Why ‘Main Hoon Na’ is More Relevant Than Ever
Farah Khan’s 2004 blockbuster wasn’t just a college comedy. It reflected a fragile moment of optimism between India and Pakistan.
Snigdha Sur
The Safari Suit: How India Reclaimed a Colonial Relic
The British military garb shaped a newly independent country’s fashion — and redefined class, identity, and power.
Sneha Mehta
Why is Mahendra Patel Still in Jail?
An Indian American engineer has spent weeks behind bars in Georgia, even as new footage reveals a shocking lack of evidence.
Tulika Bose
‘Superboys of Malegaon’ Spotlights the Joy — and Pain — of Cinema
What do you do when Bollywood is out of reach? If you're from one small town, you make your own damn movie.
When Hanumankind Brought Chenda to Coachella
The Indian rapper’s powerful set turned a centuries-old temple drum from Kerala into one of the music festival’s most immortal sounds.
Surina Venkat
Falooda: The Original Maximalist Dessert
How a Persian slushy crossed empires, melted social barriers, and became South Asia’s most layered dessert.
Meher Mirza
The Last Elephant Polo Match
The sport’s surreal journey reveals what happens when colonial fantasy, animal conservation, and morality collide.
Forget American Tariffs — Is this India’s Free Trade Moment?
For many, India is the “poster child” for the perils of high duties. Now, it has a rare chance to cut deals and reshape the global world order.
‘The White Lotus’ and the Illusion of Enlightenment
Season 3 uses Buddhism to dissect greed, anger, and delusion. Does it succeed or is it more Western spiritual tourism?
‘A Nice Indian Boy’ is Lovely — and a Little Too Nice
What happens when two ‘DDLJ’-loving men fall in love and want a big Indian wedding?
The Sin of Touching Books with Your Feet
A seemingly minor taboo reveals profound truths about knowledge, divinity, and the sacred.
Kiran Sampath
Devika Rani, More than the Longest Kiss
Hindi cinema’s matriarch founded a film studio, launched stars, and left a legacy far beyond one moment.
A Founder, a Divorce, and the Trial by X
Rippling co-founder Prasanna Sankar is in a viral fight with his ex-wife over money, custody, and reputation — and the internet is choosing sides.
In ‘Baksho Bondi,’ One Woman Holds it All Together
The Bengali film by Tanushree Das and Saumya Sahi spotlights the realities of female labor — in a society that often fails to value it.
Divya Bharti, Bollywood’s Lost Superstar
The once-in-a-generation talent delivered 19 movies in two years. Her untimely death left a void — and questions that remain unsolved.
Why is ‘The White Lotus’ So White?
Season 3 takes place in Thailand. The guests of the eponymous luxury resort don’t reflect that reality.
Do South Asians Have a Secret Drinking Problem?
The British used alcohol to control the community. A Surgeon General advisory finds it’s now killing us in new ways.
&
Leyla Doss
Jalebi: A Dessert So Good, It Traveled the World
From Persian courts to Diwali feasts, the crunchy orange coil has survived centuries of culinary influences. What gives it such staying power?
‘Deli Boys’ Serves Up Some Spicy, Tasty Achaar
Two incompetent brothers. One badass aunty. A family cocaine business. What could possibly go wrong?
When Meghan Met Mindy
The Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix show has sparked debate over everything from her last name to her lewks. One episode, however, takes the cake.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: 2025
This March, dive into our stories about women in all their multitudes. Goddess. Mother. Sister. Saint. Icon.
The Juggernaut
‘Anuja’: Two Ambitious Sisters, One Choice
The Oscar-nominated short upends gender dynamics to show us a world of possibility — and the impossibility of hard choices.
When Earwax Became Political
From a DOGE staffer’s tweets to attacks on interracial marriage, is anti-Indian rhetoric no longer fringe?
The Indian Prince and Stalin’s Daughter
Brajesh Singh and Svetlana’s love — as well as a journey to India — would defy Cold War geopolitics and change their lives forever.
Somdyuti Datta Ray
The Bengali Detectives the World Overlooked
Feluda, Byomkesh, and Priyanath cracked impossible cases, inspired generations, and became literary legends. So why didn’t they find global fame?
Cardamom: From Ancient Cure to Culinary Icon
The ‘queen of spices’ was known far and wide for millennia as a healing agent, but only a few mastered its taste.
South Asian Love Stories: 2025
From the love story that changed mental healthcare to the impact of ‘One Day,’ dive into our top stories on love in all its forms.
What’s Really Behind South Asian Hormone Issues?
They’re in your food, your skincare, your air — new research shows that endocrine disruptors might be affecting the community more than we thought.
Olivia Bowden
When Snakes Ruled India
The nagas were once the subcontinent’s most powerful gods. What happened?
Malavika Ramakrishnan
South Asians are More Polyamorous Than You Think
From the Mahabharata to modern-day open relationships, the subcontinent has always had space for more than one love.
Jever Mariwala
Onijah Robinson, Your Viral Pakistani Sister
Is the 33-year-old American a scorned wife, a grifter, or a visionary? Regardless, we can’t stop watching.
‘Sabar Bonda’: A Marathi Queer Drama Triumphs at Sundance
Rohan Kanawade’s feature debut offers a radical undertaking on love.
Meher Manda
How Curry Goat Became a Caribbean Classic
The dish rooted in Indian indentureship is a metaphor for Jamaica’s rich, multicultural history.
Mugdha Mahalanabish
Can Kash Patel “Make the FBI Great Again”?
How family trauma, fierce ambition, and political grievances shaped the Gujarati American’s path to Trump FBI director pick.
Celebrating Black History Month: 2025
Tracing the historic ties between Black and South Asian communities — beyond borders and timelines.
The Stars of Maha Kumbh Mela
How the world’s largest religious festival created celebrities out of everyone from a garland seller to a monk.
Darshita Goyal
Celebrating Lunar New Year: 2025
From Indo-Chinese food to ‘Harold & Kumar,’ explore 15 stories that highlight the unexpected connections between South and East Asian cultures.
Jaguar’s in Trouble. Can Tata Save It Again?
The British automaker’s most shocking moment wasn’t a viral 2024 ad. It was when one Indian man dared to buy it.
Sammy Cole
Can India’s Olympians Catch Up to Their Paralympic Peers?
Some athletes are excelling despite the odds, leaving fans questioning assumptions about sports culture and infrastructure.
Anandita Abraham
The Ancient Art of Letting Go
In an increasingly anxious world, Stoicism has gained a cult-like following. But Buddhism offered a similar solution long ago.
How Mango Lassi Conquered the World
A fruity yogurt concoction became the gateway drink to an entire cuisine — in only one generation.
An Inauguration, A Hat, and Many Executive Orders
On day one, the Trump administration celebrated some immigrant success stories — and made others virtually impossible.
How ‘Black Warrant’ Became a Streaming Success
The show marks filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane’s return to helming a TV series — and he’s bringing new talent along.
Poulomi Das
The South Asians Rebuilding After the L.A. Fires
From cooking 5,000 meals a week to organizing donation drives, many are turning to community service to heal.
What Really Happened to Suchir Balaji?
Police dismissed the OpenAI whistleblower’s death as a suicide. His parents say there’s more going on.
The Female Gaze of ‘Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai’
How screenwriter Honey Irani flipped the script on gender dynamics and created a superhit.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 Entertainment Stories of 2024
The best of film, TV, music, and theater: All We Imagine As Light, that Asoka trend, One Day, and more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Profiles of 2024
Dive headfirst into the raw, unfiltered perspectives of restaurateur Vikas Khanna, actor Tabu, chef Dylan Bachelet, tech memer Dr. Parik Patel, and more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 True Crime Stories of 2024
Murders, hate crimes, and the search for justice — from the Dotbusters to the Kolkata Horror.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Health Stories of 2024
The South Asian aging paradox, the miracle of Boroline, why South Asian women disproportionately suffer from anemia, and more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 History Stories of 2024
How Tamil spread around the world, Europe claimed Indian math, an eclipse ended a genocide, and much more.
The Visa That Divided MAGA
How the H-1B program became a stand-in for racism against Indian “third world invaders.”
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Business Stories of 2024
From Toyota Camry to Coke Studio, these were the top stories on the brands and market trends that had our readers hooked.
‘Santosh’: When Justice is a Performance
In Sandhya Suri’s Oscar-shortlisted film, a widow finds freedom and power in a police uniform — but at what cost?
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 Culture Stories of 2024
From why the region is the mother of maximalism to the appropriation of the dupatta, our best stories on the trends, practices, and beliefs that shape us.
How ‘3 Idiots’ Redefined Success
The beloved film poignantly critiqued academic pressure. But are we any closer to a world where learning thrives over fear?
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Food Stories of 2024
From how Samahan became a global sensation to how a bowl of fruit became a love language, these were the food stories our readers and editorial team devoured.
2024’s Biggest Moments for South Asians Globally
The year, wrapped.
‘PK’: The Alien Who Took on Godmen and Won
Rajkumar Hirani’s 2014 blockbuster film asks us to think critically about faith — and everything else.
India and the Bible, An Ancient Exchange
The text mentions the country only twice, yet the region’s influence runs far deeper.
The Forgotten Flotilla that Helped Birth Bangladesh
Though many know about the Concert for Bangladesh, one group risked their lives to stop weapons shipments to West Pakistan.
The South Asians Going Gluten-Free
Forget naan, parathas, and samosas. Try makki ki roti, buckwheat momos, and dosas.
How Dylan Bachelet Became the Flavor King
The Gujarati, Japanese, and Belgian ‘Great British Bake Off’ finalist won over legions of fans, one emotional bake at a time.
Sindhi Food: A Cuisine Without A Country
As the region’s culinary custodians grow older, the survival of their recipes depends on descendants.
Samira Sawlani
Cyanide Mallika, the False Priestess
How India’s first convicted female serial killer exploited faith, desperation, and society’s blindness to deadly women.
All We Imagine As Light, Girls Will Be Girls, Laapataa Ladies
Dive into the 2024 Indian films capturing global attention and our interviews with the filmmakers.
Oranges: How a Himalayan Citrus Colored the West
The 8 million-year-old journey of a fruit that changed how we eat, speak, and see.
Dr. Parik Patel, the Internet’s Meme Doctor
What does the investor, lawyer, and chartered accountant want the world to know? “Tell them I’m defying gravity.”
Jay Bhattacharya and the Scientific Promise
Critics vilified the Stanford doctor for questioning pandemic lockdowns. Now, he’s set to lead the National Institutes of Health.
‘Bread & Roses’: The Afghan Women Who Refuse to Disappear
The powerful documentary captures their defiance against the Taliban’s oppression — and dares us to do more than watch.
Roop Kanwar and the Sati that Shook India
Widow burning dates back millennia. But in 1987, one woman’s death caused a reckoning.
The South Asian Aging Paradox
Raghav Sehgal’s groundbreaking research reveals surprising clues to what helps you live longer — and it’s not just diets or supplements.
Desi Pubs, Reinvented
These historic boozers survived riots and racism. But can they survive modernization?
Mallika Basu
Tabu, Mother of Versatility
The actor can play anyone from a murderous wife to an all-seeing truthsayer. Her secret? Plan less.
Will the Department of Government Efficiency Work?
Bureaucrats and citizens weigh in on whether the ambitious plan to slash federal spending is destined for success — or doomed to fail.
The Indian Couturiers Courting the West
Where do you go when you’ve already dressed the biggest stars in your country?
‘Veer-Zaara’: An Ode to Undivided India
Yash Chopra’s cross-border love story transports us to the country he longs for — and still believes is possible.
Have Democrats Lost South Asians?
One of the party’s most reliable voting blocs now feels unheard, unseen, and unmoored.
Suhas Subramanyam, the Newest Samosa Caucus Member
The Congress member-elect chats winning over Trump voters, the future of AI, and how he keeps an open mind.
How Kamala Harris Lost
In a fraught election, the reasons are both simple and nuanced.
The Indian American Voters of 2024, in Photographs
The election through one community’s eyes.
Kavya Krishna
Charting a New Way Forward for South Asian Americans
This election, we have the power to turn the page on the chaos of the past and create a brighter future worthy of our families.
Kamala Harris
Celebrating Diwali: 2024
Ten must-read stories to enrich your festive season.
Halloween 2024: South Asian Edition
Fifteen must-read stories for this spooky season.
Kamala Harris Isn’t Just Black and Indian — She’s Also Brahmin
Many have dissected the presidential candidate’s background this election. Yet, most ignore her caste.
Yashica Dutt
News Flash: Not Everyone Celebrates Diwali
The holiday has become so mainstream, we tend to overlook the subcontinent’s rich diversity of fall harvest traditions.
Mayesha Soshi
Why Trump is Gaining Ground With Indian American Men
A new survey finds the Republican Party has made significant inroads with U.S.-born, under-40 Indian males.
The Berkeley Murder that Changed America
Prosenjit Poddar, a Bengali student at UC Berkeley, fell in love. What followed would transform medical law.
Has Diwali Lost Its Light?
The holiday celebrating diversity, generosity, and community has become the Olympics of exclusion.
Kavita Mehra
Sid Sriram Has Only Scratched the Surface
The Carnatic singer pulls off unexpected collaborations — from soul to jazz — with aplomb.
‘All We Imagine As Light’: Sisterhood and Survival in Mumbai
Payal Kapadia shares how her award-winning film offers a radically refreshing depiction of India’s busiest city.
‘Jigra’: Raja Beta Syndrome on Steroids
The Alia Bhatt-Vedang Raina film follows a sister who’ll do whatever it takes to save her jailed brother. The result is, unexpectedly, magic.
Naveen Andrews Doesn’t Believe He’s Sexy
The actor discusses his latest show, how he nailed that ‘Bride and Prejudice’ dance, and why he wants to change the world.
Why Tamilians Drop Their Last Names
One Indian state’s movement to end caste discrimination changed naming conventions forever.
The Bengalis Keeping Adda Alive
How a beloved style of conversation transcended class, gender, and Calcutta.
A Year After October 7, South Asians Reflect
The Israel Gaza war has forever changed the world. The community discusses parallels with its own history, how to help, and the path forward.
‘CTRL’ Foretells Our AI Future
Vikramaditya Motwane and Ananya Panday chat about their new no-holds-barred thriller.
Alexander the Great, the Conqueror Who Couldn’t
How a failed invasion 2,300 years ago still shapes the Indian subcontinent.
‘Haider’ Revisited: The Tragedy of Kashmir
Ten years later, Vishal Bhardwaj’s elegy for a land ravaged by violence remains as haunting as ever.
Why India Doesn’t Have a National Language
Can a country with over 1,635 tongues ever unite under one?
Ishaan Khatter’s Second Coming
After seven years in Bollywood, ‘The Perfect Couple’ star is making waves globally and carving out his own niche. It’s about time.
Why We Can’t Help But Compare
Long before social media, South Asians have felt trapped in a pecking order they can’t escape.
Narendra Modi Visits the U.S., Again
India’s prime minister is on a campaign to woo the American diaspora after a surprising election result. Not everyone was impressed.
Anvee Bhutani
‘Khoobsurat’ Isn’t Your Typical Comfort Watch
The 2014 film pays homage to a time when everyday families — and unapologetic women — were front and center.
South Asians Can’t Give Up Tobacco. It’s Killing Us.
The region’s long history of paan, gutka, and hookah use has made us blind to a major health risk, especially in the American diaspora.
Is Bengali Really the World’s Sweetest Language?
The linguistics behind the sounds of the subcontinental tongue.
The Tipping Divide
A viral tweet reignited an age-old debate: why do some Indians view the practice as a “scam,” while others a necessity?
In ‘Girls Will Be Girls,’ Women Find Refuge in One Another
In a world that polices its women more than its men, the debut feature film from Shuchi Talati offers up a salve.
Bangladeshi Hindus are No Stranger to Violence
Language and other shared traditions birthed the country. So why have attacks against the religious minority become a pattern?
Has Kamala Harris Entered Her Policy Era?
Vibes propelled much of the VP’s rise. Yesterday’s debate showed that it’s now about substance.
Hassaan Bin Sabir
How Punjabi Music Went Global
A language that isn’t as widely spoken as Hindi or Urdu is now the default export of the Indian subcontinent.
Why Deepika Padukone Deserves an Apology
The superstar gave birth to her first child on September 8. Yet, for trolls, she was never pregnant enough.
Afghan Women Deserve Better than Silence
The world is quietly watching as the Taliban brutally erases women, law by law.
Sara Wahedi
Meet the Newest South Asian American Voters
For first-time voters, the 2024 election is an opportunity to help redefine America.
India’s “Overwhelmed” Visitor, a History
From the Mughals to travel influencers, the perception of the subcontinent as chaotic, barbaric, and excessive has never gone away.
Why Many South Asians Hate to Queue
Spoiler alert: it’s not about impatience.
India Arrests Ex-R.G. Kar Principal Sandip Ghosh
The CBI detained the head of the state-run hospital, where a resident doctor was raped and murdered, for corruption.
Celebrating Labor Day 2024
Ten of our best stories on South Asian workers and their history around the world.
Why Aruna Shanbaug Still Matters
The 1973 rape of a Bombay nurse reminds us that, in India, sexual violence and systemic injustice often go hand in hand.
Avani Lekhara Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Two Paralympic Golds
The 22-year-old won the 10m air rifle at the 2024 Games, with compatriot Mona Agarwal taking home the bronze.
Are South Asians Very Demure, Very Mindful?
How a TikTok trend revealed the judgmental aspects of subcontinental culture.
Why the Danish Cookie Tin Never Has Cookies
“Eco-minimalism” is the West’s latest fad. But for South Asians, reusing containers is serious business.
Raveena’s Healing Harmony
For the Punjabi American artist, “very demure, very mindful” isn’t a trend — it’s what makes her music sing.
Ayesha Le Breton
How Sylhetis Sailed Across the World
One unassuming region has produced one of the largest global Bangladeshi diasporas.
Kamala Harris Defines Herself
At the Democratic National Convention, the presidential candidate reintroduced herself, with a sari-clad aunty, Oprah, Michelle Obama, and Mindy Kaling in tow.
Why Doesn’t India Believe its Women?
The outrage over R.G. Kar is about much more than one woman and one case.
Why India Runs on “Chalta Hai”
For better or for worse, a simple phrase shapes the world’s most populous country.
Coconut: How a Fruit Became a Slur
Tracing the controversial phrase’s past, present, and future.
Kolkata Horror: India Needs More than Justice
Over a decade since Nirbhaya, the country continues to fail its women.
India’s Deoli Catastrophe
As a newly independent country learned to take a stand, it failed an entire community.
Ramsha Zubairi
Thousands March on India’s Independence Day to Demand Justice for Kolkata Doctor
The 31-year-old medical worker’s rape and murder has led some to ask: “Are we really free?”
The Sepoy Mutiny: Spark or Setback?
History books say the soldier-led 1857 rebellion ignited India’s fight for independence. Not everyone agrees.
Isha Banerjee
Remembering Partition and Independence, 77 Years On
Fifteen in-depth stories about the event that forever changed the subcontinent.
Indian Medical Workers Demand Justice for Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder
Doctors have gone on strike and allege officials tried to cover up the tragedy.
British South Asian Security Guard Saves Two in London Stabbing
Abdullah, 29, intervened when a man attacked an 11-year-old girl and her mother.
The Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra Bromance
The mutual admiration between the javelin duo and their mothers shows us a different post-Partition reality for the subcontinent.
Kamala Harris’s Laugh Isn’t Baffling At All
The U.S. Vice President’s cackle in the context of what came before.
Raita, the Yogurt Dish that Escapes Categorization
Is it a chutney, a sauce, a dip, or a drink? For those from the subcontinent, it’s all of the above.
Arshad Nadeem Wins Olympic Gold in Javelin, Neeraj Chopra Clinches Silver
The Pakistani ace ended his country’s 32-year Olympic medal drought, while the 2020 Olympic gold medalist came second.
The U.K. Riots and the Myth of British Inclusivity
The country can’t face the realities of ongoing violence against minorities. British South Asians are tired of it.
Vinesh Phogat Appeals Disqualification From Olympic Gold Medal Match
The wrestler was the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, but left without a medal. She’s hoping to now get silver.
‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!’: Two Weddings, One Funeral, and 14 Songs
How Sooraj Barjatya’s 1994 blockbuster defined more than just Hindi cinema.
Kamala Harris Picks Tim Walz as Vice President
The Minnesota governor has become a household name for calling Republicans “weird.”
Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina Resigns as Prime Minister
Her father’s legacy gave her power. Her inability to cede it led to her downfall.
Kamala Harris is Officially the Democratic Nominee for President
The U.S. Vice President is the first Indian and first Black woman to be on a major party’s national ticket.
‘Trap’: M. Night Shyamalan’s Anxieties in Concert Form
The horror director’s latest film is his most personal yet. We chatted with him and Saleka Shyamalan to find out why.
“Is She Indian or Is She Black?”
Donald Trump claimed Kamala Harris was “always Indian” and recently “turned” Black. Both communities are neither surprised, nor amused.
Meet the South Asian Undecided Voters
Some in the reliably Democratic bloc are disillusioned with the party. But they’re not excited about Trump either.
Manu Bhaker Makes History as First Indian to Win Two Medals at One Olympic Games
The air pistol shooter now has two bronzes to her name.
Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Forever?
India was once the world’s biggest diamond supplier. It now hopes to reclaim that past — with a twist.
Kamala Harris Closes in on Donald Trump in New Polls
The Vice President is tied with her Republican rival a week into her presidential bid, several new polls show.
South Asia, Mother of Maximalism
Is less always more? For one region, absolutely not.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Tour Was a Success. What About Its Dancers?
The Punjabi artist sold out North American arenas. Claims that he didn’t pay his dancers have reignited an age-old debate.
Sanchita Kedia
Kamala Harris, Memeified
“There was always a meme army. Now it’s on her side.”
Kamala Harris’s Coronation
In 2020, her presidential bid failed to win over Democrats. Now, it’s a Kamalamenon. What’s changed?
Usha Vance and the Republican Contradiction
The U.S. will have an Indian-origin Second Lady or President. The reactions to both show it might not be ready.
Joe Biden Endorses Kamala Harris for President in Historic Move
Revisit our stories on the U.S. Vice President as she reenters the spotlight for the 2024 presidential race.
The Indian Boys Who Made it in 18th-Century America
A British nabob’s mixed-race kids became U.S. citizens, attended Harvard and Yale, and earned plaudits. How?
How Bandhani Became Bandanna
The tie that binds together handkerchiefs, luxury bridal wear, and headscarves? One ancient Indian technique.
The Anxiety Over Kamala Harris
As concerns grow over U.S. President Joe Biden’s candidacy, the Vice President should be the obvious replacement. Why isn’t she?
Hate-Watching the Ambani Wedding
The months-long, reportedly $600-million affair shows us the power of Asia’s richest family. But it also gave us the ick.
The Myth of South Asian Loudness
Why do others think it’s okay to tell us to be quiet?
How Indians Became So Space-Crazy
From sages who travel across realms to NASA scientists, the subcontinent is no stranger to the call of the cosmos.
Vinod Bharara’s Murder Isn’t a Case Against Women
Indian police took three years to catch his killers. But that’s not what netizens are riled up about.
Is South Asian Blood Thicker Than Water?
In the U.S. and U.K., family estrangement is on the rise. The subcontinental diaspora is finding they aren’t immune.
The Kids Want to Thrift. Their Parents Won’t Have It.
South Asians are the masters of reusing everything from Danish tins to yogurt containers. But don’t mention other people’s clothes.
Being Sharmila Tagore
The first Bollywood actor to wear a bikini wasn’t trying to make a statement. That’s what makes her radical.
The U.K. Elections Don’t Matter
Today’s vote will likely end Rishi Sunak’s premiership. But a Labour government won’t reverse Britain’s decline.
Why You’re Bald in Your Baby Photos
The science and tradition behind shaving off that feathery soft, newborn hair.
India Molded Math. Then Europe Claimed It.
We all know the quadratic formula and the Fibonacci sequence. Why don’t we talk about their roots?
Home is Where Your Shoes Aren’t
A viral article claimed it’s rude to ask guests to remove their shoes. South Asians would like to have a word.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’: A Future We’ve Seen Before
Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi universe harnesses Indian mythology and a superstar cast, but its all-too-familiar packaging dampens its ambition.
R.D. Burman’s Musical Magic
You definitely know his tunes, but do you know him?
America Ruined Caffeine. Can South Asia Save It?
How a pillar of community building became a drug for productivity.
How India Forgot Its Calligraphers
The artisans left their mark on historic monuments and manuscripts. Today, their reality is a far cry from that.
Mir Umar
Ardhanarishvara, the Gender-Bending Deity
The half-male, half-female Hindu god has reemerged in different avatars over millennia. What it stands for is entirely up to you.
How Cricket’s Saurabh Netravalkar Engineers Victory
He’s who your mom compares you to: Oracle engineer, Cornell grad, star cricketer.
Why We’re Still Watching ‘House of the Dragon’
The draw of epic storytelling, from Ayodhya to Westeros.
Kamaladevi, the Activist for All
Remembering Kamala Harris’s alleged namesake, whose fight against injustice transcended borders and causes.
‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ Recast Masculinity
And we’re here for it.
How Shah Hussain Became Madho Lal
The Punjabi Sufi saint reportedly fell in love with a teenage boy. Some deny it to this day, but his poetry tells a different story.
‘Bridgerton’ Season 3, Part 2: Women Finally Get to Have it All
Must it always be about the marriage mart? The Regency Era drama concludes this season: definitely not.
Sitaphal’s Contested Past and Sweet Eternity
The fruit associated with a Hindu goddess isn’t South Asian at all. Or is it?
The U.S. Cricket Team is Here to Stay
A group of dreamers and part-timers beat some of the world’s best. We asked them how they did it.
The Ambanis: The Making of a Global Brand
India is already the fastest-growing major economy. Its richest family is its next biggest export.
“Lihaaf”: Ismat Chughtai’s “Obscenity”
How the pre-partition Indian writer got away with depicting female queerness and opened our minds.
‘The Watchers’: Horror, with a Shyamalan Twist
No, not that one. Director Ishana Shyamalan, 24, chats about her first feature film in a very familiar genre.
The Indian Americans Voting for Trump
Democrats have always relied on the community’s vote. This election year, that relationship is complicated.
How Trikone Gave Queer South Asians a Voice
In 1986, one group started a movement that would connect thousands across the world and help them find home.
Narendra Modi Wins Historic Third Term
His rise is about more than Hindu nationalism. But Hindutva may lead to his fall.
Shukto: The Bitter Dish Bengalis Love to Hate
Not everyone’s a fan of the centuries-old vegetable stew. But what would the region’s cuisine be without it?
Celebrating Pride Month: 2024
This June, dive into 15 stories about queer South Asian icons, history, and culture.
Gaja Gamini is Great, But Not Enough
Aditi Rao Hydari’s back flabs in ‘Heeramandi’ made people feel seen. Yet, body inclusivity for South Asians still feels far off.
When Did the Dupatta Become “European”?
South Asian netizens are both laughing and fuming over the cultural co-option.
The Migratory Memory of Meena Alexander
For the Indian American poet, one language was never enough. Yet her words never fail us.
Serena Alagappan
Why South Asians Love to Gossip
There’s more to the habit than tattling.
Gold Chains for Men Aren’t New
The West deemed jewelry too “effeminate” for South Asian men and too “flashy” for Black men. Now, they’re hopping on the bandwagon.
The Dotbusters Were Not “A Joke”
New Jersey officials downplayed the group’s deadly attacks against Indian Americans. Over 36 years later, little has changed.
The Sari Blouse: Colonial Import or Indian Ingenuity?
Some would have you believe the British introduced the garment. But that’s far from the full story.
Why Rizwanur Rahman’s Death Still Haunts Us
The police called the demise of a Muslim man who dared to marry a Hindu billionaire’s daughter a suicide. The reality is far more sinister.
Bollywood’s Love Affair with the Love Triangle
Long before ‘Challengers,’ the formulation has given Hindi cinema some of its biggest hits. What makes it so timeless?
How the Bhagavad Gita Sets Us Free
We tend to view fate and free will as diametric opposites. The ancient text made a different argument long ago.
‘Bridgerton’ Season 3: Little Spice, But Still Very Nice
The delicious Regency era drama and Kanthony are back. But don’t expect the unexpected.
Swami Vivekananda, America’s Favorite Monk
How a Bengali man sold the West on Hinduism and altered the course of Indian history.
Why South Asian Men Love the Skin Fade
The haircut has become the go-to for Brown men from Delhi to London, but for very different reasons.
How Sake Dean Mahomed Birthed “Shampoo”
The rise and fall of an Indian man from Patna who changed hygiene forever.
Sukhada Tatke
Asna Tabassum is Both America’s Dream and Nightmare
South Asian traditions of resistance have long been a feature of political movements. But what happens when we speak out?
Win Rozario Should Be Alive
NYPD fatally shot a Bangladeshi American teen in the midst of a mental health crisis. Where is the outrage?
Rabindranath Tagore’s Lost Legacy
The Bard of Bengal won a Nobel Prize and global fame. So why do we tend to ignore his relevance today?
Met Gala 2024: South Asians, and Color, Return
Alia Bhatt won “The Garden of Time” amid beige overload and 2023's black-and-white Lagerfeld theme.
Dalip Singh Saund, the First Asian American in Congress
The remarkable story of how an Indian immigrant went from second-class citizen to elected official.
Sepia Mutiny, South Asian America’s Front Page
From 2004 to 2012, one internet forum shaped the community’s conversations like never before. And this is its story.
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: 2024
This May, a roundup of 15 stories that celebrate South Asian American life, culture, innovation, and history.
‘Heeramandi’ is Beautiful But Incomplete
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s streaming debut is characteristically grandiose. But it falls short where it matters most.
Coke Studio is Pakistan’s Multicultural Reality
Many would have you believe the country is a monolith. But its most popular music says otherwise.
‘Laapataa Ladies’: A Master Class in Loss, Love, and Laughs
What happens when a man takes home the wrong bride? Hijinks galore and a searing treatise on how society treats women.
The Making of the Indian Rupee Symbol
Unlike other large economies, India took centuries to design a currency sign of its own. Was it worth the wait?
Sachin Tendulkar, a New Hero For a New India
The cricket legend’s talents are beyond question. But what if his superstardom has to do with more than skill?
How a 2001 Bollywood Song Birthed a Viral TikTok Trend
The ‘Asoka makeup’ hashtag is now everywhere. Its origins might surprise you.
What Kerala’s Syrian Christians Tell Us About Caste
The community has toed the line between its minority status and privilege for millennia. But few have examined its contested past.
Vaishnavi Naidu
Election Ink, Democracy’s Great Equalizer
The anxieties of a nascent India gave birth to the semi-permanent dye. Today, it represents how far the country has come.
Jesslyn Tannady
How the West Bastardized Baby Massages
As U.S. practitioners “discover” the millennia-old tradition from the Indian subcontinent, what gets lost in the process?
‘Amar Singh Chamkila’: An Ode to a Punjabi Folk Hero
Diljit Dosanjh stars in the Imtiaz Ali biopic that isn’t afraid to embrace the violence and vulgarity of the real-life story behind it.
Boroline, the Bengali Miracle Cream
The Indian antiseptic ointment has outlasted the British, Partition, and copycats. Its formula for winning isn’t what you think.
Phoolan Devi: Bandit Queen, Activist, Goddess
The Dalit leader instilled fear in men and fought for her beliefs. So why do many depict her as a victim?
The Eclipse That Ended the Great Sikh Genocide
Ahmad Shah Durrani’s soldiers massacred 30,000 unarmed Sikhs. It took a celestial event on Diwali to halt the ensuing bloodshed.
Jasmine Flowers Are More Than an Accessory
The delicate white buds have stood the test of time, cementing themselves in pop culture, weddings, mythology, and everyday life.
How Kalamkari Became Chintz
The British took the ancient textile tradition global. Its artisans have yet to benefit.
Ravi Shankar, the Maestro Who Made the Sitar Cool
His unexpected friendship with Beatles guitarist George Harrison brought Indian classical music to the world and changed global music forever.
‘Monkey Man’ Review: Visually Stunning, But Hollow
Dev Patel’s directorial debut wastes the richness of the Indian mythology it draws from. But we can’t stop watching.
How Samahan Became a Global Sensation
Fans of the Sri Lankan herbal drink, from Naomi Campbell to Amitabh Bachchan, swear it cures everything from a cold to a cough. Does it?
The Double Lives of Beef-Eating South Asians
Many who grew up steering clear of the red meat are now opting in, sometimes secretly.
Fatima Jinnah, More Than Her Brother’s Keeper
Many have tried to sanitize the legacy of the first Pakistani woman to run for president and challenge the country’s military.
Who Should Teach South Asian Studies?
The department has proliferated at U.S. universities. But the discipline’s professors aren’t always who you think.
Farah Akbar
What the Anjali-Sufi Story Says About Us
For five years, fans fawned over the interfaith, queer influencers. But a sudden split ahead of their wedding led to a flurry of judgment.
Who Gets to Observe Ramadan?
The latest TikTok trend? Non-Muslims sharing their fasting journeys. For some, it’s about wellness. For others, it’s a welcome practice.
Why South Asians Can’t Stop Thinking About Kate Middleton
The Princess of Wales’s months-long absence from public life resurfaced familiar feelings for those from the subcontinent.
How Ramzan Became Ramadan in South Asia
The linguistic switch might seem innocuous, but its roots go back centuries.
Vikas Khanna Isn’t Done Flying
The Michelin-star chef’s latest — and likely last — restaurant, Bungalow, is a manifestation of his mantra: “I’m as good as my last dish.”
How A Bowl of Fruit Became a South Asian Love Language
Affection comes in a various forms, but for many, the purest gesture is freshly washed, cut, or prepared produce.
The Business of South Asian Influencing
Money. Fame. Power. Content creators seem to have it all. But for those in the diaspora, pursuing it as a full-time career isn’t as easy.
The Tragedy of Benazir Bhutto
Even a woman of many firsts couldn’t escape the patriarchy and a husband who failed her.
When ‘Queen’ Taught Us to Think for Ourselves
The 2014 film about a jilted fiancée’s solo honeymoon reminds us that change can begin with one simple decision.
Courtesans, the Unsung Stewards of Culture
The British Raj conflated tawaifs with prostitution and minimized their contribution to the arts and politics, but that was far from reality.
Reincarnation: Myth or Reality?
The Indian subcontinent has long been obsessed with rebirth, from the Bhagavad Gita to Bollywood. Scientists are finally taking note.
Sushmita Pathak
How Costco Won Over the South Asian Diaspora
Meet the “Costco-politans” who swear by the wholesale giant. For fans, it’s about more than snagging a deal.
Oscars 2024: All the South Asian Moments
‘Oppenheimer’ swept the awards in a show with multiple snubs. It also featured an iconic presenter, Cadbury, and Wes Anderson’s first win.
‘To Kill A Tiger’ is Powerful, Yet Overlooks Its Women
The Oscar-nominated documentary follows a father seeking justice for his daughter, a survivor of a brutal rape. But its women rarely get the spotlight.
Tamil, the Indian Language that Spread Across the World
The vernacular is one of the oldest, reaching as far and wide as Thailand and Australia. Why doesn’t it get its due?
Gayatri Devi, the Maharani Who Did
From politician to preservationist, she was always more than a glamorous queen — reminding us to stand tall in a world that men often dominate.
Why the West is Obsessed with Borders
We take these boundaries as a fact of life. But does it have to be this way?
Nazia Hassan, the South Asian Queen of Pop
The British Pakistani singer redefined global stardom in the 1980s. But her musical career was tragically cut short.
Celebrating Women’s History Month: 2024
This March, dive into our stories about women in all their multitudes. Astronaut. Friend. Goddess. Mother. Sister. Saint. Icon.
Why South Asian Women Are Suffering from Anemia
Researchers have found that the demographic is more prone to the condition than other groups. What gives?
London’s Brick Lane: Banglatown No More?
British Bangladeshis have called the area home for decades. With new development, its future is far more uncertain.
Sharlene Gandhi
The Toyota Camry, An Indian American Classic
Toyotas are efficient, reliable, and affordable. But for a generation of Indian immigrants, one of its models means so much more.
Timbaland and Indian Music: A Match Made in Heaven?
In the 2000s, the producer sampled Bollywood classics to create some of his biggest hits. Many of the original artists have yet to reap any rewards.
The Butter Chicken Effect
As a lawsuit unfolds over the dish’s origins, it’s time to ask: has its popularity done more harm than good for Indian cuisine?
Catarina de San Juan: Mughal Princess or Mexican Saint?
Historians and Catholics alike have venerated the enslaved woman from India since the 1600s, yet few know her true story — until now.
‘Highway’ and the Making of a Star
How the 2014 Imtiaz Ali film set the stage for Alia Bhatt’s dominance.
The Disappearing Dak Nam
For many Bengalis, the naming tradition is a way to express cultural pride and intimacy. But for others, it might be on the way out.
The Cobra Effect and the Colonial Gaze
How the world’s foremost experts popularized the made-up story of a British incentive to curb Delhi’s snake population.
‘One Day’: Hollywood Romance with a South Asian Twist
The Netflix adaptation of the 2009 novel isn’t groundbreaking. But Ambika Mod as romantic lead Emma is.
Why South Asians Love Muhammad Ali
The boxing legend symbolizes more than just athletic prowess for those from the subcontinent.
South Asian Love Stories: 2024
From whether romantic kissing originated in India to the queer legacy of ‘Bend It Like Beckham,’ dive into our favorite stories on love in all its forms.
How Parkchester Became “Little Bangladesh”
The once exclusively white neighborhood is a haven for immigrants. But does its success threaten its future?
“Mundian To Bach Ke,” The Bhangra Anthem That Lives On
The 2003 Panjabi MC and Jay-Z track became a global sensation. More than 20 years later, we’ve yet to experience anything like it. Why?
Celebrating Lunar New Year: 2024
Fifteen stories on the interconnected histories of China, South Korea, Malaysia, and South Asia — from the creation of Indo-Chinese food to anti-Asian U.S. immigration policy.
Pakistan’s Generals Have Lost Its People
The country’s military has engineered election results and controlled the economy for over 70 years. Its civilians have yet to benefit.
How Indian South Africans Fought Apartheid
Many history books have forgotten the activists who joined forces with the Black community in dismantling state-sponsored racism.
Pomegranates, the Ruby Jewels of the East
A viral article claimed the fruit is tasteless and making a “comeback.” But for South Asians and Iranians, it transcends any fad.
Why Are We Still Talking About ‘Animal’?
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s paean to violence, misogyny, and daddy issues is a laughably poor film, one that benefits from endless discourse.
Celebrating Black History Month: 2024
Revisit the often-overlooked, intertwined histories of Black and South Asian communities.
No Doubt’s Tony Kanal, Man of Mystery
The Indian American bassist had an outsized role in the band’s breakout success. Why don’t we know more about him?
Coupon Clipping to Clicking: The Brown Love of a Deal
Indian American immigrants in the 1980s and 1990s embraced discounts as a means of survival, raising a generation of bargain hunters.
‘Monkey Man’ Trailer Out: Dev Patel Directs, Writes, and Acts
The film — about a man out for revenge in Mumbai, India — counts Jordan Peele as co-producer and is set to release on April 5 in theaters.
‘Fighter’ Review: All Flair, Few Feels
The Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan film has plenty of action, but a tired storyline wastes its immense star power.
Howard Hodgkin, the Unlikely Collector of Indian Art
The late British artist amassed one of the most notable subcontinental troves. To this day, we know little about their rightful owners.
Kajal: Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder
In the West, black eyeliner can mean sultriness, “exotic”-ness, or danger. But for South Asians, the millennia-old ritual imbues confidence and power.
India’s Ram Mandir Inauguration Pulls in its Global Diaspora
For some, it’s a historic event. For others, it’s a symbol of growing Hindutva and a reminder of sectarian violence.
Eqbal Ahmad, the Anti-War Activist Ahead of His Time
The Pakistani academic went on trial for plotting to kidnap Kissinger. He ended up advising revolutionaries and presidents, and prophesying the future.
‘Public Obscenities’ is the Most Bengali Play
Choton and his partner Raheem visit Kolkata to document the lives of LGBTQ Indians. They discover far more.
Piercings: Tradition for South Asians, Rebellion in the West
For those from the subcontinent, the practice is a given, even for babies. In the West, it’s taboo and reviled. Why?
Karak Chai is Really the Story of South Asian Migrants
The accessible, diasporic brew is a byproduct of Gulf modernization — and its insidious underbelly.
Amar Diwakar
The Big Didi Dilemma
Eldest daughters and sisters already have it tough. What does it mean when you’re also South Asian?
Avantika on ‘Mean Girls’: “Brown Girls Can Be Dumb, Too”
The hit 2004 film is back as an on-screen musical, giving us Hollywood’s first South Asian ditz: Karen Shetty.
The Jinns We Live With
For millennia, the lore of these mythical creatures has cultivated creativity, connection, and community.
Soccer Was Once India’s Great Love. What Happened?
The country had all the ingredients to be formidable on the sport’s global stage. But one ill-fated decision changed its trajectory forever.
Why Bangladesh is an Autocracy, Despite a Booming Economy
The country has gotten away with unfair elections since 2008. Its turbulent political past might be to blame.
Yash Roy
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Profiles of 2023
Dive into what makes others tick, featuring Sima Aunty, Tan France, Padma Lakshmi, Richa Moorjani, Zarna Garg, Gaurav Gupta, and more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 History Stories of 2023
How Yale was built on stolen riches, why India is half an hour off global time zones, the war heroes of Catherine Duleep Singh and Noor Inayat Khan, and much more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 True Crime Stories of 2023
Scams, murders, and intrigue — featuring Saravana Bhavan, Mother Teresa, Sathya Sai Baba, and more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Health Stories of 2023
Why South Asians still aren’t working out enough, caring for elders, the hoopla over ashwagandha, and much more.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Politics Stories of 2023
From exploring whether Yale discriminates against Asian Americans to Kissinger’s legacy in Bangladesh, this year’s top articles on politics and policies.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Business & Tech Stories of 2023
From Humans of Bombay to Barbie, these were the top articles of the year on companies and market trends.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 Culture Stories of 2023
From why so many South Asian men are mama’s boys to the lost ritual of soi patano, the best stories on the trends, practices, and beliefs that shape us.
The Juggernaut’s Top 15 Entertainment Stories of 2023
From the Mindy Kaling effect to how the Oscars flubbed its “Naatu Naatu” performance, these were our top film, TV, music, and comedy stories of the year.
The Juggernaut’s Top 10 Food Stories of 2023
From the intertwined history of Indian and Ethiopian food to how cha became chai, these were the food stories our readers and editorial team devoured.
‘Dunki’ Has a Powerful Message, But Loses the Plot
The first ever Rajkumar Hirani-Shah Rukh Khan film will give you all the feels. Try not to think about the details.
2023’s Biggest Moments for South Asians Globally
The South Asian History of Red
The color’s popularity has waxed and waned in the West. But, in the subcontinent, the hue has always been in.
How Ancient India Pioneered Sanitation
Millennia before the Roman Empire, the Indus Valley Civilization had private toilets and sophisticated drainage systems. But who gets to decide what is “clean” today?
Why India Loves Archie Comics
The World War II-era series didn’t arrive in the country until decades later, yet won over an unexpected fanbase.
Divya Goyal
Why India’s Visa Temples Are Still Thriving
Indians are now among the largest recipients of visas globally. That hasn’t stopped devotees from turning to Hindu sites to remove obstacles.
Bhavya Dore
Jhumkas Are Now Everywhere
For South Asians, the ancient chandelier-shaped earrings have always been a classic. Now, others seem to be joining the party.
Is Nepal a Beacon of LGBTQ Rights?
The world celebrates the nation for South Asia’s “first same-sex marriage” and its progressive laws, but queer activists say the reality is far different.
How Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti Create Magic
The filmmakers chatted about what makes their partnership work, creating ‘The Archies,’ that alternate ending to ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,’ and what’s next.
‘The Archies’: An Ode to Being Young and Free
Zoya Akhtar’s film adaptation of the beloved American comic isn’t for the serious. Rather, it’s an endearing reminder of the joys of young adulthood.
Why South Asians Still Aren’t Working Out Enough
Despite health risks and fit celebrities, the community gets significantly less exercise than the recommended amount. What gives?
What’s the Deal with Neils?
The name has never been particularly popular in the U.S. — unless, of course, you’re Indian American.
How Henry Kissinger Betrayed Bangladesh
The former U.S. Secretary of State fled Nazi Germany as a child. Decades later, he would condone the Pakistani genocide of millions of Bengalis.
Rose Water: From Mughal Tradition to TikTok Trend
Your favorite skincare secret dates back centuries. So why is the West now obsessed with it?
The Last Nizam of Hyderabad Who Wasn’t
Mukarram Jah inherited the wealth of the world’s richest man, but swiftly squandered it. To this day, many consider him unworthy of the title.
How ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’ Gave Us Perspective
Was Shah Rukh Khan’s Aman just a manic pixie dream girl? Or something more?
Bangladesh and Palestine: A History of Solidarity
For decades, the two have supported each other in displacement, war, and oppression.
Richa Moorjani is the Moral Core of ‘Fargo’ Season 5
With a sweet scowl and a burning heart, the actor’s Indira Olmstead adds a touch of kind fierceness to the Minnesota-set dark comedy — and nails that accent.
Sadaf Ahsan
Pakistan’s Expulsion of Afghans Threatens Centuries of History
Afghan refugees shaped the country’s culture and economy for generations. Now, they’re being forced out — and the loss is incalculable.
Amid Calls for Peace, Many South Asians are “Utterly Heartbroken”
Millions have called for a cease-fire in Gaza. Yet, they are disappointed with governments that aren’t doing enough.
On Israel and Hamas, South Asian Students Fear Speaking Out
American universities are usually safe spaces to discuss ideas and believes. Students and professors say: not anymore.
Dayita More
‘The Marvels’ Squanders Iman Vellani’s Kamala Khan
The latest Marvel film doesn’t take advantage of uniting three powerful storylines, including that of its first Pakistani American superhero.
‘Baazigar,’ the Killer Thriller Gamble that Struck Gold
The 1993 film with a murderous villain as a hero sent shockwaves through Bollywood and turned its actors and directors into veritable stars.
Dates: The Sacred Superfood that Withstood Millennia
The ancient drupe has long been a staple for Muslims. Now, it’s the latest fad for health nuts in the West.
The Unlikely Sponsor Behind the New York City Marathon
TCS pours tens of millions of dollars into global marathons every year. That few know what it does or its Indian origins is by design.
John Kapoor, the Billionaire Pain Hustler
The Indian American’s drug company pushed its fentanyl spray at any cost. But did jailing him change anything?
Halloween 2023: South Asian Edition
Fifteen of our best stories for the spooky season.
Brown Wealth is Shameless
A new generation of rich South Asians are showing off and living it up. Not everyone’s on board.
How South Indian Immigrants Shaped Malaysian Cuisine
Tamil, Malayali, and Kannadiga migrants are behind some of the archipelago’s biggest culinary hits, from roti canai to teh tarik.
Mehr Singh
Malala Yousafzai, Internet Queen
The Nobel laureate and education rights activist has long been online to fight for her cause. People are only now realizing she’s also funny, with many more stories to tell.
‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai,’ the Blockbuster Full of Contradictions
The film reinforced the “suitable girl” trope, but also reimagined widowhood and love.
Radioactive Rotis: Britain’s Secret Human Radiation Trials
Over 50 years ago, a medical study targeted 21 British Indian women without their consent. The U.K. government has still not investigated or apologized.
South Asian Pizza is (Finally) Having Its Moment
Hold the pineapples and pepperoni. Enter: shutki, aloo chicken, naga pepper, and green chili chutney.
Rohini Chaki
The South Asians Reclaiming Their Names
After years of shortening or anglicizing names, many are now choosing a different path than assimilation.
Allana Akhtar
What’s in an Accent?
The linguistics behind why we sometimes can’t hear what’s right in front of us.
Vrinda Jagota
Bangladesh Dengue Death Toll Exceeds 1,017
The country is experiencing the worst outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in its history.
How Kashmir Became Cashmere
Colonial greed turned the “soft-gold” fabric that once ruled the world into a commodity. How much of pashmina today is what it claims to be?
Wes Anderson and India: A Love Story?
In his new shorts ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’ and ‘Poison,’ the director’s obsession with the subcontinent finally results in authenticity.
The South Asian Women Breaking the Divorce Taboo
As ending marriages becomes increasingly common, a new generation is speaking out to end the stigma.
Have South Asian Weddings Reached Peak Pastel?
As actor Parineeti Chopra’s wedding photos went viral, many wondered where all the color had gone in subcontinental nuptials.
How ‘It Lives Inside’ Brings Hindu Mythology to Horror
The Megan Suri-starrer taps into familiar feelings of otherness to create a new visual language for the global genre.
Hardeep Singh Nijjar and the Future of Sikh Canada
Canada is the world’s second largest home to Sikhs. But one man’s alleged extrajudicial killing may have changed diplomacy with India forever.
How Humans of Bombay Lost at Its Own Game
The Mumbai-based company accused another account of plagiarism. When Humans of New York founder Brandon Stanton called out the hypocrisy, all hell broke loose.
The Exciting Dating Lives of South Asian Seniors
The community often stigmatizes those who crave companionship after age 60. These lovebirds prove that the search for someone special never has to end.
King Khan: Tracing South Asia’s Most Iconic Surname
From Genghis to Shah Rukh, one of South Asia’s most prolific last names hints at our entwined history.
Black Pepper: From India’s “Black Gold” to Afterthought
Europeans colonized India in its quest for the once priceless spice. How did we start taking salt’s best friend for granted?
Who is Instacart’s Apoorva Mehta?
As the grocery delivery company goes public today, the mysterious India-born founder’s journey leaves more questions than answers.
Justin Trudeau Links Killing Of Canadian Sikh Leader To Indian Government
Justin Trudeau has said Canada is pursuing “credible allegations” that link the Indian government to the killing of a prominent Canadian Sikh leader.
Hasan Minhaj, Friend or Foe?
The comedian recently admitted to fabricating major incidents in his comedy specials, leaving South Asians split over his “emotional truths.”
Maldives and Sri Lanka May Hold the Secrets to Long Life
Life expectancy in Maldives, at 80, and Sri Lanka, at 76, are years higher than the world average, but are understudied compared to Blue Zones.
Jaahnavi Kandula Deserved Better
Seattle police killed an Indian student and laughed about it. Its aftermath has shaken the global South Asian community.
Agatha Christie, the Mystery Queen Who Won South Asian Hearts
How the British novelist borrowed from the subcontinent, became the literary grandmother of generations of fans, and changed Indian film forever.
Jaahnavi Kandula Killing: “She Had Limited Value,” Police Officer Says
Seattle police officer Daniel Auderer is under investigation for laughing after a colleague killed the 23-year-old Indian graduate student.
The Rise and Fall of Monkeys
After a long history of coexistence and even reverence, the relationship between South Asians and monkeys seems to have soured in recent years. Why?
Remembering 9/11
Ten stories on how September 11 impacted the world, from the occupation of Afghanistan to anti-Muslim and -Sikh hate crimes.
‘Jawan’: What’s Old is New Again — And More Relevant Than Ever
The latest action blockbuster from Shah Rukh Khan showcases the actor’s many avatars, with epic storytelling that has long been missing in Hindi cinema.
How India Got Its Name
For a country that has renamed cities and states, the latest “Bharat” debate is about much more than nomenclature.
The Pakistan-India Space Race That Wasn’t
Despite getting to space 13 years before India and having a Nobel laureate at the helm, Pakistan would get in the way of its own greatness.
Rumors Spread That India Is Changing Its Name To “Bharat”
Memes abound after a leaked photo shows India used the term 'Bharat' on G20 Summit invitations.
Why South Asians Prefer the Mother’s Side
Scores of South Asians swear the dad’s side of the family sucks. Is it just evolution or something else?
Celebrating Labor Day 2023
Why Seema in ‘And Just Like That’ Subverts Expectations
Sarita Choudhury’s Seema isn’t Samantha. Instead, she’s the best of the other characters, and a new model of a sexy, successful South Asian woman.
Shafilea Ahmed Didn’t Have to Die
Twenty years ago, parents murdered their British Pakistani daughter for daring to be herself. She would get justice only years later.
South Asia is World’s Most Polluted Region, New Study Finds
South Asians would live 5.1 years longer if air quality met WHO guidelines. The region makes up more than half of the total years lost from pollution globally.
Brown Don’t Frown: The Science of South Asian Aging
Studies suggests that South Asians look younger for longer. That hasn’t stopped them from seeking new treatments to help turn back the clock.
NYC Mosques No Longer Need a Permit to Broadcast the Call to Prayer
Masjids can broadcast azan on Friday afternoons and throughout the month of Ramadan.
The Undoing of Vijay Mallya, the “King of Good Times”
Two decades after founding Kingfisher Airlines, the former billionaire beer baron still owes India $1.4 billion.
The Bollywood Bahu Effect
Does marrying into a dynastic Hindi film family mean less autonomy? Fans are convinced Alia Bhatt is the phenomenon’s latest victim.
Why South Asians Love Feet
The subcontinent’s reverence for the lowest appendage isn’t new. Is it a collective fetish or is something else afoot?
India Lands on the Moon, First to Reach Lunar South Pole
The achievement represents a new global pecking order.
Glutathione: The Injectable, Modern-Day Fair & Lovely
Skin-lightening cream’s newer, more expensive cousin is taking over pop culture. But the latest “solution” to an age-old fixation presents new dangers.
U.K. Study: Common Heart Medicine Doesn’t Work For Most South Asians
Plavix, or clopidogrel, lowers the chance of heart attacks or strokes. But genetic factors prevent British Pakistanis and Bangladeshis from activating the drug.
How India Invented the Nose Job
Initially devised to help the mutilated, rhinoplasty has become a routine procedure that’s still taboo among South Asians.
Marigolds: How a Mexican Flower Bloomed in South Asia
The blossom ubiquitous in the subcontinent and pop culture — from ‘Monsoon Wedding’ to “Genda Phool” — isn’t native. But its mystique unites people oceans apart.
The British Museum Reports Employee Stole Artifacts, Faces Backlash For Its Own Loot
A former curator has allegedly taken jewelry, gems, and other items dating back to the 15th century B.C.
Naya Jorgensen
Nehru and Jinnah’s Star-Crossed Bromance
History leads us to believe that Partition alone drove apart two friends who sought Indian independence. That’s not the whole story.
Mahek and Ansreen Bukhari, the TikTokers Who Killed
A forbidden affair led to what many are calling the honor killing of a British Pakistani man. Is it?
Bengal: The Other Side of Partition
The site of numerous famines and a partition before the partition, the region played a pivotal — but, at times, overlooked — part in South Asian history.
Remembering Partition and Independence, 76 Years On
Fifteen in-depth stories about the historical event that forever changed the subcontinent.
The Big Fat South Asian Wedding is Shrinking
You’re not imagining it: many are opting for smaller, shorter ceremonies that are just as memorable.
‘Made in Heaven’ Season 2 Was Well Worth the Wait
Back after four years, the cult hit that uses weddings to examine India’s societal baggage is still preachy. But we can’t stop watching.
10 Award-Winning Wildlife Photos from Bangalore’s Nature inFocus Competition
Here are some of the most stunning winning and special mention shots from the India-based nature organization.
Can We Make AI Brown?
With the rise of ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney, addressing bias in artificial intelligence is more pressing than ever. But the solution isn’t so clear.
How Zardozi Lost Its Gold
The world’s most expensive embroidery used to use real gold and silver. Until the British came along.
Mother Teresa, History’s Most Notorious White Savior?
The controversial figure fetishized the suffering of Indians — yet the Catholic Church made her a saint.
How Eastern Medicine Became the Infertility Cure-All
People are adding traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and other ancient practices to their fertility treatments. But do they work?
‘Bawaal’ Trivializes the Holocaust. No One Has Apologized.
Why did Amazon Prime Video green-light the insensitive Hindi film? And why does it continue to platform it?
11 Kerala Workers Win $1.2 Million After Buying $3 Lottery Ticket
Radha, 49, checked the numbers on a lottery ticket and found she — and 10 of her colleagues — had won.
Mixed South Asians are Tired of Hearing “What Are You?”
Mixed-race Asians are increasingly common, but will South Asians ever accept multiracial people as their own?
Anil Varshney, Indian American Fired for Speaking Hindi at Work, Sues Ex-Employer
The engineer, 78, filed a lawsuit in Alabama against Parsons Corporation for systemic discrimination.
How Hindu-Arabic Numerals Conquered the World
Without Indian mathematicians and Arab scholars, math would be centuries behind. But many gloss over this history.
Diaspora South Asians are Stockpiling Rice
After India banned rice exports, people in the U.S., Canada, and Australia are panic buying the grain — even non-banned varieties — leading to shortages.
‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ Review: Big Bollywood Romance is Back
But it’s not about the Punjabi-Bengali love story you think it’s about.
Welcome to the Only Child Generation
South Asian families are shrinking. Judgment from the community isn’t.
What’s with South Asia’s Kissing Cousins?
The subcontinent has some of the highest rates of cousin marriage in the world. Popular shows like ‘Humsafar’ only mirror this reality.
South Asians Need to Talk About Dementia — Before It’s Too Late
New Alzheimer’s drugs could delay cognitive decline, but South Asians might miss out on this life-altering care.
As Jewelry Thefts Rise, South Asians Lose More than Just Gold
A recent uptick in robberies has put the community on notice.
Oppenheimer’s Solace in “Becoming Death”? The Bhagavad Gita
The father of the atomic bomb turned to Hinduism not just to reckon with the consequences of what he created, but throughout his life.
Before Barbiecore Came Rani Pink
Why the punchy reddish-pink shade from South Asia has reigned supreme for centuries.
How Barbie Failed Black and Brown Girls
Life in plastic isn’t fantastic if you aren’t blonde and blue-eyed.
Vipassana: Ancient Cure-All or Current Fad?
Ten-day retreats of complete silence are no longer the pursuit of just the enlightened and famous. But does shutting up mean opening up?
Partition Ruined Modern Love. The Internet Revived It.
Borders, languages, and even shark-infested waters couldn’t stop these South Asian couples.
The Succulent World of South Asian Barbecue
The subcontinent’s reverence for grilled meats and treats transcends the tandoor.
Why So Many South Asian Men Are Mama’s Boys
The epidemic even has a name: Raja Beta Syndrome.
How the West Stole Meditation
A South Asian tradition rooted in spirituality is now a multibillion-dollar industry about productivity.
Sathya Sai Baba, the God-man Who Preyed on His Followers
Despite pedophilia allegations and efforts to expose him, the multibillion-dollar cult of the guru continues to live on.
When South Asian Women Choose to Go Child-Free
They may face criticism for their choice. But it’s not stopping them from celebrating their lives.
Why India is Home to the Last Remaining Pigeon Carrier Service
In Odisha, the practice is a testament to South Asia’s reverence for birdlife.
Firdaus Kanga’s Queer Resilience
The first Indian novelist to feature a gay protagonist proved that those with disabilities like to have fun and that being gay is no big deal.
Ashwagandha, the West’s Latest Poster Child
The herb, rooted in Ayurveda, can reportedly treat stress, hair loss, and much more. But why is science so divided on it?
Affirmative Action is No More. Now What?
Many Asian Americans grapple with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling they do not support, yet used their plight to decide the case.
Jay Shetty: Modern Monk or Wellness Moneymaker?
The guru is passionate about spreading love and making you happy — but only if you pay up.
Treating Painful Sex is an Uphill Battle for South Asians
Vaginal pain is more common than people think. For South Asians, getting care is its own challenge.
Trina Paul
Hijras in South Asia: The Divine, The Disenfranchised
British rule recast the third gender community as pariahs. Modern South Asian laws have yet to undo the damage.
Modi’s U.S. State Visit Reveals America’s Growing Reliance on India
But was an official state event necessary?
Pavni Mittal
Love and Belonging in ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’
The 1985 queer romance between a British Pakistani man and a skinhead turned immigrant tropes on their head and remains prescient to this day.
DJ Rekha Wants to Make You Dance
The Basement Bhangra founder created a sanctuary for generations of South Asian Americans. The artist isn’t done anytime soon.
How Whiskey Won India
In 2022, the country overtook France to become the world’s largest consumer of the spirit by volume. Now, Indian single-malts are shaking things up.
The Hooded Gown, Suddenly, is Everywhere
As the fashion moment takes over red carpets without crediting Eastern influences, who is the look serving?
Salman Rushdie, the Maverick Who Lived
On the award-winning novelist’s birthday, we revisit how his writing molded the literary imagination of hundreds of millions.
“Jimmy Jimmy Aaja Aaja,” the Bollywood Disco Track That Never Dies
Bappi Lahiri’s 1982 hit song has reemerged in different avatars for decades, from Soviet film festivals to Chinese protests to K-Pop.
South Asia’s Stinkiest Beloved Treat? A Laxative.
How Big Ayurveda turned Hajmola, the lip-smacking digestive aid, into candies.
Goan Food is Much More than Vindaloo
Restaurants have long reduced Goan cuisine, shaped by over 450 years of Portuguese rule, to one dish. That’s now changing — but is it enough?
‘Never Have I Ever’ Stars Reflect on What’s Next: “There’s More to Come”
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, and Richa Moorjani sat down to chat about the last season of the beloved teen comedy.
In ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 4, Devi Finally Grows Up
In her senior year and the last season, the messy but charming teen proves how far she’s come in her journey to self-love.
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?
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.
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.”
Celebrating Pride Month: 2023
This June, dive into 15 stories about queer South Asian history, icons, and culture.
Does Yale Discriminate Against Asian Americans?
Eleven Asian American students looked at their admissions files. They were surprised by what they found.
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.
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
With No Towers of Silence in the West, Zoroastrian Last Rites are a Fraught Affair
The West has no structures or legal precedent for corpses to decay in the open air. For those wishing to follow traditions, funerals are a compromise.
Nevin Kallepalli
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.
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
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.
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 Singer Set South Asian Women Up For Success
The American sewing machine had a slow start in the Indian subcontinent. Today, it has changed women’s finances, and futures, forever.
‘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.
How Kumon Bred Persistence and Panic Among South Asians
The after-school program was a fixture for the South Asian diaspora. But, after peaking in the 2000s, does it now hold the same draw?
Hanif Kureishi is Inspiring Optimism — From a Hospital Bed
The British Pakistani writer of ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ fame became paralyzed in 2022. His Twitter dispatches are now a symbol of hope.
‘Piku’ Reminds Us Not To Take Sh*t from the Patriarchy
The 2015 film about a widower obsessed with his bowel movements and his headstrong daughter shows us why we shouldn’t care about what society demands of us.
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.
Reetika Vazirani, the Forgotten Poet We Should All Know
The Indian American was a pioneer of diasporic poetry. Twenty years after she took her son’s life and her own, few remember her brilliance.
Bikram Choudhury, the Sexual Predator Who Built a Yoga Empire
How a boy from Bengal founded Bikram Yoga and minted millions, only to abuse his students and escape justice.
Met Gala 2023: A Controversial Theme, with Few South Asians
Fashion’s most famous night featured a divisive, black-and-white theme. Its guest list of South Asians was even more limited.
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: 2023
This May, a roundup of 15 stories that celebrate South Asian American life, love, culture, and history.
‘Ponniyin Selvan: II’ Review: Come for the Epic, Stay for the Twisted Love Story
Aishwarya Rai and Vikram take center stage in the second part of the Mani Ratnam magnum opus about the Chola dynasty.
Dilani Rabindran
‘Polite Society’ Celebrates Brown Female Rage
Director Nida Manzoor and actors Ritu Arya and Priya Kansara share how they pulled off the hilarious ‘Get Out’-esque action comedy that dismantles South Asian tropes.
How Steve Jobs’s Trip to India Helped Create Apple
The tech legend’s search for spiritual enlightenment in 1974 honed his intuition and sowed the seeds for the most valuable public company in the world.
Badminton’s Grand Comeback
In India, a country where cricket is a religion, the racquet sport is becoming a booming business.
How Ferrero Rocher Melted South Asian Hearts
And why the significance of the once gold standard of gifting is no longer the same.
‘Indian Matchmaking’ Season 3 Tries But Fails to Modernize
It’s time to swipe left on the reality series that has yet to result in a single marriage and few successful matches.
Sima Aunty from ‘Indian Matchmaking’ Has Had Enough
For the Mumbai matchmaker and reality television star, today’s youth are too picky, too impatient, and too confused.
How Horlicks, Bournvita, and Complan Took Over India
World War I, celebrity ads, and scare tactics ensured that a Western concoction became a mainstay for the subcontinent and its diaspora.
Saravana Bhavan: Dosa, With a Side of Murder
Around 20 years ago, a Chennai court convicted the infamous restaurant chain’s founder of murder. What happened next was equally surprising.
Salim-Javed: Strugglers, Screenwriters, Superstars
The story of Bollywood’s most successful writing duo is as masala-filled as the groundbreaking cinema they created.
Rtusha Kulkarni
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.
Yale Was Built on Stolen Riches from India. Why Don’t We Talk About It More?
Elihu Yale became the reluctant namesake of the prestigious university by exploiting Indian diamonds, textiles, and even mango chutney.
The Mangalsutra, a Mark of Marital Bliss?
How a necklace that emerged around a century ago became a big business and the epitome of marital sanctity — and how its meaning is now changing.
‘Life of Pi’ Roars on Broadway (Review)
The stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s 2001 novel has impeccable acting and magical puppetry, but will leave some craving more.
The Death of Paan
How the tricornered treat, once a cornerstone of South Asian life and art, has slipped to the periphery.
‘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.
How Bollywood Failed Parveen Babi
One of the highest-paid actors of her time is largely remembered through her lovers and by her illness. While others profited from her tale, she died alone at 51.
Dior and India: Couture Diplomacy or Culture Vulturism?
Dior’s Fall 2023 show in Mumbai seems like a win, but raises questions about the brand’s decades-long, extractive relationship with Indian artisans.
How Cha Became Chai
British trade manipulation, espionage, and aggressive marketing changed the trajectory of the once-unpopular beverage in the Indian subcontinent.
Raquel Evita Saraswati, the Race-Baiting, Hijabi Hoaxer
How a “white as snow” activist spread Islamophobia while pretending to be South Asian, Muslim, Hispanic, and Arab.
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.
How Amrita Sher-Gil Found Home, One Painting at a Time
The queer, Indian Hungarian painter revolutionized art by blending the East and the West, championing the female gaze, and celebrating herself.
Kali, the Avenging Goddess Within Every Woman
The Hindu god known for her fury and vengeance is a man’s worst nightmare — a testament to female power in all its forms.
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.
Catherine Duleep Singh, the Queer, Sikh, Nazi-Defiant Princess
The lesser-known story of a Punjabi heiress who fought for women’s rights and was an extraordinary Jewish ally.
How Kailasa, a Fake Hindu Nation, Conned Millions
Indian cult leader Nithyananda’s brainchild has scammed U.S. cities, several countries, and even the United Nations. But what of his countless abuse victims, who still await justice?
Zeenat Aman Was Never Just a Glamour Girl
The Bollywood actor, with her radical honesty and insight, is the zenith of celebrity Instagram. Those who are surprised are simply late to the party.
“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
The Kaurs of 1984: The Unsung Heroes of India’s Anti-Sikh Genocide
When the government and police watched Delhi burn, Sikh women stepped in and saved hundreds of lives.
Oscars 2023: All the South Asian Moments
This was a historic year with several wins, iconic presenters, and a musical performance many can’t forget.
‘The Namesake’: What’s in a Name? Everything.
The Mira Nair film based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s novel, a rare love letter to Bengali Americans, explores how our most important parts are parts we didn’t choose.
AI: The Battle of the Brown CEOs
Things are heating up between Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella after the Microsoft-OpenAI deal. But does it matter who wins?
Wazwan and the Fight to Keep the 36-Course Kashmiri Feast Alive
How Kashmiris around the world are championing the ancient meal once fit for kings as its chefs slowly dwindle.
How South Asians Reclaimed Tiffin
The colonial term — which refers to everything from a lunch box to a teatime meal — stuck around to become a cultural touchstone.
Aarohi Sheth
Tan France on What’s ‘Next in Fashion’
The ‘Queer Eye’ veteran chats about season two of the Netflix design competition show, the future of South Asian fashion, and more.
Shakira Baksh is Much More Than “Michael Caine’s Wife”
The Indo-Guyanese model broke barriers in British film and fashion, yet the media too often reduces her to a particular actor’s spouse.
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.
Doja Cat is Not Indian. Here’s Why We Love Her Anyway.
Amala Ratna grew up in an ashram learning Bharatanatyam and bhajans, but has no Indian roots. This hasn’t deterred South Asian fans from claiming her.
Caring for South Asian Elders in the U.S., Miles from Home
While enrolling aging parents in nursing homes is common practice in the West, for South Asian American families, it’s more complicated.
Saffron, the Hue of the Gods Enmeshed in Scandal
How the color that once conveyed divinity, piety, and national pride became weaponized.
Hot Tamale Louie: The Pakistani, Tamale-Slinging Cowboy
How Zarif Khan changed a Wyoming town and redefined what it means to be American.
Merle Oberon, the Actor Who Passed for White
The first Asian to be nominated for a Best Actress Oscar maintained a lie she would take to her grave. Who was she really?
Trinidadian Doubles, the Unlikely Street Food Hit
How the national dish lifted families out of poverty, led to a family feud, and changed Caribbean cuisine forever.
‘The Romantics’ Evokes Nostalgia, But Lacks Nuance
The documentary celebrating 50 years of Bollywood studio Yash Raj Films has touching moments, but avoids deeper conversations.
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.
‘Seinfeld’ Failed South Asians. We Watched Anyway.
The popular sitcom’s depictions of “poor immigrants,” India, and Pakistan were grossly racist. So why can’t we quit the show?
The Lost Ritual of Soi Patano
How the close friendships between Bengali women inspired literature and poetry, expanded women’s rights, and made men jealous.
Hiya Chatterjee
How Indo-Fijians Found a Home in California
Centuries of colonial abuse and decades of discrimination fueled an exodus to a state where about 75% of Fijian Americans live today.
The Black Rulers of South Asia
Former slaves from Africa ascended to power during a time when the subcontinent had far greater social mobility and, perhaps, meritocracy.
Ethiopian and Indian Food: An Interconnected History
Sambusa and samosa. Injera and appam. Misir wot and dal. How over 2,000 years of trade shaped the cuisines of the two ancient cultures.
How the World Lost Dhaka Muslin
Once Bengal’s pride, the translucent fabric vanished under the British. Centuries later, can Bangladesh now resurrect it?
Celebrating Black History Month: 2023
Revisit the often-overlooked and intertwined histories of Black and South Asian communities.
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.
Why South Asians Love Jane Austen
Family, marriage, and class collisions. The British writer’s novels seem like the perfect subcontinental literary canon. But not for the reasons you might think.
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.
Jemima Khan’s So-Called ‘Love Letter’ to Pakistan
While married to Imran Khan, the British socialite was reviled and beloved. With a new film about her time in her adopted country, where does she stand today?
‘Pathaan’ Marks Shah Rukh Khan’s Glorious Return
The star-driven action flick is well worth the wait. Deepika Padukone and John Abraham take it to the next level.
Camelback Ventures is Bringing South Asian Films to Arizona
State tax credits have spurred a $10 million evergreen fund to invest in South Asian projects in Hollywood, and bring them to the Grand Canyon State.
How India Became a Nation of Eggetarians
The egg’s prominence in the Indian vegetarian diet is a point of contention. The perennial question is: are eggs meat?
Celebrating Lunar New Year: 2023
Revisit stories on the interconnected histories between China, South Korea, and South Asia — from the creation of Indo-Chinese food to anti-Asian U.S. immigration policy to more.
The Mindy Kaling Effect
The release of ‘Velma’ has reignited discussions about how the actor, writer, and producer portrays South Asian characters on screen. But what does the backlash say about us?
As IVF Grows Popular, South Asian Egg Donors Run Low
Asian Americans use in-vitro fertilization more than any other group. As they look to South Asian egg donors to increase IVF success, they often find long wait times and disappointment.
Homeopathy in South Asia: Snake Oil or Salve?
How a German semi-scientific approach to curing disease became big business in the subcontinent.
Not All South Asians Like it Hot
How eating spicy food became so intertwined with South Asian identity, and why it’s time to retire the stereotype.
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.
In Tadka We Trust
Each drop is a sensory universe. Here’s how the technique as old as time came to define South Asian cuisines.
The Bidet is Back. But for Many South Asians, It’s Been a Fixture.
Rooted in Hindu and Islamic traditions, using water to clean oneself after going to the bathroom has been a common practice in the East, but has only recently caught on in the West.
Subhash Kapoor: Art Dealer by Day, Idol Thief By Night
How the prolific antiquities trafficker hatched a scheme to smuggle hundreds of millions of dollars of Asian artifacts — and succeeded.
Paisley: The World’s Oldest Form of Cultural Appropriation?
How Europe stole one of the oldest block prints from Indian, Iranian, and Kashmiri weavers — and why everyone from The Beatles to Bollywood donned it.
‘In Search of Bengali Harlem’ is a Pursuit of Belonging
The documentary follows Alauddin Ullah as he traces his family’s past to 1930s New York, where Black, Puerto Rican, and Bengali marriages created a culture of their own.
Khichdi Deserves More than the Sloppy Treatment
It’s time to celebrate the rice and lentil dish synonymous with home comfort, which rarely makes it to restaurant menus and has been appropriated by wellness warriors.
Noor Inayat Khan, Unlikely War Hero
Officers believed she was physically and temperamentally unsuited to be a spy. Instead, the British Indian princess outlasted her peers and was a groundbreaking agent of resistance.
Our Top 10 Health Stories of 2022
Why colonization is responsible for your diabetes, the ubiquity of the evening walk, why many quietly suffer with PCOS and endometriosis, and other stories that investigated South Asian health.
Our Top 15 Profiles and Interviews: 2022
Deepika Padukone, Simone Ashley, Indra Nooyi, Jameela Jamil, Sabyasachi, and other icons in their field share their stories, in their own words.
Our Top 10 Politics Stories: 2022
Dive into how much British colonization cost the Indian subcontinent, what the Koh-i-noor really represents, South Asian migrant worker deaths at the World Cup, and more.
Our Top 10 Business and Technology Stories: 2022
From how Cartier built an empire by incorporating Eastern designs and the NBA’s big play for India, these were our top business and tech stories of 2022.
Our Top 15 Culture Stories: 2022
From why eating with your hands persisted in South Asia to why the West is afraid of color, these were the top stories on the South Asian practices, beliefs, and history that shape what we believe and do.
Our Top 15 Entertainment Stories: 2022
From why Parminder Nagra should have been a superstar to the rise of pan-Indian films and ‘RRR,’ delve into the film, TV, and celebrity stories our readers and editorial team loved.
Our Top 10 Food Stories: 2022
From the rise of Bhut jolokia, or the ghost pepper, to why Best Of lists often snub South Asian restaurants, these were the stories our readers and editorial team couldn't get enough of.
Why Many South Asian Muslims Celebrate Christmas
What some call “haram” is a way for others to incorporate traditions that center family and giving.
2022’s Biggest Moments for South Asians Globally
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
How the West Reduced ‘The Kama Sutra’ to Sex
The ancient Indian manuscript has long been a guide to love — and life.
‘Moshari’: Why Bangladeshi Horror Always Made Sense
Director Nuhash Humayun chats about how he added Jordan Peele and Riz Ahmed as exec producers, turning the short film into a feature, and what’s next.
The Increasing Threat of Breast Cancer in Pakistan
Pakistan has the highest breast cancer rates in Asia and among the highest mortality rates. Experts still don’t know why.
Zuha Siddiqui
How ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ Became a Meme
The beloved 2001 Bollywood film somehow has the right scene for all of life’s moments.
In Defense of Doodh Soda
Despite Pepi’s viral ad, mixing milk and coke is nothing new. In fact, the combination has a long history in South Asia.
South Asians are Reclaiming their Curly Hair
For years, South Asians were called “churails” or told that their curly hair was not beautiful. That is now changing — with the help of Black women.
Why ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ Is So Legendary
The big-budget remake is one of the few Pakistani Punjabi films to break box office records. But will it open doors for more?
Zeahaa Rehman
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
Too Many South Asians are Quietly Suffering with PCOS
The condition can impact everything from fertility to appearance — and studies show South Asians are at higher risk.
Cece from ‘New Girl’ Was Never Just a Sidekick
Celebrating over 10 years of one of the first Brown women who got to be hot, smart, funny — and a lead.
Naeem Khan is Never Satisfied
The famed fashion designer opens up about his roots, his rise, the buzzy A-lister who could take his brand to the next level, and what an Indian-wear line could look like.
‘Four Samosas’ Review: A Quirky, Yet Familiar Watch
Ravi Kapoor’s film feels like wandering around your local Little India on a summer Saturday, and stumbling upon some hijinks.
How ‘Sort Of’ Season 2 Stays True to Itself
Season 1 of the comedy series took audiences by surprise. Now it has to live up to its own — very high — bar.
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?
Revisiting ‘Born Confused,’ 20 Years Later
A surprise pitch meeting with Scholastic landed Tanuja Desai Hidier her first book deal. Her 2002 young adult novel became a sensation.
Sanjena Sathian
How Tandoori Chicken Took Over South Asian Thanksgiving Tables
For the diaspora, the no-frills dish has become a curious fixture of the iconic holiday meal.
How Hilsa Became One of the World’s Priciest Fish
With insatiable demand and export bans, ilish maach has become expensive and hard to find — but that isn’t stopping the diaspora.
‘Welcome to Chippendales’: Where the American Dream Becomes a Nightmare
The true-crime series cleverly leans into the typical immigrant tropes before taking a dark turn.
How FTX’s Ramnik Arora and Nishad Singh Joined SBF’s Inner Circle
And how they disappeared after the crypto stock exchange’s collapse.
‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ Season 2 Isn’t Revolutionary, But It Is A Riot
The Mindy Kaling sitcom won’t shock you — the delightful foursome are still making questionable decisions — but still makes for a laugh-out-loud watch.
How Anti-Asian Bias Came to U.S. Colleges
Asian Americans overwhelmingly support affirmative action. Yet, the anti-Asian college admissions playbook is reminiscent of 1920s anti-Semitic policies.
Deepika Padukone is Building an Empire
The launch of 82°E, her self-described “self-care” brand, is only the start for the Bollywood superstar.
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?
The Messy Legacy of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’
The West praised the 2008 film and showered it with Oscars, while many in India and the diaspora viewed it as poverty porn. Fourteen years later, its impact remains murky.
The NBA’s Big Play for India? Ranveer Singh
The basketball league has targeted the country for years. Now, it’s investing in everything from Hindi broadcasts to a Bollywood star — but will it work?
Tavleen Tarrant
‘Bombay Dreams’ Was Supposed to Open Doors for South Asian Musicals
But it will be nearly 20 years before audiences will see others, such as ‘Life of Pi’ and ‘Come Fall in Love,’ grace Broadway — the biggest theater industry in the English-speaking world.
The Tragic Love of Princess Diana and Hasnat Khan
How the people’s princess and a British Pakistani doctor met, fell in love, and fell apart just weeks before her final days.
How Sabyasachi Found Himself
As a young designer at New York Fashion Week, Sabyasachi Mukherjee was told to go back to India. He returned to one of his favorite cities on his own terms.
How the West Deemed Eating With Your Hands “Uncivilized”
And why the practice persisted in South Asia anyway.
The Devastating Colonial Legacy of Dams in Pakistan
Though at least ten dams have burst since this year’s deadly flooding, the country has long promoted them as the magical solution to its woes.
Rishi Sunak is U.K. Prime Minister. Now What?
Can the former chancellor of the exchequer get the U.K. through an unprecedented economic crisis? Experts say the answer is not so clear-cut.
Justice for M. Night Shyamalan
The Oscar-nominated horror director is one of the most consistently bankable filmmakers. So how did he become a punchline?
The “Colonial Hangover” Contributing to Vitamin D Deficiency
A potent combination of shadeism, skin tone, climate change, and pollution put South Asians at greater risk for vitamin D deficiency — which can have life-altering consequences.
How ‘Jab We Met’ Changed Bollywood Romance Forever
The 2007 film broke the rules with its strong female lead and a romance rooted in friendship. Today, it’s still the perfect rewatch.
How Chakri, a Diwali Special, Became a Global Snack Sensation
Crunchy, salty, spicy, and addictive, these savory fried coils are no longer just for the festive season, in large part, because of the diaspora.
Rishi Sunak is the Next U.K. Prime Minister, Making History
The former chancellor of the exchequer, 42, is the first person of color, first person of Indian origin, and first Hindu to take on the top role in the country.
The Rise of the Diwali Episode on American TV
Since The Office’s 2006 “Diwali” episode, many have tried — though not all have succeeded — in depicting the annual celebration.
How ‘DDLJ’ Went From Screen to Stage
The cast and crew break down what it means to change beloved elements of Aditya Chopra’s 1995 Bollywood blockbuster — but still keep its spirit alive.
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.
Even Parle-G Isn’t Immune to Change
The iconic biscuit — long associated with consistent branding and pricing — shrunk its packaging twice in just the past year. But did anyone notice?
Lavina Dsouza
Reminder: The British Still Have Our Art
The Royal Collection remains one of the largest troves of South Asian art, much of it stolen.
‘Shantaram’ Is Yet Another White Savior Story
The TV adaptation of the controversial 2003 novel offers a new format but the same exoticization of India.
Nose Rings are Not Just Ornaments for the Diaspora
As nose piercings become popular in the West, South Asians in the diaspora grapple with preserving their cultural symbolism.
Why the West is Afraid of Color
The colorful (and enraging) history of how neutrals and monochrome became the preferred Western aesthetic.
The Spicy Texts Between Elon Musk and Parag Agrawal
Ahead of the Twitter vs. Musk trial, recently released text messages between the billionaire and current Twitter CEO reveal drama and chaos.
‘House of the Dragon’: Geeta V. Patel Breaks Down Episode 8
The “Lord of Tides” director discusses her favorite scenes, how she got the gig, and what’s next for the epic fantasy series.
Haters Tried to Silence Maulik Pancholy. He Got Louder.
With his latest novel, ‘Nikhil Out Loud,’ the actor and author gives young readers the stories he wished he had growing up.
‘Bride & Prejudice’ and East vs. West
Gurinder Chadha’s Bollywood spin on the Jane Austen classic brought fun silliness to the clash between Indian and American values.
The Battle for the Bill
“I’ve seen people pull credit cards out of each other’s hands, yell at each other while our server is standing there, and then go home quietly. There’s no shame.”
Hasan Minhaj Gets Personal with ‘The King’s Jester’
The comedy star dissects his latest tour-turned-Netflix special, gets candid about what he keeps private, and addresses the allegations that ‘Patriot Act’ was a toxic workplace.
‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ Review: Where Women Steal the Show
Bow down, because the queens have arrived.
‘Vikram Vedha’ Marks the Return of Bollywood Nuance
The remake of the hit 2017 Tamil film gives us delightfully meaty characters who go beyond good vs. evil.
Making Brown Skin Beautiful on Screen
Brown skin has always been beautiful, but with advancements in technology and more inclusive filmmaking, audiences in the West finally get to see it.
Renewed Hope in the Devesh Samtani Hit-and-Run Case
The 18-year-old was killed in August 2021, with the driver set to serve no jail time. New evidence might now lead to justice, according to the family.
How ‘Joyland’ Got Made and Found Love
The Pakistani movie questioning gender norms and family expectations took six years to make. Now, it’s taking the festival circuit by storm.
What Happened to Zayn?
Despite being the first One Direction member to go solo and release a popular debut album, the pop star has fallen off the charts and out of the spotlight.
Jameela Jamil Has Entered Her Villain Era
The ‘She-Hulk’ star opened up about the freedom of playing a supervillain and dealing with haters in real life.
How Love is Blind’s Deepti is Learning to Choose Herself
The reality television star went viral for walking out of her wedding. What came next redefined her approach to life, love, and happiness.
Is Adnan Syed Innocent or Guilty?
No matter the truth, there is little justice in the case that enraptured the world.
The Call of Niagara Falls
How did the roaring waterfalls become an essential stop in the South Asian immigrant experience?
What the Koh-i-noor Really Represents
As South Asians worldwide clamor for the diamond’s return, they risk losing something far more critical.
‘Come Fall in Love’ Review: Fun, But No ‘DDLJ’
The upbeat musical is entertaining but will leave fans of the 1995 Bollywood classic sorely disappointed.
Why Cricket May Finally Make it to the Olympics
The world’s second most popular sport has billions of fans, yet hasn’t been at the Olympics for over 100 years. A new bid might finally change that.
The Legacy of British Colonization in South Asia
Sixteen stories about the British empire, the royal family, and how they changed the subcontinent.
‘Gilmore Girls’ and Its Unlikely South Asian Fanbase
The intergenerational television series had some real “log kya kahenge?” vibes.
‘Brahmāstra’ Review: Powerful, Yet Fatally Flawed
The epic fantasy film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt is the first of its kind, but disappointingly leans into tired Bollywood tropes.
The Overlooked History of Punjabi Vegetarianism
Two-thirds of Punjab is vegetarian. But stereotypes of chicken-loving foodies persist, ignoring traditions shaped partly by Partition.
The Conundrum of South Asian Lactose Intolerance
South Asian nations are leading producers and consumers of milk — so why are so many of us lactose intolerant?
Why More South Asians Are Rejecting Marriage
Though South Asians are among the most likely to be married, singles are increasingly ditching age-old expectations and rewriting what relationships and commitment can look like.
Young the Giant is Changing the Face of Indie Rock
With album ‘American Bollywood,’ frontman Sameer Gadhia fuses Indian and American music, adding a new sound — and story — to a predominantly white space.
How “Jugaad” Became a Bad Word
Once a business buzzword, the Indian practice of makeshift, creative solutions is now — at times unfairly — associated with half-baked, shoddy work.
The Indian Olympian Turned Accused Killer
Sushil Kumar medaled in 2008 and 2012, putting Indian wrestling back on the world stage. His fall exposed the dark side of the sport, where champions become criminals.
The Beautiful Intimacy of ‘Monsoon Wedding’
Mira Nair’s 2001 film went beyond a picture-perfect celebration of the big Indian wedding to give audiences an honest portrait of an imperfect family.
The Rise of South Asian Studies in U.S. Colleges
College students are increasingly tapping into their heritage not just at home but also at school. But access and resources aren’t always equal.
Kavya Srikanth
No One Was Ready for ‘ABCD’
The 1999 film reflected the complexities of the diaspora, spelling out uncomfortable truths and depicting sexuality in a way that remains far ahead of its time.
Colonization Might Be Responsible for Your Diabetes
South Asians are genetically predisposed to diabetes. New research suggests that British Raj-induced famines could be to blame.
Why the ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 3 Finale Hit So Hard
We talked series co-creator Lang Fisher and star Maitreyi Ramakrishnan about Devi’s dilemma and the decision few viewers saw coming.
Does the Diaspora Novel Need an Update?
Despite diverse South Asian stories and authors, publishers keep seeking out the same narratives.
The Endless Frustration of South Asian Hair Loss
For a culture that has long revered long, thick hair, community members are finding that traditional hair care rituals and advice are falling short.
Meet the New Aparna
The breakout star of Indian Matchmaking Season 1 is back for Season 2 — this time, with a new approach to finding love.
The Disappearing Sweets of Bengal
The region renowned for its sweet tooth endured multiple conflicts and divisions, losing many of its creative mishti-making traditions in the process.
The Fight to Teach Partition in the West
Despite significant South Asian populations, U.S., U.K., and Canadian schools rarely teach students about one of the largest and deadliest mass migrations in history.
How ‘Garm Hava’ Reframes the Partition Narrative
Instead of focusing on the traumatic events of Partition, the 1974 M.S. Sathyu film provides a searing look at what happened after.
Remembering Partition and Independence, 75 Years On
Ten in-depth stories about the historical event that forever changed the subcontinent.
How ‘Taal’ Took Aishwarya Rai to New Heights
The plot of Subhash Ghai’s 1999 film was nothing new. The killer soundtrack and a rising star made it a global sensation.
Why South Asians Struggle with IVF
South Asians are increasingly seeking fertility treatments, only to find that the process is costlier, more time-consuming, and less successful than it is for other groups.
Stick With ‘Never Have I Ever’ Season 3
While the new season initially feels formulaic, the show ultimately evolves into something more profound.
‘Indian Matchmaking’ Season 2 is Still a Hate Watch
Sima from Mumbai is back, and so is the reality show’s narrow depiction of India’s matchmaking industry.
The Fierceness of Poorna Jagannathan
We talked to the star about starting her acting career in her 30s, playing fearless women, and why she almost said no to ‘Never Have I Ever.’
Falling in Love with Suraj Sharma in ‘Wedding Season’
A decade after his debut in Ang Lee’s ‘Life of Pi,’ the actor is back in lead roles and says he’s found his “happy place.”
Alia Bhatt Refuses to Be Predictable
Critics dismissed her after her debut. Peers now call her the best actor in Bollywood. We chatted with the ‘Darlings’ star on how she pulls off powerful character-driven roles.
How Much Did British Colonization Cost India?
One historian puts the figure at $45 trillion. Others say focusing on the size of the British Raj’s bill misses the bigger picture.
How A.R. Rahman Makes Hit After Hit
The composer breaks down why chart-topping success doesn’t tell the full story of the magic behind his music.
Pallavi Sharda on Why ‘Wedding Season’ Feels So “Rare”
“When I read the script, my eyes kind of popped out of their sockets.”
The South Asians of OnlyFans
Thousands of South Asian creators have found sexual and economic empowerment on the X-rated platform — yet their work is shrouded in shame.
Hrithik Roshan and His Lucky Thumb
How one of the biggest Bollywood stars in the new millennium almost didn’t happen.
The Unsolved Mystery of Heart Disease in South Asians
High rates of heart issues have plagued South Asians — and confounded researchers — for years. A new bill hopes to change that.
The Evolution of South Asian Tattoos
How henna and Sanskrit tattoos became “trendy,” and the South Asian artists reclaiming them.
Why the South Asian Diaspora Loves the Evening Walk
The sacred after-dinner tradition persists even as many South Asians rarely participate in other forms of exercise.
Sania Khan’s Murder Spotlights Domestic Violence in South Asian Homes
The death of the Pakistani American at the hands of her abusive ex-husband has sparked dialogue about the stigmas of divorce and domestic violence in the community.
‘The Gray Man’ Wastes Dhanush (Review)
Fans were hyped for the Tamil superstar’s Hollywood debut, but the film doesn’t do him justice.
Is Rishi Sunak the Next U.K. Prime Minister?
How the former chancellor, and other South Asian candidates, came to dominate the nearly all-white Conservative Party.
How ‘Ms. Marvel’ Put Partition on Screen
We spoke to the team behind the show’s episode on Partition — a historical event seminal to South Asians, yet rarely depicted in Hollywood.
How Hare Krishnas Took Over the World
The unlikely story of an Indian missionary who landed in 1960s New York City and sparked a contentious global movement.
How Puberty Ceremonies Went the Way of Indian Weddings
South Asian coming-of-age events are becoming extravagant, multi-day affairs, complete with a major — and some argue, unnecessary — price tag.
Crying Along With ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’
How the beloved 2011 Bollywood movie turned a bachelor party into a sensitive portrayal of masculinity.
How the Rajapaksas Lost Sri Lanka
The family held positions in the island nation’s government for 15 years but are now ousted and on the run.
Pramila Jayapal: “You Are Absolutely Right to be Terrified”
The U.S. Congress member shares her experience with abortion and the path forward to securing abortion rights in a post-Roe United States.
Emmys 2022: Notable South Asian Nominees
More than a dozen shows featuring South Asians — from ‘Ted Lasso’ to ‘Queer Eye’ to ‘Station Eleven’ – earned Emmy nods for excellence in television.
The Opulence and Arrogance of ‘Devdas’
Why did we love the Sanjay Leela Bhansali magnum opus with massive sets, expensive costumes, and overacting galore? We revisit the film on its 20th anniversary.
Is South Asian Bridal Makeup Too Expensive?
TikTok has been aflutter with brides sharing what they believe to be “the biggest scam” in the wedding industry.
The Truth About Sex-Selective Abortion and South Asian Americans
How a 2008 paper sparked a pervasive myth about Indian and Chinese Americans.
How Bhut Jolokia, the Ghost Pepper, Took Over the West
Dubbed the hottest pepper in the world in 2007, the unique northeastern Indian chili became a tempting challenge for Western palates. But what got lost in the process?
Makepeace Sitlhou
The Unibrow is Back
Young South Asians are rebelling against Western beauty standards by growing out their eyebrows.
How Bollywood Fashion Went From DIY to Designer
Hindi films have long been a source of fashion inspo, but stylists — from Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi to Arjun Bhasin and Anaita Shroff Adajania — have changed the game both on- and off-screen.
Why South Asian Americans Overwhelmingly Support Abortion
Despite not openly talking about it, many South Asians are pro-choice. We dig into why and their reactions to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
What Mohammed Zubair’s Arrest Means for Press Freedom
The arrest of the co-founder of an Indian fact-checking website is the latest incident in declining press freedom in the subcontinent.
The Evolution of the Bollywood Item Song
By definition, these dance numbers objectify women, but — in the hands of directors like Farah Khan or choreographers like Helen — they allow for an otherwise rare expression of women’s sexuality.
Freida Pinto Wants to Change Who is “Allowed” to Fall in Love On Screen
The ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ actor chats about Black and Brown love, what’s on her relationship checklist, and how Hollywood has diversified since ‘Slumdog.’
Why South Asians Often Have Multiple Birthdays
Sure, two birthdays means double the cake, but for some, it’s also a reminder of a turbulent past.
Sri Lanka: The Reality of Mealtime in the Midst of Economic Collapse
The island nation’s worst economic crisis since its 1948 independence has forced people to change how and what they eat.
Zinara Rathnayake
Nik Dodani is Making Hollywood His Own
Luck helped the actor and writer, known for ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘Atypical,’ break into Hollywood. But he’s not leaving the rest up to chance.
Shrai Popat
The Evolution of Karan Johar’s Queer Eye
What has driven the filmmaker’s increasingly nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ characters?
‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ is a Familiar Story, with a Refreshing Twist (Review)
The latest British period drama is the rare film whose romantic leads, Freida Pinto and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, are both people of color — but is it enough?
‘Chutney Popcorn’ Reimagines Family and Motherhood
Nisha Ganatra’s 1999 film about a lesbian artist who becomes a surrogate for her sister remains ahead of its time.
Priya Arora
Why “Best Of” Lists Often Overlook South Asian Cuisines
But as these restaurants and chefs rack up recognition and business from ardent fans, do mainstream accolades even matter?
The Magical Lives of Kumar Pallana
It took perfecting death-defying stunts, a chance encounter, and seven decades before Hollywood took notice of the inevitable star.
Indian American Congress Members Weigh in on the Nation’s Biggest Issues
We spoke with U.S. Representatives Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi about Roe v. Wade, combating inflation, and how the “Samosa Caucus” got its name.
In ‘Ms. Marvel,’ Culture and Faith are Superpowers (Review)
With the first-ever Pakistani American Muslim superhero, Marvel’s limited series flips the script on how Muslims and Pakistanis are depicted on screen.
Hafsa Lodi
Iman Vellani: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Made Me Feel Seen for the First Time
The Pakistani Canadian actor talks about going from Marvel superfan to star, the line that meant a lot to her personally, and acting alongside Fawad Khan and Farhan Akhtar.
KK Gave Us the Soundtrack to Our Own Movies
The Indian singer gave us the ability to revisit our first heartbreaks, our first joys, our first goodbyes, just by hitting play.
Harnidh Kaur
Why ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’ Gets Better With Age
The 2013 movie remains a friendly note to self that people, and friendships, change — and that isn’t always a bad thing.
Celebrating Pride Month: 2022
This June, a roundup of 15 stories from our archives about queer South Asian history, icons, and culture.
Sidhu Moose Wala brought a global diaspora together
The internationally renowned rapper was the voice of a generation for Sikh and Punjabi fans, despite controversy surrounding his music and videos.
Sabrina Malhi
You Don’t Know Jay Sean
For two decades, the British artist had a carefully curated image. Then, he got on TikTok.
Dhruva Balram
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?
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 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.
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.
Kapil Komireddi
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.
Siddhant Adlakha
Met Gala 2022: New South Asian Looks, Familiar Problems
Celebrities including Simone Ashley, Riz Ahmed, Mindy Kaling, and Prabal Gurung walked the red carpet. But industry insiders say that the annual fundraiser isn’t as glamorous as it might seem.
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: 2022
Kevin G. Was Ahead of His Time
‘Mean Girls’ used the mathlete and badass M.C. for comedic relief, but ultimately he gets the last laugh.
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.
Noor Noman
Meera Syal Refuses to Be Disappointed
The star of 'Goodness Gracious Me' and 'The Kumars at No. 42' brought audiences unapologetic portrayals of South Asian womanhood — and she's just getting started.
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.
‘Beast’ Proves the Theatrical Timepass is Alive and Well
The hit Tamil-language film with superstar Vijay shows that Indian movies don’t need to be good to be a great time and succeed at the box office.
The “Tacky NRI Fashion” Debate is About More Than Style
Allegations that diaspora Indians wear “tacky” Indian fashion sparked internet fury on Instagram account Diet Sabya. But the root of the debate isn’t about fashion at all.
Parminder Nagra Should Have Been a Superstar
'Bend It Like Beckham' turned Keira Knightley and Jonathan Rhys Meyers into overnight celebrities. Why didn’t it do the same for its British Indian stars?
‘Roar’ Uses Outrageous Plots to Highlight Outrageous Truths
In Apple TV+’s new series, Meera Syal of ‘Goodness Gracious Me’ brings laugh-out-loud comedy to thought-provoking satire as the “woman who returned her husband.”
How 'RRR' and 'Baahubali' Raised the Bar for the Indian Blockbuster
Filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli has achieved the Hollywood blockbuster effect — using large budgets for even larger box office payoffs — by turning Indian folklore and the freedom struggle into must-see epics.
The Queer Legacy of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’
The film bent the rules so that others could break them. We examine its impact 20 years later.
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.
Assailant Brutally Attacks Nirmal Singh, A Sikh Man, in Queens
A man punched Singh in the nose, leaving him bloodied, amid a sharp uptick in anti-Asian hate crimes in the U.S.
Where is Bobby Jindal?
The once-rising star of the Republican party — the second Indian American to be elected to Congress — has receded from the public eye, leaving us to examine his mixed legacy.
Mrinali Dhembla
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.
Arooj Aftab Creates Music As if it Were a Living Thing
The Grammy-nominated artist leans into intuition, experimentation, and improvisation to make music that isn’t meant to be a quick hit, but something deeper.
Aamina Khan
How Cartier Built an Empire by Claiming Indian and Islamic Art as its Own
The French luxury jewelry house has long appropriated Eastern influences, calling it aesthetic exchange.
‘Flee’ Humanizes the Trauma of Escape and Survival Like We’ve Never Seen Before
The Oscar-nominated animated documentary tells the harrowing real-life story of Amin Nawabi, forced to escape from Kabul, Afghanistan in the 1980s.
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.
What Makes The Kashmir Files Controversial
The blockbuster film has repurposed the true story of the horrific mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits for political gain, fanning calls for violence.
Love is Blind’s Sita Aunty Shares Her Secret to a Successful Marriage
Shake’s mother, the dating reality show’s unlikely hero, explains her secret to a successful marriage (hint: it isn’t meeting someone on a reality show).
Bridgerton Season 2 Will Leave You Breathless and Screaming for More
Netflix’s highly anticipated Regency-era romance is back with new South Asian characters, but a familiar problem.
Charithra Chandran on the Bridgerton Moment that Made Her Tear Up
The 25-year-old British Tamil actor shares how the Regency-era show has accelerated inclusive casting, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and more.
Meet the Indian Family Behind Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
Since 2019, a dye from Chemworld International has been a key part of one of the country’s most unique Irish traditions.
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on ‘Turning Red,’ Her First Disney Pixar Film
The actor, who plays Priya, shares how she approaches voice acting, why the mother-daughter bond is so special, and the importance of diversity in animation.
What Sarita Choudhury Wants You to Know About ‘And Just Like That’
The actor sat down to chat about her favorite scenes from the show, the Diwali episode, and how she never had a ‘Mississippi Masala’ for herself.
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.
‘The Fame Game’ Gives Us Madhuri Dixit in All Her Glory
As Bollywood superstar Anamika Anand, the talented actor pushes back against the industry’s obsession with young actresses, setting our screens on fire.
Celebrating Women's History Month: 2022
This March, read some of our best stories on icons across film, music, food, business, comedy, and more.
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.
Shirin Mehrotra
Where Has Bollywood’s Romance Gone?
In these divisive times, love remains a mere blip — not the central character it once was — in most Hindi films.
India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope on Ukraine as it Brings Students Home
India has made international waves for taking a neutral stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while it aims to evacuate over 15,000 citizens stranded in the country under attack.
‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’: Come, and Stay, for Alia Bhatt
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s latest movie, about the true story of a brothel matron in Bombay’s Kamathipura, is the first time he centers one star’s acting prowess. And we’re here for it.
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.
Are Love is Blind’s Deepti and Shake a Classic Case of Internalized Racism?
The reality show’s Indian couple has lit up the internet after professing to previously dating only blond(e)s, their attraction fizzling days after their engagement.
Why South Asians Love Tennis
Though there has yet to be a South Asian-origin Grand Slam singles champion, the sport has superfans in both the diaspora and 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?
Bryant Sharma
Yogi Adityanath, the Militant Monk
In 2017 Uttar Pradesh swore him in as its Chief Minister. Now, there is no man more powerful, visible, and controversial in India’s most populous state.
Neha Dixit
Our Top 15 Stories on Love: 2022
From Black and Brown love to how South Asians fell in love with Korean dramas, dive into our favorite stories this season of romance.
‘Gehraiyaan’ Isn’t What You Think It’s About
The latest Deepika Padukone starrer from director Shakun Batra asks us what we carry with us, and what we’re willing to let go.
Lata Mangeshkar: The Voice of the Nation, In Good Times and Bad
Arguably the most decorated Indian singer of all time was also a witness to, and sometimes a participant in, the country's murky history.
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.
For Stars of Aladdin’s Historic Broadway Run, “It Doesn’t End with Us”
Shoba Narayan and Michael Maliakel shared why the musical has Disney’s highest bar sales, how they influenced the choreography, and what’s next.
We Deserve Better Than ‘And Just Like That’
Sex and the City’s highly-anticipated revival promised to be more inclusive and gave us Sarita Choudhury’s Seema Patel, but left us wanting more.
Marriska Fernandes
Hereditary Nazar and Why Pakistan Can’t Kill Me
My homeland and I have a twisted but endearing love affair.
Wajahat Ali
Celebrating Black History Month: 2022
To mark the start of Black History Month, we revisit the often-overlooked and intertwined histories between Black and South Asian communities.
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.
How Fazlur Rahman Khan Engineered the Modern Skyscraper
The Bangladeshi American set the standard for tall buildings globally, from the Hancock Center to the Burj Khalifa.
The Cricket Pitch as Battleground in Indian Cinema
If cricket in India is no less important than religion, then films like ‘83’ and ‘M.S. Dhoni’ have deified the sport and its players beyond reproach.
The Doyen of Kathak, Pandit Birju Maharaj
The choreographer and teacher left a mark on everything from Bollywood to classical dancing, but his legacy also faces controversy after his death.
Bhutan’s Long-Awaited Oscar Entry is Simple, But Sweet
Pawo Choyning Dorji’s “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” — about “the most remote school in the world” — asks us what it means to be happy.
How Falu Created Two Grammy-Nominated Children’s Albums
Answers to her son’s questions about immigrant life led to ‘Falu’s Bazaar’ and ‘A Colorful World,’ which pay homage to the singer’s Indian and American roots.
Surbhi Gupta
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.
Priya-Alika Elias
Aasif Mandvi Wants You to See Him as an Actor, Not a Comedian
The actor, writer, and future director chats about playing Ben Shakir in “Evil,” becoming a father, and why you can’t put him in a box.
South Asian Candidates Aim to Grow Congress’s “Samosa Caucus”
North Carolina’s Nida Allam and California’s Shrina Kurani are among a new generation of politicos aiming to make history in this year’s midterm elections.
Nirvi Shah
Artist, Feminist, Detective: How Shahzia Sikander Disrupts Art History
The Pakistani American artist and manuscript painting historian asks us: who gets to determine what is “tradition”?
M.Z. Adnan
The Urban Resurgence of Offal
Once a staple of Parsi home kitchens, animal organ dishes are showing up on urban restaurant menus — from those of Dhamaka to Bombay Canteen.
How Ghee Took Over U.S. Grocery Shelves
The recent global rise of the clarified butter is striking for an ingredient steeped in centuries of culinary history.
Nikhita Venugopal
It’s Time to Bid Bollywood Masala Films a Definitive Goodbye
The genre that once crackled with all the dramatic possibilities of mainstream Hindi cinema and united a country has devolved into divisive, repugnant storylines.
How Sri Lanka Became a Hollywood Filming Destination
When India says no or is too much of a hassle, the island nation has filled the void. But this trend has yet to lead to a boom in local film or film tourism.
In ‘Writing with Fire,’ Dalit Women Redefine What it Means to Be Powerful
The documentary is not just the story of the remarkable women-run media company Khabar Lahariya, but that of India's underserved Dalit communities, of news going digital, of press freedom.
Aseem Chhabra
The Mystique of Jai Paul
Ten years after the release of “BTSTU,” the enigmatic genre-bending British Indian artist from north London finds himself a pop star without the desire for it.
Who is Sunny Balwani?
Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes has accused her number-two of psychological and sexual abuse, yet little is known about him and his motives.
Heading into 2022, Indians Seeking Visa Renewals are Still in Limbo
Though the State Department has reduced its backlog this year from a peak of 531,976 in July to 461,125 in November, for many, the progress hasn’t been fast enough.
Helen Li
The Business of Brown Beauty
Indian-inspired and South Asian-targeted beauty and skincare brands could be the next big trend. But to go the Korean beauty route, these products still have a long road ahead.
Parizaad Khan Sethi
Amrit Kaur of ‘Sex Lives’ Is Not Playing Around
“I don’t take it for granted that I’m lucky. But I’ve also worked a s*** ton.”
For The Great British Baking Show's Crystelle Pereira, Passion Means More Than Perfection
We sat down with the finalist to chat about focaccia, the one spice she can’t live without, why she didn’t kiss Mr. Spatula, and what’s next.
For NYC Council Member-Elect Shekar Krishnan, Solving Systemic Inequality Starts from Within
The first Indian American to represent Jackson Heights and Elmhurst has long advocated for change. Now, he has a plan to fight for change from the inside.
How India Fell In — and Out — of Love with Beauty Pageants
A 1992 Miss Universe loss would lead to over a decade of Indian domination at global beauty contests.
The Diluted Revolutionary: Bhagat Singh in Hindi Cinema
Shoojit Sircar’s “Sardar Udham” is the latest in a long line of Bollywood portrayals of the Indian freedom fighter, but the first to delve into his humanity and nuanced politics.
“The Cheetah Girls: One World,” 13 Years Later
The movie is a classic problematic fave: it used India as a mere exotic backdrop, but still gave us some of our first Indian crushes in U.S. television.
Natasha Roy
Bilal Baig's ‘Sort Of’ is a Love Letter to Brown, Queer, and Trans People
The queer, transfeminine playwright and performer is challenging the status quo with their latest CBC and HBO Max series — and not without a little bit of fear.
‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ is Horny, Hilarious, and Heartwarming
A solid cast and smart writing drives HBO Max’s sharp-witted comedy, the latest project from Mindy Kaling.
Fabindia: How an American Founder Defined the Indian Aesthetic
John Bissell’s cult lifestyle brand has supported rural artisans for over 60 years. But will the company’s looming IPO put this very mission at risk?
How India Invented Zero
Ancient India’s preoccupation with the concept of nothingness — shunyata — would change mathematics, trade, and technology as we know it.
Meet the Newly Elected South Asian American Lawmakers
Affordable housing, environmental protection, and racial equity top many of the to-do lists of the newly elected legislators, such as Shahana Hanif from New York City and Aftab Pureval from Ohio.
Meghna Maharishi
The Trendsetting Legacy of India’s VJs
Their 1990s shows on music channels like MTV and Channel V were neither Doordarshan nor Bollywood, giving rise to indipop and lending “cool” to Indian youth culture.
Bedatri D. Choudhury
Why We Rarely See Bengali Restaurants Outside Bengal
Is London’s Chourangi a sign that global appetites are changing, or will Bengali food take longer to make its well overdue mark?
Danish Baig, 27, Among Ten Dead at Astroworld
The Pakistani American from Euless, Texas died while saving his fiancée, who had to be hospitalized. The two were among dozens injured or killed at the event.
‘Eternals’ Review: Come for the Action, Stay for the Humor
Kumail Nanjiani's Kingo is easily one of the highlights of the latest entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
How Diwali Marketing Went Mainstream in the U.S.
More brands than ever before are promoting their products to Hindu Americans with targeted Diwali ads.
The Rise of Sexy South Asians on Screen
Brown actors like Simone Ashley in "Sex Education," Raymond Ablack in "Maid," and Punam Patel in "Special" are finally getting the sexy storylines they deserve.
Why the Role of Ali Abdul in “Squid Game” Matters
Anupam Tripathi’s character in the massively popular Netflix series may foreshadow an exciting future for global talent in K-dramas.
Amil Niazi
A Border Apart: Stories of Families Divided by Partition
The effects of Partition in 1947 still linger today. Families separated by the borders between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh tell their stories of love, heartbreak, and finding connection.
Why There Are 25 Clock Emojis but No Dosas or Samosas
Over 10 years since standardized emojis, people are still petitioning for better representation of the cultural objects they hold dear.
Myles Karp
India’s Burning Hot Love for the Sizzler
The scorch-your-tongue dish grew popular in the 1960s, but few know how it came to India. Some say California, others Japan, but the real story is not so straightforward.
How Himalayan Salt Sold a Rosy Dream
This pretty pink rock has been touted as a cure for COVID and a healthy staple of wellness culture. But behind that salt lamp glow hides many falsehoods — it’s not even from the Himalayas.
Alizeh Kohari
How Mughals Turned Into Hindi Cinema’s Newest Villains
From “Mughal-e-Azam” to “Jodhaa Akbar,” Bollywood has long been fascinated with the stories and extravagance of the Mughal empire. But in recent years, films have reduced the Muslim rulers to caricatured villains.
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.
Ruchi Kumar
The (South Asian) History of Curry Powder
People mistakenly call many foods “curry” or use the word as an insult. But let’s not forget curry powder’s subcontinental roots.
Sharanya Deepak
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.
Excerpt: "We're Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris"
The forthcoming book chronicles the U.S. vice president’s ascent, with lessons about work, family, and overcoming adversity.
Hitha Palepu
Dinesh D’Souza, the Conservatives’ “Boy from Bombay”
The right-wing pundit’s journey to over 1.8 million Twitter followers reflects how the Republican Party shifted so quickly from the party of John McCain to the party of Donald Trump.
Kaivan Shroff
How Hollywood Found Hinduism
Celebrities like Julia Roberts, Madonna, and Miley Cyrus have been criticized for co-opting Hindu traditions. But it was often Indian gurus who sold them a new form of spirituality.
Aarti Virani
How “Big Brother”’s Hannah Chaddha Helped Make Show History
This season of "Big Brother" was the show's most racially diverse. But for the show to crown its first Black winner, contestants of color had to form a secret alliance.
Christine Champagne
How Ajay Bhatt, Co-Inventor of the USB Port, Became a Rockstar
Twenty-five years ago, the universal port changed computing as we know it — but the inventors never profited. We interviewed him to find out why that was intentional.
East Indian Sugar: The Sweeter of Two Evils
The search for sugar that wasn’t produced by slave labor led the British to another faraway colony: India. But was Indian sugar ever free?
“Enjoy Enjaami”: How a Tamil Song Led to a Public Outcry About Caste
A magazine cover by Rolling Stone India and a Times Square billboard sparked public outrage over Dalit erasure.
How Food Has Sparked Protests Throughout History
Indian farmers today, who are fighting against new corporate-friendly farm bills, follow a long line of revolutionaries who used food as a means of protest.
Where are the Women in India's Labor Force?
Female workforce participation in the country has been declining since the 1990s, and fell to a record low of 15.5% last year. So, as the Indian economy has grown, why has it shut out its women?
Sarita Santoshini
Why Kamal Haasan's “Hey Ram” Tries — and Fails — to Rewrite History
In the daring historical drama, the actor and filmmaker poses the question, “What if a man could be dissuaded from assassinating Gandhi?”
How Ice Heated Up Trade Between India and America
This quirky blip in the history of global trade — when merchants would ship ice from Boston to Bombay — teaches us what happens when globalization and unfettered demand mix.
In Poet Natasha Rao’s "Latitude," Nature is Sublime
The debut collection — winner of the First Book Prize — is a meditation of the natural world, full of “Krishna-skin skies” and “snow that melts to milk.”
Opinion: Why I Hate Seeing Diversity on Dating Shows
Reality dating shows still feature a largely white cast who sideline contestants of color — emphasizing the racism we face while dating.
Trisha Gopal
South Asians in Therapy: Challenging Norms and Taboos
As therapy becomes more mainstream and accessible, a new generation is reclaiming their mental health.
Prateek Kuhad Isn’t Obsessed With Being “Different”
We spoke to the singer-songwriter, whose fans include Barack Obama, about what hasn’t changed with fame.
Akhil Sood
How 'Made in India' Made us Thirsty Forever
We talked to Milind Soman and Ken Ghosh about how their now-iconic music video ushered in a sexual awakening for an entire generation in mid-1990s India.
The Cultural Appropriation of Dalit Music
For Dalit artists, performances are tools of cultural resistance. But many have glamorized and sanitized this history.
Prashant Ingole
How Gen Z is Fighting for Afghanistan’s Future
A generation of Afghans born after 9/11 have no memory of life under Taliban rule. They are now speaking up and pushing back.
How a New Generation in India is Reclaiming Gin
Once a remnant of colonial times and consumed primarily by an older generation, gin is now enjoying a revival as cool, young, and uniquely Indian.
The Rise of Anti-Pakistan Bollywood
Patriotic movies used to evoke national unity. Today, films such as “BellBottom,” “Bhuj,” and “Shershaah” focus on settling scores with Pakistan.
The Rise and Fall (and Rebirth) of the U.K.'s Daytime Dance Parties
In the 1980s and 1990s, South Asians created a community around daytime raves in the U.K. Now, a new generation is trying to reignite that same magic.
In “Mogul Mowgli,” the Beat Breaks Down
In director Bassam Tariq’s first narrative film, Riz Ahmed’s Zed struggles with his immigrant identity and rap career while an autoimmune disease attacks his body.
The Sri Lankan Hopper is Going Global
The quintessential island snack is making its way around the world, appearing on menus from the U.K. to Australia and beyond.
The Evolution of Eyebrow Threading Salons
For years, threading salons served as an economic lifeline for immigrant women. Today, a new wave of first- and second-generation women are still looking to make it in the industry, on their terms.
Sabrina Toppa
“A Pained Spectator of the War”: Anuk Arudpragasam on “A Passage North”
The Sri Lankan Tamil novelist talks to us about his Booker Prize-longlisted novel, his aversion to writing dialogue, and what’s next.
Why India isn't Known For its Alcohol
France has champagne, Japan has sake, Scotland has whiskey. So, why isn't India famous for an alcohol of its own?
Art Deco: Mumbai's Architectural Tie to Miami
Despite nearly 9,000 miles separating the two cities, they are home to the largest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world.
How Mani Ratnam’s Terrorism Trilogy Stoked 1990s Nationalism
Though critically acclaimed, the director’s “Roja,” “Bombay,” and “Dil Se...” pushed jingoistic narratives that persist in Bollywood today.
How the Brown Mom Became a Diaspora Comedy Favorite
As South Asian entertainers — from Lilly Singh to Poorna Jagannathan and Pinky Patel — pay homage to Brown moms, can they overhaul cultural stereotypes without reinforcing them?
Opinion: The Audacity of Culinary Caucacity
Gene Weingarten’s Washington Post article isn’t the first time mainstream media has tried to pass off racist commentary as satire, humor, or harmless.
Madhushree Ghosh
“We Have All Failed the Afghan People”: A Conversation on Afghanistan
We spoke with political analyst Mariam Jalalzada and migration expert Shahla Naimi on what comes next for the nation and its people.
How Nighties Became a Wardrobe Staple for South Asian Women
In a culture that heavily polices women’s bodies, the shapeless garment has become a symbol of freedom.
How Two Pakistani Brothers Created the World’s First PC Virus
The 1980s Brain virus made its creators Basit and Amjad Farooq Alvi infamous, and made John McAfee a billionaire.
Atul Bhattarai
Thuggee: “The Cunningest Robbers in the World”
In the 1800s, the British claimed to have vanquished a secret cult of Kali-worshipping murderers in India. But did they ever exist?
Opinion: As Afghanistan Falls, What Happens to its Artists?
A musician remembers an Afghanistan brimming with creativity and energy. Now, he fears what might be extinguished.
Qardash
Memories of Partition, from Our Readers
We asked The Juggernaut readers to share their family’s memories of Partition. These are their stories, in their words.
Controversial Sabyasachi H&M Collection Sells Out — What Gives?
The luxury Indian designer garnered criticism for partnering with the Swedish fast fashion label. His ready-to-wear collection sold out anyway.
Our Stories on Afghanistan
As we work to center Afghan voices and commission pieces with their words, revisit our stories from our archives.
How “Harold & Kumar” Sold a Way Chiller American Dream
The stoner buddy comedy starring John Cho and Kal Penn changed the way Hollywood looked at “model minorities.”
Hershal Pandya
‘Spin’ Makes Culture Clash a Thing of the Past
The Disney Channel’s first TV movie to feature an Indian American lead says that it’s okay to be unapologetically cool.
The Elusive Appeal of Bengal’s Gondhoraj Lebu
Few outside Bengal have been able to appreciate the delights of the "king of aroma." But thanks to a new generation of chefs, the citrus is slowly making its way into cuisines across India.
Tania Banerjee
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.
How Nykaa Built a Billion-Dollar Beauty and Fashion Empire
The female-led unicorn is set to make history as one of the few profitable Indian companies to IPO later this year.
The Enduring Love of Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu
The Bollywood superstars remained devoted to each other over five decades despite personal tragedy, jealousy, and a secret second marriage.
Dunkin’ Runs on South Asian America
Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi immigrants have been a big part of the chain’s success. But as larger franchise networks take over, newer arrivals can no longer get their foot in the door.
In ‘The Green Knight,’ a Star is Reborn
The sweeping Arthurian epic sees Dev Patel going on his own coming-of-age quest to become a new kind of leading man.
The Ordinary Charm of the Extraordinary Hrishikesh Mukherjee
The pioneer of playful films that spotlighted India’s emerging middle-class passed away before he could see a resurgence of the very genre he had mastered.
How the Amul Girl Became India’s Conscience
The iconic butter brand’s take defined how Indians consumed news. But with less room for political dissent, the Amul girl has been holding her tongue.
How Bollywood Failed Kashmir
Hindi cinema has long viewed Kashmir through a glossy lens, erasing its people, their agency, and their political histories.
One Year On, Justice Eludes Fahim Saleh
On July 13, 2020, the Bangladeshi American tech entrepreneur was murdered in his NYC apartment. Over a year later, his family is still seeking justice.
Why Sri Lanka Loves Russian Literature
The Soviet Union translated Russian books in local languages as a propaganda tool. Decades later, those books still hold influence in Sri Lanka.
Why “Delhi Belly” Remains Bollywood’s Best Slacker Comedy
Ten years ago, Bollywood made a runaway hit about that period in your 20s when life goes to shit. No film has since come close to replicating it.
Pegasus: How Israeli Software Spied on Indian Citizens
The revelation has led to widespread civilian outrage and paranoia. Opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of treason in what’s being touted as “India’s Watergate.”
Imaan Sheikh
“Welcome to India”: The Internet’s Earliest Diaspora Inside Joke
The 2002 parody song by Ludakrishna and MC Vikram spoke to many of the anxieties of the Indian diaspora and created a mutual shorthand for millions.
The Powerful Lens of Danish Siddiqui
The Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, who died amid Taliban crossfire, vividly humanized his subjects — a gaze that didn’t look down on people, but right at them.
How Amar Bose Engineered Today’s Sound
A curious Bengali American kid with a love for tinkering built a multibillion-dollar company and changed the way we listen to music.
How Assamese Pithas are Going Mainstream
A new crop of entrepreneurs are serving up these traditional rice flour-based delicacies at scale — and, in turn, bringing them from the kitchen to homes outside Assam.
Arundhati Nath
What Zomato’s IPO Means for Indian Tech Startups
The first Indian IPO of the year, which raised $1.25 billion for the company, could herald a new era of exits for Indian tech startups.
The Case of Serial Killer Javed Iqbal
In 1999, a Pakistani man confessed to killing 100 children. But it would take over 20 years and hundreds more deaths for Pakistan to pass its first child abuse law.
Opinion: Kumail Nanjiani and the Hollywood Gaze
Nanjiani is the latest to go through a physical transformation that seems like a requirement for Brown men in Hollywood to get mainstream roles.
Never Have I Ever Season 2 Lets Itself Down
The show’s second season struggles to shine as bright as its first. The writing does a disservice to the actors’ hard work.
The Rise of South Asian Rental Startups
Several startups are competing to be the Rent the Runway of South Asian fashion. But does the market exist for them?
Leigh Cuen
“An Icon, A Star, A Diva”: How Priyanka Made Drag History
We talked to the reigning queen of “Canada's Drag Race” about her drag, coming out to her dad via the show, sharing gowns with Priyanka Chopra, chicken nuggets, and changing the world.
How India Loved, Lost, and Returned to Coca-Cola
In India, a bottle of Coca-Cola is synonymous with celebration. But the country's love affair with the soda wasn't always smooth sailing — Coke was banned in India for nearly 20 years.
Tamarind: India’s Quintessential Candy Flavor
Although tamarind has always been a large part of savory South Asian cooking, its sourness also has a sweet side.
Why India Loves ‘Friends’
How a 1994 show set in New York became — and remains — a beloved comfort watch on the other side of the world.
How a Portuguese Technique Led to a Bengali Sondesh Explosion
Nearly 500 years ago, the Portuguese popularized milk curdling in Bengal. Bengalis would add sweetness and create a rich delicacy.
‘Lagaan’: The Blockbuster That Almost Didn’t Happen
This year marks 20 years since Ashutosh Gowariker and Aamir Khan’s iconic film took the world by storm, and changed Bollywood forever.
‘Fire’: An Inextinguishable Part of Queer Brown Cinema
The 1996 film was the first in India to portray two women in love. Some called it revolutionary. Others called it a war against Indian culture.
Edwina and Nehru: Love in the Shadow of Empire
The British Raj’s last vicereine and India’s first prime minister shared a profound connection that still captures imaginations today.
The Myth of Canadian Niceness
The country’s public image as a nation of polite people is cracking under the weight of discrimination and violence against immigrants, indigenous people, and minorities.
The Love and Life of Ismail Merchant and James Ivory
Their production company changed how films depicted gay romance, but their own love story remained a secret for 45 years.
Opinion: Your Nostalgia Doesn’t Cancel Out Enid Blyton’s Racism
The late author’s books contain incredibly anti-Black content and imagery. Why, then, do Indians give Blyton a pass?
The Second Globalization of Turmeric
For centuries, turmeric has categorically been the South Asian spice. But, in recent years, it has exploded throughout the West, from face masks to lattes and beyond.
Dur e Aziz Amna
Neena Gupta’s Time in the Sun
For decades, Bollywood relegated Neena Gupta’s talent to only supporting roles. Now, at 62, she’s finally getting her shot at stardom.
Ma Anand Sheela: Mother of all Problematic Faves
You did not — and do not — want to mess with her. But part of you is oddly obsessed with her.
How Fast Company’s Stephanie Mehta Broke the Mold
In an industry largely dominated by white men, the magazine’s editor-in-chief has brought a fresh perspective to the business reporting world.
JP Mangalindan
The Very Public Persona of Kamala Harris
The current U.S. vice president represents a lot of things to a lot of people. Yet, among the public expectations, she is struggling to find a singular political voice.
Indrani Basu
How America’s Patel Brothers Won the Indian Grocery Game
For many new immigrants, the store was a saving grace in a world full of Wonder Bread and Ruffles.
Streaming Wars: The Battle for Diaspora Viewers
As streaming behemoths like Netflix and Amazon fight to win the U.S. South Asian diaspora market, Indian streaming services are throwing their hats into the ring.
How Dream11 Became India’s First Gaming Unicorn
India's fantasy sports platform has captured the attention of the country's rabid cricket fandom. Now, it wants to be India’s only answer to sports.
20 Films and Shows to Watch During Pride Month
From Bollywood to art cinema, these movies and TV shows celebrate queer characters and storylines.
Why India Still Loves Its Multi-Cuisine Restaurants
The Indian “multi-cuisine” — which emerged over 50 years ago — is what happens when your dad wants masala dosa, your grandparents want Hyderabadi biryani, and your sibling wants fettuccine Alfredo.
Why South Asians Feel Abandoned in the Anti-Asian Hate Conversation
The recent spike in hate crimes has brought up familiar feelings for South Asians. But not all feel like they’re part of the conversation.
Samira Sadeque
Captured in Cape Town: The Murder of Anni Dewani
Her husband was a key suspect. But the investigation’s focus on his bisexuality may have hindered justice.
Vir Das Blazed the Trail for Indian Stand-up Comedy — Now, He’s Going Global
The comedian — who stars in Judd Apatow's "The Bubble," out later this year — forged an industry for Indian comics.
How Princess Diana’s 1995 Interview Could Royally Damage the BBC
Twenty-six years after journalist Martin Bashir’s controversial interview with Lady Di, both the Crown and the BBC are once again under scrutiny.
Devanshi Patel
Know Your Muses: The Queer Camp of Sridevi
The Brown queer community found camaraderie in Sridevi’s fun-loving but rebellious characters.
“Femininity with a Bite”: Why Prabal Gurung Gets Political
The Nepali American fashion designer sat down to chat about dressing everyone from Kamala Harris to Deepika Padukone, why strong women inspire him, and the enduring fashion of 'Rangeela.'
Celebrating Pride: 2021
This June, a roundup of 15 stories from our archives about queer Brown history, icons, and culture from South Asia and around the world.
BYJU’s: From a Classroom to a $16.5-Billion Ed-Tech Giant
Byju Raveendran, a tutoring whiz and India’s youngest self-made billionaire, built India’s most valuable startup. But the story isn’t without controversy.
Horror in Hounslow: The Chohan Family Case
In 2003, a family of five vanished from their London home. What followed was a shoddy police investigation.
How BAPS Built a Global Brand of Hinduism — and Brought Its Practices Stateside
The group, over a 100 years old, has recently come under scrutiny for casteist labor practices in New Jersey, but has long been known for temple building around the world.
The Devolution of Journalism in Hindi Film
Bollywood’s ethical journalists are increasingly disappearing from the screen.
“One Day There Will Be Hundreds of Us”: How Dalit Literature Breaks Barriers
A new wave of Dalit writers and publishers are shaping the literary landscape of India and beyond.
Sarah Thankam Mathews
The New Wave of Kabul Entrepreneurs
From steakhouses to bowling alleys, founders are building ambitious, homegrown businesses — by Afghans, for Afghans.
Ali M Latifi
Screen Time with Aneesh Chaganty
The director of “Searching” and “Run” talks about diversity in Hollywood, producing “Searching 2,” and his love for Christopher Nolan and Hrithik Roshan.
How Matchboxes Became a Stand-in for Indian Visual Culture
The aesthetics of Indian matchbox covers have seen a resurgence as contemporary artists celebrate the work of designers who still remain largely unknown.
“Redemption on the Cheap”: Will Anti-Asian Hate Crime Legislation Work?
As the House prepares to pass the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, experts fear that it might do little to curb violence against Asian Americans.
Kiran Misra
The Israel-Palestine Conflict and South Asian Diplomacy, Explained
South Asian countries historically saw the Israel-Palestine conflict as a symptom of British interference. More recently, they balance ties with Israel and supporting the Palestinian cause.
Americans Shouldn’t Need Yoga or Chai to Care about India Right Now
What’s the most effective way to convince people to give when a country is in crisis?
The Once and Future Tibet
As Tibetans in exile elect their latest political leader, will he be enough to unite a stateless, scattered community — especially after the 14th Dalai Lama is gone?
Lewis Page
The Visual Language of Satyajit Ray
On his 100th birth anniversary, a look back on how the filmmaker redefined Indian graphic design long before he changed how the world looked at cinema.
“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.
Reenvisioning How U.S. Textbooks Tell South Asian Stories
A new ethnic studies curriculum for California’s public schools was poised to become a national blueprint; instead, it is now a mere recommendation.
Good Ma, Bad Ma
Can Bollywood’s mothers exist between virtue or vice?
“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.
“Your Silence Will Be Remembered”
Why Indian celebrities are mum about the politics of India’s COVID-19 crisis.
Celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
This May, a roundup of 15 stories from our archives that celebrate Asian American life, love, culture, and history.
The Rooh Afza Renaissance
The ubiquitous, cooling drink known for its permanent spot on the iftar spread is also indelibly linked with the history of Partition.
How India’s COVID Surge is Fueling the Vaccine Diplomacy Debate
Who gets to decide which country gets which vaccine?
Opinion: Ambedkar’s American Comeback
Despite America’s relatively newfound interest in Ambedkar’s work, it will take another decade for him to become a household name.
Suraj Yengde
Zohra Segal: Begum Ballerina
A dancer, actor, and revolution all packed into one, Segal embodied carefree womanhood on and off screen.
‘Swades’ and the NRI Burden
The 2004 Shah Rukh Khan film broke away from the fantasy of overseas glamour. Instead, it showed us the political responsibility of returning home.
The Shifting Tides of India’s Seafood Traditions
Though plentiful and sustainable, shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, and snails barely make an appearance in popular accounts of Indian seafood.
Rohan Kamicheril
How Filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan Weaves Nuance into Marginalized Identities
Whether it’s caste, gender, class, or sexual orientation, the director behind "Masaan" and "Geeli Pucchi" dissects every theme with refreshing sensitivity.
Biden is Embracing FDR’s Radicalism — With a Crucial Difference
As he channels the World War II-era president in setting his agenda during the first 100 days, Biden is relying on Kamala Harris as his partner.
How Twitter became India’s COVID E.R.
Jaded by the health care system, Indians are taking to social media, offering and requesting help to save lives. But this is no feel-good human story.
How Trader Joe’s Became Known for Its Indian Food
The American grocery chain inadvertently built a line of products — from lamb vindaloo to spicy chakri mix — that appeal to South Asians and non-South Asians alike.
Valarie Kaur: “Grieve with Us, Stand with Us, Reach Out to Us”
The civil rights lawyer, filmmaker, and Sikh American activist speaks out about the recent Indianapolis shooting, which killed four Sikh Americans.
Beyond Indianapolis: The Enduring Trauma of Anti-Sikh Violence in America
“I have been spat at and asked to go back, just because of our clothing, just because of our skin color, just because of our articles of faith.”
How the Mrs. Sri Lanka Incident Stirred the Pageant Pot
The uncrowning and recrowning of Pushpika De Silva is causing many to question why one’s marital status — and beauty pageants — matter in the first place.
Why You Can’t Help But Love Strings
What set the Pakistani pop rock group — which disbanded after 33 years — apart was a fortuitous blend of timing and talent.
The Weight of Parsi Toddy
How an ancient tradition cemented itself in Parsi kitchens, and why it is now fading away.
How India Made Chess and its Champions
The country that invented the ancient game is now producing some of the world’s biggest chess champions.
Why Memories of Burma Live On in Chennai
Wealth faded, political rifts widened, but the Indian-Burmese connection lives on.
Kalpana Sunder
How a Nepali Drama Deconstructs Male Ego
Filmmaker Khyentse Norbu’s latest, “Looking for a Lady with Fangs and a Moustache,” captures a man’s journey through the chaotic rift between the spiritual and the modern.
How Posto Became Bengal’s Comfort Food
The rise of poppy in Bengali cuisine went hand in hand with the British love for tea.
Charles Sobhraj: The Serpent Who Charmed India
The BBC-Netflix co-production shows the serial killer for what he is: a cold-blooded escape artist and convicted international criminal.
How Recent Senate Hearings are Confirming our Fears of Sexism
In the taxonomy of American power, vocal women are castigated for taking up any space at all.
A Year into Lockdown, South Asian New Yorkers Share their Stories
Six South Asians — the Asian subgroup with the highest number of positive cases and hospitalizations — lay bare their pandemic experiences.
How Sanjena Sathian of “Gold Diggers” Creates Magic
The writer reveals how her debut novel uses the unreal and ineffable to answer questions about identity, ambition, and our place in history.
The Fight for Dalit Rights in Pakistan
Despite the country’s refusal to acknowledge caste, pockets of activists continue to challenge an entrenched system of discrimination.
Jhumpa Lahiri and the Rite of Diasporic Fiction
In her latest novel, "Whereabouts," Lahiri writes her first fiction in Italian — about themes beyond the Indian immigrant experience.
Meera Navlakha
Opinion: The Resurrection of Imran Khan
The cricket star came to power in a process that inspired the opposition to call him the “selected,” not elected, prime minister of Pakistan.
Wajahat S. Khan
The Accidental Feminist Side-Effects of 2000s Hindi Remixes
The naughty genre served as an unintentional glimpse into a world where young women could just have fun.
How a 1990 Satyajit Ray Film Predicted the Future
Amid the coronavirus pandemic and increasing politicization of society, "Ganashatru" is loudly prescient.
Haseena Moin’s Wonderful World of Women
The screenwriter elevated the ordinary to capture the dream of millions of Pakistani women: freedom to be themselves.
Tazeen Javed
Opinion: It’s Too Easy to Criticize Rupi Kaur
Many have ridiculed the Instagram poet, but her politics deserve a chance.
Community Cookbooks, A Window Into a Bygone Era
A generation of Marathi cookbooks highlight unusual ingredients, old cooking techniques, and absurdly high expectations of women.
Mithila Phadke
Why Bollywood Loved — and Lost — Fawad Khan
It’s been years since fans have seen the iconic Pakistani actor in Hindi cinema. But they can’t seem to forget him.
Talking Shop with Ankiti Bose
The co-founder and CEO of Zilingo talks about her startup, sustainable supply chains, and of course, Sabyasachi.
Opinion: How Do We Write a Better Story of Asian America?
Our ability to see and support each other is what matters.
Anita Felicelli
Noor Jehan: The Light of the Closet
How the singer born in pre-Independence Punjab became a contemporary icon for sex workers, dissenters, and queer people.
Opinion: How the BJP Took Away My Childhood Idols
What do you do when celebrities who once inspired you trade grace and morality for relevance?
Tatsam Mukherjee
Why Everyone’s Talking About the Oxford Student Union Case
Rashmi Samant made history as the first Indian woman to be elected student body president, when controversial social media posts emerged.
Michaela Stone Cross
How the Indian Media Became a Funhouse Mirror
Should the media reflect the will of the people? Or tell the truths you might not know? For Modi supporters, the answer is clear.
A History of Bhang, India’s Most Accessible Cannabis
From Holi celebrations to paan shops, bhang has been consumed for thousands of years in India.
The Oscar-Shortlisted "Bittu" More Than Delivers
A series of interlinked unfortunate events, rather than any malintent, leads to the tightly-woven short film’s ultimate climax and tragedy.
What Recipes Leave Off the Page
Recipes, family legacies, and lore are passed down in the kitchen, not the written word.
Arundhati Ail
Helen, the Glittering Mehbooba of Bollywood
Draped in lace, rhinestones, and fur, Helen claimed and rebranded the archetype of a vamp.
People Have a Lot to Say About the Meghan-Harry Interview
From racism to female-upheld misogyny, Oprah’s interview brought up familiar themes for Brown viewers everywhere.
How Pakistani Mangoes Became Maoist Propaganda
The regifting of a fruit sparked a political frenzy in a country where they were little-known.
“Bombay Begums” and the Missing Subtext
Billed as a feminist series, the Netflix show ends up serving standard Bollywood fare of wrongdoing and retribution.
Why Bollywood Queens Start in the South
For decades, Hindi cinema has been sourcing its leading ladies from the Southern film industries of India.
Celebrating Women's History Month: 2021
This Women’s History Month, read some of our best stories on icons across politics, music, food, art, business, comedy, and more.
Nearly 50 Years After their Expulsion, Asian Ugandans Still Remember Home
Younger generations are grappling with not only the trauma of leaving their homes, but also their community’s colonial complicity.
“Bhaji on the Beach” and the Magic of Communal Unlearning
Against the symbolic backdrop of the beach, Gurinder Chadha and Meera Syal’s film captures what a single fleeting day of freedom can do for Brown women.
How Soya Nuggets Became a Household Ingredient in India
A strange twist of history made this plant-based protein a feature of Indian cuisine.
Myanmar: A Brief History of Military Rule
After less than a decade of democracy, the military has once more taken control of the government.
Erin Blair
Why Brown Moms Love Princess Diana
The South Asian women who came of age in the 1980s viewed Lady Di as both a contemporary and a cautionary tale.
Black Women, Indian Hair
For decades, Indian temples have been selling hair to Black women around the world as part of the $58 million human hair export industry.
In “Namaste Wahala,” the Villains Drive the Story
The rare depiction of Black and Brown love left us craving more romance.
Oluwadunsin Deinde-Sanya
Excerpt: "The Three Mothers"
In honor of Black History Month, an excerpt from a book celebrating the untold stories of the mothers who raised and influenced Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin.
Anna Malaika Tubbs
Sri Lanka’s Little-Known Memoni Cuisine
For years, Memoni food remained absent from mainstream Sri Lankan cuisine, but women from the community are changing that.
Rekha, Amitabh, Jaya: A Silsila of Deprivation
Decades later, Bollywood’s most infamous love triangle seems even more tragic than we first thought.
Dissenting Cinema: Why India Censors Films
The Indian government has long been quick to censor content that poses a challenge to the reigning politics of the time.
Deep Dive: Inside the Indian Twittersphere
How the BJP exploited Twitter and created the world’s largest non-stop political campaign.
Nisha Ganatra and the Whole Picture
The director behind 'Late Night' and 'Chutney Popcorn' forges masterpieces by centering the full lives of her diverse characters, not just their identities.
How the Indian Judiciary Lets Down Sexual Assault Victims
Two cases in the past year alone highlight how India’s approach to adjudicating sexual assault is outdated at best, dangerous at worst.
Why Nigeria Loves Bollywood
With its emphasis on family values and forbidden love, Bollywood has long been popular in Nigeria, influencing the country’s prolific movie industry.
Diekoye Oyeyinka
How Rafat Ali’s Startup Skift is Weathering the Pandemic
As the media industry contracts, with advertising budgets and in-person events drying up, Skift is betting on its innovative founder.
For NYC Taxi Drivers, Debt Relief is a Lifeline
After years of struggling with loans, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City cab drivers are speaking up.
Arvind Dilawar
What I Loved — and Loathed — About “The Big Day”
Turns out watching rich Indians talk about their “modern” multi-million-dollar weddings is less satisfying than you’d think.
How K-Dramas Crash Landed on South Asian TV Screens
The genre’s swoon-worthy romance, side-splitting comedy, treacherous villainy, and thrilling fight sequences are some of the many reasons Brown viewers are helping fuel the Korean drama craze.
Sarah Khan
Why Everyone is Talking About Disha Ravi
Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg tweeted out a toolkit to help mobilize allies of India’s protesting farmers. Here’s how it led to the arrest of a student in Bangalore.
Our Top 15 Stories on Love: 2021
From interracial relationships to 18th-century Urdu poetry to an ode to the guava, dive into our favorite stories about love.
Why Tillotama Shome Views Her Career as “Slow Cooking,” Not “Instant Noodles”
From playing the quiet Alice in “Monsoon Wedding” to the vibrant Ratna in “Sir,” the veteran actor has come into her own.
Why Everyone is Talking About Nodeep Kaur
The Dalit labor rights activist, who protested alongside farmers, was arrested on January 12. Allegations of her torture and sexual assault at the hands of police have garnered international attention.
How South Asians are Building Community on Clubhouse
As the audio app takes off, Brown members are leading some of its biggest, buzziest rooms.
Beejoli Shah
The Horny Sophistication of “Choli Ke Peeche”
Let’s take a walk down mammary lane and dissect the scandal and power that surrounded one of Bollywood’s most tastefully titillating songs to date.
Jinnfluencers: Inside the World of Internet Exorcisms
The internet is making faith healers more popular than ever. Is this deterring people from seeking professional mental health treatment?
New Report Finds 49% of Indian Americans Approve of Modi
The research challenges commonly-held notions, such as whether Modi supporters are de facto Trump supporters.
The Lost History of Bengali Harlem
The stories of working-class South Asians in New York City point to a history beyond the narrative of assimilation.
Twitter and Indian Government in Standoff Over Farmers’ Protest Tweets
As the Indian government strives to clamp down on dissent, Twitter finds itself at the center of a thorny battle between civil liberties and local laws.
Baul Dada Sings of the American Dream
The singing street food vendor brought jhalmuri to New York City, then got caught in immigration purgatory.
India’s Farmer Protests: An In-Depth Explainer
We give you the context for why India’s farmer protests are making headlines, and what the protesters are fighting for.
Black TikTok, Brown Culture
With perfect pronunciation and killer Bhangra moves, Black TikTokers are going viral taking on South Asian music.
Celebrating Black History Month
How “AK vs AK” Forged A New Bollywood Genre
Vikramaditya Motwane’s new Netflix thriller — also a black comedy, an indictment of Bollywood, and a 108-minute-long inside joke — was seven years in the making.
Is Robinhood a Victim of Its Own Success?
In a volatile week for financial markets, tech unicorn and Silicon Valley darling Robinhood draws scrutiny — but is it enough to stop its rise?
After a Mammoth IPO, Where Does Poshmark Grow?
CEO Manish Chandra has been one step ahead of the mobile shopping revolution. Can he sustain that growth in the public markets?
South Asian Americans Tap Into Their Community To Kickstart Their Political Careers
We crunched the numbers to look at how South Asian Americans donated to electoral races over the past few years. Here’s what we found.
Dhrumil Mehta
The Biting Familiarity of ‘The Great Indian Kitchen’
The Malayalam film starkly captures the grim reality of one woman’s domestic life — and is relevant to this day.
Reincarnating the East India Company
Indian businessmen are buying back colonial-era British brands. But can these acquisitions rewrite history?
When Rang De Basanti Taught Us to Be Angry
The radical film — which turns 15 today — roused a generation, sending political shockwaves throughout India for years to come.
How Riz Ahmed Stretches Culture
The multi-hyphenate actor and musician consistently produces the deep cuts when it comes to Brown culture and history — and, now, he’s creating for himself.
Pakistan’s Trans TikTok Stars
Trans women are trading the sidelines for the spotlight, with TikTok giving them a space to showcase their humor, talent, and joy.
India Prepares to Vaccinate the World, Starting with Itself
As India launches its ambitious vaccine program, scientists fear the government is prioritizing national pride above national safety.
Opinion: Kamala Harris is Not Your Aunty
Is referring to Vice President Harris as ‘aunty’ a term of kinship, or a potentially insidious erasure of her professional accomplishments?
Meet the South Asian Members of the Biden-Harris Administration
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have selected at least 25 South Asian Americans to work with them.
Kamala Devi Harris Sworn in As Vice President
Unity and diversity were the clear messages behind today’s inauguration ceremony.
Why Some Pakistanis Will Miss Trump
For many living in Pakistan, Trump’s administration will be remembered as a respite from drone strikes, and from the war in Afghanistan.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Fateful Pilgrimage to India
How a five-week journey transformed the civil rights leader’s understanding of Gandhi, caste, and race.
Pursuing Happiness with Ravi Patel
We interviewed the comedic actor to find out how entertainment became a Patel family affair.
Alphabet Makes History with Biggest Tech Workers’ Union
South Asians make up just a fraction of unionized workers in the U.S. At Google, executive chair Parul Koul is helming the charge.
The Fabulous and Boring Lives of Bollywood Wives
The reality show offers neither a salacious escape nor an anthropological window into people we care about.
Madhuri Sastry
New WhatsApp Privacy Notice Leads to Surge in Signal, Telegram in India
Concerns over a new privacy policy have led to mass downloads of WhatsApp rivals in the messaging app’s biggest market.
Kamala Harris Vogue Cover Sparks Controversy
Vogue’s decision to portray Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as “approachable,” rather than powerful, draws criticism and demands for more diversity.
Hrishikesh Hirway, a Masterclass in the Interview
We interviewed the interviewer, asking the brains behind “Song Exploder,” “Home Cooking,” and “The West Wing Weekly” what makes him so good.
How Chili Peppers Spiced Up the South Asian Palate
Whether fresh, dried, tempered, roasted, fried, powdered, stuffed, or pickled, the not-so-native fruit has become deeply enmeshed in regional cuisines.
Vidya Balachander
The Sexpert Uncle of India
Dr. Mahinder Watsa — who died on December 30, 2020 — became famous for answering his country's most taboo questions, from female pleasure to bestiality.
The Indian Americans Who Rallied at Capitol Hill
The Indian and the Confederate flags were flying together during the recent storming of Capitol Hill.
How the Moon Comes Alive in South Asia
In a culture where romance too often must be conducted in secrecy, the moon has come to symbolize the sole companion to love.
How Brown Democrats Mobilized in Georgia
A record turnout of South Asian American voters helped swing the Georgia runoffs.
Kabul’s Lost Cinemas
The importance of preserving a movie theater, once a hub of Bollywood showings, goes far beyond just saving a building.
The Rise and Fall of India’s Congress Party
How the party of the left turned “secularism” into a dirty word.
The Incredible Roar of 'The White Tiger'
Netflix's powerful and unflinching film lives up to its title — and Aravind Adiga's award-winning book.
How Lijjat Became a Global Papad Brand
The story of a women-owned cooperative that turned 80 rupees into a business worth millions of dollars.
Priya Krishna
2020 in Review: Our Top 10 Stories on Food
Our most drool-worthy food features from the year.
The Apps That Got Us Through 2020
We couldn’t get enough of these mobile apps during a very strange, somewhat lonely year.
Our Top 15 Stories of 2020
The most-read articles this year.
The Best Books We Read in 2020
The Juggernaut team brings you our favorite reads of the year.
The Indian Tech Trends of 2020
How the industry changed in 2020, and where it’s headed next.
Jayadevan P K
The Best South Asian Films of 2020
In a year without theaters, films from the subcontinent and its diaspora still thrived.
How Pandemic Pets are Helping Brown Families Cope
As pet ownership rates go up amid lockdowns, fuzzy friends are turning frowns upside down in even the most reluctant of Brown households.
A Year After CAA, India Doubles Down on Dissent
December 12, 2020, marked the one-year anniversary of the enactment of CAA. A global pandemic hasn’t stopped India from going after its own citizens.
We Spoke to Doctors Who Took the COVID-19 Vaccine — Here’s What They Said
Healthcare workers roll up their sleeves during the first phase of U.S. distribution.
Ten of our Favorite Drinks for the Holidays
Sweet and milky, warm and spicy, or berry-licious and boozy — we have all your holiday drink needs covered.
Opinion: How Biden Flipped Pennsylvania
The campaign's Deputy Data Director in the swing state reflects on what a Biden win means for the next four years.
Nikitha Rai
The Next Wave of Brown Voters
The 2020 presidential elections give us new insights into the politics of Brown Gen Z voters.
Malavika Kannan
All Punch, No Pay: The Pakistani Female Boxers Fighting On
Once celebrated internationally, these athletes now face a harsher battle outside the ring.
Rabia Mushtaq