Raw Talks With Vamshi Kurapati - Telugu Business Podcast

In this Telugu podcast episode, Oscar-winning lyricist Mr. Kanukuntla Subhash Chandrabose shares a deeply personal and inspiring journey through words, music, and resilience, marking a historic moment for Indian cinema with *RRR* becoming the first absolute Indian film to win an Oscar. He relives the emotion of that night, the pride of global recognition, and the lesser-known moment when legendary American songwriter Diane Warren predicted the Oscar win weeks before nominations were even announced. For Chandrabose, the award was not just a trophy but validation of Indian storytelling, Telugu language, and music reaching the world.With over 3600 Telugu film songs to his name, Chandrabose reflects on how songs like *Nenu Unnanani*, *Panchadara Bomma*, *Raju Nuvve*, *Chiru Chiru Chinukai*, *Kumkumala*, *Oo Antava*, and many others were born in the most ordinary yet magical moments like train journeys, petrol bunk stops, long nights, and emotional conversations. He talks about writing songs during travel, singing them to himself hundreds of times, and creating multiple versions before arriving at the final lyric. Long before digital metrics existed, he believed that people were the only true measure of success, even distributing cassettes by hand during *Student No.1* and learning directly from audience reactions.The episode dives into his unique writing philosophy shaped by his illiterate mother who deeply loved songs, and the lifelong influence of literary giants like Acharya Aatreya, Sri Sri, Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry, and others. Chandrabose explains why writing simply is far more difficult than writing complex poetry, how he avoids repetition across thousands of songs, and why emotion always comes before structure. He reflects on rejection, humiliation, and the patience required to keep going, sharing how some songs received true recognition only after 20 years.He also speaks about the evolution of Telugu cinema music, the misunderstood role of item songs, and how their purpose and meaning have transformed over time. From decoding lyrics on shows like Swarabhishekam to collaborations with iconic directors and composers, Chandrabose shares behind-the-scenes stories that shaped landmark soundtracks. The conversation touches on dubbing songs, lip-sync challenges, the greatness of the Telugu language, and how lyrics can travel beyond cinema to influence society, business, and real-life decisions.A significant part of the discussion focuses on royalties, IPRS, and intellectual property rights, and how songwriters today can finally receive long-term recognition and earnings. Chandrabose explains how songs like *Kumkumala* and *Chiru Chiru Chinukai* continue to generate royalties years later, proving that music outlives films. He also acknowledges pioneers like Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry for fighting for writers’ rights and creating a foundation for future generations.Blending childhood memories, his BTech background, early struggles, love for language, emotional connection with “amma,” and unforgettable moments from his career, this episode is warm, reflective, and deeply motivating. If you love Telugu songs, lyric writing, Indian cinema, music history, creative journeys, and stories behind iconic melodies, this conversation offers inspiration, honesty, and timeless wisdom that stays with you long after the music fades.

In this Telugu podcast episode, Prof. K. Nageshwar Rao, senior journalist, political analyst, and former MLC, shares rare insights from a career that spans journalism, politics, academia, and legislative responsibility. From witnessing India’s media evolution since the early days of Doordarshan and The Indian Express to being part of the first 24-hour Telugu news ecosystem with TV9, he reflects on how news, narratives, and political theatre have reshaped public discourse.The conversation explores how parliamentary discussions should ideally function, the gap between democratic intent and political drama, and why voters today are often ill-informed or misinformed, echoing Jayaprakash Narayan’s warning from 1997. Prof. Nageshwar breaks down the deep nexus between media, business, and politics, the systematic delegitimisation of independent journalists, and why intellectual debate has been replaced by noise-driven television formats. Drawing from ancient references like Krishna, Sita, and Buddha, he places modern democracy in a broader civilisational context.He speaks candidly about money in politics, daily expenses of MLAs and MPs, manifesto design, welfare schemes like Dalit Bandhu, and how policies are crafted more for optics than outcomes. The discussion covers voter responsibility, opposition as a democratic asset, warning signals of institutional collapse, and why a healthy opposition and free media are essential checks on unlimited power.Prof. Nageshwar also reflects on student politics, Osmania University, the limits of funding without intellectual leadership, and how some of India’s finest leaders emerged from campus movements. He shares personal experiences from the time of Indira Gandhi’s assassination, his transition from journalism to politics, his eight years as an MLC, achievements, regrets, and the challenge of staying intellectually honest in public life.The episode touches on threats, ideological labelling, public perception, media pressure, AI in journalism, currency performance, global awareness, and the discipline required to stay informed. With calm reasoning and sharp clarity, he explains why neutrality is not the absence of values, but the courage to speak truth without fear.If you are interested in Telugu politics, Indian democracy, journalism ethics, media influence, voter awareness, student politics, and political analysis without theatrics, this conversation offers depth, context, and perspective that cuts through the chaos.

In this Telugu podcast episode, social activist Sunitha Krishnan; a Padma Shri awardee, co-founder of Prajwala Foundation, one of world’s largest anti-trafficking shelters that rescues, rehabilitates and reintegrates victims into society, speaks about one of the darkest yet most urgent realities of our time, preventing child sexual abuse, human trafficking, and cyber-enabled exploitation.What happens when child sexual abuse and human trafficking move online, demand creates supply, and society looks away? This conversation with Sunitha Krishnan forces us to confront what most choose not to see.She takes us through the journey behind a landmark legal fight that contributed to the creation of India’s National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and explains why the correct term is not child pornography but CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material). Sunitha breaks down how language matters, how misnaming the crime hides accountability, and why recognizing CSAM is crucial to protecting children.The conversation exposes how trafficking and abuse have shifted into digital spaces, from social media and dating apps to encrypted platforms like Telegram, where organized networks trade thousands of child abuse videos for small amounts of money. She explains how demand fuels supply, how coded language operates in brothels and online markets, and how technology has silently enabled trafficking networks to scale and globalize abuse. Drawing from her findings in India, the United States, and Europe, she reveals how content produced in India circulates worldwide.The episode dives deep into secondary victimization, where survivors are blamed, silenced, or retraumatized by legal procedures, institutional failures, and social attitudes. Sunitha discusses brutal cases involving children, the psychology of sexual violence, abuse that goes beyond sexual intent, and how unresolved trauma can perpetuate cycles of harm. She also speaks about the abuse of boys, shifting societal tolerance levels, and the dangers of normalizing exploitation.Sunitha shares personal experiences of threats, attacks, and backlash for challenging powerful systems, including her advocacy in the Supreme Court, her anger during critical hearings, and campaigns such as #ShameTheRapist. She reflects on her book I Am What I Am, including the chapter that begins with questioning God, and the resilience required to continue despite stigma and labels imposed by society.The episode also sheds light on survivor rehabilitation through the Prajwala Foundation, children born in red-light areas, transition centers, education, dignity-based recovery, and long-term reintegration. From missing-child golden hour drills and funding realities to why men must speak against demand and why we must invest in boys as much as we protect girls, this conversation asks deeply uncomfortable but necessary questions.Intense, honest, and deeply human, this episode is not meant to shock, it is meant to wake us up.This episode stands as a powerful reminder of why child safety, women’s rights, cyber crime prevention, and social justice demand our attention on urgent notice.

In this Telugu podcast episode, we had one of our amazing conversations with Suma Kanakala, most commonly revered as  the queen of Telugu television, iconic anchor, actress, and household name who has hosted over 2000+ shows. She sat down with us for a  rare and unfiltered conversation. Known for her wit, spontaneity, and unmatched energy, Suma opens up like never before about her journey from Doordarshan serials to becoming Telugu TV’s most celebrated female host.She shares how her unexpected entry began in the 1990s, her early serials like Geetanjali (the first Telugu show shot in the US), and how Avakkayara changed her life in 2006. Suma recalls her iconic Star Mahila days, shooting five episodes in a single day, and how a non-prime-time show became one of the most successful Telugu programs ever.The conversation turns emotional as she reflects on the paradox of fame, the cost of being Suma Kanakala, and how she manages to stay kind and composed amid criticism, rumors, and intense public life. She shares how she finds balance between her public persona and private peace, revealing stories from her Palakkad roots to her life in Hyderabad.From handling divorce rumors and creative burnout to dealing with on-stage pressure during events like Khaidi No.150, Andhrawala, and OG, Suma opens up about surviving exhaustion, emotional breakdowns, and near-death moments at stampede-prone events.She talks about parenting, women’s career restarts, and how family support kept her grounded. Her stories about being 8 months pregnant during a pre-release event, facing period pain, and still performing show her strength as a working woman in the media.Suma also discusses her long association with Swarabhishekam, heartfelt memories with SP Balasubrahmanyam, and how years of heavy makeup affected her health. She dives into topics like beauty standards, financial independence, and how she stays relevant despite changing trends.With humor and honesty, she reveals fun memories from Ravi Teja’s trailer event, fan wars, and Rajiv Kanakala’s influence on her life. She opens up about their relationship, his accident, and her NGO and welfare work that reflect her compassion beyond the camera.Suma credits her success to her presence of mind, discipline, and theatre background, saying she still observes newcomers and evolves constantly. As she talks about language, matriarchy, and Kerala traditions, it’s clear that Suma Kanakala is not just an entertainer but a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and grace. 🎧 A heartfelt, humorous, and inspiring conversation that reveals the real woman behind the unstoppable anchor, one who made Telugu households laugh, cry, and believe in persistence.

In this Telugu podcast, we explore the fascinating world of the human brain with Dr. Sri Ram Chandra Damaraju, one of the most respected and leading neurosurgeons with over 30 years of experience. This conversation beautifully connects science, spirituality, and real-life experiences; from his recent Mt. Kailash Yatra and the mystical Manasarovar Lake to the intense precision of awake brain surgeries. Dr. Damaraju explains what happens inside an operation theatre, how patients stay conscious during surgery, why the brain feels no pain, and how neuro-anesthesia makes these extraordinary procedures possible.We discuss real and unbelievable medical cases, like a skull being stored inside the abdomen during swelling, a child living with only one brain hemisphere, and the rare brain-eating amoeba seen in Kerala. He simplifies complex ideas like how our brain controls speech and memory, why some people can sing but not speak, and how smoking and lifestyle choices affect brain function. He also breaks down the contralateral system, the importance of the golden hour after accidents, and the emotional weight doctors carry while saving lives.The conversation moves into the psychological and spiritual side of the brain exploring lucid dreaming, déjà vu, sleep paralysis, hypnosis, and memory. Dr. Damaraju explains what happens in the brain during these states, how fits feel to a patient, and why concentration is declining in today’s smartphone-driven world. He also shares practical insights on sleep cycles, afternoon naps, and how digital detox can restore clarity and focus.There are deeply human moments too, where he reflects on loss, near-death experiences, and the healing power of gratitude, laughter, and mindfulness. He explains how emotions like joy and kindness can reshape the brain, how sugar harms both heart and mind, and how nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids support brain health. He touches on the role of breathing patterns, visualization, and muscle memory in extending life and improving focus, and shares why he personally uses visualization before every surgery.The episode also covers important topics like child development, late pregnancies, Down syndrome, prion diseases, and the financial and insurance challenges around neurological treatments in India. Dr. Damaraju closes with reflections on his inspirations; from his hardworking mother to his disciplined father and how their values shaped his approach to life and medicine.This episode is a rare mix of knowledge, compassion, and real stories that make you appreciate the miracle of the brain and the depth of human resilience. If you’ve ever wondered how your brain truly works, why we dream, forget, or feel, and how science and spirituality connect inside us, this conversation will leave you with awe and clarity about the most powerful organ we all carry within.