Ramjaane, Author at Arré

When Ganpati Came Without Abs and ₹260 Crore Insurance Cover

The Ganesh festival started as a well-intentioned social movement, but has now turned into a game of political one-upmanship and misplaced pride. Now every suburb has a Raja with a hefty insurance cover and the size of every idol is a reflection of the corporator’s ego.

Ramjaane July 17, 2016

POV

The Case for Arranged Marriage

An arranged marriage is thoughtful curation more than a blind choice. People with similar customs, tradition, and upbringing are likely to make fewer compromises, fight lesser, and be happier. Truth is, marriages are not made in heaven, they are made in convenience.

Ramjaane July 17, 2016

Earth

Indian Mom: The OG Enthusiast of Recycling and Sustainable Living

When I was growing up, milk packets would be washed and stuck on kitchen tiles for drying – for rotis to be packed in for lunch. After a little wear and tear, mom would fold the plastic packets and use them as a trivet. Long before recycling became hip, every middle-class household practiced it.

Ramjaane July 14, 2016

People

“Ughich Kashala?” The Two Words That Kill All Maharashtrian Dreams

The attitude of most Maharashtrians can be summed up in two words: Ughich kashala? Literally translated, it means “needlessly why”? It is the reason why we Maharashtrians are diabolically lazy and spectacularly unambitious.

Ramjaane July 8, 2016

POV

“Kuch Ho Sakta Hai Kya?”: How Every Scam Begins

While we publicly bemoan Harshad Mehta or Nirav Modi or Vijay Mallya getting away by scamming the country, a tiny part of us also says “wow”. Only in India can a person be met with respect for being a large-scale racketeer.

Ramjaane June 23, 2016

POV

I’m a Copywriter, Teacher, Stand-Up Comic, Guitarist, Cook. And You?

In a time when even your phone doubles up as your camera, your assistant, a pastime, a distraction, a recorder, and an addiction, can people get away by doing just one job? Multi-tasking is the only thing worth pursuing. You can’t be a single-function watch anymore.

Ramjaane June 19, 2016

POV

“Apne Ko Kya?”: How Indians Shirk Responsibility

The famous Indian “Apne ko kya?” mentality is a delicate dance of voyeurism and indifference. We want to poke our noses everywhere, without taking on any responsibility. It’s why we love Bigg Boss, which allows us the luxury of looking into the lives of others, and shrug it off just as easily.

Ramjaane June 10, 2016

POV

On Independence Day, It’s Time to Ask: When Will We Really Be Free?

Independence is a tough thing to achieve – but freedom is risky. Freedom gives me the autonomy to express views in public places even against authority. Independence means I thank authority. Independence is my right to be heard. Freedom is my right to speak.

Ramjaane June 9, 2016

POV

Why Do Indians Love Giving Free Advice?

We are born completely useless and need to be taught everything. Unless you’re Indian. Then the art of giving free advice is one of those skills that comes naturally to you. But why do Indians love giving advice so much? And how many really follow their own?

Ramjaane June 2, 2016

Modern Family

Shaadi Ke Side Effects: When a Maharashtrian Marries a Marwari

Maharashtrians are frugal, Marwaris are shaukeen. A Maharashtrian’s wedding budget is a Marwari’s lehenga budget. I married a Marwari and though our cultures take us in two different directions, we’ve found a place to make things work. It’s called midway.

Ramjaane May 28, 2016