Diaspora(s)
A Bhangra Moment
“Leave me alone! Just because I’m desi, it doesn’t mean I have to dance to every single bhangra song that gets played. Who are you to define my desiness?” which is a completely valid reaction and one that I accept." EGO columnist Sucheta Sachdev writes about a missed desi connection in a happening club in Washington D.C.
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Reviews & Previews
Reading "Chaos Theory"
EGO columnist Shanti Wesley attended a recent reading of Anuvab Pal's Chaos Theory in New York. She shared her reflections on the play. "If a full production of Anuvab Pal’s Chaos Theory is as witty and moving as the bare bones reading I attended this week, it will be a rare treat for theater goers."
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Economy & Politics
Kashmir in Ruins
Jasreen K. Mayal writes about the tragic beauty of a region bombarded by attacks and crippled by rivalries, and about the memories associated with this haven of yesteryears. "Kashmir’s beauty is as captivating as its tragic story of violence.
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Bollywood
SR's Acting Mentor
Credited with much of Shah Rukh Khan's acting skills, celebrated acting teacher Barry John is moving from South Delhi to Andheri West - the heart of the Hindi film industry. EGO has a heart-to-heart with him on the challenges, on pioneering into new territory, and encouraging others to join him on the journey - all in a foreign country!
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Art & Culture
The Reluctant Fundamentalist
Pakistani novelist Mohsin Hamid's new book tells the story of Changez, a foreigner who has embraced the Western world only to find himself repulsed by it. According to Hamid, “By allowing readers to feel what that man feels, I hope to show that the world is more complicated than politicians and newspapers usually have time for.”
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Urdu & Hindi Poetry
Badan Mein Aag Sii
Ayesha Khanna translates Ahmed Faraz's restless verses on longing.
badan mein aag sii
cheharaa gulaab jaisaa hai
ke zahar-e-gham kaa nashaa bhii
sharaab jaisaa hai
smouldering fire, velvety softness
the poison of this desire intoxicates
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Art & Culture
7.6 - An Interview with Ali Khan
EGO columnist Sridhar Vankayala interviews Ali Khan, the director for the recent award winning movie 7.6 and the president of FYI (Foundation for Young Intellectuals ). The movie captured Ali’s mission to bring art to Pakistani children and giving them an alternative way to express themselves after the 2005 Earthquake.
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