India’s linguistic diversity is one of its greatest cultural treasures. Yet, while Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK raises the alarm over the ‘imposition’ of Hindi and Sanskrit, the reality is that several native languages within Tamil Nadu and other southern states have been swallowed by dominant regional tongues. The irony is unmistakable – as pointed out…
In a twist that would leave old-school cricket lovers scratching their heads, Pakistani YouTube channels are setting aside decades of traditional rivalry to openly admire – if not worship – India’s cricket team. From lauding Virat Kohli’s on-field brilliance to hailing the IPL as a ‘factory’ of cricketing talent, Pakistani fans and analysts alike seem…
Another day, another controversy – this time, it is Akshay Kumar’s devotional song ‘Mahakal Chalo…’ While marketed as a tribute to Lord Shiva, the video’s visuals are anything but respectful. From the depiction of abhishekam with sandalwood paste and kumkum mixed water to the embrace of a Shivling akin to Bhakta Markandeya, the picturisation has…
The election season is the time when politicians, with folded hands, declare themselves as servants of the people. They roam the streets, promise the moon, and act as though they are but mere mortals at our mercy. Fast forward a few months, and the same humble servants transform into rulers of an empire. Their perks…
Bollywood has a habit of taking liberties with Hindu festivals – sometimes for cinematic grandeur, sometimes to pass casual mockery. This time, it’s Farah Khan’s turn. Hosting Celebrity MasterChef, she declared, ‘Saare chhapri logon ka favourite festival Holi hota hai’ (only low-class ruffians celebrate Holi). For a festival enjoyed across the country and even exported…
If a bald head can resemble the moon (pardon the typical Telugu expression), why can’t sambar be Sambhaji’s legacy? I haven’t yet watched the successfully running movie, Chhaava, but I intend to soon. After all, avoiding it seems impossible. Social media is buzzing, TV debates are in full swing, and WhatsApp forwards have ensured that…
For those who thrive on tales of chaos, overcrowding, and filth at the Maha Kumbh, this may come as a disappointment. Brace yourselves for a firsthand account that does not involve stampedes, unhygienic waters, or lost pilgrims. Our group of sixteen from Hyderabad, joined by a couple from Kolkata, set off on an early flight…
Telugu audiences don’t just love their stars – they worship them, quite literally. A new film release means an explosion of oversized cutouts, garlands that could double as jungle vines, and, of course, gallons of milk wasted in what can only be described as an abhishekam of cinematic devotion. It’s all part of the madness,…
One would think that a man of Chiranjeevi’s stature – who has spent decades basking in the adoration of a largely female fan base – would know better than to make a cringeworthy comment about being scared of having another granddaughter. But alas, the ‘megastar’ has spoken, lamenting that his home feels like a ladies’…
Oh no, how naïve my family and I have been all these years! We’ve happily dunked rotis into paneer butter masala, sipped steaming cups of chai with milk, and relished curd rice after a hearty meal – all under the blissful assumption that these were pure vegetarian delights. But now, thanks to Dr Sylvia Karpagam,…
