Jaipur Bytes

In Episode 12 of Jaipur Bytes, author Stephen Alter discusses his 50-year writing career, sharing his disciplined routine of writing exactly 1,000 words daily in solitude. Born in the mountains, Alter frequently writes about the Himalaya, which he describes as a fragile, dynamic, and constantly eroding landscape rather than an eternal, immutable presence.Addressing environmental concerns, Alter highlights the writer's responsibility to caution readers about preserving unspoiled landscapes. He speaks out against the destructive impact of excessive religious tourism and ill-managed development in the Himalayas. Watch now for a thoughtful conversation on nature writing, environmental conservation, and the responsibility of writers to speak up.

In Episode 11 of Jaipur Bytes, Khalid and Bharat of the Indian indie rock band Parvaaz take us through their journey of finding their identity, sound, and wings as a band.From blending Kashmiri folk traditions with contemporary sounds to creating music without allowing algorithms to influence their artistic choices, Parvaaz shares an honest perspective on the changing music landscape.Watch the full episode to hear Parvaaz talk about their music and the evolving world of Indian independent music. Tune in today!

Why do some films become part of who we are, while others simply disappear?Join journalist and writer Poonam Saxena as she reflects on the emotional power of cinema, revisiting Sholay and exploring why certain films become part of our collective memory while others don’t. She discusses why memorable cinema is not necessarily about realism, but about creating a deep emotional response and becoming part of the mahol of its time.The conversation also looks at how Hindi cinema has evolved, how audiences experience films differently today, and what has changed in the stories, characters, songs, and emotions that once defined mainstream cinema.Tune in today!

The oldest known work of literature is far from a dusty relic. Beyond antiquity, the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh lies in the perenniality of its themes.  From humanity's relationship with nature to environmental destruction, mortality, and civilization, Martin Puchner explains why this Mesopotamian classic remains a cornerstone of modern thought and why its questions are just as urgent now as they were 4,000 years ago.Watch this episode of Jaipur Bytes and more at the link in bio.

Thaikkudam Bridge, an acclaimed Malayalam multi-genre rock band, has been redefining the Indian independent music scene for more than a decade!From the story of how the band came together to navigating the complexities of creating music with a large ensemble, Vian and Ashok offer a rare glimpse into their journey. They open up about their internal dynamics, the evolution of their sound, and what it takes to balance diverse musical influences while staying authentic.They also share their thoughts on why art is deeply personal, how they resist the pressure to fit into genres or labels, and why making music has always been about enjoying the process rather than overcomplicating it. Tune in now! (Pun intended)

In this episode of Jaipur Bytes 2026, podcaster, writer and cultural critic Anurag Minus Verma shares his views on content, creativity, and the internet's ever-expanding influence on our lives, but not without his trademark wit and candor.Anurag unpacks his approach to content creation, the thought process behind his work, and the balance between instinct, experimentation, and storytelling. The conversation also dives into the often-unspoken realities of the creator economy, from chasing metrics and engagement to living under the grace of the algorithm. Tune in now!

Historical narratives are shaped, often distorted, by those in positions of power. This is why preserving our past matters for the future, now more than ever!At Jaipur Bytes 2026, renowned historian and author Swapna Liddle reflects on why approaching history with curiosity, critical thinking, and an open mind is essential for understanding the past beyond political or ideological agendas.Swapna shares why preserving heritage is about much more than restoring old buildings and discusses the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to conservation, ensuring that historic spaces continue to thrive while adapting to the needs of the present.

From building a remarkable career as one of India's most respected film journalists and bestselling authors to navigating setbacks, self-doubt, and defining moments, acclaimed author, journalist and film critic Anupama Chopra reflects on the journey that continues to shape her. In this episode of Jaipur Bytes, presented by Sapna Book House, she enters into the inner workings of the film industry across the country, what it truly takes to create a classic film, the immense collaborative efforts behind every film, and why the lives of celebrities are often more vulnerable and human than audiences imagine. No conversation about Bollywood is complete without addressing its biggest debates. Anupama offers her nuanced perspective on nepotism, industry privilege, media narratives, and the conversations that continue to shape Indian cinema today.This episode is everything you want it to be! Tune in now. 

The only thing we need to know about History is that its power lies not in its association with antiquity but in its relationship with modernity! In the fourth episode of Jaipur Bytes 2027, historian and archaeologist Josephine Quinn, in conversation with writer, speaker, curator, and podcaster, Eric Chopra, provides us with a perspective change on how we view History today, who makes it and where does it end?Tune into this intriguing conversation now!

It’s 2026 and the internet controls the strings to our thoughts. But what controls the internet? It is the algorithm! In the 3rd episode of Jaipur Bytes 2026, the official podcast of the Jaipur Literature Festival, Entrepreneur and host of @dostcast, Vinamre Kasanaa paints a picture of what it means to be on the internet and be a content creator today.He provides us answers to some burning questions each one of us has and takes us beyond the shimmer of being on the screen, sharing the nuances, difficulties and the process of being a successful content creator. You don’t want to miss this!Tune in now!