Paisa Vaisa

What do Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and India's biggest real estate developers have in common? They've all worked with Astro-Architect Neeta Sinha the founder of a science called Astro-Architecture, and the only practitioner of it in the world. In this episode of Paisa Paisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Neeta Sinha for a conversation we have never had in 9 years of this podcast. We talk about how the energy and balance of your home or office directly impacts your income, decision-making, and financial clarity. We also cover what 2026 looks like for the war, the stock market, and your money. What you'll learn in this episode: What Astro-Architecture is and how it's different from Vastu & Feng Shui How Amitabh Bachchan's house was saved from financial ruin with just a name change Why Shah Rukh Khan was skeptical before calling Neeta and what changed How mirrors, plants, and colors can affect your income sector What Neeta predicts for the Bombay Stock Exchange and the ongoing war in 2026 Simple t

What if the smartest investment in the room isn't equity and it isn't your FD either? In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Shantanu Sahai, Executive Director and Head of Private Credit at ASK Alternates, to break down one of the most misunderstood and fastest-growing asset classes in India Private Credit. Shantanu brings 25 years of global credit experience across Deutsche Bank, Barclays and Nomura, having structured over 300 transactions across sectors as diverse as mushrooms and flight simulators. Today he explains why private credit is not just for distressed companies, why it can generate returns from low teens all the way to 30%, and why chasing yield without understanding risk is the single biggest mistake most investors make. This conversation covers the full picture from how a customised loan works versus a bank loan, to what an AIF actually is, how interest payments flow to investors, and what happens when deals go wrong. Shantanu also shares his unfiltered view on India's

This episode dives deep into the mindset, journey, and investing philosophy of Rakesh Jhunjhunwala one of India’s most iconic investors and a defining voice of Dalal Street. Hosted by Anupam Gupta on the Paisa Vaisa podcast, this conversation with author and guest Nandini brings out lesser-known insights from RJ’s life, decisions, and investment approach. From starting with ₹5,000 and valuing even ₹50 in his early days, to building a massive portfolio through equities, stocks, and long-term conviction, this episode explores what truly drives wealth creation. It highlights the importance of network, knowledge, and decision-making in a world where investing is now just a tap away through apps, SIPs, mutual funds, ETFs, and direct equity. The discussion goes beyond surface-level success and focuses on how he thought why he didn’t believe in chasing every opportunity in the stock market, how he approached realistic returns, and how patience played a key role in compounding wealth over time. His

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Karthikraj Lakshmanan, Senior Vice President - Equity at UTI Asset Management Company, one of India's most experienced equity fund managers with over two decades in the markets. Karthik manages the UTI Large Cap Fund (formerly UTI Master Share, one of India's oldest mutual funds with a 40-year history), the UTI MNC Fund, and the recently launched UTI Multicap Fund. This is a masterclass in how professional fund managers think about Indian equities, sectors, valuations, and long-term wealth creation. We cover India's macroeconomic outlook for FY26, why large cap stocks are better positioned than small and mid caps right now, the state of the Indian banking sector (private vs PSU banks), the future of Indian IT in an AI-disrupted world, and how UTI uses its proprietary 'Score Alpha' framework a 3x3 ROC and operating cash flow matrix to evaluate and rank stocks across the entire investable universe. Karthik also breaks down the difference between f

In 10 years, Smallcase went from a simple idea in a Bengaluru garage to a platform managing ₹1.8 Lakh Crore across 20 million+ investors. And its founder, Vasanth Kamath, has never spoken this openly about where it's all heading next. In this episode, we sit down with Vasanth to unpack the full Smallcase story the origin, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the bold bets being placed on India's financial future. From investing in US stocks starting at just $1, to a game-changing joint venture with Zerodha, to an AI-powered Wealth Office that tracks your entire financial life this is the most comprehensive deep-dive on Smallcase ever recorded. If you're an investor, a founder, or someone trying to build real wealth in India this episode is for you. key takeaways10-Year Journey- Smallcase spent 10 years building a platform that now serves 20 million customers and processes ₹1.8 lakh crore annually. The Bridge- Smallcase bridges the gap between mutual fund investors and stock market investors through curated, r

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Preeti Chheda CFO of Mindspace Business Park, Executive Committee Member of the Indian REITS Association, and a finance professional with 25 years of experience for the most comprehensive conversation on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in India. Preeti brings an extraordinary academic and professional pedigree CA, CS, CFA, CPA and has spent the last 19 years with the K. Raheja Corp group heading finance for Mindspace, one of India's largest commercial real estate platforms. She is uniquely positioned to explain exactly how REITs work, why SEBI built one of the world's most robust regulatory frameworks around them, and why ₹2.5 lakh crore in assets are now held within REITs and InvITs combined all within just eight years of the first REIT launch in India. The episode begins with the formation of the Indian REITs Association (IRA), launched in September 2023 at SEBI's nudging, with three clear goals: creating product awareness, driving polic

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Nitin Bhasin, Head of Institutional Equities at Ambit Capital, for one of the most grounded and honest market conversations of the year. Nitin brings over 25 years of experience to the table and covers everything from India's position in the global economy, why FIIs have been selling Indian equities, what the Nifty is likely to do over the next 15 to 18 months, and why the Indian IT sector faces its biggest challenge yet in the age of agentic AI. Whether you are a retail SIP investor trying to make sense of a confusing market or a finance professional building a career in equity research, this conversation has something genuinely valuable for you. The discussion goes deep on India versus China, and Nitin's take is refreshingly blunt. He does not believe India and China are even competing in the same league anymore. China is competing with the United States, and India is still figuring out its manufacturing pivot while sitting on a 30 year asset light

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Deepak Shenoy, CEO of Capitalmind, to discuss a major shift in the investment landscape: The transition from Portfolio Management Services (PMS) to Mutual Funds. If you are an investor confused about where to park your money for long-term growth with tax efficiency, this conversation is a goldmine. Deepak breaks down exactly why Capitalmind launched a Multi-Asset Fund and the massive tax disadvantages that come with traditional PMS structures. We deep dive into how asset allocation across equity, debt, and commodities can protect your downside volatility while ensuring steady wealth creation. Whether you are a beginner looking to invest in mutual funds or an HNI considering PMS, this episode reveals the math behind smarter investing. Key Takeaways (Crisp & Clear) Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds offer superior tax benefits over PMS by avoiding capital gains tax on internal portfolio churning. Volatility Management: Multi-asset allocation dynamica

Are you blindly trusting your SIPs to fund your life 20 years from now? In this deep-dive episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta (@b50) welcomes Sameep Singh, Business Unit Head at Policybazaar , to solve the "Final Boss" of personal finance: Retirement. We tackle a question every Indian professional is asking: "How do I generate a ₹1 Lakh post-tax monthly pension?" Using a 40-year-old in Mumbai as a case study, we break down the brutal reality of 7% inflation and why a simple savings account won't cut it. We explore the "Young India" bias why our demographic is obsessed with picking the next multibagger stock but completely ignores the 30-year period after their last salary. Sameep explains the critical "Humbling Years" of the stock market and why your withdrawal strategy is more important than your investment returns. We also introduce the 3% Withdrawal Rule and how it ensures you never outlive your money. From understanding medical inflation (which is growing at 14%!) to why your parents’ FD interest i

On this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Sachin Gupta, the Executive Director and Chief Ratings Officer at CareEdge Ratings, sits down with Anupam Gupta on the Paisa Vaisa podcast to discuss the ticking time bomb of the $1 trillion global private credit market. While the US and Europe are grappling with opaque, unrated debt bubbles, Sachin argues that India’s strict regulatory culture might be our greatest economic superpower in 2026. We break down the "Modified Credit Ratio," a leading indicator that currently shows 2.5 upgrades for every single downgrade in the Indian economy. This episode is a deep dive into the sectors that are actually winning, from the ironclad asset quality of gold loan companies to the resilient banking sector that has moved from 12% NPAs to a state of unprecedented health. If you are an investor looking to navigate the current high-interest-rate cycle, Sachin’s macro insights on the RBI’s data-driven approach will change how you view your portfolio’s safety. Key Takeaw

On this episode of Paisa Vaisa, CA Isha Jaiswal sits down with Anupam Gupta for a deep dive into the changing rules of money, parenting, and privacy in the digital age. As a new mother and a seasoned CA, Isha shares her controversial take on "Financial Parenting"—explaining why she plans to hire her own toddler for odd jobs rather than handing out a traditional allowance. We discuss the death of the old-school tax regime and the rise of a system that rewards cash flow over traditional saving. From the technicalities of the Annual Information Statement (AIS) to the legal ways you can pay rent to your parents to maximize your HRA, we cover the hacks that your CA likely hasn't told you yet. This is a masterclass for anyone who wants to stop being a passive earner and start being a strategic wealth builder, ensuring that their family is protected from both inflation and corporate overreach. Key Takeaways The 5/50 Success Rule: Sacrificing 5 years of intense grind in your 20s secures 50 years of a "Queen-S

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Karan Shah, Director of Society Tea, to decode the century-long journey of one of India's most beloved brands. Starting as tea traders in 1924 under the name Hasmukhrai & Co., the family successfully transitioned into the packaged tea market in the late 1980s. Karan discusses how they avoid the "third-generation curse" by maintaining a lean, agile family structure and a relentless focus on quality over complacency. We dive deep into their vertical integration strategy—including building their own state-of-the-art milk factory—to ensure their "One Minute Tea" remains true to the authentic Indian palate. Whether you are a business enthusiast or a chai lover, this conversation offers a masterclass in brand longevity and fighting off multinational competition TAKEAWAYS- Legacy Meets Agility: Society Tea blends a 100-year heritage with agile, family-led leadership to outperform global multinational competition. Gut-Driven Brand Identit

Are you tired of watching your Fixed Deposit returns get eaten away by high taxes and inflation? In this deep-dive episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Sailesh Jain, Fund Manager at Tata Asset Management, to unlock the mechanics of Arbitrage Funds. Many investors overlook this category, yet it remains one of the most efficient ways to park your spare cash while enjoying the tax benefits of equity. Sailesh Jain explains the concept of "riskless profit" through a simple mango market analogy, showing how buying in the cash market and simultaneously selling in the futures market locks in a predictable spread. Unlike traditional equity funds, arbitrage funds thrive on market volatility. When the market swings, the price mismatches between cash and futures expand, allowing seasoned fund managers like Sailesh Jain to "harvest" higher returns for their investors. We explore why these funds have become a staple for HNIs and retail investors alike, especially with the 2026 tax regulations offering a sign

Is your health insurance actually working for you, or are you just paying premiums? In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta sits down with Mayank Bathwal, CEO of Aditya Birla Health Insurance, to demystify the complex world of Indian health insurance. From the "Missing Middle" population to the rise of wellness-linked policies, we explore how the industry is changing and how you can benefit. In this video, you will learn: The Reality of Claims: Why 15% to 20% of claims are linked to fraud, waste, or abuse, and how this impacts your premium costs. Reimbursement Red Flags: What a "360-degree investigation" is and why reimbursement cases invite more scrutiny than cashless ones. The Cashless Advantage: Why cashless settlement is significantly higher in some states but struggles in places like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Earning Your Premium Back: How you can literally get 100% of your premium back by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and tracking your steps. Pro-Tips for Claims: The one thing you M

This comprehensive episode of the Paisa Vaisa podcast features host Anupam Gupta in an deep-dive conversation with Amit Agarwal, the CEO and co-founder of NoBroker, to decode the complex Indian real estate market for 2026 . We begin by exploring the disruptive journey of NoBroker which started in Bombay back in 2013 to solve the massive problem of fly-by-night brokers and high commission fees that have plagued the property market for decades . Amit explains the critical math behind the rent versus buy dilemma that every Indian professional faces today, highlighting why renting often makes more financial sense because typical residential rental yields are only between two to four percent while home loan interest rates hover around eight percent . The discussion provides a detailed analysis of the Model Tenancy Act which balances the rights of both owners and tenants by capping security deposits at two months and establishing a hierarchy of rent courts for sixty-day dispute resolution . We also address the infa

In this landmark episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta reunites with the leadership team at White Oak Capital—Founder Prashant Khemka and CEO Aashish Somaiya—to dissect the radical transformation of the Indian market over the last three years. As the Nifty has surged from 18,000 to 26,000 and SIP inflows have hit a staggering ₹30,000 crores per month, we explore whether the Indian retail investor has finally matured or if we are simply chasing the latest momentum in gold and silver. Prashant Khemka provides a rare global perspective, drawing parallels between India’s current economic cycle and the "middle-income traps" that have historically hindered countries like Brazil. He breaks down why a realistic 11% pre-tax return is the "gold standard" for the next two decades and why the "alpha potential" in India remains among the richest in the world for bottom-up investors. Aashish Somaiya addresses the "dark side" of social media and the rise of finfluencers, explaining why it is the industry's

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, host Anupam Gupta welcomes Jonathan Guthrie, a veteran award-winning journalist and the former head of the renowned Lex column at the Financial Times. With a career spanning decades at the heart of London’s financial district, Jonathan shares deep insights from his latest book, The Truth About Investing. The conversation dives into the fundamental shifts in the global investment landscape, comparing the mature UK stock market with the rapid financialization of savings in India. Jonathan breaks down the "Lex test" for evaluating deals and offers a masterclass on navigating the complexities of active vs. passive investing, the dangers of status anxiety, and the reality of risk and advice. Key Discussion Points: The Philosophy of Investing: Why managing money cautiously over long periods beats any "get rich quick" scheme. Active vs. Passive Debates: Understanding that passive funds don't entirely eliminate human error and how to choose an active manager with a "special s

"Popularity is the biggest risk in investing." George Joseph of ASK Investment Managers has seen the 1991 scam, the 2000 tech bubble, and the 2008 crash. In this episode, he explains why the "hype" around certain sectors today is a massive red flag. If you think you can "time the market," George shares a sobering lesson from his own 30-year career. This episode is a reality check on Investor Temperament. We discuss why "boring" asset allocation is the only "magic wand" in wealth management and why Indians need to stop acting like traders and start acting like owners. Don't miss: The 3 books every serious investor must read to fix their mental models. KEY TAKEAWAYS The "5 Crore" Reality: You don't need a 100x multibagger. You need 12% returns and 25 years. A ₹25k SIP isn't just a saving; it's a retirement machine. "Popularity is the Enemy": If your neighbor, your barber, and your Instagram feed are all talking about a sector (AI/EV/Defense), the "easy money" has already been made. Be careful. The 85% Rul

In this episode of Paisa Vaisa, Anupam Gupta sits down with Akshat Seth, MD & CEO of BirlaNu. They deep dive into the 170-year legacy of the CKA Birla Group and how one of India's oldest conglomerates is transforming for the modern age. Akshat shares his personal journey from a decade in management consulting to leading major operating businesses in healthcare and manufacturing. If you are interested in business strategy, how large groups manage synergies, or want career advice on making the leap to the C-suite, this conversation is for you. We also discuss the massive rebranding of HIL to BirlaNu and the future of sustainable construction in India. Key takeaways The Quality Litmus Tests: Akshat uses the "Family Test" for healthcare (treat patients like family) and the "Home Test" for manufacturing (make products you'd use in your own home) to ensure excellence . From Consultant to CEO: The transition requires shifting from pure strategy to execution—specifically the ability to build businesses

Did you know that the addictive McDonald's Piri Piri mix or the Sour Cream & Onion flavor of Balaji Wafers were created by the man sitting in this chair?