BL Ink

The year 2020 has shown we can endure a lot, for longer than we thought possible, and that we will find a way through whatever 2021 throws at us

A list of shows that made this mostly house-bound year bearable and, at times, rewarding

The year was like no other: It gave us immeasurable grief but also taught us to hold hands

The former five-time world champion on mentoring the young, women in chess and watching The Queen’s Gambit

Lea Singer uses unpublished letters to draw out a secret relationship between Vladimir Horowitz, one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, and his student, the Swiss pianist and composer Nico Kaufmann, in a book populated with delightful pieces of music

The biography of Devika Rani — rebel, superstar and abused wife — is the remarkable story of a woman who lived well before her time

Shamsur Rahman Faruqi combined the ruthlessness of the biographer-critic with the empathy of the novelist

An hour’s siesta if voted to power: Goa Forward Party has placed the state’s love for nap at the centre of its poll agenda for 2022

Even before I’ve opened the door to my apartment, I hear loud cackles from inside. It’s Rockette, my semi-wild raccoon friend. “Kiki-kiki-KEEE!” she ...

From taco parties to lotus root slow-cooked in yoghurt, and from khichri to barfi, a new book looks at all that is being rustled up in South Asian Muslim kitchens

‘Sharent’ for a parent who regularly uses social media to share details about his or her children and ‘techlash’ for a backlash against large tech ...

Just how do we beat the 2020 blues? With books, books — and more books

The red poinsettia shrub reminds us of a history of travel and migration that governments, even those that take oaths on the Bible, choose to forget

The Swedish Christmas spread comes with its share of stories and quirks. Here’s a slice

Five podcasts to help you relax and recharge before the arrival of a new year

With TRP wars and shrill anchors dominating the current scene, one may feel nostalgic enough to think fondly of Doordarshan News, which telecast its first bulletin in 1965. But it’s also true that the sole purveyor of TV news for nearly three decades has been singing hosannas to every regime in power

Don’t leave 2020 without giving this year’s best jazz and funk musicians a listen

The Sikh diaspora has launched into action — collecting donations, organising rallies and posting news updates — in support of the Indian farmer

An recalls the special bond between Guru Dutt and Abrar Alvi, and the magic they wielded together

Breaking is now an Olympic sport and the news has Bengaluru’s b-boys and b-girls floored

Shashi Tharoor’s new book provides an analytical overview of patriotism to readers grappling with swiftly changing definitions of nationalism

An admirer bumps into Eric Hobsbawm. Or wishes she had

My sister S, who lives in Connecticut, sends me a text message: “Informal opinion survey: What would you choose as your comfort food? And why?” Hmmm.

An ode to frogs and the role they play as environment markers gets the top award at a science film festival