The Slumdog Kids Have a Reunion: Can you believe it’s been 5 years since Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture at the Oscars? The incredibly talented young stars of the 2009 film reunited in Mumbai last week courtesy of the Hollywood Reporter. Now somewhat grown up, the actors reminisced about their first trip to Hollywood, the journey down the red carpet, life after the movie, and yes, even the somewhat controversial trust funds that were set up to fund their educations. The highlight of the piece were incredible photographs of many of the stars together, including a memorable shoot on Mumbai local trains. Interesting fact: Directory Danny Boyle visits the children at least once a year! [The Hollywood Reporter]
President Obama wrote a letter acknowledging the importance of the new Beyond Bollywood exhibition at the Smithsonian that opened this week. [Twitter]
Hindus around the world celebrated Maha Shivratri yesterday, celebrating the marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati. [WSJ India]
A new survey claims that seven out of ten Indians are dissatisfied with the direction of the country, and most (more than three to one) prefer the opposition Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party to India’s current ruling Congress Party. These latest numbers put more of a spotlight on the upcoming spring elections. [CNN]
The India-based LGBT website Gaysi Family premiered a video this week that focuses on the joy that remains in the community despite India’s recriminalization of homosexuality earlier this year. Titled “Happy in Gaysi Land” and set to Pharell’s hit song “Happy,” the video shows South Asian queers rejoicing and celebrating in Mumbai. [Huffington Post & Scroll.in]
My father always said, “I grew you up without a country.” I feel proud of being Sri Lankan, and proud of being in New York—what I’ve built here; its all part of what it means to have a global identity.
Sri Lankan-born, New York City-based DJ Ushka talks about growing up — her immigrant experience, foray into activism, and unique passion for blending it all together through music. [Open City]
According to the National Science Foundation’s latest report on the state of science in the U.S., 25 percent of the science workforce is made up of immigrants and we can credit much of the U.S.’s leading stance in scientific research to foreign-born scientists. [Pacific Standard]
Priya Arora is a graduate student at New York University, studying Human Development and Social Intervention with a research focus on mental health in LGBTQ youths. Born and raised in California, Priya has found a home in New York, and hopes to go on to become a mental health counselor. Follow her on Twitter at @thepriyaarora.
