Runa Mukherjee, Author at Arré

Main Aur Meri Tanhai: Instagram’s “Ask Me a Question” Feature is Peak Loneliness

Instagram once saved us from the mundane mediocrity of Facebook, one pretty photo at a time. But its new “Ask Me a Question” feature is the epitome of modern loneliness: A way to convince yourself that your followers are actually interested in your life.

Runa Mukherjee July 21, 2016

Modern Family

My Sister, the Lady Bird and the Everyday Drama with Mama

I watched Saoirse Ronan perfect the role of Christine aka Lady Bird in the movie by the same name and couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth and stress through my veins. I know this story of the mama-daughter drama too well.

Runa Mukherjee July 12, 2016

Pop Culture

Did Bigg Boss Season 13 Take the Thrill of Voyeurism Too Far?

Not so shockingly, Bigg Boss crossed another line this year. Season 13 might be the most invasive of all, earning its notoriety for deeds done not just inside the Bigg Boss house but outside it as well, by weaving in the personal issues of participants into the show.

Runa Mukherjee July 10, 2016

Gender

When Did India Become Ashamed About Breastfeeding in Public?

Breastfeeding was perfectly normal in our culture that otherwise advocates modesty for women. Possibly because we celebrate and eulogise motherhood to such an extent that we’ve completely denuded an exposed breast of all sexuality. So what’s with our newfound coyness around breastfeeding?

Runa Mukherjee June 28, 2016

POV

How to Win a Reality Show: Forget Your Talent, Surrender Your Dignity

I was a behind-the-scenes volunteer at Indian Idol auditions a few years ago, and had to prompt awkward aspirants to say cheesy things like “Humari zindagi badal jayegi show jeetne se.” Reality shows can be toxic places, where everything from a person’s disability to lack of talent, is fair game for exploitation.

Runa Mukherjee June 28, 2016

Sports

How I Turned My Gujarati Husband Madly Bengali About Football

My Gujarati husband knew as little about football as I knew about a “pure veg” meal. I taught him the basics, and to my surprise, my husband went much beyond the brief. Now as I cheer for Germany, he prays for Portugal, and our son is called Ochoa after the Mexican goalkeeper.

Runa Mukherjee June 27, 2016

POV

Kolkata’s Durga Pujo: The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

I am back in Kolkata, caught in the centre of the rotating carousel in the great carnival of Durga puja. I hate it and love it in equal measure.

Runa Mukherjee June 23, 2016

Coronavirus

Suspect Thy Neighbour: Coronavirus Fears Are Turning People Next-Door Against Each Other

The WhatsApp mob is especially active now that we are in the grip of Covid-19. Neighbours are turning against each other. People living in the same area as a 22-year-old Ahmedabad patient, ravaged her social media profiles and circulated her photos. A Chinese man in Greater Noida feared being lynched.

Runa Mukherjee June 17, 2016

Gender

The Secret Lives of Marwari Housewives

In Gujarat, Marwari women lead dual lives. They fast with their mothers-in-law and sip mojitos with their friends.

Runa Mukherjee June 13, 2016

Coronavirus

“Will This Ever End?”: How to Cope with Trauma that Comes with COVID-19

I’m one of the millions of people who got infected with coronavirus. I’ve recovered but I also realise that the world will never be the same again. With the surging second wave, I am feeling what many of us might be feeling right now – fear, distress, anxiety, and sadness.

Runa Mukherjee June 9, 2016