Stories • Culture • Voice
Stories • Culture • Voice
Here’s my personal playlist for moments when I stop shrinking and start taking up space. Why I love these tracks is because they don’t ask you to be polite and reverent. They ask you to tilt your chin, take and…
I have often wondered what makes us write. Not why writers write — that question has been answered in a hundred different ways. But why anyone sits down, opens a blank document or picks up a pen, and begins putting…
When I started blogging as a mid-20-something, it was mostly whimsical, flighty pieces. I was the quintessential “Alice in Blunderland,” living life with my head in the clouds. The Hiatus Blogging took a backseat for a decade or so after…
I dug into the tandoori chicken we took away from one of Ryan’s favourite restaurants late night. Daughter: How is it? Me: I don’t know why it’s not satisfying. Is it the food today, or is it me? Daughter: But…
Last December, Ryan, my late husband, was slightly perturbed that the wedding ring was missing from my finger. I told him that with the change in weather, it was uncomfortable to wear. He prided himself on the fact that he…
We all come with certain principles that make us who we are, and we cannot move through life by compromising these non-negotiable principles. I am clear about the principles I will never deviate from, and they are: Truth The death…
2026 has been a brutiful year. Early on, I received the heartbreaking call that my husband, Ryan, was being admitted to the hospital. I wasn’t given the complete picture, and I didn’t understand it until I crossed the seas and…
August 5 this year came around like every other year. Yet, it wasn’t like every other year after I met Ryan on that day. It was the first year we didn’t wish each other ‘our first day we met’ anniversary.…
If there’s one word I’d describe Ryan, my late husband, it would be “Adventurer” or “Wanderer”. He was an outdoorsy person who loved discovering new places. I was the complete opposite, the homebody who loved nothing more than the cozy…
Asha Bhosle has been my undisputed numero uno singer in the Hindi Film industry from childhood. That opinion has not changed to date. While the majority thought the “Nightingale of India” i.e. Lata Mangeshwar was Hindi Cinema’s greatest of all…
8 March 2019 My daughter asked me a few months back. “Mummy, why do you like to work so much? Why can’t you stay at home and relax?” I told her because I love my work and you will understand…
The Indian film industry, specifically Bollywood, has a bad reputation for being a notorious copycat. But in recent years, the trend’s been reversing and by the looks of it, it’s here to stay. Here are 10 international songs that’ve been…
We check our phones before our feet even hit the floor. A notification lights up — someone liked the post, replied to the story, and hearted the photo. A small burst of warmth. Then the wait begins again. Most of…
In recent years, Disney princesses have been criticised as passive, outdated, or “damsels in distress.” They’re accused of waiting to be rescued and reinforcing old gender roles. But what if we’ve been reading them too shallowly? Cinderella isn’t just one…
Shakespeare’s stories still grip us 400 years later. Its timeless fascination and appeal are not because they were just about kings, witches, or mistaken identities. It’s because they’re about the human heart. That’s what always gets me. His characters feel…
Lately, I’ve been reading a lot of books around the subject of death and grief. It’s been doing its magic of providing me light, joy and comfort in my dark times. However, I’ve also been seriously contemplating adding humorous, cheeky…
“Curiousity killed the cat.” This was a term I disagreed with since the moment I first heard it as a child. It didn’t fit in at all for a naturally curious girl like me. For some reason, curious women, especially,…
I bring you a Read of the Day—a beautiful short story so we can all indulge in the simple joy of reading. Feel free to visit my site for a detailed analysis and join the discussion in the comments. Read…
Short stories are like hidden gems in the literature landscape. For both the reader and the writer. In fact, it’s short stories that broke my reading sabbatical that lasted for decades. They were my reentry point into reading. I also…
A parent asked me about my feedback of her child. I gave her the assurance that everything’s fine. She needn’t worry about the progress of her child’s writing skills. I gave her my honest feedback without being too anxious about…
Is listening to audiobooks the same as reading? I know I didn’t consider audiobooks to be reading for the longest time. For that matter, it is only recently I started fully embracing and accepting that ebooks are as legit and…
This is the literary equivalent of the classic question: ‘Which came first, the chicken or the egg?’ There are two groups of people: those who believe writing cannot be learned or taught, and those who believe it can. Before I…
In my earlier post, I wrote about the songs that held me together on the days no one prepares you for. This is not that list. This is for the days that came after. The days when you try, imperfectly,…
My Dearest Grieving One, If you’re here, I want you to know that you are not alone. Even if you feel you are alone now or fear that you will be alone in the future, I am here to tell…
Right after Ryan, my beloved husband died, I had this insatiable urge to read about the darker truths of life. I was actively seeking books on death, loss, and healing. If you’re grieving over the loss of your loved one…
One of the most common remarks I hear as a woman who recently lost her husband is: “You’re so strong.” Everyone whether they know me well or not at all seem curious to know how I’m doing. The most common…
I bring you a ‘Read of the Day,’ a short story, so that we can indulge in the joy of reading. You can visit my site to check a short story for analysis and participate in the discussion in the…
There’s so much I want to cry, pour out, and write…but These were my thoughts while I was going through a flood of emotions while Ryan was fighting for his life in the ICU. The doctors weren’t giving any hope…
I was restless. I knew it was coming for me. Real fast and heavy. Like I’d never ever experienced before. Grief. After a long period of numbness, and even acceptance that Ryan was leaving us definitely, for his true home…
Spirituality and art came to my rescue when my beloved Ryan died. For the first few weeks, it was only Christian songs that made sense and brought me tremendous strength and peace that I found nowhere else. I had neither…
We observed Ryan’s 40th Day Memorial Service, celebrating his life with family, friends, and well-wishers. A highly accomplished woman, whom I’ve looked up to since a child, came to me at the end and told me how well I spoke.…
When I was sorting out pictures for the videos I was making for Ryan’s 40-day memorial function, an old photograph caught my attention. He was showering his love on a dog during one his family trips to Goa. This was…
This Holy Week, I realised something I could not even name for most of the while. The season started on a mighty guilty note as I fully intended to follow through Lent. Even more so than before. For Ryan and…
With every passing year (and getting older), I get this increasing urge to go down the spiritual path. The feeling intensifies around the start of a brand new year. This year, I felt it even more intensely. And it took…
As someone who’s a firm believer in the transformative power of words and a passionate lover of long-form content, this recognition is especially meaningful. The Herstory The Tina Edit began in late 2006 as a simple personal space on Blogger,…
There’s nothing like exploring a complicated, muddled, taboo subject through the lens of fiction. ‘Queer Chronicles’ by Dr. Tanushree Ghosh is a solemn example as the author earnestly explores an often (purposely) misunderstood subject as gender identity and sexual orientation.…
Once upon a time, in a large city, there were many men working tirelessly, constructing a gigantic building. Their supervisor came along and spotted three bricklayers, pausing to have a sip of tea in the middle of their work. ‘What…
Vidya Balan’s ‘Adai’ to cricketer Mithali Raj’s ‘Sea Crab Curry’, Recipes For Life features prominent personalities & is an ode to traditional food wisdom! ‘Recipes For Life’ is a book that was waiting to be written. I’m not surprised that…
Neena Gupta’s rise like a phoenix—bagging lead roles in films like Badhaai Ho, and The Last Color, and sweeping the Best Actress award in her sixties, is nothing short of inspiration. There’s something real and awe-inspiring about Neena Gupta. She’s…
Every family has its own favourite biryani recipes. Here’s bringing you some lesser-known biryani recipes from very talented food bloggers. Sundays were our home’s official ‘Biryani day of the week’. Our home would be filled with the irresistible aromas of…
Cinema’s magical powers and influence on our collective consciousness are undeniable. Bollywood industry insider Anupama Chopra talks about some gems in her new book A Place in My Heart. When it comes to Bollywood, there’s one name that stands out…
A change of environment, and even more importantly, being in a professional space where the same alleged bullies cannot affect her career, made Priyanka feel psychologically safe to speak her truth. Priyanka Chopra finally revealed why she spoke up now,…
Forced Into Submission by Lady Lithe is not just erotica, it has a great plot that will keep you riveted beyond the sex scenes. A must read! There is so much taboo around women and sex in general. The labelling…
The benefits of flax seeds added to a woman’s diet are many. Here’s taking a look at how they are beneficial, and some easy recipes using flax seeds. Flax or Linseed is such a multi-purpose plant, its uses spanning from…
There was a conservative perception among Indian listeners that pop songs are just ‘hip hip hurray’ songs which make no sense. But Usha Uthup proved that pop is meaningful and powerful. Think of Usha Uthup and her long, illustrious career,…
It’s well known how diplomatic and professional Priyanka Chopra is. Why would she want to stir the hornet’s nest when everyone’s happy in their personal space? Priyanka Chopra (PC) did something completely out of character. She’s usually known for being…
Chicken is one of the most versatile and rich sources of protein. Check this out for that healthy chicken recipe you want for a special dinner. Men love it. Women love it. Children love it. There’s no denying that the…
It’s hard to believe that Ranbir is oblivious to Alia’s body image and anxiety issues, after being her steady boyfriend for five years, and now husband. While this article might come across as nitpicking on a handsome not-so-young actor for…
She didn’t stand a chance. The more powerful, less victimised male victim gets more support and a bigger payout; the less powerful, more violated female victim gets the backlash and has to pay. Trigger Warning: This deals with domestic violence,…
Niyati Tamaskar writes about how she was ‘Unafraid’ despite breast cancer that struck her at a very vulnerable time – as a new mom with a breast-feeding infant. Little did I know that when I picked up Unafraid by Niyati…
Bollywood never ceases to shock us with the portrayal of women as merely eye-candies and second fiddle to the all powerful ‘hero’.Race 3 joins the long list of such moronic movies. Race 3 is an antithesis of the Race series.…
Neena Gupta’s take on love between a man and woman opens a can of worms. She’s speaking her truth, which is a reality for so many people, but is it universal? Neena Gupta made a statement in her interview with…
In July 2019, Taj Mahal created history for setting up the first baby feeding room among India’s 3,600 monuments. The Taj Mahal, considered among the new Seven Wonders of the World, is not just a symbol of eternal love, but…
Pataakha is the story of a rivalry between two ambitious sisters. It’s a sizzling firecracker with entertainment from the word go. One cannot typecast some movies into a specific box. Pataakha is one such movie. Once you open the box,…
Keep Calm And Mommy On by Dr Tanu Shree Singh is a must read book for parenting in India, that can really help stressed moms and dads. Look no further! This might just be THE answer to all your parenting…
Meet Dr Shalini Modi, who rose up to the challenge of parenting a special child when her son was born. Her love and positivity shines through her words. Being a mother isn’t easy! More so, if you are chosen to…
Poorna, this real life story of a courageous 13 year old Dalit girl makes for a fascinating read and now, a full-length feature movie. In an age of outrageous Bollywood masala movies, Poorna: Courage Has No Limit comes as a…
A staggering 70-75 % of Indian women between the ages of 15-49 are anaemic. Cultural taboos around women’s food and other traditions play a large part in this. Recently, my family attended a dinner function organised by a Muslim friend…
Trigger Warning: This deals with violence against women, sexual abuse, gender based violence, child sexual abuse, and may be triggering for survivors. India doesn’t lack stringent laws as it grants more legislative ammunition for women’s rights compared to even America.…
What do U.S. Olympic champions like Michael Phelps, Simone Bilesand Caityln (formerly Bruce) Jenner have in common? Or Hollywood celebrities like Will Smith, Jiim Carrey, Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine, Paris Hilton, Will.i.am? Or entrepreneurs like Sir Richard Branson, David Neelman…
In the biography Priyanka Chopra – The Incredible Story of a Global Bollywood Star, Aseem Chhabra, India’s leading film journalist attempts to find some answers to her worldwide success. The Global Indian Superstar Priyanka Chopra is everywhere. She is on…
Traveling is about more than just visiting new places, it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s the breathtaking landscapes, unique cultures, or spontaneous moments with friends, each adventure is filled with moments worth preserving. But with so…
I must confess that I was sceptical when I first picked up the book and wondered if Kareena’s pregnancy experiences would be whitewashed to make her seem extraordinary. I was glad to discover she didn’t go down that route. Essentially,…
I watched “Noshtoneer”, Season 1 & 2 back-to-back on Hoichoi thanks to SheTheSaga Founder, Vedaprana Puryakastha’s insightful post. Veda raised her concerns about raising a daughter and son. Citing the Bengali webseries “Noshtoneer”, she said how it can be tough…
I’m a Swiftie and Nadine, my daughter is a Lanatic. Before you think we’re a lunatic mother-daughter duo, let me explain. My daughter and I couldn’t be more different in personalities. I like Taylor Swift while my daughter likes Lana…
I’ve been familiar with Nora Fatehi and her journey for a long time. So her statements on feminism on the BeerBiceps interview didn’t come as a surprise at all. Nora has always been a highly sharp and ambitious woman. What…
There was an old interview of Nushrat Bharucha, Hindi film actress, where she said she was rejected for “Slumdog Millionaire” because she was considered too good looking to play the role of a slum girl. Repeatedly, I see several biased…
I had envisioned a relatively cooler Easter as it fell on March 31 this year. But little did I know this Easter would be one of the hottest ones I’d ever experienced. Hyderabad is a fiery furnace already. What was…
“Mummy! Why do you have to be so nice all the time? Why can’t you be like X’s mom and have a meanie expression on your face? “Mummy, why can’t we show-off too?” These are some questions my daughter asked…
Real-life Incident 1: 2016 Fellow lecturer: Politeness doesn’t work for our students. You’ve got to be strict and even rude. Also, what do you get by being kind to your students? None of them are going to help you in…
We’ve grown up on an emotionally healthy diet of fables that’s ingrained with timeless wisdom. Such as this Aesop’s Fable, The Hare & the Tortoise. Who hasn’t escaped this gem of a tale? Yet, many of us, including me, have…
Writers are usually solitary creatures. Okay, we can be social too, bordering even on the wild side. But, hear me out! To be a writer, you need to cut off from the world, go inside, and write till you bleed.…
So I watched my second Koffee episode this season with Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. Such a bore listening to privileged people talking about their silver spoon babies and their families. No offence, but it’s tedious to watch it for…
Is it real-life Gehraiyaan white-washed to be Hum Saath Saath Hain? Koffee with Karan Season 8 started with a bang and how! People cannot stop talking about the first episode with Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh. Here’s a quick roundup! …
I had the most difficult time saying “No” for the longest time. So, I said yes to everything that came my way (even when I didn’t want to do it) with a benevolent smile. Somehow I associated the word “No”…
As beautiful as parenting is, the fact remains that it’s a responsibility. You’re responsible for nurturing and protecting your children until they become responsible adults. Just when you think it’ll get easier, you realise that it only gets tougher. Much…
It’s concerning to note how we talk so much about diversity and inclusion, and in the same breath, shame women for something as natural as ageing. Aishwarya Rai has always been at the forefront of attention ever since her modelling…
It was an Instagram notification that birthed this article. One evening when I logged into the social media app, I got a notification where I was tagged in a comment by Niyati Tamaskar, author of “Unafraid” on Twinkle Khanna’s YouTube…
September is special to me and if there’s one word I’d give it, it’d be Spiritual. Yesterday, Sep 8 was the Feast of Mother Mary, who’s a big influencer in my spiritual life. My mornings start with the Holy Rosary,…
“He loved constantly, instantly, spontaneously, without thought or words. That’s what he taught me. Love is not something you think about, it is a state in which you dwell. That was his gift.” – Christopher Moore, Lamb. Love. A simple…
There’s so much taboo around women drinking alcohol. Even today, in some circles. I can speak only about my experiences. I’m fortunate to have grown around people, especially women, who have a healthy attitude towards alcohol. Born in a typical…
I know many women who’re shamed for putting themselves first, especially after marriage and motherhood. Beauty, even more so, makeup, is seen as superficial. But beauty is not mere vanity. It’s sanity. Beauty is important, as it’s a sign of…
I had a virgin mouth, much longer than I’d lost my virginity. I’m cursed with a baby face and being the mother of a teenager hasn’t changed that. But, some people have the art of bringing the Annabelle out of…
What happens when two writers come together? Sparks are bound to fly. We have a very special guest in our inaugural episode of “Spill The Ink” show with Aashisha Chakraborty. About Aashisha Chakraborty Aashisha is a PM-YUVA author and Write…
Shahid Kapoor shared his thoughts on marriage in an interview with Film Companion. He said he finally figured it (marriage) all out. Marriage is how a woman enters a man’s life to ‘fix’ him. “This entire marriage thing is about…
If Marathi and Hindi film actor Sonali Kulkarni’s speech on most modern Indian women being lazy left me shocked and enraged, her apology post left me deeply saddened. I’d shared my thoughts on her problematic speech in an earlier article.…
As much as I like Sona Mohapatra, I am seriously wondering if she’s turning out to be a soft bully like Kangana Ranaut. What’s with the slut-shaming of other women from the film industry and calling them talentless? Seriously? You…
It’s that time of the year again to reflect on the year gone by. Right away, if there’s one word that’d describe my 2022, it would be gratitude. I remember penning the year-end review exactly last year, this time with…
I don’t remember how or when exactly this notion creeped into my bones that “No” was the most horrible word ever. So, I said yes for the longest time to everything that came my way (even when I didn’t want…
“Mummy, are you an astrologer?” my teen daughter asked. “No!” “How do you always know what’s going to happen in the future?” My daughter revealed how something I’d casually said a few months ago turned true. She laughed it off…
(Warning: Spoilers Ahead) I enjoyed watching “Maja Ma” thoroughly. I’d always been a diehard Sridevi fan and had never taken to Madhuri Dixit in her peak dancing heydays. But, I’ve been warming up to Madhuri Dixit, especially after her comeback…
Looks like Karan Johar has been paying close attention to the backlash his current season is facing. And did some quick damage control by having Akshay Kumar and Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s interview as episode 3 of Karan Johar Koffee with…
For me, the Koffee With Karan show was getting insufferably predictable, boring, and even borderline mean in the last few seasons. There were a few exceptional guests though like Nargis Fakhri and Twinkle Khanna on Koffee With Karan who lend…
Summers are here! As the sun’s scorching rays fall upon us, it highlights the need to shift and update your hair care regime. Under the summer sun, the prolonged sun exposure and excessive heat can damage your hair, cause dryness,…
The infamous Will Smith-Chris Rock controversy in the Oscars award 2022 will never die down. It’s tragic how celebrities we’ve always looked up to fall to such depraved standards. Will Smith, for me, is like the embarassing first crush that…
I bring you the ‘Read of the Day,’ a short story in English, so that we can indulge in the joy of reading together. You can visit my site for a short story with analysis and participate in the discussion…
Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who was the Telugu Film Industry’s sweetheart until her recent divorce with Naga Chaitanya, is again the target of hate for simply living her life. From various speculations that Samantha Ruth Prabhu in Pushpa, the pan India…
It doesn’t take conservatives to get butt-hurt about the most random trivial things. Gehraiyaan movie is the new punching bag for conservatives for various reasons, from promoting infidelity in our society to it being a pornographic film and how Ranveer Singh can…
Gehraiyaan is a mess. And not the kind of beautiful mess that’s highly esteemed in art forms like Kintsugi and Wabi-sabi. When you think of Gehraiyaan, visualize chicken broth with the choicest assortment of vegetables and herbs in a pressure…
The Holiday season is in full swing, and we are less than 45 days from entering a whole new year, 2022. While this is a cause of celebration for the Pollyannas of the world, many are suffering and smiling through…
As I watched the horror of the remix of the song, “Tip Tip Barsa Pani,” I couldn’t help but wonder that the song would have been more apt, and nicer with Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal, her rumoured boyfriend. Or…
I distinctly remember a conversation with a fellow mother while our 5-year old kids were playing together in the park. She asked me what my dreams were for my daughter when she grew up. I asked her to explain further,…
Learn how to write better and faster even if you’re not confident about your writing skills with these five simple tips. One of the most common questions I get asked is, “How do I write better?” I remember my first…
Art can empower the world. Music, in particular, has the magic to move us to the core and wear any mood we want to. So, it’s not surprising that when I want to feel empowered, I turn to music. Here’s…
Nothing unites the world more than their mutual hatred for feminists. Let’s dig in the top 5 reasons everyone hates feminists and why you should never ever make the cardinal sin of being one. Let us explore the failures of feminism…
Here’s discussing the social networking disadvantages and advantages and how to use it effectively to build your personal brand and business. Social media is a double-edged sword. The sooner you realise this hard truth, the better it is for you. …
I bring you a ‘Read of the Day,’ a short story in English, so that we can indulge in the joy of reading. You can visit my site for a short story with analysis and participate in the discussion in…
A house fire moves faster than most people realize. By the time you’ve gotten your family out the door, the paperwork that proves who you are – birth certificates, passports, deeds, insurance policies – may already be gone. So can…
Many couples don’t have that conversation with each other and end up ruling out couples coaching altogether or assuming they should try coaching when they’re really thinking of therapy… and then being surprised and possibly frustrated when the first session…