In this powerful episode of Cyrus Says, journalist and author Rudraneil Sengupta joins Cyrus to talk about his deeply researched book The Beast Within, which explores the raw, real world of Indian wrestling and the socio-cultural landscape that surrounds it.

From the akhadas of Haryana to the rise of female wrestlers like the Phogats, Rudraneil shares what it was like to witness a society where women in veils live alongside girls training in wrestling singlets — a striking portrait of tradition clashing with progress. He also recounts stories of Chandgi Ram and the early days of resistance to women’s wrestling, leading to the eventual rise of Mahavir Phogat and his daughters.
The conversation also touches on sexual misconduct scandals, the resilience of women athletes in the face of fear, and what we can learn about culture by truly immersing ourselves in it.
Rudraneil also opens up about the darker realities he uncovered while writing the book — stories of missing children, ineffective policing, and the silent heroes fighting to make a difference. With vivid characters like Meera and ACP Sophia, and insights into gymnastics, Virat Kohli, this episode is both wide-ranging and deeply rooted in truth.

In this deeply honest and entertaining episode of Cyrus Says, veteran actor Ashish Vidyarthi returns to the studio — not just as a performer, but as a storyteller, stand-up comic, and motivator. He opens up about how fear shaped his life, how language and theatre gave him wings, and how he's embraced reinvention in every season of his journey.

Cyrus and Ashish dive into everything — from acting in 11 languages and doing 300+ films, to judging food shows, launching a musical storytelling performance, and starting stand-up comedy at 60! Ashish shares his hilarious struggles with math, the joy of instant audience feedback, his tech tools for vlogging, and a moving reflection on childhood fears that still guide him today.

Expect laughter, wisdom, GoPro tips, food talk, and soulful stories — all wrapped up in Ashish’s signature warmth and wit.

In this hilarious and candid episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus Broacha chats with stand-up comedian Siddhartha Shetty, blending sharp comedy with relatable life stories. The conversation dives into Sid’s rise as a comedian while balancing a full-time corporate job in construction equipment sales, and how he keeps his natural Mumbai charm on stage. From BMC bridge rants and corporate jargon like “aligned” and “circle back”, to memories of teenage romance in Gorai and the trials of growing up Shetty without owning a restaurant, the episode is packed with Mumbai nostalgia and humour.
The AMA section brings even more fun — covering space travel dreams, cheap aviation ideas, vada pav business schemes, and quirky reflections on modern relationships and meme culture.