writer Archives

Nirmal Verma: Extraordinary Writer of the Ordinary

It has been 12 years since Nirmal Verma passed away. The novelist did not write characters. He wrote people: The ones who got left behind, the ones who were forgotten by the magnetic narratives of the city.

Manik Sharma July 23, 2016

POV

Why Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar Made Me Stop Glorifying the “Tortured Artist” Trope

The perception of a tortured artist is so glorified that it has become perversely aspirational. There is something highly alluring about the idea of deep sorrow and depression acting as a springboard for great pieces of art. The artists know it, and so does the market. But is this greatness worth it if you become an accomplice in your own exploitation?

Runjhun Noopur July 15, 2016

People

India’s Angry Poet and Other Stories

While CP Surendran’s early work could be seen as the walk away, in his new poems he firmly occupies the inside of the fence, and looks prepared to observe and contemplate.

Manik Sharma July 8, 2016

POV

Don’t Show Me the Money: What It Takes To Be an Unambitious Person

On my 30th birthday, I realised that I was exhausted of pretending I enjoyed being in the rat race and I finally admitted that I was unambitious. It was the best investment I’ve made in my mental health.

Sonali Kokra April 14, 2016

POV

If Anthony Bourdain’s Life Was Not Perfect How Can Ours Ever Be?

What could have made Anthony Bourdain, sitting in a luxury hotel, in the middle of shooting a much-loved show, feel so hollow that he had to kill himself? For 99.99 per cent of humanity, who will never rent a countryside villa, the question that rankles is, is it going to be worth it, when we get there?

Issac John March 28, 2016

Culture

Mumbai Meri Jaan: Kabhi Cushy, Kabhie Kaam

The first time I met Mumbai, I was looking at the city through keyholes that were actually the glassed domes of its fabled high-rises, tinted with expensive weekends. My second encounter with Mumbai was when I was between jobs. It was harsh and overwhelming – an eye-opening reality check into my privileges.

Runjhun Noopur March 17, 2016