#bollywood religious movie in india

[rrcraft-and-lore]

Monkey Man and why I loved the heck out of it

At it's core, it's a Bollywood flick presented to the West with familiar nods to previous action films - I definitely picked up hints of Tony Jaa's influence on Asian action flicks throughout.

It's heavily focused on police corruption, something commented a lot about in India, and here, more importantly, Indian films. Just like America has its love affair with mobster flicks, Bollywood has a long history featuring films that showcase police corruption, sometimes tied into political extremism, fanatical or greedy religious leaders, and Monkey Man comments on all this as well and pays nods to that commonality. We've got televangelists and religious leaders in the states funnelling money, preaching prosperity gospel, and using it to influence politics and fund lavish lifestyles here.

Monkey Man shows this happening in India, and is filled with Indian culture and symbolism through out. The focus on Hanuman, the god and one worshiped by the strong, chaste, wrestlers, champions, and fighters. It's a common thing to have a household deity if you will. Some families might choose to focus worship on Ganesh, others Hanuman, some might do Mata Rani or Lakshmi. Here, it's the divine Vanara (monkey people race) - one of the Chiranjivi - immortals/forever-lived.

Hanuman. Themes of rebirth, common in South Asian history and mythology are present from Kid being a ringer, beat up fighter getting whooped for money to being reborn and facing his trauma through a ritual/meditate process that I don't want to get too much into to not spoil the movie. Post that, he begins his own self alchemy to really become the true Monkey Man. Nods to Ramayama, and an unapologetically Indian story featuring dialogues throughout in Hindi - don't worry, there are subtitles.

And of course a love for action flicks before it, all the way back to Bruce Lee. A beautiful use tbh of an autorickshaw (and you might know them as tuk-tuks in Thailand) which are popular in India with an added kick...I swear, that thing had to be modified with a hayabusa motor. Which is an actual thing people do - modding those dinky rickshaws with motorcycle engines, and considering they weigh nothing at all, they can REALLY FLY once you do that.

Monkey Man brings to the big screen other elements of India people might not know about, such as the gender non conforming and trans community that has a long history in India, presenting them as action stars as they go up against a system of corrupt elites oppressing part of the city, marginalized communities, and minority voices as depicted in the film. I'm not sure if people are going to get all of that without having the context, but I love that it does it without holding anyone's hands.

It's a fun action flick to see in the age of superhero films, and I say that as an obvious superhero/sff nerd. Also loved that Dev included a little bit about Hanuman's own story in the film, and the loss of his powers - almost mirrored by Kid's own loss of self/skills, strength until he confronts his trauma and is reborn, and in fact, remade (not necessarily the same). Also, the use of music was brilliant, including one scene with a tabla (the paired hand drums of south asia) - and Indian music is central to Indian stories.

This is a culture with evidence going back to the Paleolithic with cave murals showing art of Indian dance nearly 30,000 years ago. Yeah, that far back. As well as Mesolithic period art depicting musical instruments such as gongs, lyres, and more.

Indian music is some of the earliest we can find that has high developed beat and rhythm structures such as 5, 7, 9 and now the extremely common and known 4/4 and 3/4 - which so much of Western music is built upon. The foundations and experimentation of/in Jazz. John Coltrane and John Cage were heavily inspired by Indian music and incorporated a lot from it into their works. And Monkey Man blends Eastern and Western music through the narrative as comfortably as it does an Indian story in a very familiar Western accessible structure.

Dev did a wonderful job. And thanks to Jordan Peele for bringing it to screens.

[i-cant-sing]

BJP didn't destroy a mosque there was previously a Ram Mandir that Babar destroyed in own Ram birth place after 500 years BJP made the Mandir

And in Kashmir all of Hindu pandits were killed they forced a mother to eat her husband bodies if she didn't they would kill her children's and they were killed and they did more horrible things

And don't forget about The Kerala Files

There are constantly terrorist attacks in India from Pakistan like the attack on Delhi or Mumabi and the taj hotel

Or the Kashmir were they are bombing it

Or the news were we keep hearing that Hindu girls are cutted in pieces and kept in freezer

Girl... look me in the eye and be so fr, tell me dead ass that Hindus haven't committed more crimes against Muslims. Actually, if you're a BJP supporter, just- leave. Hate NM, so there's no point in talking sense into his followers.

And yeah, you've mentioned a lot of crimes against Hindus and yeah, it's very wrong and terrible what happened to them, but what about crimes against Indian Muslims??? Or they don't count because they're a religious minority aka second class citizen.

NOT TO MENTION THE BIGGEST CRIME OF ALL- Indians- of which many are Hindus- are going to Israel to work at this point in time- which would end up in supporting the Palestinian genocide.

AND YOU KEEP MENTIONING PAKISTAN- omg why are Indians so obsessed with making Pakistanis look bad??? Like there's so many bollywood movies where Pakistanis are the bad guys. It's like Hollywood's version of making Germans and Russians the villain every single time.

Don't even get me started on Kashmir. Do not-

[ashesandhackles]

10, 15, 24, and 26 please, pal :)

Thanks for the fun questions eithne :D

10. most enjoyable swear word in your native language?

For Hindi, going to concur with @padfootswhiskers and say "madarchod" (or even "behenchod" - sisterfucker- which you will hear often if you are in delhi) is very satisfying.

In Malayalam/Tamil - "mayir"(pubic hair) is one. But the odd one is "pulle' (which means grass. I always found this one hilarious - yelling at someone and calling them grass).

15. a saying, joke, or hermetic meme that only people from your country will get?

The meme everyone here will get is: "POOJA WHAT IS THIS BEHAVIOUR?" And "HOW CAN SHE SLAP?"

Both from reality shows, and they were widely used as meme formats.

We have context based common sayings, such as - if you ask a really stupid question after every detail has been explained, we say something like, "Poori Ramayan khatam ho gayi (we finished the entire Ramayana)- and "you are asking this now?"

This particular bit is funny because the Indian epic of Ramayana is really LONG.

24. what other nation is joked about most often in your country?

Bangladesh. The influx of refugees from Bangladesh in the states of Bengal and Assam are quite contentious issues in those state's politics, but it is often dealt in jokes by rest of the country. (In the similar vein of the kind of jokes western countries would make about finding Indian cab drivers everywhere)

26. does your nationality get portrayed in Hollywood/American media? what do you think about the portrayal?

Yup. Well, I am generally quite tired of these things in Hollywood portrayals:

- we are not all Hindus, and not all Hindus worship Ganesha. I sometimes wonder whether this is because of the kind of class (which is also tied to caste) who can afford to move abroad.

- we are not all super religious. However, India is a country where religion is woven into the fabric of its culture - so those cultural markers are there.

- India is not just (outskirts of) Mumbai or Varanasi. India is a vast country - and we not only have the tropics, we, along with Nepal, Pakistan, house the belt of highest mountains in the world. Unless it's an explorer, I see very little interest in these parts of India. North East India gets very little attention on Bollywood itself (unless it's an indie movie), I don't know whether white people that part of Indian exists.

These are off the top of my head. I am sure there are more I have issues with.

I am not from US ask sets

[geek-and-destroy]

'Progressive' hindu nationalists - why are they Like That?

Tomorrow is the 26th of January, the 74th Republic Day in India - the day the Indian constitution was formalized and adopted. I thought i'd mourn my fast-fading nationalism on this occasion by kinda airing out some bullshit and starting a political longpost, which is always a good idea right? right???

Since about the end of last year, I've seen some blogs on here that define themselves around hindutva - hindu nationalism, the idea that India is a hindu nation and must abandon its secular status. Any leftie/liberal with any awareness of the news will know their rhetoric is bullshit. Anyone who isn't really aware of Indian religious dynamics would know to spot their Islamophobia from a mile away, because seriously, the discourse is Ben Shapiro levels of bad.

The most egregious of these include hindulivesmatter, rhysaka, yato-dharmasto-jaya, vindhyavasini and others. Basically a small hindu nationalist clique. They're actually not that big a deal even on this hellsite, but they keep annoyingly popping up to start firebrand arguments under posts. But they're not uncommon in the real world. In fact, i think the majority of the Indian urban youth is Like That - anti-homophobia, anti-misogyny, theoretically anti-islamophobia, the same general left-leaning values associated with Gen Z; but with a weird blind spot when it comes to the fascist decline of their own country.

These users are not too different from TERFs, with their couching of hate in progressive, tumblr-social-justice language. There's been a lot of discourse around why TERFs are the way they are, why their otherwise feminist and progressive values eventually shatter in favour of their hate. I want to do something similar for hindutva tumblr, because i see in it a newer kind of hindu nationalist aggression, yet one that i am very familiar with, as an urban upper-middle-class Indian born into a Marathi Hindu family.

The main question i want to answer is this: why does someone espousing dire Islamophobic rhetoric also sincerely believe in progressive ideas? Why do they not see the contradictions? To do that, we need a little primer in post-independence Indian history.

So, it's often said that Indian democracy was not handed to us; this is not only in the sense that we had to fight for our freedom against the Brits, but also in the sense that there were long deliberations on the exact type of republic we wanted to be. The constitution was drafted, finalized and adopted a full three years after the Brits left. This framing of a philosophical struggle stayed on, throughout the tumult of the following decades.

This is how the modern Indian is taught about our history: Several riots, the Emergency in the 70s, the wars with Pakistan and China, the formation of Bangladesh, the victory at the cricket world cup, the Cold War international policy of non-alignment, the Green Revolution, all of these are presented through a frame of struggle, with the Kargil War and the 1991 liberalization being the point of stabilization. The median citizen of 1971 was politically aware and politically involved. That of 2001 was most likely not. At least, that's the narrative of capitalism in the country. This narrative of a 50-year prolonged post-independence struggle is why Indian nationalism is so potent, even outside of the newer Hindu fascist rhetoric. We've got a very intense sense of national pride. I'm guilty of it myself.

In 1991, the economy was opened up to multinational corporations and eventually led to the formation of an Indian petit bourgeois. The period from 1991 to roughly 2011 is seen as a period of idyllic peace much like the Clinton administration in the US. Culturally, this was the time of the Bollywood masala movie - light, apolitical and all about a big Hindu joint family that preaches benevolent unity of all religions. But the thing that was never mentioned in these movies was caste - an elephant in the room that i haven't addressed yet. Just like the 'default' US Culture is white suburban christian, the default culture here is upper caste middle-class hindu. The aforementioned rise of the middle class was largely along caste lines. Households in the US have microcultures along ethnic lines, and they can be similarly mapped in India through caste and religion.

The Indian equivalent of the megachurch pastor is the ruling BJP's paramilitary parent organization, the RSS, as well as others like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Karni Sena, etc - organizations that normal people largely didn't agree with but whose values and morals were ingrained in their subconscious. The apolitical Hindu in like 2004 did not believe, like the RSS does, that India should be a Hindu nation; but he (i use 'he' here because male tends to be default in this case, and that's a whole different conversation) did believe in the greatness of traditions, the Indian armed forces and in ancient Hindu scientific supremacy (which at the time was limited to Aryabhatta's zero and the actual progress in the sciences from ancients like Charaka and Sushruta to more modern ones like Ramanujan and CV Raman - it hadn't gone into cuckoo fantasy land yet, where we showhow had stem cell research and aeroplanes in ancient India and the Ramayana is apparently actual history now). To this person, Savarkar was an icon of the freedom struggle along with others like Gandhi, Bose, Ambedkar, etc, but he didn't know or care about his religio-fascist ideology. Fascist elements existed then and had their pockets of support - the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, Modi's CM-hood in Gujarat, and the first BJP national administration came up during this time. To the normal citizen, they were simply extremists with 'some good points'.

2008 was the year of the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. Islamophobia didn't fully enter Indian discourse just yet, largely because of the assertion of the city's multicultural identity, but the seeds were certainly sown. In fact, blatant Islamophobia wouldn't be mainstream till 2016 or so - the BJP's 2014 election was won on middle-class concerns. The petit bourgeois finally made its voice heard politically in the 2011 anti-corruption protests spearheaded by Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal, the latter of whom is the founder of the newest major political party in the country. It's typical of protests of this kind, agitating against a vague idea of corruption with not many tangible demands. It is true that by 2011, the Congress government was notoriously bloated, corrupt and ineffectual at a systemic level. The BJP gained a single-party majority on an anti-corruption and pro-welfare platform, with religion not really a factor.

The middle class celebrated this as an ultimate affirmation of their hegemony, and the RSS-derived values kicked into high gear. The celebrations have now become a gloat-fest, kinda like vindicated Marvel fans when their Disney product makes a bajillion dollars. The best example of this is the Ram Mandir inauguration earlier this week. Modi cultivated an image of a messiah figure who could do no wrong. Anyone who opposed their goals is now an anti-national and a traitor. General attitudes as a whole have grown a lot more bloodthirsty and carceral. Propaganda, degradation of public discourse, weakening of the media and public institutions, the whole gamut.

The people running the above-mentioned blogs are quite representative of this demographic. They probably fully believe what they spout. They fully believe that Hindus and Hinduism are under threat in India, that love jihad ("forced conversion") is a real thing, that Islamists are taking over their nation, and even that Hindus have been 'sleeping' and are just now being 'woken up'. At the same time, they believe in socially progressive values. The supposedly pro-LGBT+ and pro-feminist stances taken by the RSS are very much targeted at urban Hindus, not at the West as PR.

The propaganda directed at them (which includes movies, social media and tragically, many news outlets) often appeals to the traditional acceptance of queer individuals in mythological texts to get straight, cis, sheltered urban Hindus of all ages to reconcile bigotries and get on board the hate train. It is often in a comparative frame, juxtaposed with the bigotry in Islamic or Christian texts and historical persecution in the West (btw, the term acceptance is very loose here, they often equate mention of a thing with acceptance of that thing even if it's derogatory. Ancient hindu culture only 'accepted' trans women, and that was a marginalized acceptance at best).

The RSS often preaches that Hinduism is the religion of tolerance, and advocates for a twisted version of the tolerance paradox. It's reached a level where propaganda doesn't have to be deliberate - the citizens will do it for them. These blogs are true believers despite the contradictions, but their online activity is probably a deliberate form of praxis, with the co-opting of social justice vocab and appealing to white/western/Indian expat guilt etc. So yes, very much like TERFs, except that TERFs are an actual minority whereas Hindutva ideology is increasingly the default 'apolitical' belief. The reactionary internalization has been successful.

Tl;dr: people like hindulivesmatter are sincere in their bigotry towards Muslims as well as their progressive beliefs, because Indian culture as a whole oriented itself towards appealing to the urban upper caste middle class.

[dweemeister]

Devi (1960, India)

One year following his stunning Apur Sansar (The World of Apu) (1959), director Satyajit Ray reunited actors Sharmila Tagore and Soumitra Chatterjee. By this point, Ray was no longer the studious yet inexperienced hand that shepherded the Apu trilogy to its conclusion. But his lead actors were still only starring in their second-ever film. Bengali cinema (Tollywood, based in West Bengal) had a proud history before Ray’s Apu trilogy (1955-1959), but now had caught the attention of audiences beyond India – disproportionately so, as Bollywood (Hindi cinema, based in Mumbai) has always been the largest part of the nation’s film industry. Unlike some of the most popular Tollywood and Bollywood films of the time (and now), Ray never showed interest in romantic-musical escapism and instead dared to make films challenging India’s caste system, sexism, and religious fanaticism.

In his first work addressing religious fanaticism (and arguably his first truly political film) comes Devi, also known by its English-language title as The Goddess. Unlike 1965’s Mahapurush (The Holy Man), which also covers the same topic, Devi is thoroughly a drama, with no hint of comedy or satire. The film’s somber tone did not sit well with general Indian audiences used to lighter fare, and its willingness to criticize the extremes of Hindu religiosity saw the film’s harshest critics deem it (and Ray) as anti-Hindu. If released today, Devi almost certainly would receive a similar, if not more intense, backlash from groups and individuals in India criticizing it out of bad faith.

Somewhere in a rural town in nineteenth century Bengal, younger brother Umaprasad (Soumitra Chatterjee) is ready to depart for Kolkata for university and to study English. Umaprasad’s family is wealthy, with numerous servants tending to their multistory mansion. All is well in their richly-furnished, well-kempt home as he leaves his teenage* wife Dayamayee‡ (Sharmila Tagore) to take of his aging father/her father-in-law Kalikinkar Choudhuri (Chhabi Biswas). One night, Kalinikar awakens from a marvelous dream. An adherent of the goddess Kali, his visions lead him to believe that his daughter-in-law is Kali’s physical incarnation. Upon awakening, he rushes to Dayamayee and falls to his feet in worship. Dayamayee’s life as Umaprasad’s wife has ended. Against her will, she becomes an object of religious devotion as word spreads of Kalikinkar’s dream and a supposed miracle shortly thereafter.

Devi also stars Purnendu Mukherjee as Umaprasad’s brother, Taraprasad; Karuna Banerjee as Harasundari, Taraprasad’s wife; and Arpan Chowdhury as Taraprasad and Harasundari’s son (Dayamayee’s nephew).

Where a year prior Apur Sansar was Soumitra Chatterjee’s movie, Devi is likewise Sharmila Tagore’s. Tagore, sixteen years old upon the film’s release year, again finds herself in a role with little dialogue, even less than her supporting role in Apur Sansar. The moment Tagore’s Dayamayee becomes a devotional figure, her dialogue and ability to exert her own agency disappears. Until Umaprasad returns home shortly after the halfway mark, so much of Tagore’s performance before and after seems spliced from a great silent film. Perched on a small block, a pedestal if you will, she almost never looks at the camera or those intoning “Mā” (“Mother” in Bengali; Kali is the avatar of Durga, and both are forms of the Mother Goddess, Devi) as men and women pray and prostrate themselves in front of her. At times, Dayamayee’s mental and physical exhaustion is clear, even if she is looking sideways or into the ground, as she sits in place for several hours at a time. Is there any one there to make sure that this “goddess” is properly being taken care of? It seems doubtful.

It is unclear how long it takes for word to reach Umaprasad in order for him to return home to see the daily scenes at his family’s residence. Even for less than a day, this whole situation is intolerable to Dayamayee. Her resignation is evident in her slightly hunched back, unable to find a psychological or physical escape. The scene where Umaprasad returns home to see Dayamayee venerated as a goddess contains striking facial acting from both Tagore and Chatterjee. In Chatterjee, we see Umaprasad comprehending the situation in real time, as his horror renders him almost speechless. In Tagore, Dayamayee looks up, and in a figment of hope, there is utter heartbreak. These long days of adoration and miracle-seeking pilgrims have even shaken her sense of reality, as almost all vestiges of her past life wither away. In a rare private moment with Umaprasad, she questions her very being: “But what if I am a goddess?”

Satyajit Ray, who also wrote this screenplay based on the 1899 Bengali short story of the same name by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyay, was part of the Brahmo Samaj movement, which advocates for a monotheistic interpretation of Hinduism. Brahmos, crucially, reject the caste system and avatars/incarnations of gods and goddesses. Ray’s adherence to the reforms of Brahmo Samaj color his filmography more obviously as his career progresses (I have not seen too much of Ray’s work, but I have not yet encountered a film of his that inelegantly portrayed his beliefs). Ray’s reformist and Western-leaning stances are embodied by Chatterjee’s Umaprasad, who we see clash with his more traditional father over social mores (the latter is distrustful of his son’s education, and derides his son for supposedly espousing Christian beliefs). Except for the scenes of a religious procession immediately after the opening credits, at no point does Ray imbue any of the religious images with any sense of glory, wonder, or veneration. Cinematographer Subrata Mitra (the Apu trilogy, 1966’s Nayak) dispenses of any ethereal lighting until the closing seconds, and his medium to close shots capture the uncomfortable anguish on both sides – Dayamayee’s alternating ambivalence and despair, the worshippers’ desire for comfort, deliverance, and the miraculous.

Like in several of Ray’s films including Mahapurush and Ganashatru (An Enemy of the People) (1989), Devi rejects dogmatism, miracles, superstitions, and anything that cannot have a rational or scientific explanation. Simultaneously, Ray realizes that most Indians, in the face of events profound and improbable, find science and rationality cold, confusing, and unsatisfying. Faith endows meaning to such moments. Faith ascribes purpose to happiness and suffering – something rationalism cannot provide. The unsuitability of both to provide a solution in Devi is the film’s secondary tragedy, as belief systems confront a scenario where a middle ground is impossible.

Devi’s principal tragedy is the religious objectification of Dayamayee. Of all of Ray’s female protagonists from Pather Panchali (1955) to this point, none of them are as constrained as Tagore’s Dayamayee. She may not live in poverty like Apu’s sister and mother in the Apu trilogy, nor is she the wife of an indulgent husband (1958’s Jalsāghar or The Music Room). And though she is not bound by shackles or subject to physical or sexual abuse, Dayamayee is nevertheless a victim of the unpredictable whims of men (and it is almost entirely men who worship her). Her portrayal is nuanced: she does not succumb entirely to self-pity, nor does she possess the strength to tell her father-in-law and his fellow worshippers to halt their devotional displays. She is aware of the communal damage she will cause if she so much renounces her unwanted divinity. At the same time, she cannot help but yearn for freedom, for others to speak to her like a human again – complete with aspirations, desires, and fears that no one can associate with a god.

Too often in cinema – wherever and whenever it hails from, including midcentury India – women play simplistic roles: the lover, the damsel in distress, the spurned wife. Where numerous filmmakers and actresses in the Hollywood Studio System were actively working to dismantle this element of patriarchy, I do not detect a similar level of rebellion in mainstream Indian cinema in the 1950s and 1960s (and, to some extent, this remains true). Ray did not stand alone in attempting to endow female characters with complexity (within and outside Bengali cinema), but his contributions to this development within the context of midcentury Indian cinema are crucial. Many of his films attempt a cinematic dialogue that critiqued patriarchal abuses with subtlety and bluntness – often to the chagrin of the public and government officials. The public outrage following Devi’s initial domestic release saw the film banned from seeking international distribution. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru intervened and reversed that decision.

Nevertheless, consider some of the works in Ray’s first decade as a filmmaker: The Apu trilogy, Devi, Teen Kanya (1961), The Big City (1963), and Charulata (1964). Together, all seven of those films reveal a filmmaker willing to take mainstream Indian filmmaking to task for regressive and simplistic portrayals of women, whether in lead or supporting roles. Devi might be the most shattering of that collection, caught between human weakness and the unknowability of the divine.

My rating: 8.5/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found in the “Ratings system” page on my blog. Half-points are always rounded down.

For more of my reviews tagged “My Movie Odyssey”, check out the tag of the same name on my blog.

* There were no child marriage laws in India in the nineteenth century, when this film is set. Child marriage remains prevalent in India, despite loophole-filled laws and a lack of enforcement.

‡ Multiple spellings of the protagonist's name are out there from reputable sources. I am using either the most or second-most common spelling here.

[adreameratdawn]

i have to say, Tamil cinema, even though it has been dominated since ages by high caste, Hindu, hetero men, historically it has the best archive of anti-caste cinema. Right through the 50s till now when Mamannan was released. Mainstream or art films- both in Tollywood just have space for such films even if they're not received well,

whereas, Bollywood, which arguably is the largest business/ film industry, with a far greater reach than any of us can even fathom....is more welcoming to ANY genre or narrative as long as casteism as an issue is not addressed.

Literally, PINK, English Vinglish, Talaash, even Love You Zindagi- all movies which are outrightly feminist or have a strong streak of raising social awareness around women's issues find a more welcome place in Bollywood than ANY anti-caste narrative/script.

If you do have such a script, then it is a based of real events, heinous, overdramatic script like Article 15 which is more about the "Hero" investigating it rather than the crime committed against these dalit women.

Delhi Crime was based on a real life incident that shook India in 2012 and the entire city of Delhi had a rang de basanti moment with protests and marches,

of course because Nirbhaya was raped by five bahujan men. Somehow that same rang de basanti spirit is missing in the entire country when Bilkis Bano's rapists' were set free on 15th Aug...

in this country if you've raped someone you're in jail because you're a caste/religious minority who committed that crime....

Bollywood is perfect.

Lapata Ladies which is supposed to be the feminist story of the year, i can't believe it's that smooth.

A man brings another girl home by mistake and THE ENTIRE family and village doesn't ONCE ASK what her caste is. They don't try to make sure from here full name or her husband's.

Really??!!! That should be the defining answer to how the girl was treated for the rest of days she stayed there.

Any dialogue about sexism in desi culture is bullshit without considering casteism. It's NULL.

And bollywood has conveniently erased that whole world as much as it can from as many stories as it can.

Which according to me is a BIG reason why so many people i talk to say with ease that caste doesn't exist anymore or that it isn't as bad as it used to be.

[via-l0ve]

hii can i please request a 🎃for spn? Thanks!!

So im 5 foot (and a half inch 😭), dark brown eyes and hair (2c wavy its not long but its not medium either) big eyes, babyface so im percieved as cute, i'm a bit tan, skinny, strawberry legs, ear piercings (2 imma get another one soon hehehe) and uhh yeah thats it for physical

Now personality, bubbly, caring,kind,sweet, ambivert, sensitive, hate conflicts, very lovergirl vibe, sunshine in human form with a little bit of chaos sprinkled in there as concluded by my friends, softspoken, think before speaking (overthinking tbh), i love dancing (ive learned kathak a little and can do other dance forms easily too like contemp., freestyle, bollywood, salsa and folk dances from india), reading books, sketching, photography, watching bollywood movies, dressing up (especially in traditional wear) id describe my aesthetic as very cottagecore + coquette+ softcore+ desi glam like cutesy clothes (but sometimes i do be feeling like a baddie)

My fave artists are lana del rey, abba, phoebe bridgers, hozier, green day, boygenius, sufjan stevens, mazzy star, marina, red hot chili peppers, sharon van etten, cigs after sex, arctic monkeys, the cranberries. And some hindi music artists.

Im fluent in 2 languages and can understand and speak broken urdu, sanskrit and punjabi

My fave seasons are fall, summer and spring, im an aquarius and bisexual, eldest daughter, desi (indian) im a chai person, hate coffee and street food is my absolute reason for living, im really into fashion and wanna be a fashion stylist

Ok idk what else to say 😭

YOURE SO COOL!

hope you enjoy this mashup darling!!!

I ship you with Sam Winchester!

PLEASEEE he will beg you to speak in your languages and maybe even teach him some! he will religiously listen to Cigs after sex, red hot chilli peppers and Arctic monkeys with you. please annoy dean together he will have the time of his life.

he would love to meet your family and younger siblings. he treats them as his own family and loves it so much!!

[nuinindia2023]

Day 28: Last day in India

Unfortunately today is our last day in India. All good things come to end. A couple of students got some breakfast and the famous crossiants before we hit the road to get a tour of Old Delhi.

Because of the narrow streets of Old Delhi, we took eletric bike rickshaws to maneuver the old streets. While weaving in and out of the streets we saw the red fort and other religious and cultural monuments.

The first stop was at the spice market which was a big hit with the students, with smells filling the streets. After wandering through the streets, we stopped at a a store filled with spices and teas. Many students got tea and spices.After the students were driven around New Delhi and went to a food market and got samosas.

At some students split up, I got Nandos which was really good.

After lunch, we all went to see a Bollywood movie called Raja Rani ki prem kahani. The movie was really good and fascinating. It was so cool to go to a Bollywood movie and in an Indian movie theater

After the movie, students said their goodbyes to the other students and India. It was really somber to leave and see the dialogue end. All of us had great memories and it was sad to leave. We will keep touch afterward the dialogue

[hrtiu]

What kind of movies do you like to watch? I made a list of 42 Hindi movies from between 2010 and now for Bollywood recs, but once I finished I realized I don't know which genres you like so I don't know which recommendations to give you! 😅

As for stuff out right now, I liked Vikram Vedha. It gets really engrossing once Hrithik Roshan shows up like 20 minutes into the movie, though I don't think the songs were that memorable (and I thought one didn't fit in the movie at all, lol.) I had fun watching it, though I think it could have been stronger if it didn't explicitly explain things to the audience so much and had been more subtle about its points. For Indian movies in general that aren't Bollywood, I loved Ponniyin Selvan which is historical fiction plus political intrigue and some action. (The female characters were excellent I cannot stress this enough, and I genuinely loved so many of the characters.) I also really enjoyed Kantara (especially the climax which gave me chills!) which looks at themes of man vs nature, man vs man, and who can really 'own' or have stewardship over the land and uses religious traditions from coastal Karnataka in South India to explore that.

ooh you sound much more expert than me, haha! I mostly just watched all the biggest movies from like 10~20 years ago, so some of my favs are Kal Ho Naa Ho, Jab We Met, and Kabhi Khushi Khabie Gham.

I like all genres except horror, but I especially enjoy movies that have good songs and are fun and upbeat. I'd be psyched to see any of your recommendations! I haven't watched very many movies lately but maybe I'll get back into it! Thank you!

[girirajattawar]

MOVIE - SHOVIE 🎬

My name is Giriraj.....my father calls me Raj....he hardly addresses me by my actual name.......actually he wanted my name to be Raj only !! But Due to some religious matters my name had to start with the letter G so....Giriraj.

My father loved the character of Raj in the movie DILWALE DULHANIYA LE JAYENGE ( which is btw one of the most iconic films ever made in the history of Indian cinema 🎥) soooo much that he wanted his Son to be named Raj !!

So I get the love for films and overall bollywood through my family members....not only my father but also my mom, my father's mom, my mother's dad...everyone is cinema lover !!

If I have a lot of things to do and I am super stressed or if I have nothing to do and I am super relaxed...I will prefer watching some of my favorite movies in either of the two situations...

I don't even have a favourite genre 😕 like I love comedy films like Hera pheri, welcome, Golmaal ( new as well as the old one..like Amol Palekar sir's Golmaal too), I also like horror comedy films like bhool bhulaiyaa ( one as well as two ).... I love romantic films like...ddlj, hum apke hai kon, dil toh pagal hai, hum sath sath hai, jab we met, dil, dil chahata hai, kkhh, K3G, etc....the list is too long...OK maybe I like romantic..typical bollywood movies more.....but I also love action movies like darr, koyala, etc.... I like tragic love stories like Devdas too 🥲 I am more inclined towards the 90s because I watched more of that decade and fell in love with it ! I also like sports oriented films like lagaan, chakde India, dangal, Gold, etc

And how can I forget two of my most favorite movies...ye jawani hai deewani and 3 idiots !

Ah.....I can watch them any time any where !

I also love watching Bahubali (1 and 2)...I loved RRR but what I liked the most is BRAHMASTRA!!!

So now you can say...then ? What the hell do we do with this !? And yeah it's a correct question but I am just telling you... if you haven't watched any of these movies, go and watch it right now...go !

And I am just sharing this frennss !! I like sharing things like these ! I find this therapeutic 😌like what you verbally can't express is something that you write perfectly!! Tell me about your likes and dislikes too frenss! I want to know !do we have any common liking?

BTW I love 90s music too haa especially music of kkhh and all the YRF movies like ddlj, and my all time favorite..dil toh pagal hai !!

When it comes to English content, I haven't watched Or rather explored much but i love the Harry Potter series, then The office series, and obviously...FRIENDS !

So tell me quickly if we have anything in common.

BTW this is just a post where I tell my favourite movies and overall my favorite pieces of content....I actually don't have a topic to write about today 😆...so posted this...I am very very sorry if it bored you and made you snore !

Chalo.....thanks a lot !!

Byeeee ❤️

[tvzoonix]

BEST INDIAN IPTV SERVICE IN USA:

For those who are living abroad, maintaining a sense of cultural identity via entertainment is essential in the fast-paced digital world of today. It can be difficult for the Indian diaspora living in the US to locate trustworthy sources of Indian material. That's where the best Indian IPTV service in USA, Zoonix TV, comes into play, providing a one-stop shop for all your entertainment requirements.

We'll look at why Zoonix TV is the best option for Indian IPTV services in USA:

What is IPTV, and why Zoonix TV?

Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV, has completely changed how people watch television. Similar to traditional cable or satellite systems, IPTV provides an easy and adaptable way to watch television online. With the use of an internet connection, viewers may access live TV networks, movies, series, and more.

Top-notch IPTV services tailored to the needs of the American Indian population are offered by Zoonix TV. Users may watch the newest TV series, films, and news from India from the comfort of their homes thanks to the wide variety of Indian channels and content available.

Wide Variety of Indian Channels:

To meet the different tastes of the Indian community, Zoonix TV provides a wide range of more than 500 Indian channels. Zoonix TV offers a wide variety of content, including sports, news channels, television shows, regional movies, Bollywood blockbusters, and religious programs.

No matter where you are from in India, you can find programming that speaks to you thanks to Zoonix TV's covering of all the major Indian languages, including Bengali, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Telugu, Hindi, and Punjabi. One of the main factors making Zoonix TV the best Indian IPTV service in USA is its wide selection of channels.

HD quality and buffer-free streaming:

Zoonix TV offers outstanding video quality. With HD streaming available for every channel, the platform guarantees a perfect watching experience with little to no buffering or downtime. The immersive experience is ensured by Zoonix TV's superior video output, whether you're watching a live cricket match or catching up on your preferred daily soap opera.

Additionally, the service adjusts to various internet speeds so that those with less successful connections may still watch continuously and smoothly.

Reasonably priced Subscription Plans:

Zoonix TV's success in being the best Indian IPTV service in USA can also be linked to its affordability. Zoonix TV offers a variety of affordable and customized subscription plans to suit a broad audience. Zoonix TV provides a package that suits your budget, whatever your viewing habits. It offers programming from India that you can watch around the clock.

A large selection of Indian channels are accessible with their basic subscription, and on-demand material, international channels, and special sports packages are unlocked with their premium plan. The Indian diaspora in the USA chooses Zoonix TV since it provides a lot of content at affordable costs.

On-Demand Content & Catch-Up TV:

 Zoonix TV provides an excellent range of on-demand programming in addition to live television. This contains the newest Bollywood films, well-liked Indian television programs, and unique online series. With Zoonix TV's huge on-demand video organization, you can always find something to watch, be it an emotional classic or the newest release.

Additionally, customers can view missed episodes or live events for up to seven days using the Current TV feature. For people with a busy life, this is an excellent choice because it gives you the freedom to watch your favorite episodes whenever it's convenient for you.

Easy-to-Use Interface and Support for Multiple Devices:

Zoonix TV takes pride in its simple interface, which is made to offer viewers of any generation an enjoyable viewing experience. Browsing through the many categories, looking for particular channels or shows, and handling your settings are all made simple by the user-friendly structure.

Additionally, Zoonix TV is compatible with a variety of devices, so you may watch your favorite Indian content on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or TV. For families that wish to watch different episodes or movies on multiple devices at the same time, Zoonix TV is a great option because it can stream content on up to four devices together.

Excellent Customer Support: 

Zoonix TV places a high premium on satisfying its customers. Customers can easily receive help with any technical problems or inquiries they may have thanks to round-the-clock customer care. The dedicated support staff at Zoonix TV makes sure that any issues are resolved quickly, giving a simple and seamless viewing experience.

An FAQ section and troubleshooting tips are also available on their user-friendly website to assist clients in resolving little issues on their own.

Compatibility directly with the major platforms and devices:

Zoonix TV knows that accessibility and flexibility are important considerations for today's audience. The best Indian IPTV service provider in USA, Zoonix TV, works with all the main platforms and devices, including iOS, Android, Roku, Firestick, and smart TVs. With cross-platform compatibility, consumers can watch and enjoy their preferred Indian TV series and films on any device, at home or on the move.

 A Secure and Safe Watching Experience:

By providing a safe and dependable streaming platform, Zoonix TV puts user safety first in the age of worries about digital privacy. While streaming material, the service encrypts your data and personal information. The dedication of Zoonix TV to offering a safe experience sets it apart from other IPTV services.

Continual Improvements and New Features:

To maintain a competitive edge, Zoonix TV continuously rolls out new features, channels, and content. By doing this, users are guaranteed access to the most recent and important Indian material at all times. Zoonix TV maintains its audience interested and captivated by introducing fresh episodes of popular web series and launching a new regional channel.

Increasing Recognition and Satisfied Customers:

Happy consumers from throughout the US have left positive reviews for Zoonix TV. Its status as the best Indian IPTV provider in USA is supported by a wealth of reviews that compliment the service on its dependability, diversity of content, and fantastic customer service. As word gets out, the popularity of Zoonix TV is rising, becoming a household name among Indian families in the USA.

Zoonix TV is the best option for Americans looking for a dependable and extensive source of Indian entertainment. With so many channels, excellent streaming, reasonable prices, and outstanding customer support, it's no surprise that Zoonix TV is considered the best Indian IPTV provider in USA.

Zoonix TV has everything you need, whether your goal is to view the newest Bollywood films, keep up with your favorite Indian series, or just keep yourself updated about news from home. Why then wait? Begin your journey with Zoonix TV today and become one of millions of happy customers—the best Indian IPTV service in USA is waiting for you!

[scoopearth1]

Relive the Magic of the '90s with Romantic Song Lyrics on AllMovieSongLyrics

There’s something truly magical about the romantic songs of the 1990s. They have a timeless charm that evokes a sense of nostalgia and can transport you back to an era where love was expressed through soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. At AllMovieSongLyrics, we understand the deep connection people have with these songs. That's why we've made it our mission to provide the most comprehensive collection of '90s Bollywood romantic song lyrics, along with lyrics for the latest hits and other regional songs in India.

AllMovieSongLyrics: Your Go-To Source for Song Lyrics

At AllMovieSongLyrics, we pride ourselves on being one of India’s top lyrics provider websites. We are committed to updating our collection daily, ensuring that our visitors always have access to the latest Hindi song lyrics, Punjabi songs lyrics, new Hindi music video songs lyrics, old Hindi songs lyrics, Rajasthani songs lyrics, Marwadi songs lyrics, devotional songs lyrics, Bhojpuri songs lyrics, Haryanvi songs lyrics, TV serial songs lyrics, and web series songs lyrics. Our extensive catalog makes us the 90s romantic songs lyrics ultimate destination for anyone looking to delve into the world of Indian music.

The Charm of '90s Bollywood Romantic Songs

The '90s was a golden era for Bollywood music, particularly romantic songs. This decade saw an explosion of melodious tracks that beautifully captured the essence of love and longing. Whether it was the soulful tunes of Kumar Sanu, the heartfelt renditions by Udit Narayan, or the mesmerizing voice of Alka Yagnik, '90s Bollywood romantic songs have left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions.

Why '90s Romantic Songs Still Resonate Today

Even after decades, '90s romantic songs continue to be a favorite among music lovers. There are several reasons why these songs have stood the test of time:

Timeless Melodies: The music from the '90s features timeless melodies that can still evoke emotions and memories.

Heartfelt Lyrics: The lyrics from this era were deeply emotional, often touching upon themes of love, heartbreak, and longing.

Iconic Singers: Legendary singers like Kumar Sanu, Alka Yagnik, Udit Narayan, and Lata Mangeshkar lent their voices to these unforgettable tracks.

Memorable Movies: Many of these songs were featured in blockbuster movies that have become classics in their own right.

Exploring the Variety of Lyrics at AllMovieSongLyrics

At AllMovieSongLyrics, we provide lyrics for a vast array of songs to cater to diverse musical tastes. Our categories include:

Latest Hindi Song Lyrics

Stay updated with the latest Hindi songs and their lyrics. Whether it's a chart-topping Bollywood hit or an independent music video, we've got you covered.

Punjabi Songs Lyrics

Dive into the vibrant world of Punjabi music with our extensive collection of lyrics. From foot-tapping bhangra numbers to soulful ballads, find the lyrics to your favorite Punjabi tracks here.

New Hindi Music Video Songs Lyrics

Music videos are a significant part of the modern music industry. We ensure you have access to the latest Hindi music video song lyrics as soon as they are released.

Old Hindi Songs Lyrics

For those who love the classics, we have a rich repository of old Hindi song lyrics. Relive the golden days of Bollywood with lyrics from yesteryears.

Rajasthani Songs Lyrics

Experience the cultural richness of Rajasthan through its music. romantic songs lyrics Our collection includes lyrics from traditional Rajasthani songs as well as contemporary hits.

Marwadi Songs Lyrics

Explore the soulful and vibrant Marwadi songs with our comprehensive lyrics collection. Perfect for those who appreciate regional music.

Devotional Songs Lyrics

Find solace and spiritual upliftment with the lyrics of devotional songs. From bhajans to aartis, we cover a wide range of religious music.

Bhojpuri Songs Lyrics

Celebrate the lively and energetic Bhojpuri music with our extensive lyrics library. Whether it's a festive song or a romantic track, we have it all.

Haryanvi Songs Lyrics

Delve into the rustic charm of Haryanvi music. Our collection includes lyrics from traditional as well as modern Haryanvi songs.

TV Serial Songs Lyrics

TV serials have some of the most memorable theme songs. Find the lyrics to your favorite TV serial songs on our website.

Web Series Songs Lyrics

Web series are the new trend in entertainment, and their songs are equally popular. We provide lyrics to the latest web series tracks.

Supporting Multiple Languages

We understand the linguistic diversity of our audience, which is why we offer lyrics in both Hindi and English. This ensures that everyone, regardless of language preference, can enjoy the songs they love.

Our Commitment to Improvement

At AllMovieSongLyrics, we are constantly striving to improve our services. We value your feedback and support as we work to enhance your experience. Whether it's expanding our collection, improving our website’s usability, or ensuring the accuracy of lyrics, we are dedicated to meeting your needs.

Conclusion

AllMovieSongLyrics is more than just a lyrics website; it’s a journey through the heart of Indian music. Whether you’re reminiscing about the soulful romantic songs of the '90s or looking for the latest hits, we have something for every music lover. Join us in celebrating the rich musical heritage of India and let us be your guide through the lyrical landscapes of Bollywood and beyond.

[amongxylophonesandglockenspiels]

Bollywood Movies Part CCXIII

Ibrahim (Roshan Mathew) has to decide whether to aid SI Sathyan (Murali Gopy) in transferring murderer Vishnu (Sagar Surya) into police custody or give him up to Laiq (Prithviraj Sukumaran), a fanatic who desires religious retribution.

Kuruthi is a great movie about how religious fanaticism of all colors is destructive. I especially enjoyed Mamukoyya as Moosa Khader who is the voice of reason, even though he's not often listened to. It was also fun to see Prithviraj stretch his villain acting muscles. Favorite songs are Mankoodil and Vetta Mrigam. Both songs have English subtitles.

Anshul Malhotra, code name Bell Bottom (Akshay Kumar), works to release hostages on a plane hijacked by Azaadi Dal, which Anshul believes is a front for Pakistan's intelligence service.

Bell Bottom is loosely based on various plane hijackings in the 1980s by Sikh Separtists but blames them on Pakistan which is historical revisionism to further the conflict between India and Pakistan. Also, I do not remember much about the movie and it blurs with all the other Akshay Kumar spy films. Favorite songs are Khair Mangde and Tum Aaogey. Neither song has subtitles.

Vibhu (Saif Ali Khan) and Chiku (Arjun Kapoor) are two brothers who run an exorcism business, even though Chiku believes in the supernatural while Vibhu does not. One day they meet Maya (Yami Gautam) who wants them to exorcise a kishkandi that their father famed exorcist Ullat Baba (Saurabh Sachadeva) had previously trapped.

Bhoot Police is very silly and an entertaining watch. You could tell the actors, especially Saif Ali Khan, were having fun during this film. Also the ending is quite wholesome. Favorite song is Aayi Aayi Bhoot Police (transliterated Hindi subtitles).

[shinykittenland]

Best Places For Solo Travel in India

India has many places for people traveling alone, from busy cities to quiet nature spots. Here are some great places to visit:

Rishikesh: Rishikesh is great for people looking to relax their mind or get an adrenaline rush. You can do yoga and meditation to find inner peace or go white-water rafting for excitement. It's a place to calm your spirit or challenge yourself with outdoor adventures.

Goa: Goa is great if you love beaches and fun parties. You can relax on sunny beaches, enjoy exciting nightlife, and see beautiful old buildings left by the Portuguese. It is a perfect place to have a good time and soak up some history.

Ladakh: Ladakh is a beautiful place for people who love nature and taking pictures. You can see amazing old temples called monasteries and visit beautiful lakes high up in the mountains. It is a great spot for anyone who enjoys outdoor scenery and wants to capture it on camera.

Varanasi: Visit this very old and holy city in India. Watch interesting religious ceremonies that happen every day along the famous Ganges River. It is a great place to see traditional Indian culture up close.

Hampi: Explore old stone buildings and huge rocks scattered across the land. It is a great place if you like learning about the past or climbing on rocks.

Mumbai: Feel the buzz of India's big city life. See old buildings from when the British ruled, shop in busy markets, and learn about the famous Indian movie industry called Bollywood.

Kerala: Enjoy peaceful boat rides on calm waters and visit beautiful green tea farms. It is a great place to relax and take things slow.

There are many Solo Trip Packages available for these places. These packages usually include tours with a guide, accommodations, and sightseeing. They help solo travellers feel safe and meet other people, but still, let you explore on your own and enjoy the adventure.

[influencermagazineuk]

Breaking Boundaries: Demystifying Bollywood Dance Stereotypes

Credit: Netflix Bollywood, the vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema, has captivated audiences worldwide with its larger-than-life stories, melodramatic plots, and of course, the ubiquitous song-and-dance sequences. While these elaborately choreographed routines are an undeniable part of the Bollywood experience, they've also become subject to a persistent stereotype: a homogenized vision of Indian dance that often overshadows the rich diversity of the art form itself. One of the key factors contributing to this stereotype is the sheer scale of Bollywood productions. Big-budget song sequences often feature a fusion of various dance styles, from classical Indian forms like Bharatanatyam and Odissi to Western styles like hip-hop and contemporary. This melting pot aims to cater to a broad audience and create a visually stunning spectacle. However, it can also lead to a flattening of distinct styles, reducing them to mere aesthetic elements within the narrative rather than showcasing their intricate cultural significance. Another contributor is the trope of the "item song." These standalone dance numbers, often featuring a scantily clad actress, are typically inserted into the narrative with little connection to the plot. While these songs can be undeniably catchy and visually captivating, they often reinforce a hyper-sexualized image of Indian dance, neglecting the depth and artistry of the various dance forms practiced in India. Furthermore, the portrayal of dance in Bollywood is often limited to celebratory occasions. Elaborate routines erupt at weddings, during festivals, or to express romantic love. This focus on joyous moments creates a one-dimensional view of dance, neglecting its role in storytelling, religious ceremonies, and even social commentary. However, it's important to acknowledge that Bollywood isn't a monolith. While the stereotypes mentioned above hold some truth, there are filmmakers and choreographers actively challenging these perceptions. Here are some efforts pushing the boundaries: - A Return to Roots: A new wave of filmmakers is incorporating classical Indian dance forms more authentically into narratives. Movies like "Black" (2005) and "Devdas" (2002) showcased the power and beauty of Bharatanatyam, while "Guru" (2007) delved into the world of Odissi. These portrayals not only enhance the storytelling but also introduce audiences to the cultural richness of these ancient art forms. - Beyond Spectacle: Some directors are moving beyond using dance purely as visual spectacle. Movies like "English Vinglish" (2012) and "Mard Ko Padh Le" (2010) use dance as a tool for character development. In these films, the protagonist's journey of self-discovery is interwoven with their exploration of dance, showcasing its power to heal, empower, and express emotions beyond joy. - Social Commentary Through Dance: A handful of films have used dance as a platform for social commentary. Movies like "Lakshya" (2004) incorporated powerful folk dances to depict the realities of rural India, while " सत्याग्रह ( सत्याग्रह )" (2013) used contemporary dance to highlight the Gandhian philosophy of non-violent resistance. These films demonstrate the potential of dance to address social issues and spark conversations. The future of Bollywood dance holds the promise of breaking free from stereotypes. As filmmakers continue to experiment with storytelling techniques and collaborate with skilled choreographers, audiences can expect to see a more nuanced and diverse portrayal of Indian dance on screen. This evolution will not only enrich the Bollywood experience but also introduce global audiences to the vast and captivating world of Indian dance in all its complexity and beauty. It's important to remember that Bollywood dance is not a single entity, but rather a vibrant tapestry woven from the rich threads of various Indian classical and folk styles. By acknowledging the stereotypes and celebrating the efforts to dismantle them, we can move towards a more comprehensive appreciation of Bollywood dance, recognizing it as a powerful storytelling tool and a gateway to the cultural tapestry of India. Read the full article

[genieife]

Discovering Delhi’s Delights: Day 3 Adventures with Geniefie Trip Planner

DAY 3 DELHI EXPLORATION: SOUTH DELHI

Round off your time in the city with a relaxing day in Day 3 Delhi exoloration, South Delhi. It’s undoubtedly been an action-packed trip to the city so far, so if you’re craving a more low-key day, South Delhi is the neighbourhood for you!

This area of Delhi is a chilled-out, green, and peaceful neighbourhood, with little hassle or noise to contend with. It’s a great spot to simply head out for a walk, wander around one of the parks, people-watch on the streets, and check out one of the local cafes.

There’s also some pretty cool attractions to check out.

Kick off your explorations of this neighbourhood with an amble around the Lotus Temple, a Sydney Opera House-esque Baháʼí Place of Worship that’s open to anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. There are just seven Bahai temples found in the world, and the white marble Lotus Temple is the only one in Asia. It’s a soothing spot, with nine turquoise pools and lush gardens to wander around.

Next, take an Uber over to Qutub Minar. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this towering minaret reaches a height of 73 metres and is surrounded by so many interesting ruins and structures.

Don’t skip this attraction! It’s far away from everywhere else in the city, but so worth venturing over to see it.

In the afternoon, if you’re not yet exhausted, head to the PVR Directors Cut cinema to watch a Bollywood movie. This is a luxury cinema in South Delhi, with comfortable chairs that recline, blankets, pillows, air purifiers, and waiters to bring meals to your seat.

WHERE TO STAY IN DELHI

Delhi is a sprawling city and there are so many options for where to stay.

I recommend opting for accommodation in South Delhi. As I’ve mentioned a couple of times already, it’s the calmer, cleaner area of the city, and you’ll be staying in a leafy suburb with less noise and a safer vibe.

I stayed in this incredible guesthouse, which absolutely made my stay in Delhi so much better. The welcoming owner did so much for us, from showing us around the local night market to driving us to tourist attractions, introducing us to his favourite breakfast spot, and even making a dozen phone calls when my SIM card wouldn’t activate. It’s one of the best guesthouses I’ve ever stayed in.

HOW TO GET AROUND DELHI

It’s so easy and so inexpensive.

You’ll likely arrive in the city just before sunrise, as that’s when most international flights seem to land, so you might be put off by tackling the public transport system. Don’t be!

I took the metro from Delhi Airport to our guesthouse in South Delhi and it couldn’t have been easier. In the early morning, it’s clean, quiet, calm, and uncrowded. There’s even a women’s-only carriage on all of the trains for all of my solo women out there.

For getting around the city, I recommend using a mix of Uber and rickshaws. Both are so easy to use and everywhere, so you’ll never have to wait long. I recommend always checking the price on Uber first, so that you have a maximum price for your journey with which to negotiate with the rickshaw drivers. It’s super-inexpensive! I paid just $7 for an hour-long Uber ride across Delhi. When it’s that affordable, there’s no reason not to use it.

WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DELHI?

For the majority of my India posts, you’re going to notice that I recommend visiting in winter, but for Delhi, I think early-or-late-winter would be the best time to visit.

At this time of year, you’re going to avoid the dense fog that rolls in every morning, there won’t be as much smog and pollution in the air, and the temperatures will still be manageable. I’d aim for October/November or February/March. Definitely avoid visiting immediately after Diwali, when the air pollution is always horrendous.

I’d also recommend double-checking when all of the attractions are open. The Lotus Temple is closed, for example, every Monday.

WHAT ABOUT DELHI BELLY, THO?

Delhi Belly: my biggest fear. I was absolutely convinced I would get food poisoning in India, because doesn’t it happen to everyone?

And yet, it didn’t. Despite eating pretty much anywhere that was serving up delicious-looking food, neither I nor my boyfriend suffered from food poisoning. I believe three things helped keep us safe:

Going vegetarian! Most of the locals in India are vegetarian — the country has the lowest amount of meat consumption in the world — so we switched over to a meat-free lifestyle, too. Note that I didn’t say plant-based, because you’re also going to want to avoid most fruits and vegetables while you’re in the country, too — especially if they’re uncooked or peeled.

Hand sanitiser! Much of what gets written off as food poisoning in India is general contamination from touching surfaces with bacteria on it, and then not washing your hands and touching your mouth. I used hand sanitiser on an hourly basis and took extra care not to touch my face. I also used the hand sanitiser to sterilise any utensils at restaurants, as they could have been washed with dirty tap water.

Pudin Hara! I’m a total convert to Pudin Hara — peppermint oil capsules from India — and take them every time my stomach feels a little unsettled. You can buy them from any pharmacy when you get to India, but you can also pick them up from Amazon. I took like, a hundred tablets with me, as I took a capsule with every single meal. I fully plan on keeping a large supply of these with me whenever I travel, as they were so life-changingly great at settling my stomach. An added bonus was the deliciously minty burps that overpowered the scent of curry that was emanating from my body.

AND THAT WAS DELHI!

So, my third day exploring Delhi with Geniefie Trip Planner was an unforgettable experience that left me completely enchanted by the city. Despite my initial apprehensions, Delhi’s vibrant energy, rich history, and diverse culture captivated me from the moment I arrived. From wandering through ancient monuments to indulging in the city’s culinary delights, every moment was filled with excitement and wonder. As I bid farewell to Delhi, I couldn’t help but reflect on the countless memories made and the newfound appreciation I had for this incredible city. Delhi has truly left an indelible mark on my heart, and I wholeheartedly encourage others to explore its charms and give it the chance it deserves.