Smart journalism on South Asia(ns) you won't find anywhere else.
Did Romantic Kissing Originate in India?
For years, researchers traced the practice to ancient Sanskrit texts. Recent evidence suggests that theory might not be the whole story. Or is it?
Sadaf Ahsan
Rekha, Mother of Bollywood Queer Icons
The Hindi film industry painted the actor as a vamp and the other woman. Yet she emerged as a flag-bearer for self-love and queer self-expression.
Mehr Singh
The Tesla Cliff Crash is Yet Another Cry for Help
In January, Dharmesh Patel tried to kill himself and his family. The tragedy unveils glaring gaps in mental health resources for South Asian men.
Dev Shah is the 2023 National Spelling Bee Champion
The 14-year-old won $50,000 and the coveted trophy. His winning word was “psammophile.”
Snigdha Sur
Celebrating Pride Month: 2023
This June, dive into 15 stories about queer South Asian history, icons, and culture.
The Juggernaut Editorial Team
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: 2023
This May, a roundup of 15 stories that celebrate South Asian American life, love, culture, and history.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: 2023
This March, read some of our best stories on female South Asian icons across film, music, food, business, comedy, and more.
Our Top 15 Stories on Love: 2023
From the love story of Princess Diana and Hasnat Khan to the queer legacy of ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ dive into our favorite stories on love in all its forms.
7-Eleven and South Asians, An American Success Story
The franchise became both the lifeline of new immigrants — who own as many as 70% of 7-Elevens in the U.S. — and the punchline of racist jokes.
How Diipa Büller-Khosla Got to Cannes — And Brought Her Brand
She was the first Indian-born influencer invited to the exclusive event. The indē wild founder is now bringing more Indian women with her.
The Motel Patels Built Empires. For Younger Generations, It’s Complicated.
Gujarati Americans own over 60% of America’s motels. But, for some, joining the family business is too close to home.
How Cruises Became South Asian Getaways
Bollywood and value for money ignited our wanderlust. Now, those approaching retirement and seeking comfort are some of the industry’s newest patrons.
"Play by Play"
Our October 2021 crossword.
Kapil Mehta
&
Sally Hoelscher
"Kitchen Talk"
Our September 2021 crossword.
Sid Sivakumar
"Across the Pond"
Our August 2021 crossword.
Priyanka Sethy
Matthew Stock
"Inner Child"
Our July 2021 crossword.
Will Nediger
The Celebrity Airport Photo: Candid or Contrived?
For Bollywood paparazzi, capturing stars come and go is less about good timing than you think.
Nidhi Gupta
Is the Bollywood Song Dead?
Indian music is seeing a significant shift from film songs to those of independent artists. For some, it’s about time. For others, it’s an existential threat.
Ashritha Karuturi
‘Jubilee’ Review: A Dazzling Homage to the Dawn of Hindi Cinema
Vikramaditya Motwane’s ambitious series explores the style and scandal of Bollywood in post-Partition and post-Independence India.
Meher Manda
How Shan Masala Spiced Up Diaspora Tables
Despite competition and import bans, the Pakistani venture built a global, $250 million business whose fans swear by its innovative spice blends.
Haleem, Now Available Near You
For many, the meat-and-pulse stew is a rare, Ramadan tradition. Now, chefs are bringing it, along with inventive modifications, to the masses.
Padma Lakshmi on ‘Taste the Nation’ Season 2: “To Eat is Political”
We chatted with the food writer and TV host about how American food is immigrant food, why she doesn’t care about what the 1% eats, and what’s next.
How Ferrero Rocher Melted South Asian Hearts
And why the significance of the once gold standard of gifting is no longer the same.
“Naatu Naatu” at the Oscars: A Cultural Triumph Gone Wrong
South Asians asked why there were no Indian lead dancers on stage. The Academy and the dance troupe responded with excuses.
Divya Jethwani
Opinion: Bollywood Nepo Babies Aren’t the Problem
While offering a needed conversation on privilege, the nepotism discourse in India’s film industries has grown stale. Rather, it demands a closer look at changing the system.
Opinion: The World Cup is Over. But What About the Migrant Workers?
The international soccer tournament was supposed to prioritize worker welfare. But over 6,750 South Asians have died since Qatar won its bid in 2010.
Zahra Khan
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?
Bryant Sharma
Does Yale Discriminate Against Asian Americans?
Eleven Asian American students looked at their admissions files. They were surprised by what they found.
Sanchita Kedia
‘Who is Amritpal Singh?’ is the Wrong Question
This is not a story about the separatist leader, whom few support, but about the decades-long oppression of the people of Punjab.
Humza Yousaf, the Next Leader of Scotland, Makes History
The first Muslim, Pakistani-origin, and youngest Scottish first minister assumed his new role today. Less is known about whether he can deliver on his promises.
Why India is Half an Hour Off Global Time Zones
Colonial control, nation-building, and political rivalry dictated elements of subcontinental life — including time itself.
Zarna Garg, the Indian Mom Making the World Laugh
The comedian known for her viral mom jokes is now out with her first hour-long special — and she isn’t afraid to offend you.
How Gaurav Gupta Won the Red Carpet
It took years for the world to notice the Indian fashion designer. Now, stars from Cardi B to Aishwarya Rai turn to him when they want to make a statement.
Madhur Jaffrey, Always the Perfectionist
The chef, actor, and writer showed the West that Indian cooking was worthwhile and Indian women had bite. And she still has several projects up her sleeve.
Raymond Ablack is Heating Up
The actor started on ‘Degrassi’ and made fans swoon in ‘Ginny & Georgia,’ ‘Maid,’ and multiple rom-coms — but he’s still getting used to it.
Ishani Nath
Kalpana Chawla, First Indian American Woman in Space
On the 20th anniversary of the Columbia space shuttle disaster, we revisit the legacy of the unlikely astronaut, who has inspired generations.
The Magical Weight Loss Drug No One is Talking About
In June 2021, the FDA approved semaglutide, one of the first drugs specifically designed for weight loss. For some, it’s been a godsend. But is it also promoting fatphobia?
Why Endometriosis Is Often Ignored Among South Asians
Even with debilitating pain and clear symptoms, many South Asians with endometriosis wait years for the diagnosis and treatment that could change their lives.
Olivia Bowden
Badminton’s Grand Comeback
In India, a country where cricket is a religion, the racquet sport is becoming a booming business.
Why Many South Asians Never Learn to Swim
South Asians account for a significant number of drowning deaths. So why aren’t more of us learning to swim?