Known Turf

I sometimes wonder whether some of us (film reviewers especially) are losing the ability to be entertained. Or whether we like to set oursel...

Young man. Striped shirt. Big-ish car... cannot tell which make; never cared enough about models and names. Young man leans out to ask for d...

If only, brokers didn't have to be paid. If only, people built houses meant to be lived in. Rooms with large windows, and doors right ac...

Sunday morning and a knock on the door. A stranger. Who hands me a picture of guru nanak, benevolently gazing at nothing at a forty-five ...

In Delhi's buses, about one-fourth of the seats are reserved for women. The first seat on the left is for the conductor(s). The second i...

One of the worst things about my job is the tears. Grown men and women breaking down. You can handle kids' crying. They scream their lun...

Was stuck to her cell phone outside a small 'mart' while it poured in sheets more solid than water can be. Was cursing her decision ...

Can't remember where I've heard it, but I always carry it around - this idea that the body is the soul. The body is all you have. It...

Because I am delighted by the poster-plastered walls that inform me of a range of entertainment options, which include: 1] Narhau Rickshawal...

He began by asking for directions. So many of them do that, that I almost didn't bother to turn my head towards the voice. And yet, it i...

Poetry, it is said, is called into service when other, words fail you. When newspaper reports, essays, stories, conversation itself fails. P...

They opened the door reluctantly. I stepped inside the house hesitantly, prickling with the knowledge that I am not very welcome. Siddique s...

A line of Control. A dress. A word. A slut. It is not an easy admission to make, but I have used the word 'slut' whilst referring to...

About two years ago, I had said some things about provocation (in a post titled ' Provocation', which then led to some very provoked...

His name I know well. He repeatedly told me - Ramji - and repeatedly told me not to forget. I'd only wanted to get away from the shore, ...

I didn't ask his name, but now, I wonder. In Benaras, this man was unusual. He was one of those who had a chance but didn't ask for ...

A must-read, and a please-acquire book . And not just because I was included. These are 21 stories written by South Asian women under 40. I...

Benaras. Everything I thought it might be, it seemed to be. But who knows... I did not go out much. Except that one evening, for someone tol...

Finally, it's out there. Update : It is definitely available in Landmark bookstore, Gurgaon (and in Chennai and Mumbai, I hear). I spott...

When words begin to curl up in the corners, and meaning begins to drip off the blurry edge, you know it has rained all night in Delhi. Adhch...