Shyam Benegal was more than a filmmaker. He was a chronicler of Indian life. A pioneer of parallel cinema, Benegal crafted stories that unflinchingly explored class, caste, gender, and identity. His films transcended the boundaries of art and commercial cinema, engaging both connoisseurs of meaningful cinema and general audiences alike. From his early masterpieces like…
Indian cinema doesn’t have actors or protagonists in the truest sense; what we have are heroes – some larger than life. The term ‘artist’ is nearly non-existent, reserved perhaps for those rare souls who dare to tread off the beaten path. Hero worship, however, thrives here like nowhere else. This is especially true in South…
Indian cinema, with its vibrant storytelling, compelling characters, and cinematic splendour, has often won the hearts of audiences worldwide. From the melodious strains of ‘Naatu Naatu’ to poignant narratives like ‘The Elephant Whisperers’, our country’s films have showcased the richness of its culture and creativity. Yet, when it comes to the Academy Awards, Indian films…
If there is one thing Rahul Gandhi has perfected, it is the art of delivering statements with misplaced confidence. His repeated attempts at invoking Hindu mythology only expose his lack of understanding, making us wonder if he genuinely believes what he says or simply relies on his coterie’s half-baked coaching. Take, for instance, his recent…
If there is one thing Rahul Gandhi has perfected, it is the art of delivering statements with misplaced confidence. His repeated attempts at invoking Hindu mythology only expose his lack of understanding, making us wonder if he genuinely believes what he says or simply relies on his coterie’s half-baked coaching. Take, for instance, his recent…
How often do we hear grand proclamations about the sanctity of the Constitution and unwavering faith in the judiciary? But as with most virtues in our country, these are selectively practiced – only if they suit one’s convenience. Pose a direct question to these champions of secularism: ‘Does the Constitution come first, or does religion?’…
Weddings are serious business – from seating plans to food critiques, nothing escapes the scrutiny of relatives. But when it comes to this wedding RSVP that has been doing the rounds, it seems the hosts decided to embrace the chaos with a generous sprinkle of humour. Opening with a tongue-in-cheek ‘Rishtedar Saare Vahi Pakau’ (RSVP…
India’s democracy is a celebration of the people’s voice, yet this voice often gets drowned in the constant cacophony of elections. The idea of ‘One Nation, One Election’ (ONOE) offers a breath of fresh air. Instead of the Election Commission being stretched thin with multiple polls every year, ONOE provides a unified electoral process that…
Telangana Amma, a newly crafted counter to Telangana Talli, is depicted holding a bunch of rice, maize, and millet crops in her left hand — a nod to Telangana’s agrarian roots — and her right palm raised in ‘abhaya hasta’ (gesture of assurance), a clear reference to the Congress party’s symbol. What could have been…
History bears testimony to the delicate balance a nation must maintain between democracy and authoritarianism. When power rests solely in the hands of a dictator or sways unpredictably under the chaotic control of mobs, the results are often disastrous. From economic collapse to widespread civil unrest, such governance models have repeatedly pushed nations to the…
