Season 2, Episode 6 · Jaipur Bytes
Jassa Ahluwalia on Navigating Between Two Identities | Jaipur Bytes 2025
25 Oct 2025 · 20 min
Season 2, Episode 6 · Jaipur Bytes
25 Oct 2025 · 20 min
“I am rejecting the idea that I’m half Punjabi and half British. I am both those things fully.” In this captivating podcast, Jassa Ahluwalia discusses his book “Both Not Half,” exploring identity and his writing process. He shares stories of growing up in a multicultural home, how his family blended languages and cultures, and his experiences visiting India.
by Jaipur Literature Festival · English · Arts & Books
Jaipur Bytes, the official podcast of the Jaipur Literature Festival, is your gateway to enriching and entertaining conversations featuring the finest thinkers, writers, speakers, and doers!
S2 · E9 · 1 Nov 2025 · 19 min
Which kinds of art are worth viewing, and who creates them? Katy Hessel unpacks these questions by examining limitations historically placed on art made by women and types of works currently exhibited in the UK. The art historian argues how recognising these artists and writers’ achievements not only enriches our understanding of art history but also shapes a more inclusive future for the art world.
S2 · E8 · 31 Oct 2025 · 9 min
From discussing culinary school and what inspired his passion for cooking, to exploring how the history of colonialism in Kerala has shaped its cuisine, and delving into the science and art of selecting ingredients and preparing dishes, Chef Anand George covers multiple facets of the culinary experience.
S2 · E7 · 28 Oct 2025 · 28 min
There is a lot to be said about the current state of politics and media in India today. This is exactly what journalist and author Rajdeep Sardesai expands on while talking about his newest book ‘2024: The Election that Surprised India’. Sardesei points out the hypocrisy of the Indian media and discusses Prime Minister Modi’s mass appeal as well as the need for a strong opposition.
S2 · E5 · 24 Oct 2025 · 31 min
Storytelling takes on many forms from poems, plays, novels, short stories, to films, music, and short films. In this captivating podcast, Manav Kaul and Imtiaz Ali discuss elements that make narratives compelling, sharing how evocative literature and media influence their approach to writing, directing, and acting. Discover how stories inspire us and transform the way in which we see the world.
S2 · E4 · 14 Oct 2025 · 13 min
Growing up in America, singer Hrishi was surrounded by music that was different from the songs he heard at home. In this episode, Hrishi discusses how he navigated these two distinct musical worlds and discovered ways to blend Carnatic music with the English pop and rock that shaped his upbringing. He also reflects on achieving social media fame on Instagram and Tiktok.
S2 · E3 · 13 Oct 2025 · 22 min
Radio, YouTube, Instagram, and Bollywood are just a few of the diverse fields Prajakta Koli has explored. Now, she is venturing into the world of literature with her debut novel, ‘Too Good to be True’. In this engaging podcast, social media star Koli shares insights into her creative writing process, how she navigates fame, and her approach to overcoming failure.
S3 · E12 · 15 Sep 2026 · 21 min
In Episode 12 of Jaipur Bytes, author Stephen Alter discusses his 50-year writing career, sharing his disciplined routine of writing exactly 1,000 words daily in solitude. Born in the mountains, Alter frequently writes about the Himalaya, which he describes as a fragile, dynamic, and constantly eroding landscape rather than an eternal, immutable presence. Addressing environmental concerns, Alter highlights the writer's responsibility to caution readers about preserving unspoiled landscapes. He speaks out against the destructive impact of excessive religious tourism and ill-managed…
S3 · E11 · 2 Sep 2026 · 21 min
In Episode 11 of Jaipur Bytes, Khalid and Bharat of the Indian indie rock band Parvaaz take us through their journey of finding their identity, sound, and wings as a band. From blending Kashmiri folk traditions with contemporary sounds to creating music without allowing algorithms to influence their artistic choices, Parvaaz shares an honest perspective on the changing music landscape. Watch the full episode to hear Parvaaz talk about their music and the evolving world of Indian independent music. Tune in today!
S3 · E10 · 25 Aug 2026 · 25 min
Why do some films become part of who we are, while others simply disappear? Join journalist and writer Poonam Saxena as she reflects on the emotional power of cinema, revisiting Sholay and exploring why certain films become part of our collective memory while others don’t. She discusses why memorable cinema is not necessarily about realism, but about creating a deep emotional response and becoming part of the mahol of its time. The conversation also looks at how Hindi cinema has evolved, how audiences experience films differently today, and what has changed in the stories, characters, songs,…
S3 · E9 · 24 Aug 2026 · 24 min
The oldest known work of literature is far from a dusty relic. Beyond antiquity, the significance of the Epic of Gilgamesh lies in the perenniality of its themes. From humanity's relationship with nature to environmental destruction, mortality, and civilization, Martin Puchner explains why this Mesopotamian classic remains a cornerstone of modern thought and why its questions are just as urgent now as they were 4,000 years ago. Watch this episode of Jaipur Bytes and more at the link in bio.