An all-Indian cast heads the animated film ‘Mira, Royal Detective’ – a great way for young Indian-Americans to see people like themselves on the big Hollywood screen.
Author: Lavina Melwani
Lavina Melwani
Lavina Melwani is a New York-based journalist who writes for several international publications. Twitter@lavinamelwani & @lassiwithlavina Sign up for the free newsletter to get your dose of Lassi!
2587 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page – 63 post clicks Meera Narasimhan, Pranay Gupte and 8 others like it on Lassi with Lavina FB page The Indian-Americans Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj More Addictive Than Masala Peanuts! If you haven’t watched Hasan Minhaj before, you have been forewarned – he is more addictive than a bowl of masala peanuts. Sundays in New York will never be the same again because they are now MinDays – they must include the very likeable comedian Hasan Minhaj and his new Netflix show ‘Patriot Act’. The hugely popular host has a lot…
Padma Lakshmi fans will be delighted to know that the culinary star was recognized by Mayor Bill De Blasio with an official proclamation of ‘Padma Lakshmi Day in New York’ on the occasion of Diwali celebrations at the beautiful Gracie Mansion in Manhattan.
Sayu Bhojwani herself is an immigrant and her mission is to make sure there is room for all immigrants at America’s table. Her America is a very different one from that of Donald Trump’s. It is an America where immigrants are central to the story and where the country thrives because of their participation.
New York is full of surprises where unexpected things happen and you get to meet the most unexpected people. I certainly didn’t expect to be eating a home-cooked meal by Master Chef Vikas Khanna served in his 10th floor apartment near the United Nations. Nor did I expect to be eating it with the iconic Pakistani filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy whose powerful work has won her a gaggle of awards including two Oscars and six Emmys.
It was a packed audience at the Minetta Lane Theater, an intimate off-Broadway house in Greenwich Village. Everyone was waiting for the show to begin; the lights had been dimmed. A man with a suitcase suddenly strutted up the aisle, wide-eyed and with an innocent, open smile, waving to the audience.
It was Azgi, immigrant restaurant worker from India, on his way to the America of Dreams.
If the Pilgrim Fathers revisited America this year, they would certainly be amazed by the aromas, tastes and colors of the diverse Thanksgiving table. New York is, of course, one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and its residents trace their roots to hundreds of countries and ethnicities. Each immigrant family brings its own culture and food habits and incorporates them into the Thanksgiving meal.
We’ve all seen thrillers with spine-tingling action, gangsters, undercover agents and secret raids to unearth narcotics, jewels or bombs. In ‘The Price of Free’, all these elements are there except the contraband goods are real, live children who are being abused as modern day slaves.
November 6 was a memorable day with rain and umbrellas, long lines at the polling booths and then a nail-biting wait for the results of the midterm elections. For Indian-Americans who largely tend to vote Democratic, there was a collective sigh of relief as their party took back the house even as the Republicans maintained – and strengthened – their hold on the Senate.
3783 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page – 216 engagements Shanta Bipat, Sonali Soni and 16 others like it on Lassi with Lavina FB page The Buzz – Armistice Day 2018 1.3 Million Indian Troops in World War 1 Sometimes I think we don’t know enough of our own history! Did you know that over 1.3 million Indians were involved in World War 1? Being part of the British Raj, they were dragged into the momentous war which was being fought thousands of miles away from India. What were their thoughts, their feelings on being asked to serve…
November 6, 2018 may be just another ordinary day for most people around the world but for Americans it’s make or break day – the day millions of US citizens go to the polls to vote. The Midterm Elections are all the buzz in America – in the course of less than a week will be decided the future blueprint of the country.
Will the Desi Vote be as potent as the ‘Desi Girl’ in the Midterm Elections? Listen to Roopa Mahadevan!
The historic townhouse where First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt once lived has stood tall on Park Avenue and has seen many a famous guest walk through its gilded rooms. Now owned by Meera Gandhi, the CEO of Giving Back Foundation, the house recently saw some history repeated.
In this frightening political season as the elections draw near, here is a little respite, something to smile about.
“The first time I went to India, for me it was like a dream. To see the artistes was like meeting a superstar, and to experience such a vast ocean of Bharatanatyam! My experience with them has been amazing – sometimes I wish I had two brains so I won’t forget even a word they have said. I only pray I can have the strength and charisma they have, and realize their words in this life.”
Tulsi Gabbard’s Diwali Greeting Aloha and Namaste. I’d like to wish you and your family a very Happy Diwali. Diwali is such a special time of year where people all over the world are coming together to light their lamps in honor the return of Lord Ramachandra to His kingdom after many years in exile, and celebrate the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Unfortunately, in our world today, we find ourselves surrounded by darkness and divisiveness, based on race, gender, politics, or religion. We see political leaders and influencers, people in the media,…
In Jersey City, cops are joining the Indian community in dancing the garba! Watch the video!
If you’re wondering what the Secret Garden is, and where it is, it is Children’s Hope India’s annual gala and it was held on October 7 at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. The theme of this much anticipated fundraiser for the education of under-served children was based on the classic children’s novel ‘The Secret Garden’ by Frances Hodgson Burnett which shows how love and compassion can transform the lives of children.
2338 people reached on Lassi with Lavina FB page – 14 Likes – 116 post clicks Ankit Narula, Gulnaaz Lalji and Shagun Mehandru like it on Lassi with Lavina FB page Children’s Hope India: A Visit to a Secret Garden Imagine a lush Secret Garden where dreams are nurtured and where tiny seedlings are encouraged to bloom to their full potential. Children’s Hope India (CHI) invites you to just such a special space. Inspired by the classic children’s novel, ‘The Secret Garden’, this year’s CHI Gala touches upon the theme of rejuvenation and playfully evokes a floral fantasy at Pier Sixty…
From thought leaders and advocates in public spaces to the CEOs of corporations and start-ups to the hordes of unsung NYC cabbies, cooks and 711 workers – there are countless Indian stories waiting to be told. Indian brain cells, entrepreneurship and sweat equity are entwined with the success of America, and we will meet these famous, infamous and ordinary people every week.