You recall those 1980’s days when turning up the radio early in the morning or waiting for your favourite RJ to come on air. Now, all you do is put on your headphones and hear all about fashion, travel, food, finance, tech and more just through a screen. Today, podcasts have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment and learning. A podcast is a digital audio or video program that one can stream, download or subscribe to on the internet.
Podcasts have become a huge part of everyday life in India. Thanks to affordable internet and smartphones, India has become the third-largest podcast market in the world, with around 57.6 million monthly listeners in 2023. In fact, Indians spend an average of 8–9 hours every week listening to podcasts, making them one of the most engaged podcast audiences globally.
You can listen to podcasts on popular platforms like Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, Pocket FM, Audible, and Google Podcasts (before it was discontinued and merged into YouTube Music). Today, many creators also upload full video podcasts on YouTube, making it one of the most popular places to discover new shows.
Whether you're stuck in Mumbai traffic, commuting to college, working out, or simply looking for a break from endless scrolling, there's a podcast for every mood. Want startup advice from India's biggest entrepreneurs? There's a podcast for that. Curious about Indian history beyond your textbooks? There's one for that too. Looking to improve your mental health or hear fascinating travel stories? You're covered.
The best part? Podcasts let you multitask. You can gain new perspectives while walking your dog, cooking dinner, or travelling to work. Unlike social media, where content disappears in seconds, podcasts encourage deeper conversations and thoughtful storytelling.
From interviews with billionaires and startup founders to retellings of ancient Indian epics, true crime, finance, wellness, and travel, Indian creators are producing world-class audio content that's entertaining, informative, and often addictive.
So, if you're looking to upgrade your playlist, here are some of the best podcasts in India that deserve your attention.
Whether you want to learn something new, hear inspiring stories, stay updated with current affairs, or simply be entertained, podcasts have become one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to do it.
Business, Finance & Startups
1. Figuring Out with Raj Shamani
If you're interested in entrepreneurship, personal growth, or simply understanding how successful people think, Figuring Out should be at the top of your list. Hosted by entrepreneur and content creator Raj Shamani, the podcast features conversations with India's biggest business leaders, celebrities, doctors, investors, and policymakers.
The discussions go far beyond surface-level interviews, covering money, careers, relationships, health, technology, AI, and life lessons. Guests have included Vijay Mallya, Ashneer Grover, Sadhguru, Nithin Kamath, Dr. Pal, and many more.
Why listen?
Honest conversations with influential personalities
Startup, career, and life advice
Easy-to-understand discussions on complex topics
Best for: Students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals.
2. WTF is with Nikhil Kamath
Co-founder of Zerodha, Nikhil Kamath brings together some of the world's smartest minds for candid, long-form conversations. Unlike traditional interview formats, the discussions feel relaxed, allowing guests to dive into topics like investing, geopolitics, AI, leadership, sports, and the future of business.
The podcast regularly features CEOs, economists, athletes, authors, and innovators, making it one of India's most intellectually stimulating shows.
Why listen?
Thought-provoking conversations
Insights from industry leaders
Covers business, technology, economics, and culture
Best for: Curious minds who enjoy deep discussions.
3. Paisa Vaisa
Managing money isn't taught in most schools—but Paisa Vaisa fills that gap. Hosted by Anupam Gupta, the podcast simplifies personal finance, investing, insurance, taxation, mutual funds, retirement planning, and wealth creation.
Whether you're earning your first salary or planning long-term investments, the advice is practical and easy to understand.
Why listen?
Beginner-friendly financial education
Expert guests from India's finance industry
Helps build smarter money habits
Best for: College students, first-time investors, and working professionals.
4. First Principles by The Ken
Created by The Ken, this podcast explores the stories behind India's most influential startups and companies. Instead of focusing on headlines, it explains why businesses succeed or fail by analysing strategy, leadership, and innovation.
Episodes cover everything from fintech and food delivery to AI and e-commerce, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in understanding modern business.
Why listen?
High-quality business journalism
Startup case studies
In-depth analysis of India's startup ecosystem
Best for: Entrepreneurs, MBA students, and business enthusiasts.
Storytelling & History
5. The Stories of Mahabharata
India's greatest epic comes alive through immersive storytelling in this beautifully narrated podcast. Rather than presenting the Mahabharata as a religious text, the series explores it as a timeless story of ambition, politics, family, war, morality, and destiny.
The narration makes the complex tale easy to follow, even for listeners experiencing it for the first time.
Why listen?
Rich storytelling
Learn Indian mythology in an engaging way
Perfect for all age groups
Best for: Mythology lovers and history enthusiasts.
6. Empire
History becomes fascinating when it's told like a gripping drama. Hosted by historians William Dalrymple and Anita Anand, Empire explores the rise and fall of empires across the world, with several episodes focusing on India's colonial past, the Mughal Empire, and British rule.
The hosts combine meticulous research with engaging storytelling, making complex historical events easy to understand.
Why listen?
Well-researched historical narratives
Entertaining conversations between historians
Offers fresh perspectives on world history
Best for: Students, history buffs, and curious listeners.
7. Echoes of India
Hosted by historian Anirudh Kanisetti, Echoes of India uncovers forgotten chapters of Indian history. From powerful kingdoms and ancient trade routes to remarkable rulers and cultural traditions, every episode is backed by extensive research while remaining easy to understand.
Why listen?
Fascinating stories rarely taught in schools
Well-researched historical insights
Brings India's past to life
Best for: History lovers and curious learners.
8. Indian Noir
Love mystery, suspense, and crime? Indian Noir features gripping fictional crime stories inspired by India's cities, culture, and social realities. Each episode blends drama, suspense, and psychological twists to keep listeners hooked until the very end.
Why listen?
Original Indian crime fiction
Immersive storytelling
Great production quality
Best for: Fans of thrillers and suspense.
Lifestyle, Health & Wellness
9. The Ranveer Show
One of India's most popular podcasts, The Ranveer Show covers almost every topic imaginable—fitness, spirituality, mental health, entrepreneurship, relationships, history, science, and self-improvement.
Hosted by Ranveer Allahbadia (BeerBiceps), the show features conversations with athletes, doctors, monks, psychologists, actors, and business leaders.
Why listen?
Diverse range of guests
Practical advice for personal growth
New perspectives on everyday life
Best for: Anyone looking for motivation and self-improvement.
10. The Musafir Stories
Travel isn't just about destinations—it's about the people, cultures, food, and unexpected adventures along the way. The Musafir Stories capture exactly that.
Hosted by Saif and Faiza, the podcast features travellers sharing unforgettable experiences from across India and around the world. You'll discover hidden gems, travel tips, cultural insights, and inspiring journeys that might just inspire your next vacation.
Why listen?
Inspires wanderlust
Authentic travel experiences
Great recommendations for exploring India
Best for: Travel lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you want to become smarter with money, learn from India's top entrepreneurs, revisit ancient mythology, dive into fascinating history, improve your health, or simply hear incredible stories, there's a podcast waiting for you.
The beauty of podcasts is that they transform ordinary moments—your commute, workout, or evening walk—into opportunities to learn something new. So plug in your earphones, hit play, and let these conversations broaden your perspective, one episode at a time.
Culture & Entertainment
11. Cyrus Says
Hosted by comedian and television personality Cyrus Broacha, this long-running podcast features celebrities, journalists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and comedians discussing current affairs, entertainment, sports, and everyday life with humour and wit.
Why listen?
Diverse guest lineup
Funny yet insightful conversations
Covers everything from cricket to cinema
Best for: Listeners who enjoy talk shows and current affairs.
Whether you want to become smarter with money, learn from India's top entrepreneurs, revisit ancient mythology, dive into fascinating history, improve your health, or simply hear incredible stories, there's a podcast waiting for you.
The beauty of podcasts is that they transform ordinary moments—your commute, workout, or evening walk—into opportunities to learn something new. So plug in your earphones, hit play, and let these conversations broaden your perspective, one episode at a time.
