Mangola, a slurpy, happy feeling that wasn’t cool enough for Frooti & Pepsi generation
Homegrown Parsi company Duke and Sons gave Mumbai its first mango-based drink, but couldn't survive in the post-liberalisation heat.
How Dyanora TV kept its consumers ‘in touch’ with the latest technology
Ruling the television market during the time of the license raj, this TV set became the one to buy.
Rola Cola is back, thanks to the power of nostalgia, social media and a sweet price-point
Parle relaunched Rola Cola this week after 13 years thanks to a social media movement #BringBackRolaCola.
Charminar — the ‘rugged’ cigarettes that promoted toxic masculinity
The brand endorsed an idea of masculinity that involved men inviting you to hold that cigarette as an extension of your hand because that’s what would ‘satisfy’ you.
Target — the kids’ magazine of the ’80s that has spawned fan groups in the new millennium
During the times of Champak and Tinkle, this children’s magazine was ahead of its time in its writing and art.
Mungerilal Ke Haseen Sapne: India’s Walter Mitty and a popular political tool
The Doordarshan show about an adventurous daydreamer made Raghubir Yadav a star.
When ’90s kids were getting drawn to cola, this Doodh ad made drinking milk cool again
When children wanted soft drinks & adults thought they didn't need milk, 'Doodh Doodh Doodh Doodh' jingle reminded them milk was still important, & fun.
Udaan — DD series on life of DGP Kanchan Chaudhary inspired an entire generation of women
India's first woman DGP India's first woman DGP Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya, the inspiration for Doordarshan’s popular show Udaan, has left behind a large legacy.
Bajaj Tempo Matador: The camper van with a cult following
From featuring in Bollywood films to being acquired by vintage car collectors, the classic Matador lives on in popular culture and imagination.
Forhan’s, the toothpaste that took care of a generation’s pearly whites
A bitter toothpaste that left a generation of Indians with sweet memories.
We must not return to work for now. Covid’s not over yet, says a virologist in letter to son
If everyone goes back to work as soon as the ‘curve bends downwards’, it's guaranteed you'll get a second wave of infections in Europe.
Is forcing private labs to make Covid-19 tests free the only way to stop spread of infection?
The Supreme Court directed the central government to make Covid-19 testing by private laboratories free of charge Wednesday.
Defence
Col Navjot Singh Bal, Shaurya Chakra awardee and icon for many, loses battle with cancer
Despite losing an arm to cancer, Col Navjot Singh Bal continued to serve in 2 Para as the commanding officer and even learnt to fire with his left hand.
Poke fun at taali, thaali, diya and mombatti all you want. Modi couldn’t care less
Modi knows who he needs to speak to, who he should toss, who he can address in kind. People accuse him of infantilising his voters, but it’s a winning strategy.