POV Archives

Hey Bollywood Darlings, Here’s How NOT to Respond to #MeToo Questions

In recent months, as #MeToo has scorched Bollywood – but only a little bit – our celebrities have responded in the most underwhelming ways. Priyanka Chopra is the latest one to indulge in whataboutery. Seriously, Bollywood, here’s how you should be responding to #MeToo-related queries.

Sonali Kokra March 14, 2016

POV

Is it Time to Clean Up Your Facebook Friend List As Elections Near?

When your uncle who only posts old songs on Facebook, or friend who spams Instagram with memes is suddenly discussing national policy, you know you’re now scrolling through your election newsfeed. And like Thanos in the upcoming Avengers movie, there’s no running or hiding from it.

Dushyant Shekhawat March 13, 2016

POV

I am a BJP Supporter But I Oppose the CAA. And I’m Not Alone

I voted for the BJP in 2014 and 2019. I backed GST and supported the abrogation of Article 370. But I am no bhakt. I am a BJP voter who is opposed to the CAA.

Saksham Mishra March 12, 2016

POV

Why We Need to Leave Andaman Islands’ Sentinelese People Alone

Outside contact with Andamans’ Jarawas is forbidden, as it is with the Sentinelese, but a search on YouTube will find tourists in the Andamans going on “Jarawa safaris”, where the islanders dance for cameras and accept fast food from vehicles. The free people of North Sentinel Island should not go this way.

Dushyant Shekhawat March 12, 2016

POV

Meet the Parents: The Nepotism Edition

Star kids are the raw fuel on which the engine of Bollywood’s nepotism runs, but their parents are the oil that keeps the engine running along nice and smooth. Rishi Kapoor and Salim Khan are star examples.

Dushyant Shekhawat March 12, 2016

POV

Cut 2016 Some Slack, Please

At the risk of sounding like an outlier and getting lynched by the #End2016 doomsdayers, I quite enjoyed this year – because I am aware that things could have been way worse.

#VALUE! March 11, 2016

POV

We are Anti-CAA Protesters. Yes, We Are Reclaiming the Word Deshbhakti

Deshbhakti is all the fierce hijabi and burkha-clad women who refuse to be sidelined or othered. Deshbhakti is the college students picking trash off of the roads where they protested, mere hours after the police opened fire and lathi-charged.

Sonali Kokra March 11, 2016

POV

Dear Army Brats, Who Made You the Authority on National Security?

In the last one month, since the Pulwama attack, among those doubling up as defence experts are smug army brats. Their fathers served in the forces, but these skilled piggy-backers have never left behind big city comforts. The odiousness of army brats is tiresome in peacetime, but insufferable when the real threat of conflict lurks in the air.

Sonali Kokra March 11, 2016

POV

Chai Pe Charcha: In Defence of Gossip

Like rolling a first-class joint in under a minute, artful gossip can bring pleasure during conversations in a way few things can. Unfortunately, its inaccurate depictions in popular culture has forced us to equate the art of gossiping with the art of homewrecking.

Shipra Hattangadi March 11, 2016

POV

People, Learn to Take a Friggin’ Compliment

I respond to compliments the way the Indian cricket fan responds to Virat Kohli’s poor performance – by showing zero chill. My first instinct is to assume that the person giving the compliment is either taking the piss out of me or wants a huge-ass favour.

Jackie Thakkar March 11, 2016