Pride in identity
South Asian actors were celebrated at the second annual South Asian Excellence pre-Oscars party in Los Angeles. It was hosted by Priyanka Chopra and Anjula Acharia. Several industry people of South Asian descent, including actors and fashion designers, were invited.
Chopra kicked off the event by acknowledging the hardships faced by South Asian actors in Hollywood. She said it would not have been possible without the South Asians who have “fought the stereotypes to ensure that our stories were not just a cliche, those of us who fought for actors to have bigger leading roles. Those of you who fought for stories of South Asian descent to be a norm, to not be an exception, but to be normal,” according to Variety.
Mindy Kaling and her popular Netflix show, Never Have I Ever, were also honoured. The show follows the story of a teenage Indian girl navigating high school life, her immigrant family and her South Asian identity while living in America. The event honoured the community’s Oscar nominees, including the documentary, All That Breathes, the score from Everything Everywhere All at Once, the song, “Naatu Naatu”, from RRR, the documentary shorts, The Elephant Whisperers and Stranger at the Gate, and the shortlisted international feature, Joyland.
The event was attended by several South Asian A-listers such as NT Rama Rao Jr, Malala Yousafzai, Mindy Kaling, Preity Zinta, Freida Pinto, Aziz Ansari, Kal Penn and others. Many of the stars were dressed in Falguni Shane Peacock, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Bid for attention
Close on the heels of announcing his run for the presidency in the 2024 general elections, the former president, Donald Trump, posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, that he would be arrested in New York over his alleged payment of hush money to the adult entertainer, Stormy Daniels. “WILL BE ARRESTED ON TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK,” he wrote. “PROTEST, TAKE OUR NATION BACK!,” he added.
No sources could confirm the arrest. Yet, law enforcement started preparing for protests on the streets. Many Republicans jumped to Trump’s defence. However the Florida governor, Ron DeSantis, the former South Carolina governor, Nikki Haley, and the senator, Tim Scott, all of whom are either confirmed or potential candidates, have barely said anything.
While DeSantis criticised the Manhattan District Attorney for using Trump’s case for a political agenda, he also tried to separate himself from the whole situation. “We’ve got so many things pending in front of the Legislature,” DeSantis told reporters. “I’ve got to spend my time on issues that actually matter to people,” he said.
Trump’s announcement may be yet another ploy to grab attention for his political campaign. If he were indicted, it would make him the first former president to be so.
Award night
The 2023 Academy Awards wrapped up last Sunday without any disgraceful slaps or controversial events. While gender parity and representation still have a long way to go, it was definitely a big night for international names. There were 62 international nominations as opposed to 63 American ones across all categories.
Michelle Yeoh became the first Asian to take home the Best Actress award. Asians have been historically typecast as sidekicks to the main, White characters. On the other hand, the Academy was called out for the lack of Indian dancers during the on-stage performance of the Best Song winner, “ Naatu Naatu ”.
One trend that stood out on the red carpet was statement-piece jewellery. Angela Bassett was seen in a serpentine Bulgari necklace; Sofia Carson was in Chopard jewels, while Deepika Padukone went for a Cartier necklace with a yellow diamond drop.
Irish fervour
St Patrick’s Day — the death anniversary of the patron saint of Ireland —was celebrated on March 17. It has become a popular holiday in the United States, particularly in cities with large Irish-American populations like Boston, New York and Chicago. In NYC, the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Fifth avenue with bagpipes, Irish flags and even an Irish wolfhound. Chicago, in its time-honoured tradition, dyed its river green. The formula is allegedly environment-friendly. But everything is not about grandeur. Hundreds marched in the annual World’s Shortest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in the village of Adamsville, Rhode Island. This was the second year the 89-foot-long parade was held.
