In the recent Netflix drama depicting the life and tragic demise of Punjabi singing duo Amar Singh Chamkila and his wife Amarjyot, there are scenes where Parineeti, playing Amarjyot, is seen engrossed in a novel, but it's not just any novel, it’s Indian pulp fiction. 1/20 Did you know that in Kottayam, Kerala, during the 1970s and 1980s, they had their own Sherlock Holmes-like figure named Detective Maxim? Similarly, in the Hindi heartland, figures like Vivek Agashe or Sudhir Kumar Kohli were more popular than the likes of Hercule Poirot. 2/20

You might remember the name of Dharampal Gulati, who died one of India’s richest men in 2020. Gulati once considered being a tongawallah before he became a spice tycoon. 1/16 On September 7, 1947, as the country was reeling from the fallout of partition, a young Dharampal left his home in Sialkot and made his way to a refugee camp in Amritsar to save himself and his family. 2/16

In 1971, Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan after a violent conflict. What is not known widely is how a team of doctors from Calcutta fought off an epidemic in the midst of this savage war, popularising something we often drink today. 1/19 Given the severe summer heat that has engulfed many parts of India, doctors often prescribe drinking more fluids and keeping ourselves hydrated with something called an Oral Rehydration Solution or ORS. 2/19

In November of 1849 a Brahmin was brutally murdered on the grounds of Harvard college in Boston by another fellow Brahmin. But they were not really Brahmins at least not in the real sense. Let us tell you the story. 1/18 On November 30th, 1849, Ephraim Littlefield, a janitor working at Harvard Medical College, found something suspicious while snooping around John Webster’s laboratory. Webster was the professor of Geology and Chemistry at Harvard Medical. 2/18

It’s the season of Ramadan and for the foodies who happen to be in Kolkata during this time, Zakaria Street becomes the ‘must visit’ place. And, if you have an appetite for historical anecdotes too, Zakaria Street awaits you with a double treat. A thread. 1/15 The quintessential food hub of Kolkata during Ramadan, Zakaria Street lies between Rabindra Sarani and Chittaranjan Avenue in Central Kolkata. Although about 30 restaurants remain open throughout the year, the number reaches up to three figures during this time of the year. 2/15

In the 1890s, a Danish dairy expert was recruited by the British Indian government to help modernise the dairy industry in the country. Little did he know that his name would be immortalized, resonating on our lips long after his time. Hop on for a delectable ride. 1/17 In 1911, a Danish gentleman was touring Darjeeling. A well-known name in the dairy industry, Edward Keventer, saw an opportunity in this sleepy little hill station, and set up a small shop-cum- diner. 2/17

We've all come across this commercial. While we'll leave it to your judgment to discern its accuracy, it is a fitting moment to recall the individual who actually had a hand in bringing an end to a devastating civil war. Didier Drogba. And this is his remarkable true story (1/15) On the fateful day of October 8, 2005, Africa stood at crossroads. The stakes were high, the stage set for a momentous showdown that would decide not just football glory but also the fate of a nation. It was the final showdown of the World Cup qualifier (2/15)

In 1947 as new nations were being carved out on the map, a crimson elixir from Delhi was also partitioned. However, instead of diminishing its popularity, it gained fame on both sides of the border. This is the story of Rooh Afza. 1/15 In 2022 Hamdard Laboratories had a topline growth of 90% earning more than Rs 600 cr in revenues. Although Hamdard may not be immediately recognizable, one of its flagship products is undoubtedly familiar: Rooh Afza, the crimson red syrup synonymous with summer refreshment. 2/15

An assassination attempt, decoy underground escapades, and an Indian curry that tickles Japanese palates till date. What is the common thread that connects all of the above? A fearless Indian revolutionary. Thread

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1/20 The story starts in December 1912, seven years before the Jalianwalla Bagh massacre and four years before the outbreak of the First World War. In fact, it was two days before Christmas. The atmosphere in Chandni Chowk, the famed marketplace in Old Delhi, was festive too. 2/20

In the midst of the chaos and bloodshed of World War I, an unlikely name appeared on a German propaganda postcard: Dum Dum. This quaint neighborhood nestled near Calcutta seemed an odd reference in the context of a war raging in Europe. What was happening?

Thread.

1/15 The postcard, published by the Germans between late 1914 and 1918, pointed an accusatory finger at French troops, alleging they used "The infamous Dum-Dum Bullets," found in the pockets of French prisoners of war. 2/15

In 1947, Christian Dior launched Miss Dior, one of the most iconic perfumes ever created. As we reflect on International Women's Day, a thread on a rebel whose unparalleled courage and sacrifice inspired this iconic bottle of perfume - a symbol of resistance & survival. 1/22 According to various sources, the name was believed to have come accidentally but as one gets to know more about Miss Catherine Dior, the name would hardly seem accidental. So, who was she?
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At the outbreak of the largest human conflict, WWI, when most supply chains collapsed, a progressive Maharaja, his visionary Dewan and a scientist made an indigenous innovation that became a cultural identity and an international icon – A thread (1/19) According to historical records, the perfumery industry in India flourished at least two centuries before Grasse in France became the ‘Perfume Capital of the World’ (2/19)

When a young girl from Mughal India is kidnapped by Portuguese pirates and ends up in 17th century Mexico, little does she know she will go on to leave an indelible mark on Mexican history. A fascinating thread on Mughal India, the global slave trade, and a Mexican costume. 1/20 Mexican art and culture has a deep-rooted connection with  symbolism, cult and their fabled history. The bright colours, quirky patterns and magical textures found in the Mexican culture have often taken inspiration from religious, social and cultural rituals. 2/20

In 2011, a Nielsen survey report stated ‘Parle-G’ was one of the bestselling biscuit brands in the world surpassing wildly popular international brands like ‘Oreo’. So how did the cheapest teatime snack become the no. 1 choice around the world? A thread. 1/23 This is 2024. Consider the drop in the economy and the rise of inflation year on year, and then think for a moment – even today, you can get a packet of 10 biscuits for just Rs. 5. Doesn’t that sound too good to be true? 2/23

14 April 1944. At the historic Victoria Dock in Bombay, a ship loaded with explosives caught fire. The explosions shook the city, killing 800 people and displacing 80,000 others. After the fire was put out, letters of gratitude began to arrive at the Godrej office. Thread. 1/20 The deep-rooted trust Indians have in Godrej runs deep. One such incident took place almost 80 years ago when Godrej played a pivotal role in safeguarding the assets of Bombay's residents after a devastating explosion of unprecedented proportions shook the core of the city. 2/20

On August 15 1947 while India celebrated the grandest event of all thousands of people in Bengal formed queues for an entirely different reason. They were there to collect free tubes of their beloved Boroline. But what made a simple antiseptic cream so special? Let’s explore 1/19 When a product becomes synonymous to its product category, it becomes a successful brand, even if the revenue suggests otherwise. For example – in rural India, even to this date, when someone needs toothpaste, they ask for Colgate, even if they mean Pepsodent or Closeup. 2/19

About 70 years ago, the whims of India’s first Minister of Information & Broadcasting paved the way for the creation of an iconic radio program for the Indian audience. As we bid adieu to Ameen Sayani, let's take a nostalgic look back at his legendary Binaca Geetmala. 1/17 In 1952, in the first general elections, the Congress Party led by Pt. Nehru was elected to power with an overwhelming majority. Balakrishna Vishwanath Keskar was chosen by Nehru to take charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 2/17

The connection between the grounds of one of the oldest sports clubs in India, a silver screen icon and a half century old missing person’s case.

Remembering a thread that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

(1/16) Founded in 1884, Aryan Football Club (initially Aryan Sports Club) actually pre-dates the more illustrious names like Mohun Bagan, East Bengal & Mohammedan Sporting.

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So, how many of you remember this iconic song from Amar Akbar Anthony? Did you notice the man in the white suit dancing with Big-B? Bewilderingly, he took us on a journey which revealed the story of a Polish wrestler who came to Patiala to settle an unfinished battle. 🧵1/17 So, where do we begin? The man swaying to the iconic beats of "My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves" - that's Yusuf Khan for you. No, not the legendary Dilip Kumar, but one among those hundreds of Bollywood supporting cast members who lived their lives in the shadows. 2/17

Raise your hand if you were captivated by the iconic character of Bahadur during your school days! But here's the thing: this superhero was way ahead of his time. Through Bahadur, the creator envisioned a new India—a hero we truly deserve.

1/20 Meet Bahadur, India's first-ever comic book superhero created by Aabid Surti in 1976. Bahadur burst onto the scene during a time when dacoity was rampant in North India, especially in the notorious Chambal Valley.

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If you remember this film, you're a true fan of '90s Bollywood. "Daulat Ki Jung" might have been a box-office disaster, but there's one bizarre plot, among many others, that takes us 500 years back to Jamaica, where Christopher Columbus found himself stranded.

A thread.

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Daulat Ki Jung is a 1992 Hindi action-adventure romance flick that hit the screens with Aamir Khan and @iam_juhi as leads supported by Paresh Rawal, Dalip Tahil, Kiran Kumar, and the ever-iconic Kader Khan. 2/18