Jaipur Bytes

There is a lot to be said about the current state of politics and media in India today. This is exactly what journalist and author Rajdeep Sardesai expands on while talking about his newest book ‘2024: The Election that Surprised India’. Sardesei points out the hypocrisy of the Indian media and discusses Prime Minister Modi’s mass appeal as well as the need for a strong opposition. 

 “I am rejecting the idea that I’m half Punjabi and half British. I am both those things fully.”In this captivating podcast, Jassa Ahluwalia discusses his book “Both Not Half,” exploring identity and his writing process. He shares stories of growing up in a multicultural home, how his family blended languages and cultures, and his experiences visiting India. 

Storytelling takes on many forms from poems, plays, novels, short stories, to films, music, and short films. In this captivating podcast, Manav Kaul and Imtiaz Ali discuss elements that make narratives compelling, sharing how evocative literature and media influence their approach to writing, directing, and acting. Discover how stories inspire us and transform the way in which we see the world. 

Growing up in America, singer Hrishi was surrounded by music that was different from the songs he heard at home. In this episode, Hrishi discusses how he navigated these two distinct musical worlds and discovered ways to blend Carnatic music with the English pop and rock that shaped his upbringing. He also reflects on achieving social media fame on Instagram and Tiktok. 

Radio, YouTube, Instagram, and Bollywood are just a few of the diverse fields Prajakta Koli has explored. Now, she is venturing into the world of literature with her debut novel, ‘Too Good to be True’. In this engaging podcast, social media star Koli shares insights into her creative writing process, how she navigates fame, and her approach to overcoming failure. 

From eating Maggi and playing cricket in the 80s, to her mother’s cancer journey, to moving to the UK, chef and author Romy Gill shares the inspirations behind her book ‘Romy Gill’s India’. She discusses how growing up in Bengal as a Punjabi, along with other experiences such as travelling and relocating to the UK, have shaped her culinary experience. Gill’s experiences of being on television and as a chef and food writer make for an engaging and enlightening conversation.  

From thoughts on material possessions to the experiences that brought his iconic lyrics to life, catch the Kailash Kher beyond Saiyaan and Teri Deewani, in the first episode of the official podcast of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, The Jaipur Bytes, hosted by Yuva Ekta Foundation’s founder trustee, Puneeta Roy.

Anjum Hasan’s latest book, ‘History’s Angel’, focuses on a historian named Alif, who navigates life in the multistoried and historical city of Delhi during a time when the study of history is becoming an increasingly conflicted territory. In this episode of the Jaipur Bytes podcast, Hasan joins writer and Itihāsology's founder, Eric Chopra, to discuss the nuances of her latest novel, the inspirations behind her previous works, her anxieties around the erasure of the past, and the ways in which she continues to reinvent herself as a writer.

In this Jaipur Bytes episode, Bhutanese actor, model, and author Kelly Dorji reflects on his trailblazing career as a model and offers insights into the evolving standards of beauty and the fashion industry's demands. In conversation with RJ Sarthak Kaushik, he speaks about his experiences of walking iconic ramps and working with some of the best names in the industry. He shares his thoughts on the rise of influencer culture and speaks of legendary designers like Shahab Durazi, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, and more. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful reflections, Dorji shines a light on how the inner workings of the fashion and film industries in India have transformed over the years, offering a rare glimpse into a world that has shaped Indian pop culture.

Mathematician Marcus du Sautoy brings numbers to life in this fascinating episode of Jaipur Bytes. In conversation with RJ Sarthak, Sautoy talks about being an Ambassador of Mathematics, the magic of imaginary numbers, the unexpected connections between maths and music, and the inspiring stories woven into the history of mathematics. An episode that offers a fresh and engaging take on how numbers shape our world.