Author

Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

July 1, 2020
3572 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Chappal as a nazar battu?

Trumpet Lead

ā€˜Ekdum 100 % effective ā€“ or your money backā€™ said the thin strip banner below a small stack of few, shining black horseshoes. In this tiny shop in the labyrinth called Delhiā€™s Chandni Chowk, they had all kinds of nazar battus (objects that ward of the evil eye), including the modern and glistening Turkish evil eye and Feng Shui coins, but the horseshoe looked one of a kind. Since the ā€˜promiseā€™ piqued my curiosity, I asked the owner, what was so special about it. We know how our country is full of quirks! With superstitions leading the way for everything…

August 9, 2018
3884 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Will the instant-noodles generation ever truly relish the taste of homemade pickles?

Food, Nostalgia, Trumpet Lead

On my dining table are three glass jars that once contained jam, now they are proud holders of lehsun (garlic), kairi (raw mango), and mirchi (chilli) ke achar. We got them from Lucknow, when we visited my husbandā€™s family last September. Their unique flavours shifts from somewhat pungent to slightly tangy and extremely spicy. At lunch, they scream ā€“ whatā€™s your mood today? Pick me! And each one promises to add a unique shift to our desi meals.

August 7, 2018
3759 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Why didnā€™t we have sales while growing up?

Bazaar, Fashion, Fashion Fry

Last week at the mall, submerged under a pile of childrenā€™s clothes at a kidā€™s store, I saw a pink skirt which would perfectly fit my 2-year-old princess. I had the exact same one (well, almost) that my uncle had got for me from a trip abroad. The only difference – I was six then and the dress wouldnā€™t fit me till I was at least eight that was if I ate for three. The one in my hand had an adjusting elastic on the waist (an awesome innovation) ā€“ the one in my memory, my granny had to alter…

January 3, 2018
1670 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

ā€œSo what if itā€™s big, it will be good for at least a year, aaram se!ā€

desi emotions, Fashion Fry

Last week at the mall, submerged under a pile of childrenā€™s clothes at a kidā€™s store, I saw a pink skirt, which would perfectly t my 2-year-old princess. I had the exact same one (well, almost) that my uncle had got for me from a trip abroad. The only difference – I was six then and the dress wouldnā€™t t me till I was at least eight that was if I ate for three. The one in my hand had an adjusting elastic on the waist (an awesome innovation) ā€“ the one in my memory, my granny had to alter…

April 25, 2017
4241 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Do you remember these fan types?

IdharUdhar, Nostalgia

There is anĀ archaeological proof that 1,000 of centuries ago the Greeks, Romans, Japanese, Indians and the Chinese used fans, both as cooling and ceremonial device. I am not surprised. With our humid climate, one cannot imagine life without it. On quiet evenings, lying on the bed and staring endlessly at the ceiling, I nonchalantly notice the swift set of spinning shadows left by the rotating blades. There isnā€™t a day it remains still. Even on cooler days. Except maybe when the maid is sweeping. Those two-unbearable minutes in this sweltering heat are brutal and even before she finishes sweeping the…

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September 9, 2016
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by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Eid Mubarak: The Spirit of Sacrifice

Nostalgia, Trumpet Lead

Just as the delirium of Ramzaan winds down, the preparations for the next Eid get queued up. The frenzied bazaars provide a rich taste of the festive atmosphere – a rush to the tailors to stitch new clothes; that mad hunt to find matching accessories to go with the dress; new curtains and cushions to complement the fresh coat of paint at home; young girls scouting for trending designs and the darkest hue of mehendi cones; ladies discussing how to do justice to the upcoming freezer full of meats and sharing recipes of mutton, kalejis and botis ā€“ all of…

June 13, 2016
6762 0
by Nasrin Modak-Siddiqi

Dhoti, remixed!

Fashion, Fashion Fry

It was some time ago that I first fell in love with the dhoti silhouette. Slightly oversized and breezy, this street-style trend spells ease and effortless chic. And in the last few Indian fashion week seasons I was happy to see that the spotlight was back on the humble garment. The Indian drape stepped up to a completely new level of fusion: think voluminous pant silhouettes in breezy fabrics teamed with Italian cut tuxedos and elaborate dhoti dresses with rich stiffened pleats.

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