When Pakistani Muslim artist Ali Sethi couldn't travel to India due to politics, he created a song that could. And it was a hit. Featured on Ms. Marvel, ‘Pasoori’ is the first Pakistani song to top Spotify’s global charts and has over 400M views on YouTube. It has transcended borders, bringing together Indian and Pakistani fans during the Cricket World Cup and musicians worldwide through their covers. Have you taken a listen yet?
Imagine going to a bad restaurant and leaving a review that the chef tried to kill you but it was refreshing to see an assassin be Indian for once. “Politics aside” posts about politicians need to come to an end, especially when it comes to UK’s newest PM Rishi Sunak. Hindu Nationalists are calling this stance self-hating, but does it matter that he “looks like us” given what he stands for? Previously, Priti Patel served as home secretary for the UK from 2019-2022 and Bobby Jindal was the first American senator of Indian descent. Both took charge of some of the most racist and regressive politics in modern history: including being against trans and LGBTQ inclusivity, advocating against progressive climate policies, and constantly slamming “the woke mob.” This is the pitfall of identity politics. Just because they are a minority doesn’t mean they will champion progressive immigration and social safety policies.
After a three-hour convo at the G20 Summit 2022, China and the US are back in business. Developing a healthy, stable relationship between both countries will debatably be better for everyone— especially the planet— as they resume negotiations about climate change, war in Ukraine, and more. This is Indonesia’s first time hosting the G20 Summit bringing together leaders of 20 countries that hold over 75% of global trade and 80% of global GDP. And they spent $35M preparing for a moment that not only reunited China with the US, but also gave British PM Rishi Sunak his first world stage appearance. Russian President Putin was absent, as most leaders have condemned the war in Ukraine. The meeting is supposed to conclude with a joint statement of action but with non binding declarations, and climate change targets woefully unmet, many are left asking how effective the G20 really is.
Ms. Marvel pushes the 1947 Partition into pop culture through female teenage superhero Kamala Khan, inciting different reactions. Though histories and narratives of India, Pakistan & Bangladesh’s mass migration aren’t a monolith, they share one thing: pain. Kamala, played by Iman Vellani, is trying to figure herself out and learning about her family’s history. Talking to her Nani, Kamala learns about this pain that Partition caused to all involved. While some viewers resonated, others called it whitewashed or felt confused. To understand this varied response, it’s important to first understand what exactly happened in 1947 to create one of the largest forced migrations in history - one that led to 14 million displaced people, two million dead, and countless separated families–all created by the British. After 200 years of colonial rule, India was divided recklessly; Winston Churchill called Britain’s departure a “shameful flight”. As writer Urvashi Butalia noted, Partition was more than just a division of properties or politics, it was a 'division of hearts.' This year marked the 75th anniversary of Partition. After years of tense relations between the countries, four wars fought between them and persecuted minorities in both regions, the pain of Partition has never left. CREDIT Host & Producer Manal Ahmed Producer Stephanie Tangkilisan & Yuhong Pang & Yudistira Dilianzia & Joy Jihyun Jeong Director of Photography Muhammad Abbas Parkar Editor Rendy Albi Special Thanks Nishant Upadhyay Writer and Researcher Manal Ahmed & Sonia Baweja Editor in Chief Keshia Hannam Head of Production Stephanie Tangkilisan Animator Fitra Pratama Sound Mix David Alba Graphic Design Samuel Kang & Fitra Pratama & Annie Zhao
When it comes to Korean food, we all know and love bibimbap, fried chicken, and BBQ–but what else is there? SĀNG is a Korean restaurant in Australia run by a family who migrated in 1996. Here’s why. Kenny Yong Soo Son’s mom left Korea looking for freedom in life–and work. Today, she and her husband are self-taught chefs at their restaurant in Surry Hills, Sydney, while their son Kenny manages the front of house. But this family owned Korean restaurant isn’t where the others are: it’s in the vibey neighborhood of Surry Hills. One of Sydney’s most expensive areas. . This has people questioning the authenticity of SĀNG. Once you try it, questions are answered, because even though the menu is from staple dishes, the styles of food Koreans love but most others don’t know are what shine. Their goal is to show the wide range of Korean culture and cuisine–even to people who think they already know it.
60% of the world’s youth lives in Asia, and in North America, we are the fastest growing ethnic group. Yet, there is no global Asian media company. Why? ! We created EST to be that voice, and today celebrate our first birthday! Over the past year, we have worked with 135 storytellers across 26 countries, to tell stories in 14 languages. At home in Asia, and throughout diasporas across the world, now release daily episodes for our community, made by an all Asian team. Eastern Standard Times was created for us all to feel like we belong somewhere. And like someone was speaking to us.