Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Can a culture survive as a way of life, even as the language and writing at its core, alter with time? asks Shyam G Menon. Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff First week of January. My first rail......

The Man Who Said No To The Big Bang

Jayant Narlikar wrote alternative what-if histories, explained difficult scientific theories with funny analogies, and leavened his lectures with jokes and humorous asides. Illustration: Dominic......

At 12, Zakir Hussain got Rs 5 for first tabla show

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument's rhythms into his ears when asked to recite......

99 And Seven Decimal Points

'Does 99 percent guarantee character and capacity for an independent awareness of life or does it make you -- barring exceptions -- a compliant careerist beholden to governments and......

Digital Loan Apps: Boon Or Bane?

For the time being, digital lending remains a grey area, notes Tamal Bandyopadhyay. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com   During a visit to Kolkata in December, I decided to drop by a bar......

'India is no rising power, it has already risen'

US President Barack Obama on Sunday sought reciprocity in trade and access to Indian market to allay the fears of Americans that the relationship was a one-way street. "We want access to Indian......

When Freida won Best Actor in college

We asked readers if they had ever studied with Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto, and we got quite a response. Tanushree writes in to say that Freida was her batchmate in the English Literature......

The Best of Pankaj Udhas

A golden name in the world of ghazals and playback singing, Pankaj Udhas regaled listeners with his dulcet voice on silver screen and stage. Growing up in a family of zamindars and government......

When Vidya Balan played a prank on me!

We asked readers to tell us if they had grown up or studied with movie or television celebrities. And we got a great response! Sharing his experiences is Arijit Basu who went to the same college......

Meet Imran Khan's bride

As Imran Khan gets ready to get married on January 10, we introduce you to the bride-to-be Avantika Malik, and take a closer look at the wedding preparations. The bride: Avantika, 28,is the......

Milind Rege, The Last of the Mohicans

'He devoted his entire life for the betterment of Mumbai cricket and cricketers.''Even when he left for the Elysian Fields, he was in harness as mentor/advisor to the MCA.'Hemant Kenkre mourns the......

Ranji: Sindhu's 11-wkt haul powers Haryana to victory

IMAGE: Nishant Sindhu took 5 wickets in the second innings. Photograph: Kind Courtesy Nishant Sindhu/Instagram Left-arm spinner Nishant Sindhu delivered a match-winning performance, taking 5/56 in......