Mogra & Merlot: the Indian style of entertaining
On a recent night, under the lingering fragrance of a champaka tree, two taste-makers sat down to converse about tradition, aesthetics, saris, and, interestingly, entertaining. From Kerala ‘kasavu’ saris as tablecloths to ‘mogras’ in banana- leaf cones as centrepieces—is there an Indian way of entertaining? Entertaining is an act of love, a way to break the monotony of life. In today’s efficient, time-constrained world, we all have taken to “sourcing” the best products. But going that extra mile to root your parties in the Indian “context”, makes them memorable and feeds your soul and spirit.
Pre-order my book
This is the moment when the author tries to charm, cajole, plead and threaten her family, friends, relatives (and people who cordially dislike her) into buying her book. So let me dispense with all that and just say.... The Indian [...]
This Indian Life: new column for HT Brunch
Every generation thinks of itself as the sandwich generation: caught between parents and children. This generation however is different, I believe. Because of advances in medical science, our parents are living longer. These are some of the things I write about in this new column. What unites today’s India besides a love of spicy food, film songs, cricket and big fat weddings? I would say that many of us are parenting our parents – and an assortment of uncles, aunts, and random elders whose children live beyond our shores. It is equal parts frustration and comedy livened with moments of tenderness that borders on the sublime.
Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy
Thank you Thommen Olapally, for introducing me to Shoba Abraham who introduced me to Mirai Rao. Delighted to discover that her husband owns Airlines Hotel, a Bangalore icon. Their art-filled home was peaceful with good vibes. That's her mother lying [...]
40-second video trailer
Some of you might as well unfriend me now or unfollow me. This barrage will continue for a while :) Adobe Spark is very cool thought. Made this 40-second video trailer. Watch this promo of the book here [wpvideo lyYfBrhY]
Talking wine with Anna Abbona
Anna Abbona of Marchesi di Barolo winery was in India on a four-city tour to promote her wines. I spoke to her about her wines
New Column in HT Brunch: about parenting your parents and other joys of life
So excited for my new column in HT Brunch. Beginning, Sunday, February 18th in HT Brunch.
Book Likes: a reader community. Thanks.
In this charming true story about two women and the animal they share, readers are treated to an insider’s of view of India. The Milk Lady of Bangalore is also a window into our universal connection to food and its sources, the intricacies of female friendship, and our relationship to all animals.
Book Trailer
I made this promo video, which in a sense was about as hard as writing the book itself. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl5XX3KsYhA&w=560&h=315] Click here for Vimeo and here for the Youtube version.
Washington Independent Review of Books
In The Milk Lady of Bangalore, Narayan artfully chronicles her adventures into the world of bovine divinity and shares what she’s learned about how cows are woven into the fabric of Hindu culture. This book will teach readers everything they’ve ever wanted to know about the importance of cows in Indian society.
The TNB Self Interview: very cool idea
The literary website The Nervous Breakdown is interested in having you conduct a “self-interview,” in which you answer questions you’ve always wanted to be asked but haven’t been.
Book Page's Book of the Day. Yay!
Which book lover doesn't love libraries? The idea and the reality. In India, my library visits are limited to Neev School library and all my neighborhood lending libraries-- Just Books, Bangalore Club, etc. But Book Page is a glorious tribute [...]