This week: Imagine our surprise when we learned one of the summer’s most anticipated movies has ties to the Bhagavad Gita…& we talk about whether or not FOMO (aka “fear of missing out”) can be a good thing.

— Rumneek

Did you know about Oppenheimer’s connection to the Bhagavad Gita?

Christopher Nolan’s latest film, a biopic on American physicist, Robert J. Oppenheimer involves a little history lesson that traces back to India.

On July 16, 1945, as Oppenheimer, who is known as the “father of the atomic bomb,” witnessed the first successful test of the bomb, AKA ‘Trinity,’ he famously quoted a verse from the Bhagavad-Gita: "Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds."

What’s the connection?

Originating in ancient India, the Bhagavad-Gita is a Hindu scripture that contains a dialogue between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer and spiritual guide. It explores dharma (duty/righteousness), yoga (the path of self-realization), and the nature of the self, providing guidance on how to lead a virtuous and purposeful life while facing moral dilemmas and inner conflicts. The quote in question is part of a conversation where Krishna reveals his divine form to Arjuna, a form that embodies the destructive power of creation and annihilation.

Oppenheimer’s connection to this verse, in particular, relates to his own moral conflict regarding the atomic bomb, recognizing the devastating consequences and the immense responsibility he and his colleagues bore for wielding such destructive power.

Cillian Murphy, the film’s star, even admitted to reading the Bhagavad Gita in preparation.

How did the verse represent Oppenheimer’s state of mind?

This connection to the Bhagavad-Gita has since become an iconic representation of Oppenheimer's contemplation on the moral and existential implications of the atomic bomb. It highlights the inner struggle and the profound impact that the project had on his worldview. The quote serves as a reminder of the ethical questions raised by scientific advancements and the need for responsible decision-making when dealing with technologies of immense destructive potential.

Watchlist: AJ Wavy

AJ Wavy’s eclectic and delightful collection of mashups should be illegal.

Born in London, AJ Wavy engages listeners with tracks that you would never think to mix together. Using Tiktok to connect with a global audience, the DJ and producer spellbinds his own family members with unpredictable sounds that he calls “Illegal Mashups” — a perfect blend of wholesome and viral. The results are guaranteed to be hilarious and addictive.

Wavy’s mixes push the boundaries of innovation. His mix combining “Hotline Bling” x “Laal Ghaghra” has reached 15M+ views across Youtube and Tiktok and captured the attention of Liverpool FC and Formula 1.

@ajwavy

She made play this like 9 times😂 #funny #mashup #remix #nan #desi

Other mixes that are sure to blow your mind include “Closer” x “Apna Bana Le”, “Levitating” x “Jugni”, and “Jehda Nasha” x “Old Town Road”. His viral TikTok sound incorporating “The Good Part” by AJR inspired viewers to create 71K posts, celebrating momentous life occasions and inspiring wanderlust with their travel destinations.

AJ Wavy’s momentum has shown no signs of slowing down. He has amassed an astounding 800K+ on Tiktok and 360K+ followers on IG.

He also recently signed to Sony Music Entertainment India, and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with next.

No More FOMO

Are the days of attending the wedding of every person you’ve ever met over?

Well, some think it should be.

TikToker Tina Singh answers this question in an insightful way in her latest video. The mother and online creator emphasizes the need to normalize missing events, including wedding ceremonies, engagement parties or the dozens of South Asian wedding events, for a variety of reasons—something that has long been unheard of for South Asians.

@thetinasingh

Do you agree? #momsoftiktok #momsover40 #momtok #browntiktok #brownmom #brownmomtok #southasian #brownweddings #normalize

“Now don’t misunderstand me,” she says. “If you are close person to me, I am your ride or die. I am there celebrating you no matter what’s going on in my life”.

However, she goes on to explain that attending events out of obligation should not be the norm—and with good reason. People may have other commitments, struggles with their own physical or mental health, or financial restrictions that can prevent them from being able to attend—particularly when it comes to the week-long soirees that South Asians are accustomed to.

Or, it can be as simple as they don’t want to come.

I mean think about it—we’ve all been to the weddings of people we barely know, and our families are under the expectation we will invite our entire extended community to ours—even if we haven’t seen or spoken to them in years.

Some may have felt that attending out of obligation was better than being named and shamed for missing a wedding, but it sounds like times may be changing for South Asians and their need to attend every single event.

And Singh is right; there should be no punishment for putting the brakes on accepting every invitation. There will still be hundreds of others on the guest list regardless.

What do you think? Is it okay to opt-out of events now and again, or will your mom still yell at you for not attending?

📣 Other News:

• Khanvict releases “Cyber Bazaar” with Raaginder 

• Deepika Padukone film “Project K” to be the first Indian film to debut at Comic-Con this week.

• India launches an AI news anchor named “Lisa”.

• Chandrayaan-3, India’s third moon mission launched successfully.

• NPC streamers are on the rise on TikTok… and it’s getting weird.

Listen to the PopShift Playlist on Spotify.

• Watchlist: Hot Takes: Mindy Kaling is Not Problematic, You Are

• Is SRK Overrated?

• How much are people paying for rent in New York?

Writers: Aneesa Khan, Nikita Satapathy & Rumneek Johal
Editor: Rumneek Johal