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 h...

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 f...

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...

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 urg...

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...

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. T...

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...

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 indus...

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 wher...

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 quest...

Why is the world failing? What is affecting our health? How can we fix it? Entrepreneur, lifestyle guru and author Luke Coutinho has answers to all our questions! Luke takes us through his inspiring journey into lifestyle medicine and why he believes true healing lies not in shortcuts, but in sustainable daily habits. He speaks passionately about India’s deep-rooted relationship with food, traditi...

What does it take to stay at the top of a game that never stops evolving? In the first episode of Jaipur Bytes 2026, chess legend Vishwanathan Anand reflects on his remarkable journey from a young prodigy with a passion for the game to becoming one of the greatest chess players in history. In conversation with broadcaster, music curator and podcaster Sarthak Kaushik, he opens up about the defining...

Ghost stories are a significant part of Bengali culture. In this podcast, Arundhati Nath recalls how she grew up listening to her grandmother narrate ghost stories. She discusses how the stories in the collection ‘The Phantom’s Howl’ feature supernatural creatures with not only elements of horror but also humour. 

Even after testing ninety fried chicken recipes in three months for her cookbook ‘Kung Pao and Beyond’, food writer and chef Susan Jung still loves fried chicken. In this engaging podcast, Jung shares her culinary journey from starting out as an English literature graduate to becoming a pastry chef, writing a cookbook and now a food writer at Vogue Hong Kong. 

India cannot be separated from its ten thousand years of history, even when focusing on the last fifty years. Sandeep Khanna’s debut novel follows characters as they navigate the economic, political, and socio-cultural changes India has undergone from the 1970s and 80s to the present. In this gripping podcast, Khanna shares the stories, poetry, and themes that inspired his writing, discusses what...

Which kinds of art are worth viewing, and who creates them? Katy Hessel unpacks these questions by examining limitations historically placed on art made by women and types of works currently exhibited in the UK. The art historian argues how recognising these artists and writers’ achievements not only enriches our understanding of art history but also shapes a more inclusive future for the art worl...

From discussing culinary school and what inspired his passion for cooking, to exploring how the history of colonialism in Kerala has shaped its cuisine, and delving into the science and art of selecting ingredients and preparing dishes, Chef Anand George covers multiple facets of the culinary experience. 

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...

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 inspira...