‘Main Waapas Aaunga’ and the Cruelty of Returning Too Late
Partition is not so much a mere plot device in Imtiaz Ali’s Main Waapas Aaunga, but a ghost that continues to haunt the people who survived it—in memories and regrets. By Deepansh Duggal
“Break the Barriers!” – An Interview with Usha Uthup
Continuing a five-decade-long singing career, Usha Uthup speaks about staying relevant with changing times, meme culture, radical self-love, and covering Miley Cyrus. By Deepansh Duggal
How Chamkila’s Music Holds a Mirror up to Punjab’s Cultural Vices
Imtiaz Ali’s biographical drama Amar Singh Chamkila (2024) returns to the profane and scandalous themes of the Punjabi artist’s music, reclaiming the singer’s societal impact, and exposing the flawed notions of morality in Punjab’s cultural milieu. By Deepansh Duggal
Courage Becomes Cruelty: An Appropriation of “Arjan Vailly” in ANIMAL
With a bloodthirsty protagonist and an army of brute Sikh men, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s controversial hit Animal reduces the Punjabi folk song “Arjan Vailly”—a storied war cry against oppression—into a chorus of vile brutality. By Deepansh Duggal
Paa De Lohri: A reconsideration of the spring festival’s most popular folk songs
From the happy chorus of ‘Desi trick or treat’ singers to the problematic lyrics in folk classics, Deepansh Duggal takes a deep dive to explore the cultural significance of Punjabi Lohri music in contemporary times.
Personal Essay by Devanshi: ‘Your favourite movie is probably not your favourite movie because it was the best film you have ever seen. It is your favourite because Zee Cinema played it a zillion times in the summer of 2014 while your mother folded clothes in the next room, and you unconsciously absorbed its dialogues through domestic osmosis.’