exclusive and candid interview, General MM Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff of India, opens up about his distinguished career and shares untold stories from his time in the Indian Army. We discuss a range of critical topics, including his book controversy involving Rahul Gandhi, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindhu, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within the Indian military. General Naravane also addresses common military myths and misconceptions about the armed forces, taking us through the origins of military acronyms like SOS and M.H.O.W, and the historical roots of lezim, tracing it back to Chhatrapati Shivaji's era. He shares fascinating insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the military and the role of customs that shape its operations. The interview delves into the realities of war, contrasting popular war movies with the actual challenges faced on the battlefield. General Naravane talks about the emotional and social cost of war and sheds light on the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks, discussing how media speculation can harm national security. He reflects on his own experience with the book controversy that followed the leaks of his unpublished book, which stirred political debates, and his stance on the role of the media in military operations. In addition, we discuss the politicization of the armed forces, the complex relationship between India and its neighbors, especially China and Pakistan, and the need for a strategic approach to national security in today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape. Key Topics Discussed: General MM Naravane’s leadership in the Indian Army The book controversy with Rahul Gandhi and leaked excerpts Pahalgam attack and the Pahalgam incident Operation Sindhu and its impact on national security Military acronyms: From SOS to M.H.O.W. The true cost of war: Emotional, social, and physical impacts Military myths vs reality: Breaking misconceptions Bollywood war movies vs the truth of military operations India’s strategic approach to China and Pakistan Media speculation and its impact on national security during crises Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this exclusive and candid interview, General MM Naravane, former Chief of Army Staff of India, opens up about his distinguished career and shares untold stories from his time in the Indian Army. We discuss a range of critical topics, including his book controversy involving Rahul Gandhi, the Pahalgam attack, and Operation Sindhu, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics within the Indian military.


General Naravane also addresses common military myths and misconceptions about the armed forces, taking us through the origins of military acronyms like SOS and M.H.O.W, and the historical roots of lezim, tracing it back to Chhatrapati Shivaji's era. He shares fascinating insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the military and the role of customs that shape its operations.

The interview delves into the realities of war, contrasting popular war movies with the actual challenges faced on the battlefield. General Naravane talks about the emotional and social cost of war and sheds light on the Pahalgam and Pulwama attacks, discussing how media speculation can harm national security. He reflects on his own experience with the book controversy that followed the leaks of his unpublished book, which stirred political debates, and his stance on the role of the media in military operations.

In addition, we discuss the politicization of the armed forces, the complex relationship between India and its neighbors, especially China and Pakistan, and the need for a strategic approach to national security in today's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.


Key Topics Discussed:

General MM Naravane’s leadership in the Indian Army

The book controversy with Rahul Gandhi and leaked excerpts

Pahalgam attack and the Pahalgam incident

Operation Sindhu and its impact on national security

Military acronyms: From SOS to M.H.O.W.

The true cost of war: Emotional, social, and physical impacts

Military myths vs reality: Breaking misconceptions

Bollywood war movies vs the truth of military operations

India’s strategic approach to China and Pakistan

Media speculation and its impact on national security during crises

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]]> 1623 no 'Bhima Koregaon Accused a Test Case for Urban Naxal Theory': Anand Teltumbde Interview | The Quint In this candid and frank conversation, scholar and civil-rights activist Dr Anand Teltumbde speaks about his latest book The Cell and the Soul, written during his imprisonment in the Bhima Koregaon case. He recalls his time behind bars — from the daily struggles of prison life to his moving exchanges with Father Stan Swamy, whose resilience deeply inspired him. Teltumbde reflects on what incarceration taught him about freedom, conscience, and the soul of democracy. The interview also explores the personal cost of state persecution — its impact on his family — and the persistence of caste hierarchies in modern India. Thoughtful and fearless, Teltumbde connects his personal experience to the larger idea of justice, urging us to question what freedom and equality really mean today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:11:00 -0000 full The Quint In this candid and frank conversation, scholar and civil-rights activist Dr Anand Teltumbde speaks about his latest book The Cell and the Soul, written during his imprisonment in the Bhima Koregaon case. He recalls his time behind bars — from the daily struggles of prison life to his moving exchanges with Father Stan Swamy, whose resilience deeply inspired him. Teltumbde reflects on what incarceration taught him about freedom, conscience, and the soul of democracy. The interview also explores the personal cost of state persecution — its impact on his family — and the persistence of caste hierarchies in modern India. Thoughtful and fearless, Teltumbde connects his personal experience to the larger idea of justice, urging us to question what freedom and equality really mean today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this candid and frank conversation, scholar and civil-rights activist Dr Anand Teltumbde speaks about his latest book The Cell and the Soul, written during his imprisonment in the Bhima Koregaon case. He recalls his time behind bars — from the daily struggles of prison life to his moving exchanges with Father Stan Swamy, whose resilience deeply inspired him. Teltumbde reflects on what incarceration taught him about freedom, conscience, and the soul of democracy. The interview also explores the personal cost of state persecution — its impact on his family — and the persistence of caste hierarchies in modern India. Thoughtful and fearless, Teltumbde connects his personal experience to the larger idea of justice, urging us to question what freedom and equality really mean today.

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]]> 2903 no Modi Interview Ended Political Career: Tell-All Chat With Shahid Siddiqui Who Interviewed Every PM Shahid Siddiqui — veteran journalist, ex-MP, and editor of Nai Duniya — joins Badi Badi Baatein to discuss his memoir I, Witness. He recalls interviewing every Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi, reporting on the Emergency, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, while tracing the rise of Narendra Modi. Siddiqui revisits his 2012 interview with Modi on the 2002 Gujarat riots, that practically led to the end of his political career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:05:00 -0000 full The Quint Shahid Siddiqui — veteran journalist, ex-MP, and editor of Nai Duniya — joins Badi Badi Baatein to discuss his memoir I, Witness. He recalls interviewing every Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi, reporting on the Emergency, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, while tracing the rise of Narendra Modi. Siddiqui revisits his 2012 interview with Modi on the 2002 Gujarat riots, that practically led to the end of his political career. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Shahid Siddiqui — veteran journalist, ex-MP, and editor of Nai Duniya — joins Badi Badi Baatein to discuss his memoir I, Witness. He recalls interviewing every Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi, reporting on the Emergency, the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, and the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, while tracing the rise of Narendra Modi. Siddiqui revisits his 2012 interview with Modi on the 2002 Gujarat riots, that practically led to the end of his political career.

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]]> 2702 no 'Govt Sent 'Khalid Ka Shivaji' to Cannes, Banned After Hindutva Groups' Pressure: Director Raj More | The Quint There is a lot of 'on-the-road' censorship. The Censor Board should look at this and ensure they have a proper jury in place. If people start doing 'on-the-road' censorship, it will be extremely difficult for filmmakers like me to make the films we wish to." - National Award-winning director Raj More discusses the controversy around 'Khalid Ka Shivaji', which tells the story of a Muslim child’s admiration for Shivaji Maharaj and faces protests over the percieved depiction of the Maratha king as 'secular'. With the CBFC certificate blocked and right-wing groups objecting, More defends his film as a child’s perspective, not a historical retelling, and questions growing ‘on-the-road’ censorship. Will the film get its day in public view? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 13 Aug 2025 07:36:00 -0000 full The Quint There is a lot of 'on-the-road' censorship. The Censor Board should look at this and ensure they have a proper jury in place. If people start doing 'on-the-road' censorship, it will be extremely difficult for filmmakers like me to make the films we wish to." - National Award-winning director Raj More discusses the controversy around 'Khalid Ka Shivaji', which tells the story of a Muslim child’s admiration for Shivaji Maharaj and faces protests over the percieved depiction of the Maratha king as 'secular'. With the CBFC certificate blocked and right-wing groups objecting, More defends his film as a child’s perspective, not a historical retelling, and questions growing ‘on-the-road’ censorship. Will the film get its day in public view? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices There is a lot of 'on-the-road' censorship. The Censor Board should look at this and ensure they have a proper jury in place. If people start doing 'on-the-road' censorship, it will be extremely difficult for filmmakers like me to make the films we wish to." - National Award-winning director Raj More discusses the controversy around 'Khalid Ka Shivaji', which tells the story of a Muslim child’s admiration for Shivaji Maharaj and faces protests over the percieved depiction of the Maratha king as 'secular'. With the CBFC certificate blocked and right-wing groups objecting, More defends his film as a child’s perspective, not a historical retelling, and questions growing ‘on-the-road’ censorship. Will the film get its day in public view?

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]]> 902 no Why the Middle-Class is Leaving India: 'Better Taxes, Infrastructure' | Sanjaya Baru Interview Author and former media advisor to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru explores why India’s elite and middle class are increasingly choosing to leave the country. He cites growing global opportunities, declining ease of living in India, intrusive governance, and the inability of the Indian system to absorb its talent. Baru also critiques the weaponisation of the diaspora by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, and the communal mobilisation by groups like the RSS and VHP, in his book 'Secession of the Successful: The Flight Out of New India'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 10 Jul 2025 17:52:00 -0000 full The Quint Author and former media advisor to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru explores why India’s elite and middle class are increasingly choosing to leave the country. He cites growing global opportunities, declining ease of living in India, intrusive governance, and the inability of the Indian system to absorb its talent. Baru also critiques the weaponisation of the diaspora by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, and the communal mobilisation by groups like the RSS and VHP, in his book 'Secession of the Successful: The Flight Out of New India'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Author and former media advisor to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Sanjaya Baru explores why India’s elite and middle class are increasingly choosing to leave the country. He cites growing global opportunities, declining ease of living in India, intrusive governance, and the inability of the Indian system to absorb its talent. Baru also critiques the weaponisation of the diaspora by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, and the communal mobilisation by groups like the RSS and VHP, in his book 'Secession of the Successful: The Flight Out of New India'.

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]]> 1685 no Amitabh Kant Resigns as G20 Sherpa: What He Said on His Journey | The Quint Amitabh Kant stepped down as India's G20 Sherpa on June 16, 2025, marking the culmination of a 45‑year service in public administration. Appointed in July 2022 to lead India's G20 agenda, Kant played a pivotal role during the 2023 Delhi Presidency, guiding negotiations to consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and notably ensuring inclusion of the African Union in G20 discussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 19 Jun 2025 07:55:00 -0000 full The Quint Amitabh Kant stepped down as India's G20 Sherpa on June 16, 2025, marking the culmination of a 45‑year service in public administration. Appointed in July 2022 to lead India's G20 agenda, Kant played a pivotal role during the 2023 Delhi Presidency, guiding negotiations to consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and notably ensuring inclusion of the African Union in G20 discussions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Amitabh Kant stepped down as India's G20 Sherpa on June 16, 2025, marking the culmination of a 45‑year service in public administration. Appointed in July 2022 to lead India's G20 agenda, Kant played a pivotal role during the 2023 Delhi Presidency, guiding negotiations to consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and notably ensuring inclusion of the African Union in G20 discussions.

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]]> 578 no Can PM Modi, BJP Claim Gandhi's Legacy? How Would Mahatma View Today's Politics? Grandson Explains In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former diplomat and Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, speaks about the fading memory of Gandhi in modern India, the communal discourse of present day Indian politics, the faults in the Congress Party, and Narendra Modi and BJP's claims to Mahatma's legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 May 2025 12:46:00 -0000 full The Quint In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former diplomat and Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, speaks about the fading memory of Gandhi in modern India, the communal discourse of present day Indian politics, the faults in the Congress Party, and Narendra Modi and BJP's claims to Mahatma's legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former diplomat and Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, speaks about the fading memory of Gandhi in modern India, the communal discourse of present day Indian politics, the faults in the Congress Party, and Narendra Modi and BJP's claims to Mahatma's legacy.

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]]> 1222 no Shashi Tharoor Interview: US Role in India-Pakistan Conflict, Trump's Kashmir Offer & Modi's Silence As peace and normalcy are restored after weeks of military conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government now finds itself in a limbo, with US President Donald Trump taking credit for the ceasefire agreement and offering to resolve the Kashmir issue. While Trump's 'interference' in the conflict has irked both BJP supporters and the Opposition, what role did the US exactly play? How legitimate is Trump's claim of 'mediation'? Why is his Kashmir offer an embarrassment for India? In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein,' Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor talks about his new book 'Our Living Constitution' and the importance of the Constitution amid the India-Pakistan conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Thu, 29 May 2025 12:42:00 -0000 full The Quint As peace and normalcy are restored after weeks of military conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government now finds itself in a limbo, with US President Donald Trump taking credit for the ceasefire agreement and offering to resolve the Kashmir issue. While Trump's 'interference' in the conflict has irked both BJP supporters and the Opposition, what role did the US exactly play? How legitimate is Trump's claim of 'mediation'? Why is his Kashmir offer an embarrassment for India? In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein,' Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor talks about his new book 'Our Living Constitution' and the importance of the Constitution amid the India-Pakistan conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices As peace and normalcy are restored after weeks of military conflict between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the Narendra Modi government now finds itself in a limbo, with US President Donald Trump taking credit for the ceasefire agreement and offering to resolve the Kashmir issue. While Trump's 'interference' in the conflict has irked both BJP supporters and the Opposition, what role did the US exactly play? How legitimate is Trump's claim of 'mediation'? Why is his Kashmir offer an embarrassment for India? In this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein,' Congress MP Dr. Shashi Tharoor talks about his new book 'Our Living Constitution' and the importance of the Constitution amid the India-Pakistan conflict.

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]]> 1348 no 'We Don't Blame All Hindus for Lynchings, Why Blame Kashmiris for Pahalgam?': Aga Ruhullah Mehdi On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', J&K National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi speaks on the immediate and long-term fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack, the discrimination against Kashmiris and Muslims across India since since 22 April, and the concerns around Centre's claims of security since Abrogation of Article 370. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Fri, 02 May 2025 06:38:00 -0000 full The Quint On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', J&K National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi speaks on the immediate and long-term fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack, the discrimination against Kashmiris and Muslims across India since since 22 April, and the concerns around Centre's claims of security since Abrogation of Article 370. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', J&K National Conference leader and Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi speaks on the immediate and long-term fallout of the Pahalgam terror attack, the discrimination against Kashmiris and Muslims across India since since 22 April, and the concerns around Centre's claims of security since Abrogation of Article 370.

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]]> 1475 The 'Dark Realities' of Election Commission, By Journalist Who Exposed Electoral Bonds | The Quint On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Poonam Agarwal, former Quint journalist who exposed the government's electoral bonds in 2018, talks about her book in which she details her investigations into India's electoral processes, the questions surrounding the credibility of the Election Commission, and the need for more accountability and transparency in India's polling processes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Wed, 16 Apr 2025 10:06:00 -0000 full The Quint On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Poonam Agarwal, former Quint journalist who exposed the government's electoral bonds in 2018, talks about her book in which she details her investigations into India's electoral processes, the questions surrounding the credibility of the Election Commission, and the need for more accountability and transparency in India's polling processes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices On this episode of 'Badi Badi Baatein', Poonam Agarwal, former Quint journalist who exposed the government's electoral bonds in 2018, talks about her book in which she details her investigations into India's electoral processes, the questions surrounding the credibility of the Election Commission, and the need for more accountability and transparency in India's polling processes.

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]]> 1212 'Chhaava' vs Aurangzeb, Mughals vs Marathas: Historian Dr Manu S Pillai on Facts & Political Agendas | The Quint With the political narrative on Aurangzeb fueling communal unrest in Maharashtra, why is the Mughal emperor who dies 300 years ago the Hindu right wing's favorite horse to flog? Was the Mughal vs Maratha tussle purely a religious one? Are sentiments against Aurangzeb being used to fuel anti-Muslim hate? On 'Badi Badi Baatein', renowned historian and PhD scholar Dr Manu S Pillai separates the facts from the political narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Mon, 07 Apr 2025 09:31:00 -0000 full The Quint With the political narrative on Aurangzeb fueling communal unrest in Maharashtra, why is the Mughal emperor who dies 300 years ago the Hindu right wing's favorite horse to flog? Was the Mughal vs Maratha tussle purely a religious one? Are sentiments against Aurangzeb being used to fuel anti-Muslim hate? On 'Badi Badi Baatein', renowned historian and PhD scholar Dr Manu S Pillai separates the facts from the political narratives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices With the political narrative on Aurangzeb fueling communal unrest in Maharashtra, why is the Mughal emperor who dies 300 years ago the Hindu right wing's favorite horse to flog? Was the Mughal vs Maratha tussle purely a religious one? Are sentiments against Aurangzeb being used to fuel anti-Muslim hate? On 'Badi Badi Baatein', renowned historian and PhD scholar Dr Manu S Pillai separates the facts from the political narratives.

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