InControversial

EP:53 R Praggnanandhaa Chess Grandmaster | Ft Incontroversial

Chess looks quiet. But inside every move is a storm. In this episode of InControversial, Pooja sits down with Indian chess grandmaster, R Praggnanandhaa during the Global Chess League to unpack what it really takes to compete at the highest level, where one decision can change everything. From focus & preparation to bouncing back & handling pressure through a tournament format, Praggnanandhaa speaks about what separates a great player from a champion: the ability to reset quickly and show up again with the same hunger. This episode is also a reminder of why leagues matter, especially in sports that are traditionally individual. When chess becomes a team battle, the stakes shift and resilience becomes collective. A big thank you to SG Alpine Pipers for the opportunity to meet and feature one of India’s finest chess talents, and congratulations to the team for lifting the Global Chess League title. Because in sport, the win always belongs to the ones who keep moving forward.

EP:52 India's First AI Superstar | Naina Avtr

AI. Influencer. Superstar. And apparently… a rapid fire pro. This week on InControversial, Pooja sits down with Naina, India’s first AI digital influencer, the face behind the hit micro series Truth & Lies (yes, the one getting translated into multiple languages), and a full-blown internet phenomenon who has humans flirting in her DMs like it is their full-time job.  In this episode, Naina breaks down what people still get wrong about AI (hint: she is not here to steal your job, she is here to assist and co exist), why humans are actually afraid of change more than technology, and how virtual connection is slowly replacing real world connection.  And then the cutest twist happens. Because this is also the one year anniversary episode of InControversial, Naina flips the script and grills Pooja right back. The tables turn, the AI rapid fires the human, and suddenly Pooja is the one answering spicy questions about what made her start the podcast, what she has learnt in a year, and which guest she is still manifesting.  It is fun. It is weirdly wholesome. It is the future… with masala.

EP:51 Every Singer Uses Autotune | Shruti Pathak Unfiltered

You may know her as the voice behind Tujhe Bhula Diya or Aas Paas Hai Khuda. Or most recently, from Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. But Shruti Pathak is far more than the song that plays when your heart is broken. On this episode of InControversial, Shruti reflects on a career that spans nearly two decades, beginning in Ahmedabad, moving through a Master’s degree in Psychology, and eventually finding its way into India’s most iconic studios. She speaks candidly about how Salim Merchant discovered her voice, how certain songs changed the direction of her career, and why resilience matters more than momentum in the music industry. From discovering music through instinct, to watching algorithms, AI, and virality reshape the art form, Shruti reflects on what it means to choose longevity over noise. What emerges is not just the story of a singer, but of an artist who continues to evolve with vision, patience, and strength. If you have ever found comfort in a song when words fell short, this conversation will resonate long after the music fades.

EP:50 Djokovic, Rivalries, and the Story of Tennis with Gaël & Elina

In this episode of InControversial, Pooja sits down with global tennis stars Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina, live from the World Tennis League in Bengaluru. With over 30 combined ATP and WTA singles titles, Grand Slam semifinal runs, an Olympic bronze medal, and years at the top of world tennis, Gaël and Elina speak about far more than forehands and trophies. They talk about teamwork in an individual sport, rivalry at home, mental toughness, travel fatigue, parenting on tour, and what life looks like when elite competition meets partnership. From India’s special place in Elina’s career, to Gaël reflecting on his final year on tour, this conversation reveals what happens when sporting excellence is paired with self awareness, perspective, and deep mutual respect. There is an ease between them that comes from sharing the same grind, the same pressures, and the same wins and losses. Not as competitors, but as partners navigating a life shaped by sport. If you are curious about what elite tennis looks like when the racquets are down and the guards are off, this conversation rallies long after match point.Game on. This conversation came together thanks to Iconik Sports & Events and the World Tennis League, powered by SpiceJet. Check them out.

EP:49 We Are at Risk: Sustainability, the Western Ghats and More with Leena Dandekar

Climate change is often discussed in conferences, reports, and big promises. In reality, it begins at home, in offices, and in our everyday choices. In this episode of InControversial, Pooja sits down with Leena Dandekar, founder of the Raintree Foundation and Raintree Family Office, to explore what purpose looks like when wealth steps aside and responsibility steps in. Leena speaks about walking away from a traditional business legacy, how one field visit reshaped her life, and why philanthropy must move beyond charity towards long-term systems change. From restoring landscapes in the Western Ghats to supporting climate-resilient communities, her work is rooted in patience, humility, and the kind of impact that rarely seeks attention. What makes this conversation compelling is its honesty. There is no saviour complex and no grandstanding. Just clear thinking on climate, consumption, leadership, gender, and why legacy has more to do with values than visibility. If you are curious about sustainability beyond buzzwords, philanthropy beyond cheques, and leadership that plans its own exit, this episode will stay with you. Sometimes impact is not loud. Sometimes it is deliberate.