"WTF is" is a podcast series where Nikhil Kamath hosts friends and industry experts and holds casual yet intellectually stimulating conversations. The podcast covers a broad range of topics of particular current relevance, including technology, social media, renewable energy, electric vehicles, philosophy, gaming, psychology and more.
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Nikhil Kamath ft. Police Comm'r & Traffic Police Comm'r of Bengaluru | WTF is Policing? | Special Ep
Monday, May 12, 2025 • Duration 01:28:23
As someone from Bangalore, I’ve been a bit bothered by how much flak we get, especially about traffic. So I set out to see if the criticism is fair, and what’s actually being done about it.In this episode, I spend the day with two of Bengaluru’s top police officers — B. Dayananda, IPS (Commissioner of Police) and M.N. Anucheth, IPS (Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic) — to understand what’s really happening in the city.We get to know how the police are using AI and other technology to manage traffic more effectively, and what’s the future of urban transport. But this episode isn’t just about traffic. We delve into the reality of being a police officer, how they’re portrayed in movies, and the push-pull between politics and policing. We also discuss the rise in cybercrime and how you can protect yourself online.If you’ve ever complained about traffic, considered joining the force, or just want a closer look at how the system works, this episode is for you.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro & visit to the Office of the Commissioner of Police2:31 - Tracking calls at the Integrated Command & Control Centre5:57 - What police medals & uniforms represent07:07 - Police hierarchy & recruitment exams12:36 - Why is Bengaluru criticised & what’s the future of transport?15:40 - Are traffic fines a deterrent or government revenue?17:41 - How does Bengaluru use AI & data to improve traffic flow?23:13 - How cameras catch traffic violations26:41 - Combating bribery29:35 - Exploring the traffic police museum31:26 - The push-pull between politicians & police33:00 - B. Dayananda’s journey to policing35:28 - Should VIPs be above traffic rules?38:47 - Challenges & rewards of becoming a policeman43:45 - How MN Anucheth decided to enter the force45:41 - The sacrifices of policing & balancing family48:32 - How policemen cope with retirement51:23 - Kannadiga representation in government53:48 - Can policemen transition to politics?55:39 - Skills & talents of a good policeman57:19 - So low budgets force police to accept bribes?58:31 - Is there a solution to Bengaluru’s traffic problem?1:02:22 - What needs to change in India?1:06:57 - Nikhil's focus on building an Indian-first brand ecosystem1:07:56 - How accurately do movies depict police realities?1:10:40 - B. Dayananda’s love for bike rides: redefining the policeman’s image1:14:05 - Bangalore police’s growing social media presence1:15:00 - Advice for youth considering a career in policing1:17:16 - The rise of cybercrimes1:21:35 - Final thoughts: A message to aspiring policemen#NikhilKamath - Investor & EntrepreneurTwitter:https://x.com/nikhilkamathcioLinkedIN: / nikhilkamathcio Instagram: / nikhilkamathcio Facebook: / nikhilkamathcio Bengaluru City PoliceTwitter:https://x.com/BlrCityPolice Facebook: / blrcitypolice Instagram: / blrcitypolice YouTube: / @bengalurucitypolice3253 LinkedIN: / blrcitypolice Bengaluru Traffic PoliceTwitter:https://x.com/blrcitytraffic Facebook: / bangaloretrafficpolice Instagram: / bengalurutrafficpolice YouTube: / @bengalurutrafficpolice LinkedIN: / bengalurutrafficpolice #wtfiswithnikhilkamath
Ep #23 | WTF are Consumer Electronics? | Nikhil ft. Carl Pei, Rahul Sharma & Amit Khatri
Saturday, April 26, 2025 • Duration 02:46:40
This episode is a playbook for any curious 20-something in India dreaming of building the next big consumer electronics brand. Whether it’s smartphones, earbuds, AI-powered glasses or health wearables, we dig into what it really takes to break into, and survive, this highly competitive space.
I sat down with three brilliant minds in the game who’ve actually done it: Carl Pei (Co-Founder, Nothing), Rahul Sharma (Co-Founder, Micromax), and Amit Khatri (Co-Founder, Noise). We tried to decode the what, how, and WTF of this industry—from regulations and the fairness of trade tariffs, to startup realities and what disruption might look like next.
You might just spot the next big idea as they share some untapped opportunities waiting to be built in this sector.
07:28 - Carl’s ‘lazy genius’ approach towards his career
15:05 - How Nothing differentiated itself
16:36 - US tariff’s impact on China, India & the industry (Note: Since this episode was recorded before recent changes to global trade & tariff policies, some views may not reflect current regulations.)
22:10 - Carl’s philosophical views on life
24:23 - Rahul’s journey & the roots of his entrepreneurial spirit
29:30 - Micromax’s early days: From payphones to GSM innovation
38:23 - How traveling to villages led to Micromax’s success
50:47 - Competing with China & Micomax’s manufacturing pivot
Ep #18 | WTF, Alcohol is a $70B Business in India? | Nikhil Kamath explores Gaps & Opportunities
Thursday, July 4, 2024 • Duration 03:12:52
India has had a long, colourful, and mixed history with Liquor over the centuries, with ancient fermented drinks and traditional liquors like feni and toddy. India today, holds the third-largest market for alcoholic beverages globally, which is remarkable given the challenging business environment of red tape-ism, varying excise duties across states and much more.
In episode #18 of “WTF is” Podcast, we have Founders of different sectors in the Liquor Industry of India. Abhishek Khaitan, MD of Radico Khaitan, One of the oldest and largest manufacturers of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in India; Minakshi Singh, Co-founder of SideCar, India’s only entry in the top 100 of the World’s Best Bars; Shuchir Suri, Co founder of Gin Explorer’s Club, India’s biggest gin festival with a footfall of over 100,000 people per edition; and Suraj Shenai, Founder of Goa Brewing Co, crafting ‘non-conformist, modern’ beers that challenge the traditional dominance of German and Belgian flavours.
If Euphemism for patriotism is outrightly sold to people, across the world in different pockets, can the same brand-building tactics work for Indian Products too?
For additional insight into this industry, here’s a link to explore some of the resources provided by the guests of this episode
WTF, Alcohol is a $70B Business In India? Nikhil explores Gaps & Opportunities | Ep. 18 Trailer
Thursday, July 4, 2024 • Duration 01:57
India holds the third-largest market for alcoholic beverages globally. Despite it being such a big market, it is said to be one of the tougher industries to enter and sustain, given the complexities.
There is also this misconception that making a lot of money in the liquor industry is easy, but what seems to be less apparent is the red tape-ism.. varying excise duties, distribution challenges across states, and more… which is true in some form while entering any industry.
In this episode, we have Abhishek, Minakshi, Shuchir & Suraj, who will attempt to take us through the A to Z of building businesses in the Liquor Industry in a tangible manner; From building an International Brand, owning a Bar, to creating an influence through passion and finally, a unique identity in a competitive market.
#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas
#MinakshiSingh Founder of SideCar, Cocktails & Dreams
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/min.drinks
Ep# 17 I WTF is Gaming in India? | Career, Investment, Entrepreneurship
Sunday, April 21, 2024 • Duration 02:42:10
Data suggest that young folks under the age of 30 are spending a lot more time on social media and gaming and less time on TV and physical sports. In this episode, we have the CEO of Nazara Technologies,Krafton India and Lila Games, leaders in the Indian gaming space. We also have Animesh Agarwal (8bit Thug), a protagonist of the Indian gaming Industry,turning gaming into a full time career in india
Given that gaming for young kids today is what cricket was for Indians back in the day, we explore how one can prepare to become a part of the gaming industry: By either becoming a gamer, understanding specific skills needed and channels of monetisation or by developing and publishing games, knowing how hiring in the gaming industry works and so on.In both of these cases, what remains common is specific skills and knowledge
Given that the industry is still in its nascent stages in India, we compare and contrast the climate of the gaming industry across geographies, break down what physiological aspects and latent human desires which makes certain games tick. It could be chasing emotions, status or making progress along with the opportunities that we are primed to capitalise based on the current landscape of the gaming industry.
#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas
WTF Ep# 16 | What character 'flaws' make the best entrepreneurs? Nikhil ft. Ritesh, Ghazal, and Manish
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • Duration 04:14:43
Virtues required to build a business today seem to have become a cliché. What often gets lost in the cracks are the subtle nuances that actually make or break a business. The importance of risk-taking and the power of a contrarian mindset in running a successful venture requires far more than mere intellect. Founders of OYO, Mama Earth, and Rare Rabbit open up about what makes them tick, from the impact of their upbringing on their ambition to the drive towards financial independence. Their experiences remind us that the real ‘secret’ to building a successful business is learning from every challenge and opportunity one encounters We break down traits that seem to persist in high-performing individuals, not all of which come from a happy space. Financial insecurity and childhood traumas shape much of how we act and operate as adults. Watch this episode to learn about how when it is channeled the right way, it can prove to be the building blocks of the traits needed to build a successful business. #Nikhilkamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas Twitterhttps://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/ LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkam... Instagram: Facebook:
Ep# 15 | WTF is Climate Change? Nikhil ft. Sunita, Bhumi, Navroz and Mirik
Thursday, February 8, 2024 • Duration 02:57:53
Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have surged from 290 ppm in the 1870s to 421 ppm in 2022, exceeding the safe limit of 350 ppm and reaching the highest levels in millions of years.
Featuring insights from experts like Sunita Narain, Mirik Gogri, Bhumi Pednekar, and Navroz K Dubash, we explore the impacts of climate change and the implications of a dramatic increase in carbon dioxide levels, as well as the looming threat of a 3-degree temperature rise. We also discuss the opportunities and incentives for building low-carbon economies, the evident trend in energy transition, the importance of net-zero emissions, renewable energy, and much more.
We discuss this on both the macro and micro levels, covering everything from tackling climate anxiety to implementing policies at an intergovernmental level for climate change mitigation.
Ep# 14 | WTF is Happening with EV? Nikhil ft. Founders of Reva, Ather, Blusmart, and Ossus
Sunday, December 10, 2023 • Duration 03:08:47
Building an EV company isn’t easy. For context, assembling battery packs requires companies to adhere to manufacturing standards even higher than 6 Sigma. But that's not all; it also involves sourcing resources like lithium and cobalt, developing charging infrastructure, addressing range anxiety, and much more. In this episode, we delve into the world of electric vehicles with industry pioneer Chetan Maini from Sun Mobility, whose inspiration came from his university days racing an EV across Australia in the 1990s, leading to the inception of Reva. Now at Sun Mobility, Chetan is all in for battery swapping. Tarun Mehta of Ather has a 1000-member R&D team, the largest for two-wheelers in the world. Punit Goyal of BluSmart, who has an illustrious career in the renewable energy space, studied renewable energy in the UK to revolutionize ride-hailing with BluSmart, and Suruchi Rao of Ossus Biorenewables shares her insights on climate change and green hydrogen. Join us as we navigate through these diverse perspectives and innovations shaping the future of electric vehicles. WTF Fund Form - Edition #4 ️Apply here: https://tally.so/r/mBp7LN
(00:00) Introduction
(00:30) Punit's Introduction into Renewable Energy space
(6:50) Inspiration behind Blusmart
(9:50) What is Blusmart?
(15:30) Economics behind Blusmart
(21:12) Opportunities in Solar Power Plants
(24:00) How is Blusmart structured?
(26:30) Who is Suruchi Rao?
(29:06) Experts explain what Climate Change is
(34:10) How Is Power Generated? Renewable Vs Non-renewable
(41:10) What if all vehicles become EV overnight?
(47:30) How Suruchi started a green hydrogen company
(59:30) Who uses cases for Hydrogen today?
(1:06:30) Opportunities in Hydrogen
(1:09:50) The man behind Reva
(1:15:30) Indian EV space in the 2000s
(1:18:10) How Sun Mobility was born
(1:21:30) Economics of battery swapping
(1:33:30) 3 reasons Why battery swapping is the future
(1:42:55) Blusmart’s view on battery swapping
(1:48:30) Pricing in Two-wheeler
(1:50:45) Opportunities in Battery swapping
(1:55:00) Vision behind Ather energy
(2:03:10) Ola Vs Ather : Which is better?
WTF is happening with EV? Nikhil with Founders of Reva, Ather, Blusmart, and Ossus | Ep# 14 Trailer
Friday, December 8, 2023 • Duration 01:45
India is in the early stages of EV adoption. The adoption of two-wheelers is below 10%, whereas it's significantly higher for three-wheelers. For a market as large as India, there are significant opportunities.
This episode is a deep dive into the EV ecosystem in India. Apart from building an EV, we also explore the ancillary opportunities in this ecosystem, from battery recycling and building out charging networks to offering battery swapping as a service and other micro-sectors. Tune in to hear what's powering the ecosystem's shift to electric mobility.
#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon and Gruhas Twitter https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio
#TarunMehta - CEO, Ather Energy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarunsmehta LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarunsmehta/ X : https://twitter.com/tarunsmehta Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/tarunsmehta Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AtherEnergyElectric
#ChetanMaini - Co-Founder, SUN Mobility Founder of Reva Electric Car Company Ltd (now Mahindra Electric Mobility Limited) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mainichetan/ X: https://twitter.com/MainiChetan Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SUNMobility
Ep# 13 | WTF does it take to Build Influence Today? Nikhil w/ Nuseir, Tanmay, Prajakta & Ranveer
Monday, November 20, 2023 • Duration 03:09:14
A few years ago, who could've guessed where we'd be with algorithms, platforms, or the explosion of short-form content? Today, we've got some of the top content creators to help you navigate the ever-changing world of content creation. In this one, Tanmay Bhat returns to the podcast for the 3rd time! He's worn many hats over his long journey, from a TV writer to a comedian to an ad maker, integrating all those skills across his social media platforms. Ranveer Allahbadia, aka BeerBiceps, started off by educating people about fitness and has evolved to having deep discussions about topics he’s curious about through his podcast. He’s a natural at making people feel comfortable and getting them to open up (as I’ve experienced on his podcast). We're also joined by Prajakta Koli, who's carved out her own unique space in the world of content creation, with her work extending from social media to OTT platforms and even Bollywood! And Nuseir Yassin of Nas Daily, known for making 1,000 one-minute videos in 1,000 days, is now also transitioning into the offline world with events, experiences, & businesses for his community. Skills, tools, or nuances, we got it all covered. #NikhilKamath: Co-founder of Zerodha, True Beacon & Gruhas Follow Nikhil here: Twitter https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Koo https://www.kooapp.com/profile/Nikhilkamath #TanmayBhat: Co-Founder of AIB, Comedian, Content Creator, & Investor Follow Tanmay Here: Twitter https://twitter.com/thetanmay Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tanmaybhat/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tanmaycomedy/ Linkedin https://in.linkedin.com/in/thetanmay Youtube https://www.youtube.com/user/tanmay316 #RanveerAllahbadia (Beer Biceps): Content Creator, Podcast Host, and Co-Founder of Monk Entertainment, Level Supermind, and BigBrainCo. Follow Ranveer Here: Twitter https://twitter.com/beerbicepsguy/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beerbiceps/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ranveerallahbadiaofficial/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/beerbiceps/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCneyi-aYq4VIBYIAQgWmk_w #PrajaktaKoli (Mostly Sane): Content Creator, Actor and Comedian Follow Prajakta Here: Twitter https://twitter.com/iamMostlySane Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mostlysane/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MostlySaneOfficial/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvCyIiKSCA1fHKSCOKJyjXA Blog https://mostlysane.in/ #NuseirYassin (Nas Daily): Content Creator, Author, & CEO at Nas Company Follow Nas here: Twitter https://twitter.com/nasdaily/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nasdaily/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nasdaily/ Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJsUvAqDzczYv2UpFmu4PcA Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nyassin/
Alcohol consumption is injurious to health. No participants in this video promote alcohol consumption and strongly discourage underage, binge, and careless drinking. All panelists in this show express their own personal views, which do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers or promoters. Please drink responsibly.
#ShuchirSuri Founder of Jade Forest, Anthem, Gin Explorers Club
Alcohol consumption is injurious to health. No participants in this video promote alcohol consumption and strongly discourage underage, binge, and careless drinking. All panelists in this show express their own personal views, which do not necessarily reflect the views of the producers or promoters. Please drink responsibly.
(2:56:00) - Team Incentivisation & Staying relevant
(3:04:15) - WTF Fund
(3:06:56) - Reacting to old videos
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