EP 353 |Saurabh Shukla on Ranbir Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Comic Timing, Awards & More

EP 353 |Saurabh Shukla on Ranbir Kapoor, Amrish Puri, Comic Timing, Awards & More

Author: Asian News International (ANI) October 13, 2025 Duration: 1:29:34

Saurabh Shukla is one of India’s most talented and loved actors, known for his roles in Satya, Jolly LLB, and Barfi. A National Award winner, he is admired for his natural acting and brilliant comic timing.


In this episode of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, Saurabh Shukla talks about what acting really means, how he perfects his timing in comedy, and how he keeps his characters real and consistent across films.


He shares interesting stories about working with greats like Amrish Puri and Shekhar Kapur, his early struggles in the industry, moments of self-doubt, and the happiness of winning a National Award.


Saurabh Shukla also speaks about how Bollywood has changed over the years, why South Indian films are winning hearts, and how humour, language, and everyday life experiences help actors connect with their audience.


00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Jolly LLB: Maintaining Character Continuity

02:29 – National Award: Reaction & Meaning

05:04 – Self-Doubt & Low Phase in Life

09:03 – Humour as a Defence Mechanism

14:28 – Sensitivity & Limits of Humour Today

17:28 – Working with Ranbir Kapoor on Barfi!

21:55 – Why I Didn’t Like Shakespeare

24:14 – Working with Shekhar Kapur on Bandit Queen

32:52 – Writing Satya & Making a Cult Film

47:08 – Why South Indian Films Connect More

49:28 – Working in Nayak & Lessons from Amrish Puri

54:50 – What It Really Means to Be an Actor

1:01:44 – Watching Content at 2x Speed

1:08:09 – The Challenge of “Lived” Experience

1:12:54 – Family Background & Early Influences

1:15:39 – How Language Has Evolved in Films

1:21:01 – Wearing the Director’s Hat

1:22:44 – Theatre vs Film vs OTT

1:26:15 – Closing


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
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ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
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