From Vande Mataram, AR Rahman to Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama ft. Bharat Bala

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!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.