Welcome back to your favorite mid-week read. Today we’re unpacking the politics and emotions behind our identity labels. What does it mean to be “South Asian?” Then we talk about the crossover episode of the century — the NMACC Gala in Mumbai. With an A-list guest list, all eyes are on Indian artistry. Lastly, as the world waits in anticipation of Sidhu Moose Wala’s latest posthumous track release, we reflect on the late musician’s global impact.

– Rosh

Should We Stop Calling Ourselves “South Asian?”

What does it mean to be “South Asian” in today’s world? The geographical label may seem like a simple identifier to some, but to others, what we call ourselves has intention and meaning.

When “South Asian” Promotes Inclusion

“South Asian” was originally embraced and promoted by transnational movements in the 80s, and was intended to be an inclusive label to describe folks from, specifically, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

Today, you can hardly escape hearing about a “South Asian owned business” or a movie’s “South Asian representation.” While “Asian” alone is broad and colloquially considered to refer to East Asians only, “South Asian” was more specific.

Strength also lies in numbers. The latest census will tell you there’s around 200K Nepalese-Americans, but there are just under 5.5M “South Asians” in the US. Whether you’re lobbying for political interests or seeking corporate funding for an event, having the masses that fall under the “South Asian” umbrella behind you is a clear advantage.

When “South Asian” Lacks Specificity

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Last year, when Arooj Aftab was lauded for being a “South Asian” grammy winner, Pakistanis criticized the broad term. Aftab is Pakistani, so why can’t we give credit and say that? More recently, when RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” won an Academy Award, coining it as a “South Asian win” allowed for misconceptions that the film is Bollywood, but it is proudly Telugu.

Terms also carry political weight. Some Punjabi-Sikhs are intentional in not identifying as “Indian” due to a history of persecution from the Indian government. South Asian countries that aren’t India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, rarely have their unique cultures represented. As “South Asian,” though, they’re considered included and the concerns are dismissed.

What’s your take? Do you actively identify as “South Asian?” Or do you consider the now-corporate lingo too broad, lumping too many together? Regardless, identity is personal! Your choice is ultimately yours to make for yourself.

NMACC Was Basically India’s Met Gala

Nita Mukesh Ambani held the grand opening and inaugural Gala for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), a multi-disciplinary culture hub in Mumbai that she hopes will “bind the community through the common thread of the arts. It is a tribute to India’s glorious legacy, traditions, and heritage.” With its star studded guest list, avant garde fashion, and tastefully curated art exhibit, the luxury event is being publicly dubbed as the “Indian Met Gala.”

In what looked like the ultimate Indian-American crossover episode, A-list model Gigi Hadid, dressed in a couture chikankari sari designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, got literally swept off her feet by actor Varun Dhawan. Hollywood megastar Zendaya, who attended the event in a coordinated Rahul Mishra piece with Law Roach, posed for photos with Bollywood legends Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Hot off the momentum of Dior’s Gateway of India fashion show in Mumbai, the international stage is set for Indian arts and artisanship. Though the socialite wife of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani faces controversy in an increasingly “eat the rich” world, there’s no denying that Nita Ambani’s event was optically a global success. More eyes have never been on India’s long, internally-cherished art scene. With its fierce new wave of art talent and patrons, we expect to see a show.

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Sidhu Moose Wala’s Legacy Lives On

It’s been almost a full year since Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala’s untimely death. The artist-turned-politician was tragically shot dead in a staged ambush that shocked his mass, global fanbase last May. The weight of his loss is realized beyond the music industry, as Sidhu was hailed as an icon and activist for the Punjabi community at large.

Sidhu’s music, which captured the hearts and minds of millions, was intentional in its authentic expression of the unique, lived Punjabi experiences. While some criticized his lyrics for promoting violent and rebellious themes, others resonated with the reality of the messages.

Since his death, two singles, “SYL” and “Vaar,” have been released posthumously. This Friday, with the blessings of Sidhu’s beloved parents, a third is set to drop. “Mera Na,” a collaborative track with Burna Boy and Steel Banglez, is releasing to much anticipated fanfare.

Sidhu’s impact on the world extends beyond that of any average musician. Upon his death, tens of thousands of mourners visited his namesake village to pay tribute to the late artist. On Friday, those same fans and millions more will undoubtedly and loyally stream “Mera Na,” keeping the rapper’s powerful and artistic legacy alive.

Other Notable News

• Rafiki released a new EP, “The Source.”

• Neela released a new track, “You’ll Never Know.”

• Alka Joshi published the latest installment of “The Jaipur Trilogy” novels, “The Perfumist of Paris.”

• Scotland elected their first Muslim and Pakistani-origin First Minister, Humza Yousaf.

• UFC’s parent company acquired WWE, forming a new $21B company.

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