Cyrus Says

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Anand Gandhi and Zain Memon join Cyrus Broacha to talk about Maya, the massive story universe they’re building across books, films, games and graphic novels.They reveal how the idea first began during Tumbbad, why Maya mixes Indian mythology with AI, algorithms and modern technology, and how the project grew into everything from an 18 kg board game to a planned film trilogy. Anand also looks back at writing Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, while the conversation covers world-building, copyright, virtual reality, moving from Mumbai to Goa and how Hugo Weaving came on board to narrate the audiobook. Listen to the full episode for Anand Gandhi, Zain Memon, Maya, Tumbbad, AI, mythology, Hugo Weaving and plenty of Cyrus Says madness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this Cock & Bull Cricket Special, Cyrus Broacha sits down with veteran sports journalist Ayaaz Memon for a wide-ranging conversation on the changing landscape of world cricket.They begin with Pakistan cricket, from its legendary lineage of Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar to questions around Babar Azam, administration, captaincy, coaching changes and whether Pakistan’s talent pipeline is being properly nurtured.Ayaaz and Cyrus also look at the contrasting rise of India and Bangladesh, the impact of the IPL and domestic structures, and why administration, selection and strong captain-coach partnerships matter as much as raw talent.The conversation moves through India’s memorable Test successes in Australia, Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara’s importance, Jasprit Bumrah’s impact, New Zealand’s consistency and the challenges facing red-ball cricket.Later, they debate Joe Root’s place among England’s greatest batters, revisit legends including Sunil Gavaskar, Viv Richards,…

From the Cyrus Says archives: we’re revisiting this 2024 conversation with actor and sports presenter, Gaurav Kapur. Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this conversation, Cyrus is joined by Gaurav Kapur! The episode delves into the intriguing moment when Gaurav first crossed paths with the legendary Cyrus and Gaurav also reflects on the memorable first conversation with Cyrus. As the episode unfolds, Gaurav shares anecdotes from his time at Channel V, offering a trip down memory lane to the golden era of music television. The episode reaches its pinnacle when Gaurav opens up about his first encounter with the cricketing legend, Sunil Gavaskar. Gaurav sheds light on the inception and evolution of his acclaimed show, "Breakfast with Champions”. This episode is a must-listen for fans of Gaurav, enthusiasts of spoken fest, and those curious about the fascinating world of sports commentary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Cyrus Says archives: we’re revisiting this 2023 conversation with actors, producers and now parents, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal. Lights, camera, parenting! In this heart-to-heart episode of Cyrus Says, actors Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha open up about their exciting new chapter as parents to daughter Zuneyra Ida Fazal. From sleepless nights to the rollercoaster of fatherhood, they share the highs and lows of balancing parenthood with thriving careers. Together they roast Ali, while Richa reveals how she navigates her professional life alongside motherhood. Expect a mix of funny moments with grilling Ali Fazal & pranks Richa played on him. They spill the beans on their latest venture as producers of the much-anticipated film Girls Will Be Girls, a bold and refreshing take on growing up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Cyrus Says archives: we’re revisiting this 2023 conversation with actor, writer and filmmaker Kunal Kemmu. Kunal and Cyrus go back years, from an old Surf Ultra ad and an unforgettable MTV Bakra prank to working together on 99. Naturally, that means this episode comes packed with embarrassing stories before they get anywhere near the serious questions. Kunal looks back at becoming a child actor, working with Aamir Khan at a young age, choosing acting over a conventional academic path, and making the difficult transition from child performer to adult actor. He also talks about breaking out of typecasting, moving between comedy and darker roles, the making of Go Goa Gone, and how conversations around that cult film helped spark his interest in writing and filmmaking. Recorded in 2023, Kunal was also in the middle of editing his directorial debut at the time, and he opens up about stepping behind the camera, managing actors and crews, and discovering a very different side of himself as a director.…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Harleen Sethi joins Cyrus Broacha to talk about her new kidnapping thriller called, 'Shaque: Trust No One', which is now available on Netflix. She also talks about her unconventional journey into acting, and everything that happened before Broken But Beautiful made her a familiar face. Harleen talks about being among the top students at Mumbai University, paying for MBA classes and then leaving that path after receiving a dance scholarship. What started with ballet and dance eventually led to advertisements, including major campaigns, before an audition for Salman Khan’s Sultan at YRF made her realise she needed to properly train as an actor. She also opens up about her breakthrough with 'Broken But Beautiful', working with Vikrant Massey, her long struggle with acne and PCOD, and why she was more nervous about how she would look on screen than how audiences would judge her acting.Harleen also talks about the pressure to get married, dating as a known…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Rajeev Masand joins Cyrus Broacha for a conversation about his journey from being one of India’s best-known film critics to working on the other side of Bollywood with Dharma and helping actors navigate scripts, films and their careers.Rajeev talks about why he walked away from film criticism, how Karan Johar convinced him to make the switch, what really goes into choosing scripts for actors, and some of the bizarre requests and realities that come with managing major stars. The conversation also goes into how Bollywood has changed, from the more unfiltered stars of the past to today’s carefully managed social-media era. Rajeev shares stories involving Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Rekha and more, while talking about influencers, celebrity culture and whether Bollywood can still create stars with the same mystery and impact. Listen to the full episode for Rajeev Masand, Bollywood stories, Dharma,…

Comedian Punit Pania joins Cyrus Broacha for another chaotic edition of Cock & Bull, where Mumbai life, festivals, relationships, politics and the week’s strangest stories collide. The conversation kicks off with Ganpati season, Mumbai’s ever-expanding traffic hierarchy and the idea of Lalbaugcha Raja getting a Delhi “franchise.” Cyrus and Punit then get into crackers, Mumbai’s trains and metros, marriage, reality TV, comedians and the dangers of spending three uninterrupted days with your spouse. Things get even stranger when they discover a man offering himself as a Garba partner for rent, with packages starting at ₹1,000 and increasingly elaborate benefits. There’s also the episode’s running “national birthday” gag, plus conversations around stray dogs and animal welfare, CBFC rules, artists and political expression, UPI, petrol payments and the absurdities of everyday Indian life. And, naturally, Train Ka Pain makes its inevitable return. Follow Punit Pania: @‌punitpania Follow Cyrus Broacha:…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, actor Aksharaa Haasan, daughter of Kamal Haasan, joins Cyrus Broacha to talk about her film Simulacra, her journey in the entertainment industry, and how technology is changing the way we live and connect.Aksharaa explains the idea behind 'Simulacra', a world where technology, artificial intelligence, reality and fantasy begin to blur. She also talks about growing up in a famous film family, finding her own creative path, starting out as a dancer and choreographer, and eventually moving into acting. The conversation also gets personal as Aksharaa opens up about ADHD, dyslexia, brain fog and hyperfocus, while she and Cyrus discuss education, AI, human connection and our growing dependence on technology.She also shares her interest in directing and her dream of building a stronger community for artists. Listen to the full episode for Aksharaa Haasan, Simulacra, AI, ADHD, acting, filmmaking and Cyrus Says madness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, actor Mihir Ahuja joins Cyrus Broacha after the success of Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar.Mihir talks about playing Baldy, a real-life Indian Air Force officer, and how he was locked for the role just 48 hours before shooting. He also shares what it was like sitting inside actual MiGs connected to the Kargil War, learning the technical side of a fighter pilot’s world, and taking on the responsibility of playing a real person. The conversation also goes back to his journey from Jamshedpur to Mumbai, living in a 12-sharing room, doing auditions from day one, his first ad with Virat Kohli, his roles in Made in Heaven and The Archies, and how Zoya Akhtar saw him as Jughead. Listen to this full episode for Mihir Ahuja, Operation Safed Sagar, The Archies, Kargil War stories, Virat Kohli, acting struggles and plenty of Cyrus madness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joel D’Souza came to promote Dear Diary and accidentally gave us enough material for a financial investigation. He tells Cyrus how he became a TCS employee without bothering with the minor formality of actually working at TCS, performed on a boat while his audience slowly disappeared, and watched Bumrah take over his show during an India–Pakistan match. Honestly, the projector had a stronger set. They also discuss Baba Ramdev, Freddie Mercury, terrible gigs, credit cards, India–Pakistan sportsmanship and Joel’s suspicious enthusiasm for solo holidays. Watch the full episode on the Cyrus Says YouTube channel. No comedians, credit cards or boats were financially secure during this recording. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Tigmanshu Dhulia and Pratik Gandhi join Cyrus Broacha to talk about their new film Ghamasaan, an action-packed crime drama set around the rugged world of Chitrakoot and Bundelkhand. Tigmanshu talks about giving Ghamasaan the feel of a classic Western, why he didn’t want a stereotypical muscular cop as his hero, and how Arshad Warsi ended up playing one of the film’s most menacing characters. Pratik opens up about playing a gun-wielding STF officer for the first time and a character who slowly realizes that he may be fighting the very system he belongs to. The conversation also goes beyond the film as Pratik talks about leaving his corporate career, where he was earning ₹28 lakh a year, and the unusual jobs he did along the way, from cleaning water tanks to hosting birthday parties. Tigmanshu also looks back at his journey from Allahabad, drama school and Bandit Queen to becoming a filmmaker. Listen to this full episode for Ghamasaan, Tigmanshu Dhulia,…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, author Akshay Chavan joins Cyrus Broacha to talk about his new book, The Wealth Networks, and a side of Indian history shaped by trade, geography and commerce. Akshay talks about how ancient India was connected to the world through spices, cotton, gold, silver, horses and major trade routes. He also gets into the Golconda diamond mines, Bihar’s role in the global saltpeter and gunpowder trade, and how places like Paithan, Bharuch, Sopara, Hormuz and Mangalore became important trading centres. The conversation also covers Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, India’s horse trade, the wealth of the Jagat Seths, and how coffee, cotton and silver connected India to Yemen and Europe. Listen to the full episode for a fascinating look at The Wealth Networks, ancient Indian trade, Indian history, Golconda diamonds, Harappa and how geography shaped India’s wealth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shamik Chakrabarti returns to Cyrus Says after performing across Europe and Australia, with stories about international comedy audiences, Melbourne’s little penguins and life on tour. Cyrus and Shamik then move through a suitably unpredictable collection of stories: AI replacing workers and potentially CEOs, Bengal and Durga Puja, Navratri memories, Indian politics, population numbers, restaurant inspections, Liverpool fandom, unusual international competitions and Cyrus’ story about working with Preity Zinta. Shamik also plugs his upcoming India tour before Cyrus ends the episode by turning the interview into an interrogation about his dating life. It’s travel, current affairs, football, technology and complete studio chaos, in other words, another episode of Cock and Bull. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Kushal Shrivastava, Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Nikhil Ravi, the makers of Netflix’s Operation Safed Sagar, join Cyrus Broacha to talk about recreating the Indian Air Force’s role in the Kargil War. Kushal, who served in the Indian Air Force, along with Abhijeet and Nikhil, share how the series grew from an idea into a nearly five-year project. The team researched the Golden Arrows squadron, spoke to fighter pilots, veterans and families, and recreated intense MiG-21 missions, including bombing operations at extreme altitudes. They also talk about shooting at real Air Force locations, correcting common film clichés, casting the right actors, and balancing authenticity with cinematic storytelling while respecting the real people behind the story. Listen to the full episode for the inside story of Operation Safed Sagar, Kargil, the Indian Air Force, MiG-21s and the making of the Netflix series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Ishwak Singh became Imran Ansari in Paatal Lok and Dr Vikram Sarabhai in Rocket Boys, he was an architect designing schools, hotels and even his own house. He was also doing unpaid theatre in Delhi and appearing in film montages that his own friends struggled to spot. In this episode of Cyrus Says, Ishwak talks about leaving architecture for acting, his blink-and-miss appearances in Raanjhanaa and Tamasha, learning from Manoj Bajpayee on Aligarh and finally finding his breakthrough with Paatal Lok. He also reveals how Made in Heaven changed his dating life, teaches Cyrus some sign language from Berlin, discusses playing Taapsee Pannu’s husband in Gandhari and shares details about his upcoming projects, including the film during which he fractured his foot. Expect architecture, Delhi fights, dating apps, martial arts, Cyrus’s questionable sign language and a particularly chaotic round of Cyrus Lies. Watch the full episode now! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Aakash Mehta joins Cyrus Broacha for another chaotic edition of Cock & Bull with Cyrus, covering everything from shampoo smuggling and European tour logistics to comedy controversies, Test cricket and Indian politics. Aakash talks about travelling to London, Oslo and Amsterdam, carrying suspiciously specific gifts for friends abroad, and why Indians inevitably become international couriers for snacks, shampoo and other home comforts. The conversation then turns to Samay Raina and India’s Got Latent, with Cyrus and Aakash debating outrage, offensive comedy and why making jokes about cultural differences can sometimes bring people closer rather than push them apart. They also get into Mumbai restaurant hygiene and food inspections, Tukaram Mundhe’s enforcement drive, Indo-Chinese food, the decline of patient Test batting, Pakistan’s missing fast bowlers, Imran Khan, Bihar paying influencers to promote government schemes, Bengaluru traffic cops, VIP culture, PDA laws and the strange things politicians…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, legendary lyricist Mehboob joins Cyrus Broacha to look back at the stories behind some of the most memorable music of the ’90s and 2000s.Mehboob talks about how meeting Ram Gopal Varma changed his career, waiting two years before finally getting the call for Rangeela, and beginning a long creative partnership with A.R. Rahman. He shares what it was like writing through the night in Chennai, how Rahman reacts to words and phonetics, and why writing lyrics is very different from writing poetry. He also opens up about working with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, his early journey with Ismail Darbar, the struggles behind becoming a film lyricist, and why a Bollywood song needs to be understood by millions without losing its depth. Mehboob also talks about his friendship with Adnan Sami and their new song Ishq Tamasha, while sharing stories from decades of working with some of Indian cinema’s biggest filmmakers and composers. Listen to this full episode of Cyrus Says…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, automotive journalist Cyrus Dhabhar joins Cyrus Broacha for a full-throttle conversation about cars, speed, EVs, hybrids and the madness of driving in India. Cyrus Dhabhar talks about growing up in a motoring family, how his father helped develop the Mahindra Thar, his own collection of 12 cars, and his journey through Autocar, ZigWheels, NDTV and Top Gear India. He also breaks down whether EVs are actually better than petrol cars, why hybrids could be a great option in India, and names some of the best cars he has ever driven, including the Ferrari 296, Lamborghini and Land Rover Defender OCTA. They also get into the real reason the Tata Nano failed, why Cyrus Dhabhar hates the Ambassador, the story behind Lamborghini taking on Ferrari, Indian driving habits and why dashcams should probably be mandatory. Listen to this full episode of Cyrus Says for cars, automotive journalism, EVs, hybrids, Mahindra Thar, Ferrari, Lamborghini and plenty of motoring…

Comedian Punit Pania joins Cyrus for another chaotic edition of Cock & Bull, where political commentary, terrible jokes and the absurdities of everyday India collide. The episode begins with Cyrus revealing that his wife has blamed Punit for the increasingly questionable humour on the podcast, forcing Punit to defend his reputation as a “clean” political comic. From there, the conversation moves through Indian politics, the Modi Chalisa event at Delhi’s Press Club, Vande Mataram, standing ovations, Mumbai street food and the crackdown on food colouring. Punit and Cyrus also get into Gen Z work culture, after an intern reportedly prioritises the gym over a 9 AM court appearance, before discussing bizarre luxury fashion, surrogate advertising, AI-generated wedding videos, infrastructure, corruption and what Cyrus would do if he ran the PWD. Along the way: expensive bags without chips, AI finding lost Crocs, political posters, dangerous food, Bengaluru audiences, Kandivali pride and a deeply unnecessary…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Ruhee Dosani talks about her journey from working regular jobs in the US to becoming one of India’s biggest digital creators and a finalist on Alliance. She opens up about moving to the US at 17, working at Dunkin’ Donuts, Amazon and in tech, and how creating videos during COVID unexpectedly changed her life. Ruhee shares how Diljit Dosanjh reposting one of her early videos gave her a major push, eventually leading to collaborations with Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. She also talks about what it was really like inside Alliance, making it to the Top 3, bonding with contestants like Minnie Mathur and dealing with the pressure of living inside the show for 42 days.She also reveals a surprising side of herself, including her love for MMA, Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, and why she would happily do another strategy or challenge-based reality show. Listen to the full episode of Cyrus Says for Ruhee Dosani on Alliance, Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Diljit…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, casting director, actor and creator Karan Mally joins Cyrus Broacha for a hilarious conversation about what really happens behind the scenes of Bollywood casting. Karan talks about working on projects like The Archies, Gully Boy, Made in Heaven, Dahaad and The Ba**ds of Bollywood, and explains how actors are auditioned, shortlisted, rejected and sometimes called back several times before finally landing a role. He also reveals what it was like working with Aryan Khan, who had a clear vision for even the smallest characters in The Ba**ds of Bollywood. He shares the chaos of casting nearly 300 characters for Made in Heaven, including last-minute recasting calls at 4 AM, and looks back at how theatre helped him build the network that eventually led him into casting. Karan also gets candid about leaving his long-time casting partnership, feeling disillusioned with the film industry, starting again on his own and how working on Musafir Cafe helped him…

On this episode of Cyrus Says: Cock & Bull, Cyrus Broacha is joined by Shantanu Anam for a characteristically unfiltered conversation that moves from male grooming and home haircuts to Bollywood, Indian podcast culture, music rivalries and everything in between. Shantanu explains the surprisingly elaborate grooming routine he gets at home, before the conversation spirals into impressions of Ranveer Allahbadia and Raj Shamani, the strange language of hustle culture, and what exactly the Cyrus Says podcast would look like if it suddenly became serious. The duo also dive into films and pop culture, discussing Awarapan, Emraan Hashmi, Bollywood sequels, box-office clashes and the legacy of movies that become cult favourites years after release. Later, they get into the long-running Honey Singh–Badshah rivalry, Punjabi music and a viral India’s Got Latent reference. Expect Cyrus and Shantanu doing what they do best: derailing every serious topic within seconds. Featuring: Cyrus Broacha & Shantanu Anam See…

Cybersecurity expert, author and IIT Kharagpur graduate Amit Dubey joins Cyrus Broacha on Cyrus Says for a hilarious and fascinating conversation about hacking, cybercrime, online scams and the mindset of young hackers. Amit takes us back to his IIT days, when an experiment involving a cloned Yahoo login page got him barred from the computer lab, before a professor recognised his skills and introduced him to ethical hacking and network security. The conversation moves from legendary hackers and teenage cyber prodigies to one of India’s most alarming online frauds: the “digital arrest” scam. Amit breaks down how scammers impersonate police officers, create fake government and Supreme Court websites, use video calls to intimidate victims, and convince people to transfer money under the threat of arrest. Along the way, Amit also talks about his early love for writing and poetry, his books The Hidden Files and The Return of the Trojan Horse, and why curiosity and fearlessness can make young people exceptionally…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Sikandar Kher joins Cyrus Broacha for a hilarious and wide-ranging conversation about films, family, golf, friendships and his journey through the entertainment industry.Sikandar talks about his recent run of projects, including Monkey Man, Citadel, Ikkis, Glory and his upcoming work. He recalls getting the rare opportunity to drive a T-72 tank while shooting Ikkis, discusses working internationally and shares why he jumped at the chance to work with the Wachowskis on Sense8. The conversation also gets personal as Sikandar talks about his long friendship with Abhishek Bachchan and the connection between their families. He also addresses the advantages that come with having access in the film industry, admitting that connections can help open doors while ultimately leaving the work to the actor. From his obsession with golf and working with Ajit Agarkar to upcoming projects alongside Rajkummar Rao and conversations about Bollywood, international cinema and…

Varun Thakur joins Cyrus Broacha on Cyrus Says for a freewheeling conversation packed with comedy, everyday absurdities, Mumbai-style chaos and plenty of unexpected detours. From the very beginning, Cyrus and Varun bounce between stories, jokes and observations with almost no regard for staying on topic. One particularly memorable tangent involves living 17 floors up, a lift that refuses to cooperate and the awkward economics of ordering food when the delivery person has to make the climb. The conversation eventually moves into cricket, with Cyrus and Varun trading opinions, jokes and the kind of sporting banter that quickly turns into something much bigger than the original question. Expect spontaneous comedy, ridiculous hypotheticals, relatable city-life frustrations and the trademark chaos of a Cyrus Says conversation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will Indian cities look like in 2035? More cars, more traffic and more pollution, or cleaner, safer and easier to move around? On this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus Broacha speaks with Amit Bhatt, who leads the India work at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), about the future of mobility in India. Amit breaks down why electric vehicles are gaining momentum, whether EV range and charging anxiety are justified, why housing societies need to rethink charging infrastructure, and what India can learn from countries such as Norway, China and Nepal. The conversation goes beyond EVs into the bigger problem of Indian cities: traffic congestion, poor pedestrian infrastructure, unsafe cycling, parking, road design, public transport and the way traffic itself is managed. They also discuss vehicle emissions, the limitations of current PUC testing, congestion pricing, low-emission zones, electric buses and trucks, hybrids, hydrogen fuel cells, EV incentives and what a realistic transition…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Poonam Pandey joins Cyrus for an unfiltered conversation about her journey, controversies and the viral moments that have defined her public image. She opens up about how she entered the entertainment industry, recalling a difficult upbringing in the slums and the struggles she faced before making her way into modelling and show business. Poonam reflects on how different her real journey has been from the image people associate with her, and says that the struggle behind her rise has been far more serious than most people know. Poonam also addresses the controversial cervical cancer awareness campaign that sparked nationwide debate, explains why she believed the stunt achieved its purpose, and clears up bizarre misinformation about being from Kanpur and even reports claiming she owned a house there. She revisits her infamous 2011 Cricket World Cup promise, revealing that she wrote to the BCCI for permission after India won, and talks about growing up in…

Comedian and entrepreneur Aakash Mehta joins Cyrus Broacha for a chaotic conversation spanning stand-up comedy, marriage, politics, sport and life on tour. Aakash explains why his comedy has become less angry, how marriage and therapy may have changed his writing, and why audiences now expect more than profanity and easy shock value. He also discusses performing for international audiences, including English-language comedy shows in Norway, and meeting fans who have followed his work across cities and different stages of their lives. The conversation moves into student protests, political movements, freedom of expression, media accountability and whether young Indians could produce a new generation of political leaders. Aakash and Cyrus also debate Indian football’s continuing struggles, Ajinkya Rahane’s career, Gautam Gambhir’s coaching role, the impact of the IPL schedule and the need for separate red-ball and white-ball cricket systems. Along the way, they discuss Spider-Man, Ravi Kishan, Kangana Ranaut,…

Actor, theatre artist, writer and performer Gopal Datt joins Cyrus Broacha for a chaotic reunion filled with old stories, friendly insults and theatrical disasters. Gopal talks about his podcast Pehla Pehla, where guests revisit important first experiences from their lives, and explains why stories of first flights, performances, paycheques and journeys from smaller cities deserve to be remembered. The conversation also returns to Gopal and Cyrus’s long association on The Week That Wasn’t. They recall improvised sketches, makeup battles, disappearing accents, Kunal Vijaykar’s unique working style and the complete lack of seriousness that made the show memorable. Gopal also shares stories from Indian theatre: performing for only two people, watching serious scenes get destroyed by accidental stage entrances, getting lost during a performance after drinking and falling onstage while playing Duryodhan. They also discuss his live musical show Jupiter Pe Juice, comedy cricket and his earliest stage and camera…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! On this episode of Cyrus Says, Tusharr Kumar, CEO of OML, and Preranaa Khatri, CBO of OML, reveal how the company grew from representing independent musicians to becoming a major force across comedy, creators, branded content, production and sports entertainment. They explain what OML looks for in new talent, how artists are discovered and why collaboration between a creator and their manager matters so much. They also talk about the rise of Indian stand-up comedy, OML’s journey with NH7 Weekender, producing over 70 shows for streaming platforms, Zakir Khan’s international success, the impact of the AIB Roast and how creators such as Tanmay Bhat, Rohan Joshi and Kullu have built loyal communities. The conversation also covers brand collaborations, censorship in comedy, influencer marketing and why social media could change the future of Indian sports content. Watch the full episode of Cyrus Says for an entertaining look at the business behind India’s biggest comedians, creators and…

Stand-up comedian Punit Pania joins Cyrus Broacha for a chaotic, sharp and deeply funny conversation about political protests, Mumbai life and the everyday absurdities of modern India. Fresh from attending the protest at Shivaji Park, Punit shares what he witnessed on the ground, how the gathering grew and what happened when the police began detaining participants, including fellow comedians. Cyrus and Punit discuss the importance of dissent, media coverage of protests, political communication, celebrity reactions and the sudden wave of political content across social media. Naturally, the conversation repeatedly returns to Punit’s true area of expertise: Mumbai’s trains. A delayed AC local and a wasted ₹70 ticket become the starting point for a larger discussion about Indian infrastructure, public transport and political accountability. The episode also covers Punit’s alleged girlfriend, Gopal Datt’s new podcast, unusual viral marriages, political mattresses, Mumbai restaurant inspections, Indian-Chinese…

Shailendra Singh came to talk about his book. Instead, we got Sunburn, YouTube India, Salman Khan’s hair, IPL history and Cyrus trying to find a sponsor somewhere in the wreckage. Shailendra looks back at the early Sunburn days, including YouTube’s ₹3.25 crore broadcast deal, and explains how the festival helped push live streaming in India before everyone became a creator. The chat then drifts into cricketainment, Lalit Modi, self-help, Bollywood and the urgent question of whether Cyrus can still save his hairline. Basically, one guest, ten industries and absolutely no chance of staying on topic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode of Cyrus Says, Farhad Samji joins Cyrus to share his journey from arriving in Mumbai with 350 songs to becoming one of Bollywood’s most recognised writers and directors. He talks about his early struggles, meeting Salman Khan, working with Ram Gopal Varma and Rohit Shetty, writing for Golmaal, Chennai Express and Singham, and the story behind the iconic line “Aata Majhi Satakli.” Farhad also opens up about his bond with Johnny Lever, how he writes comedy for big stars, and the pressure of working on popular franchises such as Golmaal, Housefull, Singham, the Rohit Shetty cop universe and Welcome. He also talks about recently working on Welcome to the Jungle and explains why, despite being a director, he still sees himself as a writer first. Watch the full episode of Cyrus Says for hilarious stories, Bollywood memories and a behind-the-scenes look at Farhad Samji’s creative journey. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Akanksha and Shantanu came to discuss sensible things. We put a stop to that immediately. There’s FIFA possibly protecting Messi, Ram Kapoor versus Kushal Tandon, wedding gossip, weight loss, reality TV and enough incorrect information to comfortably run a news channel. Nobody learns anything. Cyrus talks too much. Standard episode. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National Award-winning Indian classical vocalist Mahesh Kale joins Cyrus Broacha for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about music, career choices, spirituality and sport. Mahesh shares how growing up around bhajans and classical music in Pune shaped his musical instincts, even as he followed the conventional path of studying engineering. He recalls the emotional encounter during his master’s programme in America that pushed him to reconsider a Silicon Valley career and give music his full attention. He also talks about supporting himself through teaching, working in Marathi musical theatre, performing in Katyar Kaljat Ghusali and receiving national recognition for his singing. The episode explores the philosophy behind Mahesh’s Abhangwari concerts and his efforts to connect Indian classical music with younger listeners. From writing bandishes about artificial intelligence and self-driving cars to experimenting with EDM, Mahesh explains why tradition must remain authentic while also finding new spaces in…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode, Cyrus sits down with Girish Talwar and Debayan Deb, founder and co-founder of Rebellion Management, for a fascinating conversation about India’s independent music movement, artist management, live events, creator culture, and how entertainment businesses are actually built from the ground up. Girish reflects on his journey from law school and playing bass in Zero to helping shape the indie scene through Only Much Louder(OML), artist management, CDs, music videos, festivals, and eventually some of the biggest shifts in Indian live entertainment. Debayan adds the next-generation lens, sharing how fandom, the internet, and modern creator ecosystems changed the way talent is discovered, built, and monetized. The conversation moves through the rise of OML, the early independent band circuit, NH7 Weekender, artist communities, Babblefish, branded content, streaming, music economics, Vir Das, creator management, sync licensing, and how Rebellion now works across music,…

Most people collect degrees to build a career. Kailashnath Koppikar collected an MBBS, an MBA, film-school experience, jobs in cinema and television, ghostwriting work and then decided to start doing open mics.Naturally, Cyrus is offended on behalf of every Indian parent.Kailashnath and Aakash Mehta joins Cyrus Broacha to discuss his journey from medicine to NFDC, film production, television and stand-up comedy. They also get into Backspace, the importance of doing the unglamorous work, Aakash’s international tour and the strange economics of performing comedy abroad.The conversation then behaves like every Cyrus Says episode should: Christopher Nolan eating at Olympia, alcohol becoming a vaccine, unsuccessful fishing trips, Bollywood feuds, cricket fans, Rajinikanth in Japan, ancient Egyptian gold tongues and current affairs solved with absolutely no responsibility.Come for the career advice. Stay because nobody remembers what the original topic was. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are Indians so afraid of snakes and how much of what we believe is completely wrong? On this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus Broacha speaks with animal welfare and snake conservation advocate Sumanth Bindhumadhav about snake behaviour, snakebite prevention and the misinformation surrounding reptiles in India. Sumanth explains the difference between venomous and poisonous animals, introduces India’s “Big Four” medically significant snakes and reveals why a cobra’s hood is usually a sign of fear, not aggression. He also shares the correct response to a snakebite, including why cutting the wound, sucking out venom or tying a tourniquet can make things worse. The conversation explores India’s snakebite public health crisis, the lack of research and effective antivenom, dangerous advice still appearing in textbooks, unethical snake relocation and the role cinema has played in spreading animal myths. Along the way, expect stories about a 12-foot king cobra, a five-star hotel’s bizarre snake-catching scam,…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus sits down with Vaibhav Tatwawadi for a warm, funny, and deeply insightful conversation about theatre, engineering, acting, language, discipline, and the long road to finding success on your own terms. From growing up in Nagpur and choosing Pune over Mumbai, to discovering that badminton gave him applause but theatre gave him purpose, Vaibhav opens up about how he slowly built himself as an actor through inter-college drama, FTII projects, Marathi cinema, and eventually Hindi films. The conversation also dives into Vaibhav’s journey through COEP, his backup plan of becoming a professor, the realities of coming from a non-metro city, and how confidence, craft, and patience shaped his career. He speaks about working with Mahesh Manjrekar, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Naseeruddin Shah, and the emotional impact of The Titan Story, which connected with audiences far beyond just performance because of the brand’s deep nostalgia and emotional place in Indian…

Comedian Shamik Chakrabarti joins Cyrus Broacha on Cyrus Says for a chaotic, football-heavy episode packed with World Cup takes, comedy tangents, pop culture jokes, and classic Cyrus-style derailments. The conversation kicks off with Shamik’s UK and Europe comedy tour dates before moving into Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible final World Cup, Messi comparisons, Portugal’s struggles, Spain’s defensive football, and why France may be the team to beat. Cyrus and Shamik also discuss India’s complicated relationship with football, smaller nations qualifying for the World Cup, and why hydration breaks might be ruining the rhythm of the game. Beyond football, the episode jumps into SRK’s Knight Riders building a cricket stadium in Los Angeles, cricket at the Olympics, Diljit Dosanjh’s Sardaar Ji 3/Punjab censorship debate, a Spider-Man sighting in flooded Maharashtra, Trump and Meloni memes, AI humanoid robots built for love, and a rapid-fire quiz on football, YouTube, Netflix comedy, and George Carlin. Expect sports…

In this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus Broacha sits down with Dr. Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri recipient, homeopathy pioneer, entrepreneur, author, and the man responsible for making tiny white pills a national emotion. Dr. Batra is here to talk about his new book Toxic: Stories, Science and Remedies for a Cleaner Mind, Body and Spirit, but because this is Cyrus Says, the conversation naturally goes from pollution, immunity, AI in healthcare, Google doctors, antibiotic resistance and mental toxicity to marriage, hair loss, toilet-seat politics, and whether Cyrus can be medically fixed at this point. It’s a fun, easy, deeply informative and mildly unhinged chat about living in a toxic world physically, mentally, digitally and spiritually with Dr. Batra bringing the wisdom and Cyrus bringing the nonsense. Watch till the end for health advice, life lessons, and absolutely no guarantee that Cyrus will follow any of them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode, Cyrus sits down with Pooja Bhatt for a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation that moves from their unforgettable Bigg Boss journey to her life in cinema, family, fame, failure, reinvention, and survival. What begins as a nostalgic look back at shared bathroom duties, food fights, sleep deprivation, and the madness of reality TV slowly opens up into a much bigger conversation about what it really means to endure pressure in public and still keep your sense of self. Pooja speaks with rare honesty about growing up in the Bhatt household, being pushed into acting at 17, saying no to Aashiqui, finding her own path with films like 'Daddy', 'Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin', 'Tamanna', and 'Zakhm', and eventually stepping away from acting for over two decades before making a comeback on her own terms. She also opens up about ageing, menopause, addiction, sobriety, showbiz, marriage, tattoos, survival, and why stardom was never the goal, but substance always was. This is a…

Abbas' Twitter account gets hacked! This week on Cock & Bull, Cyrus Broacha is joined by comedians Abbas Momin and Urjita Wani to react to some of the week's strangest headlines. The conversation begins with Abbas explaining how his X (Twitter) account was hacked before the gang dives into bizarre stories including a real-life Batman catching criminals in Mexico, the Mirzapur movie announcement, football, Shah Rukh Khan's kindness, viral courtroom moments, award certificate spelling mistakes, Malayalam cinema and much more. Expect plenty of tangents, roasting, pop culture references and classic Cock & Bull banter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says. Playback legend Shaan drops by for what was supposed to be a conversation about music, MTV, Bollywood, playback singing, and three decades of surviving the entertainment industry. Instead, Cyrus and the gang spend an alarming amount of time debating whether a crow can be your best friend, whether it's your reincarnated father, and whether pizza is an acceptable bird diet. Once everyone (sort of) regains composure, Shaan takes us through the golden age of MTV, the birth of Indipop, how Shantanu Mukherjee mysteriously became Shaan, unforgettable stories about Biddu, Bappi Lahiri, Sonu Nigam, touring across India, music royalties, mimicry, and why being famous doesn't stop random people from requesting the same song you literally just sang. Expect nostalgia, absolute nonsense, music history, inside Bollywood stories, terrible jokes that somehow get worse with age (much like Cyrus), and two old friends reminding each other why the 90s should never have been documented. Featuring: 🎙️ Shaan…

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus sits down with Agu Stanley for a hilarious, unpredictable, and surprisingly layered conversation about moving from Nigeria to India, learning Hindi in Lucknow, studying pharmacy, content creation, internet fame, cultural identity, and life between two worlds. What starts as a chat about Agu’s name, languages, physique, and viral presence quickly turns into a wild ride through Nigerian politics, Indian racism, Gurgaon relationships, arranged marriage pressure, Bollywood ads, basketball, boxing, nightlife, and why surviving in India and Nigeria both require serious hustle. The episode also explores Agu’s rise from pharmacy student to multilingual creator to actor, with stories about Lucknow, hostel life, a major breakup, learning Hindi through friendship, doing ads with stars, moving into films, and navigating the absurdity of public attention. With Cyrus constantly derailing the conversation into sports, culture, class, race, and relationships, this…

This week on Cyrus Says: Cock & Bull, Cyrus Broacha is joined by comedians Punit Pania and Kautuk Srivastava for an hour of hilarious conversations that go absolutely everywhere. From Mumbai's confusing roads and airport signboards to gym etiquette, civic sense, football fandom, Ronaldo vs Messi, the FIFA World Cup, cricket, politics and everyday Indian habits nothing is off limits. Expect plenty of jokes, wild observations and classic Cock & Bull banter as the trio turn everyday situations into comedy. If you enjoy unscripted conversations, stand-up comics and topical humour, this episode is for you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shalmali Kholgade joins Cyrus Broacha for a candid conversation about her journey from St. Xavier's College to becoming one of India's most recognized playback singers. They discuss her musical upbringing, early performances, independent music career, songwriting process, fashion design interests, fitness goals, marriage, and the inspiration behind her latest single, "Impression." Packed with humor, stories and unexpected detours, this episode offers a deeper look at the artist behind the voice. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Cyrus Says! In this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus sits down with Gajraj Rao for a witty, free-flowing conversation about acting, directing, advertising, awards, Hindi poetry, cinema history, social messaging in films, and why not taking yourself too seriously may be the biggest survival skill in the industry. The episode moves from Clint Eastwood’s quiet directing style and Bandit Queen memories to ad filmmaking, podcasting, Kavi Sammelan, and the strange beauty of keeping conversations light while still saying something meaningful. The chat also dives into Gajraj Rao’s award-winning ad work, especially Band Baaja Bitiya, a socially relevant campaign around domestic violence, dowry pressure, and families telling daughters to “adjust” instead of bringing them home. From film trivia and humor to craft, ageing, poetry, and the current entertainment landscape, this is a classic Cyrus-Gajraj episode: sharp, funny, warm, and unexpectedly thoughtful. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Comedian Shamik Chakrabarti is back on Cyrus Says, which means any hope of structure disappears immediately. In this episode, Cyrus and Shamik jump from Shah Rukh Khan to Alexander the Great, from Donald Trump and UFC crowds to hair transplants, circumcision, Ben Stokes, football, cricket, World Cups, Kunal Kamra, road renaming, Elon Musk, Poonam Pandey and somehow even Cape Verde. They discuss why Trump may be impossible to parody, why older audiences laugh harder at death jokes, why comedians keep touring despite terrible travel schedules, and whether India is a country... or a culture. There's also a passionate debate about ZEE's World Cup tagline, the economics of stand-up comedy, and Cyrus once again proving that he goes to sleep before most people have dinner. No agenda. No conclusions. Just two comics following every tangent available. Follow: Cyrus Broacha: @cyrus_broacha Shamik Chakrabarti: @shamikchakrabarti #CyrusSays #ShamikChakrabarti #StandUpComedy #IndianComedy #Podcast See…