A Brother’s Plea. Of all the heartbreaking stories that surround the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, we’ve kept a close eye on the case of 51-year-old social worker Chandrika Sharma, whose husband shared a poignant note with CNN this weekend. Yesterday, anchor Jim Sciutto interviewed Sharma’s brother, an Indian merchant navy captain who most likely spoke for many of the victims’ family members when he stressed the importance of uncovering “conclusive evidence” to provide closure and clarity. [CNN]
Recreating an Epic. Brace yourselves for the clamoring Hindu Right — Disney India just agreed to produce a two-part live-action film version of the mythological epic, The Mahabharata. Directed by Abhishek Kapoor (of Kai Po Che fame), the film is rumored to have a scale that’s comparable to The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Not even a character voiced by the Big B could save an animated adaptation last year — let’s hope Kapoor can give it the magic touch. [The Hollywood Reporter]
Of Remittances and Remorse. Don’t miss journo Anup Kaphle’s latest for The Washington Post — an eye-opening piece on the grave stories behind the remittances that currently account for nearly 26 percent of Nepal’s GDP: “…in recent years, Nepalis have become increasingly alarmed by the price paid by thousands of migrants. Some suffer depression as they leave tiny villages and travel alone to foreign cities where they don’t speak the language. Others face abuse, including long hours and beatings. Each year, hundreds come back in plywood coffins,” Kaphle reports. A somber but crucial reality check. [The Washington Post]
From Bangalore to Brooklyn. Congratulations to ace food blogger Chitra Agarwal, who just announced she’ll be penning her very first cookbook, releasing in 2016. We’ve drooled over her inventive, Indian-inspired dishes (fresh lettuce dosa wraps, anyone?) which she describes as “rooted in tradition, but mixed up with influences from around the world,” since 2009, and are thrilled she’s moving on up in the gastronomosphere! [The ABCD’s of Cooking]
Feelin’ It. If “Feel,” the latest single from Brit band, Bombay Bicycle Club, sounds strangely familiar, it’s because the opening bars sample “Man Dole”, a popular tune from Nagin, a 1954 Bollywood classic. In addition to the vintage shout-out, we’re digging the track for its over-the-top music video. Because let’s face it: who doesn’t need slow motion and a coterie of coiffed back-up dancers to make a stellar first impression on their soulmate? (H/T @BySarahKhan) [NME]
Aarti Virani is an arts and culture writer based in Hoboken, New Jersey. She has written for publications including Vogue India, The Wall Street Journal and Travel + Leisure. Follow her on Twitter at @aartivirani.
