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How India Fell In — and Out — of Love with Beauty Pageants

A 1992 Miss Universe loss would lead to over a decade of Indian domination at global beauty contests.

The Diluted Revolutionary: Bhagat Singh in Hindi Cinema

Shoojit Sircar’s “Sardar Udham” is the latest in a long line of Bollywood portrayals of the Indian freedom fighter, but the first to delve into his humanity and nuanced politics.

“The Cheetah Girls: One World,” 13 Years Later

The movie is a classic problematic fave: it used India as a mere exotic backdrop, but still gave us some of our first Indian crushes in U.S. television.

Bilal Baig's ‘Sort Of’ is a Love Letter to Brown, Queer, and Trans People

The queer, transfeminine playwright and performer is challenging the status quo with their latest CBC and HBO Max series — and not without a little bit of fear.

‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’ is Horny, Hilarious, and Heartwarming

A solid cast and smart writing drives HBO Max’s sharp-witted comedy, the latest project from Mindy Kaling.

Fabindia: How an American Founder Defined the Indian Aesthetic

John Bissell’s cult lifestyle brand has supported rural artisans for over 60 years. But will the company’s looming IPO put this very mission at risk?

How India Invented Zero

Ancient India’s preoccupation with the concept of nothingness — shunyata — would change mathematics, trade, and technology as we know it.

Meet the Newly Elected South Asian American Lawmakers

Affordable housing, environmental protection, and racial equity top many of the to-do lists of the newly elected legislators, such as Shahana Hanif from New York City and Aftab Pureval from Ohio.

The Trendsetting Legacy of India’s VJs

Their 1990s shows on music channels like MTV and Channel V were neither Doordarshan nor Bollywood, giving rise to indipop and lending “cool” to Indian youth culture.

Why We Rarely See Bengali Restaurants Outside Bengal

Is London’s Chourangi a sign that global appetites are changing, or will Bengali food take longer to make its well overdue mark?

Danish Baig, 27, Among Ten Dead at Astroworld

The Pakistani American from Euless, Texas died while saving his fiancée, who had to be hospitalized. The two were among dozens injured or killed at the event.

‘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 are promoting their products to Hindu Americans with targeted Diwali ads.

The Rise of Sexy South Asians on Screen

Brown actors like Simone Ashley in "Sex Education," Raymond Ablack in "Maid," and Punam Patel in "Special" are finally getting the sexy storylines they deserve.

Why the Role of Ali Abdul in “Squid Game” Matters

Anupam Tripathi’s character in the massively popular Netflix series may foreshadow an exciting future for global talent in K-dramas.

A Border Apart: Stories of Families Divided by Partition

The effects of Partition in 1947 still linger today. Families separated by the borders between India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh tell their stories of love, heartbreak, and finding connection.

Why There Are 25 Clock Emojis but No Dosas or Samosas

Over 10 years since standardized emojis, people are still petitioning for better representation of the cultural objects they hold dear.

India’s Burning Hot Love for the Sizzler

The scorch-your-tongue dish grew popular in the 1960s, but few know how it came to India. Some say California, others Japan, but the real story is not so straightforward.

How Himalayan Salt Sold a Rosy Dream

This pretty pink rock has been touted as a cure for COVID and a healthy staple of wellness culture. But behind that salt lamp glow hides many falsehoods — it’s not even from the Himalayas.

How Mughals Turned Into Hindi Cinema’s Newest Villains

From “Mughal-e-Azam” to “Jodhaa Akbar,” Bollywood has long been fascinated with the stories and extravagance of the Mughal empire. But in recent years, films have reduced the Muslim rulers to caricatured villains.