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.

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 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. Plus: motorcycles, Ladakh rides, Saif Ali Khan’s blonde Go Goa Gone look, marriage, fatherhood and plenty of classic Cyrus chaos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, film criticism and plenty of Cyrus Says madness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 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, 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.

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 life as an actor, this episode is classic Cyrus Says chaos.Listen to the full episode for Sikandar Kher at his funniest, most candid and completely unfiltered.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.