⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses harassment, intimidation, and experiences of physical and mental abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
 
Harassment can take many forms. It can be subtle or overt, verbal or physical, and sometimes it can remain unspoken for years.
 
In this episode of Lyca XTRA, host Deep Rajah is joined by Sangeeta Pandey from IIW and Gayatri Shenoy, Principal Business Analyst, for an open and honest conversation about modern harassment and the experiences that often go unheard.
 
They discuss why many women hesitate to speak about their experiences, why some choose not to disclose what happened for years, and how family, colleagues and the people around them can influence that silence. They also share personal experiences from their family and professional lives, including moments when they felt harassed, threatened or unsafe.
 
A difficult but important conversation about recognising harassment, understanding the reasons behind silence, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to speak openly.
 
🎙️ Modern Harassment | Lyca XTRA

What if the right debt could actually help your business grow faster?
 
In this episode, Khush sits down with Meenal Sambre, Founder and Director of Samaria Global Finance Limited, to challenge the common misconceptions around business debt, funding and growth.
 
Meenal explains why businesses should think about funding before cash flow becomes a problem, what lenders really look for beyond the numbers, and how management, operational efficiency, sector knowledge and the story behind a business can influence funding decisions.
 
They also explore the changing lending landscape, the role of traditional banks, alternative funding sources, and how AI is making financial decisions faster while human judgement remains essential.
 
A conversation about using debt strategically, making informed financial decisions and giving your business the confidence and funding it needs to grow.
 
Watch the full episode now.
 
#BusinessFinance #BusinessGrowth #DebtFunding #Finance #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #Funding
 

From a childhood surrounded by music to building a remarkable career in the industry, Mohammed Vakil’s journey is one of passion, dedication and a lifelong love for singing. In this special episode, host Ravi Sharma sits down with renowned artist Mohammed Vakil to explore the story behind his musical journey. Vakil Ji shares how the culture of music in his household inspired him from a young age and how that early passion eventually led him to the heights of the industry. He reflects on his experiences and memorable moments with legendary names such as Jagjit Singh and Javed Akhtar, and shares the story of how he was called to sing during the shoot of Veer-Zaara. For aspiring singers, Vakil Ji also shares an important message about discipline and consistency. Despite spending years in the industry, he continues to practise his singing regularly, proving that learning and improving never truly stop. A heartfelt conversation filled with music, memories, career-defining moments and valuable lessons for the next generation of artists.
 
बचपन से संगीत के माहौल में पले-बढ़े मोहम्मद वकील का सफर जुनून, समर्पण और गायकी के प्रति आजीवन प्रेम की कहानी है। इस खास एपिसोड में होस्ट रवि शर्मा, मशहूर कलाकार मोहम्मद वकील के साथ उनके संगीत के सफर पर विस्तार से बात करते हैं। वकील जी बताते हैं कि कैसे उनके घर में संगीत का माहौल बचपन से ही था और किस तरह उसी ने उन्हें गायकी की दुनिया की ओर प्रेरित किया। वह अपने करियर के कई यादगार पलों को भी साझा करते हैं, जिसमें जगजीत सिंह और जावेद अख्तर जैसी महान हस्तियों के साथ उनके अनुभव शामिल हैं। वह यह भी बताते हैं कि कैसे उन्हें फिल्म वीर-ज़ारा की शूटिंग के दौरान गाने के लिए बुलाया गया। नए और उभरते हुए गायकों के लिए वकील जी अनुशासन और लगातार अभ्यास की अहमियत पर भी बात करते हैं। इंडस्ट्री में इतने वर्षों का अनुभव होने के बावजूद, वह आज भी नियमित रूप से अपनी गायकी का अभ्यास करते हैं, जो यह साबित करता है कि सीखने और बेहतर बनने की प्रक्रिया कभी खत्म नहीं होती। संगीत, यादों, करियर के खास पलों और अगली पीढ़ी के कलाकारों के लिए जरूरी सीख से भरी एक दिल को छू लेने वाली बातचीत। 🎙️
Listen to the full episode now! 

The Story Behind The Diwali Story | Ramayana, Culture & Creativity  What makes the Ramayana still relevant to a new generation?  In this episode, Nishit Kotak, Nitin Palan, Samir Bharma and Shruti Shah join us to explore the significance of the Ramayana and the inspiration behind The Diwali Story.  The conversation goes beyond the familiar story of Shri Ram and Sita, exploring Ravana’s character, the lessons within the Ramayana and why these stories continue to hold relevance today. The team also discusses why the production was created in English, making its message more accessible and relatable to a wider audience.  The team takes us behind the scenes of the production, from the creative process and direction to the choreography by Shruti and Rohan, and the journey of bringing together around 300 actors who auditioned for the show.  From culture and storytelling to creativity and emotion, this episode explores how timeless stories can continue to connect with new generations.  
 
🎙️ Watch the full episode now.

What started with the British Asian Trust’s first major fundraising event, a rain-soaked India vs Pakistan cricket match in Glasgow in 2006, has since grown into an organisation that has reached 18.8 million people across South Asia.  In this episode, Deep Rajah sits down with Hiten Mehta, CEO of the British Asian Trust, to explore how the organisation creates lasting impact across education, mental health, livelihoods and child protection.  Hiten shares how strong partnerships, trusted local organisations and public support help the Trust take its work further. He also talks about the support of celebrities such as Mahira Khan, Katy Perry and Abhishek Bachchan, who have attended the Trust’s events and helped amplify its work.  From its royal origins to major fundraising events and grassroots initiatives, Hiten gives an insight into what it takes to turn goodwill into real, lasting change.  🎙️ Watch the full episode now.

Why does gold keep rising… and is it really the safest investment?  
In this insightful episode, host Ravi Sharma is joined by Pravin Pattni, Director of Minar Jewellers, to unpack the reality behind gold’s value.
From understanding why gold prices continue to increase to whether it truly stands the test of time as a reliable investment, this conversation brings clarity to a topic many talk about but few fully understand.  
They explore how global geopolitical situations influence gold rates and why gold is still seen as a universal currency across the world.
Pravin also shares practical guidance on how to check the authenticity of gold and avoid common mistakes when buying.  
Beyond the numbers, he opens up about his journey in the jewellery industry and how Minar Jewellers was built over the years.  
A must-watch for anyone looking to understand gold beyond just its shine.  
🎙️ Watch the full episode now.

Are our lives written in the stars, or do we shape our own destiny?
In this fascinating episode, Khush is joined by astrologer Nihal Mehta and palm reader Asha Swati Mitra for an honest and deep dive into the world of astrology and palmistry. From understanding kundalis and the 36 guna match to decoding sun signs, moon signs, and the meaning behind the lines on your hands, this conversation explores what these practices really signify.
Nihal also unpacks the role of numerology and how numbers can influence personality traits, behaviour, and life patterns. The discussion goes beyond surface-level beliefs and questions the logic behind commonly followed practices.
Khush raises some of the most important and relatable questions. If kundalis are perfectly matched, why do some relationships still not work out? How much should we rely on predictions about the future? What are the most common questions people ask astrologers and palmists, and is everything always as truthful as it seems?
This episode challenges beliefs, sparks curiosity, and encourages you to think about the balance between fate and free will.
🎙️ Watch the full episode now.

Some stories are difficult to hear, but necessary to understand.
In this powerful episode, Natasha Rattu, Executive Director of Karma Nirvana, shares the deeply personal and emotional story behind the organisation. From her mother being labelled the “black sheep” for choosing freedom, to the devastating impact of honour-based abuse within families, this conversation brings forward truths that are often silenced by societal pressure.
The episode explores how concepts like “izzat” and “log kya sochenge” continue to control lives, leading individuals especially within close-knit communities to suppress their voices and choices. Natasha also shares a heartbreaking story from her own family, highlighting the real and tragic consequences when individuals feel they have no support system.
Importantly, this conversation goes beyond gender stereotypes. Honour-based abuse is not limited to women, men too are affected, often in silence, and Karma Nirvana works to support anyone facing such challenges.
This is a story of courage, resilience, and transformation. From pain came purpose, and from silence came a movement that continues to support and empower those in need.
Because honour should never come at the cost of a life.
Watch the full episode now.