September 2004
Features
Desperately Seeking South Asians
South Asian Americans may have kept a low profile in past elections, but this year, the desi community takes on new life as a political force to be reckoned with.
Kal Penn Goes to Hollywood
People magazine's "eligible bachelor" and on-screen stoner Kal Penn is actually a thoughtful and passionate person off camera. The star of Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle talks to Nirali about being brown in the biz.
Keeping it Real
A former model, Lubna Khalid turned her frustration at the lack of makeup offerings for people of color into a profitable business that has helped brown women all over the world. Nirali learns the story behind this businesswoman's rise.
Arts and Entertainment
Brown on Broadway
Nirali talks with the stars of Bombay Dreams to learn the secret of the show's appeal, the story behind the cast's rapport and what it means to set the stage for South Asian actors in the West.
Feast for the Soul
Puris and pakoras might fill the belly, but the ArtWallah Festival fulfills a cultural craving that comes deep from the soul.
She Moves in Mysterious Ways
Mystery writer Sujata Massey doesn't write about an Indian character—her protagonist is half-American, half-Japanese Rei Shimura. Nirali learns what motivates Massey to spin her spellbinding tales.
A Tune of Her Own
Shaheen Sheik confronts new struggles as she tries to establish herself in mainstream music. Undeterred, Sheik talks to Nirali about her rise as a guitar-toting, bindi-free singer-songwriter.
Career and Education
Nirali's Resource Library
Being a woman and a minority in the workplace can challenge even the most determined career woman. That's why we've rounded up a list of books to help you navigate any workplace situation that comes your way.
Working Woman: Vishakha Desai
Each month, Nirali talks to a South Asian American woman who has distinguished herself in a non-traditional field to find out how she made it to the top. For our premiere issue, we caught up with Vishakha Desai, the newly-appointed president of the Asia Society.
Health and Beauty
Old World Beauty Revisited
"You know, you should really use some tomatoes to even out your skin." We've all heard our mothers (and their mothers) spout beauty advice based on products from the produce aisle. So is all-natural alright? Nirali puts old world beauty secrets to the test.
Life and Style
Desi Dishes Revisited
Desi food is certainly delicious, but it isn't always easy to concoct in the kitchen. Nirali offers shortcuts for three traditional dishes without sacrificing traditional taste.
Happy Lucky Anjali
Anjali Pathak Young quit practicing law to produce a fun, hip line of handmade totes, tees and more. Nirali gets the scoop behind why she considers herself quite so happy and so lucky.
Nirali's Nine
There are some things everyone should know how to do: ride a bike, tie your shoelaces, boil an egg. But we've come up with a list of nine things every smart, stylish Nirali woman should master in order to make life easier and dazzle some others along the way.
Khussa Crazy
The latest trend in Europe has a distinctly desi flair.
Society and Culture
Going for the teal
Associate Editor Deepa Kamath attended the Konkani cultural convention this past Fourth of July weekend. While there, she discovered an event of Olympic proportions.
Let the Record Reflect...
Nirali rounds up the records and reports on the rhetoric of the 2004 presidential candidates. Come November, you'll be able to make an informed choice.
On Location
Seattle, Washington
Each month, Nirali explores a different city or college campus across the country to help you find the brown-friendliest places coast to coast.
Ask Nirali
September
Nirali offers advice on your most pressing problems. This month, she answers questions about dealing with people who mispronounce your name, intrusive aunties and telling your parents you'd like to pursue a non-traditional career.
nirali@niralimagazine.com
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