Beyond Borders Podcast

Beyond Borders Podcast

di Aakriti Dhawan
Società e cultura
Stagione 1

Award- Winning Filmmaker on Trans Lives in India, Belonging, Gender Identity & the British Lens | Meera Darji

Beyond Borders Podcast X Birmingham City University, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with an award-winning filmmaker and Senior Lecturer at BCU, Meera Darji for a powerful conversation on the lived realities of India’s trans community — the search for belonging, the gaps in public understanding of gender, and the impact of viewing Indian trans identities through a Western/UK lens. The discussion explores how conversations around gender in India are often shaped either by silence or by imported frameworks that don’t always reflect local histories and cultural contexts. From identity and visibility to policy, media narratives, and everyday belonging, this episode examines what gets misunderstood — both within India and abroad. This is a nuanced, honest conversation about community, dignity, and the need to build gender awareness beyond binaries and beyond borders. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1iCK3rTLGlE?si=VjMg2_ArWwpmqfQD Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_borderspod/ Apply Podcast: #TransCommunity #LGBTQIndia #GenderIdentity #TransRights #Belonging #QueerVoices #India #BeyondBorders
S1 · E31
20 feb 2026
21:54

“Our People Are Buried Under the Debris” | Palestinian Ambassador on Reconstruction & India’s Role

In this episode of Beyond Borders Podcast X The Wire, Aakriti Dhawan speaks with the Palestinian Ambassador to India, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, on the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, the politics of “ceasefire,” and the role of international actors. The Ambassador challenges the language used around the conflict, shares personal accounts from his family in Gaza, and outlines the scale of destruction — with reconstruction estimated at $57 billion. The conversation also examines India’s position on the two-state solution, its diplomatic leverage with Israel, divisions within Palestinian politics, and whether meaningful peace is still possible. Referencing international law, UN Resolution 181, and global anti-colonial struggles, this interview brings a direct Palestinian perspective to Indian audiences in an urgent and deeply political moment Youtube: https://youtu.be/ISlqktwPyqI?si=RTafpN6SMY146cIy . #beyondborderspodcast #Gaza #GazaWar #Palestine #IsraelPalestine #HumanitarianCrisis #Ceasefire #TwoStateSolution #MiddleEast #IndiaForeignPolicy #GlobalPolitics #WarInGaza / @thewirenews
S1 · E30
17 feb 2026
53:35

Anjali Gopalan on LGBTQ+ Rights, HIV Myths & Why India Is Failing Its Citizens

In this powerful episode of Beyond Borders Podcast, Aakriti Dhawan sits down with Anjali Gopalan — founder of the NAZ Foundation and one of India’s most prominent human rights activists, and All creatures great and small — for an unfiltered conversation on LGBTQ+ rights, HIV stigma, animal welfare, and the state of citizenship in India. From the fight to decriminalize Section 377 to the ongoing denial of marriage and inheritance rights, Anjali explains why decriminalisation was only the beginning — not the victory. She challenges the idea that LGBTQ+ rights are a “Western ideology,” calls HIV a “virus of blame,” and breaks down persistent myths that still exist decades later. 00:00:00 - 00:01:27 Introduction 01:28 - 04:09 Founding the NAZ Foundation and Decriminalizing Section 3 7:35 The Fight for LGBTQ+ Rights and Societal Misconceptions 11:20 NAZ Foundation's Continued Efforts and the Denial of Citizen Rights 13:00 Misconceptions and Prevention of HIV 15:00 HIV Transmission, Prevention, and the Virus of Blame 17:00 HIV Treatment, Myths, and the Role of Counselling 18:30 Support for Children with HIV and Commitment to Prevention 20:00 Hope and Government Support for HIV Treatment 22:00 Transition to Animal Welfare: All Creatures Great and Small 24:00 Challenges Facing Animal Shelters and the Sanctuary Approach 28:00 Recommended Shelters and the Subjectivity of "Good" and "Bad" 30:00 Concerns about the Supreme Court and Animal Welfare 36:00 Class, Caste, and Societal Attitudes 38:40 Recognition as a Top 100 Influential Person 40:00 The Amalgamation of HIV with LGBTQ 46:00 Cultural Pressures and the Acceptance of Sexuality 50:00 Overcoming Paralysis and Focusing on Small Actions 52:00 Advice for anyone going beyond borders Anjali also reflects on being named one of the world’s most influential people, why she believes no act of giving is truly selfless, and why helping even one person — or one animal — is enough. This is a conversation about rights, responsibility, and refusing to stay silent. 🎧 Listen on Spotify & all audio platforms 📲 Follow Beyond Borders for weekly conversations that challenge comfort zones. #AnjaliGopalan #LGBTQRights #Section377 #HIVAwareness #AnimalRights #HumanRights #BeyondBorders #nazfoundation #india #podcast Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation Youtube: https://youtu.be/bqiTVev_Elw?si=7NVqlr4Oqq8ojFbQ #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E29
15 feb 2026
52:59

Indian Olympian Reetika Hooda Speaks Out on Doping Allegations, Wresting & Paris Olympics

In this episode, we dive into the extraordinary journey of Reetika Hooda, an Indian Olympian who turned struggle into strength and dreams into global recognition. She speaks about competing at the World Championships and making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify in the heavyweight category for the Paris Olympics 2024. She also opens up about the ongoing doping allegations, the pressure of being prematurely labelled a failure, and the intense scrutiny created by sections of the Indian media and fellow sportspersons. Watch now. 00:00 intro 1:20 journey to becoming a wrestler 15:00 Advice for anyone wanting to go beyond borders ✨ Routing for her journey to Los Angeles 2028. 📌 Watch till the end to feel the motivation, understand the reality of Indian athletics, and get inspired by a true sporting warrior. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe If you believe in Indian sports and Olympic dreams, this story is for you. Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation#ReetikaHooda #OlympianJourney #RoadToLA2028 #IndianAthletics #OlympicDream #StruggleToGlory #PremanandMaharajJi #SportsMotivation #AthleteLife #IndiaAtOlympics #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E28
17 gen 2026
16:43

दर्द, डर और हिम्मत | Acid Attack Survivor Roopa Speaks Out | X TheMooknayak

This episode is not about pity. It’s about listening. In this conversation, Roopa shares her journey as an acid attack survivor — the pain, the fear, and the courage it takes to live every day in a society that often looks away. Roopa is an Indian acid attack survivor from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, who was attacked at the age of 15. The incident left her with severe facial injuries and long-term emotional trauma. Despite immense challenges, she chose to rebuild her life with courage and determination. Today, she works at Sheroes Hangout Café, a café run by acid attack survivors. Through her work, she promotes awareness, independence, and hope for other survivors. Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E27
21 dic 2025
26:40

To Be or Not To Be... In Bollywood Ft. Scriptwriter Mayukh Ghosh

In Episode 25 of our Beyond Border Podcast, we’ve with us Filmfare Award-winning Scriptwriter Mayukh Ghosh. In our conversation, he opens up about his remarkable journey into the world of writing, reflecting on the fateful twists that led him to the industry. Mayuk also shares his experiences within the Hindi Film industry, working with acclaimed artists like Nawazuddin and Sudhir Mishra, and offers his candid views on pressing topics like the rise of women-centric stories, the shifting landscape, and the challenging dynamics of contemporary Bollywood. Catch us for a fun and deep-insightful conversation with our esteemed guest! Time codes: 1:09 the conversation starts 1:26 - about being a writer/director in the Hindi Film Industry 1:52 - getting into the industry 2:53 - what writers in Hindi Film Industry lack 3:57 - Reasons why Bollywood isn’t succeeding post covid 6:31 - Women-centric films and commercialization 8:16 - Factors That Affect Writing 9:31 - What Bollywood Lacks (talks about 2 things one is X-factor) 11:22 - Current Projects 12:56 - Funny Incident on the set 14:02 - Advice On going beyond borders Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate. Aakriti Dhawan is a journalist and storyteller bridging India and Germany. Her podcast brings raw, thoughtful conversations on politics, gender, culture, animals, and the world we live in. #BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod
S1 · E25
5 dic 2025
15:15

A trendsetter for over 3 decades in bollywood Ft. Mona Irani

In this deep-dive conversation, Aakriti sits down with Mona Irani, a pioneering casting director, producer, and one of the first women to shape modern casting in the Hindi film industry. With over 35 years of experience, Mona opens up about her unlikely journey from training as a pilot to becoming one of Bollywood’s most respected creative forces. This episode is packed with real stories, insider knowledge, and clear-eyed reflections on how Bollywood has changed — and how it hasn’t. If you’ve ever wondered how actors are chosen, what producers really do, why certain stories fail, or what it actually takes to survive in the industry, this conversation is a masterclass.
S1 · E24
30 nov 2025
31:29

Maneka Gandhi SLAMS SC Ruling on Dog Removal

Beyond Borders Podcast × TheMooknayak BJP ex-MP and PFA founder Maneka Gandhi explains the real impact of the Supreme Court's interim verdict on the removal of street dogs. The dogs play a crucial role in India’s safety and social fabric. She shares how police training links poisoned or missing dogs to a rise in crime, the original meaning of the word pariah, and why branding animals as a “menace” is factually wrong and socially dangerous. 00:00 – Introduction and Balancing Roles 02:10 – Critique of the Supreme Court Verdict (Illiteracy & Relocation) 04:40 – Inability to Implement the Verdict & Judicial Arrogance 07:15 – Lack of Funding for ABC (Animal Birth Control) Programs 09:20 – Corruption and Fake NGOs 11:05 – The Vacuum Effect 13:50 – Five Core Solutions to the Crisis 17:10 – The Political Power of the Animal Welfare Vote 19:45 – Dog Meat and Public Safety Issues 22:20 – The Need for a Rapid Response Team (Unionization via App) 25:30 – The Way Forward for Government & Citizens Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate.#BeyondBordersPodcast#PodcastForChange#InspiringStories#WomenEmpowerment#IndoGerman#GlobalPerspectives#conversation #manekagandhi #pfa #animals #dogs #supremecourt #Indiansingermany#AnimalWelfareIndia#MeaningfulConversations 🔔 Subscribe for more 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1YR7... 📲 Follow us on Instagram: / beyond_borderspod ‘The Mooknayak’ is dedicated to marginalised, underprivileged and Bahujan society. It works on the principle of Dr. Ambedkar, Phule, Birsa, Periyar and Constitution. 'The मूकनायक' लोकतंत्र, संविधान, स्वतंत्रता, सामाजिक न्याय पर चलने वाला चैनल है. आप सभी से गुजारिश है कि इसे हर प्लेटफॉर्म पर फॉलो करें और हमारा हौसला अफजाई करें चैनल सब्सक्राइब करें: / @themooknayakhindi हमारे फेसबुक पेज को लाइक करें : / themooknayak101 हमें ट्विटर पर फॉलो करें : / the_mooknayak हमें इंस्टाग्राम पर फॉलो करें : @The_Mooknayak
S1 · E23
24 nov 2025
29:49

What REALLY Happens Behind The Scenes of Bollywood Ft. Shiuli Thukral

Today, in our Episode 22, we have with us, very talented & creative Art Director, Production designer, and (soon to be) producer Shiuli Thukral. Let's uncover with her some secrets of Bollywood, the reality of Nepotism, and the challenges of surviving and succeeding in the film industry. Disclaimer: This content is created for entertainment and conversational purposes only. We do not intend to hurt, offend, or target any individual or group. All views expressed are respectful and considerate.
S1 · E22
21 nov 2025
29:22

Rahul Vohra on Theatre, SRK & Alia, Memories of Swades, Gangubai, Made in Heaven & Bollywood

In today’s Beyond Border Podcast, Episode 21, we have renowned actor, producer, director – the one and only Rahul Vohra. Besides being a versatile and conscientious actor, he is a profound human. In our podcast, we have explored his journey as a theatre artist, an actor, producer and director, his experience working with superstars like Shahrukh and Alia, and the 4-time Oscar-winning team. This episode is especially inspiring for those who want to gain a deep understanding of the world of art, cinema, and connecting with audiences. Disclaimer: It's for entertainment purposes only.
S1 · E21
15 nov 2025
31:42
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