The Talktopia Sessions

ELF Studios
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Meet amazing musicians, listen to their stories and their music as they perform it live in Elf Studios, New Delhi, India. Each episode is packed with amazing insights, gems of knowledge, awesome original music and plenty of laughs. Tune in, rock out!

Episodes

  1. 9 MAR

    What is ETHICALLY SOURCED AI Music REALLY?

    Debjit Mitra and Hafeez Ahmed are stepping far beyond the traditional role of musicians. They’re exploring what it means to carry the depth, nuance, and legacy of Indian classical music into a future shaped by AI. But this isn’t just about technology. It’s about responsibility. At a time when music can be scraped, processed, and repurposed at scale, they’re asking the difficult questions — how do we ensure that centuries of musical knowledge are respected, not diluted? How do we make Indian classical music more accessible globally, while protecting its soul? And most importantly, how do we make sure that the artists who built this vast “dataset” are fairly paid and properly credited? In this episode of The Talktopia Sessions, hosted by Ashish Ddavidd and Abhijit Chanda, we meet two musicians from vastly different backgrounds coming together to challenge the norm — and attempt something most wouldn’t even consider. A conversation at the intersection of tradition, technology, and the future of music. Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Recorded & Mixed by: Anubhav Verma (https://www.instagram.com/anubhav.music/) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in, https://www.instagram.com/elfstudios.in/ or https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts

    54 min

  2. 9 MAR

    What NOT to do when trying to get into Bollywood!

    Aryan Sharma may describe himself as a singer and actor in his bio — but he’s clearly much more than that. Friendly, courteous and incredibly hardworking, Aryan has been steadily hustling and making impressive inroads into Mumbai’s fiercely competitive worlds of Bollywood playback singing and acting. In this episode, he shares stories from his journey so far — the highs, the struggles, and the lessons learned along the way. More importantly, he talks about the mistakes to avoid when you finally land in India’s tinseltown metropolis — the proverbial city of dreams that tests everyone who arrives chasing ambition. Ever wondered what it’s really like to leave your hometown and head to Bombay in search of fame, fortune and the spotlight? See it all through the eyes of our poster boy Aryan Sharma, in the latest episode of Talktopia Sessions, with hosts Abhijit Chanda and Ashish Ddavidd. Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Recorded & Mixed by: Anubhav Verma (https://www.instagram.com/anubhav.music/) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in, https://www.instagram.com/elfstudios.in/ or https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts

    1hr 2min

  3. 16 FEB

    Pushing the boundaries of music with Arjun Sen (AJ)

    In this episode of The Talktopia Sessions, we sit down with Arjun Sen known also in the music circles as AJ, an accomplished Indian guitarist known for his musical depth, versatility, and years of experience across live performance, studio work, and collaborations. Arjun talks about his journey as a guitar player in India—early influences, shaping a personal sound, navigating the live music scene, session work, practice philosophy, gear choices, and what it really takes to sustain a life in music beyond just talent at his current age of 66 and still gigging! Hosted by Abhijit Chanda and Ashish Ddavidd, this conversation dives into the realities of being a working musician today—discipline, consistency, creative identity, and the unseen work that goes into staying relevant and fulfilled. Whether you’re a guitarist, a musician, or simply someone who loves honest conversations about music and craft, this episode offers insight, perspective, and inspiration straight from the source and as always this episode too has some performances as a wonderful bonus, besides just the conversations! Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Recorded & Mixed by: Anubhav Verma (https://www.instagram.com/anubhav.music/) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi.

    1hr 25min

  4. 26 JAN

    Ravi Iyer's Journey to Revolutionizing Indian Fusion Music

    Ravi Iyer is a living example that one can be like no one else and still hold their own as a Musical Voice that’s endured changing tides for over three decades of life. Even if you have heard Indian Fusion you’ve probably never heard music like his and YES we do have a lot of music in this episode as usual! His life and times, his influences and beliefs, all the places he’s been to and the promises of everything that’s yet to come. All this and much more coming up in this latest episode of Talktopia Sessions with Abhijit Chanda and Ashish Ddavidd. Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Recorded & Mixed by: Anubhav Verma (https://www.instagram.com/anubhav.music/) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in, https://www.instagram.com/elfstudios.in/ or https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts

    1hr 10min

  5. 13 JAN

    The Surprising Sound of Brazilian Acoustic Jazz Revealed

    In this episode of Talktopia Sessions, we sit down with Pranay Verma, guitarist, composer, session musician, and one of Delhi’s most in-demand musical collaborators. From jazz and soul to blues, rock, and Brazilian grooves, Pranay has steadily built his reputation in the modern Indian independent music scene, both on stage and in the studio. We dive into his journey of growing up as a guitarist in Delhi and how early influences shaped his musical voice. He shares his path from being a dedicated student of the instrument to becoming a sought-after professional session player, navigating the realities of practice, performance, and persistence. We talk about his experiences working with bands, singer-songwriters, and live acts across genres, and what it takes to adapt and deliver in every musical setting. Pranay also opens up about studio life, the discipline, etiquette, and mindset required to be a reliable session musician, along with the challenge of finding your own sound in a crowded and constantly evolving music ecosystem. Finally, we explore his inspirations, long-term dreams, and his perspective on the future of Indian original music. Whether you are a guitarist, a band leader, a singer-songwriter, or someone who loves behind-the-scenes music stories, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and inspiration. Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Recorded & Mixed by: Anubhav Verma (https://www.instagram.com/anubhav.music/) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in, https://www.instagram.com/elfstudios.in/ or https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts

    46 min

  6. 4 JAN

    The QUEEN of Indian Blues shares her SOULFUL journey

    Tipriti “Tips” Kharbangar is widely regarded as one of India’s most powerful and soulful voices — a singer whose raw emotion, impeccable control, and deep musicality have inspired audiences across the country. In this interview, she opens up about her journey from growing up in Shillong’s vibrant music culture to finding her own unique sound rooted in blues, soul and the stories of the hills she comes from. With honesty and warmth, she talks about her evolution as an artist, her vocal approach, and the experiences that shaped her into one of the most respected performers in Indian independent music. She also reflects on the changing landscape of live music in India, the importance of authenticity on stage, and what it means to carry forward a genre with such emotional depth. Tipriti shares her philosophies on singing, creativity, collaboration and staying true to one’s artistic identity despite trends and pressures. This conversation lets you see the musician behind the iconic voice — thoughtful, grounded and driven purely by the love of music. Follow Tipriti on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilmamatips/ For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in

    59 min

  7. 26/11/2025

    Big Bang Blues

    Hosts Abhijit Chanda and Ashish Ddavidd sit down with Diyatom Deb and Sushant Thakur of Big Bang Blues for a powerful, music-packed conversation. From their journey in the Delhi indie scene to the evolution of Big Bang Blues and their various other musical outfits, songwriting, tone-building, touring stories, and the soul behind their sound - this episode dives into everything that makes them one of India’s most respected blues-rock acts pan-India, including a story involving an attempted robbery, some misplaced love letters and a lost radio would, many years later, shape the sound of things to come! This is a fun, honest, and deeply musical chat you don’t want to miss. Sushant Thakur - https://www.instagram.com/zoozant/ Diyatom - https://www.instagram.com/diyatomdebmusic/ Big Bang Blues - https://www.instagram.com/bigbangbluesindia/ Lost Radio - https://www.instagram.com/getlostradio/ Delhi Blues Society - https://www.instagram.com/delhibluessociety/ Big Bang Blues - https://open.spotify.com/artist/1O02hURXP9byKHqy2fa4If?si=vQIrFzBXQpyM32fonc6EVA Hosted by: Abhijit Chanda (https://www.instagram.com/abhijit.chanda?igsh=MXFoZXlibGFyZWsxNA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr) Ashish Ddavidd: (https://www.instagram.com/jabjoongabagboonga?igsh=MWtkcmV2YmMzeXU2bg==) Filmed and edited by: Cinesky Photography (https://www.instagram.com/cineskyofficial?igsh=MWNsdjBqa3R3ajFiMA==) Shot at Talktopia Podcasts, a part of Elf Studios, New Delhi. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in or https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts?igsh=MWp3azIxN25xbWl2NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

    1hr 23min

  8. 02/11/2025

    Shashank Bhatnagar

    In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Abhijit Chanda and Ashish Ddavidd sit down with Shashank Bhatnagar, the legendary ex-vocalist of Undying Inc, one of India’s most ferocious and influential metal bands. Shashank opens up about his early days in the scene, the rise of Indian metal in the 2000s, what really went on behind the sound and the stage, and how he’s evolved as an artist, performer, and human being. From brutal breakdowns to personal breakthroughs this episode dives deep into discipline, aggression, identity, and reinvention. Whether you’re a die-hard Undying fan or just discovering the Indian metal story, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss. For more information about Talktopia Podcasts and Elf Studios, please visit www.elfstudios.in Follow Shashank at https://www.instagram.com/dethnagar/

    1hr 15min

  9. 16/10/2025

    Winston Balman brings Country Music to India!

    We had an absolute blast hosting Winston Balman at Elf Studios, Delhi for a super fun podcast interview session. The vibe was easy and honest—just great conversations about music, life, and everything in between. Winston, with his signature mix of country, blues, and rock ’n’ roll, shared stories from his journey and insights into the indie scene in a way only he can. With the cozy, creative energy of Elf Studios' ‘Talktopia’ (our video podcast recording floor) as the backdrop, the chat turned into one of those sessions you just don’t want to end. If you’re an artist, creator, or storyteller looking to record your next song, album, or podcast, come say hi to us at Elf Studios and its podcast wing, Talktopia. We’ve built a space where music and ideas come to life under one roof—with pro-level sound, a creative team that gets your vision, and an environment that lets you focus purely on what you do best: creating! Elf Studios & Talktopia https://www.instagram.com/elfstudios.in/ https://www.instagram.com/talktopiapodcasts/ Winston Balman https://www.instagram.com/winstonbalmanmusic/

    1hr 9min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Meet amazing musicians, listen to their stories and their music as they perform it live in Elf Studios, New Delhi, India. Each episode is packed with amazing insights, gems of knowledge, awesome original music and plenty of laughs. Tune in, rock out!

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