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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.

Is South Asian Bridal Makeup Too Expensive?

TikTok has been aflutter with brides sharing what they believe to be “the biggest scam” in the wedding industry.

The Truth About Sex-Selective Abortion and South Asian Americans

How a 2008 paper sparked a pervasive myth about Indian and Chinese Americans.

How Bhut Jolokia, the Ghost Pepper, Took Over the West

Dubbed the hottest pepper in the world in 2007, the unique northeastern Indian chili became a tempting challenge for Western palates. But what got lost in the process?

The Unibrow is Back

Young South Asians are rebelling against Western beauty standards by growing out their eyebrows.

How Bollywood Fashion Went From DIY to Designer

Hindi films have long been a source of fashion inspo, but stylists — from Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi to Arjun Bhasin and Anaita Shroff Adajania — have changed the game both on- and off-screen.

Why South Asian Americans Overwhelmingly Support Abortion

Despite not openly talking about it, many South Asians are pro-choice. We dig into why and their reactions to the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

What Mohammed Zubair’s Arrest Means for Press Freedom

The arrest of the co-founder of an Indian fact-checking website is the latest incident in declining press freedom in the subcontinent.

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.’

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.

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.

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?

‘Mr. Malcolm’s List’ is a Familiar Story, with a Refreshing Twist (Review)

The latest British period drama is the rare film whose romantic leads, Freida Pinto and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, are both people of color — but is it enough?

‘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 Magical Lives of Kumar Pallana

It took perfecting death-defying stunts, a chance encounter, and seven decades before Hollywood took notice of the inevitable star.

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.

In ‘Ms. Marvel,’ Culture and Faith are Superpowers (Review)

With the first-ever Pakistani American Muslim superhero, Marvel’s limited series flips the script on how Muslims and Pakistanis are depicted on screen.