Latest stories

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?

“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.

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.

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.

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.