Amazon Music And IVM Podcasts Celebrates India Pod Day 2025 In Mumbai

Amazon Music India hosted an immersive podcast event, India Pod Day, on January 24, 2025, at The Habitat, Mumbai. Organized in collaboration with IVM Podcasts, the event celebrated 25 years of the 21st century, spotlighting the remarkable evolution of podcasts as a transformative storytelling medium in India. The evening featured thought-provoking sessions, panel discussions, and insights from leading voices in the podcasting industry.

The event opened with "From Dial-Up to Digital: India’s Cultural Journey," moderated by Kunal Vijayakar with panelists Kumar Varun and Aastha Atray Banan. They delved into India’s cultural transformation over the last quarter-century, charting the path from dial-up internet and Nokia phones to the 4G revolution, social media, and digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Key topics included Bollywood’s global reach, the rise of OTT platforms, food delivery apps, regional cuisines, music festivals, and the sports landscape—especially the IPL. The panel also discussed pivotal social changes, including advancements in LGBTQ+ rights and shifts in gender roles. Each panelist shared a cultural moment that epitomized India’s evolution and its potential trajectory over the next 25 years.

Another session focused on gripping crime stories that have captured the nation’s imagination in the 21st century. Podcasters explored the dark intricacies of human nature, societal transformation, and the evolving dynamics of law and justice through suspenseful narratives that combine cultural context with intrigue.

The second half of the event featured "When Pod Meets Pop: The Revolution of Podcasting in the 21st Century" on Cyrus Says, hosted by the charismatic Cyrus Broacha. He was joined by Varun Thakur, Kautuk Srivastava, and Neville Shah from The Internet Said So (TISS) podcast. The panel reflected on podcasting’s surge in India, particularly during the pandemic, as platforms like Spotify and JioSaavn amplified its reach. Topics included challenges such as content saturation, language diversity, and the growing popularity of political podcasts, with leaders like Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal using the medium to connect with audiences directly.

The discussion also examined podcasting trends in the US versus India, highlighting the success of genres like spirituality and true crime. Indian creators, including The Desi Crime Podcast, were commended for blending global trends with local flavors. The session concluded by emphasizing podcasting’s potential to redefine communication and the importance of innovation to sustain its cultural relevance.

Amit Doshi, Head of IVM Podcasts, shared, “The second edition of India Pod Day is a testament to the thriving podcasting ecosystem in India. Our collaboration with Amazon Music underscores our commitment to fostering creativity and community in this space. We’re excited for the stories and connections that will emerge from this event.”

Rishabh Gupta, Country Head, Amazon Music India, stated, “Partnering with IVM Podcasts for India Pod Day aligns with our vision of empowering aspiring podcasters and creating impactful experiences. This collaboration reflects our shared goal of nurturing the podcasting community and encouraging meaningful conversations.”

Ranjeet Pratap Singh, CEO of Pratilipi, added, “India Pod Day 2025 is a celebration of innovation and storytelling. It’s inspiring to see creators and audiences come together to unlock the limitless potential of podcasts.”

Cyrus Broacha remarked, “Podcasting is becoming a global phenomenon, and India Pod Day is proof of its rising influence. It’s exciting to see interest from beyond our borders, with countries like Myanmar and East Timor eager to join this journey.”

The event concluded as a milestone moment for India’s podcasting scene, celebrating its rise as a powerful medium shaping the country’s cultural narrative. Through engaging conversations and forward-thinking insights, India Pod Day underscored the promising future of podcasting in India and beyond.