Armaan Malik performed his song Kaun Tujhe from MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and dedicated it to late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who played former cricketer MS Dhoni in the 2016 film.

"This one's for you, Sushant," he said, before he started singing.

Asked how one can deal with the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on creativity, Javed Akhtar, who joined Armaan Malik on the stage for the session, said, "If there's a choice between AI and human stupidity, I would prefer AI. Having said that right now AI is walking on all fours. It has very humble beginnings, but we don't know what will happen in 5-10 years."

"But AI is no threat to creativity. It's like a good secretary who can write letters for you... AI will have to wait for decades to match with humans because AI didn't have childhood trauma or failed affairs," added the veteran screenwriter and poet.

Singer Armaan Malik echoed a similar sentiment, demanding that authorities introduce a legislation when it comes to copyright of voices of singers.

"AI is a tool to help us, musicians. Now, we can share an input that I want a sad song and AI will give that to me. But only a human can bring emotions to the table.

"Today, there's no legislation that comes to copyright of voices, whether it's Kishore (Kumar) da or contemporary artists... Covers in different people's voices are easily available in reels... I feel a layer of legislation needs to come into play," he further said.

"Mujhe ye surname khatakta tha. My grandfather Sardar Malik was a composer in the 1960s, my uncle Anu Malik is a composer, my father Daboo Malik is a composer, and my brother Amaal Mallik too is a composer. I thought what's something that I can do different. So, I thought of becoming a singer," said Amaal Malik on being a singer in a family of composers.

Fresh and youthful is how one would describe singer Armaan Malik's voice. Known for lending his voice to songs of different moods such as Bol Do Na Zara, Butta Bomma, Control, and You, according to his Instagram bio, Armaan Malik's life is all about music, moments and everything in between. He speaks at the NDTV Yuva 2025 session titled 'The Voice of the Generation'.

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Tulsi (the name of her character in 'Kyunki Saab Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi') is "Paycheck".

"I think that there is an oxymoron in your question. What kind of a politician is, if they can't influence," said Smriti Irani.

"You can't say you are in politics but then sit in a corner and say someone is trolling me, specially women. So, I can't be the focus of the issue, the issue has to be the focus," said Smriti Irani.

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Ummeed (Hope)' is "Yuva".

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Sindoor' is "Parakram (Courage)".

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Desh' is "Everything".

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word Opposition is "Irresponsible".

She said there is not a single opposition member who is responsible.

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears Narendra Modi's name is "More than a legend".

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Chunav Aayog' is "To be respected"

Smriti Irani says the when she hears the word "Vote Chori", she thinks it is an insult to the Indian democracy because it is an attack mounted by the opposition when it has failed to win the trust of voters 

Smriti Irani says the one word that comes to her mind when she hears the word 'Gen Z' is "Ambitious".

"I don't have FOMO," said Smriti Irani if she misses anything about Parliament.

"I feel that if opposition thinks that youngsters don't believe in the democratic process, then they don't have faith in the youth. And this political connect shows that that they have faith in the system," said Smriti Irani.

"As a creative person, my political personality doesn't cloud my creative work," said Smriti Irani.

"People like me have come to politics but our desire is to work for the country," said Mr Irani.

"I have spoken substantially with evidence and when the opponent didn't have an answer to that, they trolled me," she said.

She added that she was never impacted by the trolling.

"I don't miss Congress but Congress definitely misses me," said Smriti Irani.

"I am not known for my weight or my body, but for my work," said Ms Irani, adding, "If you keep seeking validation, then you will never be happy".

"I have never associated with particular kind of looks, I have never felt uncomfortable with talking about these issues," she said.

We have included the progressive concepts in this drama in 2025, we have fictionalised the issues of today - like body shaming, ageing etc - in this show, said Smriti Irani.

"Amrita Pritam's life is on my mind. I find her fascinating. That's something that has been on my mind. If someone ever makes it, if the universe listens, I'd be happy to audition for the role," said Vaani Kapoor about wishing to play novelist and essayist Amrita Pritam, who was prominent figure in Punjabi literature, in a future film.

"I find this fearless voice of love and rebellion in her. There's a lot of rawness in her emotions and honesty about her life. I'd like to explore a character like her if the universe comes tighter and make it happen," she added.

"I don't punish myself. I was not born that way. I have to work out every day. There's was a time I used to have butter chicken for dinner every day. I'm Punjabi. I love my butter garlic naan with butter chicken . I love all the junk food under the sun... But now I train every day," said Vaani Kapoor about balancing her love for food with fitness. Read more here.

"Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui was a story that had to be told. There are still many people living with injustice... There's still not fairness about their existence in society. I connected to it (the film) and deeply felt responsible while portraying it (the character). I hope more stories are told like that in the future," said Vaani Kapoor about playing a transgender woman in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. Read more here.

"I can't say I get the best options to choose from. But, I pick the best from whatever comes my way. I try to do something that connects with me. I don't judge my characters. I just want to be able to tell as many stories as possible," said Vaani Kapoor on how she chooses her projects.

Actor Vaani Kapoor's filmography is full of unique choices, from making her acting debut with romantic comedy Shuddh Desi Romance in 2013 to playing a transgender woman in Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui. She recently made her web series debut with Mandala Murders. She speaks at NDTV Yuva 2025's session titled 'Unscripted Choices'.

"I wasn't allowed to grieve. I don't think that my grieving process is complete. There's not a day that goes by... I don't think that I'm done grieving... I would like to keep my grief personal today. I am relatively happy. Happiness is a byproduct of intense trauma.," Rhea Chakraborty said. Read more here.

Asked what how happy she felt when she was given a clean chit by the CBI in the Sushant Singh Rajput death case, Rhea Chakraborty said it was "a weird experience".

"When I got a clean chit... You can't be happy because at the core you know the person close to you is gone. But I was happy and relieved for my parents. I thought that they can now move around in society a bit more freely...

"The day it happened, I said 'It can't be true, media doesn't report facts anyway'. I thought I won't believe till my lawyer said it," she said.

Everyone in her house was crying the day she got the clean chit from the CBI. "I hugged by brother and cried. I then looked at my parents and realised we all have changed forever. We won't be the same anymore. Our carefree family had changed forever," she added. Read more here.

On her jail experience, Rhea Chakraborty said, "You miss a lot of things when you're in jail. There's no Swiggy or Zomato. You miss your parents who you take for granted. I missed my parents a lot. Once you go to jail, your perspective on everything changes. 

"If you think about what people are thinking about you, you will sure shot go into depression. You think about what's most important for you. I was 27 when I went to jail... Khaane ki value badh jaati hai, ghar ke saal-chawal pizza se kam nahin lagta... You realise you only have few friends. you find out who your true friends are". Read more here.

Rhea Chakraborty started out as a VJ and then went on to enter films. After a rough patch, both in her life and career, she bounced back and how. Rhea Chakraborty is also the founder of now hosts a podcast, aptly titled Chapter Two, which hosts people from the film industry who have navigated unique experiences and are thriving after second chances. She speaks at NDTV Yuva 2025 in a session titled 'Unbroken: Writing the Next Chapter'.

"If governments continue to fail them, why not, yes," says KT Rama Rao on Nepal-like movement taking place in India. 

"I was asking my daughter, she is 16, what do Gen Z wants politicians to say to them. She said, 'I don't think Gen Z really likes what politicians say'," said KT Rama Rao, adding that everything that Gen Z does is also the result of decisions that politicians make and urged the youth to start participating in the process. 

"The first bet I took with all the money I had saved was that I decided to invest in good education. I went to ISB. I took that risk and it paid off in a lot of ways," investment banker Sarthak Ajhuja told NDTV on his "hum karke dikhate hain" moment. 

"Taylor Swift plays a lot in our home. Today, I was listening to 'I can do it with a broken heart'. I listen to Arijit Singh, Papon," said Poonam Mahajan, adding she also likes Marathi songs as well. 

"Earlier, papers may not have noticed you. Today, whether I do good or bad, I can reach out to people. Even though there's more competition, but they also know what I am doing," said BJP's Poonam Mahajan. 

"I don't think the youth of today is afraid. Do not be afraid of politics," said BJP leader Poonam Mahajan. 

"Awarapan didn't work when it released. It's an unsuccessful film whsoe sequel is being made today. It's one of my favourites... I was never offered the job to direct the Awarapan sequel. But I wish them all the best. I think they want a different take for it. I would have not been able to detach myself from the original. It was a complete film for me," said Mohit Suri said. Read more here.

"Thoda dil se, thoda dimaag se, aise hi chal rahe hain," says Poonam Mahajan on joining politics at an early age.  

About the controversial ending of Aashiqui 2 where Aditya Roy Kapur's character rockstar Rahul Jaykar, Mohit Suri said it was part of the narrative, but he doesn't promote taking one's life.

"Taking your life is not a solution to anything in life. It's only dramatised in films... But it's not love when you are not ready to sacrifice for your loved one. Rahul Jaykar believed that if he doesn't clear the way for Arohi, she would never reach the great heights in her career that she does eventually. But I don't suggest that it is practical and I don't propagate it," the filmmaker said during a session at the NDTV Yuva 2025.

"I don't think we give enough credit to them (family). It's been 25 years with my wife Udita. I still love her the same... Love only changes its form," Mohit Suri said.

Now, the new love of his life is his daughter Devi, he added.

Director Mohit Suri talks about love, heartbreak and his latest film Saiyaara's unprecedented success in the NDTV Yuva 2025 session "Dil, Will, Aur Thoda Sa Twist". 

"I'm waiting for that filmy love to happen. I grew up watching all those Shah Rukh Khan films. Main dil lagane ka wait kar rahi hoon," Manushi Chhillar said. Read more here.

At the NDTV Yuva 2025, Manushi Chhillar spoke about being body shamed, an unfortunate experience she shares with Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Sandhu, who made her Bollywood debut with Baaghi 4 recently.

"Even Harnaaz (Sandhu) and I couldn't escape body shaming. Sometimes you have tune out the noise and not believe what others say about you. Sometimes you have to shut one of your ears. You have to practise it consciously," she added.

Manushi Chhillar said, "My perception about beauty changed after becoming Miss World at the age of 20... People who know what they want and go after it, they are beautiful to me. For me, someone is beautiful when they are unapologetically confident. They do what they want to do and not go by what others feel. 

"When I was competing for the Miss World crown, I never felt my body should be of a certain type, that I should have a certain waist size. Beauty pagaents repesent the unique quality that you have... Confidenece is the most important quality that you need to win these pageants."

"Why does Bollywood offer roles to Miss World winners? Pageantry acts as a platform for outsiders (like me) to break into films. If a close-knit industry like Bollywood offers you an opportunity, especially to an outsider, you should not say no," said actor Manushi Chhillar, who was crowned Miss World in 2017 and made her film debut with 2022's Samrat Prithviraj opposite Akshay Kumar.

Manushi Chhillar is an actor, former Miss World, a trained doctor, and now, the co-founder of Soma Wellness Clinic. At NDTV Yuva 2025, in a session titled "The Beauty Of Business", Manushi Chhillar breaks down beauty, the beauty of business, and what it takes to break into the business of beauty.

Diana Penty said, "She is very, very disciplined. And I think that also comes from her upbringing and her background, being a sports player as well"

"If there is data coming, let's have a debate on it," Ms Sule said, referring to Rahul Gandhi's data on the alleged "vote chori".

"There are challenges and data speaks louder than words," she said.

"Just because you debate it, doesn’t mean you are challenging something. I see no reason we can’t have a debate on data. Need to clean up the system if there are gaps," the Lok Sabha MP added.

Asked at NDTV Yuva if the youth today should trust the democracy, NCP-SP's Supriya Sule, a four-time MP, said she has "full belief in the country's system".

Amid Deepika Padukone's sudden exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel, actor Diana Penty backed the Bollywood star for being a complete professional.

Diana Penty, who co-starred with Deepika Padukone in what was the actor's first film Cocktail, said she was the "best co-actor" she could have asked for. "Both Deepika and Saif (Ali Khan) were my pillars when I knew nothing about films and acting," she added.

About Deepika Padukone, Diana Penty said, "I have a lot of respect for Deepika. She is hardworking, extremely dedicated, has a great work ethic, and is disciplined. She scores a 10 on 10 in professionalism."

"I have discovered a new word on the Internet called 'otrovert'. I think I'm that. I haven't done enough reading on it. But if you're not entirely an extrovert and entirely an introvert, you're an otrovert. So, I'm a mix. That's my new thing," said Diana Penty.

Bollywood actor Diana Penty has always broken stereotypes. Be it with her role in the hit Cocktail, the blockbuster Chhaava, or her latest web series Do You Wanna Partner?, Diana has been a force to reckon with in the Hindi film industry. In the current session, "Breaking Stereotypes", Diana Penty brings her years of work and life in films, and reveals how to break stereotypes.

The recipe for her success, Diana Penty said, has been to keep it different each time with every project.

"I'm a complete Scorpion. Throw a challenge at me and I'll do my best at it. I didn't have any acting background when Cocktail came to me. Cocktail was a challenge," she said.  

In a cultural moment when mental health is being redefined, destigmatised, and reshaped by new narratives, this panel offers not only stories and insights but tools: how to build resilience, where to find community, and how to reclaim agency.

"If you have a target and if you haven't been able to hit it, will you be able to hit it without changing your behaviour? No. You need a new behaviour. A new behaviour will give you a new outcome. 

"We all tend to get into some emotional states, like 'Maybe I'm not good enough' or 'What if I fail?' The behaviour that comes out is that kind of behaviour that doesn't help (you achieve your target). To change your behaviour for a new outcome, you need a different emotional state," said Rasik Chopra. Read more here.

According to Rasik Chopra, a leader is not someone who is in-charge. "A leader is someone who has influence. Mahatma Gandhi was one of the biggest leaders... You don't need a team to be a leader, you need to have influence and Gandhi had that. If you want to be a leader, you have to be a learner," he said.  

Some of the greatest leaders of the world are learners, said Rasik Chopra, citing the examples of business tycoon Warren Buffet and Former US President Barack Obama.

In "Be the CEO of Your Life" session, motivational speaker Rasik Chopra said, "I'm not here today to give you gyaan or information. There's plenty of information out there, you don't need more from me... Information with emotion is what makes the difference."

"The biggest change I've seen in my practice after working for 23 years, is far more openness and acceptance of mental health," Dr Zirak Marker says, adding statistics from WHO about GenZ mental health status. "I think with more acceptance, we're going to see far more people receiving the right help for mental health."

"The biggest change I've seen in my practice after working for 23 years, is far more openness and acceptance of mental health," Dr Zirak Marker says, adding statistics from WHO about GenZ mental health status. "I think with more acceptance, we're going to see far more people receiving the right help for mental health."

"The biggest change I've seen in my practice after working for 23 years, is far more openness and acceptance of mental health," Dr Zirak Marker says, adding statistics from WHO about GenZ mental health status. "I think with more acceptance, we're going to see far more people receiving the right help for mental health."

In today's high-speed, hyper-connected society, conversations around mental health have moved from hushed corners to centre stage. NDTV Yuva's panel titled Salaam Zindagi brings together three very different but complementary voices: Dr Zirak Marker, a seasoned psychiatrist; Simone Khambatta, a lifestyle creator; and Fatema Agarkar, an education-leader. Their collective aim is to peel back the layers of stress, expectation, identity and challenge that weigh especially heavily on Gen Z and younger adults in India.

"Women's boxing came quite late in Bhiwani. Even in our family, the members were against the girls going out for boxing. In Haryana, the girls did not receive much support from the families. But, our success have paved the way and made things easier for the upcoming generations," said Pooja Rani.

On being asked about the craziest thing she ever did, Pooja Rani replied, "Whenever the name Haryana comes, everyone thinks that person will do something great. Whenever we play in a tournament, every opponent gets nervous while facing the boxers from Haryana. The place where we come from, Bhiwani, is also known as "Mini Cuba". 

"There are many families in Haryana now, who encourage their daughters to become financially independent," Nupur Sheoran added. 

Nupur Sheoran, who won a silver medal in the 81 kg category at the World Boxing Championship in Liverpool, was asked about the gender inequality. She replied, "I am a third generation in my family, who has represented India. I have never discrimination in my family. In fact, between me and my brother, I always get preference. I know that Haryana is often shown in negative light, regarding how women are treated but today the situation has changed."

The pride of India is here as the champions of World Boxing Championship 2025 have graced the stage. India's gold medallists Minakshi Huda (47 kg), Jasmine Lamboria (56 kg) have been joined by silver medalists Nupur (80 kg), and bronze medalist Pooja Rani (80 kg). 

"No doubt that (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi is very very effective communicator engaging with Gen Z," Mr Deora answers when asked which politician -- PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray or Shiv Sena's Eknath Shinde -- connects with the youth better.

"Don't think young people will take those politicians very seriously," says Milind Deora in an apparent jab at Rahul Gandhi.

"Anyone asking Gen Z to protest on streets is doing a disservice to the youth," says Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora, days after Congress' Rahul Gandhi asked students and youth of the country to "save the constitution, protect democracy and stop vote theft".

Tune into NDTV Yuva as BJP leader Poonam Mahajan discusses the vital role of youth in politics.

Get inspired by the stories of boxing champions at NDTV Yuva Mumbai edition. The key speakers will include Jaismine Lamboria, Gold Medallist, World Boxing Championships 2025; Minakshi Hooda, Gold Medallist, World Boxing Championships 2025; Nupur Sheoran, Silver Medallist, World Boxing Championships 2025 and Pooja Rani, Bronze Medallist, World Boxing Championships 2025

At NDTV Yuva, BRS leader KT Rama Rao will speak on the future and aspirations of Gen Z.

From a model to an actor, from starring as the pretty face to an entrepreneur, NDTV Yuva will also break stereotypes associated with female actors with Diana Penty.

NDTV Yuva will also focus on the relentless “hustle culture” and will explore healthier, more meaningful definitions of success for Gen Z. Key speaker for this session would be Motivational Speaker Rasik Chopra.

Speakers Dr Zirak Marker, Psychiatrist, Simone Khambatta, Lifestyle Content Producer, and Fatema Agarkar, Founder of Agarkar Centre of Excellence, will have a candid conversation on mental health, resilience and navigating the ups and downs of modern life. 

NDTV Yuva will feature a conversation on making governance more relatable and responsive to the next generation with Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora