Deepak Pareek Wins ‘Best Podcast – Society and Culture' Award at HT Podmasters Awards 2025 for his Podcast – ‘The Chill Hour'
Deepak Pareek wins Best Podcast – Society and Culture Award at HT Podmasters Awards 2025 for his Podcast – 'The Chill Hour'
Created and hosted by Deepak Pareek, 'The Chill Hour' podcast brings together voices across entertainment, entrepreneurship, wellness, and culture for raw, reflective conversations. 'The Chill Hour' podcast has completed 108 episodes and is available on all major audio and video platforms. From producing compelling conversations to building a thriving community of over half a million followers, Deepak Pareek's work continues to bridge storytelling with purpose. With this award, The Chill Hour enters an exciting new chapter, one that promises deeper dialogues, wider reach, and a growing impact on Indias cultural conversation.
With the Indian podcasting industry witnessing rapid growth, Podmasters 2025 recognized excellence, fostered industry collaboration and provided a platform for learning and networking. The event had two parts – a conclave and a star-studded awards night. Dynamic forums featuring panel discussions, masterclasses and fireside chats with India's leading podcasters, media professionals, industry experts and honouring outstanding achievements in podcasting across multiple categories happened during the day followed by a gala awards ceremony recognizing creators who have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and audio innovation.
Launched with a simple yet powerful vision to create a space for real talk, vulnerability, and personal growth, The Chill Hour Podcast has now become a staple in India's growing podcasting scene. Over the course of more than 100 episodes, Deepak Pareek has hosted a wide range of voices from across industries like bollywood actors, neuroscientists, psychologists, celebrity divorce lawyers, dating coaches, spiritual gurus, etc. Some of the prominent names being Kailash Kher, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Gajraj Rao, Raghav Juyal, cultural icons like Shalini Passi and rising stars from the worlds of sport, comedy, entrepreneurship, and art. His interviews dive deep into topics including mental health, self-improvement, relationships, creator economy, true crime, and modern-day identity that have the power to drive change and create an impact.
Reacting to the win, Deepak Pareek said, 'Seriously, this award means so much to me! Its not just about the recognition; its about celebrating real talk and powerful stories. The Chill Hour started as my little passion project, just a quiet spot for genuine chats in a super noisy world. Seeing it grow and touch so many people, and now getting this amazing shout-out, feels totally wild and also really humbling. This ones for all the incredible guests who shared their stories, and every single listener who made time for these conversations. Heres to bringing more such stories to the world, one episode at a time!'
Hosted by HT Smartcast and Fever Live, the awards were more than just a celebration. With over 200 nominees across 30+ categories, the event was buzzing with creators, storytellers, celebs and fans of all things spoken and streamed. Whether it was true crime or mental wellness, comedy banter or deep dives into desi culture, every genre found its moment in the spotlight and its voice. At its heart, Podmasters was more than glitz- it was a love letter to creators who've turned voice into an art form and it was clear – podcasts are no longer a niche. They're now pop culture staples, and India's audio icons have officially gone prime-time. Move over influencers- the podcasters are here and they've got something to say (loudly and in Dolby surround).
Mumbai's audio scene hit maximum volume as the Podmasters Awards 2025 turned up the dial on glam, grit, and gorgeous gowns. What was once a quiet corner of the internet has officially evolved into a red-carpet-worthy cultural movement. And leading the charge were the ever-radiant Debina Bonnerjee, Gauahar Khan, Rhea Chakraborty, Prajakta Koli, Aahana Kumra, Karishma Tanna, and Yamini Malhotra, proving that podcasts might be audio-only, but the style is all visual drama.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
9 minutes ago
- India Today
How chef Himanshu Saini earned a third Michelin star for Dubai restaurant
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today Spice issue dated June 2025)Chef Himanshu Saini never played it safe, and in hindsight, we're all luckier for it. Saini's journey reads like the kind of plot that makes biopics irresistible. If anyone needed proof that cumin, cardamom, and creativity could build an empire, Trsind Studio is your answer. With three Michelin stars under his belt at just 38, Chef Himanshu has done what only a select few chefs in the world can boast of. Legendary Chef Joan Roca dubs him 'a chef with artistic flair at its finest.' One of India's top chefs, Manish Mehrotra, lauds him for 'eloquently reshaping Indian cuisine on the global gastronomic stage.' And the most visionary Michelin star chef in Dubai, Vladimir Mukhin of Krasota, calls him 'a bold visionary, redefining flavours and presentation with a progressive edge.'advertisementWELL BEGUN IS HALF DONEBorn into the delightful chaos of a joint family in India, his earliest lessons weren't rooted in textbooks but in the kitchen. 'My connection to food was forged in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, where I was raised in a lively, multi-generational household. There, I learned early on that food was more than just sustenance, it was a way we expressed love.' Though his first passion was athletics, it was at Banarasidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in New Delhi that he discovered his true calling in the culinary arts and met collaborators, 'who remain part of my journey to this day,' shares the chef. His first brush with brilliance happened at none other than Delhi's famed Indian Accent. From trainee to sous chef in a matter of years, Saini displayed a streak of genius that couldn't be ignored. This led to other stints launching pathbreaking concepts, but this chef wanted he was tapped to helm a restaurant in the Big Apple, he jumped. After all, it was 'New York City'. The dream, right? wasn't. 'The pace wasn't for me. Communication was hard,' he confesses. Most people would soldier on, maybe settle. Saini didn't. In a move that could only be described as gutsy, he called up Bhupender Nath, CEO and founder of Passion F&B, and asked a loaded question: 'Is Trsind Dubai still hiring?' Turns out, it was. Fast-forward a few years, and Saini has been consistently rewriting the rules of Indian fine dining. Trsind Studio in Dubai is now an institution, one with three shiny Michelin stars, no other chefs might lean on the comfort of nostalgia, or heavy regional cooking, Saini pushes boundaries. His interpretations are cerebral yet playful, elevating Indian cuisine without taking away the soul that makes it special. 'The road has had its share of obstacles, from early struggles to navigating the pandemic, but it's these challenges that have shaped me and my culinary vision, shaping Trsind Studio into the experience it is today', shares chef Himanshu. Clockwise from Left: Kitchen view, Tresind Studio | Lobster tail, Alleppey curry, pickled carrot Bar lounge NEW MENU: RISING INDIASaini doesn't just cook food; he crafts narratives that bridge the past, present, and future with the finesse of a poet weaving verse. His India Rising menu is an ode—both tender and bold—to a country alive with a million flavours, where each dish unfolds like pages from a storybook, vivid and unforgettable. Take the 'Pandhra Rassa', a creamy lamb stew rooted in Maharashtra's heartland, which breathes in the hushed whispers of coconut groves and quiet fireside meals. But here's the kicker: nestled inside are Gorgonzola-filled tortellinis, a clever twist that adds a modern flair. It's comfort with an edge. And then there's the 'Pickled Pepper Tempura', which takes you on a tangy escapade reminiscent of spice bazaars, cooled by an unexpected buttermilk curry ice cream, an interplay that catches you off guard, in the best way possible. But it's Saini's 'Sadya' that steals the show. Inspired by Kerala's Onam feast; it's tradition reimagined on a banana leaf. Twelve vibrant components, mango curry, tomato rasam, lentil and papadum join forces in a harmonious tribute to heritage. It stirs something deep: nostalgia for some, debates on authenticity for others. But that's the magic. Saini doesn't replicate; he reshapes. This isn't just food, it's memory, culture, and quiet rebellion shared in every bite. And, it to India Today Magazine- Ends
Pink Villa
26 minutes ago
- Pink Villa
Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor, Yash starrer mega film's budget soars to Rs 1600 crore, becomes costliest Indian franchise
Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Yash, is among the most-awaited movies in Indian cinema. The makers recently dropped their official announcement video, including a few snippets from the movie. The first official glimpse took the internet by storm, and fans are stunned to see its magnificent scale. According to the reports of Bollywood Hungama, Ramayana 's total production cost is Rs 1600 crore, with Rs 900 crore invested only in the first part. The remaining Rs 700 crore is allotted for the second installment. This huge investment made Ramayana the costliest franchise in Indian cinema. A source close to the development revealed, 'The reason for the reduction in budget for part two is a result of a large investment in asset and world creation for part one, leaving just the action sequences for the second installment. The characters built and designed alongside the set pieces will continue to be a part of the second installment.' For the unversed, Ramayana is produced by Namit Malhotra of DNEG and Prime Focus Studios, in association with Yash's Monster Mind Creations. The makers are not splitting the cost between Part One and Part Two but are seeing it as an investment of Rs 1600 crore. The team is leaving no stone unturned to leave an impact on the global map with this two-part epic drama. Ramayana Full Cast and Crew and Release Date As Pinkvilla earlier reported, Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman have been onboarded to compose its background score and music. The makers are also in talks with a leading Hollywood studio to come on board for its distribution in the global key markets. The movie stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Mata Sita, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Yash as Ravan, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, Adinath Kothare as Bharath, Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Rakul Preet as Shurpanakha, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjiva, Kunal Kapoor as Indra Dev and others. The first part of Ramayana is slated to release on Diwali 2026, while the second installment will hit the big screens on Diwali 2027. Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more updates.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pahlaj Nihalani slams Ektaa Kapoor for ‘destroying culture': ‘She gets women married thrice... now they are having sex even in the air'
Veteran film producer and ex-CBFC chairperson Pahlaj Nihalani has lashed out at TV czarina Ektaa Kapoor, accusing her of contributing to the erosion of traditional Indian culture through her television content. In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel Learn From The Legends, Nihalani didn't hold back as he shared his concerns about the changing face of Indian entertainment. 'A woman gets married thrice… great!' While discussing the cultural shift in storytelling, Nihalani took a direct jab at Kapoor's long-running serials, calling them regressive and culturally confusing. 'But then, we as an audience are getting fed things like a woman getting married three times... Ektaa Kapoor, the great!' he said sarcastically. 'Here, men are not allowed to get married twice, and she gets these women married thrice! So the culture is slowly getting destroyed, shifted. ..' 'Now they are having sex even in the air' He also lamented what he perceives as the over-sexualisation of content, noting that today's mainstream shows and films often push the envelope. 'Earlier, there were very few erotic movies that were released, and now they are having sex even in the air,' he remarked, expressing dismay over the changing narrative styles. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo Shah Rukh Khan's guns and 'Kalki 2898 AD's Mahabharat' Reflecting on cinema's current trajectory, Nihalani acknowledged the rise of action-oriented roles even among stars known for romantic leads. 'Shah Rukh Khan, who was known for romancing in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, even he is holding a gun in his films,' he pointed out. Govinda, Pahlaj Nihalani and others on Censor Board's cuts given to 'Rangeela Raja' He praised big-budget spectacles like RRR and Kalki 2898 AD, citing their mythological underpinnings. 'Take RRR, which was based on Ramayana and Mahabharata, and then in Kalki, the end was completely inspired by Mahabharata. Hindustani culture is still so strong in our society.' So far, Ektaa Kapoor, known for her television hits like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Naagin, has not issued any public statement regarding Nihalani's remarks.
