The Gobinath Podcast

What does it really take to build a successful career in cinema while staying true to yourself ?In this candid conversation, actor and producer Ashok Selvan opens up about his journey in Tamil cinema, his struggles with success and failure, his ambition to become more than just a “good actor,” and the bigger dreams he has for himself and the industry.Ashok speaks openly about being labelled an “underrated actor” and why he believes that being underrated is, to some extent, his own responsibility. He discusses the difference between being a good actor and becoming a commercially successful actor, the importance of marketing and audience connect, and why talent alone may not be enough to build a lasting career in cinema.The conversation also explores his journey as a producer and why he decided to create the stories he wanted to tell. Ashok talks about the balance between creative freedom and commercial success, the lessons he learned from films that worked and didn’t work, and why he believes bigger dreams demand bigger risks.He also shares his ambition to take Tamil cinema to a global audience. Reflecting on his experiences outside India, Ashok explains why he wants Tamil films and stories to reach a much wider international audience.On a more personal note, Ashok opens up about his ADHD diagnosis and how understanding himself better changed the way he looked at overthinking, self-guilt, productivity and his own expectations. He speaks about learning self-acceptance and realizing that you don’t have to be perfect to grow.Ashok also shares his perspective on rejection and failure, explaining why he no longer takes rejection personally and how these experiences have shaped his approach towards his career and life.Beyond cinema, the conversation explores love, marriage and relationships. Ashok speaks about equality, friendship, personal space and growing together as partners, while sharing his thoughts on his relationship with Keerthi.Topics Covered:Ashok Selvan’s journey in Tamil cinemaBeing “underrated” and taking responsibility for his careerTalent, marketing, audience connect and commercial successHits, flops, rejection and failureHis journey into film production and creative freedomTaking risks and dreaming biggerHis ambition to take Tamil cinema globalADHD, overthinking, self-guilt and self-acceptanceLove, marriage, equality and personal spaceHis relationship with KeerthiHis ambitions and what he wants to achieve nextA conversation about cinema, ambition, failure, self-discovery, relationships and the courage to dream bigger.Also available on YouTube:Channel Link 👇🏻The Gobinath Podcast

What will the world look like when Artificial Intelligence and robotics become part of everyday life ?In this fascinating conversation, Ashok Elluswamy, Vice President of AI Software at Tesla, shares his vision for the future of Artificial Intelligence, autonomous driving, humanoid robots, sustainable technology, and the next era of human progress. From his journey as an engineer in India to leading one of the world's most advanced AI teams at Tesla, he offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technologies that are shaping the future.Ashok explains why software is becoming the driving force behind modern robotics, how AI has evolved over the last decade, and why humanity is approaching a technological revolution comparable to the Industrial Revolution. He discusses Tesla's approach to Full Self-Driving, why the company relies on a vision-only system instead of LiDAR, and how deep neural networks are enabling vehicles to perceive and navigate the world like humans.The conversation also explores the road toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), the future of humanoid robots, personalized AI education, autonomous transportation, and how AI could transform industries such as healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, and scientific research. Ashok shares why he believes AI will eventually create a world of abundance—where technology removes repetitive work and empowers people to focus on creativity, innovation, and solving meaningful problems.Beyond technology, he reflects on working alongside Elon Musk, Tesla's engineering culture, the importance of taking risks, building products that scale globally, and the mindset required to succeed in one of the world's most demanding engineering environments. He also offers practical advice for students and aspiring engineers who want to build careers in Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems.Whether you're passionate about AI, robotics, electric vehicles, engineering, entrepreneurship, or the future of technology, this episode provides a compelling glimpse into the innovations that could redefine how humanity lives, learns, works, and moves.Topics Covered:Ashok Elluswamy's journey from India to TeslaWorking with Elon Musk and Tesla's engineering cultureThe evolution of Artificial Intelligence and deep learningRobotics and the path toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)Tesla Full Self-Driving and autonomous vehicle technologyWhy Tesla uses cameras instead of LiDARHumanoid robots and the future of automationPersonalized AI education and the future of learningAI's impact on healthcare, entertainment, manufacturing, and societySustainable energy and Tesla's long-term missionThe future of electric vehicles in IndiaAdvice for students, engineers, and aspiring AI professionalsA conversation about Artificial Intelligence, robotics, innovation, sustainable technology, and the future of humanity.Also available on YouTube:Channel Link 👇🏻The Gobinath Podcast

What happens when one of Indian cinema's greatest minds sits down for an unfiltered conversation about life ?In this thought-provoking episode, Ulaganayagan Kamal Haasan shares his perspective on cinema, philosophy, science, Artificial Intelligence, creativity, minimalism, money, politics, humanity, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. More than an interview, this is a deep conversation that explores the ideas, experiences, and principles that have shaped one of India's most influential artists over six decades.Kamal Haasan reflects on listening to the voice of the heart over external noise, why philosophy is essential for both individuals and society, and how knowledge differs from mere information in today's digital age. He discusses the evolving relationship between art and commerce, his lifelong dedication to cinema, the role of imperfection in creativity, and why he has always chosen to reinvest in his craft rather than accumulate wealth. He also shares his admiration for great thinkers, filmmakers, and artists who have inspired his journey.The conversation extends beyond cinema into Artificial Intelligence, corporate power, technological evolution, education, and the future of humanity. Kamal Haasan explains why AI should be embraced with understanding rather than fear, how every technological revolution reshapes society, and why human values must evolve alongside innovation. Through stories, poetry, philosophy, and personal experiences, he offers timeless lessons on curiosity, courage, balance, and lifelong learning.He also opens up about his childhood, the influence of Gandhi and Periyar, the philosophy behind minimalism, the meaning of death, language, poetry, and the creative process that continues to drive him. The discussion concludes with insights into Thug Life, his collaboration with Mani Ratnam, and his appreciation for the technicians and artists who bring cinema to life.Whether you're passionate about cinema, philosophy, leadership, technology, literature, or personal growth, this episode offers profound insights that will stay with you long after the conversation ends.Topics Covered:Listening to the heart over external noiseCinema, creativity & the philosophy behind storytellingKnowledge vs. information in the AI eraArtificial Intelligence, science & the future of humanityArt, commerce & the purpose of cinemaMinimalism, money & Kamal Haasan's philosophy on wealthGandhi, Periyar, Bharathiyar & the influence of great thinkersPerfection, evolution & lifelong learningPoetry, language & the power of wordsDeath, fear, anxiety & living with purposeLeadership, the next generation & nurturing creativityThug Life, Mani Ratnam & the making of modern cinemaA conversation about cinema, philosophy, creativity, technology, and the timeless pursuit of understanding life itself.Also available on YouTube:Channel Link 👇🏻The Gobinath Podcast

What does it take to stay relevant in cinema for over four decades ?In this heartfelt and deeply insightful conversation, legendary actress Urvashi reflects on her extraordinary 45-year journey in Indian cinema—from entering the industry as a child artist to becoming one of the most celebrated performers across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi films. She shares the untold stories behind her iconic performances, the people who shaped her career, and the life lessons she has learned through decades of success, setbacks, and continuous evolution.Urvashi opens up about working with legendary filmmakers like K. Bhagyaraj, her unforgettable experiences with Kamal Haasan, and why spontaneity has always been the foundation of her acting. She also speaks about the changing culture of the film industry, the importance of staying grounded, and the philosophy that has guided her throughout life: "In our pursuit of knowledge, we lose our innocence."Beyond cinema, this conversation explores creativity, human relationships, kindness, humor, personal growth, and the importance of preserving curiosity and authenticity in an ever-changing world. Whether you're a movie lover, an aspiring artist, or someone looking for timeless life lessons, this episode offers wisdom that goes far beyond the screen.Topics Covered:• Entering cinema as a child artist and becoming a heroine at just 13• The making of Munthanai Mudichu and working with K. Bhagyaraj• Kamal Haasan's admiration for Urvashi's unpredictable acting style• The spontaneity behind iconic performances and memorable scenes• The philosophy of innocence, curiosity, and creativity• How cinema and the film industry have evolved over the last four decades• Women in cinema, longevity, and changing audience perspectives• Humor, authenticity, and staying relevant across generations• The importance of kindness, humility, and human connection• Life lessons from one of Indian cinema's most respected performersA conversation about cinema, creativity, humanity, and the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of experience.Also available on YouTube:Channel Link 👇🏻The Gobinath Podcast

Can curiosity become the most valuable skill in the age of AI ?In this fascinating conversation, Aravind Srinivas—Co-founder, President & CEO of Perplexity—shares his vision for the future of Artificial Intelligence, education, search, entrepreneurship, and human curiosity. From challenging Google's search monopoly to building Perplexity as the world's leading Answer Engine, he explains why the future belongs not to those who know all the answers, but to those who ask the best questions.The discussion explores how AI is transforming education, why curiosity is becoming more important than memorization, the evolution of search engines, the future of autonomous AI agents, and what it takes to build a global technology company from India. Aravind also shares insights from his meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and other global business leaders, along with his vision of democratizing knowledge for everyone.Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, engineer, founder, researcher, or simply curious about the future of technology, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI is reshaping the way we learn, work, and think.Topics Covered:• Why curiosity is the most important skill in the AI era• The mission behind Perplexity AI• AI, education & the future of learning• Google vs Perplexity: The future of search• AI hallucinations, citations & building trustworthy AI• The future of AI agents & the Comet Browser• Entrepreneurship, startups & challenging Big Tech• Meetings with Narendra Modi & Satya Nadella• India's opportunity to become a global AI powerhouse• Advice for students, founders & the next generation of innovatorsA conversation about curiosity, innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of knowledge.Also available on YouTube:Channel Link 👇🏻[The Gobinath Podcast]

Actor. Entrepreneur. Investor. Thinker.In this deeply insightful conversation, Arvind Swamy shares the philosophies that have shaped his life—both on and off the screen. From choosing the craft of acting over stardom to building businesses that solve real-world problems, he explains why purpose has always mattered more than popularity or profit.The conversation explores entrepreneurship, startup culture, financial freedom, investing, social media, fan culture, parenting, resilience, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Arvind Swamy also reflects on balancing cinema with business, walking away from acting at the peak of his career, working with Mani Ratnam, overcoming personal tragedies, raising his children as a single parent, and the lessons that continue to shape his outlook on success and happiness.Whether you're an entrepreneur, filmmaker, student, professional, or simply someone seeking a fresh perspective on life, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and timeless life lessons.Topics Covered:• Why he loves acting—but never chased stardom• Building businesses by solving problems, not chasing money• Entrepreneurship, startups & long-term thinking• Financial freedom, investing & The Psychology of Money• Social media, validation & fan culture• Parenting, resilience & personal responsibility• Lessons from cinema, business & life• Book recommendations that shaped his thinkingAlso available on YouTube:Channel link 👇🏻[The Gobinath Podcast]