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A Very Short Story About Why I Won't Let You Drive Home Drunk
Come on. It'll only take five minutes.
Indian Parents Aren't Raising Their Sons Right, And It's Endangering India's Women
Bangalore’s mass-molestations on New Year’s Eve are another reminder that something is broken in what Indian men are taught about women.
"New Bollywood" Is Being Held Back By Its Male-Dominated Star System
The Hindi film industry is eager to tackle complex subjects and tell progressive stories, but is unable to break free of economics, which unfortunately still relies on male stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan.
From A Pregnant Indian Woman: Thank You, Kareena Kapoor
Kareena's refusal to hide her pregnancy from the public eye has made it easier for non-famous women like me to be visibly pregnant in India.
Fuck Politeness, Let's Rage: I'm Done Asking Nicely For Women's Rights
It's been four years since we took to the streets. We've calmed down since, but nothing has actually changed. Where did the rage go?
How Not To Be A Dick In Goa This New Year’s
As you descend on Goa with your aviators, chappals, and party spirit this holiday season, here are some handy tips to avoid destroying everything you love about my home.
The Accidental Privilege Of Being A Young Girl In Amma's Chennai
I didn’t always agree with Jayalalithaa’s politics, but I’m mourning the loss of Chennai in the ‘90s, where it was ordinary for women to run the world.
The Audacity Of Becoming "Amma"
Jayalalithaa was a fair-skinned Brahmin in a party that thrived on Dravidian anti-class rhetoric; a glamorous actor who wasn't taken seriously; above all, she was an unmarried, childless woman trying to ascend to power in 1980s Tamil Nadu. And she won against all odds.
No Country For Brown Women
When I left India for America fourteen months ago, I'd assumed that freedom and safety would be part of the package. On November 9th, I learned that I'd been wrong — when you're not safe in your homeland, you're not safe anywhere.
How "3 Idiots" Destroyed Ladakh
A new Indian middle class, thirsting to travel, now has the means. As they flock to their favourite big screen backdrops, Ladakh's fragile ecosystem bears the brunt of Bollywood tourism.
Why My Brother Became An Internet Troll
My younger brother has been a troll for as long as I can remember – I was his first victim, but now so are strangers on the internet. I asked him why it makes him so happy.
What You're Really Asking When You Ask Me If I Eat Dog
Northeast Indians don't need your jabs, questions, or well-meaning outrage. And we certainly don't need your "savage" stereotypes.
Of Gullies And Gigs: How Classism Stole Indian Hip-Hop From The Public Who Raised It
As homegrown rappers are finally finding mainstream success, venues and promoters are shutting out the fans who got them there.
Being Bipolar Ruined My Life Over And Over, But Sharing My Story Saved Me
Oscillating between mania and depression, Vijay found a way to deal with his problems by writing about his illness.
I Live At War With The Voices In My Head; This "Diseased" Mind Is My Strongest Weapon
"I have to fight the stigma surrounding schizophrenia. I have to fight cultural apathy. I have to fight legal disempowerment. Did you know that, as a schizophrenic, I cannot legally board an airplane without being sedated?"
The Difficult Question About Racism Against Indians: Is It Our Own Classism Shown Back To Us?
I outraged with India when a white man posted a racist attack against us in the wake of an emergency crash landing. When the anger wanes, let's not forget to ask: Is racism just what our classism looks like when it comes from a foreigner?
If We're Insisting Domestic Violence Is A "Family Matter," At Least Talk To Your Family About It
There’s a common misconception that domestic violence is something that happens only in poor, uneducated households. That’s bullshit.
Dear Intelligent Salman Khan Fan, It's Finally Time For Us To Talk
In 2016, it takes staggering ignorance to think that the biggest problem with an insensitive rape-related comment is that it may eventually end up in print.
Why Bollywood Songs Mean So Much To Indians Outside Of India
My first step toward embracing multiple cultures was loving the "Dil Se" soundtrack and Westlife equal amounts.
We Insult Our Idols Most Of All When We Outrage As If A Joke Could Hurt Their Legacy
Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar earned their pedestals by doing work that will outlive them, outlive us, and undoubtedly outlive a joke on Snapchat.
No, You Don't Have To Pick Between Motherhood And Feminism; Feminists Raise Better Kids
Yesterday, Lisa Haydon rejected feminism, saying she wants to nurture a family instead. Here's how she's wrong.
Single In Bombay: How Fucked Up Rishtas And Difficult Dates Push Disabled Singles Online
Finding love is hard. It's even harder when you've got a limp, a cane, and – according to arranged marriage labels – a "defect".
Why I Share My Favourite Porn With Other Women
We maintain a stoic collective fantasy of straight, “vanilla”, missionary sexy-times, even though we’re wanking to a vast array of fantasies.
How I Came To Terms With Being The Last Remaining Single Friend
The plan was to be married by 25. Now 30 and single, I'm learning that being a wife isn't a condition for being happy.
Why Seeing Carol Gracias Pregnant On A Runway Made So Many Women So Happy
We've grown up with the message that you're either a career woman or a family woman. What a relief to see that it's OK to be both.
What Women Don't Talk About When We Talk About Running
Running is opposed to every single rule of being a Good Indian Woman.
Why Parineeti Chopra's "Built That Way" Is A Step Back For Bollywood In 2015
For as long as I can remember, Bollywood has told me that being thin is the only way to be desirable. This was supposed to be the year that changed.
The Cleavage Of Consent Between Bollywood's Leading Ladies And Their Voyeurs
Objectifying Deepika Padukone without her consent has implications far beyond Bollywood: It endangers every single Indian girl and woman.
