Chasing Creativity with Kiran Manral

<p>Chasing Creativity with Kiran Manral is a weekly podcast where writer and author Kiran Manral chats with creative folks across disciplines to dig deep into that elusive state of being - namely, being creative. </p> <p>From artists to writers to content creators to actors to everyone in the space of creativity, Kiran attempts to unpack the individual creative process, to understand the frustrations around it through honest, vulnerable and insightful conversations.</p> <p>Remember to subscribe or follow the show to stay updated with the latest episodes.</p>

Exploring Creativity and Activism: A Conversation with Madhureeta Anand

Join Kiran Manral on this episode of Chasing Creativity as she converses with Madhureeta Anand, a versatile writer, filmmaker, and founder of the women's safety app 'Phree For Safety'. Madhureeta shares her inspiring journey into filmmaking, the influence of her creative upbringing, and her passion for combining art and activism. Discover her experiences in the film industry, her ventures into documentary making, and her insights into societal issues. Learn about her upcoming projects, including the film 'Yellow Line' and her novel 'Krishna Circus', which features a unique female superhero. This engaging discussion delves into the challenges and triumphs of a multifaceted creator dedicated to making a difference. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:34 Madhureeta Anand's Early Inspirations 02:27 Journey into Filmmaking 04:20 The Rise of Satellite TV 06:58 Documentary Filmmaking and Challenges 10:48 Meeting Werner Herzog 15:17 Creating Personal Stories 19:45 The Drive to Create 20:33 Bombay Dreams and Realities 21:10 The Birth of Kajarya 22:01 The Horrors of Gender Bias 25:42 Kajarya's Global Impact 26:00 Upcoming Project: Yellow Line 28:44 The Creative Process 32:58 Innovating with Phree 36:30 Krishna Circus: A New Venture

09-03
38:06

From Commandant to Creative: Kulpreet Yadav's Inspiring Journey

Join Kiran Manral on this episode of Chasing Creativity as she sits down with Kulpreet Yadav, a former Commandant of the Indian Coast Guard turned writer, actor, and entrepreneur. Kulpreet shares his fascinating transition from a military career to the uncertain world of creativity, discussing his journey of writing his first book, the challenges he faced, and his eventual success with 15 published books, including the widely acclaimed 'Battle of Rezang La.' He also opens up about his foray into acting, co-founding startups, and his ongoing ventures in historical non-fiction and fiction genres. This inspiring conversation sheds light on the courage it takes to reinvent one's life and passions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:56 Kulpreet Yadav's Journey from Defense to Writing 03:13 Early Writing Experiences and Challenges 07:44 Transition to Non-Fiction and Research Process 09:39 Battle of Rizangla: A Deep Dive 18:02 Exploring Historical Fiction and Future Projects 22:44 Venturing into Acting 28:46 Entrepreneurial Pursuits and Final Thoughts

08-27
32:29

Exploring Electronic Music and Creativity with Tarana Marwah (#Komorebi) | Chasing Creativity

In this episode of Chasing Creativity, host Kiran Manral sits down with Tarana Marwah, the electronic alternative artist known as Komorebi. Find out Tarana's musical journey from her first concert at age seven to her current projects like performing at Lollapalooza and working on her new album 'The Fall'. Tarana shares her inspirations, the influence of Japanese culture on her work, and her creative processes. They delve into her unique performances, alter-egos, and her foray into producing a #Marathi song for  @cokestudioindia . Tune in for an insightful conversation about music, creativity, and the evolving indie music scene in India. 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Getting into Music 02:55 First Steps in Electronica 05:25 Choosing the Name Komorebi 06:20 Creating Personas and Inspirations 10:54 The Fall Album 13:01 Collaborations and Future Projects 21:41 Advice for Aspiring Artists 25:59 Favorite Performances and Upcoming Work 27:37 Conclusion and Best Wishes  @KomorebiTV  #cokestudio #srushtitawade #music #japanese #anime #manga #comics #music #indie #desi #desimusic

08-20
28:04

Dance to Film: Sanghmitra Hitaishi’s #Artistic Evolution and Cross-Cultural Insights

Join Kiran Manral in this episode of #ChasingCreativity as she converses with Sanghmitra Hitaishi. Discover her unconventional path from learning #Bharatanatyam at Kalakshetra to becoming an #actress, writer, and now a #podcaster. Explore Sangamitra's insights on navigating cultural boundaries, the differences between working in India and Europe, and her approach to embodying diverse characters. She delves into the challenges and triumphs of her career and discusses her upcoming podcast, 'The Real Story,' which aims to uncover the human journeys of various #artists. Remember to like, share and subscribe! #sanghamitra 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Sangamitra's Early Life and Dance Journey 06:15 Transition to Acting 12:22 Berlin Film Festival Experience 17:12 Working Across Cultures 21:40 The Impact of Hierarchy on Artistic Collaboration 24:37 Exploring the Character of Miriam 28:52 Choosing Roles and Rejecting Stereotypes 31:30 The Influence of Social Media on Beauty Standards 37:00 The Emotional Toll of Acting 38:23 Acting Techniques and Personal Methodology 40:41 Introducing a New Podcast: The Real Story #dahaad #bapass #bombaybegums #netflix #actor #creativity #movies #netflixseries #acting #bharatnatyam #dancer #dahaad #ott #cinema #films #hindi #actress #indian #actress

08-13
42:23

Chasing Creativity with Rajesh Kumar: From 'Rosesh' to Versatile Roles and Farming

In this episode of 'Chasing Creativity', host Kiran Manral meets the versatile actor Rajesh Kumar, popularly known as 'Rosesh' from 'Sarabhai vs Sarabhai'. Rajesh talks about his diverse acting career, including his roles in 'Rautu Ka Raaz' and 'Kota Factory', and how he prepared for these roles. He also delves into his shift to farming, discussing the challenges and rewards of sustainable agriculture. Rajesh shares his insights on breaking typecasts, his evolving acting techniques, and his ambitious future projects, including playing Liaqat Ali Khan in 'Freedom at Midnight'. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:47 Discussing Rautu Ka Raaz 03:21 Character Development and Acting Insights 09:40 Breaking the Rosesh Image 13:31 Diverse Roles and Career Evolution 17:35 Preparation and Acting Techniques 25:07 Overcoming Math Fears 25:22 Embracing Farming Roots 25:59 The State of Agriculture in India 27:05 Consumer Awareness and Organic Farming 27:31 Involving the Next Generation 32:46 Challenges in Farming 36:45 Acting Philosophy and Approach 44:19 Desire for Authentic Roles 47:32 Upcoming Projects and Farewell

08-06
49:13

From Advertising to Crime Novels: Meeti Shroff Shah's Creative Journey | Chasing Creativity

In this episode of Chasing Creativity, host Kiran Manral engages in a delightful conversation with her friend and author Meeti Shroff Shah. Meeti shares her intriguing transition from a career in advertising to writing novels, revealing how her subconscious always knew she would become an author by the age of 30. She discusses the valuable lessons from advertising that shaped her writing style, the inspiration behind her first memoir, and her enthrallment with crime fiction, leading to her Temple Hill mystery series. Meethi also delves into her writing process, the challenges of character continuity in a series, and the balancing act between writing and personal life. Lastly, she provides insights into dealing with rejections, managing marketing, and her future literary aspirations. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:19 Journey from Advertising to Writing 01:35 Lessons from Advertising 04:51 First Book and Personal Experiences 06:05 Transition to Fiction and Mystery Writing 11:30 Writing Process and Daily Routine 13:19 Balancing Writing and Marketing 15:49 Challenges of Writing and Research 19:10 Future Projects and Genre Exploration 21:02 Balancing Personal Life and Writing 25:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

07-30
27:01

From Vancouver to Pune: Paula McGlynn's Journey to Becoming a Marathi Mulgi

In this episode of Chasing Creativity, Kiran Manral interviews Paula McLynn, who shares her intriguing journey from Vancouver to India. Paula discusses how she transitioned from a filmmaking student to a Marathi Mulgi, co-founding the successful digital entertainment company Bhadipa. The conversation delves into her experiences in the Indian film industry, the creation of the Marathi YouTube channel, venturing into Marathi stand-up comedy, and tackling themes of cultural assimilation and storytelling. Paula also reflects on her acting roles and future projects, including the prospective teen drama series 'Bambis.' 00:00 Introduction to Paula McLynn's Journey 00:48 Paula's Initial Steps in India 02:38 Founding Baripa and Early Challenges 03:40 Success in Digital Content Creation 04:38 Cultural Adaptation and Storytelling 07:06 The Essence of Local Stories 12:46 Series vs. Films: Creative Approaches 18:16 Exploring Marathi Stand-Up Comedy 27:52 Paula's Acting Journey 33:49 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

07-16
35:31

Revolutionizing the Sari: The Journey of Suta with Tanya and Sujata Biswas

In this episode of Chasing Creativity, we sit down with Tanya and Sujata Biswas, the inspiring sister duo behind the innovative sari brand, Suta. Discover their journey from small-town engineers to fashion trailblazers who have redefined the traditional sari. Learn about their creative process, childhood inspirations, and the thoughtful approach they bring to designing accessible and stylish saris. Get insights into their initial struggles, the philosophy behind their designs, and how they have successfully brought the sari back into everyday wear. Join us as we delve into their mission to revive traditional crafts and make the sari a global fashion staple. 00:00 Introduction to Suta and the Founders 01:00 Childhood Memories and Inspirations 03:15 Revolutionizing the Sari 05:52 Challenges and Breakthroughs 12:16 Design Philosophy and Team Building 23:31 Personal Touch and Social Media 26:26 Creative Photoshoots and Family Involvement 27:42 The Emotional Connection to Clothing 28:17 Shooting Challenges and Creative Solutions 30:20 Interior Design of Unique Stores 30:49 Raksha's Inspiring Journey 33:09 Creative Process and Methodical Planning 35:08 Innovative Experiments and Sustainability 37:55 The Birth of Suta 40:05 Future Innovations and Travel Influences 44:21 Vision for Suta's Future 47:16 Rapid Fire and Closing Thoughts

07-02
41:20

From Fashion to Filmy Cops with #GulshanDevaiah

Join Kiran Manral in an engaging conversation with the versatile actor Gulshan Devaiah on the premiere episode of Season 2 of Chasing Creativity.  Discover Gulshan's unique journey from being a fashion designer to a celebrated actor, his childhood influences, challenges in unconventional roles, experiences in theatre, and the technical aspects of acting. Dive into the nuances of his characters, the significance of pre-production, and gain a sneak peek into his latest projects including #BadCop on @Disney+ Hotstar and the spy thriller #Ulajh.  Get ready for an insightful discussion filled with humorous anecdotes and valuable acting insights. Catch the creative folks who are #ChasingCreativity. 00:00 Let’s start! 00:48 Introduction to the Show and Guest 02:11 Gulshan's Journey from Fashion to Acting 02:42 The Influence of Family and Early Exposure to Drama 04:24 Discovering a Passion for Fashion 06:20 Transitioning from Fashion to Acting 09:16 The Role of Aesthetics in Acting 10:55 Choosing Unconventional Roles 15:38 Learning from Experience and Mentors 18:51 Theatre vs. Screen Acting 22:32 Switching Off After Acting 23:27 Method Acting Experiences 25:06 Challenges of Staying in Character 25:33 Exploring Imagination in Acting 27:19 Introduction to Bad Cop 28:21 Double Role Dynamics 31:24 Technical Challenges of Double Roles 33:59 Physical Preparation for Roles 36:41 Anurag Kashyap as an Actor 37:57 Future Projects and Philosophies 39:16 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

06-25
40:10

A Dance Odyssey with Swara Patel

In this inspiring episode of "Chasing Creativity," host Kiran Manral sits down with the remarkable Swara Patel, a passionate dance instructor who embarked on a transformative journey into teaching after the birth of her second child. Join Kiran as she unravels the tale of Swara's rhythmic resurgence, discovering the profound impact that dance has had on both her personal life and her vibrant community.

02-15
24:01

Swallowing the Sun: A Conversation with Lakshmi Puri

Join us on 'Chasing Creativity' for an enlightening dialogue with Lakshmi Puri, former assistant secretary-general at the United Nations and author of 'Swallowing the Sun.' Explore the intersections of leadership and the power of storytelling as Lakshmi shares her insights and experiences from her distinguished career. From the corridors of the UN to the pages of her book, discover the wisdom and inspiration behind her remarkable journey.

02-08
25:56

Making sense of the world through writing ft. Anu Singh Choudhary

Coming from a traditional Bihari family, Anu Singh Choudhary's reasons for taking to writing are as unique as her background and her perspective. Catch Kiran Manral in a freewheeling conversation with the writer of some of TV's biggest recent hits and more is one that will open your eyes to the process of creativity and more.  Be sure to share, subscribe and rate us. 

02-01
27:12

A Literary Sojourn with Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

In this episode of 'Chasing Creativity,' immerse yourself in the poetic realms and literary brilliance with the esteemed author and poet, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. Join host Kiran Manral as they embark on a journey through Chitra's creative landscape, delving into the inspirations, craft, and profound stories that breathe life into her verses and narratives.

01-25
34:08

Nurturing Creativity in Female Spaces

Join Kiran Manral on 'Chasing Creativity' for an inspiring conversation with content creator and founder of Oh My Girls, Tracy D'Souza. Dive into the world of female-focused content creation, community building, and the creative vision that drives Tracy's impactful work. Explore the stories, experiences, and shared creativity within the Oh My Girls community

01-18
29:32

A Culinary Journey with Romy Gill

Join Kiran Manral on 'Chasing Creativity' as she explores the world of flavors with renowned chef and food writer Romy Gill. From the kitchen to the page, discover the art of culinary storytelling, the creative process behind delectable dishes, and the cultural inspirations that shape Romy's gastronomic creations

01-11
31:33

From Words to Wisdom: Rashmi Bansal

Join Kiran Manral on 'Chasing Creativity' for an illuminating discussion with acclaimed non-fiction writer and entrepreneur Rashmi Bansal. Dive into the art of storytelling rooted in reality, as Rashmi shares her perspectives on crafting narratives that inspire change

01-04
28:08

Navigating the Career Cosmos with Ruchee Anand

Join us on 'Chasing Creativity' as Kiran Manral engages in an illuminating conversation with Ruchee Anand, Senior Director of Talent and Learning Solutions at LinkedIn. Delve into the dynamic world of professional development, talent acquisition, and the evolving landscape of learning in the corporate realm. Gain invaluable insights into cultivating a career path, staying ahead in the ever-changing professional landscape, and unlocking the secrets to success from a seasoned expert.

12-28
23:38

An Architectural Odyssey with Sonia Gehlot

Embark on a visually inspiring journey with Kiran Manral on 'Chasing Creativity' as she engages in a captivating conversation with the brilliant architect Sonia Gehlot. Explore the intersections of art and functionality, the stories woven into structures, and the creative principles that shape Sonia's architectural masterpieces

12-21
32:33

The Art of Acting with Saumya Tandon

Join us on an enchanting episode of 'Chasing Creativity' as Kiran Manral engages in a heartfelt conversation with the versatile actress Saumya Tandon. From the stage to the silver screen, Saumya shares her insights into the craft of acting, the challenges, and the boundless creativity that fuels her performances. Discover the stories behind the characters, the nuances of expression, and the artistic journey that defines Saumya's captivating presence in the world of entertainment. 

12-14
28:35

Harmonies Unveiled ft Aashima Mahajan

Kiran Manral, embarks on a soul-stirring conversation with the exceptionally talented singer, Aashima Mahajan. In this episode of "Chasing Creativity," Kiran delves into the intricacies of Aashima's musical journey, exploring the depths of her inspiration and the unique processes that fuel her creative spirit.

12-07
27:13

Recommend Channels