Jaipur Bytes

Hello, Darling!: Rupert Everett in conversation with Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi

35 min 11 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Rupert Everett in conversation with Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi.

Voices of Faith - Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels

45 min 6 sec

Amardeep Singh in conversation with Preeti Gill.This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

#JaipurLiteratureFestival2022 Begins: Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple, Sanjoy Roy welcome you back to Jaipur

14 min 29 sec

Festival CoDirectors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple, and Festival Producer Sanjoy Roy tease what you can expect from the 15th edition of the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival, taking place online and onground in Jaipur from March 5 to 14.To register for the festival, visit www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org

River Kings: Cat Jarman in conversation with William Dalrymple

38 min 7 sec

Recorded live at JaipurLiteratureFestival2022. This episode is the session River Kings: A New History of Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Roads. Cat Jarman in conversation with William Dalrymple

Boys Don't Cry: Meghna Pant in conversation with Lucy Beresford

46 min

Recorded live at JaipurLiteratureFestival2022, this session is Boys Dont Cry Meghna Pant in conversation with Lucy Beresford.

Being Remo: Remo Fernandes in conversation with Sanjoy Roy

58 min 7 sec

Recorded live at JaipurLiteratureFestival2022, this session is Being Remo Remo Fernandes in conversation with Sanjoy Roy.

Pure Evil: The Bad Men of Bollywood - Manoj Bajpayee and Balaji Vittal with Pragya Tiwari

45 min 50 sec

A live session recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, this session is Pure Evil: The Bad Men of Bollywood Manoj Bajpayee and Balaji Vittal, in conversation with Pragya Tiwari.

Atal Bihari Vajypayee: The Personal and the Political - Sagarika Ghose with Mandira Nayar

36 min 18 sec

Recorded live at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, this episode is Atal Bihari Vajypayee: The Personal and the Political Sagarika Ghose in conversation with Mandira Nayar.

Exclusive: Kunal Basu (author of "In An Ideal World") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

14 min 59 sec

This is a podcast exclusive episode Recorded live at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 on March 12, Kunal Basu author of In An Ideal World, The Japanese Wife in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta.

Exclusive: Katherine Pangonis talks with Lakshya Datta about her book "Queens of Jerusalem"

14 min 17 sec

This is a podcast exclusive conversation between Lakshya Datta Jaipur Bytes host and Katherine Pangonis, author of Queens of Jerusalem. Recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 on March 12.

The Essential Shashi Tharoor: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Vir Sanghvi

44 min 53 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, recorded on March 12.

Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Arundhathi Subramaniam in conversation with Puneeta Roy

31 min 50 sec

This is a live session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022. Women Who Wear Only Themselves: Yoga, Poetry and Culture Arundhathi Subramaniam in conversation with Puneeta Roy.

Stellar Days, Starry Nights: Shobhaa De in conversation with Gurmehar Kaur

25 min 58 sec

This is a live recording of a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 featuring Shobhaa De in conversation with Gurmehar Kaur.

Voices of Faith - The Power of Prayer

43 min 26 sec

Joshua Pollock in conversation Rishabh C. Kothar. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Peaceful Heart: The Buddhist Practice of Patience

38 min 8 sec

His Eminence Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche in conversation with Puneeta Roy. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Inspirations from Kabir

33 min 55 sec

Purushottam Agrawal in conversation with Kavita Sharma. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

The Battle of Belonging: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Faye D'Souza

39 min 48 sec

What does it mean to be Indian Politician and celebrated author Shashi Tharoors latest book, The Battle Of Belonging: On Nationalism, Patriotism, And What It Means To Be Indian, evaluates the historical and current political trends impacting the “idea of India.” Tharoor explores these changing interpretations of nationalism, patriotism, citizenship and belonging as well as the nature and future of nationhood. In an important conversation with journalist Faye D’Souza, he discusses these themes and ideas in the context of the past, the present and the emergent future.

Say Nothing - Wind of Change: Patrick Radden Keefe in conversation with Fintan O'Toole

36 min 50 sec

Patrick Radden Keefe has always had a way with his words, powerfully laying out stories that illuminate a much larger picture. An awardwinning staff writer for The New Yorker, Radden Keefe’s recent literary escapes include an eightpart podcast called Wind of Change, which investigates the strange confluence of espionage and pop music during the Cold War. His other recent work includes the book Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland, which follows the story of a missing mother in the years of the Irish Troubles, unraveling a history which is still very raw. In conversation with author and literary editor Finton O’Toole, Radden Keefe gives us a glimpse into his writing process and the source of his inspirations.

The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs: Steve Brusatte and Lisa Randall in conversation with Pranay Lal

44 min 9 sec

Academic and paleontologist Steve Brusatte’s book The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World is a stunning narrative covering more than 200 million years. Showcasing a new and complete history of these magnificent creatures it draws from cuttingedge science dramatically bringing to life their lost world and enigmatic origins. Academic and writer Lisa Randalls book Dark Matter and the Dinosaurs: The Astounding Interconnectedness of the Universe takes us on a journey across the universe and through the Milky Way giving us an exceptional understanding of how dark matter may have led to the cataclysmic extinction of Dinosaurs on earth. Writer and biochemist Pranay Lal is the author of Indica: A Deep Natural History of the Indian Subcontinent. In conversation with Lal, they dive into the diverse world of dinosaurs and their ongoing legacy.

The Chipko Movement: Ramachandra Guha, Shekhar Pathak, Manisha Chaudhry, Mukul Sharma

53 min 38 sec

The Himalayan forests determine the wellbeing of India’s Northern Plains. Scholar, traveller, and activist Shekhar Pathak’s important book The Chipko Movement: A People’s History has been rendered in English by translator and publisher Manisha Chaudhry. It tells the story of how local communities in Kumaon and Garhwal, especially the women, resisted forest felling by loggers. Relying on extensive research and primary sources, it documents the antecedents, the inspiration and the impact of this transformative movement in its grassroots context. Edited and with an introduction by historian and public intellectual Ramachandra Guha, the narrative also bears witness to the deep friendship and understanding between Pathak and Guha, two men who share so little and so much. In a deep and insightful discussion, they speak with writer and academic Mukul Sharma about the book and its backstories.

Till We Win: India's Fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic

41 min 50 sec

Randeep Guleria, Chandrakant Lahariya and Gagandeep Kang in conversation with Maya Mirchandani.Will India win the fight against the COVID19 pandemic When can we expect a safe and effective vaccine How should we respond to this new normal as an individual and as a community What is the way forward Offering insights on how India continues to fight the pandemic, Till We Win is a mustread for everyone. A detailed, objective and hopeful account of our times, this is a book for the people, for political leaders, policymakers and physicians with the promise and potential to transform public health in India. Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, is an MD in Medicine and the first DM in Pulmonary Medicine in the country, and has been at the forefront of the Government of India’ sefforts on the COVID19 pandemic preparedness and response. Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya is a leading public policy and health systems expert and a recipient of the Indian Council of Medical Researchs Dr. BC Srivastava Foundation Award for his work on translating communitybased health research in public policy interventions. Dr. Gagandeep Kang is a renowned infectious disease researcher and virologist who serves on many advisory committees in India and internationally, including for the World Health Organisation. The coauthors discuss their exciting new project in conversation with awardwinning journalist Maya Mirchandani.

Innovation, Imagination and Creativity: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, Mugdha Sinha, Shubhendra Rao, Roger Highfield with Sanjoy K. Roy

43 min 56 sec

How do we understand culture Does it stem from civilisational history or is it an evolving way of life How do we reinterpret and regenerate its roots In a pandemic ridden, constantly transforming world, how does innovation and creativity manifest in society, and how can they be promoted despite the difficulties of our timesRajya Sabha member Vinay Sahasrabuddhe is the President at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Director of the Public Policy Research Centre. Mugdha Sinha is Secretary Art, Literature, Culture and Archaeology and Secretary Science and Technology as well as the Director General Jawahar Kala Kendra and the Literary Secretary of IAS Association Rajasthan. Shubhendra Rao is a celebrated composer and Sitar player. Roger Highfield is the Science Director of the Science Museum Group. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, they discuss the fascinating interplay between culture, innovation, economies and societal beliefs and delve on the roots of creative sustenance.

Divine Comedy - Dante Alighieri: Piero Boitani and Claudio Giunta in conversation with H.E. Vincenzo de Luca

41 min 36 sec

Drawing heavily from Roman Catholic theology and philosophy, Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a long narrative poem divided into three parts: Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. The text and its imaginative vision of the afterlife is a masterpiece representing Dante’s journey from darkness to error to the final ascent to God in Paradise. Author and literary critic Piero Boitani is a Dante scholar and is Professor Emeritus of Comparative Literature at the Sapienza University in Rome. Academic and author Claudio Giunta teaches Italian Literature at the University of Trento in Italy. He is an expert in medieval literature, the poetry of Dante and his contemporaries and pedagogy of the humanities. Together they discuss the significance of the Divine Comedy and its verses and celebrate the life and writing of this master of words on the 700th anniversary of his death. In conversation with the Ambassador to Italy in India, H.E. Vincenzo de Luca.

Tom Stoppard - A Life: Hermione Lee in conversation with Chandrahas Choudhury

45 min 24 sec

Tom Stoppard, one of the greatest living playwrights, is a towering and beloved literary figure. Known for his dizzying narrative inventiveness and intense attention to language, he deftly deploys art, science, history, politics, and philosophy in works that span a remarkable spectrum of literary genres: theater, radio, film, TV, journalism and fiction. His most acclaimed creations, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, The Real Thing, Arcadia, The Coast of Utopia and Shakespeare in Love, remain as fresh and moving as when they entranced their first audiences. British biographer, literary critic and academic Hermione Lee’s latest work, Tom Stoppard: A Life, weaves Stoppards life and work together into a vivid, insightful and always riveting portrait of a remarkable man. In conversation with author Chandrahas Choudhury, Lee talks about his life and draws on a wealth of new materials and on her many conversations with Stoppard.

Feminism Reframed: Bee Rowlatt, Mariam Khan and Sabrina Mahfouz with Afshan D'Souza-Lodhi

44 min 18 sec

A timely session which brings together a cross section of voices and perspectives to understand feminism and its kaleidoscopic dimensions. Bee Rowlatt embarks on an extraordinary journey looking at the life and legacy of the first celebrity feminist, Mary Wollstonecraft, in her latest book In Search of Mary. Mariam Khan in her anthology It’s Not About The Burqa, writes about why feminism needs to die. Both of these writers, alongside playwright, poet and editor of The Things I Would Tell You: British Muslim Women Write, Sabrina Mahfouz discuss the ways in which feminism has changed over the years. The three committed writers come together to inform us, critique and reframe feminism for contemporary women. In conversation with Afshan DSouzaLodhi.

Our Man - Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century: George Packer with Basharat Peer

41 min 51 sec

Journalist and writer George Packer’s Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the End of the American Century is an enduring account of the force behind the Dayton Accords which famously ended the Balkan wars. Packer’s sweeping diplomatic history is based on Holbrookes diaries and papers and gives a peek into the life of man both equally admired and detested. Packer’s other works include The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America, The Assassins’ Gate: America in Iraq and Blood of the Liberals. In conversation with journalist and writer Basharat Peer, Packer dives into the life and career of an extraordinary and deeply flawed man and the political and social circles he inhabited.

Age of Disquiet - Reclaiming Hope: Sonali Gupta, Kairavi Bharat Ram and Arshya Gaur with Shelja Sen

43 min 44 sec

We live in an age of accelerated anxiety and the prospect of loss stares us in the face in the times of the pandemic. A conversation across generations where two young women writers, Kairavi Bharat Ram, age 22, and Arshya Gaur, age 16, share their hurts and the process of healing with clinical psychologist and author Sonali Gupta and psychologist and family therapist Shelja Sen. Dr. Sen is cofounder of Children First, a child and adolescent mental health institute, and author of Imagine: No Child Left Invisible, All You Need is Love: The Art of Mindful Parenting and Reclaim Your Life: Going Beyond Silence, Shame and Stigma in Mental Health. Clinical psychologist Sonali Gupta is the author of Anxiety: Overcome It and Live Without Fear. Kairavi Bharat Ram is a thirdyear student at London College of Fashion and has written C is for Cat, D is for Depression. Arshya Gaur is a student, writer and consultant at the Daily O. She recently published a collection of poems titled How to Open a Parachute, dealing with depression and anorexia.

Art and Politics in the Shadow of Music: Alex Ross in conversation with Katherine Butler Schofield

44 min 29 sec

Renowned author and music critic Alex Ross’ latest book Wagnerism: Art and Politics in the Shadow of Music unravels the cultural history and significance of Richard Wagner and the kaleidoscopic work and life he inhabited. Ross weaves together not just Wagner’s story but also the political, artistic and cultural history of the last 150 years. Ross’ other books include The Rest Is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century and Listen to This.with In conversation with academic and author Katherine Butler Schofield, Ross delves into the artistic genius of Wagner and the impact of art in world history.

My Name Is Malala: Malala Yousafzai in conversation with Pragya Tiwari

36 min 31 sec

Nobel Peace Prize winner and bestselling author Malala Yousafzais journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From being an education activist in the Swat Valley in Pakistan to her path breaking work with the Malala Fund, she has emerged as an international voice in the fight for education for all and ending gender discrimination. Her latest book is We are Displaced: My Journey and Stories from Refugee Girls Around the World. In a conversation with Pragya Tiwari, she gives us an inside look into her inspirations, journey and roots.

The Spread of Buddhism: Himanshu Prabha Ray and John Guy in conversation with William Dalrymple

48 min 55 sec

A session traversing the spiritual and archeological path of the expansion of Buddhism opening a fascinating window into its foundations, histories and traditions. It also gives a keen insight into the role of patronage and of Buddhist monks in spreading its ideas and philosophy. Academic and author Himanushu Prabha Ray, talks of the expansion of Buddhism within India while the Senior curator for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, John Guy, explores the spread of Buddhism through SE Asia, in conversation with Festival Co Director and author William Dalrymple.

The Haunting of Alma Fielding - A True Ghost Story: Kate Summerscale in conversation with Ira Mukhoty

40 min 1 sec

Kate Summerscale’s latest book, The Haunting of Alma Fielding, is a gripping narrative that follows the investigation of supernatural experiences in the shadow of war, and the unraveling of a story of trauma, loss and alienation. Summerscale is also the author of bestsellers The Suspicions of Mr Whicher and The Queen of Whale Cay. In conversation with historian and author Ira Mukhoty, Summerscale explores the 1930s case of the ‘Croydon Poltergeist’ and the hidden folds of the human mind.

The Connections and Disconnections between India and China: Tansen Sen in conversation with William Dalrymple

38 min 28 sec

The interactions between India and China have been long and complicated. Tansen Sen sets on a singular mission: to fill the gaps in the narratives tying the regions, breaking through traditional conceptions of understanding IndiaChina connections and proposing new ways to explore the historical and contemporary relations. Sen peoples his tapestry with material exchanges, archival evidence, intelligence reports and information networks, sweeping across historical contexts both within and outside the Asian continent. Sen is Director of the Center for Global Asia, Professor of History, NYU Shanghai. He specialises in Asian history and religions and has special scholarly interests in IndiaChina interactions, Indian Ocean connections and Buddhism. In conversation with author and Festival Co Director William Dalrymple.

Girl In White Cotton - The Story of Burnt Sugar: Avni Doshi in conversation with Janice Pariat

49 min 14 sec

Avni Doshi’s Booker shortlisted novel Burnt Sugar, published as Girl in White Cotton in India, is a vivid and unsettling account following the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. Tracing the fragile line between familial devotion and deception the tale evocatively brings up the subjective nature of truth and the reality of toxic relationships. In conversation with author and poet Janice Pariat, they examine the roots of this compelling and raw narrative and unravel its questions of identity, love and trauma.

Debate: The Virtual World Has Become More Real Than The Physical

1 hr 11 min 51 sec

Payal Arora, Marcus du Sautoy, Tarun Khanna, Renata LokDessallien, Pragya Sharma and Meredith Broussard moderated by Sanjoy K. Roy.Has technology, with its augmented and extended reality, and the social disengagement of the Pandemic, transformed our perception of the real Has the virtual world changed and upended the significance of physical experience What are the definitions of reality What defines the new realities Writers and thinkers, futurists and traditionalists discuss and debate if the virtual has overtaken the real.

Unfinished: Priyanka Chopra Jonas in conversation with Shobhaa De

35 min 43 sec

Unfinished is one of the most exciting and inspirational books of the year, following Priyanka Chopra Jonas journey through life and cinema. The memoir takes readers from her childhood in India, through her formative teenage years in the US, to her return to India where she unexpectedly won the national and global beauty pageants Miss India and Miss World that launched her acting career. The result is a book that is warm, funny, sassy, inspiring, bold and rebellious and will inspire a generation around the world to gather their courage, embrace their ambition and commit to the hard work of following their dreams.A National Film Award winner with more than 60 international and Hollywood films to her credit, Chopra Jonas made her American TV acting debut on the ABCTV hit drama Quantico where she made history as the first Indianborn actor to star as the lead of a TV drama series. She is a global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, recipient of the prestigious Danny Kaye Humanitarian award, and is also involved in a number of efforts to protect childrens rights and to promote the education of girls around the world, including her namesake charity, The Priyanka Chopra Foundation for Health and Education. In conversation with author and columnist Shobhaa De.

Exclusive: Anosh Irani talks to Lakshya Datta about writing novels, stories, and plays

12 min

Anosh Irani, author of Translated from the Gibberish: Seven Stories and One Half Truth and The Parcel, in conversation with jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 27.Anosh Irani’s novel, The Parcel, was a finalist for the 2016 Governor General’s Literary Award. It was longlisted for the 2017 DSC Prize for South Asian Literature and is currently on the 2018 Dublin Literary Award longlist. His play, Bombay Black, won five Dora Mavor Moore Awards and his nonfiction has been published in Granta and The New York Times.

My Name Is Why: Lemn Sissay

46 min 44 sec

At the age of 17, after a childhood in a foster family followed by six years in care homes, Norman Greenwood was given his Birth Certificate. He learned that his real name was not Norman. It was Lemn Sissay. He was British and Ethiopian, and he learned that his mother had been pleading for his safe return to her since his birth. This is Lemns story, a story of neglect and determination, misfortune and hope, cruelty and triumph.Sissay reflects on a childhood in care and in doing so explores the institutional care system, race, family and the meaning of home. Written with all the lyricism and power you would expect from one of the worlds bestloved poets, this moving, frank and timely memoir is the result of a life spent asking questions and a celebration of the redemptive power of creativity. Introduced by Nandini Nair.

No Regrets: The Guilt-Free Woman’s Guide to a Good Life

37 min 31 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Kaveree Bamzai’s edited anthology No Regrets: The GuiltFree Woman’s Guide to a Good Life is a spunky handbook featuring insights by prominent women on how to rise above conventional norms and expectations and break free. Editor and journalist Bamzai discusses the inspirations behind the book and the deeper message it conveys. Novelist and celebrity columnist Shobhaa De takes a cue from her essay in the book to share her thoughts on society, politics, motherhood and feminine strengths, reminding women that managing time is equivalent to managing stress. Vani Tripathi Tikoo, actor, activist and a young mother, joins them to discuss the balancing act demanded of women and the secrets to negotiating a guiltfree life.

Doodles on Leadership: R. Gopalakrishnan in conversation with Mohit Satyanand

47 min 49 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.What is leadership An invigorating session with R. Gopalakrishnan, Director of Tata Sons, that follows the path of the leader across the changes of perspective from the transactional to the corporate and the larger societal view. Moving away from the cut and thrust of operational action, Gopalakrishnan reflects on a leader’s journey emphasising the role that business leaders can play in matters concerning nation and society. He speaks with Mohit Satyanand, Chairperson of Teamwork Arts and an active angel investor, about the essential engagement with community and society for the business world.

Mediafile: Fact, Fiction and the Spaces in Between

32 min 11 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.The state of the media today warrants an unprecedented degree of skepticism and mistrust,. Fiction often carries more veracity than socalled facts. Media consumersremain unsure about the validity of sources and authenticity and provenance of information. In this timely session, EditorinChief of Outlook India Ruben Banerjee, Editorial Director, NDTV and author of Defining India Sonia Singh, and journalist and author of Shadow City: A Woman Walks in Kabul Taran Khan, in conversation with journalist Faye D’ Souza, examine and interrogate the increasing overlap of fact and fiction in the news and discuss how to retrieve information from spaces in between.

Faiz and Firaq: The Aesthetics and Politics of Poetry

56 min 47 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.This session looks deep into the hearts of two of the greatest Urdu poets of the last century, Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Firaq Gorakhpuri urf Raghupati Sahay. Saif Mahmood, Chinmayi Tripathi, Joel Mukherjee, and Nishtha Gautam in a session of poetic critique, performance, and appreciation.

Exclusive: Author Rakesh Kaul in conversation with Lakshya Datta

23 min 49 sec

Rakesh K. Kaul, author of Dawn: The Warrior Princess of Kashmir, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 25. Rakesh is an IIT gold medallist, migrated to the US in 1972. He was a founding contributor to the first Chair of India Studies at University of California, Berkeley, the Center for the Advanced Study of India at University of Pennsylvania and the Mattoo Center for India Studies at the State University of New York. He is the author of the bestseller The Last Queen of Kashmir. Kaul has had a distinguished business career as CEO and held leadership positions of publicly traded companies in the US. He serves as the Vice Chair of the IndoAmerican Arts Council.

The Travel Session: Katie Hickman, Howard Jacobson, Elizabeth Gilbert, Peter Hessler, Suketu Mehta, William Dalrymple

55 min 11 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Travel writing is one of the most ancient forms of literature but does it have any relevance in the age of the internet, globalisation and Google Maps Travel writers Katie Hickman, Elizabeth Gilbert, Peter Hessler, Howard Jacobson and Suketu Mehta discuss the genre and read from their work with William Dalrymple.

Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy life

40 min 14 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Francesc Miralles in conversation with Nilanjana S. Roy. The people of Japan believe that everyone has an ‘ikigai’ or ‘a reason to jump out of bed every morning’. The international bestseller by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles shares the Japanese secret to a long and happy life and has helped readers around the world to find purpose, nurture friendships and throw themselves into their passions. In conversation with writer and columnist Nilanjana S. Roy, coauthor Francesc Miralles joins us at the Jaipur Literature Festival to share the inspirations, learnings and tools of’ ikigai’.

Writing and Talking about Rape: A conversation with Sohaila Abdulali

31 min 28 sec

Sohaila Abdulali, author of What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape, in conversation with writer/host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive episode, Sohaila talks to Lakshya about what it has been like to share this book with people around the world, and what stories readers have shared with her along the way. Sohaila has also published two novels, The Madwoman of Jogare and Year of the Tiger, three children’s books, short stories and many nonfiction pieces. She will be speaking at JLF Houston on Sept 14, and JLF Colorado on Sept 22.

The Post American World

42 min 6 sec

Jon Lee Anderson, Peter Bergen and Steve Coll in conversation with Navtej Sarna. The growth of India, China, Brazil, Russia and Africa is generating a new landscape. The tallest buildings, biggest dams, highestgrossing movies and most advanced mobile phones are now all being made outside Europe and the United States. Regions that previously lacked political confidence and national pride are finding them, alongside a newfound economic clout. Can the West transform its global strategy by moving from a position of hegemony to one that recognises this seismic power shift A distinguished panel look into the future in a conversation moderated by former Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Sarna. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Jugaad: On Frugal Engineering

54 min 18 sec

Amitabh Kant, Dean Nelson and Nishtha Gautam in conversation with John Elliott. A timely conversation on the uniquely Indian concept of ‘jugaad’, the flexible bottomup strategy of innovation that seems to come so naturally to a resource starved nation. Based on the concept of doing more with less, this approach to frugal engineering and ingenious solutions often helps turn adversity into opportunity. A spirited conversation on the pros and cons of jugaad with a distinguished panel that includes CEO of Niti Ayog, Amitabh Kant, Dean Nelson, author of Jugaad Yatra: Exploring the Indian Art of Problem Solving, and lyricist, poet and marketer Prasoon Joshi in conversation with writer and journalist John Elliott, author of IMPLOSION: India’s Tryst with Reality. They discuss the need to inspire flexible outofthebox solutions as well as the dangers of quickfix solutions that bypass regulatory standards. This episode is a live session from day 4 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Empire of Cotton: Sven Beckert in conversation with Patrick French

42 min 39 sec

Sven Beckert is Laird Bell Professor of American History at Harvard University, where he teaches the history of the United States in the nineteenth century, and global history. Patrick French is a biographer and historian, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Professor for the Public Understanding of the Humanities at Ahmedabad University. This episode is a live session from day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Great Mughal Debate: What did the Mughals do for Us?

50 min 37 sec

Audrey Truschke, Parvati Sharma, and Rana Safvi in conversation with Ira Mukhoty. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Cellphone Nation: Ravi Agrawal, Assa Doron, Robin Jeffrey, Barkha Dutt

41 min 36 sec

Robin Jeffrey and Assa Doran, discuss their book Cellphone Nation: How Mobile Phones Have Revolutionized Business, Politics and Ordinary Life in India, with Ravi Agrawal, author of India Connected: How the Smartphone is Transforming the Worlds Largest Democracy, in a conversation moderated by awardingwinning journalist Barkha Dutt. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Woman in the Window: AJ Finn in conversation with Amrita Tripathi

30 min 57 sec

What did she see A.J. Finn’s bestselling noir novel, The Woman in the Window, is a gripping and unputdownable psychological thriller currently in development as a major film. In conversation with writer and journalist Amrita Tripathi, Finn real name: Dan Mallory speaks of his engagement with the genre of suspense fiction, his literary influences, the impact of Hitchcock on his work and imagination, as well as his personal struggles with depression and agoraphobia. A must for all true crime aficionados. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

Closing Debate: Do Liberals Stifle Debate?

57 min 40 sec

Kapil Sibal, Makarand R. Paranjape, Mihir Swarup Sharma, Sagarika Ghose, Salman Khurshid, Sonal Mansingh, Hardeep Singh Puri and Vikram Sampath moderated by Sreenivasan Jain. This episode is a live session the last one from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

Women and Power

40 min 7 sec

Mary Beard discusses her book with Germaine Greer, Namita Bhandari and Reni EddoLodge, moderated by Bee Rowlatt. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLF2019.

Kahaani Online: The Boy & The Drum

42 min 37 sec

A special story dramatisation with Rohini Vij, suitable for ages 10 to 12.Telling a story means more than just reading it out. It is a play of dramatic actions, voice modulations, and projection. In this episode of Kahaani Online, storyteller Rohini Vij not only tells you a heartwarming tale about a kind boy and his drum but also teaches you different tricks and tips so that YOU can tell YOUR story betterThis episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFToronto2020.

Of the people, By the people: The Indian Constitution

46 min 57 sec

How did the Constitution of India, the world’s longest one till date and 70 years old in 2020, come into being In his forthcoming book, Madhav Khosla, Ambedkar Visiting Associate Professor at Columbia Law School, explores the means Indias founders used to foster a democratic ethos. The ideas behind this edifying and meticulous document, which lays the foundations of India as a democratic republic, are a natural reference point for nations, and remind us of the incredible promise that selfrule continues to embody and its challenges therein. In this session, Khosla along with India’s former Chief Election Commissioner Navin Chawla, astute politician and a former state governor Margaret Alva and advocate Saif Mahmood, aim to deconstruct this onerous text, which continues to define the workings of modern India.

Women And Work

52 min 16 sec

A woman’s work is never done. Indian women’s participation in the workforce is decreasing steadily, even as figures rise in the rest of the world. A deep discussion on women and work, with anecdotal insights and perspectives, to analyse current realities and ponder how to understand, respect and revive the role of women in the economic sphere. A panel of women from diverse backgrounds, including an iconic chef, an exmarine, a social entrepreneur and a rural activist speak to journalist Namita Bhandare of the causes and consequences of the roadblocks that come in the way of women’s working lives.

Shashi On Shashi: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Michael Dwyer

45 min 54 sec

Writer, politician and public intellectual Shashi Tharoor is the awardwinning author of 19 books of fiction and nonfiction. A thirdterm Member of Parliament, representing Thiruvananthapuram, Dr. Tharoor has served as Minister of State in the Government of India and also as UnderSecretary General of the United Nations. His unerring sense of humour lightens up the serious oeuvre of his work, which includes a powerful indictment of colonialism. His predilection for long words and telling phrases has created a subgenre of Tharoorisms, and his recent attempts at stand up comedy have won him a constituency of admirers. In conversation with Michael Dwyer, he speaks of the personal and the political, and the beliefs and ideas that have anchored him in his public life and literary career.

Celebrating Each Other's Stories: A conversation with Festival Co-Director William Dalrymple

18 min 55 sec

William Dalrymple, festival codirector of JaipurLitFest2020 and author of The Anarchy, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, William talks to Lakshya about the year that has been, and why this years programme is the festivals finest.

Writing Immigrants, Writing the City: Roanna Gonsalves, Shameem Black, Mridula Nath Chakraborty

43 min 42 sec

A sense of belonging is an essential component to the notion of identity. In conversation with Mridula Nath Chakraborty, Roanna Gonsalves and Shameem Black read from their work and discuss the multiplicities of identity in their writings. This episode is a live session from JLF Adelaide 2019.

Crafting the Future of Marijuana: A conversation with Ryan Stoa

27 min 53 sec

Ryan Stoa, author of Craft Weed: Family Farming and the Future of the Marijuana Industry”, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, Ryan tells Lakshya about what drew him to studying and teaching law, how he found himself writing a book about the cannabis and marijuana industry, how he proposes for quality regulation in the form of Marijuana Appellation System akin to the wine industry, and what the international possibilities are once regulation evolves.Ryan Stoa is an Associate Professor of Law at Concordia University School of Law in Idaho, where he teaches Property Law, Administrative Law, Environmental Law, and Natural Resources Law. He has also authored numerous scholarly articles that address energy regulation, agriculture policy, natural resources management, and international development. Professor Stoa’s writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, Salon, Daily Beast, and The Conversation, and his research has been featured in Rolling Stone, Wired, and Gizmodo, among others.

The Dance of Democracy

53 min 11 sec

Navin Chawla and Mukulika Banerjee in conversation with John Elliott. India is the world’s largest democracy. It has faced daunting challenges, sustaining democratic institutions against all odds. Its vigorous political system remains credible and sound in its fundamentals with nearly 900 million citizens, young and old, exercising their constitutionally given freedom to choose in what remains a disciplined and peaceable process. A session that examines the results of the recent national elections as well as the strengths and fault lines in India’s democratic convictions with former Election Commission of India head Navin Chawla, writer and academic Mukulika Banerjee in conversation with journalist John Elliott. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

The JLF Legacy: A conversation with William Dalrymple

39 min 48 sec

William Dalrymple historian, art historian, and codirector of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in conversation with Lakshya Datta host of Jaipur Bytes podcast and founder of Launchora. William talks about how he helped create JLF all those years ago, what he thought of ZEEJLF2019 the first one he couldnt attend, how he finds authors and speakers from around the world to bring to the festivals, and how JLF grew out of Jaipur to the travel the globe.

Naye Bharat Ki Hindi

49 min 40 sec

Akhil Katyal, Geetanjali Sree, Neelesh Misra, Pravin Kumar, Rakhshanda Jalil in conversation with Saurabh Dwivedi. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Underground Railroad: Colson Whitehead in conversation with Kanishk Tharoor

42 min 56 sec

Colson Whitehead, recipient of the MacArthur Genius Fellowship, discusses his 2016 Pulitzer Awardwinning novel The Underground Railroad with Kanishk Tharoor.

Ashwin Sanghi: The Dharma of the Storyteller

44 min 14 sec

Ashwin Sanghi In conversation with Meghna Pant. Bestselling author Ashwin Sanghi speaks of the art, craft and science of writing. Sanghi’s rigorously researched books delve into themes that range from mystery, myth and crime fiction to detective fiction and selfhelp and span eras and centuries, subjects and themes and a multiplicity of genres. This episode is a live session from day 4 of ZEEJLF2019.

Adaptations: Andre Aciman, Chitra B. Devakaruni, Irvine Welsh, Yann Martel

42 min 53 sec

How do you take a work of prose and turn it into a screenplay André Aciman Call Me By Your Name, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni The Mistress of Spices, Irvine Welsh Trainspotting, and Yann Martel Life of Pi, who have all seen their novels or work turned into successful movies or TV shows, discuss the process with Sandeep Roy. This episode is a live session from Day 4 of ZEEJLF2019.

Heads You Win: Jeffrey Archer in conversation with Barkha Dutt

57 min 55 sec

Jeffrey Archer has consistently topped best seller lists around the world. He is the only author ever to have been a number one bestseller in fiction 19 times, short stories four times and nonfiction The Prison Diaries. His plots delight in twists of fate, reversals of fortune and complex conspiracies. In conversation with writer and journalist Barkha Dutt, he speaks about his extraordinary literary career, his life in politics and introduces his latest book Heads You Win, a timely work of fiction spanning two continents and 30 years, which follows the fortunes of Alexander Karpenko across Russia, America and the United Kingdom. This episode is a live recording from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Call Me By Your Name: A Conversation With Andre Aciman

57 min 58 sec

Andre Aciman, author of the bestseller Call Me By Your Name in conversation with Siddharth Dhanvant Shangvi. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Process: The Writer At Work

45 min 21 sec

Álvaro Enrigue, Ahdaf Soueif, Colson Whitehead, Hari Kunzru and Yann Martel in conversation with Chandrahas Choudhury. Where does the novel come from How do novelists come up with their words What is the actual process of producing a great and memorable novel Five novelists from around the world, from the Mexico to Egypt, talk about their search for inspiration with Chandrahas Choudhury. This episode is a live session from Day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Storywallah: Writing Across Borders with Neelesh Misra

37 min 28 sec

Neelesh Misra in conversation with Amitava Kumar. Neelesh Misra is the essential ‘storywallah’, a master of narrative across genres, platforms and media. His cohort of writers, the Mandali, share radio stories that resonate across India. In conversation with Amitava Kumar, he speaks of the many lives he inhabits as a writer, journalist, editor, mentor, oral storyteller, rural raconteur, scriptwriter and lyricist. A session that provides fascinating insights on content and commitment, community journalism and the authentic voices of rural India. This episode is a live session from Day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Where Does Fiction Come From?

44 min 34 sec

Andrew Sean Greer, Ben Okri, Sebastian Barry, Tania James and Vikram Chandra in conversation with Chandrahas Choudhury. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Exclusive: Franz Kafka's "Metamorphosis" in Virtual Reality @ Jaipur BookMark 2020

10 min 3 sec

In this podcastexclusive, Host Lakshya Datta chats with Ján Tompkins about VRwandlung an immersive experience, a virtual reality installation adapting Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis by the Goethe Institut. Recorded live at the ZEEJaipurLitFest2020.

From Eat, Pray, Love to City of Girls: Elizabeth Gilbert in conversation with Alexandra Pringle

33 min 38 sec

Elizabeth Gilbert is the number one New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love as well as the short story collection Pilgrims, a finalist for the PEN/Hemingway Award and winner of the 1999 John C. Zacharis First Book Award from Ploughshares. A Pushcart Prizewinner and National Magazine Awardnominated journalist, she works as writeratlarge for GQ. Her journalism has been published in Harpers Bazaar, Spin and The New York Times Magazine, and her stories have appeared in Esquire, Story and the Paris Review. Here she talks about her life in writing with her longtime friend and editor, Alexandra Pringle.

Present Tense - Way of the World: Peter Varghese, Shashi Tharoor, Tony Birch, James Crabtree

44 min 14 sec

In conversation with James Crabtree, writers Peter Verghese, Shashi Tharoor Tony Birch examine social realities nd the conflicts of today. This episode is a live session from JLF Adelaide 2019.

The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From: A conversation with Tony Joseph

27 min 13 sec

Tony Joseph, author of Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, Tony tells Lakshya about the research that went into writing the book, how the modern indian population came to be composed as it is, and what we can learn about ourselves and our current times from our ancestors.Tony has been a journalist, columnist and contributor to leading newspapers and magazines for over three decades. He was the Editor of BusinessWorld, Associate Editor of Business Standard and Features Editor of The Economic Times. Tony will be speaking at JLF Adelaide, which is happened this weekend from Nov 13, 2019.

Giving a Voice to the Buddha's Wife: A conversation with Vanessa R. Sasson

28 min 45 sec

Vanessa R. Sasson, author of “Yasodhara: A Novel About the Buddha’s Wife”, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, Vanessa and Lakshya talk about why she wanted to tell this story, what it was like to write in Yasodhara’s voice, and how the process of writing this book changed how she felt about the Buddha. Vanessa is a professor of Religious Studies in the Liberal and Creative Arts and Humanities Department at Marianopolis College, Quebec. She is also a Research Fellow for the International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice at the University of the Free State in South Africa, as well as Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Religious Studies of McGill University, Montreal. As a scholar, her focus is on Buddhist studies, with particular emphasis on hagiography, gender and childhoods. She will be speaking at JLF Toronto on September 28.

The Subconscious Process of Writing: A conversation with Farzana Doctor

22 min 48 sec

Author, activist, psychotherapist Farzana Doctor in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, Farzana and Lakshya talk about her life and career both as a novelist and as a psychotherapist as well as the work she does with WeSpeakOut, a global group that is working to ban female genital cutting in her Dawoodi Bohra community. Farzana Doctor is the awardwinning author of Stealing Nasreen, Six Metres of Pavement and All Inclusive. Doctor was recently named one of CBC Books’ 100 Canadian Writers You Need to Know Now. SEVEN, her fourth novel, will hit bookshelves in August 2020. She will be speaking at JLF Toronto on September 28.

Living With Climate Change: A conversation with Marcus Moench

30 min 30 sec

Marcus Moench, founder of The Institute for Social and Environmental TransitionInternational, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive conversation, Marcus tells Lakshya about the connection between literature and science that he found in India, why he was drawn to work on social and environmental issues, how JLF gives scientists and activists a platform to talk about universal issues like water scarcity and climate change, and what role he thinks the media plays in communicating the narrative relating to climate change such as the Amazon Rainforest fires recently.Marcus is the founder of ISETInternational and has worked extensively on water, climate and urbanisation particularly in Asia. With over three decades experience, his approach combines science with a compassionately humourous eye on the drivers of social change and human behavior. Using art as well as more traditional forms of publication, his work explores the mosaic of solutions to emerging environmental and other challenges. He is particularly well known for his pioneering work on India’s groundwater and interactions between complex social and environmental systems.

Youth Outreach: Emotional Intelligence & Multilingual Literacy

1 hr 3 min 58 sec

Two insightful conversations, two amazing initiatives. Part 1 of this episode features Puneeta Roy founder of the Yuva Ekta Foundation in conversation with Lakshya Datta founder of Launchora. Puneeta talks about how their program build a child’s emotional intelligence, empathy, and compassion and how they are putting together this year’s theatre production at ZEEJLF2019 on Jan 27 on the topic of “Boundaries”. Part 2 of this episode features Himanshu Giri CEO of Pratham Books in conversation with Lakshya. Himanshu shares Pratham’s journey so far how they built their 80 million strong youths readership, why they embrace new technology, and what to expect during the 100 sessions they are organizing during this year’s festival in Jaipur. Learn more about or donate to the Yuva Ekta Foundation here: yuvaektafoundation.org Learn more about or donate to Pratham Books here: prathambooks.org

Qatar, India and the Gulf: An Abridged History with Dr. James Onley

26 min 1 sec

Dr. James Onley, Director of Historical Research and Partnerships at the Qatar National Library, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, James and Lakshya talk about the 4000 years long history between India and the Gulf, how the dynamics between the two regions changed after 1947, and the work he and his team at QNL having been doing to archive this rich history.Dr. Onley holds a D.Phil. in History from Oxford and specializes in the Gulf Arab states and their historical connections with India. He is the author of The Arabian Frontier of the British Raj, the founding editor of the Journal of Arabian Studies, and the curator of the exhibition Qatar, India and the Gulf currently on in the QNL plaza. James will be speaking at JLF Doha, which is happening at Qatar National Library this week from Dec 12 to Dec 14.

Self-Realization and Conscience: Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee @ JLF Belfast 2019

16 min 28 sec

The inaugural address by Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee at JLF Belfast 2019. She has held the position of ViceChairperson of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti for nearly nine years. Gandhi Smriti is the site of the martyrdom of her grandfather, Mahatma Gandhi, for truth and nonviolence. She is also involved with the movement to protect rivers and the environment in India. She is the Chairperson of the Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust, one of the oldest preindependence, nongovernmental institutions serving the needy women and children of rural India and founded by Mahatma Gandhi in the memory of his wife. This episode is a live session from JLFBelfast2019.

The Last Mughal

55 min 2 sec

William Dalrymple transports us back to a bygone era of matchless splendour – the period of the last Mughal. This evocative session features readings by awardwinning author and historian Dalrymple from his book The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty, Delhi, 1857 and the vocals of Vidya Shah celebrating the poignant and robust folk poetry of the time and ghazals of the Mughal court. This episode is a live session from JLFBelfast2019.

What Is Not Said: Celebrating the Short Story

53 min 2 sec

Chris Power, Namita Gokhale and Navtej Sarna in conversation with Paul McVeigh. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Guru Nanak: Traveller, Poet, and Philosopher

49 min 18 sec

Navtej Sarna in conversation with Amrit Kaur Lohia. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Amritsar and the Patient Assassin

40 min 58 sec

Anita Anand and Kim A. Wagner in conversation with Navtej Sarna. Anita Anand’s The Patient Assassin tells the remarkable story of one Indians 20 year quest for revenge, taking him around the world in search of those he held responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, which cost the lives of hundreds. Kim A. Wagner’s Jallianwala Bagh: An Empire of Fear and the Making of the Amritsar Massacre is a dramatic telling of the event and its aftermath situating the massacre within the deep context of British colonial mentality and the local dynamics of Indian nationalism. In conversation with writer and former diplomat Navtej Sarna, they discuss this seminal moment in the history of the IndoBritish encounter and its consequences for the Indian freedom struggle. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Words Are All We Have

46 min 53 sec

Anjali Joseph, Lijia Zhang and Romesh Gunesekera in conversation with Catharine Morris. Three writers speak about ways of seeing and recording, and how they navigate words across countries and cultures. Romesh Gunesekera is the acclaimed Sri Lankanborn British author and finalist for the Man Booker Prize. Awardwinning Anjali Joseph has written three novels, including her recent The Living. Chinaborn writer and journalist Lijia Zhang has written memorable books that include China Remembers, Socialism Is Great and Lotus. In conversation with editor and writer Catharine Morris. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Masala Shakespeare

41 min 12 sec

Jonathan Gil Harris, Rachel Dwyer and Varsha Panjwani in conversation with Cary Sawhney. Shakespeare’s Indian avatar has taken deep root in Bollywood and popular culture. Poet and lyricist Gulzar along with directors Sanjay Leela Bansali and Vishal Bharadwaj have all taken inspiration from the Bard. A lively panel explores the profound resonance between Shakespeare’s craft and Indian cinema and cultural forms. Jonathan Gil Harris, professor of English at Ashoka University, Rachel Dwyer, professor of Indian Culture and Cinema at SOAS, and academic Varsha Panjwani, lecturer in Shakespeare at NYU London, in conversation with filmmaker and director of the London Indian Film Festival, Cary Sawhney. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Converting Experience Into Meaning: A conversation with Pico Iyer

37 min 11 sec

Pico Iyer author of 16 books, TED speaker in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Pico Iyers books have been translated into 23 languages. Both his 2008 meditation on the XIVth Dalai Lama, The Open Road, and his TED Book, The Art of Stillness, were best sellers across the US. Outside magazine called him arguably the greatest living travelwriter, and the New Yorker said, As a guide to farflung places, he can hardly be surpassed. An essayist for TIME since 1986, Iyer is a constant contributor the New York Times, The New York Review of Books, Harpers, Granta and more than 200 other newspapers and magazines worldwide, and he has published introductions to 70 other works. He has written two new books about Japan Autumn Light and A Beginners Guide to Japan. Pico will be speaking at both ZEEJLFatBL2019 and JLFBelfast2019 this June.

Aga Khan Foundation & JLF: A conversation with Matt Reed

30 min 18 sec

Matt Reed CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation UK in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. AKF has been supporting JLF since 2015. As CEO, Matt’s focus is on expanding AKF’s partnerships in the UK and Europe and building greater public awareness about the work of the broader Aga Khan Development Network. ZEEJLFatBL2019

Shadow State: Murder, Mayhem, and Russia's Remaking of the West

43 min 34 sec

Luke Harding in conversation with Suhasini Haidar.In an era of kleptocratic governments and modernisation of communist era propaganda for the age of Facebook and Twitter, Luke Harding’s The Shadow State explores the alleged hidden war orchestrated by Russia to reshape the modern world. Detailing accounts of espionage, corruption, and KGBstyle murders the book takes us through the murky waters of how deep the Russian roots run in this post Soviet world. In a conversation with Suhasini Haidar , Harding discusses this threat to America and the future of Western democracy.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFNewYork2020.

The Bhutto Dynasty – The Struggle for Power in Pakistan

41 min 10 sec

Owen Bennett Jones and Husain Haqqani in conversation TCA Raghavan.Journalist and author Owen BennettJones’ new book The Bhutto Dynasty: The Struggle for Power in Pakistan is a vivid account of the deeply rooted influence and journey of one of Pakistan’s most powerful families. Drawing on research and unpublished documents spanning across more than two decades, he explores the turbulent years of political power and personal loss that have long overshadowed the Bhuttos. Jones is also the writer of Pakistan: Eye of the Storm and Target Britain. Husain Haqqani is Pakistans former Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the United States, and was previously Benazir Bhuttos spokesperson. He is currently the senior fellow and director for South and Central Asia at Hudson Institute. In conversation with diplomat and author TCA Raghavan they discuss the political and social landscape that led to the rise of the Bhutto dynasty and the legacy they left behind.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFNewYork2020.

Bollywood - In Search of the Feminine Gaze: Richa Chadha in conversation with Supriya Dravid

39 min 48 sec

Bollywood, and the Indian film industry in general, is dominated by men and tends to have an innately masculine bias. However, recent trends have shown films centered around women are slowly and surely making their mark. The spirited, multipleawardee and popular actor Richa Chadha speaks of searching for the feminine sensibility and the important perspectives it represents. Chadha’s major films include ‘ Masaan,’ ‘Gangs of Wasseypur,’ and ‘Sarabjit’ she has consistently spoken up against patriarchy, misogyny, and injustice. In conversation with Supriya Dravid, she speaks of her career, films, and beliefs.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFHouston2020.

How Innovation Works: Matt Ridley in conversation with Shruti Rajagopalan

42 min 44 sec

‘How Innovation Works: And Why it Flourishes in Freedom ’ by Matt Ridley is a fascinating analysis of innovations across time and history. The Fifth Viscount Ridley is a hereditary peer who has been a member of the British Parliament and also the author of ‘The Evolution of Everything: How New Ideas Emerge and The Rational Optimist: How Prosperity Evolves’. In conversation with scholar, economist and columnist Shruti Rajagopalan, he discusses the importance of collective and collaborative innovation and its significance in the shaping of the 21st century. This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFHouston2020.

Sweet Taste of Liberty: W. Caleb McDaniel in conversation with Morgan Jerkins

33 min 19 sec

Pulitzer Prizewinning author and academic W. Caleb McDaniel’s latest book, ‘ Sweet Taste of Liberty: A True Story of Slavery and Restitution in America ’, is a stirring narrative of Henrietta Wood’s journey from being a twiceenslaved woman to her fierce battle for justice and reparation. In a conversation author and editor Morgan Jerkins, McDaniel examines the unforgettable lessons of Henrietta’s life and the value of the moral victory it represents.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFHouston2020.

Running Toward Mystery: The Adventure of an Unconventional Life

43 min 32 sec

The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi in conversation with Mayank Shekhar.Running Towards Mystery by The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi is a vivid account of a life dedicated to the path of truth, devotion, and human connections across all barriers. The revered monk and teacher is also the President and CEO of The Dalai Lama Center for Ethics and Transformative Values at MIT. In conversation with journalist Mayank Shekhar, The Venerable Tenzin Priyadarshi shares the lessons learned from the mentors who shaped his life, stressing the importance of spiritual courage and truth at all times.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

Tharoorosaurus: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with James Crabtree

38 min 38 sec

Writer, politician and public intellectual Shashi Tharoor is the awardwinning author of over 20 books of fiction and nonfiction. His predilection for long words has also created a sub genre of Tharoorisms. On JLFLondonAtBL2020, Tharoor speaks with author journalist James Crabtree of his latest book ‘Tharoorosaurus’ and shares some whimsical anecdotes behind his vocabulary.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

Winners Take All: Anand Giridharadas in conversation with Åsne Seierstad

35 min 55 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Writer and TIME editoratlarge Anand Giridharadas takes on the privileged classes in his scorching new book, the bestselling Winners Take All. It investigates the global elite’s efforts to ‘change the world’ except in ways that threaten the social order and their position atop it. This searing critique of modern plutocrats who seek to do more good but never less harm is described as a call to action for elites and everyday citizens alike. A session that offers transformative perspectives to complex societal problems. In conversation with Åsne Seierstad.

Exclusive: Jonathan Phillips talks to Lakshya Datta about Sultan Saladin

10 min 50 sec

Jonathan Phillips, author of The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 25.Jonathan Phillips is Professor of Crusading History at Royal Holloway, University of London. He is the author of numerous books including The Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople, Holy Warriors: A Modern History of the Crusades and his latest, The Life and Legend of the Sultan Saladin buy it on Amazon. His works are widely translated. Phillips has also presented many radio and television programmes including The Cross and the Crescent and The Road From Christ to Constantine.

Exclusive: Ashwin Sanghi (author of "The Vault of Vishnu") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

17 min 49 sec

Ashwin Sanghi, author of The Vault of Vishu part of the Bharat Series in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 at the Diggi Palace on January 23. Ashwin Sanghi ranks among India’s highest selling English fiction authors. He has written the bestsellers, The Rozabal Line, Chanakya’s Chant, The Krishna Key, The Sialkot Saga and Keepers of the Kalachakra as well as two New York Times bestselling crime thrillers with James Patterson, Private India and Private Delhi. He has also coauthored several nonfiction titles in the 13 Steps series on Luck, Wealth, Marks, Health and Parenting.

Exclusive: Piyush Pandey ("Pandeymonium", "Open House") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

31 min 17 sec

Piyush Pandey is chairman of Global Creative and executive chairman of Ogilvy India. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Advertising Agencies Association of India in 2010, the Clio Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012, the Padma Shri Indian National Civilian Award in 2016 and the Lion of St Mark, along with his brother Prasoon Pandey, at Cannes in June 2018. His first book, Pandeymonium, is on his life and times in advertising. Ogilvy India has been Indias No. 1 creative agency for over two decades and Piyush has been named as the Economic Times Most Influential Person fourteen years in a row.

Voices of Faith - A History of Christianity: The First Three Thousand Years

42 min 18 sec

Diarmaid MacCulloch in conversation with William Dalrymple.This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Sach Kahun Toh: Truth Telling with Neena Gupta in conversation with Seema Goswami

44 min 56 sec

Recorded live at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, this episode is Sach Kahun Toh Truth Telling with Neena Gupta in conversation with Seema Goswami.

Lords of the Deccan: Anirudh Kanisetti and Manu S. Pillai in conversation

36 min 36 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 Lords of the Deccan: Anirudh Kanisetti and Manu S. Pillai in conversation.

False Allies: Manu S. Pillai and Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Ira Mukhoty

36 min 52 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 recorded on March 12.

Both/And: Huma Abedin in conversation with Sudha Sadanand

40 min 9 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, recorded on March 13.

A Thousand Miles: Vinod Kapri, Barkha Dutt, Ruth Padel with Chinmay Tumbe

39 min 16 sec

This is a live session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022. A Thousand Miles: Vinod Kapri and Barkha Dutt in conversation with Chinmay Tumbe, with poetry reading by Ruth Padel.

Lilly's Library - Be A Triangle: Lilly Singh in conversation with Supriya Dravid

24 min 29 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Lilly Singh in conversation with Supriya Dravid.

We are the Weather - Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast: Jonathan Safran Foer with Jeffrey Gettleman

43 min 4 sec

A powerful narrative on the stark realities of climate change, We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer takes a hardhitting look at the daytoday human contribution to the unfolding environmental catastrophe. Weaving personal stories, facts and metaphors, he also analyses what motivates some people to sacrifice shortterm comfort for the sake of the long term preservation of our climate by eliminating animalbased products from their diet. In conversation with journalist Jeffrey Gettleman, he delves on the changes that each one of us can make to mitigate this crisis.

Agent Sonya: Ben Macintyre in conversation with Swapan Dasgupta

45 min 18 sec

Bestselling author and historian Ben MacIntyre’s latest work Agent Sonya is an exhilarating narrative whfich unravels the life of Ursula Kuczynski Burton, code name Agent Sonya, the spy behind some of the most dangerous espionage operations of the twentieth century. Her escapades included a failed assasination on Hitler, spying on the Japanese and other covert missions for Moscow. MacIntyre’s other books include Agent Zigzag, Operation Mincemeat and A Spy Among Friends. In conversation with Swapan Dasgupta, he discusses the life and times of a lover, mother, soldier and spy.

No Country For Farmers: Kota Neelima, Dushyant Dave, Surjit Bhalla with Sanket Upadhyay

55 min 24 sec

“India lives in her villages,” said Gandhi. Although agriculture is the most important sector of the economy, accounting for close to 16 of the GDP and providing employment to much of the nations workforce, ruralurban distances and divides continue to grow. The incomprehension between those who contribute to growing our food and those who consume it widens by the day. All political parties claim to represent the farmer but the tiller of the soil is mute and invisible in the process of decision making. Climate change further impacts the uncertainties that farmers face. An engaged panel speaks of the paradoxes of policy and the complex issues involved in bringing about muchneeded reforms and discusses the signposts ahead. Kota Neelima is an Indian author, researcher, artist and political commentator, specialising in rural distress, gender and her work focuses on the condition of women farmers, farmer suicides and peripheries of democratic societies. Economist, author and columnist Surjit Bhalla is currently the Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund. Dushyant Dave is a senior advocate and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association. Sanket Upadhyay is an anchor and Executive editor at NDTV.

Maharani Jindan kaur - The Rebel Queen: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, Priya Atwal and Navtej Sarna

40 min 26 sec

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni and Priya Atwal have both evoked the spirit of the beautiful Maharani Jindan Kaur through fiction and fact. Kaur was regent of the Sikh Empire from 1843 until 1846. She was renowned for her energy and strength of purpose with the Governor General Dalhousie writing of her, “She has the only manly understanding in the Punjab”.Divakaruni has previously authored the celebrated books The Palace of Illusions, Mistress of Spices and The Forest of Enchantment. Her latest book is The Last Queen. Atwals recent book, Royals and Rebels: The Rise and Fall of the Sikh Empire, showcases the centrality of female agency within the expansion of Sikh sovereignty. In conversation with Navtej Sarna, author of several works of fiction and nonfiction including The Exile, a novel based on the life of Maharaja Duleep Singh, the last Sikh King and son of Maharani Jindan, the three authors bring alive a fascinating tale of the splendour and downfall of a mighty kingdom, court intrigue, colonial deception and greed, as well as motherhood and feminine strength.

One Two Three Four - The Beatles In Time: Craig Brown in conversation with Bee Rowlatt

40 min 26 sec

Celebrated satirist, critic and writer Craig Brown’s Baillie Gifford Prize winning recent biography One Two Three Four: The Beatles in Time is a serendipitous retelling of the chance merger of four elemental figures. An enchanting mix of history, autobiography, interviews and fan letters, it brings forth a fitting tribute to a band whose words echo through homes even today. Through a kaleidoscopic mix of narratives, the book also presents a look into the lives of those around them who were engulfed and impacted by their astounding success and tragedy. Brown is the only person to have won three different Press Awards, for best humorist, columnist and critic, in the same year. Known for his riveting parodies in Private Eye, he is also the author of Ma’am Darling: 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret, The Tony Years and One on One among many others. In conversation with writer and broadcaster Bee Rowlatt, Brown takes us through the story of four men who represented not just a cultural milieu but also timeless music and fervent fame.

Trump It Up - The Era of Neo-Nationalism: Homi K. Bhabha in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

46 min 50 sec

The seeds of the storming of the Capital were sown, and shown to the world, early in President Trump’s Presidency with his chestthumping belief in what commentators have called “dangerous” nationalism. Scholar and critical theorist Homi K. Bhabha, a believer in a more benign and inclusive world view, evaluates how you address these actions rooted within the fabric of chaos, discontent and “uncivil unrest”. A session that analyses the growing instances of neo nationalism around the world also discusses how this narrative is trying to redefine democracy, political power, public ethics and success in troubling terms, fueled by conspiracy theories. Bhabha is the Anne F. Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities at Harvard University. His work explores postcolonial theory, cultural change, and power. His books include Nation and Narration and The Location of Culture. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, Bhabha delves on this new era of politics and what it entails for our future.

Evolving Narratives: Vikram Chandra, Sudhir Mishra, Monika Shergill and Vikramaditya Motwane with Vani Tripathi Tikoo

45 min 10 sec

The digital landscape is perhaps the most exciting space for creative potential today, having transformed longestablished modes of consuming, interpreting and interacting with textbased narratives. This is a golden age of entertainment as streaming services constantly evolve, challenging viewer expectations and bringing in new ways in which stories are created, absorbed and shared. In a fascinating session, the panelists exchange ideas on the process of adapting dynamic scripts to the screen, reimagining the text for the visual medium and broadening the possibilities of immersive, authentic storytelling.

Your Best Day Is Today: Anupam Kher in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

46 min 12 sec

Celebrated actor Anupam Khers latest book, Your Best Day is Today, is an enduring narrative that encourages us to take a pause and consider and appreciate the smaller things in life. An amalgamation of experiences, lessons and positive takeaways, the book attempts to present a guide to connect with your inner self in order to cope with these difficult times. In this session Kher delves on the importance of adapting to change and the necessity of knowing that you are not alone.

Voices of Faith - Ramcharitmanas: Then and Now (Episode 2)

34 min

Pavan K. Varma and Pragya Tiwari in conversation. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Ramcharitmanas: Then and Now (Episode 3)

33 min 33 sec

Pavan K. Varma and Pushpesh Pant in conversation. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Guru Nanak: Ode to the Cosmos

46 min 4 sec

Madan Gopal Singh and Navtej Sarna in conversation interspersed with music. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Interpreting Dharma: Bibek Debroy in conversation with Keerthik Sasidharan

39 min 18 sec

The concept of Dharma is unique to Indian philosophy and difficult to translate as it implies different things in different contexts. Hindu narratives are ambiguous and avoid prescriptive moralities. The Dharma and duties of different individuals face conflicts of ethical and human dimensions. Distinguished economist, writer, scholar and translator Bibek Debroy speaks of these dilemmas and the ethical and karmic choices inherent in them. Debroy heads the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. He has translated a monumental tenvolume unabridged version of the Mahabharata and made a large body of the epics and ancient texts available to contemporary readers. In a deep and engrossing session, he speaks with Keerthik Sasidharan author of the recently published novel The Dharma Forest book one of a trilogy based on the Mahabharata, of understanding and interpreting Dharma.

The Truth of Yoga: Daniel Simpson in conversation with Ranju Roy

40 min 5 sec

Scholar and author Daniel Simpson’s recent book The Truth of Yoga takes us on a journey through the origins, development and concept of Yoga. Cutting through myth and misinformation, the text provides a comprehensive overview of this ageold discipline which is celebrated worldwide for its mental, physical and spiritual benefits. Simpson teaches courses on yoga philosophy at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and at Triyoga in London. He draws on his experience as a journalist to make the subject accessible. Yoga practitioner and teacher Ranju Roy is the coauthor ofEmbodying the Yoga Sūtra: Support, Direction, Space and teaches courses on the practice and philosophy of yoga. In conversation with Roy, Simpson delves into the past, present and future of this ancient tradition.

A Coup in Turkey: A Tale of Democracy, Despotism and Vengeance in a Divided Land

45 min 6 sec

Jeremy Seal in conversation with Max Rodenbeck.A gripping and multilayered political narrative, Jeremy Seal’s A Coup in Turkey: A Tale of Democracy, Despotism and Vengeance in a Divided Land unravels the events leading up to the coup that removed the traditionalist Prime Minister Adnan Menderes of Turkey in 1960. Through eye witness accounts, Seal lays bare the striking parallels between the past and the present and digs deep into the heart of the feud. Seal’s other books include The Wreck at Sharpnose Point, Meander: East to West, Indirectly, Along a Turkish River and A Fez of the Heart: Travels Around Turkey in Search of a Hat among others. In conversation with South Asia Bureau Chief for The Economist, Max Rodenbeck, Seal explores this charismatic political figure and his eventual downfall and dramatically recentres our understanding of the past.

Who Rules The World: Noam Chomsky in conversation with Sreenivasan Jain

41 min 8 sec

Celebrated American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, social critic and political activist Noam Chomsky’s book Who Rules the World questions the United States and its exercise of power throughout conflict areas in a post 9/11 world. Critically analysing claims of freedom and human rights, Chomsky in his celebrated style investigates the era of modern day imperial powers and their role in climate change, nuclear proliferation and the overall threat to human civilisation. In conversation with journalist Sreenivasan Jain, Chomsky delves into the critical need for active public participation in changing policies and introduces us to the unsettling truths of our times.

From Streets to Tweets - The Era of Digital Activism: Avijit Michael and Nida Hasan with Abhinandan Sekhri.

43 min 56 sec

The power of the ‘tweet’, the ‘like’ and the ‘share’, and other digital interventions has never been more evident as online avenues become increasingly viable sites of protest. They offer invaluable potential for raising awareness, engaging in structural critique, mobilising support and driving action while also allowing for a range of negative mirror activities. An urgent session on the positive power of digital activism as founders of virtual social justice platforms discuss the rise of new movements, the effectiveness of online petitions, and the internet as an emerging space for resistance, in the wake of the pandemic and mounting political crises across the globe. In conversation with Abhinandan Sekhri.Avijit Michael is the founder and executive director of Jhatkaa, a campaigning organisation committed to building grassroots citizen power across India. Nida Hasan is the Country Director of Change.Org. Abhinandan Sekhri is the CoFounder and CEO of Newslaundry.

Stormy Past, Contentious Present: Tripurdaman Singh in conversation with Karan Thapar

43 min 59 sec

Tripurdaman Singhs latest book Sixteen Stormy Days: The Story of the First Amendment of the Constitution of India is a fascinating look into the turbulent history and contentious legacy of the First Amendment of the Constitution. Rooted in parliamentary debates, press reports, judicial pronouncements and existing scholarship, the book takes a deep dive into the series of events that led Prime Minister Nehru to make this sweeping amendment in a constitution he had so passionately championed. Singh is a British Academy postdoctoral fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London. In conversation with journalist and writer Karan Thapar, Singh explores the nascent years of India in the context of what he calls “the first great battle of ideas.”

Enter Stage Right - The Alkazi-Padamsee Family Memoir: Feisal Alkazi, Amal Allana, Quasar Thakore Padamsee with Sanjoy Roy

56 min 10 sec

Enter Stage Right: The AlkaziPadamsee Family Memoir is a heartfelt homage to one of the greatest alliances in the world of theatre and art in postIndependence India: the AlkaziPadamsees. Penned by noted director Feisal Alkazi, son of the late theatre veteran and Director of the National School of Drama Ebrahim Alkazi, and Roshen Alkazi, pioneering costumier and founderdirector of Art Heritage, the memoir charmingly recounts the stories and anecdotes that constitute the history of Indian theatre, bringing them to life with insightful observations and more than 50 archival photographs. In this memorable session, he speaks to Quasar Thakore Padamsee to discuss the institutional legacy of their family and how they shaped the future of arts in India. In conversation with festival producer Sanjoy K Roy.

Will China Shape the Future of the World: Rana Mitter in conversation with Tansen Sen

44 min 21 sec

Was the relationship between China and the world shaped by wars War with Japan in the late 1930s, the PRCs involvement in Korea in the early 1950s, its border conflict with India in 1962, and the military offensive it launched against Vietnam in 1978 were key events in the history of Chinas foreign relations. Within this context, how will the relationship between the two rising powers, China and India, and the global leadership of the United States change during the 2020s As China develops its Belt and Road Initiative, how will it influence the future of Asia and the World Rana Mitter, author of China’s Good War explores how China’s new nationalism might structure its relationship with India, the United States and the world. In conversation with Tansen Sen.

The Curious Incident of the Author Who Couldn't Be Categorised: Mark Haddon in conversation with Sandip Roy

41 min 29 sec

Celebrated author, poet and artist Mark Haddon takes us on a journey through his literary career, which includes The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, the short story collection The Pier Falls and his latest novel, The Porpoise. In conversation with author and broadcaster Sandip Roy, he talks about the inspirations and ethos that guide his pen.

All Power Corrupts: Amish, Kim Ghattas, Pavan K. Varma, Pinaki Misra, Pinky Anand and Suhel Seth with Vikram Chandra

1 hr 4 min 15 sec

“All power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” So goes the axiom but is it an absolute truth Is power inherently susceptible to being misused Or can power be yielded dispassionately for the public good Eminent speakers and public intellectuals examine the proposition in its different dimensions.

The Many Lives of Democracy: Edward Luce and Anne Applebaum in conversation with Suhasini Haidar

42 min 8 sec

Democracy has many faces, many lives, subject to change, investigation, reform. In The Retreat of Western Liberalism, Edward Luce makes a larger statement about the weakening of western hegemony and the crisis of liberal democracy, of which Donald Trump and his European counterparts are not the cause, but a terrifying symptom. He warns of the dangerous ignorance of the West regarding its own sociopolitical trajectory, and its arrogance towards societys economic losers, insisting that we cannot move forward without a clear diagnosis of what has gone wrong. In her bookTwilight of Democracy, staff writer for The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum stirs a deeper inquiry into the nature of democracy and the rising appeal of an ageold blend of nationalism and autocracy. Fuelled by the discourse of conspiracy theory, political polarization and the 21st century use of social media, she charts the rising era of illiberalism and antidemocratic trends within the West. The two talk to Suhasini Haidar who is the diplomatic and national editor at The Hindu.

(Under)valuing What Comes Naturally: A conversation with Lucy Caldwell

30 min 54 sec

Lucy Caldwell awardwinning novelist and playwright in conversation with Lakshya Datta founder of Launchora. Lucy Caldwell was born in Belfast in 1981. She studied English at Queens College, Cambridge, and for an MA in Creative and Life Writing at Goldsmiths, University of London. She is the author of three novels: Where They Were Missed 2006 The Meeting Point 2011, set in Bahrain immediately prior to the Iraq War and All the Beggars Riding 2013. Her first novel was shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Waverton Good Read Award, and The Meeting Point won the Dylan Thomas Prize. Her debut collection of short stories, Multitudes, was published by Faber in 2016. She is also the editor of the recent Faber anthology Being Various: New Irish Short Stories. Also a successful playwright, her first stage play, Leaves 2007, premiered at Chapel Lane, Galway after which it was performed at the Royal Court. It was awarded the George Devine Award in 2006 and the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize in 2007. Lucy was a speaker at JLFBelfast2019.

Crossover Narratives: Ann Cleeves, Anosh Irani, Emma Donoghue in conversation with Devyani Saltzman

39 min 16 sec

The digital age is transforming how readers and audiences interpret and consume literary fiction. Ann Cleeves, Anosh Irani, Emma Donoghue, and Devyani Saltzman discuss the creative collaborations that enable the movement from script to screen and how textdriven narratives get transformed into dynamic scripts and immersive moving images. Bestselling author Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope series has been dramatized onscreen as Vera and the Jimmy Perez novels as the series Shetland. Celebrated novelist and playwright Anosh Irani’s oneman show, Buffoon, won the 2020 Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Play, and his latest book is titled Translated from the Gibberish: Seven Stories and One Half Truth. Awardwinning author Emma Donoghue’s book Room has been adapted into a movie and a play. Writer and curator Devyani Saltzman latest book is Shooting Water: A Memoir of Second Chances, Family, and Filmmaking. She is currently the Director of Public Programming at the Art Gallery of Ontario.This episode is the audio version of a live online session at JLFToronto2020.

The Life and Death of Democracy

1 hr 11 min 57 sec

Ajume H. Wingo, Christophe Jaffrelot, Gideon Levy, Makarand R. Paranjape and Mukulika Banerjee in conversation with Milan Vaishnav.While the notion of democracy had its birth in Ancient Greece and gained currency in the 18th century revolutions in France and America, it was in the 20th century that it became a global aspiration. Yet each nation that professes allegiance to democracy has a shifting definition of what the concept entails. A distinguished panel of speakers examine the constitutional safeguards as well as the civic attitudes that define the critical parameters of democractic process. Christophe Jaffrelots recent publications include India’s First Dictatorship: The Emergency, 19751977, The Majoritarian State: How Hindu Nationalism is Changing India, and Dr. Ambedkar and Untouchability: Analysing and Fighting Caste. Ajume H. Wingo has published widely on liberal democratic philosophy and politics, particularly on institutional building in places where there are nonliberal democratic or illegitimate political institutions. He is the author of Veil Politics in Liberal Democratic States. Gideon Levy is a journalist and author of The Punishment of Gaza. Mukulika Banerjee was the inaugural director of the LSE South Asia Center and is associate professor in social anthropology at the London School of Economics. Her books include Why India Votes, and the recently completed monograph, Cultivating Democracy: Politics and Citizenship in Agrarian India. Milan Vaishnav is a senior fellow and director of the South Asia Programme at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and is the author of When Crime Pays: Money and Muscle in Indian Politics. A crucial conversation on the pulse and vital parameters of democracy around the world.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

Our Bodies, Their Battlefield: What War Does to Women

40 min 7 sec

Awardwinning foreign correspondent Christina Lamb has worked extensively in wartorn areas and combat zones for over 30 years. She speaks to fellow journalist Taran N. Khan about her latest book ‘Our Bodies, Their Battlefield’, a groundbreaking examination of how women experience sexual abuse in modern conflicts.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

Where does Fiction come from: Elizabeth Gilbert, Leïla Slimani, Avni Doshi, John Lanchester, Howard Jacobson, Damian Barr

43 min 26 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Elizabeth Gilbert, Leila Slimani, Avni Doshi, John Lanchester and Howard Jacobson in conversation with Damian Barr.

The Lives of Women: Bettany Hughes, Jung Chang, Benjamin Moser, Lindsey Hilsum, Hallie Rubenhold, Anita Anand

34 min 48 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.How does one capture the life of a woman in writing How different is the feminine biography from that of a man Biographers Bettany Hughes, Benjamin Moser, Jung Chang, Lindsey Hilsum and Hallie Rubenhold discuss the difficulty of pinning to paper the lives of women to paper in conversation with Anita Anand.

Poetry: Searching the Sources with Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, Ashok Vajpeyi, Ranjit Hoskote, Ruth Padel

46 min 16 sec

Three major Indian poets discuss the poetic imagination, searching its sources, inspirations and philosophy. Eminent English poet and translator Arvind Krishna Mehrotra speaks of his influences, among which he acknowledges William Carlos Williams and the Beat poets, as well as Kabir. Iconic Hindi poet and critic Ashok Vajpeyi has nurtured and founded many cultural institutions. Much awarded English poet, cultural theorist and curator Ranjit Hoskote is the author of the recent Jonahwhale as well as the acclaimed translation of the Kashmiri poet Lal Ded. In conversation with awardwinning British poet and scholar Ruth Padel, they read from and discuss the contexts of their work as well as the wider canvas of poetics and aesthetic theories.

Shubha Mudgal: Looking for Miss Sargam

37 min 12 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.In a magical session that brings the music of words to life, the acclaimed vocalist Shubha Mudgal reads from and speaks her debut collection of short stories, Looking for Miss Sargam. Her book, set in the world of classical Indian music, is wry, tongue in cheek and full of deep insights and perspectives. In conversation with editor Sudha Sadanand, Mudgal tells us of the elusive Miss Sargam, of the traditions, realities and contradictions that a musician straddles and the realities that her narratives invoke.

Sonali’s Book Club: Sonali Bendre Behl in conversation with Meru Gokhale

22 min 1 sec

Actor and model Sonali Bendre Behl decided to rekindle her passion for reading by connecting with other likeminded readers. She established ‘Sonali’s Book Club’, an inspirational space to interact with book lovers from around the globe. Other bibliophiles and friends from the film industry joined in as she battled cancer in New York. An exciting and eclectic set of books come up for livestreamed readings and discussion, providing the community of readers and writers an online platform to interact. Bendre is also the author of The Modern Gurukul: My Experiments with Parenting. In conversation with Meru Gokhale, she speaks of her inspirational endeavour and what books and reading mean to her.

Climate Change: A Call to Action

48 min 50 sec

Darryl Jones, Maja Lunde and Mridula Ramesh in conversation with Marcus Moench. The disruptions of climate change can no longer be ignored. A timely and urgent conversation on perhaps the most crucial issue for our planet that discusses the ingenuity and initiative required to adapt to changing conditions while attempting to reverse their shattering consequences. A panel of distinguished environmentalists and climate warriors speak of their experiences and learnings. Darryl Jones is an academic at Australia’s Griffith University who has been engaged in exploring the many ways that humans interact with nature. Maja Lunde has written several books for children and young adults, including The History of Bees. Mridula Ramesh is the founder of the Sundaram Climate Institute, focused on waste and water solutions and education, and an active angel investor in cleantech startups. Her recent book is The Climate Solution: Indias ClimateChange Crisis and What We Can Do about It. Marcus Moench is the founder of ISETInternational and has worked extensively on water, climate and urbanisation particularly in Asia. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Right To Know: Aruna Roy, Harsh Mander, Urvashi Butalia

51 min 31 sec

Information empowers and its role in a democracy is especially critical and definitive. In this important session, social activist Aruna Roy, the power behind the RTI Movement and Harsh Mander, fearless activist, who works with survivors of mass violence and hunger, the homeless and street children, and also the Director of the Centre for Equity Studies, make a passionate plea for the ‘Right to Know’ in order to challenge the convenient obscurantism of those in power. In conversation with Indian feminist and publisher Urvashi Butalia, a session rich in anecdote and readings from The RTI Story: Power to the People, authored by Roy, and for those who ask questions to seek answers. This episode is a live session from day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Finding Radha

45 min 28 sec

Alka Pande, Bulbul Sharma, Devdutt Pattnaik, Pavan K. Varma and Yudit Greenberg in conversation with Malashri Lal, introduced by Namita Gokhale. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

#Tharoorisms: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Mihir Swarup Sharma

41 min 19 sec

Prolific writer and popular politician Shashi Tharoor has a predilection for long words and telling phrases. His unerring sense of humour lightens up the serious oeuvre of his work which includes a powerful indictment of colonialism, a philosophical appreciation of the Hindu religion and hardhitting political critiques. In conversation with Mihir Swarup Sharma, he speaks of the personal and the political and the beliefs and ideas that have anchored him in his public life and literary career. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

After Trainspotting: a conversation with Irvine Welsh

39 min 46 sec

Irvine Welsh in conversation with Chandrahas Choudhury. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

Healed: Life Learnings from Manisha Koirala

50 min 9 sec

Manisha Koirala in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy. Actor Manisha Koirala shares the highs and lows of her life, her career, relationships and her battle with ovarian cancer. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, she speaks of the life choices she has made and how she redefined her priorities and regained a sense of balance and well being after coming to terms with the changes in body and mind, lifestyle and social circles. A frank noholdsbarred session about the emotional rollercoaster ride of Koirala’s life postdiagnosis and her learnings and inspirations about the power of prayer and positive thinking and the process of healing. This episode is a live recording from day 4 of ZEEJLF2019.

From A to Z: The Meaning of Everything

33 min 36 sec

Shashi Tharoor and Simon Winchester in conversation with Supriya Nair.The making of the Oxford English Dictionary OED, under the editorship of James Murray and others, was a monumental 50year task requiring thousands of volunteers. In his book, The Meaning of Everything: The Story of the Oxford English Dictionary, BritishAmerican author and journalist Simon Winchester, tells the story of the OED and its early editors. Winchester’s popular book, The Surgeon of Crowthorne, also tells the odd story of the murderer who contributed extensively from his prison cell. Renowned politician and author Shashi Tharoor’s latest book Tharoorosaurus covers the etymologies and eccentricities of the words in the English language. In conversation with Supriya Nair, they discuss the English vocabulary and this constantly evolving tome of lexicons.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFToronto2020.

The Lost Children: Deepa Anappara in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

41 min 54 sec

Deepa Anappara’s debut novel ‘Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line’ journeys to the heart of childhood and painful loss of innocence. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, managing director of Teamwork Arts and the foundertrustee of Salaam Balaak Trust, she discusses the impact of poverty and religious violence on the education of children. This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

Belt, Road and Beyond: Bruno Maçães, Manoj Joshi, Shyam Saran in conversation with Sujeev Shakya

43 min 32 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.China’s mammoth Belt and Road initiative, straddling almost 70 countries, is an infrastructure project of staggering complexity. Alongside writers and diplomats Manoj Joshi, Shyam Saran, Sujeev Shakya and Bruno Maçães, a Portugese politician, former Minister of European Affairs and author of Belt and Road: A Chinese World Order, discusses its ambitions and implications as it tracks new trade and energy routes, with particular emphasis on its feasibility and implications in India and South Asia.

The Democracy Index: Sachin Pilot, Rajdeep Sardesai, Namita Bhandare

44 min 40 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.What makes Indian democracy tick A riveting session that explores the narratives and counter narratives of the electoral process and democratic systems. Sachin Pilot is a dynamic young politician currently serving as the Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan and as the President of the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee. A member of the Indian National Congress, he was elected from the Tonk assembly seat with a record margin of 55,000 votes in 2018. Acclaimed journalist Rajdeep Sardesai is the author of several books including Newsman: Tracking India in the Modi Era and 2014: The Election that Changed India. His recent 2019: How Modi Won India traces the story of BJP’s recent march to electoral victory. In conversation with journalist Namita Bhandare, they discuss various aspects of democracy, the political process, its triumphs and discontents.

Patakha: Face to Face with Vishal Bhardwaj

41 min 46 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020. A surprise crossover novella set in a small town in Rajasthan takes us across languages and genres to an essential human story about two sisters and their quarrels. Based on Charan Singh Pathiks short story ‘Do Behnein’, Vishal Bhardwaj’s adaptation Patakha is a comedydrama that forays into both film and text. An engrossing conversation with Vani Tripathi Tikoo, where Bhardwaj and Pathik speak of their collaboration as well as the craft of narrative across genres.

Cricket - The Spirit of the Game: Shashi Tharoor, Gideon Haigh, Rajdeep Sardesai, Keshava Guha

46 min 39 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Shashi Tharoor is a politician, public intellectual, awardwinning author of 19 books of fiction and nonfiction, avid follower of cricket and author of Shadows Across the Playing Field: 60 Years Of IndiaPakistan Cricket. Gideon Haigh is an eminent sports journalist and author of Crossing the Line: How Australian Cricket Lost Its Way and From Flock to Baggy Green. Acclaimed news anchor, writer and senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai is the author of Democracys XI: The Great Indian Cricket Story. Author Keshava Guha is Fiction Editor of Juggernaut Books and a sports enthusiast.

Mahabharata: Adapting Ancient Myth for Modern Theatre

42 min 45 sec

Devdutt Pattanaik in conversation with Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes.Presented by Why Not Theatre, Shaw Festival and Canadian Opera Company.Join us for a conversation with famed mythologist, author, and illustrator Devdutt Pattanaik and theatre artists and writers Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes for a deep dive into the world of the Mahabharata through the lens of Jain and Fernandes’ stage adaptation of the ancient text. The conversation will speak to the relevance and importance of these myths in our modern world and how these epic stories can help us unpack the chaos around us. Why Not Theatre’s new theatrical adaptation of the Mahabharata takes a modern twist on the ancient Indian epic, with the session also providing a sneak peek into the process of creating the show as well as its Bhagavad Gita miniopera.Mahabharata was commissioned by the Shaw Festival and the World Premiere will be presented by the Shaw in NiagaraontheLake, Canada. The Bhagavad Gita was developed with the support of a Creative Residency at the Canadian Opera Company.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFToronto2020.

The (Good) Talks We Should Be Having: A conversation with Mira Jacob

29 min 15 sec

Mira Jacob, author of Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations, in conversation with writer/host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, Mira and Lakshya talk about her new book why she wrote it, what it was like to relive these talks from her past, and what conversations she hopes it starts.About the book: Inspired by her viral BuzzFeed piece 37 Difficult Questions from My MixedRaced Son, Mira Jacob responds to: her sixyearold, Z, who asks if the new president hates brown boys like him uncomfortable relationship advice from her parents, who came to the United States from India one month into their arranged marriage and increasingly fraught exchanges with her Trumpsupporting inlaws. Jacob also investigates her own past, including how it felt to be a brownskinned New Yorker on 9/11. As earnest and moving as they are laughoutloud funny, these are the stories that have shaped one life, but will resonate with many others. You can order the book on Amazon and learn more about MIras work at mirajacob.com.Mira will be speaking at JLFHouston2019 on Sept 14, and ZeeJLFColorado2019 on Sept 21.

How Stories Heal Us: A conversation with Michael Patrick MacDonald

21 min 21 sec

Michael Patrick MacDonald, author of the New York Times Bestselling memoir “All Souls: A Family Story From Southie”, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. Lakshya speaks with Michael about what drew him to tell stories, the writing process behind his memoirs, how his family and his community reacted to his books, and how he uses storytelling as a tool to talk about justice and healing. You can learn more about his work at www.michaelpatrickmacdonald.com. Michael will be at ZEEJLFColorado2019 at the session “We Shall Not Hate” on September 21.

The Yoga Sutra: Live from JLF @ British Library 2019

47 min 7 sec

Ranju Roy and Dave Charlton in conversation with Tara Fraser. Understanding Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is the key to understanding yoga itself and yet relatively few of today’s practitioners know how to apply these ancient Sanskrit aphorisms to contemporary life. Yoga Teachers Ranju Roy and David Charlton, both practitioners within the tradition of TKV Desikachar of Chennai, discuss some of the most important sutras in their new book Embodying the Yoga Sutra and show how each one illuminates a different aspect of the vast field of yoga, both on and off the mat. In conversation with author and yoga trainer Tara Fraser. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Running From and Towards Home: A conversation with Eric Ngalle Charles

36 min 44 sec

Eric Ngalle Charles poet, author, playwright in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Eric Ngalle was born in Cameroon. After nearly a decade seeking sanctuary as a refugee, he eventually reached south Wales, where he studied modern history and popular culture at Cardiff Metropolitan University. A fellow of the leadership network BritishAmerican Project, he currently sits on the board of directors for Literature Wales. Ngalle Charles is one of the Hay 30 young writers who will help shape the world over the next three decades. This latest book is called I, Eric Ngalle: One Mans Journey Crossing Continents from Africa to Europe. This episode is a podcastexclusive.

JLF International Begins: A conversation with Namita Gokhale

29 min 29 sec

Namita Gokhale founder and codirector of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in conversation with Lakshya Datta host of Jaipur Bytes and founder of Launchora. Namita shares her favorite moments from the festival in Jaipur this past January, why she believes all writers young and old need to be readers first, how she curates the international JLF festivals and their programming, and what you cab expect to see and hear at JLF at the British Library June 1416 and JLF at Belfast June 2123 this summer. Namita is the author of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including ‘Paro: Dreams Of Passion’ and ‘Things To Leave Behind’ which recently won the Sushila Devi Literature Award. ZEEJLFatBL2019 JLFBelfast2019

Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians

55 min 28 sec

Boria Majumdar, Rajdeep Sardesai and Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Prayaag Akbar. This episode is a live session from day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Theatre of the Political: Shashi Tharoor, Pavan Varma, Sreenivasan Jain

41 min 52 sec

Shashi Tharoor, author and Member of Parliament, and Pavan Varma, National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal, in conversation with journalist and anchor at NDTV, Sreenivasan Jain. This episode is a live session from day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Episode #100: A conversation with 'Jaipur Journals' author Namita Gokhale

25 min 6 sec

In the 100th episode and 2019 season finale of Jaipur Bytes, host Lakshya Datta speaks with Jaipur Literature Festival codirector Namita Gokhale about her upcoming novel Jaipur Journals.Partly a love letter to the greatest literary show on earth, partly a satire about the glittery set that throngs this literary venue year on year, and partly an ode to the millions of aspiring writers who wander the earth with unsubmitted manuscripts in their bags, Jaipur Journals is a lightfooted romp that showcases in full form Gokhales unsparing eye for the pretensions and the pathos of that loneliest tribe of them all: the writers. Jaipur Journals is available for preorder on Amazon.

Writing about Indonesian Women, Adventures, and Choices: A conversation with Intan Paramaditha

24 min 58 sec

Author Intan Paramaditha in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive chat, Intan talks to Lakshya about her academic career, Indonesian films, why she chooses to write in her native language, and how she wrote a choose your own adventure novel. Intan is an Indonesian fiction writer and currently a lecturer in Media and Film Studies at Macquarie University, Sydney. Her first book was the short story collection titled Apple and Knife. Her novel The Wandering won a PEN Translates Award and will be published in 2020 in English. Intan was a speaker at JLF Adelaide 2019 which happened earlier this month.

Writers are Robots are Gods: A conversation with Tom Cho

30 min 4 sec

Writer and editor Tom Cho in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive chat, Tom talks to Lakshya about his first book, his next book, and where and how he finds the words to fill them. Tom’s debut collection of fiction, titled Look Who’s Morphing, was shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Commonwealth Writers Prize for Best First Book. He also has over 70 fiction publications in journals. His current project is a novel on the meaning of life. Originally from Australia, Tom now lives in Canada, and was a speaker at JLF Toronto last month. You can follow Toms work at www.tomcho.com.

Curing Hatred With Forgiveness & Education: A conversation with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

19 min 43 sec

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, 2010 Nobel Peace Prize nominee and internationally recognized human rights and inspirational peace activist, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. Dr. Abuelaish talks to Lakshya about what hatred does to a person and to a community, where he gets his strength to deliver his message of hope and forgiveness, why political leaders need to humanize and not politicize, how health and peace are interconnected, and why he started the Daughters For Life Foundation.Dr. Abuelaish is currently an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Office of Global Public Health Education Training at the University of Toronto.In January 2009, an Israeli tank shelled the home of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish in the Gaza Strip and killed three of his daughters: Bessan, 21 Mayar, 15 and Aya, 13. This tragedy occured only minutes before Dr. Abuelaish was scheduled to speak live on Israeli television. His recorded cries for help captured hearts and headlines in Israel and around the world, and his response to the loss of his daughters was followed by international audiences. Dr. Abuelaish never sought to seek revenge or sink into despair and hatred. Instead, he called for those in the Middle East to stop the bloodshed and facilitate discourse for mutual understanding. His strongest hope is that his daughters will be the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Palestinians and Israelis. He started and chairs the Daughters For Life Foundation in their memory, based on the belief that lasting peace in the Middle East depends on the empowerment of girls and young women through education, which will allow them to become agents of change for the betterment of life throughout the Middle East.His 2010 book I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctors Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity” has been translated in to 23 languages.Dr. Abuelaish will be speaking at JLF Toronto on September 28. To learn more about his work, go to https://daughtersforlife.com/

On Art, Stories, and the Native-American Experience: A conversation with Kent Nerburn

39 min 51 sec

Kent Nerburn, author of “Neither Wolf Nor Dog”, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive conversation, Kent and Lakshya talk about how “Neither Wolf Nor Dog” came to be, how it became a cult classic that is used as a bridge to connect nonnatives to the NativeAmerican experience, how Robert Plant lead singer of Led Zeppelin found the book and ended up writing the foreword of the 25th anniversary edition of the book, how the book’s film adaptation came together, and what advice he has for young artists and storytellers. Kent Nerburn is an American author and artist, having published over 20 works of fiction and nonfiction. His latest book is called Dancing With The Gods. You can learn more about Kent at www.kentnerburn.com. He will be speaking at JLF Colorado on September 21.

Jaipur BookMark: A Conversation With Neeta Gupta

47 min 51 sec

Neeta Gupta festival codirector of Jaipur BookMark in conversation with Lakshya Datta founder of Launchora. Neeta talks about how she got into publishing, how Jaipur BookMark came out of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival, what collaborations and ideas have come out of JBM over the years, and how this year’s JBM which will host over 100 speakers was curated. Neeta Gupta is also the cofounder and publisher at Yatra Books, as well as the Joint Secretary of Bharatiya Anuvad Parishad and editor of their quarterly journal, Anuvad. JBM 2019 will take place alongside ZEEJLF2019 at the Diggi Palace from 23 to 26 January. You can learn more about JBM and its 2019 programme at jaipurbookmark.org.

The First Draft Of History: The Perils Of Journalism

37 min 3 sec

Saba Naqvi Author of “Shades of Saffron: From Vajpayee to Modi”, Suhasini Haidar Diplomatic Affairs Editor, The Hindu Nikhil Kumar New Delhi Bureau Chief, CNN, and Jeffrey Gettleman South Asia Bureau Chief, The New York Times in conversation with Swati Chaturvedi NDTV, Indian Express. This discussion took place during the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festivals Preview on December 3, 2018 at the Taj Mahal Palace in New Delhi.

Exclusive: Author Hallie Rubenhold talks to Lakshya Datta about "The Five"

12 min 35 sec

Hallie Rubenhold, author of The Five: The Untold Lives of the Women Killed by Jack the Ripper, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 at the Diggi Palace on Jan 27.Hallie Rubenhold is a bestselling author, social historian, broadcaster and historical consultant for TV and film. Her most recent book, The Five, has been won the Baillie Gifford Prize 2019 and shortlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Gold Dagger. It is the first biography of the five victims of Jack the Ripper and reclaims the narrative in favour of the women, rather than the murderer.

Poor Economics: Abhijit V. Banerjee in conversation with Sreenivasan Jain

40 min 26 sec

Abhijit V. Banerjee, Esther Duflo and Michael Kremer were awarded the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences 2019 for ‘their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty’ by breaking down a complex problem into ‘smaller, more manageable questions’. Abhijit Banerjee returns to the Jaipur Literature Festival to speak of his RCT researchbased approach to development economics. In conversation with journalist Sreenivasan Jain, he explains the need to understand and measure what happens in the real world to alleviate poverty and the necessity of making the poor and their decisionmaking central to the process. An inspirational session of insights and learnings vital to understanding our world.

Full Disclosure: A Conversation With Rajdeep Sardesai

52 min 30 sec

Rajdeep Sardesai in conversation with Madhu Trehan. This episode is a live recording from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Gene Machine and the Culture of Science

43 min 51 sec

Venki Ramakrishnan in conversation with Priyamvada Natrajan. Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan is a BritishAmerican structural biologist of Indian origin. He is also currently President of the Royal Society. His recent book, Gene Machine: The Race to Decipher the Secrets of the Ribosome is about the quest to understand the enormous ancient molecular machine, the ribosome, that decodes genetic information to build all life forms. But the book also is a frank description of what it was like for an outsider who found himself in a race to solve one of the most fundamental problems of biology. He will speak not only about the scientific voyage itself but also about the human side of science, including blunders, dead ends, changing careers, egos, competition and collaboration. The result is an insider look at how science actually works and what it felt like to be in the middle of it all. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Jiya Jale: Stories Behind the Songs

54 min 26 sec

Gulzar and Nasreen Munni Kabir in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy. The most beloved of Indian poets and lyricists, the legendary Gulzar Saheb guides us through the stories behind the stories of his most iconic and enduring songs. Written over half a century of his creative ouvre, they chronicle the emotions and intuitions of successive generations and remain as markers of their times. Jiya Jale: The Stories of Songs has been written by Nasreen Munni Kabir in collaboration with Gulzar Saheb. Documentary filmmaker Kabir is the acclaimed and prolific author of several books on music and cinema. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, they discuss the backstory of the music, the verses and the spirit of these songs that have become such an intrinsic part of our popular culture and heritage. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Because We Are: Gulzar and Meghna Gulzar

54 min 41 sec

Gulzar and Meghna Gulzar in conversation with Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri. Acclaimed film director Meghna Gulzar is the author of Because He Is, a tribute to her father, the legendary Gulzar Saheb. In conversation with editor Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri, she speaks of her childhood, the tender parenting she received and the creative connection that she continues to share with her extraordinary father. The session also records his professional and personal life, and offers insights into his phenomenal oeuvre as a poet, lyricist and film director. Gulzar Saheb will be on stage with his gifted daughter, giving us his memories of parenting and the fatherdaughter bond. This episode is a live session from Day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

I Believe in Music: Usha Uthup in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

1 hr 0 min 8 sec

The versatile Usha Uthup sings in 15 Indian and eight foreign languages. She has beguiled generations of music lovers with her charismatic style and her distinct and powerful voice. In conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, she talks of what music means to her and the passion and commitment she brings to it. A fascinating singalong recountal of a unique musical odyssey, with a legend of our times. This episode is a live session from Day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

Each of Us Writers: Diaspora and Displacement

43 min 16 sec

Diasporic writers in the US, Jenny Bhatt and Mimi Lok speak to Neelanjana Banerjee on how displacement, whether physical or cultural or both, has shaped their storytelling and their own identities as writers. This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFHouston2020.

Eve Was Shamed: How Justice Fails Women

44 min 40 sec

Helena Kennedy, Avi Singh and Sunita Toor in conversation with Bee Rowlatt. Helena Kennedy QC’s groundbreaking book Eve Was Shamed offers an impassioned, personal critique of the British legal system. “The smell of the gentlemen’s club permeates every crevice of the Inns of Court,” writes Kennedy. A session which focuses on the treatment of women in the legal system with Kennedy, academic and women’s rights activist Sunita Toor and international lawyer Avi Singh in conversation with writer Bee Rowlatt. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Footloose: The Travel Session

45 min 1 sec

Pico Iyer, Christina Lamb, Carlo Pizzati and Monisha Rajesh in conversation with William Dalrymple. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

From Hieroglyphs to Emojis

45 min 21 sec

David Levy, Irving Finkel and Michael Erdman in conversation with Pragya Tiwari. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Game Changers: Cricket Country

48 min 1 sec

Shashi Tharoor, Wajahat S. Khan, Romesh Gunesekera and Prashant Kidambi in conversation with Mukulika Banerjee. Cricket in South Asia has become a symbol of national identity and a surrogate battleground between competing nationalisms. Prashant Kidambi’s Cricket Country: An Indian Odyssey in the Age of Empire tells the story of the first all Indian cricket tour of Britain and Ireland and how the idea of India took shape on the cricket field. Emmynominated multimedia journalist Wajahat S. Khan has coauthored Game Changer, a riveting memoir of Shahid Afridi, one of modern crickets most controversial and accomplished practitioners. Indian politician and bestselling author Shashi Tharoor and acclaimed Sri Lankan author Romesh Gunesekera have written extensively on the sport. In conversation with writer and academic Mukulika Banerjee, they speak of how cricket has helped fashion the imagined communities of both empire and nation. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Rabindranath Tagore's Many Lives: A conversation with Bashabi Fraser

35 min 10 sec

Bashabi Fraser author of “Rabindranath Tagore Critical Lives in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Bashabi Fraser is a Tagore and post colonial scholar and poet. A Professor of English and Creative Writing and Founder Director of the Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies at Edinburgh Napier University, she is also the EditorinChief of the ejournal Gitanjali and Beyond. She is the author of several publications, including the recent critical biography of Rabindranath Tagore. An awardwinning poet, Fraser has received the 2015 Outstanding Woman of Scotland Award, the 2019 Kavi Salam from Poetry Paradigm, the Word Masala Foundation Award for Excellence in Poetry in 2017, the 2010 Women Empowered: Arts and Culture Award and the AIO Prize for Literary Services in Scotland in 2009.

India in Ireland: A conversation with Damian Smyth

10 min 58 sec

Damian Smyth Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Hear Damian talk about the work the Art Council does in Belfast and beyond, how the association with JLF came about, and why Belfast is the perfect city for the festival. Experience the first ever JLF Belfast from June 21 to 23. JLFBelfast2019

JLF @ The British Library: A conversation with Jamie Andrews

28 min 13 sec

Jamie Andrews Head of Culture and Learning at the British Library in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Jamie talks about the work the British Library does in the UK and internationally, their current “Writing: Making Your Mark” exhibition, why they got involved with JLF as their festival host in London, and what to expect from the upcoming festival from June 14 to 16. ZEEJLFatBL2019

Shabana Azmi: The Word Set Free

32 min 59 sec

An encounter with the freespirited Shabana Azmi, magnificent actor and a committed social activist. Azmi belongs to an illustrious literary family and has been a member of the Indian Parliament. In conversation with writer and film director Sangeeta Datta, she speaks of her work in experimental and mainstream cinema, and the interplay of culture, entertainment and politics. This episode is a live session from JLF at British Library last year. ZEEJLFatBL2019

Waste of a Nation: Assa Doron, Sanchaita Gajapati, Robin Jeffrey

39 min 10 sec

Assa Doron, Sanchaita Gajapati in conversation with Robin Jeffrey. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Battle Of Belonging: Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Pragya Tiwari

40 min 29 sec

What does it mean to be Indian Retired diplomat, politician, and celebrated author Shashi Tharoors latest book, The Battle Of Belonging: On Nationalism, Patriotism, And What It Means To Be Indian, evaluates the historical and current political trends that are impacting the “idea of India.” Tharoor explores the changing interpretations of nationalism, patriotism, citizenship, and belonging, as well as the nature and future of nationhood. In an important conversation with journalist Pragya Tiwari, he discusses the concept of belonging in the context of nationhood.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

A Profoundly Important Imperfection: Understanding Our Universe

46 min 19 sec

Eric Cornell in conversation with Priyamvada Natarajan.The notion of imperfection usually carries negative implications and the idea of defect. But what is the significance and implication of the concept of imperfections in the field of physics How did it impact our universe Eric Cornell, Professor of Experimental Physics from the University of Colorado and Nobel Laureate for Physics in 2001, speaks with distinguished astrophysicist Priyamvada Natarajan and evaluates the one moment in time 14 billion years ago that made it possible for us to be here today.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

The Essential Yann Martel

37 min

Taking us on a journey through his layered and multifaceted literary process, Booker Prizewinning author Yann Martel talks about the liberating power of the written word. Martel is the bestselling author of books such as Beatrice and Virgil and Life of Pi. In a conversation with writer and author Diksha Basu, Martel explores the inspirations and essence of his work, and talks about his journey as a writer.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

Closing Debate: The Age of Iconoclasm

1 hr 16 min 33 sec

Bee Rowlatt, Edward Chancellor, Nick Robins, Swapan Dasgupta, William Dalrymple and Zareer Masani discuss the age of iconoclasm with Mukulika Banerjee in the closing debate of JLFLondonAtBL2020Britain is full of statues of men once regarded as imperial heroes, many of whom are responsible for acts of loot and pillage that would now be classified as war crimes. This house believes the time has now come to remove them to a museum of colonialism. The JLF closing debate is a muchloved session that always sets pulses racing – watch out for the drummer…This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

The Mathematics of Stardom: Vidya Balan, Nayanika Mahtani, Vani Tripathi Tikoo

47 min 51 sec

The awardwinning Vidya Balan and author and screenplay writer Nayanika Mahtani discuss their latest film on the mathematical genius, the late Shakuntala Devi. In conversation Vani Tripathi Tikoo. This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

The Art of Innovation: Tilly Blyth and Payal Arora in conversation with Tarun Khanna

45 min 7 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Throughout history, artists and scientists have been bound together by a complex thread born out of the desire to experiment, taking inspiration from each other’s disciplines but working from very different perspectives. This session, featuring Tilly Blyth, Head of Collections and Principal Curator at the Science Museum in London and the author of the edifying book The Art of Innovation: From Enlightenment to Dark Matter, and Payal Arora, Professor at Erasmus University Rotterdam and awardwinning author of several books, including The Next Billion Users, discusses how the ingenuity of science and technology has fed the artistic imagination and affected innovation. The authors will be in conversation with author and academic Tarun Khanna, Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at the Harvard Business School.

Exclusive: Rheea Mukherjee talks to Lakshya Datta about "The Body Myth"

13 min 47 sec

Rheea Mukherjee, author of The Body Myth, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 27.Rheea Mukherjee is the author of The Body Myth and was shortlisted for the TATA Literature Live First Book Award 2019. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Buzzfeed, Scroll.in, Electric Literature, Out of Print Magazine and Southern Humanities Review, among others. She cofounded Bangalore Writers Workshop in 2012 and currently coruns Write Leela Write, a Design and Content Laboratory in Bangalore. You can get her book on Amazon.

Bolna Hi Hai: Ravish Kumar in conversation with Nilanjana S. Roy

1 hr 4 min 12 sec

Ravish Kumar, a much awarded and fearless journalist, is also the author of tender nano storie and the Ramon Magsaysay awardee in 2019. In a thoughtful and probing session with writer and columnist Nilanjana S. Roy, he speaks of his books and beliefs, his poems and love stories, the compulsions of primetime news and the duties of responsible journalism.

Exclusive: Author Deepa Agarwal in conversation with Lakshya Datta

18 min 25 sec

Deepa Agarwal, author of Journey to the Forbidden City and The Begum, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 26.Deepa Agarwal is an author, poet and translator who writes for both children and adults. She has over 50 published books to her credit and is the recipient of the NCERT National Award for Children’s Literature, among other honours. Her recent books are The Begum, Blessed, Friendship Stories and Journey to the Forbidden City.

Eyes Right: Awakening BharatMata

50 min 44 sec

Swapan Dasgupta’s recent book Awakening Bharat Mata: The Political Beliefs of the Indian Right draws on a variety of sources to trace the evolution of rightwing thought in India. Citing a spectrum of thinkers and writers, it identifies the significant threads that constitute an ideology that has increasingly gained traction and dominated vote banks across the nation. A spirited conversation that discusses and debates the history and influences that forged the vortex of Hindu nationalism with Dasgupta alongside writers and journalists Makarand R. Paranjape, Saba Naqvi in conversation with Pragya Tiwari.

Exclusive: Author Harish Bhat (Brand Custodian of Tata Sons) in conversation with Lakshya Datta

15 min 23 sec

Harish Bhat, author of An Extreme Love of Coffee, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 25. Harish Bhat is an author, columnist and marketer. He works with the Tata Group. His first book, the bestselling Tata Log continues to enthrall readers with stories from the modern history of Tata. His second book, The Curious Marketer, addresses the intriguing topic of curiosity. His latest work is his debut novel, An Extreme Love of Coffee. Bhat is the Brand Custodian at Tata Sons and serves as a director of several Tata companies.

Voices of Faith - The Faith and Philosophy of Zoroastrianism

40 min 31 sec

Noshir Dadrawala and Shernaz Cama in conversation with Dinyar Patel.This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - The Great Hindu Civilization

38 min 50 sec

Pavan K. Varma in conversation with Makarand R. Paranjape.This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

The Gendered Contagion: Sohaila Abdulali, Pragya Tiwari, Chinmay Tumbe, Amita Nigam Sahaya

47 min 48 sec

Recorded live at JaipurLiteratureFestival2022, this session is The Gendered Contagion: Sohaila Abdulali, Pragya Tiwari, Chinmay Tumbe in conversation with Amita Nigam Sahaya, introduced by Gloria Berbena, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, US Embassy India.

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics: Rukmini S, Lakshmi Puri with Shailendra Raj Mehta

52 min 10 sec

Recorded live at JaipurLiteratureFestival2022 this session is Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics Rukmini S and Lakshmi Puri in conversation with Shailendra Raj Mehta.

The Democracy Index: Madan B Lokur, Guru Prakash Paswan, Navin Chawla with V Tankha

42 min 12 sec

A live session recorded at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, this is The Democracy Index Madan B Lokur, Guru Prakash Paswan, Navin Chawla, in conversation with V Tankha.

Bullets Over Bombay: Manoj Bajpayee and Uday Bhatia with Nirupama Kotru

45 min 48 sec

Recorded live at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, this episode is Bullets Over Bombay Manoj Bajpayee and Uday Bhatiawith Nirupama Kotru.

Exclusive: Taran N. Khan (author of "Shadow City") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

15 min 18 sec

This is a podcast exclusive conversation between Lakshya Datta Jaipur Bytes host and Taran N. Khan, author of Shadow City A Woman Walks Kabul. Recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 on March 13.

It's Raining Cats and Dogs: Devapriya Roy and Hemali Sodhi with Arunava Sinha

37 min 18 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 recorded on March 12.

The Mountbattens: Andrew Lownie in conversation with Narayani Basu

38 min 43 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, recorded on March 13.

Lal Salaam: Smriti Zubin Irani in conversation with Pragya Tiwari

27 min 20 sec

This episode is a live session from the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022, recorded on March 13.

Race for Tomorrow: Simon Mundy, Durga Shakti Nagpal, Mridula Ramesh with Chinmay Tumbe

39 min 51 sec

This episode is a live session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022: Race for Tomorrow: Survival and Climate Justice Simon Mundy, Durga Shakti Nagpal and Mridula Ramesh in conversation with Chinmay Tumbe.

Of Cabbages and Kings: Vir Sanghvi in conversation with Pragya Tiwari

36 min 8 sec

This is a live session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022: Of Cabbages and Kings Vir Sanghvi in conversation with Pragya Tiwari.

Rationality: Steven Pinker in conversation with Mihir S. Sharma

39 min 30 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters Steven Pinker in conversation with Mihir S. Sharma

Out of China: Robert Bickers in conversation with Rana Mitter

44 min 22 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Out of China: How the Chinese Ended the Era of Western Domination Robert Bickers in conversation with Rana Mitter.

I Believe In Books: Sonali Bendre Behl in conversation with Meghna Pant

36 min 36 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Sonali Bendre Behl in conversation with Meghna Pant.

Diving Deep With Douglas Stuart: The Many Layers Of Shuggie Bain

42 min 41 sec

Douglas Stuart in conversation with Paul McVeigh.Glasgowborn Douglas Stuart’s 2020 Booker prizewinning debut novel Shuggie Bain evokes the essence of addiction, parenthood, courage and love. Following the bond between a son and his mother, fractured by alcoholism, poverty, aspiration and human misery. The novel graphs an intimate, devastating yet ultimately hopeful journey through their lives. Stuart began his career in fashion design before moving onto writing. His other work includes the short stories Found Wanting and The Englishman. In conversation with writer and playwright Paul McVeigh, Stuart unravels the thought and process behind bringing this heartbreaking story out into the world.

Six Suspects: Vikas Swarup in conversation with Shubhra Gupta

36 min 27 sec

Vikas Swarup’s thrilling second novel Six Suspects is a witty, gripping and masterfully written tale that looks deep within the heart of contemporary India. The internationally bestselling author Slumdog Millionaire deftly explores themse of murder, corruption and oppurtunity, through an imaginative and intensive plot, unravelling the lives and motives of the six suspects involved in the killing of a politician’s son, offering both a riveting pageturner and a sobering look into the social dynamics at play. The author discusses his influences, writing process, and the upcoming web adaptation of his riveting novel, in conversation with Shubhra Gupta.Vikas Swarup is an Indian diplomat and writer, and current Secretary West at the Ministry of External Affairs. He is best known as the author of the novel Q A, adapted in film as Slumdog Millionaire, the winner of Best Film for the year 2009 at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.

Bill Gates: How to Avoid a Climate Disaster

58 min 9 sec

Bill Gates in conversation with Alok Sharma.“It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of a problem as big as climate change. But you’re not powerless. And you don’t have to be a politician or a philanthropist to make a difference.” – Bill GatesIn conversation with Alok Sharma, President of the COP26 Climate Conference and former Secretary of State for Business, Bill Gates will set out a wideranging, practical—and accessible—plan for how the world can get to zero greenhouse gas emissions in time to avoid a climate catastrophe. Gates has spent a decade investigating the causes and effects of climate change. With the help of experts in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, political science, and finance, he has focused on what must be done in order to stop the planet’s slide toward certain environmental disasters. He will explain not only why we need to work toward netzero emissions of greenhouse gases, but also details what we need to do to achieve this profoundly important goal.

Voices of Faith - Ramcharitmanas: Then and Now (Episode 1)

31 min 19 sec

Pavan K. Varma and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni in conversation. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Ramcharitmanas: Then and Now (Episode 4)

46 min 57 sec

Pavan K. Varma and Philip A. Lutgendorf in conversation with Harish Trivedi. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker

32 min 20 sec

Pavan K. Varma in conversation with Malashri Lal. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Tales from the Quran and Hadith

43 min 5 sec

Rana Safvi in conversation with Manimugdha S. Sharma. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Across Boundaries: The Spirit of Christmas

33 min 52 sec

Michael Williams, John Varghese, Margaret Alva and Paul Swarup in conversation with Deepak Mukarji. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Tacky's Revolt - The Story of an Atlantic Slave War: Vincent Brown in conversation with Maya Jasanoff

40 min 4 sec

Acclaimed author and historian Vincent Browns groundbreaking geopolitical thriller Tacky′s Revolt: The Story of an Atlantic Slave War takes on the Atlantic slave trade with a subversive and powerful reconstruction of the history of insurgency, rebellion, victory and defeat. With a keen emphasis on the seminal uprising that upended the dominant imperial rule of the British Atlantic world, eventually becoming known as the Tacky’s Revolt and ultimately leading the way for abolition, the book explores the contentious climate of oppression and slavery, offering an alternative perspective of the events that occurred, with an unflinching look at the brutal and inhumane methods of oppression and the resilience of those that resisted. In conversation with writer and academic Maya Jasanoff, he unpacks the complex narratives binding the conflicting histories of Europe, Africa and America, offering illuminating insights into the condition of terror and war, proving more relevant than ever in the era of BLM and sociopolitical sifting change and raising the ever pertinent question, who gets to write the story

Maoism - A Global History: Julia Lovell in conversation with Michael Puett

39 min 35 sec

With the growing friction between China and the world, exacerbated in the wake of the pandemic, the need to understand the political legacy of Mao is urgent and growing. In Maoism: A Global History, eminent British scholar, author and translator Julia Lovell takes on the ambitious and challenging task of covering the sweeping and turbulent history of Maoism in one accessible text, bringing attention to Mao and his ideas in a new light. Through a series of interviews, archival references and ethnographic study, Lovell synthesises concurrent narratives and conceptions, providing a reevaluation of the ideology in the present context. She discusses her exciting work in conversation with historian and writer Michael Puett in an essential session on the enduring appeal of Maoism.

Reflections: Anish Kapoor in conversation with Homi K. Bhabha

47 min 15 sec

Anish Kapoor has succeeded in transforming the cool, conceptual, and minimal approach to sculpture by adding lyricism, metaphor, and the heat of the primordial. Objects spill out from their own parameters, yet they also stand serenely as in meditative focus as if for ritual. Typically, the sculptures appear abstract, with Kapoors intention to promote selfreflection made most obvious when using mirrored surfaces. He does not wish to present a prescriptive idea, but instead to create an environment within which people themselves can consider meaning. As the viewer becomes part of the sculpture, each work speaks of the confined individuality of a single body, but also of the expansive inclusiveness of a shared place. His sculptures paradoxically entwine esoteric philosophy with sensual everyday experience. In this session, one of India’s greatest artists talks about his life and work with his friend Homi K. Bhabha.

Indian Sun - Remembering Ravi Shankar: Oliver Craske in conversation with Guillermo Rodríguez

41 min 33 sec

To mark Pandit Ravi Shankar’s birth centenary, Oliver Craske has penned a comprehensive biography of the sitar maestro. Ravi Shankar excelled in Indian classical music and played a leading role in its postindependence revival within India, before becoming its pioneering global ambassador. A childhood immersed in dance and music with his older brother Uday Shankar, and the rigorous discipline of learning the sitar under the tutelage of the legendary Allauddin Khan, prepared him for transforming the international understanding of Indian culture from 1954 onwards. Ravi Shankar’s creative associations with George Harrison, Yehudi Menuhin and Satyajit Ray, among others, led to worldwide acclaim and extraordinary musical experiments and collaborations. Using rare family archives and fresh interviews, Craske tracks his professional success and often tangled personal life. In a moving and evocative session, Craske alongside writer and cultural critic Guillermo Rodríguez speak of Shankar’s genius and his profound impact on the world.

The Edict Project - Music and Meaning for our Times: T.M. Krishna in conversation with Manasi Subramaniam

43 min 6 sec

TM Krishna, public intellectual and acclaimed classical vocalist in the Carnatic tradition, is dedicated to working across the spectrum of music, society and culture. The Edict Project, in association with Ashoka University, is a creative collaboration that seeks to musically rediscover Emperor Ashoka’s ancient edicts philosophies that speak of a more humane society built on empathy and compassion created during the period of the lockdown, they convey Krishna’s conviction that the world can be healed through a deep understanding of music. An inspirational multidisciplinary session that searches history and culture to frame words, music and meaning for our times. Krishna’s latest book is Sebastian and Sons.

Unscripted: Vidhu Vinod Chopra and Abhijat Joshi in conversation with Vani Tripathi Tikoo

43 min 11 sec

A book charting an exceptional life and career, Unscripted by screenwriter, director and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra and scriptwriter Abhijat Joshi takes us on an extravagant journey through the life, mind, method and madness of perhaps one of the greatest filmmakers Bollywood has seen today. Over the past three decades, Chopra has seen it all, from putting together low budget student films to establishing the largest production house within the Indian film industry, he has presented the biggest blockbusters of the era while also introducing the audience to a sparkling list of actors who he took under his wing and nurtured to stardom. In conversation with Vani Tripathi Tikoo, they dive into a session on Chopras life and work and a friendship spanning decades.

Brown Baby: Nikesh Shukla in conversation with Nish Kumar

44 min 48 sec

In Brown Baby, Nikesh Shukla explores themes of racism, feminism, parenting and our shifting ideas of home. By turns heartwrenching, hilariously funny and intensely relatable, the memoir is dedicated to the author’s two young daughters and serves as an act of remembrance to the grandmother they never had a chance to meet. In this emotionally stirring session, Shukla navigates the porous boundaries of love, grief and fatherhood in conversation with British standup comedian, radio host and presenter Nish Kumar, ultimately showing us how it’s possible to believe in hope. Shukla is a British author and screenwriter, and the editor of the 2016 collection of essays The Good Immigrant. His other works include the novels Coconut Unlimited and The One Who Wrote Destiny. Kumar is the host of The Mash Report on BBC Two, Hello America on Quibi and BBC Radio 4 Extras topical comedy show Newsjack, among others.

Word, Inspiration and Story: Kevin Kwan in conversation with Shunali Khullar Shroff

36 min 20 sec

Sex and Vanity is Kevin Kwan’s latest book, following on the sensational success of Crazy Rich Asians, and opening up a world of extravagant travel, love, and deceit, with subtle undertones of the complexities of race and identity. A love affair traversing Capri and the Hamptons, the narrative – a homage to A Room With a View – introduces us to the lives of the ultrarich seeking happiness in excess, Asian classism and snobbery. The bestselling author of China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems dives into his literary journey and the universe of privilege, couture and cultures his books represent, in conversation with author Shunali Khullar Shroff.

Pandemics - Past and Future: Chinmay Tumbe and Laura Spinney in conversation with Ambarish Satwik

41 min 53 sec

The recurrence of pandemics is an unfortunate reality in human history. Leaving a devastating trail of suffering and death, they disappear from public memory until such time that the demons surface again. Academic and author Chinmay Tumbe in his recent book, Age of Pandemics 18171920: How They Shaped India and the World, chronicles the many facets of the cholera, plague and influenza pandemics, which claimed over 70 million lives between 1817 and 1920 with India being the epicentre in all these episodes. In the first truly global treatment of one of the worst pandemics of all time, Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World, author and science journalist Laura Spinney delves into lesser known details of that forgotten disaster. In conversation with surgeon and author Ambarish Satwik, they touch upon the science and psychology of pandemics and lessons from the past that may make us better understand the potential onset of zoonotic diseases in the future.

Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment - Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R Sunstein with Mihir Sharma

39 min 57 sec

This episode is a session from Jaipur Lit Fest 2022 Digital Edition. Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, Cass R Sunstein in conversation with Mihir Sharma.

Voices of Faith - Ajmer Sharif: The Path of Devotion

26 min 25 sec

Syed Salman Chishty in conversation with Rana Safvi. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Voices of Faith - Heaven on Earth: The Universe of Kerala's Guruvayur Temple

35 min 19 sec

Pepita Seth in conversation with Anupama Raju. This episode is part of the Voices of Faith series for JLF Brave New World, presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust.

Curating #ZEEJLF2019: A Conversation With Namita Gokhale

29 min 37 sec

Namita Gokhale founder and codirector of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in conversation with Lakshya Datta host of Jaipur Bytes and founder of Launchora. Namita talks about how the festival is curated, and what makes these conversations, discussions and debates worth listening to. Namita is the author of over a dozen fiction and nonfiction books, including ‘Paro: Dreams Of Passion’ and ‘Things To Leave Behind’ which recently won the Sushila Devi Literature Award.

Welcome to #ZEEJLF2019: A Conversation With Sanjoy Roy

46 min 14 sec

In the first episode of Jaipur Bytes, listen to Sanjoy Roy Managing Director of Teamwork Arts and producer of the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival in conversation with Lakshya Datta host of Jaipur Bytes and Founder of Launchora. Sanjoy talks about how the festival got started, his favorite memories from their decadelong history, and what you can expect to see and hear through this podcast when the fiveday festival returns to Jaipur in January.

Debating Democracy & Decision-Making: A conversation with David Moscrop

22 min 34 sec

David Moscrop, author of Too Dumb for Democracy Why We Make Bad Political Decisions and How We Can Make Better Ones”, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. David and Lakshya talk about politics, the currently ongoing Canadian elections, his new book, and what sort of topics he and his guests will be debating on his new podcast Open to Debate with David Moscrop. David is a political theorist and a post doctoral fellow in the Department of Communication at the University of Ottawa. He studies, writes, and talks about democratic deliberation, political decision making, and digital media. David will be speaking at JLF Toronto on September 28.

The Legacy of Kabir: A conversation with Linda Hess

38 min 26 sec

Scholartranslator Linda Hess in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive conversation, Linda talks to Lakshya about what drew her to come to India in her 20s, how she fell in love with Kabir and his words, and why 500 year old songs created by an illiterate poet are still relevant today. Linda’s publications include The Bijak of Kabir, Singing Emptiness: Kumar Gandharva Performs the Poetry of Kabir, and Bodies of Song: Kabir Oral Traditions and Performative Worlds in North India. She has also written about Tulsidas and the Ramlila of Ramnagar. She taught in the Department of Religious Studies at Stanford University for 21 years, retiring in 2017. Linda will be speaking at JLF Colorado on Sept 21.

From Legal to Normal: A conversation with Chiké Frankie Edozien

30 min 59 sec

Chiké Frankie Edozien, author of Lives of Great Men: Living and Loving as an African Gay Man, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive conversation, Frankie talks to Lakshya about his time at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2019, what it was like to be in India soon after Section 377 was abolished, what the ruling in India meant for the LGBTQ community in African countries where they’re still fighting for legality and equality, and why the journey from legal to normal is going to take time. Frankie is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University, and starting in January 2020, he will be the new site director at NYU’s campus in Accra, Ghana. Frankie’s memoir, Lives of Great Men: Living and Loving as an African Gay Man, won the Lambda Literary 2018 Nonfiction Award for Best Gay Memoir/Biography. He will be speaking at JLF Colorado on Sept 21.

The Elephant and the Dragon

50 min 33 sec

Vasuki Shastry, Steve Tsang, Ellen Barry and Lijia Zhang in conversation with Salil Tripathi. While the phenomenal economic rise of India and China is of key interest to economists around the world, the civilisational links between these two ancient cultures are equally fascinating. A session on how the ‘elephant’ and the ‘dragon’ negotiate their relationship with each other and the ways in which their growing influence is reshaping the world. Author and expert on Asian economies and public policy Vasuki Shastry, political scientist and historian Steve Tsang, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Ellen Barry and factory workerturned writer Lijia Zhang discuss the two Asian superpowers and their impact on the world as we know it with author Salil Tripathi. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

Beyond the Female Eunuch: Germaine Greer in conversation with Bee Rowlatt

38 min 55 sec

In 1970, Germaine Greer published The Female Eunuch, an immediate worldwide bestseller that remains a landmark in the history of the women’s movement. Since then, Greer has published a succession of hardhitting, often hotly debated and continually surprising books, most recently On Rape, in which she controversially argues that its time to rethink rape. Centuries of different approaches to rape – as inflicted by men on women – have, she writes, got us nowhere. Rape statistics remain intractable: one woman in five will experience sexual violence. Very few rapes find their way into court. The crucial issue is consent, thought by some to be easy to establish and by others, impossible. Sexual assault does not diminish relations between the sexes do not improve litigation balloons. Greer argues there has to be a better way. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

Shades Of Life: a conversation with Kapil Sibal

47 min 16 sec

Kapil Sibal in conversation with Pragya Tiwari. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Future Is Now: a conversation on Artificial Intelligence

37 min 40 sec

Meredith Broussard author of Artificial Unintelligence and data journalism professor at the Arthur L. Carter Institute at New York University and Toby Walsh author of 2062: The World that AI Made and professor of artificial intelligence at the University of New South Wales and Data61 in conversation with Anupama Raju. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

Telling Timely Tales of War and Women: A conversation with Maaza Mengiste

27 min 22 sec

Author Maaza Mengiste in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive conversation, Maaza and Lakshya talk about how she was drawn to storytelling as a kid, what it was like to take the unknown path of becoming a writer, the research and multiple drafts that led to “The Shadow King”, and why she loves telling stories. Maaza is an EthiopianAmerican writer and author of the 2010 novel “Beneath The Lion’s Gaze. Her new book, The Shadow King, comes out on September 24. Maaza teaches in the MFA Program in Creative Writing at Queens College, City University of New York, and is a lecturer in Creative Writing at the Lewis Center for the Arts at Princeton University. She will be speaking at JLF Colorado on Sept 21.

India, Empire and the First World War

39 min 45 sec

Santanu Das and Shrabani Basu in conversation with Yasmin Khan. Santanu Dass India, Empire and First World War Culture: Writings, Images and Songs recovers the experience of combatants, noncombatants and civilians from undivided India trying to make sense of home and the world in times of war. Shrabani Basu’s For King and Another Country also takes into account India’s First World War through the eyes of those who fought it. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

The Shape of Justice

31 min 51 sec

Identifying Gender Violence Finding Solutions That Fit. Simar Singh, Sohaila Abdulali and Sunita Toor in conversation with Pragya Tiwari. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

The Dark of the Dawn: Bhore Ke Andhere Mein

45 min 44 sec

Dhrubo Jyoti, Desraj Kali, Manoranjan Byapari and Sheoraj Singh Bechain in conversation with Harish Trivedi. Transformative Dalit literature has an inspirational role to play in the battle for justice and equity. Iconic writers and journalists who struggled with extreme poverty, prejudice and illiteracy and went on to become highly regarded litterateurs speak of the trajectory of their careers, the hardships and humiliation they faced and the victories and redemptions of literature. Sheoraj Singh Bechain teaches Hindi in the University of Delhi and is the author of several books, including the chilling autobiography Mera Bachpan Mere Kandhon Par. Manoranjan Byapari, a Bengali writer and sociology political activist, learnt to read and write while in jail at the age of 24. He has written over a dozen novels, a hundred short stories and numerous essays. His autobiographical novel, Interrogating My Chandal life, has won several awards. Dhrubo Jyoti is a Dalit and genderqueer person who works on issues of caste, gender and sexuality. Desraj Kali is a Punjabi novelist whose work focuses on the Ghadar movement, the literature and culture of Punjab and Dalit issues. In conversation with writer, editor and critic Harish Trivedi, they discuss their writing in the context of the personal and the political, and the many dimensions of Dalit literature. This episode is a live session from day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Ancient DNA: Who We Are and How We Got Here

43 min 43 sec

Daniel E. Lieberman and David Reich in conversation with Tony Joseph. A session that brings together two of the most highly regarded geneticists and paleoanthropologists of our age. Everyone knows about DNA. It is the essence of our being, influencing who we are and what we pass on to our children. But its information can’t be used without a machine to decode it. The ribosome is that machine. David Reich tells the story of Who We Are and How We Got Here while Daniel E. Lieberman speaks of The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health, and Disease. Together, they discuss the emerging picture that is one of many waves of ancient human migrations where all populations living today are a mix of ancient ones and often carry a genetic component from archaic humans. Chaired by writer and journalist Tony Joseph. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

Beginnings and Endings

47 min 26 sec

Anjum Hasan, Andrew Sean Greer, Jayant Kaikini and Mahesh Rao, moderated by Paul McVeigh. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

How to be Human: Ruby Wax in conversation with Jerry Pinto

24 min 47 sec

Ruby Wax actress, comedian, mental health campaigner, lecturer, and author of How to be Human in conversation with journalist and poet Jerry Pinto. This episode is a live session from day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape

40 min 52 sec

Sohaila Abdulali, author of What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape, in conversation with Namita Bhandare. This episode is a live session from day 5 of ZEEJLF2019.

Burning the Books: A History of the Deliberate Destruction of Knowledge

45 min 29 sec

Richard Ovenden and Vickery Bowles in conversation with Sharmila Sen.In Burning the Books, Richard Ovenden, the chief librarian of the Bodleian in Oxford, charts 3000 years of neglect and literary vandalism in libraries across the world and the consequences for human culture and the sum of human knowledge. Beginning with the library of King Ashurbanipal of the Assyrian empire, he journeys us through continents and centuries as he tells us of the history of books and ideas, and the libraries that house them. Vickery Bowles, City Librarian at the Toronto Public Library, speaks of what needs to be done in terms of public policy and funding to nurture and sustain the library system. In conversation with author and Editorial Director of Harvard University Press Sharmila Sen, they explore the inner life of the libraries.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFToronto2020.

The Essential Bernardine Evaristo: Girl, Woman, Other

42 min 4 sec

This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.Bernardine Evaristo’s 2019 Man Booker Prizewinning ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ follows the journey of an interconnected group of 12 black women in a quest for love, hope and home spanning across the legacy of contemporary and colonial Britain. In conversation with writer Anjum Hasan, she discusses the idea of womxnhood, culture, class, politics and race coursing through her iconic writings.

AI and Creativity: Marcus du Sautoy in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

49 min 15 sec

As Artificial Intelligence takes over human narratives, Marcus du Sautoy questions the shape of our future. In his book The Creativity Code: How AI is Learning to Write, Paint and Think, he expounds on how algorithms work, the nature of creativity and how engineers are tracking our emotional responses to art. In a riveting session, du Sautoy, the Simonyi Professor for Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University, discusses intuition, the creative process and its correlation with mathematics. In conversation with Jaipur Literature Festival producer Sanjoy K. Roy.

Exclusive: Geeta Gopalakrishnan (author of "My Grandmother's Tweets") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

11 min 49 sec

Geeta Gopalakrishnan is the Founder and Managing Trustee of Ma Foundation. She has channeled years of advertising experience into fundraising for Sadhana School for Special Children and underprivileged children with cancer. All proceeds of her book My Grandmother’s Tweets go towards MA Foundation, which supports desperate mothers with children afflicted by cancer at Tata Medical Centre in Kolkata.In this book, author Geeta Gopalakrishnan presents 109 sayings by the seventhcentury saint Avvaiyar that have inspired women for centuries, and continue to inspire the new generation. Using multiple examples from Indian and Western mythology, as well as real life, she illustrates the veracity of these ageold aphorisms. Reminiscent of The Alchemist in the simplicity of the narration, this book will inspire readers while providing helpful life lessons that cut through eras and religions.

Close to the Bone: Lisa Ray in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy

49 min 1 sec

Lisa Ray, author of Close to the Bone, in conversation with festival director Sanjoy K. Roy. Lisa Ray is one of India’s first supermodels, an actor, a mother of twins through surrogacy and a cancersurvivor. Her memoir is an unflinching and a deeply moving account of her nomadic existence, her mentors, friends, lovers, her healing and spiritual quest. In conversation with Jaipur Literature Festival producer Sanjoy K. Roy, she discusses her riveting life story.

Brexit and the British

42 min 57 sec

Dominic Asquith, Nikesh Shukla, Rachel Johnson and Sir Roy Strong CH in conversation with James Crabtree. This episode is a live session from day 3 of ZEEJLF2019.

Oceans and the new Thalassology

36 min 43 sec

David Abulafia in conversation with William Dalrymple.Oceans and seas across the world have played a pivotal role in the development of world history. They stand not just as a testament to political and economic change but also play an integral role in the spread of ideas and religion across the planet. They have recently found themselves under scrutiny as major drivers of change in human affairs and as the subject of a major wave of exciting and pathbreaking historical scholarship. One of the leading figures of this new wave is emeritus Cambridge don David Abulafia. He is the Wolfson Prizewinning author of books such as The Boundless Sea: A Human History of the Oceans, and The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean, among others. In conversation with historian and Festival CoDirector William Dalrymple, Abulafia offers a fresh perspective on the extraordinary narrative of humanity and its relationship with the sea.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

The Writing Room: The Gurus of Crime

42 min 53 sec

Hussain Zaidi and Vikram Chandra in conversation with Jenny Bhatt.Introducing us to the inner world of noir, celebrated authors Vikram Chandra and Hussain Zaidi embark on a journey around the various aspects of the genre, the craft and techniques of building plot and character, and developing narrative styles. Chandra is the bestselling author of books such as Sacred Games, Red Earth and Pouring Rain, and Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty. Zaidi’s work includes The Endgame, The Class of 83, and Mumbai Avengers, to name a few. In conversation with writer and literary critic Jenny Bhatt, they present a masterclass on fiction and the dark side.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

The Dharma of the Storyteller: Amish and Vikas Swarup in conversation with Shrabani Basu

39 min 43 sec

What are the responsibilities of the writer, to themselves, to their readers, to the narratives they share Bestselling writers Amish, Vikas Swarup and Shrabani Basu speak to one another on their commitment and belief in words and of the dharma of the storyteller.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFLondonAtBL2020.

Om Swami: Random Acts of Kindness

48 min 44 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Almost ten years ago, Om Swami renounced material wealth and left for a spiritual quest to Varanasi where he was initiated into the path of renunciation by a Naga saint in a little village. Soon after, Swami spent 13 months in intense meditation in the Himalaya. In conversation with Puneeta Roy, Founder Trustee of the Yuva Ekta Foundation, he discusses his latest book The Book of Kindness, which suggests a definitive means to achieving true happiness: through the path of kindness.Om Swami is a monk and author of bestselling books including Kundalini: An Untold Story, If Truth Be Told: A Monks Memoir and The Ancient Science of Mantras: Wisdom of the Sages. Media professional Puneeta Roy’s interest in Theatre led her to conduct workshops with young people using the Expressive Arts as tools for selfexploration and transformation. She is the Founder Trustee of the Yuva Ekta Foundation.

Exclusive: Ramie Targoff talks to Lakshya Datta about Renaissance Woman Vittoria Colonna

13 min 43 sec

Ramie Targoff, author of Renaissance Woman: The Life of Vittoria Colonna, in conversation with Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 on Jan 26.Ramie Targoff’s scholarly area of interest is the English Renaissance with a strong secondary interest in the Italian Renaissance. An awardwinning writer, she is the author of three books on Renaissance English literature titled Common Prayer: The Language of Public Devotion, John Donne, Body and Soul and Posthumous Love: Eros and the Afterlife in Renaissance England. Most recently, she has written a biography of the 16th century Italian poet Vittoria Colonna titled Renaissance Woman: The Life of Vittoria Colonna and has completed the first English translation of Colonna’s 1538 book of sonnets, entitled Sonnets of Widowhood. Her forthcoming book, Shakespeare’s Sisters, is a group biography of four women writers in Renaissance England: Mary Sidney Herbert, Aemilia Lanyer, Elizabeth Cary and Anne Clifford.

Uninhabitable Earth

44 min 59 sec

David WallaceWells, Marcus Moench and Navroz K. Dubash in conversation with Prem Jha. Climate change is no longer impending. We are currently in the throes of a grave environmental, and existential, crisis and frighteningly aware of it. David WallaceWells’ latest book, expanded from his viral article in The New York Times, alerts us in unsparing detail to the extent of damage and despair awaiting us, and presses us to imagine more effective ways to negotiate the future. An urgent session that brings together a panel of environmental researchers and activists, and analyses measures to mitigate the greatest challenge humanity faces today.

Welcome to #JaipurLitFest2020: A conversation with Festival Producer Sanjoy Roy

19 min 36 sec

Sanjoy K. Roy, Producer of Jaipur Literature Festival and Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive chat, Sanjoy talks to Lakshya about what you can expect from the festival in its 13th edition and the many ways you can experience it when it returns to the Diggi Palace in Jaipur from January 23 to 27, 2020. Learn more about this years programme and the speakers at https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

Finding Elio, Oliver, and Samuel Again: A conversation with 'Call Me by Your Name' Author André Aciman

39 min 40 sec

André Aciman, author of Call Me by Your Name and its upcoming sequel Find Me, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive, André and Lakshya talk about why he drawn to writing these characters again, how the success of the film affected his writing process on Find Me, why he chose to tell this story from three perspectives, while also sharing some great advice on how to write believable characters and emotions. André is a memoirist, essayist and New York Times bestselling novelist, and currently Distinguished Professor of Comparative Literature at the Graduate Center, CUNY. His first book was a memoir, called Out of Egypt, which details his childhood growing up Jewish in postcolonial Egypt.In the upcoming followup to Call Me by Your Name, titled Find Me, Aciman shows us Elio’s father, Samuel, on a trip from Florence to Rome to visit Elio, who has become a gifted classical pianist. A chance encounter on the train with a beautiful young woman upends Sami’s plans and changes his life forever. Elio soon moves to Paris, where he, too, has a consequential affair, while Oliver, now a New England college professor with a family, suddenly finds himself contemplating a return trip across the Atlantic. Aciman is a master of sensibility, of the intimate details and the emotional nuances that are the substance of passion. Find Me brings us back inside the magic circle of one of our greatest contemporary romances to ask if, in fact, true love ever dies. André will be speaking at JLF Toronto on September 28. Find Me hits bookstores on October 29 worldwide.

The Billionaires: Looking at the Indian Elite

31 min 43 sec

James Crabtree and Avi Singh in conversation with Mukulika Banerjee. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

#ZEEJLFatBL2019 Begins: Imagining Our Worlds

26 min 15 sec

Opening Address of ZEE JLF at the British Library 2019 on June 14 by Chief Executive of the British Library Roly Keating, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom Ruchi Ghanashyam, Namita Gokhale, William Dalrymple, Sanjoy K. Roy, and Shreyasi Goenka. This episode is a live session from ZEEJLFatBL2019.

India's Mallika Victoria: A conversation with Miles Taylor

19 min 35 sec

Miles Taylor author of “Empress: Queen Victoria and India” in conversation with Lakshya Datta Founder of Launchora. Miles talks about why and how he got into learning and teaching Modern History, what drew him to writing a book about Queen Victoria, while also sharing surprising facts about her life and influence on India. Miles is a Professor of Modern History at York University, having studied history at Queen Mary University of London, Harvard and Cambridge, and previously having taught at Southampton, King’s College London, and Cambridge. Miles will be speaking at ZEE JLF at the British Library on June 15 at the session “Mallika Victoria: Empress of India”. ZEEJLFatBL2019

The Tyranny of Merit: Michael Sandel in conversation with Anand Giridharadas

50 min 16 sec

What accounts for success or failure Writer and philosopher Michael Sandel’s latest book The Tyranny of Merit: Whats Become of the Common Good looks deeper into the binaries that have brewed generations of anger, frustration, and polarization in America. Sandel’s timely book examines the need to recognize success in a manner that reaffirms the ethics of solidarity, humility and dignity. In a conversation with Anand Giridharadas author of Winners Takes All, he challenges the atmosphere of meritocratic hubris and inequality, and stresses the need for the common good as a key to face the extreme challenges of our times.This episode is the audio version of a live online session at JLFNewYork2020.

Waiting for the Vaccine: William A. Haseltine and Ambarish Satwik in conversation

42 min 34 sec

As society waits for a vaccine for the COVID19 virus, a timely conversation on social realities and medical roots to help the world exit the limbo it finds itself in. Scientist, author, and philanthropist William Haseltine is the founder of two academic research departments, the Division of Biochemical Pharmacology and the Division of Human Retrovirology at the Harvard School of Public Health. His work revolves around cancer, HIV/AIDS, genomics, and COVID19. His latest autobiographical book is My Lifelong Fight Against Disease. Ambarish Satwik is a vascular and endovascular surgeon and writer. He is director of the Vascular Cath Lab at Sir Ganga Ram hospital and professor of vascular surgery, GRIPMER. He is author of the critically acclaimed novel Perineum: Nether Parts of the Empire.This episode is the audio version of a live online session from JLFColorado2020.

The Science of Harry Potter: Roger Highfield in conversation with Keshava Guha

30 min 27 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.The wizarding world of Harry Potter isn’t just about magic versus muggles. It has a dizzying array of scientific theory, metaphysics and connections between complex natural phenomena. Roger Highfield, author of The Science of Harry Potter, explores the fascinating links between magic and science, and shows how the fantastical conceits in the Potter books can actually be explained by scientific analysis.This session will be a delightful journey through stories of science that define a fictional series considered one of the 20th century’s most definitive cult classics. Highfield will be in conversation with writer and editor Keshava Guha, whose novel Accidental Magic is set in Boston of the early 2000s in a community of adult Harry Potter obsessives.

Big Tech, Surveillance Capitalism, Data Harvesting and the Cyber Future

48 min 58 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.For our 19th century forebears, science meant progress and hope. Today, we are not so sure. With Google and Facebook harvesting our data and listening to our every conversation in the service of surveillance capitalism, with development bringing environmental catastrophe in its wake and with robots replacing more and more human jobs, we now fear science the industries associated with it as much as we look to it as a solution to our problems. Here, scientist and mathematician Marcus de Sautoy, dystopian novelist John Lanchester and Jaspreet Bindra, author of the Tech Whisperer, discuss the Cyber Future, in conversation with IndoAmerican journalist and author Akash Kapur.

Exclusive: Author Peter Meech talks to Lakshya Datta about "Billy (the Kid)"

16 min 25 sec

Peter Meech, author of Billy the Kid, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 at Diggi Palace on Jan 27.Peter Meech is an author, screenwriter, director and producer. His memoir, Mysteries of the Life Force: My Apprenticeship with a Chi Kung Master, has been translated into several languages. He has an MA in Communications from Stanford, where he won a Stanford Nicholl writing award. His debut novel is Billy the Kid.

Exclusive: Historian Stephen Dale talks to Lakshya Datta about the Mughal Emperor Babur

23 min 12 sec

Stephen Frederic Dale, author of Babur: Timurid Prince and Mughal Emperor, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2020 in Diggi Palace on Jan 27.Stephen is an Emeritus Professor of South Asian and Islamic History and a Distinguished University Scholar at The Ohio State University. He first visited India in 1963 as a Fulbright Lecturer in English at the Banaras Hindu University and returned in 1967 to work in the Madras/Chennai archives to carry out research for his dissertation on the Muslims of Kerala. His published works include Islamic Society on the South Asian Frontier: the Mappilas of Malabar 14981922, Indian Merchants and Eurasian Trade 16001750, The Garden of the Eight Paradises: Babur and the Culture of Empire in Central Asia, Afghanistan and India, The Muslim Empire of the Ottomans, Safavids and Mughals, The Orange Trees of Marrakesh: Ibn Khaldun and the Science of Man and Babur: Timurid Prince and Mughal Emperor.

Transformations: The Business of Business

44 min 17 sec

A session that searches how to reconcile economic growth with systemic problems of social inequality and environmental unsustainability. Even as millions of young Indians enter the workforce and entrepreneurs strike out in new parts, policymakers face the challenges and responsibilities to create a web of trust that can sustain institutions and processes. A distinguished panel from government, industry and academics seeks answers and solutions on how to build an environment that nurtures a transformative vision of growth. Tarun Khanna is the Jorge Paulo Lemann Professor at the Harvard Business School and author of Trust: Creating the Foundation for Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries. Arun Maira has penned several books on leadership, organisational transformation and the role of capitalism in today’s socioeconomic terrain. Economist David McWilliams is the author of Renaissance Nation. Hindol Sengupta has written nine books, including The Man Who Saved India and Recasting India.

Thinking Aloud: Prasoon Joshi in conversation with Vani Tripathi Tikoo

57 min 13 sec

Polyglot Prasoon Joshi is a poet, lyricist, author, advertising icon, screenwriter and CBFC chairman. In conversation with actor and theatre person Vani Tripathi Tikoo, he speaks of his ideas on culture, cinema and social narratives as well as his abiding love for classical music.

Exclusive: Nandita Das (author of "Manto and I") in conversation with Lakshya Datta

19 min 12 sec

Filmmaker and author Nandita Das in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta, recorded live at the ZEE Jaipur LIterature Festival 2020 in Diggi Palace on January 23. Nandita has acted in more than 40 feature films in ten different languages. Her directorial debut in 2008 was Firaaq, which won many accolades and appreciation in India and abroad. Manto, Nandita’s second directorial film premiered in 2018 at the Cannes Film Festival and travelled to many other festivals around the world. Her new book is called Manto and I and it is now available on Amazon and all bookstores.

Dictators and the Cult of Personality: A conversation with Frank Dikötter

24 min 16 sec

Frank Dikötter, author of How to Be a Dictator: The Cult of Personality in the Twentieth Century, in conversation with Jaipur Bytes host Lakshya Datta. In this podcastexclusive chat, Frank talks to Lakshya about his career, The People’s Republic of China, The people of Hong Kong, and dictators. Frank has been Chair Professor of Humanities at the University of Hong Kong since 2006. He is the author of the Peoples Trilogy, a series of books that document the impact of communism on the lives of ordinary people in China on the basis of new archival material. The first volume, entitled Maos Great Famine: The History of Chinas Most Devastating Catastrophe, won the 2011 Samuel Johnson Prize for NonFiction. The second instalment, The Tragedy of Liberation: A History of the Chinese Revolution, 19451957, was shortlisted for the Orwell Prize in 2014. The Cultural Revolution: A People’s History, 19621976 concludes the trilogy.In How to Be a Dictator, Frank examines the cults and propaganda surrounding twentiethcentury dictators, from Hitler and Stalin to Mao Zedong and Kim Il Sung and how their dictatorships, in turn, have influenced leaders in the twentyfirst century, including Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Frank spoke at JLF Adelaide this past week, and will be speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival next year, which will be happening in Jaipur from January 23 to 27, 2020.

Manish Malhotra: Unplugged

42 min 9 sec

A live session from JaipurLitFest2020.Couturier, costume stylist, entrepreneur and former model Manish Malhotra’s prolific career spanning over 29 years has seen him redefine and reinvent Indian fashion. His quest to combine the best of Indian artistic traditions with a modern expression has rendered an entirely new aesthetic, establishing him as one of the most beloved designers in Bollywood industry. A session to celebrate him as he stands at the turn of his glorious 30 years in costume designing and 15 years for his eponymous label, Manish Malhotra. In conversation with leading intellectual property attorney Safir Anand.

Before and After Pi: Yann Martel in conversation with Jerry Pinto

56 min 23 sec

Yann Martel, author of Life Of Pi, in conversation with Jerry Pinto. This episode is a live recording from day 4 of ZEEJLF2019.

Shyam: Retelling the Bhagavata with Devdutt Pattanaik

43 min 4 sec

Devdutt Pattanaik, introduced by Ira Mukhoty, discusses his 2018 bestseller Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata and shares several stories about Shyam, Krishna, Kaali, Shiva, Radha, and several other mythological characters. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Jan Nisar and Kaifi: Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi

48 min 7 sec

Javed Akhtar, Pavan K. Varma and Shabana Azmi in conversation with Rana Safvi. India’s iconic Bollywood couple, actor Shabana Azmi and poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar, carry poetry in their genes. Akhtar’s father, the late Jan Nisar Akhtar, was a legendary Urdu poet. Azmi’s father, the late Kaifi Azmi, was an enduring icon for generations of revolutionary poets. In an extraordinary session, Akhtar and Azmi celebrate this literary legacy, its impact on contemporary culture and the continuing traditions in Urdu literature. In conversation with writer and diplomat Pavan K. Varma and author Rana Safvi, a session of readings and discussion. This episode is a live session from Day 2 of ZEEJLF2019.

Democracy, Freedom and the Political Process: Looking to the Future

35 min 45 sec

Sachin Pilot in conversation with Sreenivasan Jain. This episode is a live session from Day 1 of ZEEJLF2019.