The Jungle Book Archives

Hakuna Matata! The Lion King Ain’t No Passing Craze

If you grew up with The Lion King soundtrack, it’s never going to leave you. Back when I was a five-year-old, I used to drive my mother crazy with the Zulu chants from “Circle of Life”. Today, I do the same to my girlfriend when our morning alarm doesn’t do the job.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 27, 2016

People

The Greatest Jungle Story Ever Told: Why Mowgli Continues to Captivate Us

The Jungle Book was my ticket out of the crowds and noise of Mumbai to the unspoiled beauty of the Indian jungle. No homework. No rude bus conductors. The Seeonee Hills and the thick, fragrant forests of central India were my emotional retreats.

Dushyant Shekhawat May 5, 2016

People

How Gulzar Sahab, My Imaginary Friend, Made Me Fall in Love With Words

On Gulzar Sahab’s 86th birthday, I can’t help but reminisce on the relationship I developed with his prodigious artistry with words, early on in life. Gulzar Sahab is the reason I can, without trying, use words like aabshaar (waterfall), taskeen (contentment), and ruhaniyat (spirituality) when I want to.

Sonali Kokra May 5, 2016