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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.

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.

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.