The South Asian Stories You Need To Know.

Celebrating Pride Month: 2022

This June, a roundup of 15 stories from our archives about queer South Asian history, icons, and culture.

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.

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

This May, a roundup of 15 stories that celebrate South Asian American life, love, culture, and history.

How Cartier Built an Empire by Claiming Indian and Islamic Art as its Own

From its Tutti Frutti collection to bejeweled cases, the French luxury jewelry house has long appropriated Eastern influences, calling it aesthetic exchange.

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.

Meet the Indian Family Behind Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Since 2019, an emerald dye from Chemworld International has been a key part of one of the country’s most unique Irish traditions.

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.

"Play by Play"

Our October 2021 crossword.

"Kitchen Talk"

Our September 2021 crossword.

"Across the Pond"

Our August 2021 crossword.

"Inner Child"

Our July 2021 crossword.

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.

The Evolution of Karan Johar’s Queer Eye

What has driven the filmmaker’s increasingly nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ characters?

‘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.

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 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.’

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.

The Evolution of Karan Johar’s Queer Eye

What has driven the filmmaker’s increasingly nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ characters?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Opinion: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You Don’t Know Jay Sean

For two decades, the British artist had a carefully curated image. Then, he got on TikTok.

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 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.

How Amar Bose Engineered Today’s Sound

A curious Bengali American kid with a love for tinkering built a multi-billion-dollar company and changed the way we listen to music.

“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.

“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.

How South Asians Fell in Love with Tennis

Though no Grand Slam singles champion has emerged from the subcontinent, the sport has created superfans in both the diaspora and the 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?

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.

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.