The BarberShop with Shantanu

Are phones killing brains or just replacing boredom with a dopamine hit?

In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu dives into a no-filter conversation with guests from different tech eras to explore the real impact of smartphones on human brains, behaviours, and boundaries. Joining him are Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO, SBFC Finance Ltd) and Damodar Mall [CEO(Grocery Retail ), Reliance Retail] who are amazed to see WhatsApp being the most powerful medium of business, while on the other side, Gauri Bansal (Strategy Manager, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Spotify) and Avi Anurag (Business Analyst at...

Is owning a home still the ultimate goal, or are there smarter, more flexible alternatives in today’s fast-changing world?

This week on The Bridge, the guests debate about one of the most talked-about life decisions in a GenZ’s life today: to buy a home or rent, with perspectives from seasoned business leaders and the next generation of entrepreneurs.

On one side, we have industry veterans Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO of SBFC Finance Ltd.), and Luis Miranda (Former Bank Treasurer at HDFC and Ex-CEO of IDFC), who share their views on the financial and emot...

Is going to college still the best way to succeed, or is it time to rethink the traditional career routes?

In this week’s episode of The Bridge, Shantanu sits down with a diverse group of leaders to explore one of today’s most debated topics: The true value of college education in a fast-evolving world.

On one side, we have seasoned entrepreneurs who have led the way in shaping businesses and brands. Abhijeet Dabas, Executive VP & Business Head at Nykaafashion, and Ankush Grover, Co-Founder & CEO at Rebel Foods, share their insights on how formal educ...

Is consumerism in India really making our lives better?

Or is it a trend everyone is chasing because of FOMO?

From the latest gadgets to fashion trends, the young generation is bombarded by ads, influencers and social media. But at what cost? Are they even thinking about the consequences of overconsumption?

This week, the roundtable isn’t here to judge, it only unpacks how Gen Z deals with the pressure of staying on top of trends with the mindset of "buy now, pay later".

In the new episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shanta...

Is Startup a real problem-solver or just a way out of toxic jobs?

For next-gen, it’s the real escape from 9-to-5s and societal expectations. But as startup culture grows louder, are the deeper motivations being overlooked?

In this episode of The Bridge, Shantanu hosts a multi-generational roundtable with industry veterans, Abhijeet Dabas (Nykaafashion Executive VP & Business Head - Fashion) and Ankush Grover (Rebel Foods - Co-Founder & CEO), who unpack what decades in finance and leadership have taught them. From the other side, Vidit Dugar (Chief of Staff at Bombay Shaving Company), and Akansha Pa...

Is organisational loyalty outdated, or are we asking the wrong questions?

This week, on the latest episode of ‘The Bridge’, Shantanu engages in a thought-provoking discussion with leaders from both sides of the generational spectrum.

On the one hand, Aseem Dhru (MD & CEO at SBFC Finance Ltd.) and Luis Miranda (Former Bank Treasurer at HDFC and Ex-CEO at IDFC) share valuable insights on why internal promotions, career patience, and organisational commitment remain the bedrock of professional success.

On the other hand, Ishaan Gulati (Chief of Staff to CEO at Rebel Food) and Arshi Gupt...

Thank you for the overwhelming response to Episode 1 of The Bridge!

We absolutely loved reading your comments, your thoughts, reflections, and even disagreements made it clear: We need more conversations like these.

So, here we are back with Episode 2.

This time, we’re asking: IS PERSONAL BRANDING NECESSARY?

Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with “being seen”?

Why does every Gen Z feel the need to show up online all the time?

And is that visibility actually translating to value?

Joining Shantanu this time are two sharp...

Is hustle culture quietly killing India’s next generation?

Is Gen Z actually giving up at their jobs for reasons evident but often unsaid?

Where really is this gap and why is it important to fill it?

Next season of the Barbershop is not a season, it’s a completely different story.

A whole new setup, a mix of old and new voices, unfiltered views, and debates that often make it out of these leaders’ LinkedIn's, onto the news! 😂

Only this time, we don’t have a 1:1 setup, we have a roun...

What if playing it safe is the real courage in entrepreneurship?

In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu sits down with Alok Sama (Writer & Investor) to explore what truly makes a CEO great. It’s not just about flashy risks, but staying humble and adapting as things change.

How Alok brought his first book ‘The Money Trap’ to life, and how getting a degree in Master of Fine Arts, from NYU at 58 proves that growth has no age.

Key Takeaways:

- Leadership is as much about humility and adaptability as bold risks.

- A...

What if you could build your epic career without the fear of failing?

In a world chasing speed, Warikoo advises people to try everything, experience it all, until the path becomes clear.

In Barbershop’s latest episode, Shantanu chats with Ankur Warikoo (Entrepreneur and Bestselling Author), who deeply talks about personal growth and mindset shifts on career development.

He shares his journey about scaling a 70 Cr education empire, ‘WebVeda’, with 100% refundable courses, and yet, it’s thriving effortlessly.

In this episode, Warikoo explains that content isn’t just about reach, it’s about the...

To build a business, you should always have your feet on the ground and eyes on the stars.

A mindset Manish Taneja has carried from the narrow lanes of Faridabad to build a ₹10,000 Cr beauty giant.

In this episode, Shantanu sits down with Manish Taneja (CEO & MD of Purplle.com) for a raw conversation about the unseen side of entrepreneurship.

Growing up in Tier 2 India, Manish never had the blueprint but just a dream to build big. And in 13 years, he turned that fascination into Purplle, a brand that has redefined beauty in In...

If there’s no existential doubt, it’s not an early-stage business.

Because you're just figuring it out, one bold risk at a time.

In this episode Shantanu is joined by Vedang Patel (Co-Founder of The Souled Store) and Yogesh Kabra, (Founder of XYXX Apparels) for a raw and honest conversation on what it really takes to start up.

As a bootstrapped company, Vedang started with just ₹5 lakhs and a big dream. On the other hand, Yogesh started up in a 250 sq. ft. room in Surat.

But Now? These founders have built...

Some companies almost don’t make it, until they do.

MakeMyTrip could’ve been one of them.

In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande is joined by Deep Kalra (Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip Limited) and Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Fundamentum, Helion and Daksh), one of MMT’s early investors. Kalra and Aggarwal uncover the real behind-the-scenes of building one of India’s most iconic travel companies.

This Investor-Founder bond isn’t just about travel. It’s about the courage to stick around when the road gets rough.

Let us know in the comments: What’s the t...

Some companies almost don’t make it, until they do.

MakeMyTrip could’ve been one of them.

In this episode, Shantanu Deshpande is joined by Deep Kalra (Founder and Chairman of MakeMyTrip Limited) and Sanjeev Aggarwal (Co-Founder, Fundamentum, Helion and Daksh), one of MMT’s early investors. Kalra and Aggarwal uncover the real behind-the-scenes of building one of India’s most iconic travel companies.

This Investor-Founder bond isn’t just about travel. It’s about the courage to stick around when the road gets rough.

Let us know in the comments: What’s the t...

Some Founders wait for the “Right time.” Others just CREATE IT!

Based in Bangalore, this company has been developing an app since March 2021, and it has already been installed by 105 million users.

We’re super excited to have Saurabh Pandey (Founder and CEO, Eloelo) on the pod this time. From leaving Flipkart just before the pandemic to building Eloelo after, one of India’s largest Live Social Entertainment Platform, his story is a masterclass in courage, conviction, and community building.

Key takeaways from the episode:

•⁠ ⁠What sets Eloelo apart from traditional social media.<...

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder. In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners). Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode. This isn’t just an entrepreneurial conversation. It’s a masterclass on the kind of investor-founder friendship required for businesses to t...

Not every founder finds the right investor. Not every investor bets on the right founder.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome a BarberShop veteran, Kapil Chopra (Founder - EazyDiner and The Postcard Hotel). But this time, he is not alone. Joining him is his first ever investor and his very good friend, Deepak Shahdadpuri (Managing Director, DSG Consumer Partners).

Why did Kapil and Deepak take 8 years to finally start a business together? Find out in this episode.

This isn’t just an entrepreneurial conversation. It’s about trust, conviction, and the kind...

Mokobara was rejected 33 times.

And now they’ll beat legacy brands in their own game within 6 years. Something the biggest brands took 44 years to do!

That’s the thing about great entrepreneurs. They don’t give up.

In this episode, we are joined by three of Shantanu’s closest friends. Sangeet Agrawal, Founder at Mokobara, Navin Parwal, Co-Founder & CMO at Mokobara, and Manu Chandra, Founder and Managing Partner at Sauce.vc came together to uncover the power of aspirational hungry India.

Mokobara is on a mission to redefine travel for India, designin...

In this conversation with Shinjini Kumar, Co-Founder of SALT-mysaltapp, we talk to her about her diverse professional journey, something you don’t see in many founders. Coming from Bihar, she started as a journalist at the Times of India and then shifted to the Reserve Bank of India in the early ‘90s. At the heart of the action, she was responsible for handling Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). In this episode, she discusses exactly how she landed every job she did in her early days.

Shinjini eventually went on to study in the US, joined Bank of America, then...

In this conversation with Amit Jain (Co-Founder & CEO, CarDekho) and Anurag Jain (Co-Founder & COO, CarDekho) we learn why every founder should consider building in a small town like Jaipur—and do it with family.

Amit and Anurag turned what started as a small-town dream (announced on LinkedIn - true story) into a billion-dollar reality. If that doesn’t make you believe in manifestation, we don’t know what will. 😏

CarDekho’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a bootstrapped company to one of India’s most sought-after startups, they’ve completely redefined how India buys and sells...

Shantanu sitting down with Rajan Anandan, MD of Peak XV and Surge, and Prachi Pawar, Founder of Anandi Schools, is everything you need to watch today to visualise the future of the startup ecosystem in India. You also get a glimpse into a mentor-mentee relationship in the ecosystem!

Rajan Anandan is one of the most influential voices in India’s Venture Capital space. On the other hand, Prachi is just starting out in the world of entrepreneurship. With Anandi Schools, she aims to help students stand out in college admissions.

Tune in for a deep di...

Shantanu sits down with Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, for a masterclass in brand building and leadership. Ajoy’s role in transforming Tanishq into a household name and reshaping India’s jewellery market is nothing short of remarkable. In this candid conversation, he shares insights on Titan’s failures and learnings from them, differentiation, quality, and staying ahead of shifting consumer trends.

Tune in for a deep dive into:

- The evolution of Titan’s marketing strategy.

- India’s diamond legacy and its future.

- Building a timeless con...

In this episode, Shantanu is absolutely thrilled to sit down with Luis Miranda—Founding Member of HDFC, Ex-CEO of IDFC, and the founder of the Indian School of Public Policy. This one is packed with wisdom, laughter, and invaluable insights for anyone interested in leadership, impact, and the startup ecosystem!

Luis is the kind of person who doesn’t take himself too seriously—despite having built some of India’s most iconic institutions. He’s an incredible storyteller, effortlessly blending high IQ with deep emotional intelligence.

This time, the conversation is even more fun and candid, as...

In this episode, Shantanu is clearly thrilled to welcome back Shantanu Khosla, the former MD of Procter & Gamble, back to the Barbershop. This one is a masterclass for all consumer brands in India!

There’s so much wisdom in Shantanu Khosla’s words, that of course comes with his fair share of experience in brand building across the globe. He talks candidly about new channels and technologies that are emerging, and how all it takes for a brand to be a hit in front of the masses is an idea that sticks.

This time, the conv...

In this episode, Shantanu and Deep - two curious minds met over a fun and insightful conversation. Deep Bajaj is the visionary Founder of Sirona—a brand that has redefined women's hygiene in India and was recently acquired by the Good Glam Group in a 450 Cr acquisition.

Deep shares his incredible journey, starting from a ₹6,000 salary as a salesperson to building a brand in women’s hygiene. He in the most hilarious yet vulnerable way, talks about his first job, his first business, and starting out again after his higher education in Australia. He says he didn't have t...

In our first ever episode in front of a live audience, Shantanu and Abhishek - both IIM Lucknow alumni - visited their beloved campus to shoot this special Barbershop conversation in front of a curious and welcoming student audience.

Abhishek is a storied CEO, joining Puma on day 1 in India in 2004 and then leading it to be bigger than Nike and Adidas combined! He then left to found Agilitas - a wildly courageous move with a 600 Cr seed round to acquire India’s largest shoe making factory.

This episode explores his experience as an operator an...

In this engaging episode of Shantanu’s podcast, we’re joined by @VarunMayya, a visionary entrepreneur, tech innovator, and author known for his cutting-edge insights on technology and content creation. Together, Varun and Shantanu discuss a variety of compelling topics, from the potential of AI avatars and deepfake technology to the evolving relationship between AI and content creation.

Varun offers his unique perspective on how to build long-term intellectual property, and develop personal branding strategies. Discover how AI, technology, and innovative thinking are revolutionizing content creation and personal branding.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation packed...

Revant Himatsingka, aka Foodpharmer known for his innovative approach towards content, shares his journey in this insightful episode. With topics ranging from monetising content to the future of @Foodpharmer , Revant offers valuable advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs alike.

The episode opens with an introduction to Revant’s background in content creation, highlighting his path and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Delving into the essentials of how he monetises his content, Revant reveals practical strategies for creators to turn their passion into profit, making it an invaluable guide for those aiming to sustain their pass...

In this episode Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, and Tanmay Bhat dive into the quest to find India’s next top creator! 🎨🚀

Tanmay gives shoutouts to his favorite content creators, from Zakir Khan’s unmatched wisdom to Kunal Kamra’s unexpected passion for farming. He also highlights the reason for success of Samay Raina.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone curious about content, this episode is packed with valuable insights on building brands, taking creative risks, and the power of collaboration.

Think you have what it takes to be India’s Smar...

Yashraj Mukhate is known for transforming content on the Internet into viral music sensations - like Rasode Mein Kaun Tha (featuring Rupal Patel), Tuada Kutta Tommy (featuring Shehnaz Gill), Charsulli Gardulli (featuring Rakhi Sawant).

Be it Pawri Hoi Hai or Biggini Shoot, Yashraj has repeatedly proven that virality can be engineered and is not a fluke.

In this episode, ‪@YashrajMukhateOfficial‬ shares his inspiring journey -- from an aspiring musician to a social media sensation -- in his conversation with Shantanu Deshpande. Discover how Yashraj crafts music content that resonates with millions, time and again.

Ya...

Step into @sahibabalii dynamic world in this exciting episode! From starring in movies to hosting Shark Tank, Sahiba takes us behind the scenes of her multifaceted career. She opens up about how her time at Zomato played a pivotal role in helping her network and connect with influential people in the industry. She talks about her vision for building a content-driven enterprise and how storytelling is the key to connecting with audiences and building a lasting brand.

Get ready to be inspired as Sahiba reveals her future goals and the strategies that have made her a true...

Kenny Sebastian is known to be a comedic maestro who is celebrated for his stand ups like Middle Class Restaurant Problems; Indian Parents, OCD and Electricity at Home. He has masterfully turned the mundane into hilarious anecdotes, captivating audiences across the globe with his relatable charm.

In this episode, @KennySebastian shares his inspiring journey and thoughts on building a brand that runs in the long run - in his conversation with Shantanu Deshpande. Find how Youtube helped him go viral and touch the lives of so many people.

Kenny reveals how he draws inspiration from...

Yashraj Mukhate is known for transforming content on the Internet into viral music sensations - like Rasode Mein Kaun Tha (featuring Rupal Patel), Tuada Kutta Tommy (featuring Shehnaz Gill), Charsulli Gardulli (featuring Rakhi Sawant).

Be it Pawri Hoi Hai or Biggini Shoot, Yashraj has repeatedly proven that virality can be engineered and is not a fluke.

In this episode, ‪@YashrajMukhateOfficial‬ shares his inspiring journey -- from an aspiring musician to a social media sensation -- in his conversation with Shantanu Deshpande. Discover how Yashraj crafts music content that resonates with millions, time and again.

Ya...

Step into @sahibabalii dynamic world in this exciting episode! From starring in movies to hosting Shark Tank, Sahiba takes us behind the scenes of her multifaceted career. She opens up about how her time at Zomato played a pivotal role in helping her network and connect with influential people in the industry. She talks about her vision for building a content-driven enterprise and how storytelling is the key to connecting with audiences and building a lasting brand.

Get ready to be inspired as Sahiba reveals her future goals and the strategies that have made her a true...

In this episode Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, and Tanmay Bhat dive into the quest to find India’s next top creator! 🎨🚀

Tanmay gives shoutouts to his favorite content creators, from Zakir Khan’s unmatched wisdom to Kunal Kamra’s unexpected passion for farming. He also highlights the reason for success of Samay Raina.

Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone curious about content, this episode is packed with valuable insights on building brands, taking creative risks, and the power of collaboration.

Think you have what it takes to be India’s Smar...

Join us for a power-packed conversation with Tanmay Bhat, Sahiba Bali, Shashank Mehta, Revant Himatsingka, and Shantanu Deshpande about how to be successful at content creation in today’s world. These creators and entrepreneurs have mastered the game of content, brand-building, and monetization, and they’re here to spill their secrets (some really brutal ones).

💡 What's in it for you?

If you’ve been looking for a moment to break the Internet with your groundbreaking content, this is it. This is the opportunity to turn it into reality.

This episode is full of real-worl...

In this episode of The Barbershop, Shantanu sits down with Krish Ramineni, founder of Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered app that is transforming the role of an executive assistant. Krish shares his journey of building a groundbreaking tool that automates meeting notes, summaries, and task management, revolutionizing how teams work and communicate. Dive into the world of AI, learn how Fireflies.ai is streamlining workflows for businesses, and get inspired by Krish’s entrepreneurial insights. If you're interested in the future of AI and productivity, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Barbershop, Shantanu sits down with Aseem Dhru, CEO of SBFC, to discuss the challenges and realities of India's extremely complicated financial landscape. Tune in for an engaging conversation about housing, the personal loan industry, and how SBFC is making a difference in helping people achieve their financial goals. Don't miss this candid talk on the financial landscape in India!

In today’s episode of The BarberShop with Shantanu, Shantanu Deshpande (CEO and Founder, Bombay Shaving Company) sits down for a conversation with Sukhleen Aneja (Ex CEO, Good Glamm Brands, Ex- HUL, L’Oreal). We discuss Sukhleen’s varied and rich career trajectory, her takeaways, insights, and learnings over the years.

In this episode of The Barbershop with Shantanu, we sit down with Varun Khaitan and Raghav Chandra, Co-founders of Urban Company, and try to understand how to crack service in India. Join us as Varun and Raghav reveal the secrets behind Urban Company's remarkable growth strategy and how they have built and scaled a leading service business in India. From understanding the unique challenges of the Indian market to crafting innovative service offerings such as the variety of Native appliances they offer, Varun and Raghav share their journey and the key tactics that have made Urban Company a household...