For The National Abu Dhabi on Sri Lanka
If there is a takeaway from the below piece, consider this. Watch Mani Ratnam's movie, Kannathil Muthamittal (She kissed my cheek). Read Romesh Gunasekhara's (spelling?) books. Sri Lanka: fantasy island Shoba Narayan January 22, 2015 Updated: January 22, 2015 01:37 [...]
Relevance of Sanskrit poetry in today’s world
I loved recording this episode of The Sanskrit Podcast. One thing I didn't know was how important poetry was in ancient India. We have an unbroken tradition of poetry starting from the second century and coming down all the way [...]
For Cathay Pacific magazine on Sri Lanka
Wilpattu National Park, Colombo, and other wildlife treasures in Sri Lanka
Festival of Sacred Music
My friend, Ranvir Shah and his Prakruti Foundation does The Festival of Sacred Music in Thiruvaiyaru every year. Details here This year, the festival is from March 6 to 8 and has a terrific line up. The Manganiyars, Kadri Gopalnath [...]
In Times of India
Thank you, Asha
The psychology of a Matunga Tamilian: Mint Lounge
I was conflicted about writing this, because I don't think people should define themselves so narrowly. In terms of the "land they sprung from." But I cannot deny the fact that such an identity exists. So I wrote it. Tried [...]
A concert
My friend, Chitra Srikrishna and I doing a music gig called "Hum Raag." It is a fun project where we link film songs to classical Indian music. Kabir bhajans, abhangs, light songs, carnatic music, hindustani music and the like. Our [...]
Chennai Music and Women
I thought about this a lot, but cannot come up with any solution. Everyone lays it on the women artistes to get together and fight the discrimination, but that's not going to happen. A note of dismay over inequality [...]
Indian dance
Of all arts, dance is the one that encapsulates a country's culture. I was thrilled to discover this link about Kamala here. My other dance connection is that I went to Women's Christian College and Urmila Satyanarayana was my classmate. [...]
Monsoon Diary
On a California bookshelf
Somatic Exercises
These really work. And they are terrifically relaxing. How exercising your body can help reset your brain Shoba Narayan December 31, 2014 Updated: December 31, 2014 04:49 PM What do you do when you stand in a queue at the [...]