NRC Archives

In a World Crazy Over Rahuls and Rajs, Why Shah Rukh Khan’s Mohan Bhargava Stands Out

Bollywood, much like the government, has fed us an idea of nationhood that is so much bigger than ourselves, most of us tend to struggle to understand our place in it. Swades showed us an alternate version. In Mohan Bhargava, it gave us a deshbhakt we could imagine ourselves being, some day.

Sonali Kokra July 19, 2016

Bollywood

20 Years of Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani: In the Age of CAA and “Godi Media”, this SRK Film Seems Prophetic

Twenty years ago, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani that starred Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla, featured a news channel that toed the government’s narrative and paid goons hired by a politician to orchestrate riots. It ends on a positive note where codes of democracy are honoured and protestors usher in a change. Today, as the entire country protests against the CAA-NRC, the film’s subtext has never been more relevant.

Manik Sharma July 7, 2016

Bollywood

Amar Akbar Anthony: Why We Need Manmohan Desai’s Diverse India Now More than Ever

In the world that we live in today, which is marred by discrimination toward minorities and a breathless demand for proof of citizenship, Amar Akbar Anthony’s secular universe almost seems utopian. It’s funny because Manmohan Desai’s portrait of India is actually the India that our ancestors fought for.

Runjhun Noopur June 19, 2016

Gender

From the Dadis of Shaheen Bagh to the Mothers of Manipur: The Strength of Women Protesters

When women are in the street, the State better sit up and listen. So when a JNU student leader refuses to back down despite being beaten up, and when grandmothers and mothers in Shaheen Bagh gaze into the camera and demand answers of the PM, there is only so long he can hide behind silence and platitudes.

Sreemoyee Mukherjee June 5, 2016

POV

CAA Protests: Is It Okay to Lose Friends and Alienate People Over a Political Ideology?

Since the anti-CAA protests broke out in the country last month, battle lines have been drawn between friends, colleagues, neighbours, and acquaintances. But losing a few handshakes, or invitations to a get-together along the way, might just be a fair price to pay to preserve the social fabric of our country.

Manik Sharma May 23, 2016

POV

India Against CAA: Being a First-Time Protester Can Be Daunting, Don’t Hesitate to Ask Questions

I never ended up going for several stirs I could have been a part of, because of the unanswered questions. Was I expected to carry a sign? If a scuffle breaks out, can I leave or will that be deemed cowardly? To some, especially seasoned protestors, some of these questions might seem silly, but a little bit of information would help people who genuinely want to join the good fight.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan May 22, 2016

POV

How Much Muslimness Are You Comfortable With?

What degree of "Muslimness" are we comfortable with? Are you at ease with a Muslim woman wearing a hijab to a protest? What if someone shouts Allahu Akbar? Would you be comfortable asking someone in the crowd not to chant Jai Shri Ram?

Karan Mujoo May 14, 2016

POV

With Citizenship Bill, NRC, & Article 370, 2019 is the Year Well-Meaning Indians Lost All Hope

In 2019, an entire Indian region has been stripped of autonomy and the definition of Indian citizenship has been redefined. Article 370, Citizenship (Amendment) Bill and NRC are the highlights of the year, as we hurtle toward an economic slowdown. Where does that leave the well-meaning Indian?

Deepak Gopalakrishnan April 4, 2016

POV

Hasna Seekho: To All the Guys Who Made Us Laugh in this Time of Protests

As anti-CAA protests continue to rage on, at a time when everything seems, bleak, it’s the humour that’s kept many of us going. From tongue-in-cheek placards, stand-up routines, and internet memes, dissenters from the anti-CAA movement are finding a way to stay sane. For today, I recommend “Hum Kagaz (Filmy Version)” on Instagram.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan April 4, 2016

POV

Why We Need to Sustain the Anti-CAA Protests Peacefully

The silver lining to the dark cloud of the anti-CAA protests is that the Act went from being something that people had heard about but not fully understood, to the subject of a mass movement. Now, there is a sense that this idea is not fringe anymore. There’s a feeling that it could get better.

Deepak Gopalakrishnan March 30, 2016