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Every day, the world seems to become a darker place to live in. Whether it's the passing of the Trans Amendment Bill, the LPG crisis that has swept our nation, and of course, a war happening not that far away from us, it is difficult to remain hopeful. Honestly, it feels almost impossible to find joy as we sit and watch our world, both literally and metaphorically, burn.
And this ages us; at least, it has aged me. I cannot imagine what it must feel like for children growing up in this environment. How protected are they from what is happening? And should they be? Is being unaware of the world they are entering worse than knowing? Are we doing them a disservice by keeping them in the dark, or have we already failed them?
I don’t know anymore.
With this week’s bulletin we bring to you possible moments of levity and the possibility of finding something more meaningful and intentional. From the short film, ‘Don’t Interrupt While We Dance’, that shines a light on the ordinary lives of queer people to a restaurant in Bhuvaneshwar that is preserving and showcasing the tradition of Odiaa cooking, we hope this round up cuts through the deafening noise and helps you find the joy despite the strife that's taking place both at home and across oceans.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Experience an evening of food, music, and speed at the Balola Motorplex in Gurugram on 12th April 2026. Designed as a space for everyone, whether you're a drivers or an enthusiast, this event, organised by Bad Boi Drift, India’s first drift ecosystem, will also feature music performances from TNT, Ukato, and Gabs The Original. With drift trains, taxi rides, door-to-door battles, and more, it promises a high-energy celebration of community and adrenaline. Book your tickets here.
Written and directed by queer poet and filmmaker, Anureet Watta, ‘Dont Interrupt While We Dance’ is a queer led-short film that diverges from presenting queer stories in India as ones that can only have a tragic ending. The film is an entrance point into the lives of queer people, where the characters desire nothing extraordinary: they simply hope to fall in love, experience joy, and grow old together. The film forces you to look at queer people beyond just being data points; to see them as people with aspirations for a life that is unordinary and mundane. Read more here.
Odraa, founded by Tallina and Tanaya Patnaik, is reimagining Odia cuisine by bringing regional traditions into a contemporary dining space in Bhuvaneshwar. Drawing from family recipes, temple food, and everyday cooking practices across Odisha, the restaurant focuses on preserving authentic techniques while presenting them in a refined, accessible way. By combining research, storytelling, and thoughtful sourcing, Odraa not only celebrates the diversity of the cuisine, but is often treated as an outlier in India’s local cuisines. Read more here.
Shan Foods’ April Fool’s campaign for “Masala Cola” blurred the line between absurdity and believability by introducing flavours like pani puri, chaat masala, tandoori, and butter chicken. While clearly a prank, the campaign worked because it tapped into familiar South Asian taste profiles and existing street drink cultures, making the idea feel oddly plausible. Read more about it here.
India's sneaker culture has evolved rapidly, with homegrown brands challenging the idea that quality must come from abroad. Echos Above, a Chennai-based label with a young, lean team, is part of this shift, focusing on craftsmanship, material quality, and thoughtful design. Working closely with local artisans, the brand handles production end-to-end within India, prioritising precision over mass output. Their debut collection, 'Awayday', draws from 80s and 90s terrace culture, blending heritage inspiration with modern detailing. Learn more about the brand here
French-Sri Lankan singer Nilusi began performing at just five years old, an early start that exposed her to both the pressures and possibilities of the music industry.Through her label, Gleam Records, Nilusi takes full control of her music and visuals, prioritising artistic integrity over industry expectations. Her sound blends jazz, R&B, and South Asian influences, reflecting her dual identity and global upbringing. With her album 'Lettre à l’Univers', she embraces genre fluidity and personal storytelling, positioning herself as an artist committed to authenticity, evolution, and owning her narrative. Read more here.
This week, we've put together a curated list of recent music videos by Homegrown artists that push creative boundaries through rich narratives and distinct art direction. From mythological reinterpretations in 'Amsham' to the cinematic polo landscapes of 'Bewajah'; from the quiet introspection of 'Aas' to the socio-political lens of 'Mere Pyare Pahad' and the surreal identity exploration in 'Insaan', each video showcases the evolving depth and experimentation within contemporary independent music visuals. Read more here.
After the release of their album, ‘The Mountain’, featuring Indian artists like Anoushka Shanker, Asha Bhosle, Ajay Prasanna, and more, Gorillaz are coming to the country that inspired it all. With a two-city tour at Bengaluru on January 23rd and Mumbai on January 27th, the tickets for The Mountain Tour will be available on the District App, with early access opening on April 13, 2026 and general sales going live on April 18. Read more about the tour here.
