Articles

“I’m On a Journey”: Irrfan Khan’s Candid Interview is Heartbreaking

In a 2018 interview with AP, Irrfan Khan spoke candidly about his cancer, and how it made him see “life from a totally different angle”. “Life offers you so much. That’s why I feel like I have no other words but thanks. There are no other words, there’s no other demand, there’s no other prayer,” he’d said.

Arré Bench May 29, 2016

Pop Culture

“Hang the DJ”: Directionless Hearts in the Age of Driverless Rickshaws

Barring outliers like “San Junipero”, Black Mirror isn’t renowned for its optimism. But the online dating-focused “Hang The DJ” strikes a hopeful, uplifting chord with lovelorn millennials.

Jackie Thakkar May 29, 2016

Gender

“Oh No, Ladki Hui!” Even India’s Rich & Educated Don’t Want a Girl Child

While I was working on my film on female infanticide, I learnt that those who need not worry about affording dowries, still abort foetuses. A woman said to me in a hushed tone, as she swirled a glass of some pricey white wine, “If I can choose the car I want, or a handbag then why not the sex of a child.”

Madhureeta Anand May 29, 2016

Gender

How I Fought Patriarchy in My Family By Voting for a Candidate of My Choice

In my family, it is always the men who take all the important decisions. Elections are all about herd voting, where my father announces his political leanings and the rest follow. Women, they believe, are incapable of understanding the affairs of the State. But this year, despite all the pestering, I voted for a candidate of my choice.

Shubhangani Jain May 29, 2016

Love and Sex

Diary of a 4-year-old Masturbator

At age four, I was unaware of the ramifications of self-pleasure. I was masturbating because it felt good, just like any other kid would enjoy the sensation of being on a Ferris wheel or a roundabout.

Dee Dee May 29, 2016

Culture

Nostalgia Express: When Train Journeys Were About VIP Suitcases & North-South Debates

Every summer vacation, we’d take the train; the journey would be a lesson in national integration. By the end of the journey, everyone knew everyone’s political leanings; debates would break out on whether Azhar was better than Sachin; or if the south was culturally richer than the north.

Godot May 29, 2016

Features

Great Performances, Mythology References, and More Reasons to Watch Breathe: Into the Shadows

Breathe: Into the Shadows is carrying forward the trend in shows of weaving mythological concepts into its narrative. This time the focus is on Ravan’s 10 heads — or, sins — which our mysterious serial killer seems to be obsessed with for reasons that aren’t immediately apparent.

Aditya Bhalla May 29, 2016

Bollywood

Haasil: The Underrated Gem That Made Bollywood Take Notice of Irrfan Khan’s Genius

Irrfan has left behind a towering body of work where picking one performance feels sacrilegious. And yet it is the actor’s breakout role as the wily student leader Ranvijay Singh in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Haasil that will forever have my loyalty.

Pragyan Mohanty May 29, 2016

Love and Sex

“Almost Lovers”: The Ones Who Make Heartbreak Bearable

When you decide not to turn back after a break-up, you must find yourself anchors so you sail smoothly. These almost lovers, these could-have-beens, matter to me the way love does. Without them, we would be lonelier than what imagination permits.

Manjiri Indurkar May 29, 2016

Pop Culture

C U Soon Review: Fahadh Faasil Makes a Fairly Satisfying Thriller Even Better

You see versions of people on social media, but know nothing about them. That’s the premise of the new Malayalam release, C U Soon, a fairly satisfying thriller made during the lockdown. While Fahadh Faasil is predictably good, it is the female lead Darshana Rajendran who turns in an excellent performance.

Naomi Datta May 29, 2016