Anish Gawande: LGBTQ+ Activist, NCP Leader, Rhodes Scholar & Champion of Inclusive Indian Politics

Anish Gawande, born in Mumbai and educated at Columbia and Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, is India’s first openly gay national spokesperson for a mainstream party (NCP SP). Founder of Pink List India and the Dara Shikoh Fellowship, he led major COVID-19 relief via Youth Feed India. He translated queer literary works by Ramchandra Siras and The World That Belongs To Us. A fierce critic of Israel’s pinkwashing and Maharashtra's Mahayuti govt, Gawande advocates for abolishing criminal defamation, inclusive welfare, LGBTQ+ rights, caste equity, and climate justice. He blends U.S./U.K. campaign tactics with a “politics of care” to reshape Indian politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Punit Pania and Akash Mehta in this explosive AMA as they tackle burning questions—from whether AI will overshadow Miyazaki’s genius to IPL 2025’s breakout talents eyeing Team India spots! Dive into debates on festive meat commercialization, NSA’s cryptic warnings, U.S. military mishaps in Lithuania, Avengers’ overcrowded cast, and Chinese nurses’ heroics in Myanmar. Plus, unpack Eid 2025’s "financial approval" twist! 🚀 Don’t miss their sharp takes on tech, culture, and humanity’s rawest instincts. Drop your questions below—#CyrusSaysAMA is LIVE! Kripya subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CyrusSays Spotify Video EP's - https://open.spotify.com/show/2vrxGELviPynQA3AhMc40n?si=GdGevGetS6WuUlz2BAT8vQ Listen to the full audio episodes at: Amazon Music Exclusive https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/4d52847d-6dbd-46b1-8219-34792a987d09/cyrus-says---amazon-music-exclusive Email your AMA questions to us at [email protected] Server - https://discord.gg/  Don’t forget to follow Cyrus Says’ official Instagram handle at @whatcyrussays[https://www.instagram.com/whatcyrussays/] Connect with Cyrus on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cyrus_broacha/Twitter: https://twitter.com/Broacha_Cyrus Aur like, share, comment karna na bhule! #comedypodcast #livepodcast #cyrusbroacha #CyrusBroacha #CyrusBroachaPodcast #cyrussays #cyrusbroachapodcast #amawithcyrus #cocknbull #AMAwithCyrus #CocknBullSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into Bollywood actor Saqib Saleem’s riveting journey on Cyrus Says! From his Delhi roots as a state-level cricketer (Delhi U-14) to conquering Bollywood, Saqib opens up about his early life, quitting cricket post-injury, and training in Kathak for 8 years. Discover how he transitioned from modeling (Kingfisher Fresh Face 2008) to acting with breakout hits like Mere Dad Ki Maruti (2013) and the Salman Khan-led blockbuster Race 3 (₹303 crore gross). Uncover lesser-known gems: his fear of horses after a Dil Juunglee accident, co-owning cloud kitchen Qube with sister Huma Qureshi (Gangs of Wasseypur), and battling typecasting with gritty web series Rangbaaz (2018). Critics and fans rave about his versatility—from Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge’s youthful charm to Race 3’s box-office dominance. Don’t miss this candid chat with career highs, Punjabi family tales, and behind-the-scenes trivia! Perfect for fans of Bollywood, cricket, and inspiring success stories. #CyrusSays #SaqibSaleem #BollywoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this captivating episode of Cyrus Says, dive into an exclusive interview with Zahan Kapoor—the rising star of the iconic Kapoor dynasty—as he opens up about balancing his storied legacy (son of Kunal Kapoor, grandson of Shashi Kapoor, and great-grandson of Prithviraj Kapoor) with forging his own path in Bollywood and beyond. Discover behind-the-scenes stories from his acclaimed roles in Faraaz (2022) and Netflix’s Black Warrant (2025), his grounding journey at Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre, and upcoming projects like Bandwaale (Amazon Prime) and Dining with the Kapoors. Zahan reveals how his "unfilmy" upbringing, polo passion, and mentorship from father Kunal shaped his craft, why he prioritizes theatre, and the lessons learned from legends like Shashi Kapoor and Ramesh Sippy. With insights on his IMDb "Breakout Star" award, childhood anecdotes about Ranbir Kapoor and Amitabh Bachchan, and his vision for diverse roles, this episode is a must-watch for fans of Indian cinema’s new generation. Tune in for a heartfelt, inspiring conversation on legacy, artistry, and ambition!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raj Ganpath, a certified fitness and nutrition coach with 17+ years of experience, champions sustainable wellness as co-founder of The Quad (@thequad.in) and The Slow Burn Method. His bestselling book Simple, Not Easy (Westland, 2025), an Amazon India #1 bestseller, distills fitness fundamentals into 100 concise chapters, covering nutrition, strength training, sleep, and stress management. Rejecting restrictive trends, Ganpath emphasizes evidence-based principles, advocating simplicity through core habits over quick fixes. At The Quad, co-founded with Arvind Ashok, he’s trained 8,000+ students via in-person, virtual, and personalized coaching, blending global practices with Indian lifestyle contexts to build consistency and community. The Slow Burn Method, his signature approach, promotes gradual weight loss through manageable calorie adjustments (200-300 reduction) and accessible home workouts, prioritizing sustainability. A certified expert in biomechanics, Olympic lifting, and nutrition, Ganpath leverages platforms like Instagram to debunk fitness myths, offering jargon-free guidance aligned with his philosophy. His work underscores inclusivity, practicality, and long-term health—proving fitness is “simple, not easy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dibyendu Bhattacharya, a versatile Indian actor with deep Bengali roots, has carved a niche in theatre, film, and digital media through iconic roles and artistic integrity. Born in Kolkata, his journey began with a shift from cricket to storytelling, followed by formal training at the National School of Drama (NSD), where he honed his craft alongside peers like Irrfan Khan. His theatrical genesis includes 55+ plays and socially charged performances with Jana Natya Manch, establishing his unique stage presence. In cinema, Dibyendu gained recognition with Satya (1998), delivered breakthrough roles like Chunni in Dev.D (2009), and ad-libbed the iconic line “Keh ke loonga!” in Gangs of Wasseypur. His digital acclaim includes Criminal Justice (2019) and The Railway Men, earning awards for portraying Kamruddin, a heroic railway worker during the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. Noteworthy roles span morally complex characters like Sub-Inspector Imtiaz (Ab Tak Chhappan) and Yeda Yakub (Black Friday), alongside supporting figures like sports journalist Debashish Banerjee (Goal). Beyond acting, Dibyendu practices Vipassana meditation, draws inspiration from Buddhist philosophy, and mentors talents like Parineeti Chopra. A connoisseur of Bengali literature and Satyajit Ray’s films, he quietly supports NGOs for child education and rural theatre. His disciplined lifestyle, shaped by overcoming childhood asthma, and versatility across media—including voicing Gollum in Hindi—cement his legacy as a multifaceted artist bridging cultural heritage and contemporary narratives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born Svetha Yallapragada Rao in California to Telugu parents, Raja Kumari (Sanskrit for “Daughter of the King”) blends her Indian heritage with hip-hop to create her signature “BollyHood” sound. Trained in Kuchipudi, Kathak, and Bharatanatyam from age 5, she debuted at 7 before Ravi Shankar and later pivoted to hip-hop, inspired by Fugees. A Grammy-nominated songwriter, she penned hits for Fall Out Boy (“Centuries”) and Iggy Azalea (“Change Your Life”) before launching her solo career with EPs like The Come Up (2018) and HBIC (2022). Her music fuses classical Indian riffs, Hindi-English lyrics, and themes of empowerment, collaborating with icons like A.R. Rahman, Divine, and Gwen Stefani. Founding Godmother Records (2022) for creative freedom, she champions female artists while balancing global fame. A cultural ambassador, her tracks feature in films (Jawan, Pagglait) and she judges MTV’s Hustle. Honored with BMI Pop Awards, ELLE Awards, and MTV EMA nods, she funds healthcare and education via the Vegesna Foundation and UNICEF. Raja Kumari’s journey—from classical prodigy to hip-hop powerhouse—cements her as a bridge between Bollywood and Hollywood, inspiring a generation to embrace dual identities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode with Salil Tripathi, Part 2, joining Amit Dosh for a Global Politics discussion on how the US and China dominate global power dynamics, Tripathi ties these themes into India’s struggle with free speech and rising religious nationalism, as explored in his book Offence: The Hindu Case. Tripathi underscores the erosion of India’s secular ideals, urging a return to pluralism and robust legal safeguards for artistic freedom against politicized censorship. This analysis serves as a timely warning against the dangers of religious extremism and the state’s complicity in undermining democratic values.Elon Musk & Donald Trump are dominating the US vs China game. How India with Modi is making a path for global image. Are we paving the way for future? Find out in the episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Born into Mumbai’s illustrious Malik family on October 13, 1987, Aadar Malik—son of composer Abu Malik and nephew of Bollywood legend Anu Malik—forged a unique path as a comedian, actor, and musical virtuoso. Trained at London’s Trinity College and holding a Master’s in Classical Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Aadar’s early theatre stardom (beginning at age 4) evolved into pioneering India’s musical comedy scene. From viral YouTube parodies like "Bhnchd Sutta Cancer Ho Gaya" (millions of views) to co-founding comedy collectives Schitzengiggles and SnG Comedy, his blend of original music and wit in Standup The Musical (2016) on Amazon Prime cemented his legacy. Transitioning seamlessly into films (Katti Batti, Comedy Couple) and web series (Modern Love Mumbai, XXX: Uncensored), Aadar’s versatility shines, while his mentorship on Comicstaan highlights his industry influence. Married to actress Aparna Bajpai, he balances blockbuster roles (Kanneda 2025) with overcoming stage fright through acting—a journey from Mumbai’s theatres to global acclaim. Dive into his YouTube channel "The Aadar Guy" for laughs, music, and a masterclass in innovation!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the inspiring journey of Ashwini Kalsekar, born on January 22, 1970, in Mumbai, a powerhouse actress in Marathi and Hindi TV/films! A Bachelor of Arts graduate (1991), she honed her craft under legends like Neena Gupta and Muzammeel Vakil, while mastering Kathak dance. Her TV career skyrocketed with Shanti (1995), followed by iconic roles like CID’s police officer, the villainous Jigyasa Walia in Kasamh Se (2006–2009), and the cunning Maham Anga in Jodha Akbar (2013–2015), winning the Indian Telly Award. In Bollywood, she’s a staple in Rohit Shetty’s universe (Golmaal Returns, Singham Returns, Simmba, Cirkus), often sharing the screen with husband Murali Sharma (married 2009). Previously wed to actor Nitesh Pandey (1998–2002), her legacy spans gripping TV antagonists and blockbuster comedies.Perfect for fans of Indian TV drama, Rohit Shetty comedies, and versatile female artists! Like, Subscribe & Share for more celebrity stories!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.