Articles

Delhi’s Privileged Flee the City to Escape Pollution. But What About the Rest?

As Delhi’s pollution levels escalated post Diwali, I took a bus to the mountains. There are many who’ve left the city permanently to escape its toxic air. But what about the millions who cannot afford this luxury, who live on the roads?

Tauseef Shahidi July 15, 2016

Love and Sex

What’s Stopping Millennials from Dating Someone with the Same Cultural Upbringing?

Three months ago, I met and spent time getting to know someone who spoke the same mother tongue as me. At first, it felt like discovering a whole new part of myself. But soon, the sameness started feeling suffocating. I felt like I knew him too well, too soon, and that his red flags could never have the luxury of just being flags.

Poulomi Das July 15, 2016

Earth

Greta Thunberg is Proof that No One is Too Small to Make a Difference

In 2018, Greta Thunberg was a lone 15-year-old sitting outside the Swedish parliament, with a “School Strike for Climate” placard. Today she is one of the world's most influential and fearless activists. How has this teen managed to do so much in such little time?

Manik Sharma July 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Why Bittu, the Live Action Short Film Shortlisted for the Oscars, Deserves All Our Love

Bittu is a touching story of friendship between two school girls in a village. The film which has been shortlisted for the Oscars has no big stars. Instead, director Karishma Dev Dube went to local communities and government schools in the rural areas to pick her cast.

Arré Bench July 15, 2016

Bollywood

Luka Chuppi Review: Kartik Aaryan & Kriti Sanon’s Tips for a “Successful” Live-in – Sex, Maggi, Aur Do Cup Chai

If Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon’s Luka Chuppi is to be believed, all you need to be convinced about marriage, is live with your partner for 20 days, have sex, make Maggi, two cups of chai, and play catch inside the house. Even a meme conveys more about live-ins than this logic-defying, unfunny movie.

Poulomi Das July 15, 2016

Coronavirus

“Mama I’m Coming Home”: Why We Seek for the Comfort of Our Parents When a Crisis Like Covid Hits

For the longest of time, my family has tried to cajole me into living closer to home. But I’ve always wanted “freedom”, a life away from my parents. Now as the second wave surges and I battle a fever, I long for their care and their reassuring voice, something my social networks just can’t provide.

Manik Sharma July 15, 2016

Pop Culture

Kya Bol Rele Gully Boy: How Hip-Hop Hacked India in 2019

Even as India registers a low rank for starting a business, and millions of micro-firms struggle to stay afloat, a new species of internet-enabled artist-entrepreneur is thriving. Unburdened by corporate or political bureaucracy, Indian hip-hop’s army of ardent creators have hooked our youth to a quality product.

Nair Da July 15, 2016

First Person

Why My Atheism Takes a Backseat Every Ganesh Chaturthi

I was brought up in a religious household, where Ganesh Chaturthi was the celebration we waited for all year. After my father passed away, I stopped praying and developed a disdain for religion. But I make an exception during the Ganesh festivities, where I suspend my atheism.

Sumedh Natu July 15, 2016

Earth

Indian Mom: The OG Enthusiast of Recycling and Sustainable Living

When I was growing up, milk packets would be washed and stuck on kitchen tiles for drying – for rotis to be packed in for lunch. After a little wear and tear, mom would fold the plastic packets and use them as a trivet. Long before recycling became hip, every middle-class household practiced it.

Ramjaane July 14, 2016

Pop Culture

What Rock On!! 2 Gets Wrong About the Indie Scene

Getting real musicians is great for lending Rock On!! 2 indie cred, but how about capturing the spirit of the scene properly? Where is the agony of playing shit gigs at shit venues?

Suprateek Chatterjee July 14, 2016