Latest stories

The Demise of Awaami Cinema

Going to the movies was once a firmly middle class experience in Pakistan. Now, only a certain class can even afford to buy a ticket.

When Asians Date

There are visibly few East Asian-South Asian couples. Dating is a challenge, stymied by parents with prejudices and cultures that — at first — seem to clash.

The Not-so Model Minority

How ‘model minority’ became a definition to create the one-size-fits-all Asian American.

How Tanwi Nandini Islam AKA Tanaïs Hones the Craft

From evocative perfume and lipstick line Hi Wildflower, to her debut novel Bright Lines, to a new book in the works, Tanaïs is uncategorizable — a multi-disciplinary artist through and through.

A Temporary Work Visa, A Temporary Home

An erratic U.S. immigration system makes it impossible for South Asians to ever feel settled.

What is Ritesh Batra Nostalgic For?

The award-winning filmmaker behind The Lunchbox and Photograph discusses cooking, memories, and telling stories about a changing India.

The Activists Challenging Pakistan's Child Marriages

Cultural norms and vague government edicts have allowed Pakistani child marriages to survive. Some activists are taking matters into their own hands.

Body Dysmorphia in the Time of Ramadan

Ramadan is rife with majesty and spiritual cleansing. Yet, it requires facing one's body.

Opinion: Aziz Ansari’s Comic Rehabilitation in India

Aziz Ansari made his India debut for an easy audience — and it worked.

The "Why" of Police Brutality

Devi Laskar’s debut novel is thoughtful in its interrogation of gun violence against South Asian Americans — but, in its search for the “why,” misses a few moments.

How Bakarmax Is Leading India's Underground Comics Renaissance

From searing political insight to poop jokes, Sumit Kumar’s Bakarmax is at the vanguard of India's underground comics scene.

How We Get the Job Done: Ayush Kejriwal

Ayush Kejriwal's unconventional models and uniquely patterned saris have helped the Glasgow-based fashion designer command an Instagram following of 185k+.

Life in Limbo

Ten years after the Sri Lankan civil war, many Tamil refugees in India are still unsure about their futures.

The Duality of Modi

In the largest democratic exercise in history, India has reelected Narendra Modi. Those who choose Modi's form of development are also choosing Hindu nationalism.

Who is Voting in India?

India is diverse, and it’s been difficult to identify consistent voter blocs. However, there are a few demographics that will matter in 2019.

Film in the Time of Fascism

Despite the precarity of cinemagoing during the turbulent Zia years, cinema in Pakistan became a site of desire, transgression and political disobedience.

The Weight of Gold for Rohingya Refugees

After losing everything they’ve owned, Rohingya view gold as their most valuable tangible asset.

Photo Essay: Gold in the Kutupalong Camp

For Rohingya women, gold is multifaceted: it represents security and beauty, but also risk and vulnerability.

Joy Crookes is Taking on the World

The Bangladeshi Irish singer, whose rich voice has been compared to that of Amy Winehouse, chats with us about compliments that are “too big,” writer's block, and London's best South Asian food.

Mangos, from Lucknow to Goa

The rich history and business of Indian mangos includes everything from a single mango tree that produces 300 varieties in Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh to Goan mango Malgesh, which means "difficult to digest" in Portuguese.