I am on holiday with the husband, but I just couldn't help making notes of what is happening on the diaspora scene. And two news items struck me as worth reading about.Updating while the husband is watching football. The only thing that can keep us apart.

New York's Indian film festival to push new talent from India.

For the first time, the New York -based Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) Film Festival is accepting Indian independent projects, with organisers saying the event would work to give a platform to new talent.

Chutney is hot and we are not just talking of grandma’s tangy preparations here. It is also a form of music now making waves everywhere. But not all are aware of its Indian roots.

Chutney is an up-tempo, rhythmic song, accompanied by the dholak, the harmonium and dhantal. Originally, chutney songs made references to deities and were offensive to religious leaders. Now, chutney has become extremely popular and new compositions are being written. When India’s men in blue visited Trinidad and Tobago, they took back chutney music with them. Indian singe-rs have adap-ted chutney music for desi audiences.

I love this culture mixin'!