How Taal (1999) Mastered the Art of Calling Misogyny “Female-Centric”

I hardly watch movies except when someone forces me to, or there is a strong trigger to watch. Last week, following the AR Rahman PR fiasco, I was tempted to revisit his music, rediscovered Taal, and in a jiffy, decided to watch it. I had watched it when it was released. I was in school, … Continue reading How Taal (1999) Mastered the Art of Calling Misogyny “Female-Centric”

My Mother’s Curse

Crawled up in a corner, In middle of a panic attack, Comes an imaginary flashback My father tearing up the letters In more than a thousand pieces And yelling on my mother, “Now, this is your only family.” When she was about to post Some handwritten letters Scribbled on a scented paper The letters that … Continue reading My Mother’s Curse

Indian Matchmaking: Oh no, did we forget something? Oh yes, growing up!

As a part of my job, that is writing, I imagine a lot. Today, I would like you to imagine- life of a kid, not very old, about 5-7 years only. What do they do? Well, they just exist. Everything else is done by their parents. From making sure they eat on time to take … Continue reading Indian Matchmaking: Oh no, did we forget something? Oh yes, growing up!

Bulbbul: Narrating Indian misogyny through an old folklore

SPOILER ALERT!! For some reason, while writing this one, I am reminded of a dialogue from the Hindi movie Tanu Weds Manu: “Bhaiya, kya hai na, jo aadmi hota hai wo marne ke baad bhoot banta hai lekin jo aurat hoti hai wo chudail ki chudail hi rahti hai.” (A man turns into a ghost … Continue reading Bulbbul: Narrating Indian misogyny through an old folklore