Best Vanitas Arts Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 67: Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) - with Vanita Kohli-Khandekar 54:16

1h ago54:16

54:16

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do puts the fun in dysfunctional. Vanita Kohli-Khandekar and I revisit the 2015 comedy drama that happens to be one of our favortie films by Zoya. Join us! If you enjoy the podcast, do consider supporting the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/257788/s…

1
Van Vliet's Interior of the Oude Kerk, Delft 15:15

26d ago15:15

15:15

Sydney has stopped at Interior of the Oude Kerk, Delft for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Hendrick van Vliet and shows the inside of a building. In the season finale, Sydney talks about matching outfits, hamburgers, and what she learned these past eight months. Show Notes The sources used for the information on Hendrick van Vliet are:…

1
Episode 66: Aatish (1994) - with Avneesh, Vikram and Saurabh 1:26:26

27d ago1:26:26

1:26:26

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Aatish: Feel the Fire turns 30 this year. Avneesh Prashar, Saurabh Nair, Vikram Bondal and I celebrate Sanjay Gupta's 1994 action drama, a film that all four of us are fond of. Join us as we look back on — the bromance of Baba and Nawab; Gupta's eye for style, music, action an…

1
Wtewael’s Kitchen Scene 9:32

1M ago9:32

9:32

Sydney has stopped at Kitchen Scene for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Peter Wtewael and shows a feast being prepared. Sydney talks about cooking, company, whistling, self-worth, and laughter. Show Notes The source used for the information on Peter Wtewael is https://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/bio/w/wtewael/peter/biograph.html The tran…

1
Jordaens' The Holy Family with Shepherds 10:08

2M ago10:08

10:08

Sydney has stopped at The Holy Family with Shepherds for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Jacob Jordaens and shows a simple moment between mother and child. Sydney talks about approachability, makes a dorky reference, and accepting but not denying experiences. Show notes The sources used for the information on Jordaens are https://www.n…

1
Episode 65: Sharaabi (1984) - with Alok, Dipta and Shiva 1:40:37

2M ago1:40:37

1:40:37

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Sharaabi (1984) turns 40 this year. Superfans Alok Sharma, Diptakirti Chaudhuri and Shiva Krishnamurthy join me as we celebrate the Prakash Mehra film that gave us one of Amitabh Bachchan's top performances, Bappi-da's ace soundtrack, and some of the most incisive and clear-ey…

1
de Gheyn’s Vanitas Still Life 18:24

2M ago18:24

18:24

Sydney has stopped at Vanitas Still Life for today’s episode.This artwork was painted by Jacques Gheyn and shows a skull in an alcove, along with other items. Listen to her talk about death, theater, and finding happiness. The sources used for the information on Gheyn are: https://www.wga.hu/frames-e.html?/bio/g/gheyn/biograph.html https://web.arch…

1
Episode 64: Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Kavaludaari - with Hemanth M Rao 1:21:50

3M ago1:21:50

1:21:50

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Hemanth M Rao joins us to chat about his gripping, noir-ish investigative thriller Kavaludaari and the stirring Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (Side A and Side B). Hemanth also shared his experiences assisting Girish Kasaravalli and co-writing with Sriram Raghavan. Joins us! If you e…

1
Episode 63: Kohrra, Halahal - with Randeep Jha 1:25:44

4M ago1:25:44

1:25:44

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Randeep Jha joins us for a long chat on his excellent debut feature film Halahal, Netflix's Kohrra, his equally uncompromising short film Kartaa, and Trial by Fire which he co-directed. If you enjoy the podcast, do consider supporting the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/25778…

1
ter Borch the Younger's A Woman Playing the Theorbo-Lute and a Cavalier 12:10

5M ago12:10

12:10

Sydney has stopped at A Woman Playing the Theorbo-Lute and a Cavalier for today’s episode. This artwork is painted by Gerard ter Borch the Younger and shows a woman playing an instrument with a man listening. Sydney talks about music, her desire to learn guitar, and a change in perspective. Show Notes The sources used for the information on Gerard …

1
Episode 62: Box Office Roundup - with Akkshay Rathie 1:11:00

5M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! For cinephiles, cinema halls are like places of worship. Following the long and harsh Covid winter, cinema halls had a massive sunny run in 2023 thanks to Pathaan, Gadar 2, Jawan and Animal. Exhibitor and friend of the podcast, Akkshay Rathie joins us for a chat on — the banne…

1
Kalf’s Still Life with Ginger Pot and Porcelain Bowl 11:22

6M ago11:22

11:22

Sydney has stopped at Still life with Ginger Pot and Porcelain Bowl for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Willem Kalf and shows a variety of items on a table. Before you click away, give the episode a chance as Sydney talks about looking deeper, patience, and appreciation. Show Notes The sources used for the information on Willem Kalf ar…

1
Bor's The Disillusioned Medea 11:33

7M ago11:33

11:33

Sydney has stopped at The Disillusioned Medea for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Paulus Bor and shows a young morose woman. Listen to Sydney tell her tale and talk about how one of the most hated women can be seen in a new light. The sources used for the information on Paulus Bor are Liedtke, Walter A. (2007). Dutch Paintings in the M…

1
Cuyp’s Young Herdsmen with Cows 12:50

7M ago12:50

12:50

Sydney has stopped at Young Herdsmen with Cows for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Aelbert Cuyp and shows a raised field with cows and young men guarding them. Listen as she talks about tranquility, experience, and intent. The sources used for the information on Cuyp are Stephen Reiss (1975). Aelbert Cuyp. Zwemmer. ISBN 9780302027356. …

1
Episode 61: Raakh (1989) - with Aditya Bhattacharya 1:48:40

7M ago1:48:40

1:48:40

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Aditya Bhattacharya's Raakh (1989) is a powder keg of a film. The kind of film which you can't stop thinking about for a day or two, every time you watch it. Aditya joins me for almost a 2-hour long chat on his remarkable debut film, the story behind the film, Aamir Khan, and …

1
Brugel the Elder's The Harvesters 7:37

8M ago7:37

7:37

Sydney has stopped at The Harvesters for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and shows a day working in the fields. Listen as she describes cooperation and how rushing isn’t always the best thing. Show Notes The transcript of this episode can be found at https://longlivebatart.tumblr.com/post/733517329057677312/bru…

1
Episode 60: Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2 (2003) - with Shashanka Ghosh 1:05:15

8M ago1:05:15

1:05:15

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! One of my favorite Arshad Warsi films turns 20 this week. Writer-director Shashanka Ghosh joins me to talk about Waisa Bhi Hota Hai Part 2, a film that was an absolute trip and had banger of a soundtrack that included Kailash Kher's chartbuster Allah Ke Bande. Crazy stories ab…

1
van Leyden's Pyramus and Thisbe 17:55

9M ago17:55

17:55

Sydney has stopped at the engraving Pyramus and Thisbe by Lucas van Leyden for today’s episode. The artwork shows two young people, one dying or dead and the other one about to be so. Before you click away, if you have the mental space for hearing about fictional suicide Sydney would be grateful. Listen as Sydney describes the scene, tells a story …

1
Hals' Youth with a Skull 13:01

9M ago13:01

13:01

Sydney has stopped at Youth with a Skull for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Frans Hals and shows a young man holding a skull. She also talks about nostalgia and practice in all things. Show Notes The sources used for the information on Frans Hals are https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/hals/hd_hals.htm https://books.google.com/books?id=…

1
Episode 59: Thoovanathumbikal (1987) - with Bejoy Nambiar 1:05:27

9M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Bejoy Nambiar (Shaitan, David, Solo, Taish) joins us for a deep dive of one of his all-time favorites, Padmarajan's Thoovanathumbikal. We talked about the complex characterizations, Mohanlal's terrific performance, Sumalatha's fascinating Clara and Johnson's timeless backgroun…

1
You're Somethin' Else Gladys 36:10

10M ago36:10

36:10

‘You’re Something Else, Gladys’, written by Anita Franklin and produced by Vanitas Arts, reimagines the story of former Drag King Gladys Bentley, who finds herself and husband Charles living at her mother's house in the 1950's US McCarthy Era. Gone are the golden years of the Harlem Renaissance when Gladys could single handedly fill the Clam Club a…

1
The Night The Music Died 52:25

10M ago52:25

52:25

Ken 'Snakehips' Johnson, swing band leader, conductor, dancer and BBC broadcaster performs weekly at the BBC whilst leading his band, The West Indian Jazz orchestra. Ken and his band are the house band at the fashionable Cafe de Paris club located in the basement below a cinema in Soho. In March 1941, Ken leaves his lover the infamous Gerald Hamilt…

1
Ter Brugghen’s Mars Asleep 11:19

10M ago11:19

11:19

Ter Brugghen’s Mars Asleep Sydney has stopped at Mars Asleep for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Hendrick ter Brugghen and shows the Roman god snoozing. Sydney talks about human gods and being wrong. The sources used for the information on Hendrik ter Brugghen are https://www.britannica.com/biography/Hendrik-Terbrugghen http://collecti…

1
Episode 58: Hansal Mehta 1:53:41

11M ago1:53:41

1:53:41

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Hansal Mehta joins us for a chat on two of his early films, Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar and Chhal. One's a black comedy about end of innocence. The other's a sharp action drama centered around betrayal. Both films had compelling story lines, terrific cast, great music and both attempte…

1
Bosch's St. John in the Wilderness 14:08

11M ago14:08

14:08

Sydney has stopped at St. John in the Wilderness for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Hieronymus Bosch and shows a Biblical figure. Listen as she describes her own beliefs and how she believes everyone can learn from someone they claim to know so well. Show Notes Sydney has stopped at another artwork in the gallery. The sources used for…

1
Bruegel the Elder’s Tower of Babel 12:09

12M ago12:09

12:09

Sydney has stopped at Tower of Babel for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Pieter Bruegel the Elder and shows a Biblical scene. Even if you aren’t Catholic, you might enjoy this episode. She talks- among other topics- about vision, clarity of words, building, and community. The source used for the information on Pieter Bruegel the Elder …

1
Episode 57: Rangeela (1995) - with Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul 1:14:34

12M ago1:14:34

1:14:34

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Mrunmayee Lagoo Waikul, who co-created Scoop and wrote Thappad, joins me for a deep dive of one of her favorite films, Rangeela! We talked about Rangeela's charming old-school writing, the strong lead female character, women in RGV's films, Aamir Khan's method performance, Rah…

1
Steen's Twelfth Night 18:55

1y ago18:55

18:55

Sydney has stopped at the painting Twelfth Night by Jan Steen for today’s episode. The painting shows a lively party, so listen to Sydney tackle the 15 people depicted, the background, and foreground. She also talks about texture, her thoughts on the inebriated, and how the past links to the present through something crucial. The sources used for t…

1
Vermeer's The Milkmaid 12:17

1y ago12:17

12:17

Sydney has stopped at The Milkmaid for today’s episode. This artwork was painted by Johannes Vermeer and shows a woman pouring milk. That might not seem interesting, but take a chance and listen to Sydney describe the scene and the beauty of the mundane painted by her favorite artist. Sydney has loved Vermeer since early childhood and listen as she…

1
Season One Trailer- Dutch Masters 2:09

1y ago2:09

2:09

A more detailed look into what you can expect from the inaugural season of Long Live Bat Art. As an added bonus, you can listen to Sydney try valiantly to pronounce the names of the Dutch artists she’ll be covering this season. She’s sorry for any butchering, but she’s trying her best. The transcript of this episode can be found at https://longlive…

1
General Trailer 1:54

1y ago1:54

1:54

The introductory trailer to let you know what this show will be all about, from the content to what you can expect from each episode. Sydney hopes you enjoy the setup to a slow tour through an art gallery with someone who wants to share the experience of taking time to appreciate art. The transcript of this episode can be found at https://longliveb…

1
Episode 56: Ram Gopal Varma 1:46:47

1y ago1:46:47

1:46:47

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Fanboy moment! On the eve of Satya's 25th anniversary, a 2-hour-long chat with RGV on everything from Shiva and Raat, to Satya and Company, to Sarkar and Bhoot, to Nishabd and Mast. Unfiltered and unabashed as always, RGV shared some cool insights, stories and anecdotes. Join …

1
Episode 55: Vikram Bhatt 1:03:31

1y ago1:03:31

1:03:31

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Vikram Bhatt's Ghulam, a key 90s film and one of Aamir Khan's most popular film, turns 25 this year. Vikram joins me for a wide-ranging chat on Ghulam, music in his films, Raaz and the horror genre, his early days assisting Mukul Anand and Mahesh Bhatt, his streaming platform,…

1
Episode 54: Zanjeer (1973) - with Diptakirti Chaudhuri 1:05:11

1y ago1:05:11

1:05:11

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Amitabh Bachchan's breakout film was Zanjeer (1973). The film not only proved to be the breakout vehicle for India's biggest superstar and cultural icon, but it also ushered in the Bachchan-Salim-Javed era and the trend of action dramas. Diptakirti Chaudhuri, a lifelong Hindi …

1
Episode 53: Jubilee - with Atul Sabharwal and Vikramaditya Motwane 52:51

1+ y ago52:51

52:51

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! I really enjoyed the new period drama Jubilee, set in the 40s and 50s, and centered on the aspiration and ambition of a group of people from the world of Hindi cinema. I got a chance to pick the brains of writer Atul Sabharwal (Powder, Aurangzeb, Class of 83) and director/show…

1
Episode 52: Tashan (2008) - with Vijay Krishna Acharya 1:25:47

1+ y ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Tashan (2008) turns 15 this year. Writer-director Vijay Krishna Acharya joins me as we look back on the YRF film that tried to break new ground and tried to do it in style. We chatted about writing the film, the terrific soundtrack, the nods, the action, and its reception. An …

1
Episode 51: Imtiaz Ali's Socha Na Tha (2005) - with Kanika Katyal 1:40:06

1+ y ago1:40:06

1:40:06

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Imtiaz Ali's exploration of romance and relationships stands out among his peers. Kanika Katyal, a freelance culture writer and Imtiaz Ali superfan joins me as we try to deconstruct the filmmaker's storytelling, focussing on his debut film, Socha Na Tha (2005). Join us! Now, y…

1
Episode 50: Agneepath (1990) - with Amborish Roychoudhury 1:26:14

1+ y ago1:26:14

1:26:14

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! National Film Award-winning author Amborish Roychoudhury joins me for a deep dive of one of my favorite films produced by Dharma Productions, Agneepath (1990). Directed by Mukul Anand, Agneepath was ahead of its time and was never fully appreciated. This episode is our small a…

1
Episode 49: Favorite films of 2022 1:50:36

1+ y ago1:50:36

1:50:36

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Listeners join in to chat about some of our favorite films of 2022! Sandeep Padhi, Amey Pandit and Anirudh Somani join me as we reflect on RRR, Gangubai, Me Vasantrao, Kantara, Monica O My Darling, Jhund, Laal Singh Chaddha, Toolsidas Jr., and Jersey. We also chatted about Raj…

1
Episode 48: Sholay (1975) - with Sanjay Gadhvi 1:24:08

1+ y ago1:24:08

1:24:08

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Sanjay Gadhvi directed Dhoom and Dhoom 2, two of the biggest action films of last 20 years. Sholay is not just the biggest film but probably the biggest action film of all-time as well. (More than) an hour on Sholay with Sanjay Gadhvi! Feedback/comments/questions: loveofcinema…

1
Episode 47: Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008) - with Upendra Sidhaye 1:00:49

2y ago1:00:49

1:00:49

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Nishikant Kamat's Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008) is a story of a city, grappling with paranoia and prejudice, that somehow always manages to muster the courage and show good sense in conquering its fears and prejudice. Upendra Sidhaye, who co-wrote (with Yogesh Vinayak Joshi) the fil…

1
Episode 46: Sejal Shah (Bombay Fables) 56:13

2y ago56:13

56:13

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Bombay Fables is one of the more interesting production houses. Their first two projects, Serious Men and Decoupled, both, have tasted critical acclaim and wide popularity. Their slate looks equally interesting with the recently released second season of Delhi Crime and the se…

1
Episode 45: Abhishek Chaubey 1:11:31

2y ago1:11:31

1:11:31

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Writer-director Abhishek Chaubey joins us for a chat on his films (Ishqiya, Dedh Ishqiya, Udta Punjab, Sonchiriya) as well as Omkara and Maqbool, films which he co-wrote/assisted on. Abhishek and I chatted about adapting classics, writing good story endings, and prioritizing s…

1
Episode 44: Sonchiriya (2019) - with Sudip Sharma 1:02:05

2y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Writer Sudip Sharma (NH10, Udta Punjab, Paatal Lok, Laal Kaptaan) joins us for a Sonchiriya deep dive. Sonchiriya is one of my favorite films of last 10 years. It's also my favorite Sushant Singh Rajput film. I believe his performance, much like the film, remains underrated an…

1
Episode 43: Gupt (1997) - with Abhishek Mukherjee 55:43

2y ago55:43

55:43

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Gupt: The Hidden Truth evokes a wide range of memories for many. The timeless soundtrack by Viju Shah, the smashing reveal, wild dialogue, Rajiv Rai's direction, Ashok Mehta's cinematography, the amusing ensemble of supporting cast and of course, Manisha Koirala, Kajol and Bob…

1
Episode 42: Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994) - with Hardik Mehta 1:20:43

2y ago1:20:43

1:20:43

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! A senior film journalist once mentioned that Gauri Khan (SRK's wife) once told her that reel-life Sunil of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa was very similar to real-life SRK. Hardik Mehta (Trapped, Kaamyaab, Decoupled) joins me to talk about Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994), a film that holds …

1
Episode 41: RRR (2022) - with Josh Hurtado 49:58

2+ y ago49:58

49:58

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Rajamouli's newest movie is more than 3 hours long. Can't recall the last time I watched a film that long and walked out of the cinemas wishing it was longer. Loved it. Film critic Josh Hurtado joins us for a deep dive of RRR as we try to unpack the film's goodness, Rajamouli'…

1
Episode 40: Johnny Gaddaar (2007) - with Sagar Haveli (Paatal Lok) 1:06:28

2+ y ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Sagar Haveli, who co-wrote Paatal Lok, joins us for a deep dive of Sriram Raghavan's Johnny Gaddaar (2007). Sagar and I tried to unpack how Raghavan excels at building tension and doing it beautifully, while paying homage to classic films and masters of cinema like Hitchcock, …

1
Episode 39: Monsoon Wedding (2001) - with Rakhee Sandilya 1:10:27

2+ y ago1:10:27

1:10:27

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! Rakhee Sandilya co-wrote and directed the engaging 2017 drama Ribbon, starring Kalki Koechlin and Sumeet Vyas. She joins us for the next installment in our series of deep dives with screenwriters/filmmakers on their favorite films. Rakhee chose Mira Nair's celebrated 2001 dram…

1
Episode 38: A R Rahman of 90s - with Karthik Srinivasan 1:41:47

2+ y ago1:41:47

1:41:47

Hi everyone, thanks for listening. Drop a line or two about the episode! A look back at A R Rahman of 90s with popular music blogger and Rahman super-fan, Karthik Srinivasan. We revisit 16 songs from 90s, curated with the singular goal of showcasing what made Rahman of 90s so unique and special. The collection includes songs in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Vanitas Arts Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide