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It had all the elements of a trailblazer. That the Alankrita Srivastava written and helmed - Bombay Begums (streaming now on Netflix) is an extremely topical, riveting and entertaining watch, is without doubt. Steered by powerful performances from the lead actors - Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami, Amruta Subhash and Plabita Borthakur, it stirs up strong sentiments by focusing an unapologetic lens on some very pertinent “women’s” issues like menopause, the right to dignity for sex workers, sexual harassment at work, bisexuality, body positivity, women’s right to make choices etc. Then why doesn’t it strike a chord in me? Why don’t I rise in pulsating excitement and thump my fist saying, “Yes, this is it!”? Why am I left feeling hollow? Because it sacrifices one stereotype for another. The series has successful dynamic women leading from the front, while keeping their own insecurities firmly in check, but who strangely can’t hold their own in front of lovers/partners. Granted, the d

Sitting Ducks. That's what we are. The Covid monster is back! In a more virulent strain, with a renewed vigour. And you know what? We are responsible for inviting it back. Unfortunately, we depended on the Government to take care of us.  Till the lockdown went on, we were very careful and obedient in following all precautions. Innumerable misery and loss of livelihood during the lockdown was justified as necessary in the greater interest of public health and safety. We remained cooped up in our houses, gave up going out, children lost their childhood games and outdoor play, so many of us lost their jobs, pays were downgraded, businesses and workshops closed own. All because of the looming threat of being affected with a disease that knew no cure. A year later, with two vaccines in our kitty, we are back to square - not one, but zero. Why?  Because we thought the government has built hospitals with the public fund they had collected last year? Or did we think we have made exceptiona