‘Blue Boy’ writer Rakesh Satyal and producer Nik Dodani and ‘Nice Indian Boy’ director Roshan Sethi, actor Karan Soni, and discussion moderator Warren Etheredge. Photo by Beena Sarwar

Amplifying South Asian narratives, empowering region's filmmakers

The power of storytelling shone through at the Tasveer Film Festival, a key player and pivotal stakeholder in the global South Asian film market. Since its inception in 2002, the festival has consistently amplified South Asian narratives and boosted their visibility on the world stage.

Hostile protests in London symptomatic of a larger problem plaguing Pakistan

When small groups of individuals abroad resort to violent or disruptive protests, it tarnishes the collective image of the Pakistani community. These actions reinforce negative stereotypes about Pakistanis being politically volatile, emotionally charged, or prone to extremist behavior.

Of cultural unifiers and peacemongers: Bridging the subcontinental divide

There was a consensus on the importance of allowing people to meet across borders, revive dialogue and sporting ties -- including cricket -- as well as SAARC, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, and cooperate on all matters, especially the environment.

Caribbean Hindus face calls to unite in face of challenges

The celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, has gained much national and international prominence in Trinidad, where the annual Divali Nagar at Chaguanas sees over 100,000 people thronging the nine-nights carnival spread over a 27-acre site from all over the Caribbean, the United States and beyond.

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Demand for quirky masks spells opportunity for artisans

Amid the pandemic, masks have become a hot commodity. Sensing its huge market, many designers have brought out masks to support the cause of weavers

American femme fatale creates tumult in Pakistan

A new femme fatale has captured the imagination of Pakistani hoi polloi's consciousness. American Cynthia D. Ritchie, claiming to be an adventurist, self-proclaimed filmmaker, journo and blogger, is front and centre of the new controversy

Maharashtra permits films, teleserials shootings to resume after Bollywood appeal

In a significant decision, the Maharashtra state government has permitted resumption of shootings for films, teleserials, advertisements, OTT, etc with immediate effect

Miss Nepal calls for action to help migrant workers stranded at Nepal-India border

Miss Nepal World 2018 Shrinkhala Khatiwada is indeed a beauty with a purpose. She has lent her voice to the issues of migrants stranded on the Nepal-India border, showing her support for CNN Hero of the Year of 2015 Maggie Doyne and how we can help them

Making a case for gender-neutral fashion in Pakistan

As a woman in Pakistan, it doesn't matter how successful, kind, ambitious or talented you are. Somehow, the conversation is always directed to what you are wearing, if not, how you are wearing it

Depiction of Gandhi in films: Has it remained true to Mahatma in reality?

As one of history's most transformative and inspirational figures, Mahatma Gandhi continues to be relevant across the world. His life and philosophy have hugely impacted every aspect of human existence

Kathmandu Triennale to be held yearend, largest event in Nepal

Focussing on ideas and movements that have been marginalised both within Nepal and globally, including discourses of decolonisation, migration and displacement, indigenous knowledge, queer rights, feminism, and alternative world views, the Kathmandu Triennale 2077 (KT2077) to be held from December 4, 2020 to January 9, 2021 will be the largest art event Nepal has seen to date with works by over 100 artists, from more than 40 nations across six continents

Nepali actor Barsha Raut receives flak after 'my Indians friends' comment

Nepali actor Barsha Raut has come under fire from Nepali netizens for her recent (May 22) comment on the ongoing border issue. A clip that, along with other statements, shows the actress worrying for her ‘Indian friends’ has drawn flak from many Nepali netizens

A Turkish soap opera re-ignites Pakistan's identity debate

Epics are having epochal impact on Indians and Pakistanis as they live through the coronavirus pandemic. As Indians locked inside their homes stayed glued to their television sets, watching Ramayan and Mahabharat serials that are part of their cultural ethos, across the border, a Turkish historical series, Ertugrul, has captured not just popular imagination, but also acquired political, cultural and identity overtones

Sri Lankan PM suspends new cricket stadium project, seeks a national program on cricket

Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a national program on the field of cricket in order to develop the sport at school level

41 years on, Manipuri classic relives forgotten chapter of British Raj

Forty-one years ago novelist, short story writer, playwright and lyricist MK Binodini Devi, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Manipur, won a Sahitya Akademi Award for "Boro Saheb Ongbi Sanatombi", a poignant love story of her aunt Sanatombi and Lt. Col. Henry St. P. Maxwell, the British Political Agent in the subjugated Tibeto-Burman kingdom of Manipur

Artistes cling to hope, creativity amidst pandemic, but need sustenance

It is to these artistes' credit that in spite of such mental turmoil, an unknown inner positivity makes them face the situation with determination and courage. But question is for how long, writes Shovana Narayan for South Asia Monitor

Teachers walk door-to-door to conduct lessons in Bhutan

Every weekday at 8 am, teachers of Tarphel Primary School in Trashiyangtse in Bhutan set off into the villages carrying learning materials seeking their students

Nepal’s Kanchan Amatya earns The Legacy Award from British royal family

Nepal’s Kanchan Amatya has earned The Legacy Award, one of the highest civilian honours given to a young leader by the British Royal Family in the United Kingdom for her social action and humanitarian work

Canadian, Spanish students cycle 100 km in Singapore for Mumbai migrants

In a unique initiative, a Canadian and a Spanish student, both of Chinese origin, on Saturday cycled 100 km in Singapore to raise funds for migrants 4,000 km away in Mumbai's Govandi suburb, an associate said