Latest stories

Rekha, Mother of Bollywood Queer Icons

The Hindi film industry painted the actor as a vamp and the other woman. Yet she emerged as a flag-bearer for self-love and queer self-expression.

The Tesla Cliff Crash is Yet Another Cry for Help

In January, Dharmesh Patel tried to kill himself and his family. The tragedy unveils glaring gaps in mental health resources for South Asian men.

Dev Shah is the 2023 National Spelling Bee Champion

The 14-year-old won $50,000 and the coveted trophy. His winning word was “psammophile.”

Celebrating Pride Month: 2023

This June, dive into 15 stories about queer South Asian history, icons, and culture.

Does Yale Discriminate Against Asian Americans?

Eleven Asian American students looked at their admissions files. They were surprised by what they found.

7-Eleven and South Asians, An American Success Story

The franchise became both the lifeline of new immigrants — who own as many as 70% of 7-Elevens in the U.S. — and the punchline of racist jokes.

How Diipa Büller-Khosla Got to Cannes — And Brought Her Brand

She was the first Indian-born influencer invited to the exclusive event. The indē wild founder is now bringing more Indian women with her.

The Motel Patels Built Empires. For Younger Generations, It’s Complicated.

Gujarati Americans own over 60% of America’s motels. But, for some, joining the family business is too close to home.

The Celebrity Airport Photo: Candid or Contrived?

For Bollywood paparazzi, capturing stars come and go is less about good timing than you think.

With No Towers of Silence in the West, Zoroastrian Last Rites are a Fraught Affair

The West has no structures or legal precedent for corpses to decay in the open air. For those wishing to follow traditions, funerals are a compromise.

How Cruises Became South Asian Getaways

Bollywood and value for money ignited our wanderlust. Now, those approaching retirement and seeking comfort are some of the industry’s newest patrons.

Is the Bollywood Song Dead?

Indian music is seeing a significant shift from film songs to those of independent artists. For some, it’s about time. For others, it’s an existential threat.

How Shan Masala Spiced Up Diaspora Tables

Despite competition and import bans, the Pakistani venture built a global, $250 million business whose fans swear by its innovative spice blends.

Zarna Garg, the Indian Mom Making the World Laugh

The comedian known for her viral mom jokes is now out with her first hour-long special — and she isn’t afraid to offend you.

How Singer Set South Asian Women Up For Success

The American sewing machine had a slow start in the Indian subcontinent. Today, it has changed women’s finances, and futures, forever.

‘Jubilee’ Review: A Dazzling Homage to the Dawn of Hindi Cinema

Vikramaditya Motwane’s ambitious series explores the style and scandal of Bollywood in post-Partition and post-Independence India.

How Kumon Bred Persistence and Panic Among South Asians

The after-school program was a fixture for the South Asian diaspora. But, after peaking in the 2000s, does it now hold the same draw?

Hanif Kureishi is Inspiring Optimism — From a Hospital Bed

The British Pakistani writer of ‘My Beautiful Laundrette’ fame became paralyzed in 2022. His Twitter dispatches are now a symbol of hope.

‘Piku’ Reminds Us Not To Take Sh*t from the Patriarchy

The 2015 film about a widower obsessed with his bowel movements and his headstrong daughter shows us why we shouldn’t care about what society demands of us.

Haleem, Now Available Near You

For many, the meat-and-pulse stew is a rare, Ramadan tradition. Now, chefs are bringing it, along with inventive modifications, to the masses.