AI is one of the best mentors you can have: Raj Shamani

Entrepreneur and podcaster Raj Shamani says the toughest part of building one of India’s fastest-growing podcasts is not competition but the deliberate decision to avoid the country’s most-viewed content categories. Shamani was speaking at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Shamani highlighted how artificial intelligence has transformed the way he works and makes decisions daily. He said that AI has become central to his workflow and daily decision-making. “Every time I meet somebody, before that I use my 2–3 AI models to make the meeting maximum productive and fruitful,” he said, adding that the tools help him brainstorm ideas, prepare for conversations and review legal documents. “My meetings which earlier used to close in five to six meetings, now they are closing in one to two meetings.”

Artificial intelligence, he said, has become central to his workflow. “You can use AI as one of the best mentors you can ever have… The team doesn't say what should we do? They say get it done with AI.”

Contrary to the belief that AI reduces work, he said it increases ambition. “What you used to think you will do in a year, now you are trying to do in a month.” He added that AI now helps him prepare for meetings, review legal documents and close decisions faster.

Addressing concerns around misuse of AI, Shamani warned about the risks of deepfakes and the need for responsible guardrails. “If we put too many guardrails, innovation will slow down. But at the same time, misuse like deepfakes is a real concern,” he said, describing AI governance as a difficult balance between safety and rapid innovation.

On the creator economy, he stressed authenticity over spectacle. “To stand out, all you have to do is trust yourself… more people will connect than somebody who is trying to be everyone for everybody.”

Shamani noted that Gen Z may have a mindset advantage in the AI era. “They see it as a friend… a tool that helps them get better, not replace them.”

He also predicted the rise of AI-powered solo startups. “Are we moving into a world where we will have solo unicorns powered by AI? Absolutely.”

On concerns about AI, he added, “AI is not making people dumber. AI is just exposing more and more people.”

Shamani’s YouTube channel has now crossed nearly 15 million subscribers, with over 2,300 videos uploaded and more than 1.7 billion total views, marking a major milestone for India’s long-form creator economy. His show features global and national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, positioning the platform as a hub for business, culture and ideas.

Explaining the editorial philosophy behind the show, Shamani said, “You can pick topics that you know you'll get a lot of views on… and we every day say no to it.”

He revealed the five content categories his team consciously avoids. “In India, the top five content pieces are the most popular. We don't make those five. Number one, horror. Second, religion. Third, sex and erotic conversations. Fourth, astrology. Fifth, entertainment.”

The decision, he admitted, makes growth harder. “Imagine, the top five things that get you the most views in your country, you don't make content on those five. How difficult it is to stay true to your thing and still get the kind of numbers and views that you're getting.”

Shamani said most competing podcasts rely on at least one of these categories. “If you look at top ten podcasts in the country, apart from ours, there isn't anyone who doesn't make content on one of those five.”

The creator credited his audience and team for keeping the platform aligned to its core values. “My team and my family is so good and so is my audience that they make sure that I don't do this mistake ever. Even if 0.1% I want to do it.”

Shamani also acknowledged gaps in the voices featured on the show and invited more diverse experts to pitch ideas. “Every wife and every homemaker in the country can teach us so many more things… Just write us a good email — what you can teach and what people can apply in their lives.”