Articles

“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

Coronavirus

In an Unequal World, Coronavirus is a Humbling Equaliser

It has taken an imperceptible virus to remind us that the differences we have spent years identifying in each other are, essentially, irrelevant. Unlike humans, Covid-19 does not discriminate or heed privilege and will therefore, inevitably become a humbling equaliser in an unequal world.

Manik Sharma July 8, 2016

Pop Culture

Do Pakistan War Films Ask, “How’s the Josh?”

Bollywood is so hyped about war that even in the aftermath of the Balakot attack, producers were queuing up to register film titles. But what is the status on the other side of the border? Are war films as much of a sub-genre in Lollywood as it is in Bollywood?

Hriday Ranjan July 8, 2016

Pop Culture

The Life of a Journalist in Four More Shots Please! (and Other Chick Flicks) is Fake News

Four More Shots Please! treats Damini no differently from the women journalists who have come before her in the chick flick genre. Like Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, Damini is not just an unlikeable character – her many flaws are framed as aspirational.

Kahini Iyer July 8, 2016

First Person

My Love Affair with Uma Parmeshwari

Vijay’s fascination with an 11th-century Goddess drives his quest to recover India’s stolen antiques. After an eight-year struggle, he fulfils his promise to bring her home.

Sharan Saikumar July 8, 2016

Cyber

A Nation of Nasty Keyboard Warriors

YouTube commenters have zero chill. The remarks reflect the kind of polarisation that makes “love jihad” seem like the most plausible explanation for a declining Hindu populace.

#VALUE! July 8, 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

Will I Remember to Socially Distance After Two Shots of Tequila?

This year has been crappy, and I feel like we deserve to get dressed up, meet people, and have interesting end-of-the-year conversations. But is it possible to have a socially-distanced celebration? How do you control people once they are all tanked up on booze and blubbering away?

Sangeetha Bhaskaran July 8, 2016

Bollywood

17 Years of Veer-Zaara: An Ode to the Time When Bollywood Made Music Instead Of Churning Remixes

Like Veer and Zaara’s love story, the movie’s music stands the test of time. “Main Yahaan Hoon” became the ballad for an entire generation. Fifteen years on, it makes us pine for eternal love even when we find ourselves in an age where regularly liking someone’s Instagram posts is the zenith of commitment.

Jackie Thakkar July 8, 2016

Animals

Fetch Me a Life, Angel

Karan Shah has been wheelchair-bound all his life but ever since his furry sidekick Angel came home, he's taught her to do everything for him -- except grab a sandwich.

Sharan Saikumar July 8, 2016