Parivarnama (2022) by Shehla Hashmi Grewal. Five shows you’ve binged on. Five foods you’re always craving. My deceased Dadi Ammi’s kheema samosas. Undhiyu.
“A family history intertwined with the story of Delhi from when it was called Shahjahanabad. It follows one Muslim family’s commitment to India’s freedom and to progressive and humane ideals.”
I am a Virgo (2023).“It’s funny, sarcastic, political. I love Boots Riley’s work and would recommend his film ‘Sorry to Bother You’ as well.”
Tabbar (2021). “Well acted, gripping, tense, great buildup.”
Deadloch (2023). “Dark comedy-mystery is one of my favourite genres. This is another testament to how amazing Australian filmmaking is.”
The Great (2020). “Another political satire. The tale of Catherine the Great is set in Russia, but with the actors talking in British English.”
Rise of Empires: Ottoman (2020). “Most of my reading these days is about the rise and fall of empires. The series about the Ottomans was one of the most interesting.”
Five movies you’ve enjoyed.
Nanpakal Nerathu Mayakkam (2023). A man falls asleep on a bus and wakes up believing he’s somebody else. “Lijo Jose Pelliserry is such an original director. The characters, the situations, the acting, the writing, all so good.”
“A horror comedy and a political satire that shows the Chilean dictator Pinochet as a vampire. Angry and funny at the same time.”
Kulcha Nihari. “Particularly from Mubeen’s in Lucknow. Those flaky kulchas are unlike any other roti.”
Chonak fry. “One of my favourite fish, mostly available in Goa and a few obscure Malvani joints in Mumbai.” “Takes me back to childhood.” “A Gujarati dish made of winter vegetables. Again closely connected to my heritage.”
Tamil Nadu’s biryanis. “Every part of our country has its own biryani. In my opinion, these are the best.”
Five artists you’re listening to.
hmed Fakroun. “Libdisco. n It’s unbeevably funky. asteful, aesthetic nd whenever I lay any of it durng DJ sets, people se it on the dance or.”
helonious Monk. was a pure legend. His music is the Bible of jazz for me.”
Zohrabai Ambalewali. “The playback singer from the ’30s and ’40s. Her voice makes me feel things.”
Nermin Niazi. “This Pakistani British Disco / New Wave artist gets me nostalgic.”
Curtis Mayfield. “Guitar player, poet and singer. He used his songs to advocate civil rights for black people and all marginalised people. One of the icons of the ’70s.”
Five Insta handles you’re following.
Middle East Eye @Middleeasteye. “It’s independent journalism from the Middle East and North Africa which has played a very important role reporting from Gaza.”
Masalalab @_Masalalab. “Krish Ashok debunks a lot of pseudoscience and hearsay about food.”
Fatima Khan @Fati.amma. “One of the best journalists in the country right now.”
Jazzie Sillona @Jazziesillona. “A cineatographer shooting Hong Kong, documenting great jazz music and sharing olour-grading tips.”
Mohsin Qureshi @Chef_mohin_qureshi. “I love that she shares cipes and talks about the history of od.”