Cyrus chats with Sachin Bangera, VP – Celebrity & PR at PETA India, about what actually moves the needle for animals: rescuing elephants from circuses, ending cruel practices, using celebrity influence the right way, and why “adopt, don’t shop” matters. They swap stories about sanctuary life, policy nudges, teaching compassion (start with a plant!), and the simple step that can save ~200 animals a year: going vegan.

In this episode:

Animatronic elephant school visits & real elephant rescues

Celebrity advocacy that isn’t just for the camera (John Abraham, Raveena Tandon, Adah Sharma)

Wildlife snapshots — tigers, rhinos & why poaching persists

Vegan vs vegetarian, plant-based basics

Community dogs & long-term commitment; spay/neuter reality

Designated feeding spaces, stronger laws, and practical coexistence

Filmmaker Bharat Bala joins Cyrus to share jaw-dropping stories from his extraordinary career — from creating the iconic Vande Mataram with A.R. Rahman to walking 2 km through Gaza’s no-man’s land to meet Yasser Arafat. He recalls gifting Nelson Mandela two Kaju Katlis, discussing compassion with the Dalai Lama, and laughing with Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Bala also opens up about the time he declared “Humanity is imprisoned in Tihar Jail” after screening Bicycle Thief for inmates, his father’s moving war photography, and how a self-funded passion led him to work with some of the world’s greatest leaders.

Plus, he talks about directing large-scale campaigns like Incredible India, capturing the Kumbh Mela, and flying helicopters over Ladakh’s mountains — all while keeping his love for big ideas alive.

It’s an epic journey through art, courage, and creativity.

Look for a bittersweet Indian Army Story in the Episode!

In this episode of Cyrus Says, Cyrus sits down with the ever-versatile Rajesh Tailang for a candid and laugh-filled conversation. Fresh off the release of his brand-new comedy-drama series Bakaiti Rajesh opens up about the heart of the show—set in Ghaziabad, steeped in middle-class chaos, and brimming with relatable family moments.

We dive into his on-screen reunion with Sheeba Chaddha, marking their third collaboration after Mirzapur and Bandish Bandits. Rajesh shares how their decade-long friendship translates into unbeatable chemistry on screen, and why Bakaiti feels like a warm memory brought to life. Along the way, the conversation meanders into the quirks of everyday life, the beauty of small moments, and the tightrope walk between comedy and drama.

From relatable parenting struggles to generational gaps, from the craft of acting to finding humor in the mundane—this episode has it all. Whether you’re a fan of Cyrus’s trademark wit, Rajesh’s nuanced performances, or just curious about the making of Bakaiti, you’re in for a wholesome, entertaining listen.