Know Time

Why do some companies succeed when expanding internationally while others fail? What does it take to compete in a globalized economy? And how should businesses account for the political, cultural, and economic differences between countries? In Know Time Episode 197, Robert Salomon, Dean of Stern at NYU Abu Dhabi and Professor of International Management at NYU Stern School of Business, joins us fo...

What can the ruins of Mohenjo-daro tell us about one of the world's earliest urban civilisations? In this episode of Know Time, archaeologist and anthropologist Dr. Uzma Z. Rizvi takes us on an introduction to archaeology and the history of the Indus Valley Civilisation. From the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro to its remarkable urban planning, drainage systems and everyday life, we explore what...

How do computers understand human language? What is Natural Language Processing (NLP), and why is Arabic so challenging for artificial intelligence? In this episode of Know Time, we speak with Nizar Habash, a leading expert in Arabic Natural Language Processing, about linguistics, computational linguistics, AI, machine learning, and Large Language Models (LLMs). From the foundations of NLP to the...

What makes a great actor? How do actors build a character, find the truth in a performance, and bring a script to life? In Know Time #194, acclaimed actors Kumud Mishra and Shubhrajyoti Barat go deep into the craft of theatre and acting. They discuss the fundamentals of performance, character-building, stagecraft, rehearsals, working with directors, finding emotion in a scene, and the differences...

What is sociology, and how can it help us understand society, power, class, revolutions, and history? In this episode of Know Time, sociologist Georgi Derluguian joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the foundations of sociology, Soviet history, Russia, the collapse of the USSR, social class, nationalism, revolution, and the forces that shape modern societies. Georgi Derluguian is a sociolog...

How do lasers work, and how can extreme laser light be used to study matter at the most fundamental level? In Know Time Episode 192, physicist G. Ravindra Kumar takes us from the basics of lasers to the cutting edge of nonlinear optics, intense light-matter interactions and particle physics. We explore how lasers generate and control light, what happens when extremely intense laser pulses interact...

Vishal Malhotra joins Know Time to talk about acting, 90s television, Bollywood, Disney, and his journey through some of India’s most memorable TV shows and films. From Ishq Vishk, Jannat and Kismat Konnection to Disney Hour, Shararat and Hip Hip Hurray, Vishal looks back at the roles and experiences that shaped his career as an actor and television personality. He also discusses the changing ente...

What does architecture tell us about power, inequality, cities and the way we imagine the future? In this episode of Know Time, architect, poet and writer Mustansir Dalvi joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about architecture, philosophy, Dharavi redevelopment and the idea of “fantasy architecture.” We explore how buildings and cities reflect social structures, Casa Battlo in Barcelona, the D...

What happens when the laws of quantum physics meet the most extreme objects in the universe? In this episode of Know Time, theoretical physicist Shiraz Minwalla takes us deep into the world of black holes, quantum mechanics, string theory, quantum gravity, and the fundamental structure of reality. We explore some of the biggest questions in modern theoretical physics: What actually happens inside...

How did Cyrus Sahukar become one of India’s most recognizable comedy and television personalities? In this episode of Know Time, Cyrus Sahukar talks about the fundamentals of comedy, sketch comedy, acting, and his journey through MTV India. Cyrus discusses the art of making people laugh, creating memorable characters and sketches, the influence of MTV on Indian youth culture, and what he has learn...

How did India build affordable telecom, ATMs and technology for rural communities, and what can India’s startup ecosystem learn from that experience? In this episode of Know Time, Ashok Jhunjhunwala, one of India’s leading technology innovators and researchers, discusses the stories behind some of his most important innovations and his broader vision for using technology to solve India’s biggest d...

Gulshan Devaiah breaks down the craft of acting: from the fundamentals of performance and character-building to the acting techniques that help actors create believable, memorable characters. In this conversation, Gulshan Devaiah discusses acting techniques, the basics every aspiring actor should understand, his approach to preparing for roles, and what it takes to succeed as an actor in Bollywood...

What can data really tell us about India? In Know Time 185, journalist and author Rukmini S explains the basics of data, statistics and data journalism, and how numbers shape the way we understand India. Rukmini S discusses how to interpret statistics, the importance of reliable data in journalism, how data can be misunderstood or misrepresented, and what journalists and audiences should look for...

Nandita Das takes us inside the world of filmmaking, acting, Bollywood, storytelling and activism in this wide-ranging conversation on Know Time. What does it really take to make a film? Nandita breaks down the fundamentals of filmmaking and acting, from physicality and performance to props, character and the collaborative nature of cinema. She also explores the relationship between art and econom...

What is nationalism? How did the modern idea of India emerge? What is Hindutva and Hindu nationalism, and how does it differ from Indian nationalism? In this episode of Know Time, scholar Jyotirmaya Sharma explores the history of political ideas that have shaped modern India. The conversation examines the origins of nationalism, the intellectual foundations of Hindutva, the evolution of Indian pol...

Explore the fascinating history, architecture, and politics of Chennai (Madras) with Sriram V on Know Time Episode 182. From the origins of Madras under the British East India Company to the city's incredible architectural heritage, Dravidian identity, and political movements that shaped Tamil Nadu, this conversation uncovers the many layers behind one of India's most historic cities. Srir...

What makes Carnatic music one of the world's most sophisticated classical music traditions? In this masterclass, legendary Carnatic vocalist Sudha Ragunathan takes us through the foundations, philosophy, and beauty of South Indian classical music. In this episode of Know Time, Sudha Ragunathan explains the origins of Carnatic music, the importance of Ragas and Talas, how musicians approach imp...

How does the banking system actually work? Why do banks fail? What determines interest rates, inflation, and economic growth? In this episode of Know Time, economist and finance expert Prasanna Tantri breaks down the fundamentals of banking, finance, and the Indian economy — explaining the complex systems that power everyday life. From how banks create money and give loans to understanding bad loa...

Want to bowl like a professional spinner? In this episode of Know Time, Indian cricketer Sai Kishore breaks down the fundamentals of spin bowling, from grip and wrist position to flight, drift, turn, accuracy, and bowling strategy. Whether you're a beginner, club cricketer, or simply love the game, this masterclass will help you understand what makes spin bowling so effective. Sai Kishore also...

Learn the fundamental badminton basics, advanced court techniques, and pro-level match strategies straight from India’s legendary former World No. 1 and Olympic medalist, Saina Nehwal! In Episode 178 of Know Time, we dive deep into what it takes to master badminton. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the core rules and footwork, or an intermediate player aiming to improve your smash...

What does Jungian psychology reveal about the human mind, dreams, and psychedelic experience? Dive deep into the unconscious with Jungian Psychology 101 in this fascinating conversation with Anderson Todd on Know Time. Anderson Todd - cognitive scientist, registered psychotherapist, and University of Toronto professor specializing in Jungian theory - breaks down the foundations of Carl Jung's...

What happens when rationality, culture, and identity collide in the modern world? In this deep conversation, writer and philosopher John Ralston Saul explores globalization, fiction, democracy, and what it means to be Canadian in an age dominated by systems, institutions, and abstract thinking. This episode of Know Time dives into Saul’s critique of excessive rationalism, the role of storytelling...

Learn chess from one of the greatest players in history. In this episode of Know Time, Viswanathan Anand shares practical chess lessons for beginners and experienced players alike, covering openings, strategy, calculation, psychology, and the habits that separate strong players from the rest. What makes a good chess opening? How should beginners study chess? Are openings more important than tactic...

Independent journalism, documentary filmmaking, geopolitics, and nuclear policy - in this episode of Know Time, we sit down with filmmaker and journalist Paul Jay to explore the role of independent media in understanding the world. From the future of journalism and the challenges facing alternative media, to the power of documentary filmmaking, global conflicts, nuclear weapons, and the politics s...

What is quantum computing, and how could it transform the future of technology, encryption, and physics itself? In this episode of Know Time, physicist and author Shohini Ghose breaks down quantum computing, quantum teleportation, chaos theory, entanglement, and the strange logic of the quantum world. We explore how quantum computers work, why quantum mechanics challenges common sense, whether qua...