Ani Kaprekar argues that creative industries go beyond film and music, encompassing diverse art forms like theater, opera, and digital storytelling, and that the real opportunity lies in India–UK collaboration through co-creation, shared platforms, and immersive storytelling rather than just exports. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s

Ani Kaprekar highlights that the new Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a shift in trade architecture, placing innovation at its core, and encourages businesses in India and the UK to actively explore and leverage its opportunities. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s

Ani Kaprekar explains that while outsourcing built the IT industry, innovation is now expanding beyond major cities to tier 2 and tier 3 hubs in both India and the UK, creating new opportunities for global collaboration especially by connecting these emerging regional ecosystems. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s

Ani Kaprekar emphasizes that creative industries go far beyond film and music; they include multiple art forms like theatre, opera, and digital storytelling, and the real opportunity lies in collaboration, where countries like India and the UK co-create and share talent, infrastructure, and storytelling to shape the future of creativity. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s

Ani Kaprekar says the rapidly changing world, especially with shifts driven by tech, will make the job market increasingly challenging, so this is the right time to pursue entrepreneurship or at least start a side hustle for future stability. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfOI8eGyb6s

In this episode of Common Grounds: India–UK Series, Lakshmi Kaul, Contributing Editor is in conversation with Aniruddha Kaprekar, Co-Founder of Tech India Advocates, for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on the evolving relationship between India and the United Kingdom. From the rise of Manchester as a key node in the UK’s Northern Powerhouse to the growing footprint of Indian diaspora communities across the North of England, this episode explores how regional dynamics are reshaping the India–UK partnership beyond London. Aniruddha shares insights on emerging opportunities, particularly in manufacturing, trade, and innovation, as both countries look to strengthen economic collaboration and boost exports. The conversation also dives into the power of creative industries as a bridge between nations, examining how film, media, sports, and the arts shape narratives, influence perception, and build soft power. The interview reflects on the challenges of representation, the “battle of narratives,” and how India is portrayed in global creative spaces. A key highlight of the episode is the idea of the “New India”- how it is being projected globally, especially through platforms like Tech India Advocates, and whether it reflects a real shift or an aspirational vision. The interview also touches on the impact of geopolitics on connectivity, collaboration, and innovation, offering a nuanced take on navigating uncertainty in today’s world. Finally, the episode addresses one of the most pressing questions of our time: with more individuals choosing entrepreneurship over traditional employment, what does it really take to succeed? This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in: India–UK relations and global partnerships Entrepreneurship, startups, and innovation ecosystems Creative industries and soft power Diaspora, identity, and global narratives The future of work and evolving career paths 📌 About the Series: Common Grounds: India–UK Series brings together leaders, thinkers, and changemakers to explore shared opportunities, challenges, and stories shaping the India–UK corridor. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of policy, culture, and innovation. Chapters- 0:00-1:27 Opening 1:41-4:35 From Mumbai to Manchester: The Story Behind the Journey 4:55-8:11 India’s Impact in Northern England 8:22-10:59 The Evolving India UK Relationship 11:34-16:21 Creative Industries as a Bridge 16:56-19:10 Addressing Stereotypes in Creative Narratives 19:23-23:54 The Idea of New India 24:31-27:30 Building the Future in Uncertain Times 28:23-32:53 Entrepreneurship in a Changing World 33:19-35:07 Looking Ahead: Future Endeavours 35:20-37:15 A Poetic Reflection 37:17-38:08 Closing #IndiaUK #Entrepreneurship #TechIndiaAdvocates #SoftPower #CreativeIndustries #Startups #GlobalConversations #CommonGrounds

Baroness Sandip Verma says decision-making is still controlled by a small, largely unchallenged group, with women’s voices missing—resulting in more aggressive approaches instead of more balanced, dialogue-driven leadership. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iMjLlqbkQ

Baroness Sandip Verma shares that seeing young Ugandan Asian refugees face displacement and abuse in Leicester deeply impacted her as a child, driving her to stand up for others and shaping her strong, resilient character. Watch the full interview here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iMjLlqbkQ