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Published

2 years ago

June 17, 2022

Bhavyaa Kumar

Cinemas are versatile and possess immense scope for displaying innumerable realities of society. It even brings light to the sensitive topics that most of us do not know how to deal with. And one such reality that needs to be dealt with sheer compassion is “disability” shown in the Indian Cinema through beautiful stories. Read on to find out unforgettable storylines that touched our hearts, portraying innocence and vulnerability.

How Indian Cinema Has Displayed Disability Through Movies

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Taare Zameen Par (2007)

An 8-year-old kid, Ishaan faces difficulty understanding the alphabet and is constantly compared to his elder brother, who is excellent in his studies. But we all are good at something, and so was he at art. His parents never recognize his creativity. Tired of his inability to improve grades, they send him to a boarding school where Ishaan makes a physically disabled friend, Rajan, who also saves him from committing suicide.

And then comes what Ishaan needs the most; love and understanding that comes from a new art teacher in the boarding school, Ram. He notices Ishaan’s unhappiness and finds out he suffers from dyslexia. Later he even helps Ishaan fight dyslexia through psychological techniques. This tells us that when someone cannot do something right, especially the most basic stuff, they do not need your harsh criticism but deep understanding.

My Name Is Khan (2010)

A guy named Rizvan Khan, who has had Autism since childhood but with great intellectual ability and talent, was asked to come to San Francisco by his younger brother Zakir after their mother’s demise. He works there as a salesman and finds Mandira, a divorcee with a son named Sameer. They fall in love and get married. Everything was going smoothly until life brought a downfall. And with many tragedies, the one that sets the couple apart is the murder of Mandira’s son. She blames his surname as the reason for his son’s death.

In the conversation, she asks him to tell Mr. President to convey the message which is “his name is Khan and he is not a terrorist”. He takes her words seriously, and in the quest to let the president know, screaming through the voice of thousands of people, the security misinterprets him and puts him behind the bar, thinking he is a terrorist. He suffers but is saved by journalists who record him and a psychologist who thinks he is innocent.

His ways were quite different from any of us who are termed as normal. But understanding each individual differently is necessary because we aren’t a subject that follows a defined set of rules; each of our personalities is unique. And if you are honest, you never know that fate will turn in your favor, and the president may himself call you just like when he called Rizvan and said, “I know your name is Khan, and you are not a terrorist.”

Barfi (2012)

A sweet story of a fast runner, a troublemaker named Murphy who pronounced himself Barfi, set in Darjeeling. He is deaf and mute and has been chased all his life by a local police officer, Sudhanshu Dutta. His first love isn’t successful because the girl’s parents couldn’t let her marry someone who is disabled and not financially capable. But maybe in life, it’s not about what you are missing; it’s about what you have that other people need.

And who knew that his childhood friend, Jhilmil, who suffers from Autism, would become the love of his life, who stands still holding Barfi’s hand when a street lamp falls in front of them. Someone who never leaves his side, and that is what he, too, was looking for. Love doesn’t need to be perfect; it needs to stick around in both life and death.

Black (2005)

A twisted story where Michelle (Rani Mukherji) lost her eyesight and hearing capacity at two and grew up as a violent child. We know that many illnesses are dealt with sensitivity. Still, Debraj (Amitabh Bacchan), who took the responsibility to transform Michelle into someone who can express herself, used harsh methods on her which did work though. Years later, when she becomes an adult and gets admission to a college with the help of Debraj, she goes to live with him and his two maids. On one side, she was failing year after year, and on another side, Debraj was being consumed by Alzheimer’s disease. Once he forgets about Michelle, he decides to leave her.

After 12 years, when she completes her degree, she goes to meet Debraj, who is in a mental hospital; he can’t even speak but seeing her in the graduation robe, the pieces of his memory return. They are both looking out of the window; raining, says the first syllable, “water,” which she learned the meaning of when she was thrown into the fountain by Debraj.

Hichki (2018)

When a school admits a teacher, they ensure they are the best for their students. But can a person with a syndrome be accepted as a teacher? This is a story of Naina Mathur, a Bachelor of Education and Master of Science, who many schools reject because of her Tourette syndrome, which causes uncontrollable hiccups. After five years of consistent effort, she was hired and was assigned the class 9F, where students from slum areas were admitted to fill the government-prescribed quota. Students of 9F were notorious and made fun of her initially, but with her patience and persistence, she made them walk on the right path.

Dhanak (2015)

Someone said it right that children are true to heart. The siblings, Pari and Chotu, before beginning the walk to the school, toss a coin every day to decide if the story on the way will be about Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan. Pari was Shah Rukh’s fan, and Chotu worships Salman Khan. 10-year-old Pari holds him, visually impaired, 8-year-old younger brother’s hand being his guide. And she feels the pressure increasing as the date of his brother’s ninth birthday is closer. She promised that she would bring his eyesight back before his ninth birthday.

She is relieved when she finds out that Shah Rukh Khan is encouraging eye donations and writes him letters addressed at Mannat, but no reply comes back. Later she finds out that Shah Rukh Khan is in Rajasthan shooting for a film, so the children set off together for a 300km journey to meet him.

Margarita With A Straw (2014)

A teenager with cerebral palsy who loves to write and compose music receives a scholarship for a semester’s study at New York University. She goes there with her mother, Shubhangini. And there, she finds herself confused about her sexuality as she catches feelings for both Javed and Khanum at the same time. And then, when they move back to India, the truth comes out, and she tells her mother about her bisexuality. But her mother can’t accept it. And then, her mother gets diagnosed with colon cancer. They both reconcile soon before her death.

At her funeral, she plays a song saying that she loved her and she was the one who truly understood her. And later, she was found drinking a margarita with a straw.

Astu: So Be It (2013)

Some disabilities make us able to notice things that else we wouldn’t have. Dr. Chakrapani Shastri, also known as Appa, is a retired Sanskrit Professor and former director of the Oriental Research Institute. He has advanced Alzheimer’s disease. And one day, when he is taken home with his daughter, Ira, and is asked to stay in the car till his daughter returns, he gets fascinated by an elephant passing by and starts to follow it. The elephant keeper tries to send him home, but Shastri can’t remember anything. Now, the mahout’s wife takes care of him. While on the other hand, his daughter has filed a report of him missing, and the police are searching for her father.

But Shastri has already found his new home and refuses to return with Ira. Eventually, somehow he is convinced to go back.

Ahaan (2019)

A 25-year-old protagonist with Down syndrome, when asked what he would like to be after ten years from the present, responds quite simply and straight from the heart. It’s about a bond between two persons with a disability; the other person is Ozzy with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). They both find common ground with each other despite fighting their battles.

Sparsh (1980)

This is a movie about the lives of blind people and the feeling of touch they rely on. It’s a story about a guy named Anirudh, a principal of Navjivan Andhvidyalay, who one day, on his way to the doctor, gets mesmerized by a woman’s voice, singing. They both meet at a party, and Anirudh offers Kavita to join his school as a volunteer.

Their friendship gets stronger, and they become engaged. But because of some differences and instead told by Anirudh’s friend about his wife, he breaks the engagement with her without explaining the reason. Because of the coldness in their relationship, various events take place, and now either she has to leave the school or Anirudh has to. Eventually, as the happy endings go by, they both reconcile.

Which movie do you think should be included in the list? And let us know which storyline you loved the most.

Lifestyle

8 Brilliant Indian Music Festivals That You Should Not Miss

Published

12 months ago

May 1, 2023

Debjit Roy

8 Brilliant Indian Music Festivals That You Should Not Miss

Indian Music Festivals: a perfect way to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity to the world. India has always been known for its music globally. With time, Indian music festivals have stood out with their uniqueness, immersive atmospheres and showcasing some hidden talents to the world.

Numerous music festivals are held in the country that not only highlight established artists but also provide a stage for emerging artists to showcase their talents. These festivals have also portrayed the cultural heritage in a manner that has entertained and helped people engage with the community.

India is a land of diversity, and so are the musical festivals here. From exploring folk music to energetic EDM events, there are some stunning festivals in the country. Among many popular and favourite music festivals, we have brought you 8 brilliant Indian music festivals that you can’t afford to miss.

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8 Brilliant Indian Music Festivals That You
Should Not Miss

NH7 Weekender

With some of the most outstanding artists headlining the festival, NH7 Weekender is undoubtedly one of India’s biggest and most happening music festivals. Spanning over a weekend, this Indian music festival takes place in various cities nationwide and features musicians across genres, comedians, and artists. This popular event is organised by Only Much Louder and was first held in 2010 in Pune. Ever since then, prominent artists like Ritviz, AR Rahman, Mark Ronson and more have made this festival top-notch.

Besides music, this festival is known for its vibrant graphic arts. The entire festival is covered with some amazing visual arts that enhance the vibe of the festival. With music, art and a stunning ambience, NH7 Weekender is a must-visit for all music lovers. It is held in many cities, and a pass to this festival starts from Rs3499.

Also, read:

8 Amazing Global Music Festivals Around The World

Sunburn Music Festival

Since 2007, I’m pretty much sure Goa has become more popular for this music festival. Being one of the World’s top 10 Music festivals and the largest in Asia, Sunburn is the most anticipated and popular Indian Music Festival. From artists like KSHMR and DJ Snake to Alan Walker and Martin Garrix, Sunburn is popular for its star-loaded lineups and energetic ambience. Organised by Sunburn Global, this festival is not only grand but also engaging, bringing all EDM lovers together. It usually takes place in December, spanning over 3 days.

A perfect fusion of EDM, top-notch production and electrifying ambience, Sunburn is held in most metro cities of India, with Goa’s show being the most popular one. Along with amazing food, gaming zones and an engaging community, the festival also provides camping for the visitors. It is truly an experience you wouldn’t want to miss and you must visit the festival ones. A ticket to the festival begins at Rs1000 and can go as high as Rs4000.

Hornbill Music Festival

Held in the heritage village of Kisama, Kohima, this Naga Music festival is popular for its uniqueness and vibe. Showcasing Nagaland’s diversity and cultural heritage, the Hornbill Music Festival features various contemporary artists of the region. Fostering the local talents and highlighting popular artists is a splendid initiative in the festival. This festival uses Music and art as tools to portray the cultural diversity of the Northeast. First held in the year 2000, this is one of the pioneering Indian Music Festivals.

Despite not being set in an urban area with amazing stages and over-the-top arrangements, this is one of the most popular music festivals. Traditional music and folk dance provide a completely different vibe for the visitors, which will undoubtedly amaze you. Spanning almost 10 days, the Hornbill Festival caters to music enthusiasts worldwide. Though it is a very renowned festival, a per day pass to the festival costs just Rs30.

VH1 Supersonic

Throughout our childhood, VH1 has been a favourite for bringing some amazing Western music to our Televisions. A few years later, they just levelled it up and started the VH1 Supersonic in 2013. This Indian Music festival is an EDM event featuring a star-studded lineup of artists and DJs annually. Mostly spanning a weekend, the festival takes place in many cities like Delhi, Goa, Mumbai and more. Highlighting genres like techno, trance, bass and more, this festival has showcased artists like Marshmallow, The Chainsmokers, DIVINE and more.

With over-the-top production, this festival has gained popularity over the years for being a very sustainable event. With other art forms like installations, discussions and interactive sessions, VH1 Supersonic provides a very immersive and engaging atmosphere. This is undoubtedly a very popular EDM festival of the subcontinent. A ticket to the festival ranges from Rs3499 to Rs16196.

Ziro Festival

Set in the scenic region of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, the Ziro festival is a fantastic amalgamation of nature, art and heritage. Featuring artists from genres like rock, indie, folk, electronic and more, this Indian Music festival promotes the cultural heritage of the Apatani tribe, known to have a rich cultural background. Like the Hornbill Festival, this festival is also set naturally, bringing music lovers very close to nature. The green fields, hills and amazing scenic beauty enhance the festival’s uniqueness.

Held mostly during September, the Ziro Festival takes place for 4 days. This festival was started in 2012 by the Apatani tribe and has been a major attraction for music lovers since then. There are also arrangements for accommodations and camping for the visitors. A ticket to the festival usually begins at Rs5000.

Mahindra Blues

When artists like Buddy Guy, Robert Randolph, Beth Hart and more headline a festival, you can guess how grand and stunning that festival becomes. Well, that is Asia’s biggest Blues Music Festival, Mahindra Blues. Organised by the Mahindra group, this Indian Music festival takes place in Mumbai annually and is popular for its immersive ambience and star-loaded lineups. Not only does the festival feature international artists, but it is also an open stage for budding blues musicians.

This festival gives a complete experience to all Blues fans by showcasing some of the most vibrant performances and also creating an engaging atmosphere with discussions, jamming sessions and more. Portraying a beautiful confluence of culture and music, this festival is one of the most awaited ones across the nation. A pass to this festival starts from Rs3500.

Magnetic Fields

A perfect blend of diversity and creativity in a picturesque desert setting can create something as fantastic as this Indian Music Festival. The Magnetic Fields, held in Rajasthan, is one of India’s most popular EDM music festivals. Featuring performances across genres like electronic, hip-hop, contemporary and more, this festival offers a luxurious experience to the audience. Besides popular DJs and international artists, this festival also showcases the traditions of Rajasthan through its music and art forms.

With a vibrant portrayal of contemporary art, this festival also accommodates camps and caters the visitors with a splendid experience. This grand and illustrious festival lasts 3 days, usually in December. This music festival is a must for all music lovers; a pass to this event costs around Rs12500.

Jodhpur Riff

Set in the picturesque view of the royal Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival(RIFF) is a very popular annual Indian Music Festival showcasing artists across nations and various folk genres. Usually held during October, Jodhpur RIFF is organised by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and has been ongoing for more than 15 years currently. This festival showcases a diverse and unique array of performances like folk music, dance, discussions and film screenings.

Besides the classical Rajasthani folk, this festival is popular for featuring artists from Baul, Sufi, Bhakti and other conventional folk genres. Artists like Sumitra Devi, Padma Shri Lakha Khan and Mick Jagger have headlined this festival in the past editions. Recognised by UNESCO, Jodhpur RIFF is one of the most sustainable and diverse festivals focusing on building a very immersive and engaging cultural community. A pass to the festival ranges from Rs200 to Rs12500.

Let us know in the comments below which Music Festival is your favourite and which is on your bucket list.

Lifestyle

8 Amazing Global Music Festivals Around The World

Published

1 year ago

April 26, 2023

Debjit Roy

8 Amazing Global Music Festivals Around The World

Global Music Festivals are the best way to promote and showcase musical talents across the world. While Music festivals are expected to comprise performances, some festivals have been popular for building up communities, promoting world peace, and raising awareness, all through music.

Energetic ambiance, designer stages, and over-the-top production make the fans dance and groove and help them connect with their favorite artists and like-minded people. These Global Music Festivals also encourage and explore other art forms, like visual arts and theatre, that create a very engaging and immersive ambiance.

While there are plenty of music festivals across the globe, some have grown out to be fan favorites with their lineups and organizations. If you are planning to visit a stunning music festival, this is for you. Here are 8 Amazing Global Music Festivals That Every Fan Wants To Visit!

Page Contents

8 Amazing Global Music Festivals That Every
Fan Wants To Visit

Tomorrowland

Hosted every year at De Schorre Recreation Park in Boom, Belgium, Tomorrowland is one of the biggest and most popular EDM Global Music festivals across the globe. Founded in 2005 by two brothers, Manu and Michiel Beers, this Global Music Festival is popular for its star-loaded lineup, creative stages, and dreamlike atmosphere. Tomorrowland is mainly a summer festival, mostly during late July, lasting two to three weekends.

Besides artists like Martin Garrix, Tiesto, and more playing at the festival, it is popular for hosting a very friendly community of music lovers and creating a very creative and wonderful atmosphere for them to connect. Tickets for the festival usually range from 88 euros to 110 euros, and the tickets don’t wait for anyone.

Also, read:

8 Must-Listen Musical Series If You Live For Nothing But Good Music

Indian Music Bands And Artists Shaking Up The Music Scene In 2022

Coachella

Superstar artists, trendsetting fashion, and engaging creativity make Coachella the biggest Global Music Festival. Held in April, this festival lasts two weekends and showcases various musicians across genres and nations. This is held in California and is known to the fans for its top-notch production and star-studded lineups. Along with music, this also gives the visitors an amazing and vibrant experience of sculptures and installation art. Taking place for over 24 years now, fans across the globe eagerly wait for this festival every year.

This year, the Coachella Festival, for the first time, featured the very popular Punjabi Pop artist Diljit Dosanjh. His energetic performances enhanced the festival’s vibe, and other popular artists were seen shaking their legs during his performance. A ticket to this festival costs around $549.

Lollapalooza

This Global Music Festival is popular for its extravagant celebrations and star-loaded lineup and for its contribution to activism. The Lollapalooza Festival, held across multiple cities across the globe, was originated by Perry Farrell in 1991 and featured artists across genres like pop, rock, electronic, and more. Spanning over many days, this festival usually takes place at the weekends.

The oneness of the festival is enhanced by making it a sustainable and recycled event. Moreover, it actively participates in discussions and debates on social issues like LGBTQ rights, climate change, etc. Artists like Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and more have headlined the festival across cities like Paris, Chicago, and more. A ticket to the festival costs around $125.

Rolling Loud

This Global Music Festival is the most anticipated Hip-Hop festival in the world. Founded by Tariq Cherif and Matt Zingler in 2015, this festival is known for showcasing popular hip-hop artists and upcoming artists, giving them a platform to grow. This festival is well-known for providing a highly immersive atmosphere and a fantastic community of hip-hop lovers.

The festival also integrates vibrant graffiti art and streetwear fashion to create an engaging ambiance. Held across various cities like California, Miami, New York, and more, this festival is usually held during the summers over a weekend. It has featured artists like Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Migos, Future, and more. A ticket to this stunning fest usually starts at $150.

Mysteryland

When extravagant productions, amazing artists, and diverse creativity unite, it creates something as stunning and fantastic as the Mysteryland Music Festival. One of the pioneers of EDM music festivals across the globe, Mysteryland began in 1993 in the Netherlands. Today this popular Global Music Festival occurs in various places like the United Kingdom, Dubai, and more.

This festival featuring some of the most amazing and renowned artists, is a beautiful amalgamation of electronic music, art, culture, and creativity. This festival usually takes place during August and lasts for 3 days. The ticket price ranges from 305 euros to 335 euros based on the camping.

Glastonbury Festival

First held in 1970, the Glastonbury Music Festival is popular for its unique atmosphere, rich musical culture, and quaint setting. Held in Somerset, England, this Global Music festival occurs mostly during the summer and from Wednesdays to Sundays. This is one of the pioneering festivals of global music and features a blend of an extensive range of genres like rock, hip-hop, and more. It is known for featuring artists like Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys, Rolling Stone, and more.

This much-anticipated music festival has been awarded various honors for sustainably, eco-friendly, and creatively promoting music. This festival also houses other events like theatres, spoken words, debates, and discussions. On the map of Global Music, Glastonbury Music Festival is indeed one of the brightest spots. The ticket for this festival costs 280 Euros.

Newport Folk Festival

Accentuating the culture of folk music, this well-known music festival is surely on the bucket list of all music fans. Originating in 1959, this renowned festival is known for the performances of artists like Bob Dylan, Peter Seeger, Johnny Cash, and more. Along with world-class artists and performances, the Newport Folk Festival is known for focusing on American music’s rich history and culture, which establishes the audience’s connection with their roots.

Also being a platform for activism and discussions, this Global Music Festival has played a very pivotal role in the music revolution of America. The festival is known to have three stages- the main stage, the museum stage, and the harbor stage- all three witnessing a stunning blend of music and activism. A ticket to this festival in Rhode Island usually begins at $110.

Rock In Rio

Mostly when people hear the word Brazil, they think of football. But when music lovers hear the word Brazil, I’m sure this amazing Music Festival comes to their minds at first. Rock in Rio is one of the earliest music festivals that became popular for bringing some fantastic artists across genres together on the same stage. Featuring performances by AC/DC, Metallica, Beyonce, Queen, and popular local artists, this festival usually takes place during September and over 10 days.

It was first eventuated in 1985 by a Brazillian Businessman, Roberto Medina, and is now held in many popular cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and more. This popular event is famous for its production and lineups and is known for various charitable collaborations and humanitarian initiatives. A ticket for the festival ranges from around $190 to $240.

Let us know in the comments below which Global Music Festival is on your Bucket list!

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Lifestyle

8 Poets Whose Work Must Be In Your TBR-2023

Published

1 year ago

January 11, 2023

Titas Banerji

8 Indian English Poets Whose Work Must Be In Your TBR-2023

Most of us have grown up reading classical or romantic poems in textbooks – it could be Wordsworth’s magical verses in ‘The Solitary Reaper’ or Robert Frost’s ‘The Road Not Taken.’ Although formal education doesn’t essentially introduce us to a lot of contemporary poets, it is needless to say there are many poets that you should know about – especially if you enjoy poetry.

Tennyson might have said, “for men may come, and men may go, but I go on forever,” referring to nature, but it is pretty applicable to poetry (or any art, TBH)! So, don’t worry if you are new to poetry or have loved it for a while – we have done the homework and shortlisted some poets from our time who you would love reading.

But poetry, romance, love, beauty? These are what we stay alive for!

Page Contents

8 Poets Whose Work Must Be In Your TBR-2023

Noor Unnahar

Image: Michael Kwan

Many of us have felt the emotion in these lines, but only Noor Unnahar can make something so beautiful out of this feeling. A Fine Art graduate from the Indus Valley School, Karachi, this 25-year-old poet is a master of metaphors. She beautifully combines several art forms to make her poems more meaningful – her illustrations are a vital component of her poems.

Focusing on some very relatable Gen-Z themes, she fuses digital art, doodles, Collage, and even sculpting with poetry and creates a kind of structural poetry that stimulates the eyes and the brain. That being said, she is the author of two books – “Yesterday I Was the Moon” and “New Names for Lost Things.” You can also see some of her work on her Instagram.

The city is forgetting you / which is to say / you should return home.

Tishani Doshi

Image: Ars Notoria

A dancer and poet based in Chennai, Doshi’s work has an intrinsic rhythm – perhaps a result of the fusion of these art forms. She has authored around ten books, including fiction, short stories, and poetry. Her poems are poignant and deal with themes integral to the current times – violence against women, grief, moving cities and the cultural differences that come along, the monsoon, and Love in all its forms and beauty.

Her Books “A God at the Door” and “Girls are Coming Out of The Woods” have some of the richest works based on these themes – the latter was shortlisted for the prestigious Ted Hughes Award. Tishani Doshi has won several awards, including the Forward Prize for her Debut Book “Countries of the Body”; If you want to know more about her work, you can head on to Megha Rao’s Podcast on Spotify – Poems to Calm Down to.”

Find the poets, my friend said.
…they could sit you down
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And tell you how poems are born in silence
and sometimes, in moments of great noise.

Nikita Gill

Image: Deccan Chronicle

A British Poet, Illustrator, and Writer, Nikita Gill have published eight volumes of poetry, including “The Girl and The Goddess” and “Wild Embers.” She offers a fresh and feminist view on love, fairytales, and, uniquely enough, Greek Myths. Her illustrations are often in sync with the poems and impact them visually.

An ambassador of National Poetry Day, she talks about how her poems are inspired by fierce feminist voices like Sylvia Plath, Maya Angelou, and the famous poet Robert Frost. She is also one of the most popular poets on Instagram, with 655K followers!

We are the blood
of the witches
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you thought were dead…

Karuna Ezara Parikh

Parikh is a master of both spoken and written words, and her poems revolve around her experiences – she talks about the right and the wrong side of history, of war and its effect on people, and the little things we all encounter in our daily lives. She is also one of the co-founders of the Kolkata Based brand The Burlap People.

Imagine going back
to before the first panic attack
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before the world revealed itself
as the flimsy neon-edged thing it is…

Jeet Thayil

Image: Deccan Chronicle

Born in Kerala, Thayil has moved cities and lived in different parts of the world in different phases of his life. He has written around 10 books encompassing several genres. His debut novel Narcopolis has won the DSC Prize For South Asian Literature and was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize (2012).

In his Sahitya Akademi Award-winning poetry book “These Errors are Correct,” he creates some heartfelt amalgamations of illustrations and poetry. Revolving around grief, loss, and how these affect one over time – many of his poems are confessional. While you get a glimpse of his life in his poetry, you can also see your own in some of them!

Listen! Someone’s saying a prayer in Malayalam.
He says there’s no word for ‘despair’ in Malayalam.
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Sometimes at daybreak, you sing a Gujarati Garba.
At night you open your hair in Malayalam.

More Poets

Rudy Francisco

An American Spoken Word Poet, Francisco is known for writing on themes like love, racism, relationship with parents, and mental health – things we all find super relatable. He quit his job as a statistical analyst to pursue poetry full-time. Although his first book was published in 2013, he had his breakthrough after publishing his first full-length book in 2017 from Button Poetry.

An expert in confessional poetry (one of which is called “My Honest Poem,” and it went viral), he is known to strike the right chords in poetry lovers. If you are a sucker for innovative but relatable poems, you should definitely read Francisco’s latest book, “I’ll Fly Away,” where he coins a bunch of words that “should have been in the language but currently isn’t.”

There’s always more than one way to cross the water

Ocean Vuong

Image: The New York Times
A Vietnamese-American poet and writer, Ocean Vuong writes extensively on his and his family’s experience in post-war Vietnam. Being of a mixed race, his mum was in apparent danger of persecution once the war subsided. Hence, the family had to move countries until they found asylum in the States. His poetry is an ode to these struggles and a saga of settling in a foreign land.
Being the first person in his family who learned to read, he throws light on the differences that come along. Although Vuong is particularly famous for his novel “On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” if you love poems, you’ll notice how poetic even his novel is!
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His popular poetry books include “Night Sky With Exit Wounds” and “Time is a Mother” – he writes about his queer identity, the feeling of not belonging, violence, war, and the trauma that comes along. If you are a fan of confessional poetry, you might end up falling in love with his work!

If we ever make it to shore, he says, I will name our son after this water.

Amanda Lovelace

Image: Writing Routines

Amanda Lovelace initially became famous by posting her work on social media platforms like Instagram and Tumblr. Her poems often deal with subjects like sexual abuse and trauma and healing and its importance. Her feminist spin on popular tales and some Disney stories we grew up with is rather intriguing. Her poetry series “Women are Some Kind of Magic” and “you are your own fairy tale” are based mainly on these.

Her poetry tweaks heteronormative perspectives while she gives her readers a peek into what it is like to be a woman. Many of her poems revolve around her queer identity and witchcraft too. If you are looking for some fierce and bold words, you are at the right place. Oh! And you can totally put Emeline’s Cinderella’s Dead in the background while you are at it!