Posted inPeople
Of Sandesh and Sangeet: How I Learnt to Embrace My Bengaliness
I tried to steer clear of all things Bengali as a child. But Ma ensured we visited Shantiniketan a couple of times a year for heritage-related indoctrination.
Posted inPOV
Sourav Ganguly and Dadagiri: Bengal’s Boldest Contribution to Modern India
Sourav Ganguly championed “Dadagiri”, a brand of masculinity that was unexpected from a “cultured” Bengali man. And in that, he was the perfect brand ambassador for a new kind of Bangaliana. Charming and erudite, yes. But also savage.
Posted inPOV
What About Work Kalchar? What Does Bengal Do With So Many State Holidays?
As most of us grumped our way to work, West Bengal enjoyed a mid-week holiday to mark Saraswati Puja. After the rampant trade unionism during the Left Front era, Bengali work culture now faces a new challenge — a festive calendar that gets longer and more complicated every year.
Posted inPop Culture
What Bhobishyoter Bhoot Gets Right About the Double Standards of Indian Politicians
Anik Dutta's political satire Bhobhishyoter Bhoot, re-released after being pulled off theatres in February. It's a timely offering in this election season, because the film is a solid critique of how non-partisan art is a victim of the whims of political parties.
Posted inPeople
Dissecting the Bengali Nyaka
Nyakami, for the uninitiated, is the art of pretend coyness, coquetry, whining, attention-seeking, and everything in between. To think of the Urban Nyaka Girl, think of Kareena Kapoor’s Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Only, with a bit more “kalchaar”.
Posted inPeople
What’s in a “Daak Naam”? A Bengali’s Eternal Walk of Shame
Just like Bollywood has Vivek Agnihotri and Yash Chopra has Uday Chopra, Bengalis have daak naams: It’s a part of your identity that you didn’t ask for, and one that you can’t shake off. It’s a walk of shame that never seems to end.