Culture
Proud, Not Laughing
October 2026
A Bangladeshi comedian made it to Netflix. I was proud. I didn't laugh. Then I started to wonder whose fault that was.
“Not cruelty, just too much hope packed onto too few people.”
Culture
5 essays
Film, TV, music and the internet, and what they say about where I'm from.
Culture
Definitely Maybe but Not the Greatest
October 2026
Oasis were very good. I tried. I just don't get the rest.
“The pub bloke's certainty is loud. Mine is quieter, and just as stubborn.”
Culture
Please Don't Call Me Abu Bakr
September 2026
My wife says I'm her Abu Bakr. She means it as the highest compliment. I'm taking it as an insult.
“Piety is a lot easier to perform than patience.”
Culture
The Bideshi Premium
September 2026
A Canadian moves to Dhaka, discovers it has buildings, and collects 1.4 million likes. I'm Canadian too. Nobody lines up for my chicken fingers.
“Every foreigner gets a bideshi premium. But white is still the ultimate currency.”
Culture
From Bombay to The Taj Story
July 2026
How a beautiful film first made me feel like a guest, and what changed between one cassette and one scroll.
“When you no longer need beauty to smuggle the argument in, it means the argument has already won enough ground to stand in the open.”