Global IndianstoryCoachella to Louis Vuitton: When India took over global pop culture in 2023

Coachella to Louis Vuitton: When India took over global pop culture in 2023

Compiled by: Darshana Ramdev

(December 30, 2023) India’s presence on the global stage sparkles with a series of striking achievements. From the glitz of the Oscars to the vibrant pulse of Coachella, Indian talents are making waves, blending rich heritage with contemporary flair. Explore stories of how songs, films, and fashion originating from India are resonating worldwide, altering perspectives and embracing diversity. This journey is filled with exciting successes and touching tales, showcasing India’s dynamic impact on the international scene.

The Oscar winners

SS Rajamouli’s blockbuster hit, RRR, which became the first Indian feature film to win an Oscar. The award for Best Original Song, described as a “total banger” by actress Deepika Padukone, who presented it, went to ‘Naatu Naatu’, which was already a global hit by then. Keeravani, who received the award along with fellow composer Chandrabose, delivered his acceptance speech in the form of a re-written version of Top of the World by the Carpenters. The Telugu epic period action drama stars N.T. Rama Rao Jr, Ram Charan, Shriya Saran, Ajay Devgn and Alia Bhatt. Later, Richard Carpenter went on to tweak the iconic song in praise of Keeravani, who ‘broke down’ when he saw the Instagram post.

Guneet Monga and Kartiki Gonsalves’ also dominated the award ceremony with their heartwarming 41-minute documentary, The Elephant Whisperers. Set in the Nilgiri Hills, it is the story of Bomman and Bellie, a tribal couple who dedicated their entire lives to raising an orphaned elephant baby, whom they named Raghu. It is the first Indian documentary to win an Oscar. Kartiki, who received the award, said, “I stand here today to speak for the sacred bond between us and our natural world, for the respect of indigenous communities, and empathy towards other living beings we share space with and finally, for coexistence.”

Deepika and Alia become global ambassadors for two of the world’s biggest fashion houses

Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone breaks new ground as Louis Vuitton’s first Indian brand ambassador, a prestigious role unveiled during their latest handbag campaign. Padukone, a familiar figure in Louis Vuitton attire, first joined the brand’s elite circle in 2020, modeling alongside stars like Lea Seydoux. Her ascent in the luxury fashion world reflects a remarkable journey from aspirational admirer to fashion trailblazer. Reflecting on her rise, Padukone shared, “When you’re 18…you don’t even bother looking into a Louis Vuitton store…My association with Louis Vuitton is…completely out of your orbit…I can’t believe this is real. And it speaks to the kind of diversity I hope to see in the future.”

Alia Bhatt was named Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador, a landmark moment for both the luxury brand and the Indian fashion scene. Her inaugural appearance as Gucci’s ambassador occurred at the Gucci Cruise 2024 show in Seoul, commemorating 25 years since the brand’s first store in South Korea. This significant appointment reflects the rising prominence of the Indian market in the global fashion landscape. On Instagram, Bhatt shared her excitement: “I’m honored to represent the house of Gucci not only in India but at a global stage…I’m looking forward to the many sartorial milestones we create together.”

Coachella | The Global Indian

Diljit Dosanjh at Coachella

“Sat Sri Akal ji, Punjabi aa gaye Coachella oye.” The crowd roared its appreciation as Diljit Dosanjh, dressed all in black, in a traditional tehmat, kurta, vest and turban, greeted Coachella 2023 at the end of his opening song, G.O.A.T. The superstar, who is the first Indian to perform at the prestigious music festival, stuck to speaking in his his native tongue, taking pride in the fact that he doesn’t prefer to speak to English. Every gesture was an ode to his Punjabi cultural heritage. On day two, he appeared in white, in a tehmat kurta which he styled with sneakers. It was Coachella’s Patiala Peg moment and the crowds absolutely loved it.

Diljit was the festival’s headline act at Coachella 2023, alongside K-Pop megatars Blackpink and Bjork. “Jo ho raha hai, mere daayre se badi baat hai. Coachella is something I never even thought of, it was never in my plan,” he said. “Whatever is happening in my life is.. maybe I don’t even deserve it. I am just grateful to God.”

Hansal Mehta’s Scoop wins big in Busan

Karishma Tanna’s portrayal of journalist Jigna Vohra and her fight for innocence in the hit Netflix series Scoop won her the Best Actress Award at the Asia Contents Aawrds & Global OTT Awards 2023 in Busan, South Korea. The series, Directed by Hansal Mehta, also won the Best Asian TV Series Awards. Scoop is based on Vohra’s memoir, Behind Bars in Byculla: My Days in Prison, the story of crime journalist Jigna Vohra who was falsely accused of murder and sent to Mumbai’s Byculla jail.

Tanna expressed her gratitude on Instagram, thanking Hansal Mehta, and the entire team. “To be nominated here was a huge honour and to win in both the categories is just overwhelming. So much gratitude in our hearts,” she said. This is also the 39-year-old actress’ first win the Best Actress category.

Coachella | The Global Indian

A perfect ‘Landing”: India at the Emmy Awards

Actor-comic Vir Das won an International Emmy Award for his stand-up special, Vir Das: Landing, in the Best Comedy category. The 51st International Emmy Awards Gala was held at the New York Hilton in November 2023.

This is Das’ second nomination and his first win, which he shared with the hugely popular Irish sitcom, Derry Girls. “It’s an incredible honour that feels like a dream,” he said. “My journey from crafting local stories to receiving a global accolade has been both challenging and rewarding, and Netflix has been instrumental in that growth.”

The other big winner was Ekta Kapoor, who said, “I’m bringing home an Emmy. This is for India.” Ekta was honoured for her “trailblazing career and impact on the Indian Television Landscape.”

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Published on 30, Dec 2023

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MP Dr Gaurav Sharma: The Himachal boy who became a leading advocate for healthcare reform in New Zealand

(October 30, 2024) Dr. Gaurav Sharma stands out as one of New Zealand's most compelling voices in public health and politics. From his roots in India’s Himachal Pradesh to his role as a Member of Parliament for Hamilton West, Sharma’s journey reflects a rare blend of medical expertise and political ambition. Known for his advocacy on healthcare reform and his groundbreaking work in public policy, Sharma’s path to Parliament wasn’t straightforward. Yet, with each achievement—from top student to WHO intern to MP—the Global Indian has proven himself driven by a commitment to community and meaningful change. Gaurav Sharma was born in a small town in Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Himalayas, where opportunities were scarce, but dreams were big. His father was determined to carve a better life for his family, and in pursuit of that, he moved to New Zealand with little more than $250 and multiple degrees. Gaurav recalls the early struggles, saying, "My father’s resilience laid the foundation for my journey. He taught me that obstacles are just stepping stones if you are committed to your goal." Years later, at the age of 12, Gaurav joined his father in New Zealand, along with his mother, and they

l." Years later, at the age of 12, Gaurav joined his father in New Zealand, along with his mother, and they settled into the Kiwi way of life.

Dr Gaurav Sharma | New Zealand MP | Global Indian

Adjusting to a new country and culture was challenging. Gaurav recalls feeling out of place, especially with the linguistic and cultural differences. “I came from a small Indian town where everyone knew each other, and now I was here, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and voices,” he shared. However, these initial challenges only fueled his determination. He threw himself into his studies, eventually attending Auckland Grammar School, where he excelled academically, despite starting at the bottom class. By the time he graduated, Gaurav had won nine awards and became runner-up dux, a testament to his hard work and focus.

Finding purpose in medicine

It was during his high school years that Gaurav found his calling in medicine, a path that was not obvious at the beginning. During his sixth form at Auckland Grammar, Gaurav volunteered at a local elderly care facility, a decision that changed the course of his life. "Volunteering at the rest home was a humbling experience," he explained. "It shifted my perspective on what it meant to truly care for people. I had initially joined as a way to gain experience, but it quickly became more than just a task—it became a calling."

This exposure to healthcare led him to cancel other extracurricular activities to focus solely on his volunteer work, committing to four years at the facility. His dedication was recognized, and he was soon admitted to the prestigious medical program at the University of Auckland, where he studied medicine and surgery. Here, Gaurav's interest expanded beyond clinical care to include public health and policy-making. "I saw that healthcare was not just about treating individuals but about creating systems that could impact entire communities," he said. His experience at the university solidified his resolve to make a difference, not just as a doctor but as a health advocate.

Dr Gaurav Sharma | New Zealand MP | Global Indian

By the time he was 21, Gaurav had already begun advocating for healthcare policies, serving as the elected representative for over 3,000 medical students on the New Zealand Medical Student Association board. In this role, he worked with the Ministry of Health, various specialty colleges, and the Medical Council of New Zealand, shaping policies aimed at encouraging healthcare workers to train in rural areas and high-demand specialties. "Those early years taught me the power of policy in shaping healthcare outcomes. I wanted to help design systems that would reach the most vulnerable," he shared.

A global perspective and the call to serve

In his fifth year of medical school, Gaurav’s commitment to public health led him to research climate change as a significant health issue for New Zealand. His research attracted attention, and he was encouraged to apply for an internship at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Switzerland. The opportunity to work at the WHO marked a turning point, as it gave him an understanding of the global dimensions of health and the role of policy in addressing systemic challenges.

At the WHO, he worked in the Non-Communicable Diseases cluster, focusing on implementing research findings in developing countries. He witnessed the stark realities of healthcare access in poverty-stricken regions and how systemic inefficiencies affected millions. “Working at WHO expanded my perspective on what healthcare could be. It was no longer about individual patient care but about creating policies that could alleviate suffering on a much larger scale,” he said.

During his time in Geneva, Gaurav Sharma also joined the Geneva Intern’s Association board, where he advocated for interns from UN-affiliated organizations, reflecting his growing passion for leadership and advocacy. This experience reinforced his belief that healthcare professionals could influence not only medicine but broader social and political landscapes. Upon his return to New Zealand, Gaurav brought back these lessons, ready to channel his experiences into impactful change on home soil.

New Zealand MP | Global Indian

Politics and public service

Gaurav’s entry into politics was a natural extension of his work in healthcare policy. His family’s journey and the challenges they faced as immigrants in New Zealand had shaped his values, and he saw in the Labour Party a platform to advocate for those values. "The Labour Party’s commitment to social justice and opportunity aligned with what I wanted for New Zealand. It was about creating a fairer society for all Kiwis, regardless of their background," he said.

In 2017, he ran as the Labour candidate for the Hamilton West electorate. Although he didn’t win, he gained valuable experience and support within the community, which propelled him to run again in 2020. This time, he won, becoming the first MP of Indian origin to represent the electorate for Labour. His achievement resonated deeply within New Zealand's Indian community, as he symbolized the potential for immigrants to contribute to New Zealand’s political landscape. "Winning the election felt like a validation not only for me but for every migrant who has come here with dreams and aspirations," he reflected.

Once in Parliament, Gaurav Sharma served on the Health Select Committee, where he continued his advocacy for healthcare reform. He was passionate about addressing inequities within the system, pushing for more support for rural healthcare and improved mental health services. "Being in Parliament was a humbling experience. I wanted to use my voice to push for changes that would make healthcare more accessible and equitable," he explained. However, his journey in politics took an unexpected turn when he raised concerns about alleged bullying within Parliament. In a public op-ed, Gaurav alleged widespread bullying, claiming that some parliamentary practices undermined the well-being of MPs and staff alike.

Dr Gaurav Sharma | New Zealand MP | Global Indian

The turning point and moving forward

In August 2022, Gaurav’s accusations of bullying within Parliament sparked a significant controversy. He claimed that the Labour Party leadership had ignored his concerns, leading to a highly publicized fallout. Shortly after his allegations, he was expelled from the Labour Party caucus, a decision that led him to serve briefly as an independent MP before ultimately resigning from Parliament. Reflecting on the events, he shared, "I believed that it was essential to stand up for what I saw as an unjust system. It was a difficult decision, but I felt that silence would have been a disservice to my values."

Following his resignation, Gaurav founded the Momentum Party, an unregistered political entity aimed at representing centrist values. Though he contested the 2022 by-election for Hamilton West under this new party, he did not secure the seat. Despite the setback, Gaurav remains committed to his principles and continues to advocate for systemic change within New Zealand’s political and healthcare systems.

Looking back on his journey, Gaurav Sharma reflects on the highs and lows with a sense of pride and determination. "I’ve come a long way from that boy who arrived in New Zealand, unsure of what the future held. My journey has not been easy, but each challenge has strengthened my resolve to make a difference," he shared.

New Zealand MP | Global Indian

Dr. Gaurav Sharma’s journey is far from over. From his roots in the Himalayas to the halls of New Zealand’s Parliament, his life embodies resilience, courage, and a deep commitment to service. He continues to be a voice for those who, like him, believe in the power of change and the importance of standing up for one’s values.

Follow Dr Gaurav Sharma on Instagram and Facebook.

Meet Chef Radi Manoj – serving modern Indian food with an attitude at Tevar, Hyderabad

(January 21, 2024) Chef Radi Manoj’s visiting card describes his designation as Flavour Architect/Bhoj Samrat. This attitude, where he truly loves what he does, shows up on the menu of Tevar – the Progressive Indian Kitchen and Bar, a restaurant in Knowledge City, one of Hyderabad’s newer corporate areas. From an avocado kulfi to a paan-based mocktail, Chef Radi Manoj’s food is all about contemporising Indian cuisine From a CA to a Chef [caption id="attachment_48509" align="aligncenter" width="473"] Chef Radi Manoj[/caption] Chef Radi Manoj hails originally from Rajasthan, but grew up in Mumbai, wanting to be a chartered accountant. Even while doing his B.Com, seeing his older brother become a professional chef inspired him to want to do the same. He loved to sketch and paint, and occasionally cook, even as a child. He completed the first year of his CA course after graduating, then changed trajectories and gave the entrance exam for hotel management. On clearing it, he joined the Institute of Hotel Management in Bhopal, and loved every minute of it. Sitting in a sunny corner of Tevar, Chef Radi tells Global Indian, “After my first year, I had to do an internship and I worked at ITC Maratha

, he joined the Institute of Hotel Management in Bhopal, and loved every minute of it.

Sitting in a sunny corner of Tevar, Chef Radi tells Global Indian, “After my first year, I had to do an internship and I worked at ITC Maratha in Mumbai. I am not an introvert, but I was not comfortable interacting with people all the time. I preferred being in the kitchen and getting creative with dishes. I decided then that I wanted to be a chef.”

As part of campus recruitment, Chef Radi got offers from the Taj and the Oberoi Groups of Hotels, but he chose to go with Old World Hospitality, the company which later launched Indian Accent, by Chef Manish Mehrotra. He says, “I would call him my guru and mentor as a lot of what I create today is based on what he taught me. He is the pioneer of modern Indian cuisine. He always said, ‘Don’t fix what is not broken. Don’t make a Paneer Chettinad because that region doesn’t eat paneer. Don’t mix flavours for the sake of it; uplift a dish where possible.’ At Indian Accent, the clientele were global, well-travelled affluent people, so we had to give them new flavours, but nothing that seemed forced.”

Arabian Days and Nights

After four years and a lifetime’s worth of learning, a fluke call asking him to join another legendary chef – Sanjeev Kapoor – had Chef Radi moving to his company. With this job, he travelled all over India, setting up restaurant franchises for the brand. He would be travelling almost 300 days every year; and three-plus years later, he decided he wanted a change. He says, “I was not able to spend enough time with my family so I met Sanjeev and told him I wanted something less hectic. He suggested I go to Oman, where they were setting up five restaurants. I took it up and moved to the Middle East. Initially, I couldn’t understand Arabic food. I saw everyone relishing it but I didn’t find it flavourful. That doesn’t mean the food is bad; I didn’t have the palate for it. It was a learning curve because I got to learn about different Arabic flavours.” The Oman stint led him to Dubai to work with a company he later discovered wasn’t well-funded, but in the process, he met Ananda Kumar Pillai, an entrepreneur who invited him to set up a restaurant in Kuwait.

Chef Radi Manoj | Global Indian

That move was a milestone for him as he worked on the concept for six months, and set up Agnii – a restaurant that serves Indian and Kuwaiti food. Today, the brand is a chain of eight uber successful restaurants. He says, “It was his concept; and we launched a 69-seater restaurant, of mostly Kuwaiti and some Indian food. We would do 350 covers a day. The concept was that of a central kitchen where the food was cooked and sent to the other venues, in refrigerated vans.” Each outlet had a smaller kitchen where the food would be thawed, heated and served. It did phenomenally well. “When we had leftover biryani, I would mix it with cheese and herbs and serve it as arancini balls. They became so popular that we had to make them as a dish and not just from leftover biryani.”

Indian Food with Attitude

Moving back to India after the second lockdown when his father passed away due to Covid, Chef Radi was still in two minds about going back to Agnii and Kuwait. He chose to stay back as his mother would be alone and he wanted his family nearby. Then he got a chance to launch Tevar – The Progressive Kitchen and Bar in Hyderabad, for entrepreneurs Narendra Pal Singh and Nikhil Dhawan. He says, “The owners had a clear vision – we would not serve fusion food, but Indian dishes in a contemporary way. No roti and sabji in a taco or a chicken tikka masala in pasta. It would be regional Indian food with a twist. I personally like to use indigenous ingredients that are the underdogs of Indian cuisine; like arbi, lotus stem and yam. We created a kakori kabab with lotus stem, and because it is so soft, we serve it on a piece of rusk. We make a galouti kabab with arbi – the methods for both are the same as the non-veg versions, but we use vegetables not normally associated with kababs. We serve bhel made with banana flower and an avocado kulfi with banana and honey.”

Even the ubiquitous samosa gets revamped in Chef Radi’s hands. Since most people like the crust, his version of the much-loved triangle of fried heaven is served as a tower of alternating layers of crust and filling. Needless to say, it is one of the most frequently ordered snacks at Tevar. Chef Radi loves pani puri so he had to put it on the menu here. And, in the 15 years of being in Hyderabad, it was the best I have tasted in this city. The waiter comes up with a wooden trolley and serves it at your table, just as a street vendor would – with different stuffings. Eating with one’s hands is encouraged and all the creations have an attitude – evident through their taste and garnish.

[caption id="attachment_48511" align="aligncenter" width="538"] Chef Radi Manoj's recreation of the samosa[/caption]

His favourite ingredients are coconut and curry leaves and he prefers the minimalistic approach where he uses not more than eight to ten ingredients in his dishes.

A team effort

Frequently giving credit to his team of chefs, Chef Radi reiterates that they experiment with recipes and make them three or four days in a row. If he dislikes a dish one day and likes it the next, they tweak it further and then take a consensus on whether it should be on the menu. Having said that, he innovates considerably. The Katafi Paneer uses roasted vermicelli [katafi is the Arabic name for it and is popularly used for a dessert in Kuwait] and it is served with an orange reduction giving it a Mediterranean flavour. The Achari Paneer Tikka is marinated in a Rajasthan chilli pickle instead of the usual pickle masala. An Assamese style Black Chicken is cooked with black sesame seeds. A soft dhokla is served with slightly sweetened sour curd on top and a Malai Chicken Tikka is marinated in blue cheese. Paan leaves are used in a mocktail while a dash of vodka added to pani puri makes it a cocktail.

[caption id="attachment_48512" align="aligncenter" width="438"] The dhokla at Tevar[/caption]

The point is that Indian ingredients and methods of cooking are celebrated at Tevar unabashedly. There is a modern touch that gets added with flair which take regional Indian cuisine to the next level. And while the recipes keep evolving, Chef Radi would like his career graph to move towards launching his own restaurant some day. We hope the universe is listening.

While travelling, Chef Radi likes to eat at:

Pune: Local street food
Chennai: Thali at the Southern spice restaurant at Taj Coromandel
Indore: Street food, Poha Jalebi and Makai Ki Kees
Oman: Lamb Shuwa during the desert safari – the way they roast it in the ground is a unique experience.
Follow Chef Radi Manoj on LinkedIn and Tevar on Instagram.

Bishwadeep Moitra and Iris Strill: The Indian-French couple empowering Afghan refugee women

(January 19, 2023) One of the crowded alleys in Malviya Nagar takes you to the workshop of Silaiwali - a place that's a world of its own for the many Hazara women who fled the atrocities of the Taliban to make a temporary home in the heart of New Delhi. Sitting among a handful of benches and chairs with the whirring of the sewing machines in the background, one can see many Afghan refugee women busy sewing and crocheting a pile of upcycled fabric into beautiful dolls. It's been four years since the social enterprise Silaiwali came into existence, and till now has given employment to more than 120 Afghan refugee women. The brainchild of a former visual journalist Bishwadeep Moitra and his French wife Iris Strill, a product designer, Silaiwali upcycles waste fabric generated from apparel scraps to create handcrafted decorations by Afghan woman refugees in India. "Ecology and solidarity - our mission is to bring these two together. Our motto is A Stitch Against Waste. A Stitch for Freedom. We are not just making an effort to save the environment from textile waste but also helping marginalised artisans live a dignified life," Bishwadeep tells Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter"

rget="_blank" rel="noopener">Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_34097" align="aligncenter" width="855"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan Refugee Women Afghan refugee women at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Since the late 1970s, India has given shelter to Afghan refugees, and each year, more Afghanis make their way to New Delhi in the hope of a better life. Currently home to around 30,000 Afghan refugees, South Delhi is bustling with the marginalised community that's looking to start afresh in a new country. And Silaiwali is helping Afghan refugee women give another shot at life.

"Coming from a conservative society, these women mostly never left their homes before stepping into Delhi. But now they want to help their kids have a better life," adds Bishwadeep. Since Malviya Nagar is the hub for many of these refugees, Bishwadeep and Iris knew they had to take their workshop to them. In no time, their craft has found an audience in France, Korea, Japan, Germany, and other parts of the world. So much so that their skills caught the eye of the French luxury fashion house Chloé, who collaborated with Silaiwali for an exclusive range of rag dolls. "Hazara women are known for their embroidery skills, and now they are using the same craft for a wider audience, and it's helping them live a dignified life in India," adds Bishwadeep, who decided to start the venture in 2018 with his wife, after quitting a two-decade-long career in media.

Afghan refugee women | Global Indian | Silaiwali

Journalist-turned-entrepreneur

Having arrived in Delhi as a teenager from Ludhiana where his dad was posted, he never got the chance to complete his graduation owing to the violence that erupted in the capital during the Sikh riots of 1984. Though he did join an engineering course for a year, he gave up soon to start working in a printing unit. Designing was something that intrigued Bishwadeep, so he ended up joining India Today as a graphic designer in the early 90s, and later became one of the founding members of Outlook magazine during its launch in 1995. In the coming years, he rose to the ranks of Executive Editor. "For 21 years, I designed the cover of Outlook magazine and did stories. It was a free-thinking magazine, and I loved my work." However, in 2016, he decided to hang up his boots in the world of full-time journalism as boredom had slowly started crawling into the daily work. "I had done whatever I had to do."

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It was during his time in Outlook that he met his now-wife Iris at Sivananda Yoga Centre in Delhi in 2006. "Like most foreigners, she was interested in yoga, and that's how we first met at the yoga studio," laughs Bishwadeep, adding that she has been visiting India since 1999, and has years of experience in crafts and fashion, "training artisans in making design-oriented products." It was during her long years of working in India as a consultant to fashion brands that she came across the problem of textile waste and realised upcycling was the solution. "Moreover, she had worked with Afghan refugee women who were a part of United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) livelihood initiatives. That's how the idea of working with refugees struck us," reveals Bishwadeep, who has been married to Iris for 13 years now.

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The dolls that make Silaiwali unique

The idea of integrating upcycling with empowering skilled Afghan refugee women gave birth to Silaiwali - a social enterprise with a purpose, and also the concept of selling rag dolls. "Growing up, almost every individual at some time has played with a rag doll. Many people who are now parents played with one, while many kids made one as a part of crafts class or DIY programs." The hand-made dolls are a far cry from the plastic ones available in the market and provide an emotional connection along with celebrating cultural diversity. "Our dolls are for an audience that's conscious about sustainability, peace, equality, and the environment. We wanted to sell a product that has a back story to tell. We are using waste material as the fabric for the dolls which are made by skilled marginalised women who ran away from terrorism, and the income is helping them sustain in a new country."

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While the very first year got Silaiwali a huge order from a US fashion brand COS to make 50,000 key chains using waste fabric, making Afghan women work in a structured environment was one of their biggest challenges. "Since they come from a conservative society where their skills were never used commercially before, getting them to work in professional production was demanding. The products are made for high-concept stores across Europe, they demand high quality of production, and so everything has to be perfect." However, Bishwadeep is grateful that though the women are not trained, they are doing really well and their work is loved by all.

Empowering Afghan refugee women

Leaving the comfort of their country, they have moved to India in search of a better life, and hence, winning their trust was the first thing for Iris and Bishwadeep. "We had to make them feel safe. That was the first step. Even our workshop is like a zenana that provides them a haven." He credits Iris for her charm and personality which played a factor in making these women feel at home. "The way she handled them as a fellow worker and not an owner, made her stand apart. She is a Westerner and believes in treating the worker with dignity. She never misses a chance to ask the women for an opinion on the product as their input is equally vital." While Bishwadeep looks into the administration, marketing, communication, packaging, and graphic designing part, Iris' core focus is the product.

[caption id="attachment_34098" align="aligncenter" width="859"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Iris Strill with an Afghan refugee woman at Silaiwali workshop[/caption]

Currently, 70 Afghan refugee women work with Silaiwali, a number that has gone down drastically from 120 last year. "For most Afghan refugees, India is a transit as they wish to migrate to Australia, Canada, or the US. Last year, Canada invited 1.4 million refugees, and 60 women from Silaiwali, along with their families migrated to Canada. It was heartbreaking to lose our artisans but it's a big gain for them as they get citizenship rights in those countries." Working with Silaiwali has empowered these refugee women who have now become key decision makers in their otherwise patriarchal families. "They are earning a livelihood from the skills they traditionally have. It has instilled a sense of confidence in them and now moving to a new country, they are ready to take on work and new challenges with more gusto and self-awareness of their skillset."

The path ahead

Over the last few years, Silaiwali has found collaboration with big brands like Uniqlo, Chloé, and Ulla Johnson. "In 2022, we partnered with Uniqlo, and had 50 pop-ups around the world including Milan, Paris, and London," says the 57-year-old who bid adieu to journalism to dive into entrepreneurship. "Working on a complex business right now, journalism seemed like a walk in the park," he laughs. From manufacturing to selling to working with the UN, he calls the work "wheel within wheels." When Bishwadeep began, he had no idea about export or how to run a business. For him, the last four years have been a learning curve. Though Silaiwali is bootstrapped, he has plans of scaling up. "We have only tapped into 2-3 percent of the world market. We are keen to go much bigger shortly through social media and exhibitions."

[caption id="attachment_34099" align="aligncenter" width="663"] Silaiwali | Global Indian | Afghan refugee women Silaiwali employs Afghan refugee women[/caption]

After the success of the India chapter of Silawali, Bishwadeep and Iris wish to replicate the model in countries like France. "The concept of upcycling and empowering marginalised communities of the region remains the blueprint for every chapter." With many of their artisans having moved to Canada, Bishwadeep wants to start one chapter in Montreal. "The trained Afghan women who have now migrated to Canada can restart what they were doing."

Follow Silaiwali on Instagram
You can place order for the dolls on their website

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The Gospel truth: Actor Paras Patel is carving a niche for himself in Hollywood

(November 13, 2022) Over one billion Christians from across the globe were delighted when American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins announced that he would chronicle the journey of the Christ through his web series The Chosen. As more details started to come from the show's set, people murmured about an Indian-American cast in one of the most important roles in the series. But, despite all their doubts, the audience was absolutely mesmerised by actor Paras Patel, who portrayed the role of Saint Matthew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. [caption id="attachment_31706" align="aligncenter" width="698"] Actor Paras Patel[/caption] The Global Indian has been a part of three major shows, including ABC Family’s 'Teen Spirit' and CBS Films' 'The Duff'. "Growing up, it was such a rare treat to see someone that looked like me on TV or in a movie, and I took it for granted that it would always be that way. As visibility for South Asians is increasing in mass media, there is still a long way to go, and I hope to inspire the next generation of South Asian artists to see a place for themselves in this industry," the actor shared during an interview with Voyage LA. The world's

ff'. "Growing up, it was such a rare treat to see someone that looked like me on TV or in a movie, and I took it for granted that it would always be that way. As visibility for South Asians is increasing in mass media, there is still a long way to go, and I hope to inspire the next generation of South Asian artists to see a place for themselves in this industry," the actor shared during an interview with Voyage LA.

The world's a stage

Belonging to a Gujarati family who immigrated to the USA several decades back, Paras Patel had, on numerous occasions, shared that he loved acting and performing for the crowd since he was a young kid. In love with Bollywood and its music, Paras even played games inspired by movies growing up. "As cliched as it sounds, I knew I wanted to act at a young age. I loved to perform whenever I could, whether it was in school plays, cultural community shows, or even family gatherings. During summer breaks, my brother and I would use a camcorder and make little skits and pretend we had our own TV show. I’ve played various fictitious roles, from a mad scientist to an angry chef! I remember when I was in 5th grade, I did a book report but turned it into a play and performed it in front of my classmates. It wasn’t a part of the assignment at all, but I just did it. It just came naturally to me," the actor told Voyage LA.

[caption id="attachment_31707" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Actor | Global Indian A still from the show Teen Spirit[/caption]

After earning a degree in finance, Paras Patel started looking for job opportunities. however, the prospect of a career in numbers didn’t make him happy. And so, he started working on the sets of various productions in Atlanta, to get on-field experience, starting from one of the biggest cult-drama that aired on American television - The Vampire Diaries. All the money that he earned doing the background work on these productions went into his acting classes, getting headshots, and other career-related material.

[caption id="attachment_31709" align="aligncenter" width="544"] Actor | Global Indian A still from the sets of The Chosen[/caption]

"Through a showcase from one of my classes, I met and signed with my first agent and then happened to book my first audition ever, a lead in Teen Spirit which was a feature film for Freeform. I continued to work on various productions in the south for another year, and then eventually moved to Los Angeles to further my career. Moving to LA was a whole new world, and I had to start over with building relationships and enrolling in more training to strengthen my craft… but I haven’t looked back since," he said.

The Chosen one

While he had to face several hurdles during his initial days of struggle in LA, the actor was soon spotted by producers and started working on minor roles in various movies and TV shows. Although a few people didn't approve of his career choices, Paras was determined to make it big in the entertainment industry.

"In Indian culture, you are expected to take a more traditional career path, so it was a bit of an eye-opener for my loved ones when I went from pursuing a career in finance to acting. I am grateful that my parents have always been supportive, but I’ve had some extended family members question my career path and express doubt in my future as an actor," Paras Patel shared during the interview, adding, "This line of work also comes with countless rejections, fear that you’re wasting your time, and tons of self-doubt. You can be a great actor but never get a chance to work. This business has a certain degree of luck involved. I’ve got parts that have been edited out numerous times due to factors out of my control."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-veXCXOzPE4

Not one to give up easily, Paras Patel was persistent and eventually landed the role of Matthew in The Chosen after several auditions. "I portray a historical figure. Season 1 has amassed over 35 million views globally in a span of a few months! I am incredibly thankful and grateful to the fans of the show, whose numerous messages of support and appreciation of my work have impacted me profoundly," the actor shared.

[caption id="attachment_31708" align="aligncenter" width="593"] Actor | Global Indian A still from the sets of The Chosen[/caption]

Even though much is known about the character he played, Paras Patel admitted that he was surprised to see the character written in a way that had never been done onscreen before. "It was the character description depicting Matthew as on the autism spectrum and the writing that initially drew me to the project," the actor shared during a podcast, adding, "The impact the show has had on our audience and having underrepresented communities feel like they are finally getting the representation and acceptance they deserve on a mainstream show keeps my heart full."

Actor | Paras Patel | Global Indian

An actor who loves challenging roles, Paras Patel is looking to collaborate with several other artists in the coming years. "I think what sets me apart as an actor is that I am always working on my craft to continue to get better. I am a hard worker and am always looking to improve. I also love to collaborate and meet others, as I believe there are enough seats at the table in this business and we should all support one another," shared the actor.

Follow Paras Patel on Facebook and Instagram

Reading Time: 6 mins

How Indian fashion designer Saisha Shinde gave transgenders a shot in the arm, and Miss Universe Harnaaz her look

(January 3, 2021) In January 2021, an acclaimed celebrity designer daringly came out as a trans woman, surprising many who heard the news. Fast forward to December 2021, this Indian fashion designer’s talent was recognised by the entire world when Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu wore the designer’s sparkly phulkari-inspired ethereal gown at the Miss Universe pageant held in Eilat, Israel. Meet the sassy and bold National Institute of Fashion Technology-alum Saisha Shinde, whose new identity and work has the world starstruck, not just because of her bespoke outfits but also her incredible talent. Formerly known as Swapnil Shinde, Saisha’s Miss Universe milestone is all the more special because this is her first grand achievement as a trans woman. “I never get tired of telling people how I’m feeling about this feat because it’s a historic moment for India and me. I feel blessed to have this win in my kitty. I was in college when Lara Dutta was crowned Miss Universe and I have been designing for pageants, especially Miss India for seven years now. But as Saisha, my first Miss India project led me to the Miss Universe gig, so this victory is all the more special,” smiles the

e more special,” smiles the Indian fashion designer who started accepting her alternative sexuality at NIFT.

[caption id="attachment_18420" align="aligncenter" width="485"] Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe India 2021, wearing Saisha Shinde's creation.[/caption]

Designing the stunning gown that Harnaaz sported, Saisha says, “Harnaaz trusted the experts completely. I always ask my clients a few basic questions - favourite colour, where they hail from, favourite flower etc. Having known that Harnaaz is from Punjab, where the phulkari motif originated, I wanted to take the phulkari geometric shape, and convert it into a mosaic. Miss Indias’ have a specific look, so we needed to follow that and make Harnaaz look exquisite.” The NIFT graduate interned at the renowned House of Versace in Italy, which has given her a depth and versatility evident in her designs.

How the "trans" journey began

On Saisha’s coming out, she reveals that that her simple Maharashtrian parents, albeit shocked, accepted her truth wholeheartedly. “My relationship with my mother has grown leaps and bounds. We always underestimate our parents – it’s important to communicate with them with respect and not rebellion. In other situations, you have to be rebellious sometimes,” quips Saisha. She also touches upon how living in a democracy should mean that people can voice opinions for marginalised communities like hers, “The only way to spread the message is to shout, I do it with full swing when the work is not done on time!” she tells Global Indian.

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After years of being Swapnil, why did Saisha decide to come out this year? “I knew that I was going to come out. I was waiting to accept it. I could not see myself leading a double life – I wanted to live a life of truth and have nothing to hide. I came out for myself - I didn’t expect it to become what it became, but I’m glad it did because it’s opened doors for a host of trans people in India. It’s been inspiring to get inspired by others,” says the gutsy designer, who received overwhelming support on social media after her announcement.

Coming out has lifted a huge burden off the 39-year-old’s mind, yet it comes with its share of difficult learnings too. “I now understand what women go through every single day. Women are expected to behave, talk, dress and sit in a certain way. As a male, I didn’t have to face this. It didn’t even occur to me that I had to sit and stand a certain way. As for my professional life, I’m lucky to hail from an industry that’s accepting and more inclusive than any other profession - they have accepted me with open arms. We have so many gay men, lesbian women and trans men and women behind the scenes and we’re all paid properly and treated well. I always felt a sense of security here,” says Saisha who hails from Maharashtra.

[caption id="attachment_18421" align="aligncenter" width="501"] Saisha Shinde[/caption]

How her designs emulated her persona

After years of designing clothes for women as a man, Saisha admits that after she came out as a trans woman, the way she looks at women’s design has changed drastically. “At first, I would create without thinking too much about the woman or what she’s about. Now, I’m conscious about what I’m making and for who. Earlier, comfort played an insignificant role when designing, but now, comfort is the number one priority. For me, it’s a revolutionary change,” she muses.

As someone who designs for Bollywood stars, how does the film industry see trans people? “Many are ignorant and have pre-set notions. A few trailblazing transwomen like Gazal Dhaliwal and Trinetra Haldar are breaking norms. It’s just a matter of time when representation of our community will be visible in films or TV shows,” mulls Saisha.

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Being different, being true

When it comes to the alarming stereotypes about her community, Saisha shares, “Everyone thinks that transgenders are eunuchs and that’s not the case. They also think that we have a disease that’s contagious and that they might turn trans if they touch us! People also think that men dressing as women for entertainment and humour are ‘us,’ but that is not ‘us.’ Those are men who are cross-dressers or men who are doing drag.”

Dressing the stars

On the work front, Saisha’s clientele includes Bollywood superstars like Madhuri Dixit, Kareena Kapoor and Anushka Sharma. Her all-time favourite is the woman she grew up idolising. “When I was in school, I’d lock my bedroom door and dance to Madhuri’s songs. Eventually, I got to work with her and that alone made me feel successful. She’s so amazing to work with – she’s loyal and gives one creative freedom. I also like dressing up Deepika Padukone as anything you give her looks good on her!”

In the world of fashion, Saisha’s idols include the late Wendell Rodricks, Anaita Shroff Adajania, Shaleena Nathani, Eka Lakhani and Sabina Chopra (her mentor since day one). Her future projects are the magnum opus Ponniyan Selvan: I, directed by the Mani Ratnam, where Saisha got to dress up the ethereal Aishwarya Rai. “In collaboration with Eka Lakhani, we have created costumes for Aishwarya, Trisha and a few other cast members. I get to work with Mani sir and that’s a dream come true. I’ve also designed for Deepika for a song in Pathan (which stars Shah Rukh Khan) and there are a few other interesting projects in the pipeline.”

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Shinde hopes to make metro inhabitants aware of the trans community, and hopes the community will get a separate employment quota one day. “They should be able to get legal documents without hassles. Once this happens in big cities, we can target tier-2 and 3 cities,” she adds.

When she’s not working, Saisha is inevitably engrossed in fashion shows on TV, and voraciously reads about fashion. Having trained at Shaimak Davar’s dance school in jazz and funk, she now intends to learn Bharatanatyam and Kathak. Saisha’s also has another aspiring dream – to be awarded the prestigious Padma Shri like Manjamma Jogath, the first transgender to bag the award. “I felt so proud when I heard that. I prayed that I stand in her place one day,” she signs off.

Follow Saisha Shinde on Twitter and Instagram

Reading Time: 6 min