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Not too long ago we sent out a newsletter where I described the monsoon as If I was a poet and it was my lover. A few weeks later we're no different than a divorced couple who are vying to go our separate ways. I live in a little hill station in Chhattisgarh, which is mostly made up of rainforests. Not only have I not seen the sun in several weeks but I've also stopped wearing cute outfits altogether because I can't step out of the house without my raincoat - and I don't know what's worse.

This whole 360-degree turn on the monsoon reminded me of Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Parasite’, where the rich woman romanticizes  the rains on a call in the back seat of her car a day after the driver and his family had suffered in the floods. A big part of India is going through the same thing right now. In Vir Das’ words, there are two Indias, one that is making cinematic reels about the aesthetics of monsoon and the other that is trying to survive amongst floods and landslides. Since we talk about the internet connecting us so much, I hope we can cut the divide between the two Indias, extend our empathy, and check our privilege a little this monsoon. If all you can complain about is not being able to go outside, like me, consider yourselves lucky. The rain this year is doing much more than yucking our yums. 

If you're not underwater yet, congratulations. Count your blessings and face the boredom like the gift it is. We'll help you out too with our culture bulletin. Here's what we have for you this week.

UK’s cult rap duo PAV4N and Sonnyjim just released their debut album with Indian music producer Kartik and it's the freshest piece of work to come out recently. Featuring hip-hop heavyweights across the genre, the album is an intersection of the Indian diasporic experience and hip-hop, with exciting cultural and musical references throughout.

Listen to it here.

Spearheaded by Padma Saldon, Saldon is a celebration of India's rich textile traditions. From working with natural dyes developed from local flora and partnering with artisans who hand-spin yak and sheep’s wool to create bespoke pieces, the brand embodies the spirit of slow fashion. Saldon is the convergence of indigenous crafts and contemporary aesthetics.

Check out their latest collection here.

This Bengaluru-based establishment has recreated the authentic Kopitiam experience, a cornerstone of Malaysian life. Beyond serving delectable dishes like Nasi Lemak and Hainanese Chicken Rice, Kopitiam Lah also offers a glimpse into the country's rich history and social fabric. 

Read more about them here.

Gender Bender, an annual festival by Sandbox Collective and Max Mueller Bhavan, has been a playground for engaging dialogues about gender through artist grants and showcases. This year they need your help for their 10th edition which is taking place in November. 

Find out how to support them here.

Ajit SN is an underwater photographer who has been capturing marine life all over the world over the course of his career. Homegrown recently spoke to him about his work and the impact it has had on him. The interview gave us exciting stories about seeing a blue whale up close as well as tremendous insight into the field of marine conservation as a whole. 

Read more here.

Anmol Sidhu’s directorial debut from 2021 is not an easy watch, even if you just want to glance through the trailer. It is a one-of-a-kind film that captures the two sides of the coin that is homophobia, highlighting how ignorance around sexuality can be harmful in a community through a story about a boy in rural Punjab. 

You can watch it on MUBI here.

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Alighieri Is A Diasporic South Asian Jewellery Brand Inspired By Dante's Inferno

Vishav Arora's 'Project Heart' Animations Bring Everyday Moments Of Love To Life

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