Naina Pachnanda recently joined NewsX for an insightful conversation as part of NewsX Influencer A-List. In the exclusive conversation, the lawyer and author opened up about her journey from being a full-time lawyer and a  motivational influencer at the same time.

We began the interview by asking Naina about her educational background, to which she replied, “I completed my schooling from Delhi Public School, RK Puram. I then went on to pursue BBA LLB Honors from the National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, where in I graduated in 2014. I then wanted to pursue a carrier in litigation. In 2014, I joined the chambers of Paramjit Singh Patwalia, who is a senior advocate in the Supreme Court of India. At that time, he was an additional solicitor general in the Supreme Court of India. I had the good fortune of beginning my law career with him. Thereafter, I joined the litigation team at l&l partners law offices wherein I worked for about 3 years. After litigating for about 5 years, I decided to switch from litigation to policy and regulatory work. In 2019, I joined Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, where in I drive legal regulatory policy and strategy side of affairs for innovation and technology commercialisation.” She went to say that, “I call myself a lawyer with a soul”.

Speaking about her poetic journey, she exclaimed, “My poetic journey began at the age of 10, when I wrote my first poem on Harry potter. Always been a big fan and still am. Mystically, it got published in the Telegraph kids in Kolkata where I went to school briefly. This gave me a lot of confidence and hence began my journey of poetry. Over the years that I went to law school and practiced litigation lawyer, my creative side took a backseat for sometime because of time constraints. In December 2019, there was a calling within me to start an Instagram page to share my poetry based on hope, motivation and very relatable content for our generation because I feel poetry is a very powerful form of expression. I also believe that my words would resonate with many. Apart from sharing my poetry on Instagram, I also have a blog called ‘Lawyer with a poetic soul’ wherein I often share my poetry”.

We expressed our curiosity to hear about the two book that she had written. Naina shared, “In December 2019, when I started my Instagram handle for the sole purpose of sharing my poetry. It was during the lockdown. There were so many challenges so I decided to write about all those challenges very unapologetically in the form of poetry and post them on social media. The reason behind this was that I wanted everyone to feel the spirit of being united. This was the time when the response was very positive and my following started to grow. That is what encouraged me to write both my books. I wrote both my books during the pandemic.”

“I chose a very unique topic for my first book. I work for ‘Make in India’, so I decided to write about the schemes of the government of India such as Make in India, Start up India, Aatmnirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India Mission, etc. in poetic form because again I believe that poetry is something that touches the heart and it is the most impactful medium of self expression,” she added.

Sharing insights on her second book, Naina revealed, ” ‘Miracles do happen’ was curated and conceived during the pandemic. It is a book of over 200 poems based on life, love, lost, failure, rejection and so on. The idea behind this book is that life in general is a blur of uncertainty. The last 1.5 years have been particularly uncertain and full of challenges for all of us. The reason behind writing this book is to spread positivity and hope during these unprecedented times.”

Check out the entire interview on NewsX YouTube:

Actor Seema Pahwa, Debutant Manukriti Pahwa and Filmmaker Annup Thapa recently joined us on NewsX India A-List to speak about their latest film Ye Mard Bechara, which released on the occasion of International Men’s Day. In the exclusive interview, the trio shared what Ye Mard Bechara is all about and the message it tries to deliver. Read excerpts:

Speaking about Ye Mard Bechara and what drew her to the film, Seema Pahwa said, “The film is based on the situation of men in our society. Be it today’s society or the earlier society, the film throws light on where the men stand in our society today unconsciously. It is not like we have done it deliberately. Unconsciously, we have put more and more pressure on men without think that he is also piled under responsibilities. Ever since childhood, what responsibilities we are dumping on him. The film talks about that and points out the wrong definition we have in our minds regarding being a man. What should it be, is it someone who inflicts pain or is it someone who helps others. The story is being told in a very interesting manner and a light-hearted manner. It does not underline it but that’s the message the film delivers. I think people will resonate with it.”

When asked about experience of directing Ye Mard Bechara and his thoughts on the film finally releasing in theatres, Annup Thapa expressed, “It is like a miracle. We were not expecting to see our film in the theatres. The shooting kickstarted before lockdown in 2019. Talking about the idea of the film, I’m a man myself and since I was the eldest in the family, I had the responsibility of my family since my childhood. My own experience and surroundings prompted this film. Like Seema ma’am said, people are connecting with this film. The responses that are coming on the trailer of the film shows people want to watch this film and finally someone spoke about the plight of men. It has at least begun. A lot of films have been made of women issues, should be made and people have appreciated them. Similarly, there are a lot of issues faced by men and they are experiencing discrimination with various laws that have been made. Several social boundaries have also been drawn and men are responsible for it. The message is delivered in a very positive manner in the film and does not demonise anyone. A man is not bechara because of a woman. When you watch the film, you will be surprised. As much as the film is important for men, it is equally important for women.”

Manukriti Pahwa, who makes her debut with Ye Mard Bechara, further spoke about her passion for acting and revealed how she bagged the film. She revealed, “I think acting was something that I always wanted to do. When I was young, I was more exposed to theatre than films and film sets. I always knew that I wanted to be on stage and I want to act. When I grew up, I wanted to do my degree in dramatics so I did my studies in that. I came back and did theatre for a while. Once I was confident about my craft, I started auditioning. Sui Dhaaga happened. I did a small part in Sui Dhaaga and then I did Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi, which I did under mom’s direction. Annup ji had actually come to narrate the film to mom at home and I happened to be at home at that time. That’s when I got introduced to him. He later asked me if I would like to act in the film. I told him i would read the script and get back to you. I read the script and thought it was a great concept. It is something that nobody is thinking about. There is a lot of talk about women’s liberation and women’s freedom. A lot of films are also being made on this and people are talking about it but nobody is really thinking from a men’s perspective. That really interested me in this project and made me come on-board.”

Check out the entire interview on NewsX YouTube:

Singer Akasa, who was recently seen in Bigg Boss 15, joined us for a candid chat as part of NewsX India A-List. In the exclusive conversation, Akasa spoke about her journey in the reality show, rumours of her re-entering the show, her bond with some of the housemates and much more. Read excerpts:

Talking about her Bigg Boss 15 journey, Akasa said, “The journey was interesting. It took me a while to adjust to the kind of people or the surrounding that I was in. I don’t think I have ever been in such a situation or such vibes before. In the first week, I was like I just want to go home because there are a lot of things that I have not experienced in life yet. I have never had to just use people’s emotions for a game, play with relations and ruin friendships. It was difficult for me to do that and I could not do that till the end. I was like I am just not letting go of morals or my beliefs just for something that will get me more footage. Having said that, there were a lot of things that I learnt much later in the show. It is unfortunate that when I did start opening up or showing my personality, speaking up, playing the game, it was time for me to go home. Overall, the journey was interesting but it seems like unfinished business.”

Addressing rumours of her re-entering the show and whether she would like to re-enter the show, Akasa stated, “I would, for sure. I feel like I got out and I was like ‘No, let me back in. I just started playing’. It changed because next week I was like ‘Do I really?’ A lot of my friends and family said that we are so glad you are out of there because they could see how uncomfortable I was. I do feel a lot. I can’t let go of things. Having said that, overtime watching it, I learnt so many more things. I learnt what it is about, what I should not have done or who is who. I feel like there is so much more untapped potential, there is so much more I have to give and it is unfair that I haven’t yet, whether to the audience or myself. I would definitely like to go back and play my game.”

“Apparently other people know of some things that I don’t but the makers haven’t approached me yet. There are some talks that were going on but not really, nothing is confirmed yet,” she added.

Speaking about her connections with the housemates, especially with Pratik Sehejpal, Akasa said, ‘For me, because I didn’t do anything according to the game, I don’t know. I couldn’t bitch about people. Even if it was required of me, I used to walk out. I don’t know how to fake something, which is why you saw me with some people and didn’t see with some people. I thought even the friendship with Tejasswi was real. They only showed my connection with Pratik but I made more friends than Pratik. I had a close bond with Simba, Umar. Even with the amount of fights I had with Afsana, we did have a Punjabi connection. With Pratik, it was more than just the game. When we spoke, we were not strategising or thinking about the game. We used to talk about life and we genuinely formed a friendship. Hell yes, the friendship will continue with Pratik for sure.”

Check out the entire interview on NewsX YouTube:

Actor Pratik Gandhi joined us for a fun chat as part of NewsX India A-List series. In the exclusive interview, Pratik opened up about his latest audio series Gangistan on Spotify, what made him come on-board and how the recording was different from other audio series. Read excerpts:

Speaking about what convinced him to do Spotify’s new podcast Gangistan, Pratik said, “I am always fascinated towards different formats and genres as far as performances are concerned and audio is one of them. I had never done any audio series before this. Gangistan is my first audio series and I was really looking forward to it. I was very excited because before that, I had some bit of work in audio field in radio. It was long back and that is it. Playing something through your voice, creating nuances, creating characters, creating those emotions and get the audience in the world of Gangistan, it was very pleasant challenge that I always wanted to put myself to. It is going to be an experience for a lifetime.”

Giving us an insight into the series and what is it all about, Pratik said, “Gangistan is a fictional show about Mumbai’s underworld gang war that started from 1960s till late 1990s. We are talking about 3 different timelines in the series. 2021 is where I, as a central narrator, break the fourth wall and talk to the audience. The entire gang war that started in Bombay from 1960s till late 90s is what we are taking them through. There are lots and lots of layers to it. How it all started, who all were involved; there are emotions, there are love stories and there are inter-personal relationships, there are layered human beings, so it has all those ingredients, which can make a full-fledged film or a web series.”

When asked if the experience of doing theatre come in handy in voice modulation, he responded, “Absolutely. That is the biggest excitement and the challenge for the audio world. As an actor, voice modulation is a part of our craft. It is what we have to do every time when we are in front of camera or on stage but when you are not going to be seen and only going to be heard, it becomes all the more important and challenging because only while listening to this entire discussion and conversation, I have to transport the audience from their own current world to the world of Gangistan. That requires a lot of research on the part of writing also. A lot of nuances that we as actors have to bring to the character too.

Further sharing how the recording of Gangistan was different from other audio series, Pratik revealed, “Interestingly, how we have recorded it is a very unique style. We have not just recorded it by standing or sitting behind the mic. We have literally performed the scenes and that’s how we recorded it. Almost like a stage play. We have performed all the scenes there in the recording room and that’s how we recorded it.”

World’s first all-inclusive software product for the decentralization of cloud computing, edge computing, data center and IoT launched in India. SynchroKnot’s vSoC poised to eliminate the need for centralized cloud computing, expected to rake in USD 8B in next five years.

By implementing SynchroKnot’s newest software product, Indian government and mid and high enterprise in India can save at least USD 500-800 billion. Special offers for IITs and premier research institutions. In a major boost to cloud computing, SynchroKnot, the Originator and Leader of cloud computing and data center& decentralization software and technology, has announced a new software product that is expected to bring a paradigm shift in the way cloud computing, edge computing, data centre and IoT is perceived and implemented in practice today. Called as Virtual System on Chip (vSoC), the software is expected to reduce the cost associated with data centre hardware infrastructure, cooling, and software licensing by 30-50 times.

With countries increasingly getting weary about data protection and need for data localisation, the SynchroKnot technology and solution creates a new genre in itself, and has the potential to massively boost the local infrastructure to far surpass the world standards. The need to secure data and enable its judicious use for public good has been a topic of debate for quite some time now. Speaking at Sydney conference, Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also stressed the importance of data privacy, “The greatest product of technology today is data. In India, we have created a robust framework of data protection, privacy and security. And, at the same time, we use data as a source of empowerment of people. We are one of the largest consumers of data”.

Speaking about the product, Mehul Sharma, Owner of SynchroKnot and Creator of the Virtual System on Chip said, “As you have been acquainted with what the product does, you can see the potential it creates for rejuvenating the economic dynamics of businesses around the world. In the fast-slowing global economy, the SynchroKnot solution can give regions the competitive edge over existing technologies which are complex, expensive and difficult to move away from”.

“The Prime Minister, too, has routinely stressed the importance of affordable and efficient cloud computing solutions that not just reduce our dependence on outside suppliers but also provide us with localised solutions to cater to our own unique problems. While keeping the untainted intention of delivering unique value by creating this product for over 8+ years, and having used it internally in our beta-to-production systems, I would like to unveil this product today for the betterment of global markets. The licenses for the Virtual System on Chip will be available shortly from our authorized System Integrators.”

The move is also expected to strengthen India’s position in the AI and cloud computing market. SynchroKnot estimates that by 2026, the company is expecting a revenue upwards of $7.5B USD just from direct software sales, and with additional consulting, remote managed and support services, it is expected to be between USD 12-15 billion. For the Indian government and mid and high enterprise in India, at the most basic level, the product is expected to save at least USD 500-800 billion USD.

Actor Vidyut Jammwal recently joined NewsX for an insightful conversation as part of NewsX India A-List. As part of the interview, Vidyut opened up about his latest film Sanak, taking a chance with the OTT last year and much more. Read excerpts:

Speaking about the shift to the OTT space, Vidyut said, “It is quite good. I have a lot of people, who are working now. I have had friends, who really had the talent, but never got the work. I think OTT is doing a great job with a lot of talent, to start with. We were the first ones to take a chance with OTT last year and what chance we took. It just changed everything for good.”

“We are working on Khuda Haafiz 2. We are aiming for a theatrical release now. Sanak was made for the theatres. Everything was ready and we could not just hold the movie. We do lose a lot of money at the movies. We decided why not just get the best out of it. I’ve grown up watching Jackie Chan films and I believe that this is the time for everybody to go on the platform Disney plus Hotstar, press the pause button, slow it down, see what I’ve done, how I have I’ve done it, the way I’ve always done from Jackie Chan and just try to do it,” he added.

Giving more insights about his latest film Sanak, Vidyut shared, “It has been different because Kanishk Verma, the director of the film, is a friend of mine. I have always believed in him. He was a director. He’s a friend of mine. Every time he sat and I used to look at him, like wow look at this idea! I love the way you think about music and then I got a chance in life where I thought I could get to work with people who I believe in. Kanishk was one of them. I made him meet Vipul and they just enjoyed each other’s company. That’s how the journey started. We came up with an idea and we thought it was phenomenal.”

When asked if he enjoyed the action in the film, he responded, “I enjoyed it. I had to surpass everything that I have done in the past. Today, I was watching the news by these international action critiques and I was very proud of myself being an Indian. They loved what they saw. I have enjoyed everything I put in the effort. I wanted to do something different. I wanted to use every things in my movie because he’s not a trained fighter. He’s just a martial artist and how he could depend on his wife and the whole everybody in the hospital. I have to be creative with ideas and people have enjoyed it.”

“ I have always believed in him. He was a director. He’s a friend of mine. Every time he sat and I used to look at him, like wow look at this idea.”