Back Then: Interviews Were TRP Events
Remember the old-school Bollywood interviews?
A celebrity on a plush TV set
Over-enthusiastic anchors
Filtered answers, rehearsed laughter
Clips used to go viral on Aaj Tak, Zoom TV, ETC Bollywood
It was less conversation, more performance.
Examples:
Simi Garewal’s Rendezvous – elegant but formal
Rajat Sharma’s Aap Ki Adalat – dramatic courtroom style
Farooq Sheikh’s Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai – nostalgic & emotional
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🎧 Now: Podcasts Are Raw, Real & Relatable
In today’s media world, TV interviews are dying, and long-form podcasts are exploding.
From Ranveer Allahbadia’s TRS, to Zakir Khan’s Unfiltered, or even Kalki Koechlin’s “My Indian Life”—celebrities are choosing calm, honest, one-on-one conversations, minus the gossip and clickbait.
🎤 No lights.
🎤 No studio audience.
🎤 Just mics and truth.
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🔁 Old TV Interviews vs New-Age Podcasts
TV Interviews (2000s) Podcasts (Now)
⏳ 20–30 min slots 🕒 60–90 mins of deep talk
🎭 Scripted, rehearsed 🧠 Unfiltered, personal
📺 Focused on films/releases 🧬 Focused on life, failures, mindset
📰 Gossip & controversy bait 🤝 Empathy, mental health, journeys
👩💼 Suited anchors 👕 Friends-like hosts
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🔥 Why Celebs Prefer Podcasts Now
Safe Space to Speak Freely
No shouting anchors, no viral headlines the next day.
Authentic Image Building
They can show real emotions, talk about failure, therapy, loss, parenting, pressure, burnout.
Reach a Global Audience
Podcasts go everywhere—Spotify, YouTube, Apple—beyond Indian borders.
Escape from Toxic TRP Culture
They’re no longer forced to shout “My next film is a blockbuster!” every 2 minutes.
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📢 Famous Examples
1. Deepika Padukone on TRS – Talking mental health, not movie promotions.
2. Ranbir Kapoor on FC Adda Podcast – Casual chats about parenting, privacy.
3. Karan Johar on Cyrus Says – Confessions about industry pressure.
4. Zoya Akhtar on Unfiltered – Discussing storytelling, not scandals.
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✅ Pros & ❌ Cons of the Shift
✅ Pros ❌ Cons
More honest conversations Not everyone has time for long episodes
Celebs open up about mental health, failure Some podcasts lack research or structure
Better fan connection No glam or “event” feel
Long shelf-life May miss the buzz TV created
💬 Final Thoughts
Indian media has evolved—from masala TRP-chasing interviews to mindful, meaningful podcast episodes. And honestly?
We’re here for it.
Because the real stars don’t just shine on camera—they speak, they share, they grow.
