This Week In Culture: The Rise Of Reble, Sandra From Bandra, & More

In her essay 'The Puritanical Eye: Hyper-mediation, Sex on Film, and the Disavowal of Desire', Carlee Gomes writes about how, in late capitalism, our sense of political agency has been slowly chipped away until all that's left is the power to choose what we consume. The act of watching, buying, wearing, listening — it's become our shorthand for protest, identity, ethics, and even desire. And because consumption is one of the few actions we can still fully claim as 'ours', we’ve loaded it with meaning. Choosing what to consume becomes a high-stakes moral game. We treat every cultural interaction like a referendum on who we are and what we stand for.

But here’s the thing: we can’t escape consumption. It’s the air we breathe in a world where everything, from love to resistance, is framed as a lifestyle choice. Still, what we can do is choose to engage with care. This article brings together creators, stories, and ideas that offer an alternative rhythm in a culture obsessed with speed. They remind us that even inside the churn of algorithms and marketplaces, it’s possible to make room for stillness, to tell better stories, to honour memory, to listen deeply, and to find purpose in making, feeling, and simply being.

Here's what we have for you this week:

'till I see you' By Ayush Sayalkar

Ayush’s debut ambient EP, till i see you, released via Kolkata-based label ONNO, is a poignant exploration of memory through sound. Comprising three tracks — 'where it all ends', 'heaven surrounds us', and 'if you could stay', the EP weaves together fragments of ambient textures, half-heard voices, and subtle melodies to evoke a sense of emotional geography. Sayalkar, known for his work as a filmmaker and part of the audiovisual duo Centre Penguin Effect, brings a cinematic sensitivity to the EP.

Listen to it here.

In Conversation With Reble

Reble, born Daiaphi Lamare in Meghalaya's West Jaintia Hills, is a formidable force in India's hip-hop landscape. Drawing inspiration from global icons like Eminem and André 3000, she has cultivated a distinctive voice that intertwines her tribal heritage with incisive lyricism. Her music, characterised by its raw energy and authenticity, delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the challenges of being an independent artist from the Northeast.

Read it here.

'Where's Sandra' By Paromita Vohra

Paromita Vohra’s 2005 documentary Where’s Sandra? playfully unpacks the layered stereotype of 'Sandra from Bandra' — a term that emerged in early 2000s Mumbai to describe the fashionable, free-spirited Catholic woman from the suburb of Bandra. Through interviews, archival footage, and cultural references, the film explores how this figure became both a symbol of modern femininity and a target of fetishization.

Watch it here.

In Conversation With Tanmay Saxena

Tanmay Saxena, a UK-based multidisciplinary artist originally from India, crafts evocative visual narratives that traverse photography, film, fashion, and illustration. His images are characterized by layered storytelling, where elements like animals and human figures coexist in frames that evoke vulnerability and philosophical depth. In his interview with Homegrown, Tanmay discusses his artistic process, intention, and the influences he has had growing up.

Read it here.

Hinoki: Delhi's Latest Slow Bar

Hinoki is a Japanese-inspired slow bar that's redefining how we experience coffee and tea. Founded by college friends Urvi Singh and Deepanshu Saini, Hinoki is all about slowing down and savoring the moment. With hand-pressed espressos and the best Matcha in town, according to the reviews, the Hinoki is bringing the beverage back to center stage, encouraging a more intentional and mindful coffee experience.

Check it out here.

Inside Studio Medium’s World of Textile First Design

Studio Medium, founded by Riddhi Jain and Dhruv Satija, is a Delhi-based design studio that places textiles at the heart of its creative process. Dhanmill in Chattarpur, which functions as both a retail space and an open studio, showcasing their commitment to process-driven design. In their interview with Homegrown, Riddhi and Dhruv delve into their journey, the significance of cross-disciplinary collaborations, and how Studio Medium is redefining textile-first design in India.

Read it here.

In Conversation With Injiri Founder Chinar Farooqui

Injiri, founded in 2009 by textile designer Chinar Farooqui, is a homegrown fashion label that places traditional Indian craftsmanship at its core. Drawing from her upbringing in Rajasthan, Farooqui was immersed in the world of handwoven and hand-dyed textiles from an early age, fostering a deep respect for raw materials and the artisans behind them. In this article she talks about the philosophy behind Injiri, and her commitment to creating pieces that resonate on a deeper, more personal level.

Go through it here.

Wide World: Climate In South Asia

The Asia Society India Centre is hosting a four-part online workshop that delves into the colonial roots of today’s climate crisis. The sessions will explore how colonial-era practices like resource extraction and ecosystem disruption have contributed to the current environmental challenges, especially in regions like South Asia. It will also feature voices from frontline communities and indigenous leaders who are actively resisting climate breakdown and advocating for locally rooted environmental solutions.

Register here.

ThekkIndian: South India's First Afro dance festival

ThekkIndian, happening on May 31 and June 1 at Cherai Beach in Kochi, celebrates Afro culture through dance, music, and community. Attendees can participate in workshops led by international artists like Champion Rolie and Amaleya Osei from Ghana, as well as Indian performers such as Ryan Martyr and the Afrontal crew. The festival also features live music, dance battles, a fashion show, and wellness activities like meditation and sound healing.

Get your tickets here.

If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:

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Radhika Sanghvi's Sculptures Are A Conversation Between Form, Light, and Feeling

Why Nordstrom's Comically Expensive ‘Indian Souvenir Bag' Is Nothing Short Of Ridiculous