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The Desi Gaze

The Desi Gaze

Written by: Ankita Rathour
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About this listen

 The Desi Gaze is a podcast about (mostly) Hindi films made from the 1930s to the present. The goal is to assert "desi" readings and to dismantle the western gaze that is often imposed on Bollywood films. From the Soviet era to the rise of far-right rhetoric, the podcast will bring in-depth understanding of lesser-known Hindi films, Indian/diasporic socio-political culture, and its often-overlooked nuances. Your hosts are Dr. Ankita Rathour, a scholar of Hindi films and postcolonialism at Georgia Tech, and Azharuddin, a Ph.D. candidate at Louisiana State University, whose research revolves around post-9/11 literary culture. Ankita's website is https://sites.gatech.edu/ankitarathour/. The logo is by Ankita Rathour. The editors are Jason Christian and Ankita Rathour. Music is by Sujay Govindaraj. Thanks for listening!2024 Art Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Extended Conversation on Dhurandhar

    Extended Conversation on Dhurandhar
    Jan 19 2026

    Ankita continues to expand her thoughts/feelings on Dhurandhar, but this time with two of her favorite people–Vignesh Burugupalli and Mihika Gottimukkala. The three forged a cinephilic friendship after Ankita's Global Bollywood class last year. Continuing the discourse, the three chat about their reactions, complex feelings, and criticisms of Dhurandhar. Ankita ends the episode by arguing that Dhurandhar marks the era of Cold War 2.0 in India. We would love to hear from you. Please feel free to write to us at thedesigazepodcast@proton.me

    As always, subscribe to the podcast, and don't forget to leave us a review!

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    58 mins
  • Dhurandhar-ing into Season 2

    Dhurandhar-ing into Season 2
    Jan 5 2026

    Happy New Year! Ankita introduces season two "Before the Collapse" as she recovers from acute bronchitis (welp!)

    But there's more...she shares her thoughts on Dhurandhar, arguably, India's biggest blockbuster film. This film has genearted a lot of interest, debate, and chaos. As Ankita tries to make sense of her messy experience of watching the film, she invites Jason Christian, who is the co-host of Cold War Cinema podcast (and Ankita's husband!).

    For season 2, TDG will unpack the cold war era in the Indian film context along with some wonderful guests on the way! Stay tuned. As always, please subscribe to the podcast, and don't forget to leave us a review!

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    38 mins
  • Shah Rukhnomics: The Man, The Legend, The Star!

    Shah Rukhnomics: The Man, The Legend, The Star!
    Oct 7 2025

    For October, Ankita and Azhar delve deep into the phenomenon, the legend, and the alleged last star of Bollywood – Shah Rukh Khan, also known as SRK. Why not a film? Because both have discussed their fascination and critique of the megastar on and off. This is a labor of love and a gaze back from SRK's two ardent fans.

    What makes SRK great?

    Why does SRK still rule?

    How has the far-right attack on the star affected SRK's fandom?

    Do artists have a social responsibility?

    The hosts unpack, celebrate, criticize SRK, and, in extension, a film industry that seems to be losing its foundational ethos of socialist, revolutionary filmmaking. As always, please subscribe to the podcast, and don't forget to leave us a review!

    We will be taking a break until the end of this year! From January 2026, we will bring you seasons dedicated to a particular theme, along with some brilliant guests!

    Reading recommendations: When the Hindu Right Came for Bollywood

    Image credit: Creative Commons

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    1 hr and 22 mins
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