Bollywood, Pro Panja League & Pure Chaos ft. Parvin Dabbas | Cyrus Says
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Bollywood, Pro Panja League & Pure Chaos ft. Parvin Dabbas | Cyrus Says” inside PodZeus.
In this dynamic episode of 'Cyrus Says,' host Cyrus engages in a wide-ranging conversation with Parvin Dabbas, a Canadian-born Indian entrepreneur, actor, and the driving force behind the Pro Panja League. The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into the origins and evolution of Panja—India's traditional arm-wrestling game—transformed into a high-energy, professionally produced sports league. Dabbas shares how his passion for combat sports, sparked by MMA and UFC, led to the creation of the Pro Panja League in 2017, with its second season now complete and a third season on the horizon. The league, now broadcast on Sony Sports and DD Sports, features elite athletes from across India and abroad, with plans for a global World Championship in October featuring over 2,000 athletes from 75 countries. The episode also explores the unique culture of the sport—its rules, training, and the electrifying live audience experience—while highlighting the inclusion of women and differently-abled athletes. Beyond sports, Dabbas reflects on his diverse career in Bollywood, theatre, and entrepreneurship, including his role in the cult film 'Khostla Ka Gostla' and its upcoming sequel. The conversation then shifts to global issues, including the war in the Middle East, the role of AI in filmmaking, and environmental concerns like AQI, with Dabbas advocating for personal responsibility over performative activism. The episode closes with a playful yet poignant reflection on legacy, branding, and the enduring power of human connection in a chaotic world.
The Pro Panja League is a rapidly growing, professionalized version of India’s traditional arm-wrestling game, now broadcast on Sony Sports and DD Sports with a global World Championship planned for October.
The league features 22 athletes per team (including two foreigners), six men’s weight categories, three women’s, and one for differently-abled athletes, with a focus on entertainment, branding, and athlete development.
Panja is not just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon rooted in ancient traditions, with mythological ties to Hanuman and Ravan, and a growing global presence.
Athletes can earn significant income not just from the sport, but through personal branding, social media influence, and endorsements—mirroring the model in cricket.
Dabbas emphasizes personal responsibility over performative activism, urging individuals to take real action on issues like pollution and social justice.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
The Birth of Pro Panja League
“We started with a vacuum in the market for a UFC podcast in India. After the McGregor-Nade Diaz fight, I had a lot of views pent up inside of me and I was like, okay, there’s nothing being spoken about it in India.”
From Amateur Tournaments to Global Stage
“We did an event at the Radio Club Pierre with the Gateway of India in the back. It was a fabulous idea. We got the sunset and into the darkness with the lights.”
Rules, Training, and the Live Experience
“It’s like a two-hour film. You don’t make it too long. It’s entertaining. It’s short. And I compare the pace to American football.”
Women, Inclusion, and the Global Vision
“The girls are very, very tough. I would not do Panja with them. Let’s just say that.”
Bollywood, Legacy, and the Human Factor
The conversation shifts to Parvin’s Bollywood career, his role in 'Khostla Ka Gostla,' and the upcoming sequel. He reflects on AI in filmmaking, the importance of personal branding, and the emotional toll of global conflicts like the Middle East war.
“We started with a vacuum in the market for a UFC podcast in India. After the McGregor-Nade Diaz fight, I had a lot of views pent up inside of me and I was like, okay, there’s nothing being spoken about it in India.”
“We did an event at the Radio Club Pierre with the Gateway of India in the back. It was a fabulous idea. We got the sunset and into the darkness with the lights.”
“It’s like a two-hour film. You don’t make it too long. It’s entertaining. It’s short. And I compare the pace to American football.”
Host
Guest
Parvin Dabbas
person
Pro Panja League
organization
Cyrus
person
Iran
place
Khostla Ka Gostla
media
Bollywood
other
Sony Sports
organization
Middle East
place
Sunil Shetty
person
AQI
other
Bollywood, Propaganda & Box Office Madness | Shamik Chakrabarti | Cock and Bull
Cyrus Says • 1h 0m • 4/7/2026
The One Where Dad Gets Roasted | Cock & Bull | ft. Mikhaail Broacha
Cyrus Says • 53m • 4/7/2026
Swanand Kirkire on Lyrics, Acting, NSD & Band Wale
Cyrus Says • 46m • 4/7/2026
Adi Shankar on Anime, Hollywood and Devil May Cry
Cyrus Says • 1h 9m • 4/7/2026
Drones, Spies & World War Fears?! | Dr. Sanket Kulkarni | Defence Analyst
Cyrus Says • 1h 26m • 4/7/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Bollywood, Pro Panja League & Pure Chaos ft. Parvin Dabbas | Cyrus Says” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime