‘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.
Snigdha Sur
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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
How ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ Became a Meme
The beloved 2001 Bollywood film, colloquially known as K3G, somehow has the right scene for all of life’s moments.
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.
Deepika Padukone is Ready to Build an Empire
The launch of 82°E, her self-described “self-care” brand, is only the start for the Bollywood superstar.
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 ‘Jab We Met’ Changed Bollywood Romance Forever
The 2007 Imtiaz Ali film broke the rules of Hindi cinema, creating a female lead with depth and a romance rooted in friendship. Fifteen years later, it remains the perfect rewatch.
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.
‘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.
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.
‘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 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.’
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
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.
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.
‘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 — ranging from Target, Lego, Instacart, and Lexus to local fireworks companies — are promoting their products to Indian Americans with targeted Diwali ads.
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.
“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.'
“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.
Why Bollywood Loved — and Lost — Fawad Khan
It’s been over six years since fans have seen the iconic Pakistani actor in Hindi cinema.
Talking Shop with Ankiti Bose
The co-founder and CEO of Zilingo talks about her startup, sustainable supply chains, and of course, Sabyasachi.
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.
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.
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.
The Love and Irreverence of Mira Nair
The director — whose films have launched careers, won international awards, and dazzled audiences with their earthy sensuality — looks back on four decades of “riling people up.”
Why We Love Sarita Choudhury
Nearly 30 years after her sizzling debut in “Mississippi Masala,” Choudhury plays the role of a mother in the latest Blumhouse horror flick with sensuality and aplomb.
Ten Years of Dishoom
Co-founder Shamil Thakrar shares what it takes to build a food institution — deepen, don’t dilute.
The Evolution of Padma Lakshmi
Her latest show “Taste the Nation” is just the culmination of who she’s always been: an authentic food writer, history nerd, and steward of culture.
The Strong Women of Never Have I Ever
Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Richa Moorjani break down what made the ladies in Mindy Kaling’s latest show such badasses.
The Rise of the Indian-Origin CEO
A wave of Indian CEOs has the world buzzing. Is there more to it than just a demographic shift? And have they made a difference?
Gran Dabbang Brings Indian Heat to Argentina
Chef Mariano Ramón combines Argentinian herbs with Indian recipes to set a new standard in Buenos Aires.
Shubham Goel, Reality TV’s Favorite Brown Guy
How did the 23-year-old self-described “Indian James Bond” go from ranking dead last to nearly winning the show and becoming a fan-favorite?
Who Cares About the Oscars Anyway?
In an #OscarsSoWhite kind of world, should we still care about the awards?
2019: South Asia in Review
We’re highlighting the 10 trends we saw in 2019 and the five trends brewing in 2020.
The Books of the Decade
The books that defined not only my 2010s, but also my 20s.
How Amol Sarva Built a Better WeWork
The Knotel co-founder and CEO shares how Knotel is better (and cheaper) than WeWork, and his plans to be in every part of the office — from the walls to the couch.
Rianjali, A.R. Rahman Protege, is a Musical Swiss Army Knife
Ria Bhowmick, a singer trained in Hindustani classical and Bengali songs, can do it all when it comes to producing music.
What It Takes to Be Madame Gandhi
In today’s hectic, social media-driven world, the percussionist asks us to look inward in her latest album Visions — and succeeds.
Amitav Ghosh, Weaver of International Tales
The writer — out with Gun Island, a novel about the impact of climate change via the lens of a 17th century Bengali folktale — shares his thoughts on dictionaries, migration, and technology.
How Zareen’s Feeds Silicon Valley
The Pakistani American entrepreneur has built a beloved brand in the heart of Silicon Valley by testing and scaling different South Asian food concepts.
The Spelling Bee and the Power of a Network
Indian Americans dominate the bee. But what if you don't need to be Indian American to win?
From Beauty to Fashion: Nykaa Does it All
How much of its beauty playbook can Nykaa follow as it builds its fashion vertical? And what must it create anew?
Tea Can Be Cool: Re-envisioning Chai
Fine dining veteran Christopher Bunet brings fine dining principles (experimentation, precision, presentation) to chai at The Hideout Chai Bar in the Lower East Side.
