June celebrates Pride Month, a time to applaud and spotlight diversity and inclusivity, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our lineup of creatives from the community. Our cover story features Prabal Gurung, an extremely important fashion designer and published author from Southeast Asia, who has carved out his place in the global forum. His journey is a testament to his resilience, artistic brilliance and passion. Ashes to Light, an anthology edited by Priyadarshini Bhattacharya, explores gender through lived experiences. The collection brings together writers from diverse backgrounds who share their unique interactions and emotions with gender. Partners in life and at work, Arjun Sawhney and Arjun Butani founded Pristine Gallery two years ago and have since curated an eclectic mix of shows and artists, giving full power to ‘faith’ that inspired their journey as collectors and gallerists. Another anthology, Queer India Now, explores queer existence across contemporary India. Edited by journalists Dhrubo Jyoti and Dhamini Ratnam, the collection brings together essays, testimonies, reflections and art.
In addition, we interact with Chaitanya Muppala, an extremely impressive entrepreneur, the brain behind Manam Chocolate. This homegrown artisanal chocolate brand not only makes delectable chocolates but also has important conversations on industrial vs. craft produce. Filmmaker Arsh Jain’s debut film Ustad Bantoo follows the protagonist Bantoo, a trumpeter for a Delhi wedding band, who yearns to be a musician and be the master of his own sound. And we have many more exciting new talents to keep you engaged this month.
Editor-in-Chief
Shruti Kapur Malhotra