Épisodes

  • Ep 011 - AI Vs Your Money: The Future of Investing in India - Sanjiv Singhal

    Ep 011 - AI Vs Your Money: The Future of Investing in India - Sanjiv Singhal
    Feb 9 2026

    Welcome to the Season 2 premiere of Chai & Chips!

    Season 1 focused on Chips, the infrastructure powering the AI wave.
    Season 2 moves up the stack.

    We’re going beyond the hype to answer a harder question:
    What must hold true for AI to actually matter in India?

    We’ll explore this across industry segments, starting with Investing and Wealth Management.

    Our premiere episode features Sanjiv Singhal, Founder & COO of Scripbox. With 30+ years in financial services, Sanjiv brings a grounded view on how AI could reshape the way Indian households save, invest, and manage risk.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The Savings Gap: Why India’s household savings rate has dropped and what it means for the economy.
    • The 3 Layers of Advice: How to distinguish between investment management, advisory, and personal finance.
    • Bionic Advice: Why the future isn't 100% automation, but a blend of AI scale and human empathy.
    • The Indian Context: Why global financial models often fail to account for India’s "family-first" mindset and unique trust dynamics.
    • Expert Systems vs. Pure AI: Navigating the risks of AI hallucinations in long-term financial planning.

    If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Let us know in the comments: Do you trust AI to manage your long-term life goals?

    Resources:
    Find Sanjiv on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjivsinghal/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
    Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
    Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
    All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.

    Chapters:
    00:00 – Season 2 Introduction
    01:24 – Introduction to Sanjiv Singhal and Scripbox
    04:22 – The Twin Challenges: Savings vs. Credit
    09:54 – The Three Layers of Financial Advice
    12:44 – LLMs and Democratizing Financial Knowledge
    15:43 – Why "Expert Systems" Trump Pure AI
    23:00 – The Unique Traits of the Indian Investor
    30:00 – What is "Bionic Advice"?
    41:20 – Speed Round: Investing Habits & Gold
    60:28 – Financial Advice for the Next Generation
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    1 h et 9 min
  • Ep 010 - Will AI Replace Lawyers? Navigating Indian Tech Law and Data Privacy - Karishma Sundara

    Ep 010 - Will AI Replace Lawyers? Navigating Indian Tech Law and Data Privacy - Karishma Sundara
    Dec 11 2025
    Is legal compliance a stumbling block or a long-term investment for Indian startups?
    In this episode of Chai & Chips, I sat down with Karishma Sundara, founder of Kintsugi Law. With a decade’s experience advising on TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications) at India’s top-tier law firms, Karishma breaks down the rapidly evolving legal landscape in India.

    We discuss the philosophy behind "Kintsugi Law", and how compliance can offer a sustainable, "golden" foundation. From the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP) to the complexities of AI labelling and consent managers, this conversation is a must-watch for founders and tech enthusiasts trying to keep up with the law.

    In this episode, we cover:
    • The meaning of Kintsugi and why compliance is an investment.
    • The impact of India’s new online gaming and data protection laws.
    • Global comparisons: How India’s AI regulations stack up against the EU and China.
    • What "Consent Managers" are and how they will change consumer privacy.
    • Advice for startups: Building a compliant framework from day one.
    • The future of legal practice in the age of generative AI tools and legal tech.
    Chapters:
    02:27 - Introduction: Karishma Sundara & The Philosophy of 'Kintsugi Law'
    03:27 - TMT Landscape: Online Gaming, Data Protection, AI Labeling, and Global Comparisons
    10:33 - AI & Content Creators: Do You Need to Label Your Output?
    12:42 - India’s Approach to Tech Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Control
    14:33 - The DPDP Act: Understanding Consent and Security Safeguards
    23:36 - Legal Advice for Startups: Compliance as an Investment, Not a Cost
    25:11 - Unintended Consequences: Consent Managers and Notice Fatigue
    28:28 - Rapid Fire: Consulting Styles, Movies, and Passions outside Law
    35:03 - The Future of Law: AI's Impact on Pending Cases & Young Lawyers
    41:31 – The Final Question – Vision of India

    Disclaimer: The content of this episode is purely informational. Nothing contained in this episode should be construed, or considered as, or relied upon as legal advice.

    Resources:
    Find Karishma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karishma-sundara/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
    Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
    Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
    All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.
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    46 min
  • Ep 009 - Infinite Sum Game: Crafting India's Win-Win Global Tech Strategy - Dr Badri Narayanan

    Ep 009 - Infinite Sum Game: Crafting India's Win-Win Global Tech Strategy - Dr Badri Narayanan
    Nov 27 2025
    How does an economist view the complexities of the semiconductor supply chain? While engineers build the chips, it is economics, policy, and geopolitics that determine who leads the industry.

    In this episode of Chai & Chips, I sit down with Dr. Badri Narayanan Gopalakrishnan, a seasoned economist and Fellow - NITI Aayog. We move beyond the technical specs to discuss the macro-level levers India must pull to transition from a service provider to a global technology architect.

    From the "snowball effect" of India’s electronics exports to lessons learned from Taiwan, China, and Vietnam, Dr. Badri provides a unique "30,000-foot view" of the ecosystem. We also dive into the symbiotic relationship between AI and chip manufacturing, the future of work, and why we need to move from "Zero-Sum" geopolitics to "Infinite Sum" geo-economics.

    Topics Covered:
    • India’s shift from "doing nothing" to multi-billion-dollar exports.
    • What India can learn from Taiwan’s education system and Vietnam’s investment policies.
    • Why AI needs chips, but chip manufacturing needs AI even more.
    • Navigating the "unknown unknowns" of global trade wars.
    • Vision 2047: India as a Global Technology Architect.
    Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction: The Economist's View on Semiconductors
    02:30 - India’s Tipping Point: From "Doing Nothing" to Exporting Billions
    07:36 - Learning from Taiwan: The Power of Education and Industry Promotion
    13:13 - The China & Vietnam Playbook: Supply Chains and Investment Incentives
    19:17 - From Policy to Execution: The Need for R&D and State Coordination
    22:15 - The AI-Semiconductor Symbiosis: How AI is Reshaping Chip Design
    27:32 - The Future of Work: Navigating the AI Disruption in India’s Job Market
    39:49 - Lightning Round: Economics, Innovation, and Skills for the Future
    46:43 - Geo-Economics: Balancing Tariffs, Trade, and Global Alliances
    59:37 - Vision 2047: India as a Global Technology Architect

    Resources:
    Find Badri on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/badrinarayanang/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
    Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
    Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
    All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Ep 008 - What Happens When a CEO Gives It All Up? - Rahul Agarwal

    Ep 008 - What Happens When a CEO Gives It All Up? - Rahul Agarwal
    Nov 13 2025
    What does it take to walk away from the corner office at the peak of your career? In this episode of Chai & Chips, we sit down with Rahul Agarwal, the former CEO & MD of Lenovo India, who did just that to build his "second innings" in life.
    Under Rahul's leadership, Lenovo India became the #1 brand in PCs and tablets worldwide. But his journey is about more than just corporate success. We dive deep into the philosophy and courage required to make a radical life change, the surprising joy he found in "being nobody," and the hard-earned lessons from his 25-year career.
    Tune in for a candid conversation on:
    • The Mindset of the Indian Consumer: Why they "want it all" and what it takes to win in this unique market.
    • Real-World Leadership: The tough decisions that shaped his journey, including the jump from marketing to running a half-billion-dollar P&L.
    • Make in India: A pragmatic look at the challenges and opportunities of building a manufacturing ecosystem in India.
    • The Courage to Quit: The personal planning and mindset shift required to leave a high-profile corporate life behind.
    This episode is a masterclass in business strategy, leadership and the art of the career pivot.
    Resources:
    Find Rahul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-agarwal-1973476/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
    Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
    Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
    All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.

    Chapters:

    02:45 - The Pivotal Decisions That Shaped a Leader
    09:10 - Cracking the Code: The 5 Things the Indian Consumer Demands
    13:55 - Leadership Philosophy: Building Culture & High-Performing Teams
    22:46 - The Philosophy of Quitting: Finding Joy After the Corner Office
    36:15 – Rapid Fire: Chai, Tech Predictions, and Life Advice
    41:32 - "Make in India": A CEO's Unfiltered View on the Challenges
    46:45 - The Roadmap for True Manufacturing Success in India
    55:22 - The Mindset That Separates Good from Great Performers
    58:24 - The Final Question – Vision of India
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    1 h et 3 min
  • Ep 007 - Startup at 68? An Indian Serial Chip Founder's Next Chapter - Raja Manickam

    Ep 007 - Startup at 68? An Indian Serial Chip Founder's Next Chapter - Raja Manickam
    Oct 31 2025
    "Great companies exist because of great people."
    It's a common saying, but what does it mean in the high-stakes, capital-intensive world of chips?

    In the latest episode of the Chai & Chips podcast, I had the honour of speaking with Raja Manickam, a true legend of India's semiconductor industry and the founder of Tessolve and iVP Semi.

    This isn't your typical success story. Raja offers a candid and deeply insightful look into the realities of building a deep-tech company in India. We discussed why he started his latest venture at 68, his unfiltered take on the ecosystem, and his powerful leadership philosophy that "you work for your people, they don't work for you."
    Tune in to learn:
    🔹 Why the "rest of the world" supply chain is India's game to win.
    🔹 The critical difference between objective vs. emotional bonding in leadership.
    🔹 His bold advice for Indian policymakers and large corporations on how to truly foster innovation.
    🔹 Why he believes the semiconductor industry needs India more than India needs it.
    This is a must-listen for anyone in tech, leadership, or policy-making who wants to understand the soul of building something that lasts.
    Resources:
    Find Raja on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manickamworldt2/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
    Find Prakash on Substack: https://www.prakashmallya.com/s/chai-and-chips-podcast
    Find Prakash on Medium: https://medium.com/@pmallya2411
    All episode transcripts are available on Substack and Medium.

    Chapters:
    00:00 - Introduction: The Legacy of a Semiconductor Pioneer
    01:46 - The Personal Journey of a Serial Entrepreneur
    04:51 - India's Grand Opportunity in a Fracturing World
    16:35 - The People-First Leadership Philosophy
    28:43 - Lightning Round with Raja Manikam
    36:26 - The Next Wave of Innovation: Power, AI, and Local Solutions
    48:42 - A Call to Action: The Role of Policy and the Private Sector
    59:34 - Building the Foundation: Lessons on Talent & Ecosystem
    1:03:08 - Concluding Vision: India's Inevitable Seat at the Global Table
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    1 h et 17 min
  • Ep 006 - 50 Patents & The Art of the Chip Startup in India - Parag Naik

    Ep 006 - 50 Patents & The Art of the Chip Startup in India - Parag Naik
    Oct 17 2025
    What’s the most "foolishly brave" gamble you've ever taken in your career?
    For Parag Naik, a serial entrepreneur and holder of 50 international patents, it was betting nearly 75% of his family's life savings to keep his semiconductor startup, Saankhya Labs(https://www.tejasnetworks.com/), afloat during a tough period.
    That single moment of conviction is just one of the powerful stories he shared on the latest Chai & Chips episode. This conversation goes far beyond the technicalities of chip design; it's a deep dive into the heart and mind of a serial entrepreneur who has seen it all.

    We discussed:
    🔹 The Anatomy of Risk: The thin line between a brave bet and a foolish gamble when building something truly new in a capital-intensive industry.
    🔹 Nurturing Mavericks: Why true innovation requires leaders who can create a space for brilliant, unconventional minds to thrive without being constrained by corporate structures.
    🔹 The Spiritual Journey of a Founder: How the pressures of entrepreneurship force you to discover facets of your own personality—both the good and the bad—that you never knew existed.
    🔹 India's Real Opportunity: Parag’s sharp analysis on why design and OEMs, not just manufacturing, hold the key to India’s long-term success in the global semiconductor landscape.
    This isn't just a tech talk; it's a profound lesson in conviction, resilience, and the human side of building a legacy. A must-listen for anyone who has ever dared to build something from scratch.

    Resources:
    Find Parag on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parag-naik-38a5944/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
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    1 h et 16 min
  • Ep 005 - The 25/25 Vision for India's Chip Dominance - G S Madhusudan

    Ep 005 - The 25/25 Vision for India's Chip Dominance - G S Madhusudan
    Sep 25 2025
    What is the real strategy for India to win in the global semiconductor industry?
    It's not just about money; it's about mindset, market knowledge, and mastering the 'boring' details.

    In the latest episode of Chai & Chips, I had the privilege of sitting down with GS Madhusudan, Co-founder & CEO of InCore Semiconductors (https://incoresemi.com/) – India’s first processor IP company. Madhu is one of the pioneers behind the Shakti RISC-V processor project.

    This isn't just another high-level discussion. Madhu breaks down a complex national ambition into an actionable game plan.

    Key takeaways from our conversation:
    The 5 Verticals: Why we must stop treating semiconductors as one industry and start creating specific, measurable goals for Design, Product, Packaging, Foundry, and Equipment.

    The 25/25 Formula: A bold and brilliant vision for India's immediate future - Capturing 25% of the world's sub-$25 chip market. This is where the real volume is.

    Redefining Atmanirbharata (self-reliance): Madhu’s most powerful insight – "Atmanirbharata is not just doing stuff locally; it's believing in yourself." He argues that the cultural shift is as important as the capital investment.

    Focus on the Foundation: Why success lies in mature nodes, building a robust supply chain, and fostering deep market empathy before chasing the bleeding edge.

    This episode is essential listening for founders, policymakers, engineers, and investors in the #DeepTech and #MakeInIndia ecosystems.

    Resources:
    Find Madhu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gsmadhusudan/
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prakash-mallya/
    Find Prakash on X: https://x.com/PrakashMallya
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    1 h et 13 min
  • Ep 004 - Hard Tech & Hard Truths - Manish Singhal

    Ep 004 - Hard Tech & Hard Truths - Manish Singhal
    Sep 16 2025
    Is India on the verge of becoming a global Deep Tech powerhouse?
    What will it take to get there?

    In our latest Chai and Chips episode, I sit down with Manish Singhal, Founding Partner of pi Ventures(https://www.piventures.in/), one of India's pioneering Deep Tech VCs, to unpack this very question. His journey from a hands-on engineer to a leading investor provides a uniquely grounded perspective on the ecosystem.

    We covered critical ground for any founder, investor, or technologist in this space, including:
    🔹 The Evolution Curve: How Deep Tech in India has matured from a misunderstood concept to a mainstream focus.
    🔹 The Real Engine of Innovation: Why startups, not large corporates, are currently driving India's most significant technological advancements.
    🔹 The Founder's Duality: Manish’s core advice for entrepreneurs—balancing a deep love for your technology with the pragmatic ability to build a compelling business narrative.
    🔹 Simplifying for Scale: The single most important thing India needs to do to accelerate its journey—cutting through the "red tape" to foster grassroots innovation.

    His vision for India's place on the global map is both pragmatic and incredibly optimistic. This is a must-listen for anyone building or investing in the future of technology in India.

    Resources:
    Find Manish on LinkedIn: Manish Singhal | LinkedIn
    Find Manish on X: Manish Singhal (@manish_saarthi) / X
    Find Prakash on LinkedIn: Prakash Mallya | LinkedIn
    Find Prakash on X: Prakash Mallya (@PrakashMallya) / X
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    44 min