Bihar is a state to reckon with, though its population is just under 10% of India’s citizenry. It is often viewed as the frying pan of India—its people are volatile, hardworking, aggressive, and, not to forget, immensely talented across spheres, much like the rest of the country. Three decades ago, this writer attended a get-together…

No one would have imagined, even in their wildest dreams, that the Kalvakuntla family would end up scripting its own political obituary barely a decade after creating a formidable regional party. The only consolation is that, unlike the Mughal-style dynastic traditions where blood relatives eliminated each other, this family has so far confined itself to…

Without knowing the real meaning of a marathon, I once participated in one. Later, when I consulted Google maatha, I realized what I ran was only a run. A true marathon, it turns out, is 42.195 km. For decades, the word “marathon” has been loosely used to mean any long run—but the real definition is…

As I reach the fag end of my sixties, I feel compelled to write on cricket—the most lovable sport in almost every Indian family, cutting across generations, caste, creed, and religion. In fact, cricket itself is a religion in India. In the absence of electronic and digital media, cricket once reached us through radio, newspapers,…

We believed in that word when we fought the British—because they were doing everything to deny it to us. Let’s not get into the politics of how we finally won it; that history belongs to the scoundrels who argue over the last crumbs of credit. For once, let’s talk about us—the people. Let’s stand before…

Recently, while addressing media people, the firebrand Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chaudhary said, “sar kategi lekin nahin jhukegi”. For that matter, she and everyone in the world have no choice but to bow or bend their head before an individual, and mind you, not once but rather several times before they kick the bucket. Yes,…

Time has perhaps ripened for KCR to break his silence, not because Revanth is after him for his strategic reasons, but for sending a stern message to the family members to either mend or end their differences indoors or face stringent action as the party is above family. It is heart-rending for any father when…

Venue: Hoyts, Cinema 4, Sunnyvale, Brisbane Showtime: Saturday, 10:15 AM Seating Capacity: 62 (including 3 for wheelchair access) Attendance: 7 Yes, just seven of us in a hall meant for 62. My son-in-law and I were the first to enter the silent space. Eventually, a few more trickled in—a group of three, and a couple….

In Telugu, there’s a telling proverb: “Ati vinayam, dhoorta lakshanam”—too much humility or subservience is often the hallmark of the cunning. Jagdeep Dhankhar, former Vice President of India, might just be the modern political embodiment of that phrase. The way he grovelled at times, bending backward in displays of loyalty that would make even a…

Whenever we get more than enough waiting time at the boarding gates in airports, what do we usually do? Get immersed in our phones — endless screen time or catching up with someone on chat. Or just doze off for a quick nap. Especially if you’re surrounded by tired travel companions reluctant to chat after…