Many debutants draw from their own reality, creating stories that are compelling with fresh points of view. The March edition of the EZ presents voices that offer new perspectives on experiences that many resonate with. Whether it’s the arranged marriage theme in filmmaker Jayant Digambar’s debut film ‘Sthal’, where initiation remains a strong cultural practice in families, or the immigrant experience explored in writer Shubha Sunder’s ‘Optional Practical Training’, which tells the story of Pavitra, a young teacher navigating the complexities of living and working in the US, both stories are deeply personal. In this issue, we also feature stories that emerged from the pandemic. Jude Braganza turned his passion for fashion into Matcha Pret, a label that combines artistry, sustainability, and inclusivity. And Harshitaa Agrawal, an interior architect, and Aditi Kedia, a product designer, found themselves back in their hometown of Kathmandu and collaborated to form Mana Collective, a project that celebrates Nepal’s rich traditions of woodworking, weaving, and carving.
The spotlight also shines on three extremely eclectic artists who have built loyal fanbases through their unique crafts. Filmmaker Reema Kagti has released ‘Superboys of Malegaon’, an inspirational story based on true events, celebrating independent filmmaking and friendship. Actor Adarsh Gourav, one of the leads in ‘Superboys’, shares snippets, quirks, and insights from his life. Actor, author, and former White House staff member Kal Penn talks to us about his memoir, ‘You Can’t Be Serious’, filled with both challenging and celebratory moments—an ode to the joyride of his life.
Enjoy this colorful month filled with vibrant stories. Happy Holi! And to all the women, continue being the best version of yourself and celebrate you, always.
Happy Women’s Day!
Date 05.03.2025