Teamwork Arts Podcast: Recent Episodes
Teamwork Arts
Everyone remembers the curtain call, but what goes on during the build-up towards that penultimate moment? What ensues when you get a celebrated author to open up for a heart-to-heart? The Teamwork Arts podcast promises to offer a slew of cross-genre conversations that go beyond the labels one tends to attach to creative endeavors. This is an ideal show for when you want to sit in on captivating, enthralling, and sometimes downright hilarious conversations with professionals from all across the arts spectrum getting candid about their experiences and musings. Whether it’s an artiste opening up about their trials and tribulations, or a festival organizer revealing the behind-the-scenes madness of a mammoth event, this podcast attempts to lift the curtain and explore the thoughts behind the actions that animate the arts. Be it music, theatre, prose, or verse, get acquainted with artists, arts moguls, éminence grises, industry veterans, and unsung heroes of the art world in this brand new weekly podcast. Tune in once a week to listen to these brilliant minds sharing their views and reviews, hits and misses, and delving into the juicy details of trending topics in free-flowing, open, and honest dialogues. Hosted by music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak, the podcasts reveal some of the inner workings and goings-on in various facets of the arts.
In this episode of the TWA podcast, bestselling writer Durjoy Datta shares his insights on life from writing, parenthood, to the future of books in our world. A charmingly honest and candid chat reveals more about the journey of Datta, his ventures into television and a few little tips for budding writers. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this episode!
In this episode of the TWA podcast, bestselling writer Suraj Yengde and fellow writer-podcaster Anurag Minus Verma talk about early struggles, rise to popularity, process of content development and delivery. An insightful session filled with witty responses, this one is sure to keep you engaged through and through!
In this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, get a chance to explore the creative world of Chigozie Obioma, an accomplished author and associate professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Join us as we delve into how Obioma crafts captivating fictional works, the inspiration behind his stories, and his valuable advice for aspiring writers. The episode also focuses on how his lived experiences influence and add depth to his literary creations. Obioma is the recipient of numerous awards, including the LA Times Book Prize and the International Literature Award, making this episode a must-listen for all literature enthusiasts and aspiring writers!
In this Teamwork Arts Podcast episode, acclaimed filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and editor, Onir, delves into the captivating stories behind his movies and his incredible film-making journey. Discover the profound significance of the queer and feminine gaze in Indian cinema, as Onir sheds light on the empowering perspectives that shape and elevate storytelling on the silver screen. He also discusses his memoir ‘I am Onir and I am Gay’.
Discover the captivating world of journalism in this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, as Luke Harding, acclaimed journalist and award-winning correspondent for The Guardian, shares his journey, writing process, and talks about the Russia-Ukraine war. This discussion offers a glimpse into his diverse experiences and the challenges and triumphs of Harding’s career.
Join us for an exciting episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, featuring best-selling author Amish Tripathi. In this captivating conversation, Tripathi delves into his journey as an MBA student, his transformation into a writer, the genesis of his first piece of fiction, the acclaimed Shiva Trilogy, and the remarkable creation of the enchanting Amishverse. Prepare to be inspired as we explore his fascinating story and uncover a wealth of insights. Don't miss out on this episode!
In this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, join us as we dive into the world of Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, award-winning writer, activist, and teacher. With 21 books under her belt, Divakaruni discusses her novels, creative writing, and her focus on sharing stories from the perspective of women. Discover the fascinating journey behind her works 'The Palace of Illusions' and 'Independence', and get to know about her inspiring journey - from writing poetry and short stories to entering the realm of novels. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation!
In this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, award-winning writer Janice Pariat delves into her enriching journey as a writer, exploring the diverse dimensions of literature and emphasising the significance of authentically portraying stories that are the closest to us. Furthermore, she shares fascinating insights into the rich oral storytelling traditions of North-East India and talks about following stories wherever they take her!
Join economist and author Bibek Debroy in an insightful episode of Teamwork Arts Podcast, as he discusses his translations, the significance of questioning, the influence of the digital age, and his compelling plea for reading original texts prior to engaging in debates. Hosted by Sarthak Kaushaik, this enlightening conversation delves into the depths of knowledge and intellectual exploration.
In this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, Indian journalist, author, and media personality Ravish Kumar joins Sarthak Kaushik to talk about the unchanging definition of news, the responsibility of speaking truth to power, how he has navigated his career in journalism throughout the years, and much more!
Don’t miss out on this thought-provoking conversation.
In this episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, we delve into the captivating world of history with Tom Holland. Renowned as an award-winning author, historian, and broadcaster, Holland unveils his remarkable journey and offers profound revelations on the intricate nature of this captivating discipline. Prepare to be spellbound as he unravels tales of grave-diggers, talks about Egyptian Pharaohs, gives an insight into his novel-writing and sheds light on why there has never been a more opportune moment to embark on a study of history.
In episode 45 of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, Manreet Sodhi Someshwar joins Eric Chopra in a conversation to discuss ‘The Partition Trilogy’ and her experience of writing historical fiction. They also delve into the profound significance of actively engaging with and critically examining the past. Immerse yourself in this enlightening discussion as Someshwar and Chopra unravel the complexities of the human experience through the lens of storytelling and historical inquiry.
In Episode 44 of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, best-selling author and columnist Shobhaa De candidly discusses her new book 'Insatiable' and her career in writing. She also talks about the social responsibility of the arts, how she deals with trolls, the importance of speaking truth to power, the world of Bollywood, and much more! You cannot miss out on this conversation.
In episode 43 of the Teamwork Arts podcast, historian Nayanjot Lahiri engages in a conversation with Eric Chopra, covering a range of topics related to history, with a focus on Ancient India. They explore the histories of love, laughter, and desire and delve into Lahiri's writings on the Harappan civilisation and the reign of Ashoka. Lahiri also shares insights from her travels and discusses the significance of reading good fiction for writing great non-fiction.
Join us for an insightful episode of the Teamwork Arts Podcast, where we delve into the world of the internationally acclaimed economist and best-selling author Sanjeev Sanyal. In Episode 42, we explore his captivating books, delve into the Indian Freedom Struggle, and unravel the fascinating connections between India and Southeast Asia. Don't miss this engaging conversation that offers a unique perspective on history and culture. Tune in now!
In Epiosde 41 of Teamwork Arts podcast, Rana Safvi joins Eric Chopra to discuss her travels, the art of translation, the culinary heritage of India and her books that focus on a range of cultural and historical themes!
Sandeep Unnithan is the Managing Editor of India Today magazine in New Delhi, where he writes on national security. He is the author of Black Tornado: The Three Sieges of Mumbai 26/11 and Operation X. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Unnithan talks about the challenges he faced while writing war stories, the rigorous research that went into it and most importantly, finding the right balance between journalism and authorship in translating a riveting tale onto paper. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival in March 2022.
Chandrahas Choudhury is a novelist, essayist and literary critic. He has recently authored My Country Is Literature: Adventures in The Reading Life, a book of essays about writers ranging from Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay to Jawaharlal Nehru. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Choudhury voices the struggle of separating knowledge from information and the role of the internet in expanding the creative space.This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival in March.
Namita Gokhale is the author of twenty-one books and Sahitya Akademi (National Academy of Letters) awardee for 2021. She is the co-founder and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Gokhale explores some fascinating perspectives on art, languages and culture. This episode was recorded at Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar is a doctor by profession who has authored six books so far, including The Adivasi Will Not Dance, The Mysterious Ailment of Rupi Baskey and My Father’s Garden, among others. He has translated from Santhali and Hindi into English and is now trying to translate from Bengali. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Shekhar talks about the process of translation, the challenges and finding one’s own voice. This episode was recorded in march at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Naushad Forbes is the Co-Chairman of Forbes Marshall, India's leading Steam Engineering and Control Instrumentation firm, and the Chairman of Ananta Aspen Centre and Centre for Technology, Innovation and Economic Research. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Forbes talks about making sense of chaos in an increasingly polarised world. This episode was recorded in march at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Omar Saif Ghobash is Assistant Minister for Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He is the author of Letters to a Young Muslim, a vital manifesto tackling the dilemmas facing young Muslims and everyone navigating the complexities of today’s world. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Ghobash talks about using words to navigate the minefield of ideas and geopolitics as artistic muse. This episode was recorded in March at the Jaipur Literature Festival.
Anand Neelakantan is an Indian author whose debut novel, Asura: The Tale of The Vanquished, is a perennial best-seller in fourteen languages. Neelakantan has also written the official prequel trilogy for the blockbuster Bahubali films and has written screenplays for popular television series, including Siya Ke Ram, Chakravarthy Ashoka and Mahabali Hanuman, among others. In conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Neelakanthan talks about the importance of perspective in storytelling. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Shunali Khullar Shroff is a Mumbai-based writer and author of the bestselling books Battle Hymn of a Bewildered Mother and Love in the time of Affluenza. She writes for a host of print and digital publications on modern Indian life, culture, travel and feminism, including Elle, Condé Nast Traveller, HT Brunch, Mint Lounge and Vogue, among others. In conversation with Sarthak Kaushik, Shroff opens up about being a mother, the challenges of resuming her career and most importantly, finding humour. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Pragya Tiwari is a journalist who has written extensively on politics, identity, policy, and culture and has edited several publications, including Tehelka, The Big Indian Picture, and Vice. She currently works as a policy and culture consultant and is also the Creative Director of Oijo Media and co-founder of the Indian History Collective. In conversation with Sarthak Kaushik, Tiwari talks about journalism and the importance of research and reportage. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Swati Chaturvedi is an Indian print and broadcast journalist, reporter, columnist and panellist for various newspapers and channels like NDTV, Gulf News and Haaretz. In a sensational conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Chaturvedi talks about the future of journalism in India, ethics of reporting and the role of social media in the current political milieu. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Kutle Khan is a formidable multi-instrumentalist who has mastered more than 9 percussion instruments, and moves between genres with utmost ease. Founder of the Kutle Khan Project, he also has some well known TV shows to his credit, including the Dewarists, MTV Unplugged and Coke Studio India. In conversation with music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Kutle Khan talks about the raw and earthy flavour of Rajasthani folk music and mesmerizes the audience with his music. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Hailed as “the new king of Indian Classical violin”, Ambi Subramaniam is a violinist, composer, and educator trained by his father and guru, Dr L Subramaniam. In conversation with music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Subramaniam traces his career trajectory and emphasises on finding one’s voice that can strike a balance between traditions and trends without losing meaning. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Shashi Tharoor, a third-term Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, is the bestselling author of twenty-three books, both fiction and non-fiction. In a stimulating conversation with music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Tharoor talks about the importance of right words at the wrong time, the construction of opposites, diversity and his stance on the politics of the ruling party. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
India’s leading film composer and singer, Sheykhar Ravjiani, in conversation with music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik talks about his journey as a musician, bumps along the road, and his equation with his partner Vishal Dadlani. Shekhar has been a widely loved personality on television as a reality show judge and mentor for over 12 shows such as ‘Saregamapa’, ‘Indian Idol’, ‘Dil hai Hindustani’, and 'The Voice' India. Having mentored over 300 contestants across 15 music reality shows, Shekhar has recently extended his passion for nurturing young talent by launching the GIIS-Shekhar Ravjiani School Of Music. This episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Entrepreneur and investor Mohit Satyanand, in conversation with broadcaster and veteran music programmer Sarthak Kaushik, celebrates the spirit of spontaneity and talks about the inception of the iconic music club in Delhi, Friends of Music. In a spirited conversation, Satyanand explores the various dimensions of artistic expression stemming from the need to materialise a shared dream in episode 26 of the TWA Podcast. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Veteran actor, newscaster, columnist, and casting director Dolly Thakore in conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, traces the trajectory of art in society and shares how she forged her own path through the thorny bushes of prejudice. In episode 25 of the TWA Podcast, she relates some very interesting anecdotes and stories that constitute the extraordinary legacy of Dolly Thakore. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
Celebrated Hindi cinema actress and television director Neena Gupta has always been ahead of her time. In a brutally honest and open conversation with music programmer and broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik, Neena shares what it is like to be a star in an industry as dynamic as Bollywood and what it takes to hold on to that stardom. Listen to her as she wins over hearts with her nonconformist stance and free-spiritedness in Episode 24 of the TWA Podcast. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
REDEFINING ART
Award-winning Hindi cinema actor Manoj Bajpayee in conversation with music programmer and veteran broadcaster Sarthak Kaushik talks about the power of words, poetry, and language at large, as a necessary means of creating art. In this episode of the TWA Podcast, listen to Manoj Bajpayee and our host Sarthak, delve into the artist’s pathbreaking career arc as they revisit the definitions of success and failure and talk about the responsibility of art towards society. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2022 in March.
CHALLENGING BOUNDARIES WITH DANCE
Aditi Mangaldas is a leading dancer and choreographer in the classical Indian dance form of Kathak. Besides dancing and choreographing classical productions, she has used her knowledge of Kathak to evolve a contemporary dance vocabulary. She heads the Aditi Mangaldas Dance Company-The Drishtikon Dance Foundation and has captured the hearts of thousands with the beautiful melange of dance and music. In an animated conversation with our host Sarthak Kaushik, Aditi explores the essence of practising an artform and discusses what constitutes as being an artist in the modern-day and age.
MASTERING THE ART OF STORYTELLING
Historian, writer, curator and photographer William Dalrymple is one of the co-founders and co-director of the Jaipur Literature Festival. Bestselling author of In Xanadu, City of Djinns, From the Holy Mountain, Age of Kali, White Mughals, The Last Mughal, Nine Lives, Return of a King and Kohinoor, Dalrymple has won many prestigious awards, including the Wolfson Prize for History, the Hemingway, the Kapuscinski and the Thomas Cook, among many others. In this episode, listen to William uncover the fascinating nature of history, the malleability of facts, shifting power dynamics and the subsequent future of historical research in conversation with our host Sarthak Kaushik.
THE ART OF MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH
Comedian, writer, improv genius Abish Mathew is one of the most recognized faces of Indian comedy. He was one of the first Indian Youtube stars to have over 95 million views on his channel. These videos include sketches, stand-up, and of course, his hit talk-shows, ‘Son of Abish’ and 'Journey Of A Joke'. Listen to Abish talk about the evolution of stand-up comedy in India as a popular form of entertainment and the changing perceptions of the audience when it comes to comedy as an art form in conversation with our host Sarthak Kaushik.
NAVIGATING VULNERABILITY THROUGH MUSIC
Ankur Tewari has been making music as an independent artist since 1998. He was the music supervisor for the blockbuster Bollywood film Gully Boy which won him multiple accolades and other renowned film guilds and has also supervised music for various Feature films and OTT shows for Netflix and Amazon Prime. In conversation with our host Sarthak Kaushik, Ankur talks about the responsibility of his art, changing spectrum of listenership and the importance of emotional vulnerability that makes his music more than just an outlet for entertainment.
ACCESSING STORIES VIA MUSIC
The Aahvaan Project began with the purpose to promote the philosophy of love, humanity and kindness through stories from our everyday lives. Deeply moved by the words of Kabir, the Project focuses on creating a space for harmony in the rigmarole of everyday life. The Project is collaborative, creating fusions of ideas as it travels through villages, towns, cities, working with independent artists, NGOs, orphanages, schools and adults willing to ‘unlearn’, holding performances and workshops across the country. In this podcast, Vedi Sinha and Baan G, in conversation with our host Sarthak Kaushik, discuss the responsibility of art in opening up a safe space for having balanced conversations that would facilitate questioning the world around us through a musical intervention.
THE ART OF FUSION
The Anirudh Varma Collective is a contemporary Indian classical ensemble led by the Delhi-based pianist, composer & producer, Anirudh Varma. In this episode of Teamwork Arts Podcast, Anirudh explores the art of fusing classical with contemporary music to create a stylistically unique genre. The ensemble comprises over 150 musicians & artists from India, USA and Canada. Having launched its debut full-length album ‘Perspectives’ in March 2018, the Collective has collaborated with HCL Concerts, Jaipur Literature Festival, Serendipity Delhi, Global Music Institute, Delhi University & Ambedkar University since then. Tune in to catch Anirudh Varma get candid with our host Sarthak Kaushik as they share insights on how to leave a mark on the musical landscape without losing touch with the roots!
EVOLVING LANDSCAPE OF THE COMMERCIAL MUSIC SPACE
Indian drummer, educator and composer, Darshan Doshi, is currently touring with Salim-Sulaiman, Farhan Akhtar, Adnan Sami, Diljit Dosanjh and Amit Trivedi. In this episode of Teamwork Arts Podcast, Doshi discusses the do’s and don’ts of the commercial music space and what it takes to survive for a musician today. He has played the drums for several Bollywood films such as Rock On, Black, Dhoom 2, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Queen, Secret Superstar, Fitoor, and Dear Zindagi. Based in Mumbai, Darshan started performing at the age of 2 and has established his name in the Limca Books of Records as the youngest drummer of India in 1997. He has performed with leading composers in India such as AR Rahman, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, Pritam, and Vishal Shekhar. He is also an integral part of Coke Studio India and MTV Unplugged, and currently endorses Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vicfirth sticks, and AKG Mics. Tune in to hear him unpack the evolving landscape of commercial music and doing music the right way with our host Sarthak Kaushik
THE ART OF MUSICAL STORYTELLING
A musician-storyteller, Raman has travelled to 12 countries telling tales and playing music. He is a former member of the indie-folk band Kabir Café and the co-composer of songs from the movies ‘Baadshaho’ and ‘Hindi Medium’ (2017), and the web series ‘Scam 1992’ (2020). Raman has been playing the mandolin since the age of 12, and has hosted an audio-only podcast called Midnight Musings & The Mandolin on Instagram LIVE since last year. He discusses the art of musical storytelling, and unpacks his lifelong tryst with the mandolin with host Sarthak Kaushik on the Teamwork Arts Podcast.
NEWS JOURNALISM AND ITS CHANGING FORMATS
Abhinandan Sekhri is Co-founder and CEO of Newslaundry; and co-founder of the TV, film, digital and ideas house, Small Screen. He has previously worked as a producer, director and writer in various television and film projects, including the award-winning food and travel show ‘Highway on my Plate’. He is joined by Suraj Dhingra, producer of The Media Rumble, JLF North America and Executive Producer of The Jaipur Literature Festival at Teamwork Arts. Together, they venture into the nuances of the ever-changing news landscape and discuss the role and reach of current-day media.
Aanchal Malhotra is an oral historian and writer based in New Delhi, India. She is Co-founder of the Museum of Material Memory - a crowd-sourced digital repository tracing family histories and social ethnography through heirlooms, collectables and antiques from the Indian subcontinent. Malhotra writes extensively on the 1947 Partition and its related topics. In this podcast, she talks about the emotion that objects carry in the context of oral and shared histories, partition as a ‘process’ and the prolonged impact it has had on so many lives.
Dastaan LIVE is an art-rock project that brings together the world of the aural and the visual to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience for audiences.
Anubhav Nath, Director of Ojas Art, talks about the ‘art of the matter’ and traversing through the art industry with grit, passion and dedication, essential to building a successful art career. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Ashutosh Sharma, co-founder of Amarass Records, discusses how despite the odds, real, authentic folk needs to be popularised against the lazy interpretations that often pass as ambassadors of the folk sound. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Hindustani Classical vocalist Ujwal Nagar talks about how the charm of classical music is constant and still very relevant and how it needs to adapt to the changing audiences whose absorption of music may have altered over time. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
A group of musicians from Uttarakhand, Rehmat-e-Nusrat is arguably the first music group from the hills to sing sufiana qalam and qawwalis in the mould of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. They have written some searingly biting lyrics about the current times to express their emotion through music. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Award-winning author Kishwar Desai elaborates on the importance of research in writing and the attention to detail that is essential in bringing out the right story. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Former diplomat Navdeep Suri tells us about juggling political compulsions and the need for developing soft power to promote Indian art overseas. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Member of the well-known fusion act, Advaita, and self-taught keyboard player, composer and sound engineer, Anindo Bose discusses the fluidity of music across perceived boundaries of labels and how to make fusion music sound right. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Writer and human rights activist Harsh Mander tells us how in these fraught times, there is still hope and that standing up for what’s right even while dealing with polarised thought is important. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Theatre-holic Quasar Padamsee discusses how in times of narrowing thought, finding the right topic to make the right kind of theatre has its fair share of challenges. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Musician and activist Vidya Shah gives her take on the importance of practice, education and attention to detail in making music. The episode was recorded at the Jaipur Literature Festival 2021 in February.
Career diplomat Vikas Swarup talks about finding the time to indulge his passion and how he juggles two very successful careers.