Cyril Babu’s journey is as diverse as the roles he juggles. An Indian-born American, single father, writer, director, and Ayurvedic practitioner, he has carved a unique niche in various fields. Originally known as Felix Stephen during his tenure as a therapist, he now embraces the name Cyril Babu, signifying a profound shift in his identity.
At the heart of Babu’s endeavors is his role as the founder and CEO of The In Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the noble cause of advocating for girls’ and women’s education. The foundation goes beyond rhetoric, actively involved in building schools and implementing targeted programs. Central to their mission is the STEP IN™ program, a visionary initiative emphasizing the transformative power of educating girls. This K–12 program strives to create an environment fostering the holistic development of young women, intertwining education, environmental consciousness, and civic engagement.
Babu’s motivation for this philanthropic venture is deeply personal, rooted in his experience as a single full-time father of two daughters. Witnessing firsthand the prejudices faced by girls and women, he was impelled to make a tangible difference. The In Foundation stands as a testament to his commitment to dismantling barriers and empowering the female voices of tomorrow.
Beyond his altruistic pursuits, Babu wears the hat of a healer at his facility in Los Angeles. Here, he offers an array of holistic practices, from yoga and meditation sessions to massages. His eclectic approach to well-being includes vedic principles, deep-tissue massages, and even psychedelic sessions. Clients from around the globe, including luminaries such as Robert Downey Jr., Sting, Jerry Stahl, Trudie Styler, Ron Sweeney, and Ben Stiller, have sought solace in Babu’s healing hands.
In the sprawling city of Bangalore, India, a child named Felix Cyril Babu Stephen was born on February 14, 1962. Little did the world know that this unassuming birth would mark the genesis of a transformative force—a man known today as Cyril Babu.
For more than two decades, Babu has garnered acclaim as a vedic practitioner and instructor in the United States, renowned for his profound ability to alleviate physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. His influence extends globally, attracting clients from diverse corners of the world, including the Bahamas, France, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Japan, and beyond. Babu’s expertise transcends geographical boundaries, making him a sought-after figure in the realm of holistic well-being on an international scale.
Beyond his spiritual pursuits, Babu has left an indelible mark in academia, serving as a distinguished lecturer at Loyola Marymount University. Within the university’s hallowed halls, he not only imparted knowledge but sparked engaging dialogues with students. These thought-provoking discussions spanned a spectrum of topics, ranging from spirituality, prosperity, and willpower to emotions, relationships, Eastern thought, and the intricacies of the contemporary world. Babu’s commitment to exploring prevailing spiritual dilemmas showcased his dedication to fostering intellectual curiosity and enlightenment among the academic community, leaving an enduring impact on the minds of the next generation.
Babu’s journey took a cinematic turn in 2009 when he founded Observation Productions, a Los Angeles-based film production company. Assuming the roles of writer, director, and executive producer, he embarked on a creative endeavor that culminated in his directorial debut, “Breaking Tradition.” This poignant love story, featuring an all-American lad and a Muslim girl, is slated for release on February 2, 2024. It promises to be a cinematic exploration of love transcending boundaries, mirroring Babu’s own journey of breaking conventional norms.
Moreover, Babu is an accomplished author, adding literary flair to his repertoire. His book, “IN,” delves into the intricate interplay between tantric concepts of passion and Western ideals of love. A watercolor-infused journey through verse, the book showcases Babu’s ability to weave together diverse philosophies into a harmonious narrative.
Preceding his deep dive into the realms of Ayurveda and spirituality, Babu occupied pivotal roles at KCET and Sony Pictures Entertainment. This transition from the corporate echelons to the realms of holistic healing and creative expression underscores his transformative journey. It serves as a testament to Babu’s evolution as a multifaceted individual, navigating the intersection of disparate worlds with finesse. His trajectory from the structured corporate environment to the expansive landscape of holistic well-being speaks volumes about his commitment to personal growth and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life, reflecting a profound metamorphosis in both professional and spiritual dimensions.
In a world often defined by specialization, Felix Cyril Babu Stephen, or Cyril Babu as he prefers to be known, stands as a living testament to the boundless possibilities of a life dedicated to healing, philanthropy, and creative expression. From the bustling streets of Bangalore to the vibrant city of Los Angeles, his journey resonates as an inspiring narrative of breaking conventions, embracing diversity, and creating a positive impact on the lives of those he touches. As we await the release of “Breaking Tradition,” the world watches with anticipation, eager to witness the next chapter in the extraordinary journey of Cyril Babu.
