Dreams of studying abroad often remain just that—dreams. For many, financial constraints become an unbreakable barrier. But for Raj Shamani, that roadblock became a launchpad. What started as an unfulfilled ambition transformed into relentless self-improvement, ultimately bringing him to the world’s top institutions—not as a student, but as an invited speaker.
Indian entrepreneur and content creator Raj Shamani has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian podcaster to be invited to speak at prestigious institutions such as the London School of Economics (LSE), London Business School (LBS), King's College London, and the University of Warwick. The creator of India’s leading podcast, Figuring Out, Shamani addressed students on topics including personal branding, entrepreneurship, and content creation.
Speaking about the achievement, Shamani reflected on his journey: “I once dreamt of studying abroad, but financial constraints and my father’s reluctance to take a loan kept me from it. For months, I resented it, but in hindsight, it was the best thing that happened to me. That incomplete dream fuelled my obsession with self-improvement, ultimately leading me to these very institutions—not as a student, but as a speaker.”
Raj Shamani sharing insights on personal branding and entrepreneurship with aspiring studentsInstagram/rajshamani
During his sessions, Shamani shared untold stories of his career, shedding light on how personal branding can shape one’s influence and opportunities. His insights connected deeply with students, reinforcing his philosophy of leveraging content and storytelling to build global credibility.
From dreaming of studying abroad to speaking at the world’s top universities—Raj Shamani’s journey comes full circleInstagram/rajshamani
Over the past few years, Shamani has emerged as a prominent voice in India’s digital space, with Figuring Out amassing millions of listeners. His ability to decode complex business concepts and personal development strategies has made him a sought-after speaker. His talks in London in fact mark a new chapter in his career, proving the growing recognition of Indian entrepreneurs on global platforms.
Students engage with Raj Shamani at the University as he shares his journey of resilience and self-made successInstagram/rajshamani
Shamani’s sessions received overwhelming responses from students, many of whom shared snippets on social media. In a post summarising his experience, he wrote, “To be on the same stages I once dreamt of studying at—it’s surreal.”
With this milestone, Shamani isn’t just amplifying his own success story, he’s redefining what’s possible for Indian voices in the global arena. His journey is a proof that borders may limit opportunities, but passion and perseverance can in fact break through them.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.