woman Archives

What’s Wrong with Being a “High Maintenance” Woman?

My annual budget for haircuts runs comfortably into five digits. I own an ungodly amount of silver jewellery, bags, and indigo dresses. I suppose I am what society calls “high maintenance”. But I promise you, no man was hurt in the making of this film.

Sonali Kokra July 15, 2016

Bollywood

Chhe Din, Ladki Not In: Will the Year of #MeToo Usher in a New Kind of Bollywood Hero?

No film in the ’90s had a woman character whose first “no” was accepted – instead her consent was treated as a challenge by the hero. But in a year when #MeToo ruled our cultural consciousness, will that old idea of what a Bollywood hero is supposed to be, change?

Manik Sharma July 3, 2016

Gender

Not a Dress, Not a Maxi: How the Indian Woman Finds Liberation in a Nightie

Women fall in love with the nightie so madly, they never want to part ways. And why not? Its tent-like shape doesn’t discriminate – you might have Kareena-like abs or you might be well-rounded, the nightie gives everyone the sex appeal of a potato.

Purba Ray July 1, 2016

People

“Christian Log Daaru Pee Ke Danga Karta Hai”

I’m Christian, a journalist, and live with two cats. Which in landlord-speak means I’m a short-skirt-wearing alcoholic with many boyfriends.

Deborah Grey June 20, 2016

POV

Why We Need to Ban the Term “Mid-Life Crisis” From Our Lexicon

After 50, fast-fashion brands are passé for old-fashioned folks like me, and what the hell am I still doing with those crop-tops and coloured tights? I can sense millennials grasp at my audacity. You see, if I refuse to abide by this cultural construct, I’ll promptly be labelled as yet-another-hilarious casualty of the “mid-life crisis”.

Purba Ray June 18, 2016

POV

Why Is It Never The Man’s Fault?

A professor was forced to resign in Kolkata, for images she put up of herself on her social media. For some inane reason this non-imposition has been deemed her fault.

Purba Ray June 13, 2016

POV

How an Indian Mother Celebrates the Monday After Mother’s Day

Much has been said about motherhood. “Motherhood is divinity” – I suppose that can be debated. “Motherhood is a job you can never quit” – True that. “Motherhood is a responsibility? – Hey, preaching to the choir, here! But to me, here’s what it really is: Motherhood means you are never alone in your thoughts.

Lata Gwalani May 24, 2016

Gender

Home Run: Why Every Woman Needs A House of Her Own

A few days ago, I invested in a house of my own. I want a home where I don’t have to spend three days in a month lurking outside the kitchen because it’s “that time of the month”. I want a house where I can’t be removed from no matter what (or who) I do. Not by misogynist landlords or housing societies that randomly decide they don’t want “bachelors”.

Sonali Kokra April 30, 2016

Bollywood

How Shabana Azmi’s Masoom Mimes the Conflict between Motherhood & Womanhood

Masoom is an ode to motherhood that does not rely on lazy tropes and bland generalisation. It is a story that elevates the idea of motherhood beyond biological compulsions. It reminds us that the greatest gift we can give our mothers is to allow them their humanity.

Runjhun Noopur April 29, 2016

POV

How My Hirsutism Made Me The Son My Father Did Not Have

Dealing with body hair as a woman is one thing, but my condition meant that hair grew in places that would make people scrutinise it. Incredibly, it’s something that brought me closer to my father like never before.

Junisha Dama April 1, 2016