As I delve deeper into the "Cultural Analysis" of India, I begin to fear that we (In-Resident-Indians) are being propelled into looking at our culture as an expat-NRI-immigrant would.

Indian literature is largely dominated by immigrant Indian writers in English - Amitav Ghosh, Jumpha Lahiri, Rohinton Mistry, Shashi Tharoor, Vikram Seth, Naipaul etc. The marketability of these books in Indian are enormous, they are Indian writers isn't it?

I appreciate these writers for building up stories around India.Alas! Their stories are all too ethnic to a point of being termed backward in the modern context.Even diasporic films are dominated by these stories.


Bollywood films, the largest Indian cultural icon is now catering to suit NRI audiences, so Indian Directors are beginning to say stories that the NRI's want to hear - the story between trendy and traditional.

With cross over films like "Bend it like Beckham" and "Bride and Prejudice" directed by diasporic film makers becoming box office hits,it is the same story of portraying India as a land of the exotic and ethnic, therefore an amusing diversion, but not providing an authentic version of contemporary India.


So the culture version of "India" is now being largely defined by diasporic intellectuals. Where do the resident Indians figure?

I would love to hear views.