Was ancient India more open about pleasure than we are today? How did Bollywood songs keep Kāmaśāstra alive? And why is patriarchy obsessed with the idea that sex is bad?

Welcome to Episode 4 of The Durex Podcast. The only podcast that explores the intersection of culture, literature, and the stories that shape our understanding of sexuality. And our guests this time?

Varun Grover, a lyricist, writer, director, and stand-up comic who’s made critically acclaimed films like Masaan and All India Rank, and has written national award-winning songs like Moh Moh Ke Dhaage.

Devdutt Pattanaik, a celebrated mythologist, lecturer, and author known for his compelling insights into cultural truths and the relevance of Indian and Western myths in modern life.

The conversation dives deep into how ancient Indian texts like the Kāma-shastra have shaped modern attitudes towards sex and intimacy. Varun Grover offers his perspective on how storytelling can be a powerful tool in challenging societal norms about sexuality, while Devdutt Pattanaik unpacks the deep-seated cultural and mythological truths that influence our understanding of gender and pleasure.

Watch this episode till the end as we unveil the cultural layers that have shaped our ideas of intimacy and identity. From erotic poetry to patriarchy and Western influence, this episode sheds light on the cultural conversations that shape modern sexuality.

And as always, subscribe to the channel for more raw, real, and fun conversations.

Chapters:

0:00 - Highlights

2:09 - Podcast starts

4:48 - What inspired Varun Grover to become a writer?

6:56 - What changed in the film industry in the 1980s?

8:55 - Devdutt Pattanaik’s discovery of being gay

12:10 - What is the portrayal of gender and identity in literature?

15:49 - Stigma on embracing pleasure and societal pressure

19:15 - Does India's attitude toward sex & pleasure influence the West?

22:19 - How can literature make good sex, great sex?

28:11 - Say It, Without Saying It Begins!

32:24 - The Durex Pleasure Wall

34:53 - Conclusion

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Our host:

https://www.instagram.com/abhaydeol/

Our guests:

https://www.instagram.com/vidushak/

https://www.instagram.com/devduttmyth/

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Stream #TheDurexPodcast Episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3T9fkVGQmZvoL1E01LPT98?si=jQC0RxioQaSU1QzqRy9rxA

Check out #TheDurexPodcast reels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

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For more, follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDurexPodcast

X: https://x.com/thedurexpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Durex-Podcast/61572834612682/

#TheDurexPodcast

#LetsEndGoodSex

#DurexIndia

#Durex

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About:

In a country where pleasure is whispered about, Let’s End Good Sex by Durex is here to startthe conversation. No shame, no awkwardness—just real, open talks about intimacy, desire, and everything we should have been discussing all along. It’s time to speak up, listen in, and rethink pleasure.

How is today’s generation redefining s*x and intimacy? Are dating apps making meaningful relationships obsolete? And are “conscious” hookups really a thing?

Welcome to Episode 3 of The Durex Podcast, where Abhay Deol sits down with two incredible guests:

Prajakta Koli - One of India’s biggest digital creators, best known for her YouTube channel MostlySane, Netflix’s Mismatched, and the Bollywood film Jugjugg Jeeyo.

Adarsh Gourav - A rising star in Indian cinema, acclaimed for his roles in The White Tiger, My Name Is Khan, and more.

Together, they dive into an unfiltered conversation on love, s*x, and relationships in today’s hyper-connected world.

In this episode, we discuss:

-How Gen Z is approaching love, intimacy, and modern relationships

-The impact of dating apps on emotional and s*xual connections

-Whether p*rn is influencing real-life bedroom experiences

-The role of love languages and kinks in building deeper relationships

Don’t miss this bold, honest, and insightful chat! Subscribe now for more raw, real, and fun conversations every week.

Chapters:

0:00 - Introduction

0:52 - Podcast Starts

1:43 - How Prajakta met Vrishank

4:58 - How Adarsh met Radhika

6:35 - Adarsh’s childhood Titanic movie story

9:09 - Growing up: Conversations about s*x & intimacy at home

11:10 - First experiences with p*rnography & thoughts on it

15:25 - Prajakta talks about her new book ‘Too Good To Be True’

17:25 - Are dating apps changing how people experience s*x?

26:42 - Love languages: What matters most in a relationship

28:24 - Talking about kinks & what makes intimacy exciting

29:48 - Let’s End Good S*x: What does great intimacy mean to them?

32:05 - Durex’s Real Feel & Real Connection Game

38:59 - The Durex Pleasure Wall

41:47 - Conclusion

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Our host:https://www.instagram.com/abhaydeol/

Our guests:https://www.instagram.com/mostlysane/

https://www.instagram.com/gouravadarsh/

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Stream #TheDurexPodcast Episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3T9fkVGQmZvoL1E01LPT98?si=jQC0RxioQaSU1QzqRy9rxA

Check out #TheDurexPodcast reels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

----------

For more, follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDurexPodcast

X: https://x.com/thedurexpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Durex-Podcast/61572834612682/

#TheDurexPodcast #LetsEndGoodSex #DurexIndia #Durex

----------

About:

In a country where pleasure is whispered about, Let’s End Good Sex by Durex is here to startthe conversation. No shame, no awkwardness—just real, open talks about intimacy, desire, and everything we should have been discussing all along. It’s time to speak up, listen in, and rethink pleasure.

The Durex Podcast returns with an unfiltered, thought provoking conversation about LGBTQIA+ love, intimacy, and breaking stereotypes! In this episode, Abhay Deol is joined by Rani KoHEnur (Sushant Divgikar) and Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, two trailblazers in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Who’s on the podcast?

Rani KoHEnur (previously known as Sushant Divgikar) is a multi-talented model, actor, singer, drag queen, and LGBTQIA+ activist. Known for their fierce confidence and advocacy, Rani brings humor and insight into conversations around gender and s*xuality.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil is the world’s first openly gay royal and a leading LGBTQIA+ activist in India. As the heir to the Rajpipla kingdom, he has dedicated his life to breaking barriers and promoting inclusivity through his NGO, the Lakshya Trust.

This episode dives deep into topics such as:

-Growing up LGBTQIA+ in conservative families

-Kamasutra’s take on queer relationships

-Coming out as a transgender person in India-First-time experiences & discovering one’s s*xuality

-Grindr stories & modern dating

-Myth-busting LGBTQIA+ stereotypes

If you’ve ever been curious about LGBTQIA+ relationships, intimacy, or gender identity, this episode will challenge norms, entertain, and educate—all at the same time.

No judgment. No filters. Just real talk.

Chapters:

0:00 - Highlights

0:45 - Podcast Starts

1:25 - Manvendra’s Story of Growing Up Gay in a Royal Family

3:58 - How Did Manvendra Realize He Is Gay?

5:23 - The Section 377 Debate

6:03 - History of Gods, Goddesses, & Kamasutra’s Take on Homos*xuality

7:57 - Manvendra’s Palace’s Reaction When He Came Out

9:00 - Rani on the Closeted Community

10:02 - Rani’s Story of Growing Up & Parents’ Support

13:39 - Rani Appreciates Manvendra’s Work

14:46 - Discussing LGBTQIA+ Representation in Films

16:23 - Rani & Manvendra Appreciate Abhay’s Work

17:17 - Rani Talks About Support from Family

18:24 - Homophobia in Transition - Manvendra’s Father’s Story

19:50 - How Society Treats LGBTQIA+ Individuals

22:11 - Rani’s First Dating & S*xuality Experience

23:30 - The Story Behind “Rani KoHEnur”

24:37 - What Pleasures Rani?

25:53 - What Does "Let’s End Good S*x" Mean to Rani & Manvendra?

28:48 - Myth-Busting LGBTQIA+ Stereotypes

37:02 - The Durex Pleasure Wall

41:49 - Conclusion

Our host:

https://www.instagram.com/abhaydeol/

Our guests:

https://www.instagram.com/princemanvendragohil/

https://www.instagram.com/sushantdivgikr/

Watch #TheDurexPodcast Episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDurexPodcastStream

#TheDurexPodcast Episodes on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3T9fkVGQmZvoL1E01LPT98?si=jQC0RxioQaSU1QzqRy9rxA

Check out #TheDurexPodcast reels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

For more, follow us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedurexpodcast/

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDurexPodcast

X: https://x.com/thedurexpodcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Durex-Podcast/61572834612682/

#TheDurexPodcast #LetsEndGoodSex #DurexIndia #Durex

About:

In a country where pleasure is whispered about, Let’s End Good Sex by Durex is here to startthe conversation. No shame, no awkwardness—just real, open talks about intimacy, desire, and everything we should have been discussing all along. It’s time to speak up, listen in, and rethink pleasure.