Everyday Empires with Rohit Maini

Abhishek Anil Kapur, director of Skyforce, breaks down how the Hindi film industry really works and what it takes to build a career in Bollywood from the ground up. Abhishek began with the dream of becoming an actor but quickly realised it wasn’t his strength. Instead of waiting for the perfect opportunity, he found his way onto a film set, starting as an intern on Shor in the City with Raj & DK. Over the next 15 years, he worked his way up from intern to first assistant director and eventually to associate director at Maddock Films. He learned every aspect of filmmaking behind the scenes before finally directing his first feature film in 2025. In This Episode, We Cover: • How to enter Bollywood • What really happens behind the camera • Film crew hierarchy explained • How COVID and OTT changed the Indian film industry • Rising cinema costs, death of the single screen cinemas • Why audiences are more selective today Beyond the mechanics of the industry, this conversation is about mindset starting wherever you can, staying patient, and trusting that opportunities come to those who stick it out long enough. If you’re curious about how to join Bollywood, understand the Indian film industry, or build a long-term career in film, this episode offers a rare, honest look from someone who’s done it the hard way. 🎙️ Everyday Empires brings you real conversations with people building their careers and businesses from the ground up. 👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more insights on entrepreneurship, careers, and creative industries 💬 Comment below: Would you ever try to break into Bollywood?

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with the multifaceted Mukti Mohan - dancer, actor, and entrepreneur. Mukti opens up about her journey from a childhood bedroom stage in New Delhi to the professional sets of Netflix and beyond.We explore: •⁠ ⁠The Science of Dance: Why 9 years of Bharatnatyam saved her from career-ending injuries. •⁠ ⁠The Industry’s "Male Gaze": A heartbreaking look at how professional technique is often edited out for "item shots". •⁠ ⁠The Actor’s Transition: How she "shamelessly" approached Anurag Kashyap to assist on Bombay Velvet just to learn the craft. •⁠ ⁠Mukti Manch (@MuktiManch): Her vision for creating a shelter where artists can return to "Ground Zero" and experiment without judgment.Mukti Mohan doesn't hold back in this raw episode of Everyday Empires. From the heartbreak of having her technical dance skills edited out for "male gaze" body shots to the bold move of assisting on film sets just to learn how a camera breathes , Mukti reveals what it actually takes to transition from a reality show winner to a Netflix actor. We dive deep into Mukti Manch, her "safe haven" for artists to fail, and why she believes money only exists to buy the freedom to learn.

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Philip Milne, entrepreneur, AI enthusiast, and author of Making Business AI Work, to unpack what artificial intelligence really means for business leaders.Long before AI became a buzzword, Philip was utilizing automation systems in the 1980s to reduce redundancy, streamline operations, and rethink how his business functioned. Today, through his latest venture, Intelidat, he continues to help businesses integrate AI not as a tool — but as a way of thinking.Philip shares decades of experience building companies, leading teams, and adapting to technological shifts — offering a grounded, practical perspective on artificial intelligence in business.“AI is not replacing people. AI is making people BETTER at what they do.”In this episode, we discuss:* How to use AI in business strategy* Why most companies implement AI incorrectly* The difference between automation and true AI thinking* Why AI is a leadership mindset, not just a technology tool

How do you start a D2C business in India and does influencer marketing still work?In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with Dishant Mehta, co-founder of @WNTRTravel , an Indian D2C (Direct-to-Consumer) luggage brand built on a bold belief: India deserves luxury products at affordable prices.Dishant didn’t grow up dreaming of entrepreneurship. He pursued an MBA with plans to climb the corporate ladder. But the pull to build something of his own never left. Alongside his cousin and co-founder, Dishant began moonlighting WNTR while still working full-time slowly testing the Indian market before taking the leap.In this conversation, Dishant breaks down what it really takes to start a D2C brand in India, why influencer marketing failed for WNTR, and how founder-led marketing became their biggest growth lever.📌 In this episode, we cover:Starting a business, while working a full-time jobBuilding a D2C brand in India from scratchWhat “affordable luxury” actually means in the Indian marketRaising VC funding and why founders must go all-inWhy customers trust founders more than influencers todayEveryday Empires shares real stories from founders building modern businesses no fluff, no filters.LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more such conversations on start-ups and entrepreneurshipComment below: Do you trust founders more than influencers?

Is India the Best Emerging Market for Entrepreneurs? In this episode of Everyday Empires, Rohit sits down with The Power Couple, Mike Melli and Sanskruti Mehta — two American entrepreneurs who moved to India independently, spotted gaps in the market, and built their respective empires.Mike Melli is the founder of MissMalini Entertainment, one of India’s most influential digital media platforms, and The Good Creator Co., a creator-first talent and brand agency. Sanskruti Mehta is the founder of US-based FrostroX Jewelry and the Managing Director of Shashvi Agencies, bringing international men’s jewellery brands like INOX Jewelry to the Indian market.Though married, Mike and Sanskruti run separate businesses, navigating entrepreneurship, parenthood, and life in India on their own terms. In this conversation, they open up about:• Why they both saw opportunity in India and chose to move from the US• Building businesses as outsiders in India, and why they believe they're always a “guest” in the country.• Working within India’s systems rather than trying to reshape them• The importance of having voice, values, and responsibility in media — not just clicks and gossip• Sanskruti’s experience of not fully “fitting in” — and how motherhood reshaped her sense of belonging This episode is a thoughtful look at cross-cultural entrepreneurship, the Indian creator economy, and what it really means to build something meaningful — without entitlement.If you’re interested in:✔️ Building businesses in India✔️ Media, creators & the influencer economy✔️ Diaspora identity & belonging✔️ Entrepreneurship as a couple (without joint businesses) — this conversation is for you.🎙️ Everyday Empires shares #realstories from founders, creatives, and builders shaping modern culture — #nofluff #nofilters👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder conversations 💬 Comment below: Would you ever move countries to build your business?

Nayab Midha - viral poet, globally-touring spoken word artist, Vogue Bride, and the mind behind Rajkumari - joins us to break down how she built a global creative career through clarity, culture, and conscious reinvention.Nayab began performing poetry on small stages, built an audience without industry backing, and in just a few short years turned raw storytelling into a touring business and a social media empire. Along the way, she reimagined Indian wedding traditions, crafted viral work that shifted conversations, and built a marriage grounded in calm, equality and intention.Today, her work spans:📝 Live poetry + global tours📚 Bestselling storytelling & writing🎭 Rajkumari: a cultural phenomenon💍 A Vogue-featured wedding rooted in equality and zero-waste valuesYet behind the virality is a creator who thinks strategically about brand, business, and longevity - and who believes the most powerful form of rebellion is quiet, honest and non-combative change.📌 We covered:•⁠ ⁠How Rajkumari was built - and why it hit a nerve•⁠ ⁠Turning poetry into a scalable business•⁠ ⁠Reinventing tradition while embracing heritage•⁠ ⁠Navigating visibility, boundaries & creative pressure•⁠ ⁠Self-love, partnership & choosing calm over chaosWhether you're a creative, founder, or cultural storyteller, Nayab’s journey is a masterclass in building with intention - and leading with softness, not noise.🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from real builders - no fluff, no filters.👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered conversations.💬 Comment below: What part of Nayab’s story stayed with you?

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Sohini Banerjee — economist turned chef, and the creative force behind Smoke & Lime, one of London’s most unique Bengali supper clubs.Born in Kolkata and raised in the UK, Sohini has worked with trailblazers like Asma Khan and Rohit Ghai before creating her own path. Since 2018, she and her husband have welcomed guests into their home — serving a seasonal and zero-waste menu that blends heritage, sustainability, and creativity.But Smoke & Lime is more than food. It’s about preserving culture, celebrating connections, and being your authentic self.In this conversation, Sohini opens up about:- Being bullied as a child for her clothes and food — and why she never stopped embracing her heritage- Why she doesn’t want to open a restaurant, and instead calls herself “the Bengali Omakase Chef”- Building an entrepreneurial path that celebrates culture while staying true to her values- Why supper clubs are the future of dining in LondonIf you’re curious about food entrepreneurship, cultural identity, sustainable dining, or London’s evolving supper club scene, this episode is for you.🎙️ Everyday Empires brings you the real stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and change-makers — no fluff, no filters. 👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring founder journeys.#SohiniBanerjee #SmokeAndLime #SupperClub #BengaliFood #ZeroWasteCooking #LondonDining #FemaleEntrepreneur #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #AsmaKhan #FoodEntrepreneurship #IndianFoodUK #CulturalHeritage #OmakaseExperience

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Moiz Ahmed — better known as the “Lad from Dubai” — a rising real estate advisor and content creator helping people understand Dubai’s booming property market.More than just buying or selling homes, he focuses on trust, transparency, and long-term value for his clients. Through his Instagram page @ladfromdxb, Moiz breaks down everything from luxury property investments to the realities of Dubai living — making him one of the most relatable new voices in the industry.In this conversation, we cover:👨‍👩‍👧 Growing up as the youngest of four in a South Asian family🏡 The truth about Dubai real estate vs. the UK housing market🌍 Why more British investors and families are moving to the UAE💡 The pressures of success, entrepreneurship, and carving your own pathWhether you’re thinking about investing in Dubai property, or just curious about the mindset it takes to stand out in a competitive industry, Moiz’s story is full of insight, energy, and no-BS advice.🎙️ Everyday Empires shares real stories from everyday entrepreneurs, advisors, and creators — no fluff, no filters.👉 Don’t forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered founder and creator stories.#LadFromDubai #DubaiRealEstate #InvestInDubai #DubaiPropertyMarket #UKvsUAE #EverydayEmpiresPodcast #MoizAhmed #DubaiLiving #RealEstateAdvisor

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Natalie Kelly — powerhouse entrepreneur, aesthetics expert, skincare founder, and soon-to-be mum of two — to uncover how she built five thriving businesses from the ground up… and why she now believes the UK is no longer the place for ambitious entrepreneurs.Natalie began her career in TV & film makeup, hustled her way into a corporate PA job (yes, she faked her way into the interview!), and launched NMK Aesthetics on the side. Just one month before discovering she was pregnant, she quit her job to go all in — with no safety net. It had to work… and it did.Today, she runs:💉 NMK Aesthetics – cosmetic treatments & dermal artistry https://www.instagram.com/natalie_nmk_aesthetics🧴 Natalie Marie Skincare – luxury vegan skincare brand https://www.instagram.com/nataliemarieskincare💊 Bloom Supplements – premium wellness supplements https://www.instagram.com/bloomsupplementsuk🎓 NMK Academy – accredited training for aspiring aesthetics professionals https://www.facebook.com/NMKAcademy/🏘️ OZJ Property Group - Real estate investments in high-performing UK propertiesDespite her success, Natalie opens up about why sky-high UK taxes, poor public services, and “inheritance tax scams” are pushing her to relocate to Dubai — where safety, opportunity, and financial freedom align with her goals as a parent and entrepreneur.📌 We also covered: •⁠ ⁠Losing friends as success grows •⁠ ⁠The lonely but empowering side of entrepreneurship •⁠ ⁠Why UK culture often discourages ambition •⁠ ⁠Is Dubai becoming the new hotspot for business owners?Whether you're a beauty pro, side hustler, or aspiring founder, this episode delivers real talk and practical motivation.🎙️ Everyday Empires shares raw, relatable stories from everyday founders, creatives & change-makers — no fluff, no filters.👉 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for more unfiltered stories of ambition & resilience.💬 Drop a comment: What part of Natalie’s story resonated most with you?

What does it really take to develop an entrepreneurial mindset?In this special collaboration between Everyday Empires and Kingston University, Rohit hosts a live panel discussion in front of Kingston University business students, diving into how real UK entrepreneurs turned their ideas into thriving businesses — and the mindset shifts that helped them get there.Hosted by Salewa Komolafe, President of the HRM Society, this panel brings together four diverse and inspiring founders:Becky Beasley – Founder of Two Teaspoons Building a food catering business from the ground up with heart and hustle. Website: https://www.two-teaspoons.com/Angus Cunningham – Founder of Scotscape Transforming urban environments through sustainable greening solutions Website: https://www.scotscape.co.uk/Kayleigh Mardell – Company Director at Jayserv Navigating the male-dominated world of mechanical and electrical engineering. Website: https://jayserv.co.uk/Atabak Iranizad – Founder of Global Study AI Kingston University graduate and edtech entrepreneur helping students worldwide. Website: https://globalstudy-ai.com/🎓 Whether you’re a student entrepreneur, a future founder, or just looking to build a stronger entrepreneurial mindset, this episode is full of practical business tips, real startup journeys, and honest conversations about success, failure, and everything in between.📌 Key Topics Covered: How to think like an entrepreneur Mistakes and Lessons learned from UK founders Building a business from scratch Everyday entrepreneurship in the UK🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring interviews with everyday people building extraordinary businesses.#EntrepreneurMindset #EverydayEmpires #KingstonUniversity #StartupStories #StudentEntrepreneurs #Founders #YoungEntrepreneurs #LivePanel #UKEntrepreneurs

In this episode of Everyday Empires, we sit down with Hannah Rose — the powerhouse behind @postcardsbyhannah, @greatbritishescapes, @snapshotsbyhannah, and @athomewithbaxter. With over a million followers across all platforms,Hannah has built an empire by turning her passion for travel, slow living, and dog mom life into a full-time career. She now travels solo across the globe, stays in stunning hotels (for free), and runs four social media accounts — almost entirely on her own. 💼🐾🌍Joined by Rohit, the two explore: How she went from earning less than £20K a year at a travel agency to 6 figures Juggling viral content creation, being a multi-account entrepreneur, and having a personal life Why modern women feel unsafe in everyday situations and how men can navigate that reality Echo chambers, masculinity, and thet viral “man vs. bear” question A surprising segment on dating advice and navigating connection in the digital ageWhether you're a solo female traveler, aspiring content creator, or just love hearing stories of real people building their own dream lives, this conversation has something for you.Like, comment & subscribe for more deep dives with extraordinary everyday entrepreneurs.#TravelContentCreator #SoloFemaleTravel #ContentCreation #DogMomLife #SocialMediaEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #DigitalNomad #Masculinity #ModernDating #EverydayEmpires

Charlie Merriman, also known as @Chazingdra , has had a truly remarkable journey growing up with cystic fibrosis, becoming an actor and subsequently managing to marry his childhood passion for Pokémon with a viable career. In this episode, Charlie and Rohit discuss all things Pokémon, entrepreneurship, and how a little merriment goes a long way. Links mentioned WONDER DRUG: A Comedy about Cystic Fibrosis https://youtu.be/RtgnO2cvvFE?si=z5w9gab2XINdIZRT Charlie's YouTube Channel ‘Chazingdra’: https://youtube.com/@chazingdra Cystic Fibrosis Trust website: https://www.cysticfibrosis.org.uk/ #podcast #entrepreneur #business #pokemon #monetisation #actor #cysticfibrosis #chronicillness

Tom Crooke, once a young Hollywood hopeful, is now centre-stage in Bobbin, a video production company with a unique content creation model that leverages his years of experience in the world of theatre and acting. His conversation with Rohit explores the parallels between the gruelling worlds of acting auditions vs business, why making the switch was the best thing that ever happened to him, and how creatives can monetise their passion.#entrepreneur #Inspiration #acting #theatre #creative #contentcreation #videoproduction #actor

Patrick Davin has been a multi-millionaire, lost it all overnight and got into debt, almost lost his life in Egypt with no consular assistance from his native Australia, and everything in between. Truly one of our most riveting guests with a wealth of life experience, Patrick recounts his stories across the woolling, mining, accounting, real estate industries, and now his leadership of his multi-million empire, Mute International, creating waves in the up-and-coming micro-mobility market globally.#millionaire #entrepreneur #Inspiration #australia #respectthehustle #grind #grit

Starting out as a 21-year-old #FinancialAnalyst in Dubai isn’t easy—Yash Agrawal opens up about his early career mistakes, growth, and the reality of working in high finance. But that’s not all—host Rohit Maini challenges Yash on a hot topic: Does Gen Z really lack drive? From hustle culture to quiet quitting to work-life balance, this is a no-filter discussion on how different generations approach success.#GenZvsMillennials #HustleCulture #QuietQuitting #FinanceCareers #WorkLifeBalance #Podcast

Jordan Grimes left school with no grades, fell into becoming an electrician and a millionaire in his 20s, lost it all and is building it all back up again. Determined to prove that it is more than possible to make a good living on the straight and narrow, Jordan’s story is truly one of the most inspiring stories of grit, integrity and resilience. #millionaire #entrepreneur #trades #successstory #inspiration #financialfreedom #electrician

Curious about what a career in #investmentbanking is REALLY like? Here’s a no holds barred, gritty lowdown into the world of being an analyst in High Finance in Dubai. Yash Agrawal spills all in our first ever special.#finance #careers #podcast #aspiringentrepreneur #youngprofessionals

Once one of the best snipers in the world and with years of experience on the frontline in Iraq and other conflicts, ex-Marine sniper commando Ed Hill has seen it all. From humble beginnings in an area voted “2nd worst place to live in the UK”, an acute fear of failure drove Ed to astounding heights, first in the extremely competitive Royal Marines, then academia, and now the world of business. Ed also shares his view of masculinity - from an ex-military perspective.

True blue entrepreneur Max Reynard shares his remarkable journey of leaning into his artistic and design skillset to grow multiple 6- to 7-figure businesses across Dubai and London from the ground up - literally too, with his expertise in 3D printing. Taking the leap into entrepreneurship right after graduating from university, he shares learnings on the dos and don'ts of finding seed capital, giving away equity, the personal sacrifices and blood, sweat and tears that can go into starting a business from scratch, and how gaining confidence is all about saying yes to projects way past your comfort zone.

Despite a difficult childhood in a council estate with severe ADHD and no formal qualifications, he has built a 6-figure business as a social media content creator, totalling multi-billions of views across Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and TikTok. He is informed by his background as a magician and mind reader, having appeared on the BBC (Ryan Tricks On The Streets and Dirty Tricks), Britain’s Got Talent and America’s Got Talent. From Thames Water Sewer Technician to driving a fully-owned Porsche within just 3 years, Ryan Tricks’ story is a true rags to riches triumph.The Everyday Empires Podcast, hosted by Rohit Maini. Listen now on:Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everyday-empiresApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-empires-with-rohit-maini/id1777123050RSS: rss.com/podcasts/everyday-empires/MORE FROM ROHIT THE ACCOUNTANTinstagram.com/rohittheaccountant/tiktok.com/@rohittheaccountant

Hailing from an 85-person village in rural Canada and crash-landing into one of the most elite industries in one of the most competitive cities in the world, London-based ex-investment banker turned entrepreneur Matthew King gives away exclusive advice on the investment banking career path, navigating working in the UK as a foreign skilled worker and entrepreneurship (both as an entrepreneur himself and helping many to fundraise) you won’t find anywhere else.The Everyday Empires Podcast, hosted by Rohit Maini. Listen now on:Spotify: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/everyday-empiresApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/everyday-empires-with-rohit-maini/id1777123050RSS: rss.com/podcasts/everyday-empires/MORE FROM ROHIT THE ACCOUNTANTinstagram.com/rohittheaccountant/tiktok.com/@rohittheaccountant