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 [...]
K. Balachander
As someone who has watched and tracked Tamil movies all her life, one of the things I notice is the fall of the heroine. There are exceptions, but by and large, Tamil films these days are hero oriented, action films with a thin storyline. Women play the love interest, or dance an item number, with Rajnikanth’s Linga being the latest example. What Tamil films need are strong directors who are fascinated with women like those directors in the 70s and 80s.
Vimala Rangachar
Welcome to the Sanskrit Podcast where the ideas of ancient India meet the modern world. Vimala Rangachar has been associated with fine arts and performing arts conservation movement of Karnataka for many years. She holds multiple positions of Chairperson of [...]
Video of me speaking about culture and aesthetics
The email below led to this video of me here and pasted below. She had me at Alarmel Valli!! Dear Shoba Hope all is well. Not sure you remember me but we met at the Festival of Sacred Music two/three [...]
The best gifting ideas from 2014: for Mint Lounge
It is just before Christmas. You are probably in the throes of figuring out what to buy for family, friends and co-workers. Here is a list of objects that you could consider buying for your near and dear. The logic of choosing these objects was simply this: I saw them during the course of this past year and they stuck in my head—because they are unique, innovatively designed, and beautiful. Shoba Narayan plans to buy a lovely teapot this Christmas season.
Kalidasa for 21st century
Fantastic exposition of why Kalidasa is huge in ancient Indian literature. Thank you, Mani Rao, for sharing this with us. Watch the episode here