An interview with Punit Pandey, founder of AstroSage AI, India’s first and largest astrology platform, pushing boundaries with generative AI and AGI-level astrologers.
In an engaging conversation, Punit Pandey explores the innovative intersection of technology and astrology at AstroSage AI.
With a vision to modernize astrological practices through generative AI, he shares his inspiration and the transformative impact of integrating advanced technology into traditional wisdom.
What inspired you to combine astrology with generative AI, and how did you come up with the idea for AstroSage AI?
Punit Pandey: We launched the Bhrigoo.ai app in 2018, which was the first AI astrology app in the world. Even before that launch, we were already working on integrating AI with astrology.
When ChatGPT became available in November 2022, we recognized the time was right to build the future of astrology. Soon after, character.ai introduced avatar technology, which became extremely popular, especially with Gen Z.
We were already exploring avatar technology, and the success of character.ai reaffirmed that we were well-positioned to create a global product from India.
We knew we had the capability to merge AI’s potential with astrology to redefine the industry, and with our experience and resources, we aimed to make a significant impact.
How does AstroSage AI utilize generative AI to enhance the astrological experience for users?
Punit Pandey: AstroSage AI combines Generative AI Open Source LLM Avatar AI technology with the simplicity of WhatsApp. Our Avatar technology is unique because our avatars possess not only specific personalities but also specialized expertise and years of experience in astrology.
For example, our AI avatar, Mr. Krishnamurti, has extensive knowledge of the advanced KP System of astrology (Krishnamurti Paddhati) and has quickly become the most popular astrologer on our platform, answering the most questions and gaining the highest number of followers.
Our in-house foundation model builds upon Open Source technology and has been trained using the vast number of charts generated on our platform over the years.
AstroSage, being the only free Kundli Cloud with over 1 million daily active users, holds a significant advantage in terms of data, which further strengthens the capabilities of AstroSage AI.
We have accumulated a wealth of astrological data over two decades, which gives our AI models a depth of insight that is unparalleled in the market.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in developing AstroSage AI, especially in integrating complex astrological concepts with advanced technology?
Punit Pandey: The high cost of AI technology and GPU resources posed a major challenge, especially without external funding. Additionally, the limited availability of skilled AI talent in the public domain made hiring difficult.
Fortunately, we already had an AI team in place, and I, as the founder of AstroSage AI, brought significant expertise in both AI and astrology, providing a unique advantage in building AstroSage AI.
Combining these two complex domains—AI and astrology—required in-depth knowledge, and having a founder who understood both was a huge asset in overcoming technical and conceptual hurdles.
Developing a system capable of accurately interpreting the intricacies of astrology while providing valuable insights was a long journey, but our experience allowed us to navigate these challenges effectively.
How do you ensure that users remain engaged and satisfied with the astrological insights provided by your platform?
Punit Pandey: We closely monitor quality parameters like ratings, reviews, response time, conversion rate, astrological accuracy, and repeat usage.
Our automated consultation distribution system ensures that astrologers with lower quality scores stop receiving calls and chats, similar to YouTube’s AI algorithm, where higher-quality videos gain more traction.
Additionally, our avatar technology is highly conversational, which, combined with Generative AI, allows for quick responses to everyday questions like the best time for a meeting or dietary recommendations.
This personalization enhances user engagement significantly. We also use AI for extensive personalization, tailoring interactions to individual users based on their astrological charts and preferences, which keeps our users deeply connected to the platform.
In what ways do you believe AstroSage AI is contributing to the cultural perception of astrology in India and beyond?
Punit Pandey: India produces a large number of software engineers every year, yet globally successful software products have often come from elsewhere. Most of the products we use, like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Android, and Windows, are American innovations.
The Indian startup ecosystem has been filled with products inspired by existing international models—Flipkart from Amazon, Ola from Uber, and so on.
AstroSage AI stands out by striving for originality and innovation, and we hope it becomes one of the first globally successful products from India, setting a new precedent for innovation in the country.
By combining AI with astrology, a practice deeply rooted in Indian culture, we are showcasing how traditional knowledge can be transformed and modernized to appeal to a global audience.
This approach is helping reshape how astrology is perceived—not as something old-fashioned but as a technology-enabled tool for personal insight.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to innovate in traditional fields using modern technology?
Punit Pandey: Think big. Innovation takes time. Don’t focus solely on making money—it will come if you create great products.
I wrote an article about this on LinkedIn titled “How to Get It All Wrong and Still Become #1” which shares more insights: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-get-all-wrong-still-become-1-punit-pandey/.
Understand the traditions and the history of the field you’re working in, but don’t be afraid to break the mold and introduce new approaches. It’s the unique blend of respect for tradition and bold innovation that often leads to success.
What exciting developments or features can users expect from AstroSage AI in the coming years?
Punit Pandey: We have a lot of exciting developments in the pipeline. We’re working on an astrologer that will exist not only on our platform but also on other platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp.
These astrologers will interact with users, manage their own social media profiles, and feel more human than ever. We are also building a next-generation personalization engine that can answer users’ questions before they even think of asking them.
The coming year will be full of innovation, and we expect it to have a significant impact on users worldwide.
Additionally, we are investing in creating multilingual support, so that our services can reach even more users across different geographies and cultures, ensuring that AstroSage AI becomes a truly global product.
Punit’s insights illuminate how AstroSage AI not only enhances user experience but also reshapes the cultural perception of astrology. His commitment to innovation encourages a new generation to embrace the synergy of technology and ancient knowledge.
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