Bengalis Archives

With the Rise of the Beep Culture, What Will Happen to the “Progressive” Bong?

To some Bengalis who felt betrayed by those who voted for the BJP during the Lok Sabha elections, the Beep Festival’s cancellation was merely a trailer for the blockbuster cultural clampdowns that are sure to follow.

Chandrima Pal June 23, 2016

POV

Sourav Ganguly and Dadagiri: Bengal’s Boldest Contribution to Modern India

Sourav Ganguly championed “Dadagiri”, a brand of masculinity that was unexpected from a “cultured” Bengali man. And in that, he was the perfect brand ambassador for a new kind of Bangaliana. Charming and erudite, yes. But also savage.

Chandrima Pal May 25, 2016

POV

“Bro, Hindi Mein Bol Na!” What I Miss the Most in Hindi-Speaking Delhi is My Mother Tongue

As someone who was rebuked back home in Kolkata for speaking too much English and not enough Bangla, I never imagined what I’d miss the most after moving to a new city is my mother tongue.

Sreemoyee Mukherjee May 17, 2016

People

Dissecting the Bengali Nyaka

Nyakami, for the uninitiated, is the art of pretend coyness, coquetry, whining, attention-seeking, and everything in between. To think of the Urban Nyaka Girl, think of Kareena Kapoor’s Poo from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... Only, with a bit more “kalchaar”.

Poulomi Das April 14, 2016

People

What’s in a “Daak Naam”? A Bengali’s Eternal Walk of Shame

Just like Bollywood has Vivek Agnihotri and Yash Chopra has Uday Chopra, Bengalis have daak naams: It’s a part of your identity that you didn’t ask for, and one that you can’t shake off. It’s a walk of shame that never seems to end.

Poulomi Das April 12, 2016

Pop Culture

Name-Dropping Satyajit Ray: A Bong’s Greatest Accessory

Bengalis love Satyajit Ray and his work nearly as much as we love boasting about our impeccable knowledge about the multi-hyphenate filmmaker and universal Bengali inspiration’s incredible existence. Even if we've seen a sum total of one Ray film.

Poulomi Das March 25, 2016