Arts & Entertainment
The Curious Case of Freida Pinto
“In such an insanely competitive market, to carve a niche with such modest talent, is indeed fantastic and I mean it as a compliment.”
Who is the Real King Khan
Over time, serious contenders, such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgun and Hrithik Roshan, enjoyed their moments (they still do), but all things considered, the Khan trio between them seem to have hijacked the popular imagination and developed an unmatched and unprecedented fan base across the globe.
International Kite Festival
Uttaryan International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad attracts people from all over the country and, in recent years, international kite fliers as well
Guarding Against Bodyguard
Has B-towns latest Box Office Badshah upped the ante for loud, over-the-top, mindless, action-packed masala — and in the process threatened good taste and quality cinema?
The Essential Jagjit
A selection of favorite Jagjit Singh ghazals, bhajans and songs.
Tumsa Nahin Dekha! Shammi Kapoor: 1931-2011
A tribute to Mr. Yahoo, the once abject failure, who became a rebel star and revolutionized Indian cinema
Unintended Extras
NRI filmmakers reflect on the quirks and eccentricities of producing a film in India
The Western Face of Tibet
Even as Buddhism captures the imagination of the West, the West is capturing the hearts of Tibetans in Dharamsala, the capitol of Tibetans in exile, notwithstanding the Dalai Lama’s frequent exhortations against Tibetans losing their identity.
The Pre-Trip Gift Buyer’s Guide
For the past few weekends, my friend Tam has been hitting the shops assiduously, rifling through bargain aisles; stocking up enough shower gels to clean
Madhuri Dixit Shoots Down Divorce Rumors
"Enjoying marital bliss. Team Dixit-Nene on their way to India!"
Lyricist Make-Over Kaun Badnaam Hui? Darling, Kiske Liye?
Thrilling youngistan, shocking old-istan, the new breed of song-writers in Bollywood is re-writing the rules of the game. What’s going on?
Indian Restaurant Chains Have Overseas Expansion on Their Menus
Indian Restaurant Chains Have Overseas Expansion On Their Menus
Experiments With Gandhi
Even the most uncharitable reading of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and works would discount any possibility that Gandhi had sexual liaisons, much less homosexual ones, after 1906. Only fabricated and dishonest interpretations can — and have.
Fatal Phirangi Attraction
Contrary to popular belief, it has little to do with the poor track record indicated. If they haven’t impacted the film or audience, the fault lies squarely on the filmmaker and his intent in using this creature effectively.
The Bollywood-award Epidemic
Award shows are the new disease in B-town. Are they about recognizing and rewarding excellence … or exploiting opportunistic vested interests?
Promotion Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega
In new-age Bollywood, there is a hysterical drive to grab the janta’s attention, at any cost. How does it pan out?
Jessica Revival
Will No One Killed Jessica be the catalyst to spearhead a turnaround for this seemingly doomed, rejected and neglected genre?
World’s Largest Cattle Fair
Every November, in the pond-sized sleepy town of Pushkar, India comes alive with a riot of colors and a frenzied burst of activity, attracting visitors from around the globe to the famous Camel Fair.
Kaun Badnaam Hui Meri Jaan, Kiske Liye?!
Monojit Lahiri celebrates the mesmerizing magic and mystique of the red-hot “item” babe’s songs and reminds us that Munni has been badnaam forever.
Divine Food
The foods promote bodily health as they contain all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to maintain the body in optimum health.
Why Bollywood Stars Don’t Make It In Hollywood?
Our guys and gals are just not cut out for Hollywood.
Sex Before Viagra
Very few Indians have actually read the Kamasutra, which is boringly pedantic and — shockingly to many — did not contain pictures in the original.
Dying Melodies
There’s a clear divide in the Indian music world between film and non-film music. With their huge budget, films are growing ever bigger. The blend of pop, rap and Sufi music in Indian film songs has doomed the independent music genre.
Hymnals Of Desire
Hindu culture embraced eroticism and sex as an essential ingredient and institutionalized it in the four exalted goals of Hindu life.
Monster-Budget Project Comes Knocking
We may be about to get the answer to that pressing Bollywood question — does size matter?
Why Are Small Films, Suddenly In Big Trouble?
It is reported that over a 100 small films, censor-approved and ready, are rotting in the cans with no takers
Technology And Tradition Have To Be Friends
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, one of the world’s foremost players of the sarod, reflects on business and art.
The Kite That Couldn’t Fly?
The idea that national cinema cannot be translated into a broader idiom for viewers around the world is misplaced.
Little More Hollywood For American Audiences
Brett Ratner who remixed Kites for U.S. audiences, on Bollywood’s potential in the United States.
Freedom To Offend
The consternation over M.F. Husain’s acceptance of Qatari citizenship has rekindled debate on artistic freedom and responsibility in India.
Tawang Land Of Monpas
A north eastern Indian town known to be the Land of Dawn-lit Mountains is caught in some unfinished India-China border business.
