Best Shailja Chandra Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 39 - kitne bhoole hue zakhmon ka pata yaad aaya 26:01

2y ago26:01

26:01

On how difficult it is to do both - to forgive and to forget. It is a whole journey and not a quick process. And during this process, can we give ourselves permission to fall back to our previous zakhmi emotional state without feeling guilty or angry at ourselves? Featuring Sahir Ludhinavi's Aap aaye to khyaal-e-dil-e-nashad aaya, and words of Gulz…

1
Episode 38: Kitna Sukh Hai Bandhan Me Reprise 16:47

2y ago16:47

16:47

Revisiting this favorite episode of mine that features songs from three classic films portraying three strong female characters - Rajnigandha, Bandini and Guide. This episode takes a fresh look at #BreakTheBias, and opens a conversation on how we can celebrate our choices unapologetically, be it traditional or modern. #BreakTheBias #Yogesh #Shailen…

1
Episode 37: Thodi Si Hai Jani Hui Thodi Si Nayi... 52:24

2+ y ago52:24

52:24

In this episode, talking about love, intimacy, vulnerability, being lost, film Masoom, Shabana azmi, and Emma Thompson, and so much more with the very enigmatic and a hugely defining and brilliant director of all times. #ShekharKapur #shabanaAzmi #Whatslovegottodowithit #masoom #Gulzar #Nusratfatehalikhan…

1
Episode 36: Taaruf Rog Ho Jaaye To Usko Bhulna Behtar... 35:50

2+ y ago35:50

35:50

In this last episode of 2022, insights on ailing, crumbling friendships and connections, and why it is so hard to let them go. You may have different views – which I would love to hear. Featuring the classic Chalo Ik Baar Phir se, Pal do pal ka saath hamara and Mann re tu kaahe na dheer dhare by Sahir Ludhianvi, and words of Gulzar, John Steinback,…

1
Episode 35: Hum apne ansuon me chand taron ko dubo denge 30:11

2+ y ago30:11

30:11

If you are condemned, or privileged, to feel this world and everything in it intensely, then this episode is tailor made for you as it makes a case for melancholy and for all types of Soz-e-dil. Danish philosopher/ poet Kierkegaard said that he felt bliss in melancholy and sadness. Melancholy is beautiful, it could be the only secret gateway to a f…

1
Episode 34: Jab se milne lagi tumse raahein meri 43:08

2+ y ago43:08

43:08

A great city is like a great love (Maria Papova). In this episode, claiming the ever-flowing love that our cities have for us, but we mostly remain oblivious of it all. Sheharon ke paas latife bhi hai, marham bhi hain…can we be beholders of her love for us? Created in the lovely city of Brisbane, this episode features ‘Wadiyan mera daman’, Is mod s…

1
Episode 33: Revisiting Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon (Ep 13) 19:19

2+ y ago19:19

19:19

Revisiting Ep 13 (first published on 2 oct 2021) on how much to assimilate and how much to remain distinct as a migrant? This episode discusses the importance of drawing a delicate balance between the two in the context of our migrant experience. Featuring Anand Bakshi's 'Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon', this episode explores the generative force hidden in…

1
Episode 32: Tere mann me bhi preet hai ki nahin? 31:11

2+ y ago31:11

31:11

This episode explores why it is not a certainty that we will get equal affection, love or respect in our social, romantic, creative relationships. A friend once said that when we seek friendship in someone, they might be looking for a totally different resume than yours. And that’s ok! How can we look at one-sided friendships, relationships differe…

1
Episode 31: Apni Pareshani Mujhe De Do 30:26

2+ y ago30:26

30:26

Often, we feel that sharing someone’s pain (sympathy) is the best help we can offer, that cheering someone in their dark moments is the best way to bring them out of their pain. However, most often than not, we only want our pain to be understood, acknowledged and heard without being talked out of it. Joining someone in their pain is much more heal…

1
Episode 30 - Toota Phoota Dil Ye Hamara 24:31

3y ago24:31

24:31

This episode is a humble reminder that we all are broken in some ways. Being broken (flawed, vulnerable, imperfect) is in the core of the human condition. Yet, we spend most of our wakeful hours hiding our brokeness – be it our professional or social interactions, hamari koshish yahi rahti hai ki hum competent, perfect, samajhdaar dikhen. Our obses…

1
Episode 29 - Raah Pe Rehte Hain... 30:47

3y ago30:47

30:47

In this episode, the undesirable ‘ghar’ we unknowingly make – when we get stuck in our past or uncertainties of the future, in our body’s automated reactivity or in the habituated fears and negativity. Can we bulldoze those ‘ghar’ and become true ‘nomads’? Featuring Raah pe rehte hain, Musafir hoon yaron and Aane wala pal by #Gulzar and Aage bhi ja…

1
Episode 28 - Neeche Ishq Hai, Upar Rab Hai.... 45:04

3y ago45:04

45:04

Ik nahin, sau baatein kar lo, sau baaton ka ik matlab hai...in this episode 'sau baatein' with Vibha Malhotra about the nature of love: love's mystique and intrigue, the foreboding and uncertainty it brings and everything in between...If love is that which can connect us with the infinity…neeche ishq hai…upar rab hai..then can we just sit at the ed…

1
Episode 27: Na Jane Kyun Dil Bhar Gaya 39:24

3y ago39:24

39:24

In this episode, the lauki, petha..and buttons and unicorns of our lives (listen to the podcast to know more :). Those 'currencies' that are beyond the measurements of productivity and efficiency, gains and losses. The simple little joys that are liberally scattered everywhere, yet so elusive. Why? Featuring 'Chhoti si kahani se' from Ijaazat, Dhad…

1
Episode 26: Revisiting Kabhi Kabhi Sapna Lagta Hai (ep 17) 16:17

3y ago16:17

16:17

When I recently met an ex-colleague from the bygone times - the times when I had a dream of writing my book but was stuck in a corporate job - I felt as though I was face to face with my old self from the past....the dreamer who had no inkling of how it will all unravel in due time. Sharing this episode that I recorded right after my dream, my book…

1
Episode 25: Lakhon hain nigah mein 29:27

3y ago29:27

29:27

James Baldwin said, “Nothing is more unbearable, once one has it, than freedom.” In this episode, the paradox of choices - how having more choices may not always mean more happiness, contentment or freedom. Also, the two personality types - maximisers vs. satisficers - how do they react to 'lakhon' choices? #majroohrultanpuri #paradoxofchoices #dec…

1
Episode 24: Main Ek Sadi Se Baithi Hoon 35:15

3y ago35:15

35:15

Reflections from the spiritual heart of Australia – Uluru… Reflections on why the allure of finding the missing piece or our soulmate is so innate in and irresistible to us humans. Featuring Main Ek Sadi Se from Lekin, and words of Gulzar, Rumi and Plato. Other songs featured - Main to kab se khadi is paar (Shailendra), Tumhe dekhti hoon to lagta h…

1
Episode 23: Bura Maan Gaye 21:07

3y ago21:07

21:07

In this episode, expressing dissatisfaction about those who don't know how to become a beholder of other's art and their heart...baat unki jo apne gajre he har ik phool ki taareef to sun na chahte hain…lekin reciprocate nahin karna chahte.Featuring 'bura maan gaye' by Hasrat Jaipuri, 'Mana ho tum behad hasin' by Kaifi Azmi and 'Kisi ki Muskurahaton…

1
Episode 22: Dard Ki Tahein Reprise 18:30

3y ago18:30

18:30

Dard Ki Tahein Reprised (now also featuring 'Aaj Bichhde Hain'). Revisiting this episode as I recently observed the second anniversary of that accident and was thinking that yes, time does create a distance between us and an incident - and rounds off the sharp, jarring edges of the pain, but it does that with a temporary covering of scar tissues, w…

1
Episode 21: Kitna Sukh Hai Bandhan Me 16:47

3y ago16:47

16:47

Featuring songs from three films that featured strong female portrayals Rajnigandha, Bandini and Guide, this episode takes a fresh look at #BreakTheBias. Opening a conversation on how we can celebrate our choices unapologetically be it traditional or modern. #BreakTheBias #Yogesh #Shailendra #womensday…

1
Episode 20: Panchhi Nadiya Pawan Ke Jhonke Koi Sarhad Na Inhe Roke 22:14

3+ y ago22:14

22:14

As millions of Ukrainians pack their life, hopes and desires, customs and culture in a suitcase, people from other countries are also feeling a sense of helplessness that increases with every new media story. In this episode, we visits the words of Yuval Noah Harari, John Steinbeck, Javed Akhtar, Gulzar and Sahir Ludhianvi for an understanding and …

1
Episode 19: Dhoop Ho Chhaya Ho Din Ho Ki Raat Rahe 1:30:12

3+ y ago1:30:12

1:30:12

Paas nahin hain, par nazdeek, bahut nazdeek, hamesha rahengi Lata ji... The first episode of Season 2 is a tribute to that voice that feels like a part of my DNA! Sharing some of my most intimate connections with Lata ji's voice. This episode is also a playlist that you could call 'Shailja waali Lata Playlist' :) #LataMangeshkar #LataPlaylist #Lata…

1
Episode 18: Revisiting Episode 6 Mere Ghar Se Tumko Kuchh Saaman Milega 13:21

3+ y ago13:21

13:21

As I reflect on the metamorphosis of my manuscript to a published book, I was reminded of this episode. Here is a revisit.By Shailja Chandra

1
Episode 17: Kabhi Kabhi Sapna Lagta Hai ( 'The Moonsmith Gulzar' - presenting my book) 13:40

3+ y ago13:40

13:40

This episode is all about my newly released book 'The Moonsmith Gulzar'. Hear what Gulzar Saab said about the book and what the book is about! I am feeling a sense of timelessness with excitement and overwhelm, and this time also I am embracing his words to express myself - 'Kabhi Kabhi Sapna Lagta Hai, kabhi ye sab apna lagta hai'. Also featuring …

1
Episode 16: Zindagi Ki Lau Unchi Kar Chalo 19:52

3+ y ago19:52

19:52

This Diwali, as I deep cleaned and decluttered, I pondered about the darkness and clutters of the mind. Our external and internal 'Diye' and their 'Roshni' - and their unsteadiness or endurance... How was your Diwali? #Gulzar #ParkerPalmer #CarlJung #innerlight #mindfulnessBy Shailja Chandra

1
Episode 15: Jaane Kya Tune Kahi, Jaane Kya Maine Suni 19:16

3+ y ago19:16

19:16

This episode explores 'the beauty and terror' of conversations. More often than not, the emotions and the energies behind our words do not reach the other person the way we intend to…but whatever the outcome 'baat kuchh ban hi jaati hai' right? Featuring Sahir's classic 'Jane kya tune kahi, jane kya maine suni, baat kuchh ban hi gayi...' #Sahir #Gu…

1
Episode 14: A sequel to 'Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon' 7:43

3+ y ago7:43

7:43

A sequel to 'Yahan Main Ajnabi hoon' - exploring a different layer of the messy and complex subject of identity. Also, how the narratives and stories that we tell ourselves shape our identities. #poocheJoKoiMeriNishaani #Gulzar #BashirBadr #AlanWatts #WilliamJames #AlanBaldwin #JhumpaLahiri #ThisIsUs…

1
Episode 13: Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon (Ft. Yahan Main Ajnabi) 19:19

3+ y ago19:19

19:19

How much to assimilate and how much to remain distinct as a migrant? This episode discusses the importance of drawing a delicate balance between the two in the context of our migrant experience. Featuring Anand Bakshi's 'Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon', this episode explores the generative force hidden in feeling 'ajnabi' as a migrant, and the importance o…

1
Episode 12: What is Mukhtasar Si Baat 2:31

3+ y ago2:31

2:31

Summing up insights from life, literature and retro songs - Mukhtasar si baat is about how some songs lend fresh insights about our fallacies and fulfilment, our despairs and desires, and our love and longings…those insights that speak to us individually, yet revealing our collective human condition. This podcast features handpicked retro songs fro…

1
Episode 11: Tinke Ki Tarah Main Bah Nikli (Ft. Diwana Hua Badal) 18:19

3+ y ago18:19

18:19

Kaun bahna chahta hai tinke ki tarah? Our conscious thought, will-power, control are rewarded by the society. So, most of us do not want to ever relinquish our control. But what about that desirable state called the 'Flow' when we are joyous in letting go of our conscious control? Yes, some activities, tasks, projects can be so immersive that we lo…

1
Episode 10: Kis Liye Jeete Hain Hum (Ft. Kabhi Khud Pe Kabhi Haalat pe) 21:40

3+ y ago21:40

21:40

This week - scratching the surface of the classic preoccupation of the human mind. Why should we go on living - Kis Liye Jeete hain hum? Why should we go on living, making money, making art, friends and enemies, loving and leaving this earth without a trace? A big question to have 'Mukhtasar Si Baat' on - but let's explore together some angles. #Sa…

1
Episode 9 (Addendum): Dikhayi Diye Yun Ki Bekhud Kiya 19:11

3+ y ago19:11

19:11

Re-uploading Episode 9 as a small portion somehow got trimmed during previous upload. This week on Mukhtasar Si Baat - an idea that stalked me from the pages of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and 'A Suitable Boy'...all the way to the beautiful love story of Amrita-Sahir-Imroz...#RanjhaYaRabBekhud karne waale logon se aap bhi mile honge? Share with me.Also…

1
Episode 9: Dikhayi Diye Yun, Ki Bekhud Kiya 17:46

3+ y ago17:46

17:46

This week on Mukhtasar Si Baat - an idea that stalked me from the pages of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina and 'A Suitable Boy'...all the way to the beautiful love story of Amrita-Sahir-Imroz...#RanjhaYaRab Bekhud karne waale logon se aap bhi mile honge? Share with me.Also remembering Amrita Pritam on her birthday on 31st August… #AmritaPritam #MirTaqiMir …

1
Episode 8: Koi Bhi Sira Jahan Ja Mila (Janmdin Mubarak Gulzar Saab) 21:34

4y ago21:34

21:34

Wishing Gulzar Saab a very happy birthday! Forever grateful for the presence of his noor in my life. Also In this episode, celebrating the hidden gifts of serendipity and our undeniable urge to discover them. Featuring Tum Aa gaye Ho Noor Aa Gaya Hai. #Gulzar #SusanOrleans #JaunElia #Serendipity #RightBrain #ConnectingDots #meaning #sensemaking #RD…

1
Episode 7: Use Samajhne Ka Koi Silsila (Ft. Main Chahta Bhi Yahi Tha) 20:52

4y ago20:52

20:52

On how we tend to quickly label people in our attempt to understand them. “I am Large, I contain multitudes”! With contradictions and multitudes within us, would it be fair to assign a single label to describe or understand someone? Featuring Waseem Berelvi's 'Main Chahta Bhi Yahi Tha' sung by Jagjit Singh, this episode makes a case for putting in …

1
Episode 6: Mere Ghar Se Tumko Kuchh Saamaan Milega (Ft. Main Shayar Badnaam) 11:10

4y ago11:10

11:10

On how our belongings, possessions and our saamaan convey about who we are. And what about the unseen 'saamaan' of our inner world that we keep collecting - without that, wouldn’t the colours of our identity remain incomplete? Featuring ‘mere ghar se tumko kuchh saamaan milega’ (Main Shayar Badnaam by Anand Bakshi). #Gulzar #AnandBakshi #RDBurman #…

1
Episode 5: Jazbaat hi mere usool (Ft. Rang aur noor ki barat) 12:33

4y ago12:33

12:33

On how our emotionality and being jazbaati can be a bedrock for the most beautiful and authentic connections - yet why is it so hard to remain a jazbaati person in this hard-hearted sangdil world? Featuring Sahir's 'Rang aur noor ki baarat kise pesh karun', and words of Waseem Berlevi, Anais Nin, Parveen Shakir and Gulzar. Aks-e-khushboo hoon - htt…

1
Episode 4: Teri Yaad me Meri Hasti (Ft. teri yaad dil se bhulane chala hoon) 9:23

4y ago9:23

9:23

When new people come in our lives, they bring us in touch with new layers of our own identity, which were dormant before. And if and when they leave, a piece of us goes with them. Featuring 'Teri Yaad Dil Se', and words of William James, Iftikhar Imam Siddiqui and Dan Gilbert. #identity #friendship #friends #breakup #letgo #williamjames #NasirKazmi…

1
Episode 3: Dard Ki Tahein (Ft. Tu Nahin to zindagi me) 12:24

4y ago12:24

12:24

On how time flattens the overwhelming details and complex layers of life's incidents and traumas so that with time all we have left is a waaqiya or an anecdote. But does Time really manage to lessen the pain? Featuring 'Tu nahin to zindagi me' and 'Jana tha hum se door fasane bana diye' https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/think-act-be/201903/th…

1
Episode 2: Arzuon Ke Dard and Arrival Fallacy (Ft. Aye Dil-e-nadan) 9:40

4y ago9:40

9:40

On the illusions of Arrival Fallacy and the wheel of hazaraon khwahishen. On how our arzuyen, seeking make us alive and seed our growth and blossoming. Featuring 'Aye Dil-e-nadan' (by Abhaas Joshi) and 'Ek Akela Is Shehar Me' by Gulzar. #TalBenShahar #Harvard #Gulzar #JanNisarAkhtar #Khayyam #ArrivalFallacy #Arrival #Gharonda #MirzaGhalib #RaatPash…

1
Episode 1: Waqt ke haseen sitam (Ft. Waqt ne kiya) 7:57

4y ago7:57

7:57

How getting what one wants is as big a tragedy as not getting what one wants! Qaribi me doori aur paane me khona - this tyranny of Waqt can be beautiful and generative! Featuring 'Kyun Zindagi Ki Raah Me' and Waqt Ne Kiya Kya Haseen Sitam by Kaifi Azmi. Links: https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/02/12/the-missing-piece-meets-the-big-o-shel-silverste…

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Shailja Chandra Podcasts

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