The South Asian Stories You Need To Know.

Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: 2022

This May, a roundup of 15 stories that celebrate South Asian American life, love, culture, and history.

Celebrating Dalit History Month: 2022

In celebration of Dalit’s History Month, here are some of our stories on Dalit history, culture, politics, literature, film, and more.

Celebrating Women's History Month: 2022

This March, read some of our best stories on icons across film, music, food, business, comedy, and more.

Our Top 15 Stories on Love: 2022

From interracial relationships to how South Asians fell in love with Korean dramas, dive into our favorite stories about love.

How Cartier Built an Empire by Claiming Indian and Islamic Art as its Own

From its Tutti Frutti collection to bejeweled cases, the French luxury jewelry house has long appropriated Eastern influences, calling it aesthetic exchange.

How ‘The Dropout’ Recasts Sunny Balwani as the Angry Brown Man

The new Hulu series generously gives founder and CEO Elizabeth Holmes a back story while only villainizing her counterpart, who faces similar charges of fraud.

Meet the Indian Family Behind Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Since 2019, an emerald dye from Chemworld International has been a key part of one of the country’s most unique Irish traditions.

Indra Nooyi is an Optimist

We chatted with the former PepsiCo CEO about crypto, support structures for thriving families, how she came to love pizza, and much more.

"Play by Play"

Our October 2021 crossword.

"Kitchen Talk"

Our September 2021 crossword.

"Across the Pond"

Our August 2021 crossword.

"Inner Child"

Our July 2021 crossword.

You Don’t Know Jay Sean

For two decades, the British artist had a carefully curated image. Then, he got on TikTok.

How an Unusual Calendar Became a Symbol of Indian Culture

Fifty years since its inception, Kalnirnay has become an essential household tool and a point of connection for the diaspora.

Northeastern Actors are Finally Getting Their Shot at Bollywood Stardom

Streaming platforms have led to more regional cinema, diverse storytelling, and long-awaited opportunities for northeastern actors. Will mainstream Hindi cinema follow?

Dismantling the Brown “Glow-Up”

The concept of getting hotter with age — also known as “glowing up” — isn’t new, but South Asian TikTok influencers question what this trend really celebrates.

The Complicated Love of ‘Love on the Spectrum’

The new season of Netflix’s docuseries includes a charming South Asian participant — but also a familiar and frustrating trope.

India’s Parallel Cinema Remains Unmatched

Govind Nihalani’s ‘Party’ was among a slate of films that used realism to challenge political power. Where are such movies now?

Northeastern Actors are Finally Getting Their Shot at Bollywood Stardom

Streaming platforms have led to more regional cinema, diverse storytelling, and long-awaited opportunities for northeastern actors. Will mainstream Hindi cinema follow?

Revisiting ‘Fauji,’ the Genesis of King Khan

Thirty years since Shah Rukh Khan’s silver screen debut, we reexamine the dreadful show with a star-making performance.

Irani Bakes Spread Through India. Now, They’re Disappearing.

As Parsi cafés shutter, Irani bakes that have become teatime staples — from mawa cake to nankhatai — are at risk of vanishing, too.

How Maggi Created a Generation of Experimental Cooks

The iconic instant noodles packet turns 40 in India, its biggest market, this year. Here’s how Maggi, despite a 2015 ban in the country, reshaped snacks and meals forever.

Rowdy Rooster Wants You to Fall in Love with Indian Fried Chicken

Roni Mazumdar and Chintan Pandya — behind New York City restaurants Adda, Dhamaka, and Semma — just launched their first quick-serve concept.

How India Made Ice Cream a Dessert of its Own

Once the mainstay of the colonial elite, ice cream — thanks to American GIs and Indian entrepreneurs — soon became the ubiquitous and flavorful treat that it is today.

Opinion: Eileen Gu and the Hyphenated American Dream

The Chinese American skier’s choice to represent China in the Olympics is thrillingly subversive. But is her story so different from that of our immigrant parents?

Opinion: R.K. Narayan’s Idyllic Malgudi Might Not Be Enough

The famed short story writer created a utopia that rarely mentions caste or politics. It is the place where we may want to escape, but not where we can live.

Opinion: How the U.S. Failed Evacuation Efforts in Afghanistan

The U.S. administration congratulated themselves on their evacuation efforts in Afghanistan. A volunteer on the ground in Kabul writes about how botched these efforts really were.

Opinion: Aryan Khan is Paying the Price for Being Muslim in India

Though they couldn’t find any drugs on him, officials arrested Shah Rukh Khan’s son during a drug raid and denied him bail — a reminder that being Muslim in India means living at the government’s mercy.

India’s Parallel Cinema Remains Unmatched

Govind Nihalani’s ‘Party’ was among a slate of films that used realism to challenge political power. Where are such movies now?

In Urvashi Vaid’s World, All Were Welcome

The Indian American LGBTQ activist fought for equality for all, and made queer South Asians feel seen, heard, and loved.

Subhas Chandra Bose: A Legacy of Contradictions

The Bengali leader who fought for India’s independence admired both Nazi Germany and Soviet Communism. Some have tried to erase his story; others have co-opted him.

A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis — And What Comes Next

For the first time since its 1948 independence, Sri Lanka has defaulted on its debts as it plunges deeper into an economic and constitutional crisis.

You Don’t Know Jay Sean

For two decades, the British artist had a carefully curated image. Then, he got on TikTok.

In Urvashi Vaid’s World, All Were Welcome

The Indian American LGBTQ activist fought for equality for all, and made queer South Asians feel seen, heard, and loved.

How Aditi Shah Built a Following By Teaching People to Be Still

Peloton’s only South Asian instructor is bringing yoga and meditation to the digital space while honoring their roots. And now, she’s Puma’s latest ambassador.

Simone Ashley on Who Gets to Be Seen as Sexy and Desirable

The Bridgerton star chats about shifting narratives, *that* haldi scene, and why she keeps her Kate Sharma-inspired playlist close to her chest.

How Amar Bose Engineered Today’s Sound

A curious Bengali American kid with a love for tinkering built a multi-billion-dollar company and changed the way we listen to music.

“The Great Escape”: Sri Lanka and the Maldives Bear the Brunt of COVID Vacations

India’s elite continued to vacation in the island nations amid a raging pandemic.

“Be Careful”: WhatsApp Forwards Spread Fear and Misinformation

Messages intended to increase awareness of potential COVID transmission among South Asian Americans, but the impact has been more alarming.

To Be a Non-COVID Patient in India Right Now

With the country’s overburdened healthcare system focused on fighting COVID, non-COVID patients assume lowest priority.

How South Asians Fell in Love with Tennis

Though no Grand Slam singles champion has emerged from the subcontinent, the sport has created superfans in both the diaspora and the homeland.

Opinion: Eileen Gu and the Hyphenated American Dream

The Chinese American skier’s choice to represent China in the Olympics is thrillingly subversive. But is her story so different from that of our immigrant parents?

Could Carrom Make it to the Olympics?

The beloved board game in India has long faced challenges in becoming an international sporting sensation. Some players and associations are trying to change that.

India’s Siddis and the Olympic Dream

India has won only 33 Olympic medals since 1900 — none in track and field. Now, new local sports programs are working with Siddi athletes to produce Olympic glory.