MISSISSIPPI MASALA

In 2021, Mira Nair’s film MISSISSIPPI MASALA was finally restored and replayed at the New York Film Festival after years of being pretty much unavailable. I had the pleasure of watching the film at the IFC Center in New York a few weekends ago, and I was able to take in the brilliance of Nair’s craft in the theatrical experience it was meant for. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a love story, it’s a piece of cultural commentary that dives headfirst into conversations about race, and it’s a place to see a young Denzel Washington star opposite Sarita Choudhury, who you may now know from HOMELAND or AND JUST LIKE THAT. 

The legacy of Nair’s work—being unapologetic about the representation and portrayal of the Indian diaspora—has rightfully landed her countless accolades and awards nominations. But what makes her extremely compelling, especially to me as a young South Asian aspiring creative, is how fiercely she believes in and executes her vision for the stories that deeply resonate with her. Once quoted saying “Nair, like fire” about the pronunciation of her last name, Nair indeed has set all expectations ablaze with her activism, talent, and relentless love for storytelling. 

—Nimarta Narang, Digital Fellow