The Importance of Being Wicked

The problem with contemporary Bollywood fare is its dedication to goodness. It’s a popular formula that serves up treacle and tripe to box office crescendo.
“Feel good cinema” has more loyalists in India than followers to the Vatican. Bollywood offers substance so subsumed in style that it loses its spirit; prettiness that leaves no scope for [...]

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Poda! Podi!!

I land in Chennai in a disturbed state of mind. The flight’s inordinate delay and lousy food have added to my foul mood upon arrival.
“What di, when did you arrive?” he calls aloud among the khaki crowd around the taxi-stand.
“The Owl!? Acting as an extra in a Simbu flick or what?” I ask.
He guffaws. “Podi [...]

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Inviting them Candle-People to Vote

Dusk is rapidly falling and its shadows are lit up by candles.
There’s a congregation on the street;of men in jeans and sneakers and women in elegant mulmuls; and also young adult in tees and shorts and even pre teens in their singlets and capris. They’ve gathered for a candle-march.
I hover around the back.
I feel [...]

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Poetry in the Time of Terror

The night is cold with televised terror.
I shiver. “Here”, he says softly as he lets himself quietly through the glass doors, draping a warm throw over my shoulders.
“And yet again?” I ask, watching the carnage spill on TV.
“Listen here”, he quietly commands, bringing out a book from his dark robes.
“Hmm?” I look on him wondering.
“…
blood [...]

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