Michaela Stone Cross

Michaela Stone Cross is a freelance writer from Philadelphia. She currently lives in Mumbai, where she spends most of her time trying to explain why she's there. She's written for several publication, including VICE.

How Bollywood Went Underground

The Indian government conferred industry status on its film industry only in 2001. For years, the best way to fund movies was through the world of crime.

November 27, 2019

Mumbai’s Disappearing Underworld

Michaela Stone Cross

Bollywood has always drawn inspiration from its home city’s underworld. But where did all the gangsters go?

November 18, 2019

When Rap Came to Bollywood

Michaela Stone Cross

From “Chacha Snoop” in a turban to Akon singing for Shah Rukh Khan: American rappers don’t end up in India often, but when they do, things get strange.

November 04, 2019

The Great British Bake Off’s Multicultural Utopia

Michaela Stone Cross

America can learn a lot more from GBBO than how to make a cake.

October 29, 2019

India’s Unrequited Love Affair with the Oscars

Michaela Stone Cross

For decades, the Academy has snubbed the world’s largest film industry. Fifty submissions later, India continues to hope.

October 18, 2019

Why China Loves Bollywood

Michaela Stone Cross

Bollywood movies have grown popular in China — some even make more money in China than in India. What’s the secret formula?

September 13, 2019

What Trans Women Think About India’s Third Gender

Michaela Stone Cross

While activists in the West fight to introduce transgenderism to the mainstream, India’s trans women face a different task: replacing centuries-old classifications.

September 12, 2019

The Smell of Sabyasachi

Michaela Stone Cross

From celebrities to everyday brides, South Asians all over the world are paying thousands to buy the designer’s creations. What makes it worth it?

August 26, 2019

Bollywood’s Hot Boys

Michaela Stone Cross

How six-packs became a religion in the world’s largest film industry.

August 21, 2019

India’s Strange Relationship With Hitler

Michaela Stone Cross

For decades, Mein Kampf has remained a bestseller in India. But that doesn’t necessarily mean what you think.

July 30, 2019

The Juggernaut tells untold, smart South Asian stories and news you won't find anywhere else.