Latest news with #Malayalis
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cultural fusion: Malayali by heart, Pakistani by passport
They speak Malayalam, savour pathiri, and cheer for Mohanlal. They belong to Pakistan yet are tethered to Kerala by memory and longing. Amid the ebb and flow of India-Pakistan relations, the resilient Malayali Muslim community in Pakistan stands as a testament to enduring cultural ties. Descendants of migrants from Kerala, the Malayalis in Karachi have preserved their language, traditions and cuisine for over a century, yet are an integral part of Pakistani society today. Mehmood Ali, a garment factory owner in Karachi's bustling Lea Market, embodies this legacy. Video-calling from his factory, he smiled: 'You called me from my grandfather's homeland. How could I not show you around?' He panned his phone across a well-lit workspace where workers crafted premium garments for export. His grandparents migrated from Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram around 1916, along with 10 to 15 other Malayali families. 'They brought their language, food, and customs,' Mehmood said. As their businesses flourished, more families from Kerala joined, expanding the community. Today, about 5,000 to 6,000 Malayalis live in Karachi, with a few in Islamabad and Lahore. In 1921, they founded the Malabar Muslim Jamaat (MMJ), one of Pakistan's oldest functioning Jamaats, anchoring cultural and social life. Speaking to Mehmood, what stands out isn't just the historical anecdotes—it's the unapologetic Malayali identity he carries. Born in Karachi, and having visited India only once (Mumbai, 1988), his Malayalam is impressively fluent. I thought I'd have to switch to English. But Mehmood's command of Malayalam surpassed that of many native speakers. He learned it from his parents and MMJ events. But it's more difficult now. 'After visa rules tightened in the late '80s, no one from Kerala could come here to teach. Today, we rely on YouTube and online lectures.' Still, the spirit endures. His children, fourth-generation Karachi-born, understand enough Malayalam to follow conversations at family gatherings. Balancing identities, the community celebrates Pakistan's Independence Day with cultural programmes and cricket tournaments. 'We are proud Pakistanis,' says Mehmood, now MMJ president. 'But our cultural spine is rooted in Kerala.' Yet, all is not rosy. Once thriving in Karachi's food scene with spicy eateries and tea joints, the community's presence has faded. Pashtun and Urdu-speaking migrants from post-Partition India brought their own cuisines, and Malabari establishments gradually declined. 'There was a time when you couldn't walk through Saddar or Lyari without spotting a Malabari hotel,' says Abdul Latif, whose grandparents came from Vadakara. He now runs a general store in Gizri. 'Today, only a few remain. One is Joona Masjid Hotel in Lyari, serving fish curry and parotta with nostalgic defiance.' Latif, speaking in a North Malabar dialect, last visited Kerala in 2001 at age 16. Now 40, he still hopes to return. 'Recent India-Pakistan tensions had a strange fallout,' he laughs. 'My wife and I were removed from our family WhatsApp group in Kerala!' 'They said it was too sensitive to include us.' He is also passionate about snacks. 'Relatives in the Gulf bring banana chips from Kerala. In return, they want Karachi's tooth powder and bubble gum.' He stays updated too. 'I watched the Eranjoli Bridge inauguration online and asked my cousins about traffic jams in Thalassery.' Among the last cultural outposts is Joona Masjid Hotel, locally known as the Malabari Hotel, run by Abdul Rasheed Malabari. His grandparents migrated from Thalassery via Bombay in 1918. The hotel, now 80 years old, has been run by Rasheed for 15 years. At 60, Rasheed speaks fluent Malayalam. He's visited Kerala four times, last in 1986. 'In childhood, many Malayali families lived here. But many returned to Kerala or moved to the Gulf. Now, few remain.' His hotel, still busy at lunch, serves fish curry, kallummakkaya (muzzles), irachi pathiri, and puttu—dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations. 'Our food reminds people of home. That's why we're still here.' Rasheed, who married off three daughters and one son within the Malayali community, hopes to visit Kerala again. 'But with tensions between the countries, it seems unlikely. I can only hope.' Despite changes around him, Rasheed clings to Malayalam films and comedy shows. 'I'm not into politics. But Mohanlal and Mammootty—we still adore them.' Malayalam cinema helps preserve the language. 'There's charm in hearing our language, even if we've never seen those places.' What's remarkable isn't just that Malayalis live in Pakistan—but how. In a region divided by politics, this community lives in the grey: rooted in a homeland they've never seen, yet loyal to the one they call home. They don't ask for repatriation or special status—only connection. They want visas, not for business but for sentiments. To walk the streets their grandparents spoke of, offer prayers in old mosques, smell banana or jackfruit chips frying fresh. Senior Pakistani journalist Faiz Paracha captures the essence of their place in the nation's mosaic best: 'The Malayali community is a shining example of how cultural roots and national identity can coexist. Their dedication to language and heritage, while embracing their role as Pakistanis, adds depth to our multicultural identity. In a divided world, they quietly remind us that unity does not demand uniformity.' The Jamaat remains the community's heart—organising language classes, welfare programmes and cultural events. For many, it is the closest they'll get to Kerala. 'Even though we're here, our roots are there,' Mehmood reflects. 'It's not about nationalism. It's about belonging.' He dreams of taking his children to Kerala. 'Not as tourists, but as family. To show them backwaters, temples and mosques. That would be enough.' Let this be the story we tell—not of borders, but of bridges. Not of what separates us, but of what endures, he says. (With reporting assistance from senior Pakistani journalists Faiz Paracha and Khuldune Shahid) Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Tracing Karun Nair's remarkable comeback in Indian cricket: From being dropped to scoring a century in England
As Usman Ghani watched, from Vidarbha's dressing room, Karun Nair bat as if he had been possessed by the spirit of Don Bradman in game after game during the Vijay Hazare Trophy early this year, he remembered a conversation he had had with the born-again cricketer. Unreal run And after his unreal run in India's premier fifty-over tournament, with scores of 112 not out, 44 not out, 163 not out, 111 not out, 112, 122 not out, and 88 not out in successive innings, Karun had hopes of making it to the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. Ghani, too, felt Karun would be picked. But, he wasn't. His comeback to international cricket would have to wait. Not any longer, though. Karun was first named in the India-A side for the England tour. And then in the Indian Test squad. There was almost an air of inevitability to it: even if the last Test he played was eight years ago. This is indeed one of Indian cricket's most remarkable comebacks. Something even Mohinder Amarnath, the father of all comebacks, may approve of. ALSO READ | The rise and rise of the young Indian cricketers The selectors could afford to ignore Karun for the Champions Trophy: they had the cushion of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, after all. Karun, however, continued to amass runs against the red ball, too, and played a major role in Vidarbha regaining the Ranji Trophy. His 135 in the second innings shut Kerala out of the final; he could have scored a hundred in the first innings as well, but was run out for 86. He swept and reverse-swept to neutralise the threat from Kerala's best bowler Jalaj Saxena. His determination to take his side to a position from where it could not lose was admirable. The ability to play long innings has always been one of his qualities, something the Test team could find useful. Ghani is also impressed by Karun's dedication. 'He gives his best every time, even at the nets, and I was so happy when the selectors finally had to select him,' the coach told The Hindu over the phone from Nagpur. 'Like him, I too was disappointed when he was not picked for the Champions Trophy. And he was feeling low.' But not for long. He had a chat with a certain Sachin Tendulkar on the phone. 'Atul Ranade, assistant coach at Vidarbha and Sachin's close friend, made it possible,' recalled Ghani. 'Karun was motivated by his conversation with the master. He told me he felt a lot better after that chat.' ALSO READ | Testing times: On India's new Test Captain A costly 'no' Ghani believes Vidarbha was fortunate to secure Karun's services. He had been dropped by Karnataka in 2022, and when he expressed a desire to play for Kerala, the State of his origin, its cricket administrators were not keen. That was probably the costliest 'no' after Shatrughan Sinha rejected Ramesh Sippy's offer of the role that eventually was enacted by Amitabh Bachchan in Sholay. Unlike many Malayalis who grew up outside Kerala, Karun speaks fluent Malayalam. After scoring a hundred for India-A against South Africa-A in the unofficial Test at Krishnagiri in Kerala back in 2015, he told the Kerala Cricket Association's media manager that he was hoping for a few questions in Malayalam at the press conference. Incidentally, that hundred proved timely, as he was flown out as a replacement for the injured M. Vijay in India's Test squad in Sri Lanka. Ahead of the Ranji Trophy final in Nagpur, however, Karun got plenty of opportunities to speak in Malayalam. There was a large media contingent from Kerala to cover the team's first-ever Ranji Trophy final. He spoke with a smile about the KCA's snub. He also talked about how he battled his way back into contention for a place in the Indian team after that poignant tweet of his, 'Dear cricket, give me another chance', following his omission from the Karnataka team in 2022. He admitted it was a very low phase in his life. And he is someone who has experienced the kind of high only one other Indian Test batter has. In 2016, against England at Chennai, he made a monumental 303 not out, in what was only his third Test innings. Only Virender Sehwag had scored a Test triple-hundred before for India, and, of course, none has since. Karun, however, was dropped for the following Test, against Bangladesh at Hyderabad a couple of months later, because Ajinkya Rahane, whose injury had paved his way into the team in Chennai, was back. Karun made his return during the home series against Australia, but the fourth Test at Dharamsala would prove to be his last. That was in 2017. Eight years later, he could very well be batting in the middle-order at Leeds in the first Test against England next month. ALSO READ | Gill pads up for captaincy innings He will have earned that privilege the hard way. His experience in county cricket should come in handy. He scored 202 not out against Glamorgan last season and 150 against Surrey in 2023. 'The county stint has helped me to understand my game more, the different ways of playing and that there will be times a batsman finds it tough to score runs, but it is important to hang in there and play the ball on its merit,' said Karun. 'In England, you realise the ball is swinging all day and you may not get to play any spinners the whole day. The experience convinced me my game is good enough to play in any conditions. I have taken that confidence to India.' His confidence got a further boost when he was made the Vidarbha captain for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. 'The added responsibility brought the best of Karun,' said Ghani. 'This year he has been more aggressive in his batting. I said to him — 'Karun, why don't you express yourself more?'' He certainly did. And not just with the bat. ALSO READ | Cometh the hour, cometh Bumrah! Sending a message When he scored that hundred in the Ranji final, he raised nine fingers to indicate it was his ninth of the season. When asked if it was only meant for the dressing room, as the national selectors were also present at the VCA Stadium, he smiled mischievously and said, 'You can take it however you like'. After the match, selector Subroto Banerjee shook hands with him. And Karun smiled broadly. He knew he must have impressed him. But it hadn't been easy to catch the selectors' eyes in a country brimming over with batting talent. And he had to inch his way back from being a forgotten man of Indian cricket. 'You can imagine how difficult that phase of my life must have been,' he said. 'My parents and my wife were my pillars all through. And those times made me understand people. When times are good, there will be a lot of people with you.' The good times are back again for Karun. And it could be good news, too, for the most inexperienced Indian batting line-up in years.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Need to encourage leaders like Pinarayi Vijayan: Kamal Haasan
'We must encourage leaders like Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan who are not shy of criticism and recognise them for their good work,' actor Kamal Haasan has said. He was speaking at the release of a documentary Pinarayi the Legend brought out by the Kerala Secretariat Employees' Association in connection with the fourth anniversary of the second Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Mr. Vijayan on Wednesday. The actor who had kicked up a controversy with his recent statement that the Kannada language was 'born out of Tamil,' leading to a fierce backlash, began his speech in Malayalam. He made it a point to underline that Kerala was his State too and he was thankful to Malayalis for counting him as one of their own since his younger days. 'Proven the opposite' The actor who then shifted to speaking in Tamil so that what he said 'could be heard there too' said there were complaints that south India was not flourishing but Mr. Vijayan was one of the leaders who had proven the opposite. He said their political ideologies might diverge but when it came to social service, both he and Mr. Vijayan were comrades. People should be made the centre of all ideology. 'We are all workers. Mr. Vijayan is a leader of the workers,' the actor said. Kerala, he said, had everything going for it to make progress. It was the State's need that Mr. Vijayan live a long and healthy life. Mr. Vijayan's birthday was celebrated by cutting a cake. Unbreakable bond Welcoming the actor, Mr. Vijayan said Kerala was the actor's home. He had forged an unbreakable bond with the audience here. He had also shown that an artiste had a social commitment beyond art, and had led many protests for social justice in recent times. Mr. Haasan cared about people and had a Left mindset, Mr. Vijayan said. He spoke about the LDF returning to power for a historic second consecutive term and the response of the people to public meetings held in connection with the fourth anniversary of the government. The 30-minute documentary throws light on Mr. Vijayan's life and political career.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Swipe right, naadan style: How online dating apps are trending among Malayali youth
Anjali M, 24, downloaded Arike as a 'secret experiment'. Though quite close to her parents, she did not mention it to them. 'It's not something you announce at the dinner table,' she says with a grin. 'I was just curious. I wanted to meet someone who gets where I am from — someone who knows what a thattukada date would be like.' For a state known for its blend of tradition and tech-savviness, Kerala is quietly becoming a hotspot for a uniquely Malayali brand of online dating. No longer just a metro trend, dating apps have found a home here — but not without their own quirks. Made for Malayalis Love is indeed going local. Apps like Arike, Mizhi, and Hridhayam are tailored for Malayalis and rooted in the cultural nuances that matter: language, food, family values, and even astrology. 'Arike felt different from Tinder,' says 27-year-old Ajay Varma, a software engineer. 'It didn't push hookup culture. The questions were actually meaningful, and most people I matched with were looking for something real.' Developed by the same team behind Aisle, Arike has rapidly gained traction among Kochi's young professionals. Meanwhile, Mizhi, with its tagline 'Find love through your eyes', offers a chat-forward experience that prioritises conversation in Malayalam. Then there's Hridhayam — less flashy but quietly effective. 'I met someone through Hridhayam last year,' says 25-year-old law student Nivya Rajan. 'We didn't click romantically, but we're still good friends. It's one of the few apps that didn't make me feel judged or objectified.' For 21-year-old Alan Joseph, a media student, it's less about finding 'the one' and more about genuine connections. 'I got on Mizhi out of boredom during semester break,' he says. 'But it was the first app where I could actually have a conversation in Malayalam without cringe adi. That's underrated.' Curious to see what the fuss was about, this reporter downloaded a couple of these apps to test the waters. The setup process was fairly simple across the board — download from the Google Play Store or App Store, register using your phone number or email, fill out a profile with a bio, interests, and preferences, and you're good to go. Some apps offer prompts or questions, while others let you upload short voice notes or even video introductions. Profiles tend to be casual — often peppered with Manglish phrases or Malayalam memes — and matches are usually made by either swiping or clicking 'like'. Conversations often start light, with shared references to Kerala food, cinema, or the latest local trend.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Tourist Family's stellar performances deliver heartfelt joyride
THIS is the kind of film that sneaks up on you. You go in expecting a light comedy, but what you get is a sharply written and incredibly charming family drama, made all the more memorable by its humour and heartfelt performances. Directed by first-time filmmaker Abishan Jeevinth, Tourist Family follows an Eelam Tamil family fleeing Sri Lanka's economic crisis to build a better life in Chennai. But there is a twist where they pretend to be Malayalis to avoid suspicion and legal trouble. That single thread sparks a wonderfully entertaining journey filled with identity mix-ups and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. What makes the film such an easy recommendation is its tone. It is light, warm and funny. From the first scene, you are pulled into the everyday chaos of a family trying to adapt to a new life. The comedy flows naturally, no over-the-top slapstick, just smart writing and great performances that keep you invested. Speaking of performances, it is impossible not to start with Kamalesh Jagan, who plays the youngest son Mulli. In a cast filled with industry veterans, it is this young boy who steals the spotlight with his irresistible charm and razor-sharp comic timing. Whether he is asking too many questions or trying to make sense of the adult world, Kamalesh is a scene-stealer and undeniably the film's breakout star. Sasikumar delivers a grounded, quietly affecting performance as Dharmadas, the well-meaning father who is constantly torn between doing what is right and keeping his family safe. Simran, as Vasanthi, brings warmth and emotional weight to the story, you truly feel the strain she carries behind her gentle smiles. Their on-screen chemistry lends the film its emotional anchor. The rest of the cast shines too. Mithun Jai Shankar as the brooding older son Yogi Babu, with his signature deadpan delivery, and veterans such as M.S. Bhaskar and Ramesh Thilak – all deliver memorable moments. Every character has a purpose, every actor gets their moment to shine – a rarity in ensemble films. But what really makes Tourist Family work is its storytelling. The plot is not overly complex, but it does not need to be. The family's efforts to fit in, the constant fear of being caught, the cultural confusions – it is all laid out with a touch of satire, empathy and wit. There are a few emotional punches along the way too, particularly in scenes where the family is confronted with discrimination or heartbreak. These moments hit harder because they are grounded in truth. Despite this being his debut film, Abishan handles the narrative with confidence. He does not rely on dramatic flashbacks or unnecessary exposition. Instead, he trusts the audience to connect the dots and it works. His direction keeps the film nimble, never dragging and always human. The music, composed by Sean Roldan, complements the story beautifully. Songs come in at just the right moments, never overwhelming, and the background score keeps things buoyant and emotionally tuned. At its heart, Tourist Family is about belonging, sacrifice and hope. But it never forgets to entertain. It invites us to laugh, feel and think all while rooting for a family just trying to survive with dignity. A perfect weekend watch that proves the smallest stories sometimes leave the biggest impact. : 8 PLOT: 8
