Latest stories

‘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.

Iman Vellani: ‘Ms. Marvel’ Made Me Feel Seen for the First Time

The Pakistani Canadian actor talks about going from Marvel superfan to star, the line that meant a lot to her personally, and acting alongside Fawad Khan and Farhan Akhtar.

KK Gave Us the Soundtrack to Our Own Movies

The Indian singer gave us the ability to revisit our first heartbreaks, our first joys, our first goodbyes, just by hitting play.

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.

Celebrating Pride Month: 2022

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

Sidhu Moose Wala brought a global diaspora together

The internationally renowned rapper was the voice of a generation for Sikh and Punjabi fans, despite controversy surrounding his music and videos.

You Don’t Know Jay Sean

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

The Complicated Love of ‘Love on the Spectrum’

The new season of Netflix’s docuseries includes a charming South Asian participant — but also a familiar and frustrating trope.

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.

How an Unusual Calendar Became a Symbol of Indian Culture

Fifty years since its inception, Kalnirnay has become an essential household tool and a point of connection for the diaspora.

Northeastern Actors are Finally Getting Their Shot at Bollywood Stardom

Streaming platforms have led to more regional cinema, diverse storytelling, and long-awaited opportunities for northeastern actors. Will mainstream Hindi cinema follow?

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.

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.

Revisiting ‘Fauji,’ the Genesis of King Khan

Thirty years since Shah Rukh Khan’s silver screen debut, we reexamine the dreadful show with a star-making performance.

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.