The Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast

Ep#38: Dr. Anuradha Sharma on Passion, Self-Reliance, Teaching Legacy & Living Life Creatively

In this heartfelt episode of The Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast, host Tejsa welcomes Dr. Anuradha Sharma—a truly multi-faceted personality: author, poet, painter, dancer, educator, and an inspiring example of strength rooted in values.Dr. Anuradha takes us back to her village childhood, shaped by a disciplined yet deeply loving home environment, where books, music, magazines, and art became a way of life. She shares how her passion for learning carried her from graduation to MA, a PhD, and a fulfilling career in the Delhi Education Department, which she considers one of her proudest life achievements.In this conversation, she opens up about the challenges of adapting to an orthodox household after marriage, and how financial independence and inner clarity helped her take bold decisions—especially supporting her daughter’s inter-community marriage with courage and conviction. She also speaks about her deeply humane choices, including pledging organ donation, and the emotional impact of teaching.Dr. Anuradha also reflects on what keeps her truly alive: creativity. From singing and painting to dancing and writing, she speaks about building a life where hobbies are not “extra,” but essential. She shares her future goals—recording audiobooks, continuing her artistic journey—and leaves listeners with a strong message for seniors to stay active, joyful and health-focused, and for younger adults to stay connected with family, stay hopeful, and never give up too soon.Follow us:YouTube – The Smiling SoulsWebsite:www.TheSmilingSouls.comConnect with us:08069701212

Ep#37: Padma Shri Achyut Palav on Calligraphy, Indian Scripts & Art as a Way of Life

In this deeply inspiring episode of The Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast – Expert Series, host Tejsa sits down with Padma Shri awardee Achyut Palav (2025), one of India’s most celebrated master calligraphers and a global ambassador of Indian scripts.From growing up in a modest chawl to bringing Indian calligraphy to international stages, Achyut Palav shares his remarkable life journey, shaped by discipline, curiosity, and relentless practice. He reflects on his early days of writing on school blackboards, his training at JJ School of Art, his pioneering research on the Modi script, and the creation of “Mukt Lipi”—a script designed to preserve history while remaining easy for modern audiences to read.Achyut ji also explains why calligraphy is much more than good handwriting—it is a powerful practice of focus, balance and emotional expression. He speaks about calligraphy as therapy for seniors, a confidence-building tool for children, and a meaningful path for underprivileged communities to learn, earn and express themselves. The episode beautifully weaves stories of resilience, creativity, social impact, global recognition, and the philosophy of turning art into a way of life.This conversation is a gentle reminder that learning has no age, art has no boundaries, and every letter carries emotion, purpose and possibility.Follow us:YouTube – The Smiling SoulsWebsite:www.TheSmilingSouls.comConnect with us:08069701212

Ep#36: Reena Sobti's Post-Retirement Makeover into Fashion, Theatre & Self-Love

In this uplifting episode of The Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast, host Tejsa welcomes back Mrs. Reena Sobti—now shining in her powerful “version 2.0.” After retiring from LIC, Reena refused to slow down. Instead, she entered the world of fashion and performing arts, winning the “Miss Body Beautiful” title, walking multiple senior fashion shows, and even serving as a jury member in major pageants, including one featuring Sonu Sood. She shares how intensive grooming, ramp training and self-care helped her rediscover confidence, joy and a new sense of identity. Reena also talks about her journey into theatre, playing the lead role in Aastha Aur Vivaah, overcoming childhood stage fears, and embracing new learnings—from dance to driving to soon taking up singing and English fluency. With heartfelt messages for both seniors and the younger generation, Reena beautifully reminds us that age is no barrier to growth, self-love or reinvention.Follow us: YouTube – The Smiling SoulsWebsite: www.TheSmilingSouls.comConnect with us: 08069701212

Ep#35: From Kolkata to Mumbai and a Dream for Paris: The Love & Life Journey of Reshmi and Partho Munshi

In this heartwarming episode of The Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast, host Tejsa sits down with a truly special couple — Mrs. Reshmi Munshi and Mr. Partho Munshi. What begins as a beautiful love story in Kolkata blossoms into a life filled with new cities, new challenges, personal sacrifices, parenting lessons, and unwavering companionship in Mumbai.Reshmi ji shares memories of growing up in a disciplined yet culturally rich Bengali household — with a principal mother, a police inspector father, and a childhood steeped in music, dance, and academics. Partho ji opens up about his roots tracing back to East Bengal (Bangladesh), his family’s journey to Kolkata, his academic excellence, and how teaching tuitions led him to meet his future life partner.What started as a “filmy love story” between a tutor and his student soon faced real-life hurdles — conservative families, caste differences, parental doubts, and emotional negotiations. Yet, love and respect triumphed, bringing the two together for a lifelong partnership.Follow us: YouTube – The Smiling SoulsWebsite: www.TheSmilingSouls.comConnect with us: 08069701212

Ep#34: Is Senior Living Right for Your Parents? Insights from Founder Sharad Gadsing

In this episode of the Smiling Souls Seniors Podcast, host Tejasa sits down with Sharad Gadsing, Founder of Cradle of Life Senior Living, Talegaon, to explore the questions families should consider before choosing senior living for ageing parents, or when seniors themselves are evaluating new lifestyle options.Sharad talks about how his parents’ retirement experience shaped his belief that senior living should be built on empathy, dignity and independence. He discusses the key gaps he observed in regular homes, from loneliness and limited engagement to safety challenges and non-age-friendly design, and how these insights shaped his vision for a community-led, people-first living model.The conversation also touches upon design choices, the need for decentralised amenities, buy-or-rent flexibility, a strong partner ecosystem and the role of daily engagement in creating a meaningful life after 55.As senior living in India grows, The Smiling Souls continues to collaborate with communities like Cradle of Life to create engaging experiences, emotional wellness formats, and opportunities for seniors to stay active, connected, and inspired.This episode offers valuable clarity for seniors, families, and anyone exploring modern senior living in India.Viewer/Listener BenefitsCall 08069701212 or download The Smiling Souls App to access exclusive offers on senior living experiences, community events and lifestyle trials.Learn More: www.TheSmilingSouls.comDownload The Smiling Souls App:Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thesmilingsouls iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/the-smiling-souls/id6443612870