This Week In Culture: One Night In Toki-O, Paratha Burgers, & More

"Sydney Sweeney has great jeans" is the title of American Eagle's latest ad campaign playing on the homophone between 'jeans' and 'genes'. As the actress talks about hair and eye colour — traits that are determined by genes, critics state how it makes for a perfect dog whistle for white supremacy and eugenics.

And while such bigoted messaging may seem almost impossible in today’s hyper-aware, politically charged climate, let’s not forget India has had its own version of this obsession with purity. For decades, Fair & Lovely ads portrayed darker skin as dirty, casting fair skin as synonymous with success, desirability, and virtue. Beneath the whitening creams and lighting tricks lurked the shadows of casteism and colonialism — insidious hierarchies repackaged as lifestyle aspiration.

Of course, there are those who argue that people are reading too much into it — that it’s "not that deep" — but it is. Everything in culture exists within context. And in a climate where tradwife aesthetics, “being in your femininity”, and conservative values are gathering steam, an ad like this is a little wink; a signal that fascist ideas can safely return to mainstream visibility.

Is the brand just cashing in on outrage economics? Maybe. But why does it feel so comfortable playing with fire; especially with a subject that invokes violent histories of genocide without fear of being boycotted or condemned? There are questions we need to be asking. As a country we are not too far removed from such an ideological stance and atmosphere. And so, even if this feels somewhat distant, we should very much be concerned.

Culture is always a thermometer for the times. If we’re paying attention, it can help us change course before we go too far. So as entertaining as it all is, keep your eyes peeled, folks.

Here's what we have for you this week:

Viva: The Indian Spice Girls

Homegrown looks back at the rise and brief but powerful impact of Viva, India’s first girl group formed through reality show 'Coke [V] Popstars' in 2002. Pari's piece explores how the group made up of Pratichee, Seema, Neha, Mahua, and Anushka, shaped pop culture, challenged gender norms in the music industry, and left behind a legacy that still sparks conversations about representation, agency, and the space women occupy in Indian music.

Read more here.

We Outside By Yelhomie

Yelhomie's new debut single is crafted in the heart of conflict‑ridden Manipur. Rooted in unmistakable resistance, the track fuses tribal war chants, log drums and hip‑hop rhythms, and ends with an invocation in Ancient Meitei‑lon that calls for awakening. Shot amid curfews, internet shutdowns, and silence imposed on the Northeast, the song becomes a manifesto of visibility and a declaration that refusing erasure is in itself an act of rebellion.

Listen to it here.

'Putul Nacher Itikotha' By Manik Bandyopadhyay

Manik Bandyopadhyay’s 1936 novel 'Putul Nacher Itikotha' is remembered for its psychological depth and sharp social critique. Set in rural Bengal, it tells the story of Shashi, a young doctor grappling with caste, power, and human desire in a world where everyone is bound by invisible strings. Drishya's piece reflects on how the novel remains relevant for its portrayal of societal manipulation and internal conflict.

Read more here.

Portraits By Alia Romagnoli

Alia Romagnoli’s photographs are a vivid blend of colour, costume, and cultural symbolism. Drawing from South Asian identity and queer narratives, her portraits are carefully staged and styled to reflect ideas of memory, longing, and personal mythology. Her use of traditional patterns and saturated hues creates a world where identity becomes both performance and protection.

Check out her work here.

Cuts & Cassettes By Ranjit Shankar

Ranjit Shankar’s photoseries Cuts & Cassettes explores the emotional landscape of male friendships through quiet moments and subtle gestures. Set against urban backdrops, the images feature friends listening to music, getting haircuts, and spending time together in ways that break away from dominant ideas of masculinity. The series is intimate and grounded; offering a softer lens on male connection.

Go through it here.

One Night in Toki-O - Bengaluru

Homegrown’s upcoming event in Bengaluru brings Japanese food, culture, and craft together in an immersive format. From sushi pop-ups and curated sake tastings to pop-culture installations and indie design showcases, the event is designed to offer a deep yet accessible look at contemporary Japan, aiming to create a space for cultural exchange rooted in curiosity and craft.

Get your tickets here.

Paratha Bun By Klay, Dubai

Klay, a Dubai-based eatery, just reimagined the burger using layered lachha parathas instead of buns, filled with a variety of desi and international flavours — from butter chicken to smashed beef. Klay's savoury and sweet Paratha Buns merge street food nostalgia with global comfort, offering a joyful collision of textures, spices, and influences.

Check them out here.

Are You Getting Enough Protein?

Dal chawal is love but sometimes love isn't enough. In this piece, Homegrown examines the protein gap in most Indian diets and explores ways to address it using local ingredients and mindful substitutions. We take a look at the narrative around nutrition and challenge the belief that protein-rich meals must be meat-based, offering plant-based and accessible alternatives.

Read more here.

Anshuka Parwani's New Yoga Studio

Celebrity yoga trainer Anshuka Parwani’s new Mumbai studio is designed to reflect her personal journey and approach to wellness. With soft tones, open spaces, and earthy materials, the space encourages calm and inward focus. In this piece, she tells Homegrown how the space is built not just for movement but also for recovery, balance, and intentional living.

Read more here.

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