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We talk to Food Writer, Monica Bhide, on whether food writing has come of age in India with the explosion of interest in novel cuisines and healthy eating.
Monica Bhide
Interview by Anne John
Monica Geller of the TV show Friends is famously known for her interest in food and cooking. Here we have her namesake, who eats, cooks, writes as well as teaches about food! Meet the other food-enthusiast-Monica; Monica Bhide!
Anne John (AJ): Hi Monica! Your story of discovering cooking as a way to connect with people is touching. Over the years, how have you and your cooking evolved?
Monica Bhide (MB): In so many ways! I used to always cook to nurture and connect and then over the past few years, my writing began to fill that role as well. So, I guess, in many ways I am really lucky… Now I have two ways to connect with my readers, my friends and my family: I can write and cook for them!
AJ: You have published 3 cookbooks so far. Given that Indians are big-time foodies, is food writing a viable career option in India? What does it take to ‘make it’ in this field?
MB: Food writing is definitely a growing field in India as Indians are becoming more and more interested in food. All you have to do is take a look at the number of magazines, newspapers and blogs featuring food! Magazines are also starting to pay well for features on food.
As far as what it takes; know your subject, write well, learn to cook, learn to taste and read as much as you can! I am sure there are many other things, but these are the basics.
AJ: Do share with us your journey to becoming a food writer. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them?
MB: I think the challenges were similar to what anyone new to an industry would face. I was an engineer trying to learn how to write for magazines. I knew nothing about publishing, editing or writing. But, I tried to learn and by trial and error, I think I have come this far!
AJ: Most established cooks transition into Cooking Instructors and conduct Cookery Classes. But your classes are different (i.e.) focused more on food writing. How did this come about?
MB: I do both! I teach food writing (online and in person) and I teach cooking classes. I wish I did cooking classes more – I have to say, it has been a while since I did the last one!
AJ: What tips would you give budding food writers?
MB: Learn about ingredients – basic and exotic. Read a lot. Write every single day. Don’t be afraid to ask stupid questions. Have fun.
Food writing is one of the best and most creative fields you can be in!
AJ: Which food writers do you enjoy reading?
MB: Oh, there are so many! Some favourites include David Leite, Ruth Reichl and Francis Lam.
Anne John loves to play with words and calls herself a reader, writer, explorer & dreamer. She has a wide range of interests and has recently jumped onto the Mommy Vlogger bandwagon! read more...
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People say that women are the greatest enemies of women. I vehemently disagree. It is the patriarchal mindset that makes women believe in the wrong ideology.
The entire world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. It should be a joyful day, but unfortunately, not all women are entitled to this privilege, as violence against women is at its peak. The experience of oppression pushes many women to choose freedom. As far as patriotism is concerned, feminism is not a cup of tea in this society.
What happens when a woman decides to stand up for herself? Does this world easily accept the decisions of women in this society? What inspires them to be free of the clutches of the oppression that women have faced for ages? Most of the time, women do not get the chance to decide for themselves. Their lives are always at the mercy of someone, which can be their parents, siblings, husband, or children.
In some cases, women do not feel the need to make any decisions. They are taught to obey the patriarchal system, which makes them believe that they are right. In my family, I was never taught to make decisions on my own. It was always my parents who bought dresses and all that I needed.
14 years after her last feature film Dhobi Ghat, storyteller extraordinaire comes up with her new film, Laapataa Ladies, a must watch.
*Some spoilers alert*
Every religion around the world dictates terms to women. The onus is always on women to be ‘modest’ and cover their faces and bodies so men can’t be “tempted”, rather than on men to keep their eyes where they belong and behave like civilized beings. So much so that even rape has been excused on the grounds of women eating chowmein or ‘men will be men’. I think the best Hindi movie retort to this unwanted advice on ‘akeli ladki khuli tijori ki tarah hoti hai’ (an alone woman is like an open jewellery box) came from Geet in Jab We Met – Kya aap gyan dene ke paise lete hain kyonki chillar nahin hain mere paas.
The premise of Laapataa Ladies is beautifully simple – two brides clad in the ghunghat that covers their identity get mixed up on a train. Within this Russian Doll, you get a comedy of errors, a story of getting lost, a commentary on patriarchy’s attitude towards women, a mystery, and a tale of finding oneself, all in one. Done with a mostly light touch that has you laughing and nodding along.
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