Culture

'Laapataa Ladies', India’s entry for the 2025 Oscars in the Foreign Film category, is a story about two brides swapped during a train journey. Directed by Kiran Rao, the film delves into themes of financial independence, women’s aspirations, and self-discovery, offering a refreshing take on feminism and patriarchy.

Hailing from the small town of Haldwani, Uttarakhand, Sunita Rajwar was inspired by her father’s love for cinema and took a leap of faith to join the National School of Drama. She’s now known for her eminent roles in 'Gullak', 'Panchayat', and 'Stree'.

Compiled by Padma Jyothi and Chitra Paul, 'Talking Fingers' is a book written by 32 individuals with nonspeaking autism. The authors use this book to share their dreams and hopes, with just one request from the reader-- "don't underestimate our capabilities."

Kajal Srivastava was on the brink of giving up on life after six failed UPSC CSE attempts. Kalaripayattu came to her rescue. This is her story of finding solace in martial arts and helping thousands of others heal from trauma.

New mothers across India seek support in virtual communities, navigating challenges with peer advice, sisterhood, and solidarity. Covering everything from solid food to sleep training, here’s how these online groups offer a lifeline for women in their parenting journey.

Tata Samvaad in Jamshedpur provided artisan Sumanti Devi a platform for showcasing Oraon art. Through workshops, networking, and sales opportunities, she highlighted her community’s heritage while learning new skills and connecting with experts.

At the Tata Samvaad conclave in Jamshedpur, artisans from indigenous tribes across India shone a spotlight on fading tribal arts, reviving them with contemporary flair to build livelihoods.

Tata Samvaad, enabled by the Tata Steel Foundation in Jharkhand, brings together 200 tribal communities annually to celebrate their rich culture and identity through art, food, workshops, and conversations.

Maroof Umar loves a good story. Whether it is documenting the last calligraphy artist of Lucknow or finding home chefs who cook the best sheer khurma, here's how he gives the city's history a fun spin.

Pune-based Happy Seniors started by Madhav Damle helps senior citizens find love and companionship. Madhav’s pragmatic approach, ensuring financial stability and addressing legal concerns, has resulted in 75 seniors finding happiness in live-in relationships.