‘Who is Amritpal Singh?’ is the Wrong Question
This is not a story about the separatist leader, whom few support, but about the decades-long oppression of the people of Punjab.
Mehr Singh
How Bollywood Failed Parveen Babi
One of the highest-paid actors of her time is largely remembered through her lovers and by her illness. While others profited from her tale, she died alone at 51.
Sadaf Ahsan
Dior and India: Couture Diplomacy or Culture Vulturism?
Dior’s Fall 2023 show in Mumbai seems like a win, but raises questions about the brand’s decades-long, extractive relationship with Indian artisans.
Sneha Mehta
How Cha Became Chai
British trade manipulation, espionage, and aggressive marketing changed the trajectory of the once-unpopular beverage in the Indian subcontinent.
Sukhada Tatke
Raquel Evita Saraswati, the Race-Baiting, Hijabi Hoaxer
How a “white as snow” activist spread Islamophobia while pretending to be South Asian, Muslim, Hispanic, and Arab.
Humza Yousaf, the Next Leader of Scotland, Makes History
The first Muslim, Pakistani-origin, and youngest Scottish first minister assumed his new role today. Less is known about whether he can deliver on his promises.
Snigdha Sur
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How Amrita Sher-Gil Found Home, One Painting at a Time
The queer, Indian Hungarian painter revolutionized art by blending the East and the West, championing the female gaze, and celebrating herself.
Kali, the Avenging Goddess Within Every Woman
The Hindu god known for her fury and vengeance is a man’s worst nightmare — a testament to female power in all its forms.
Why India is Half an Hour Off Global Time Zones
Colonial control, nation-building, and political rivalry dictated elements of subcontinental life — including time itself.
Catherine Duleep Singh, the Queer, Sikh, Nazi-Defiant Princess
The lesser-known story of a Punjabi heiress who fought for women’s rights and was an extraordinary Jewish ally.
How Kailasa, a Fake Hindu Nation, Conned Millions
Indian cult leader Nithyananda’s brainchild has scammed U.S. cities, several countries, and even the United Nations. But what of his countless abuse victims, who still await justice?
Sushmita Pathak
Zeenat Aman Was Never Just a Glamour Girl
The Bollywood actor, with her radical honesty and insight, is the zenith of celebrity Instagram. Those who are surprised are simply late to the party.
“Naatu Naatu” at the Oscars: A Cultural Triumph Gone Wrong
South Asians asked why there were no Indian lead dancers on stage. The Academy and the dance troupe responded with excuses.
Divya Jethwani
The Kaurs of 1984: The Unsung Heroes of India’s Anti-Sikh Genocide
When the government and police watched Delhi burn, Sikh women stepped in and saved hundreds of lives.
Oscars 2023: All the South Asian Moments
This was a historic year with several wins, iconic presenters, and a musical performance many can’t forget.
The Juggernaut
‘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.
AI: The Battle of the Brown CEOs
Things are heating up between Google’s Sundar Pichai and Microsoft’s Satya Nadella after the Microsoft-OpenAI deal. But does it matter who wins?
Ashritha Karuturi
Wazwan and the Fight to Keep the 36-Course Kashmiri Feast Alive
How Kashmiris around the world are championing the ancient meal once fit for kings as its chefs slowly dwindle.
How South Asians Reclaimed Tiffin
The colonial term — which refers to everything from a lunch box to a teatime meal — stuck around to become a cultural touchstone.
Aarohi Sheth
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.