#Best Icon India

[vfxexpress]

Basilic Fly Studio recently won the "COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN CREATIVE MEDIA SOLUTION 2022" category at the India Icon Awards.

Basilic Fly Studio recently won the “COMPANY OF THE YEAR IN CREATIVE MEDIA SOLUTION 2022” category at the India Icon Awards. Celebrating Excellence: Indian Icon Awards 2023 Honour Industry Leaders and Talented Entrepreneurs Pride India Awards is thrilled to announce the successful hosting of the first season of the Indian Icon Awards, which took place on 25 February at Shangri La Hotel in Namma,…

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Madhubala (Mughal-e-Azam, Barsaat Ki Raat, Mr. & Mrs. '55)—The Venus of India; heart-throb of all who saw her; responsible for the sexual awakening of every single desi lesbian I know (including me!) And my god, she is breathtakingly beautiful. Look at the subtle grace with which she moves, and that smile - the kind of radiant smile that can make you laugh with sheer delight, or cry because of its hidden pain. Those wild curls! That Cupid's bow! The way she tilts back her head and smiles at you with mischief dancing in her eyes! She has a way of looking at the camera that makes you feel she's sharing a private joke just with you; it's something about that quizzical twist of the lips and eyebrows. As an actress, she is inimitable; she seems to effortlessly inhabit roles ranging from a heart-broken courtesan to a laughter-loving socialite. Fun fact : she's had quite the fan following in Greece! Stelios Kazantidis even wrote a song as a tribute to her.

Ingrid Bergman (Gaslight, Casablanca, Notorious)—Where do I even begin with Ingrid Bergman? I fell in love with her with her astounding performance in the 1956 version of Anastasia -- the best Anastasia movie in large part due to her wonderful and touching performance. She's got this amazing, fascinating intensity to her in whatever role she's in. She commits 100%, and she's got this light in whatever she's in that's stunning. She's utterly convincing no matter what she plays, from an amnesiac possible lost princess, from a nun, from a woman taking her revenge on the town that wronged her, to light romantic comedy. She's never missed in any role I've seen her in! Also she became quite the MILF.

This is round 5 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Madhubala:

An icon of Bollywood, who was well known for her beauty and has continued to inspire performances and songs into the 21st century. She was at times described as "the number one beauty of the Indian screen" and "the biggest star in the world".

SHE IS EVERYTHING AHHH. JUST LOOK AT HER SMILE-

She's been nicknamed the Marilyn Monroe of India and was one of the highest paid actresses in the Hindi film industry (the term Bollywood did not exist yet) during the 1950s. Also an extremely talented dancer and singer

SHE'S JUST SO STUNNING, like seeing her eyes IMMEDIATELY CAPTIVATES YOU, THE DANCING, THE BEAUTY!!!!!!!!! She worked in Bollywood for over 20 years and passed away at a sad early age of 36, BUT THE IMPACT SHE HAD WAS UNMATCHED!!!!!

That sassy sideways glance she does always has me WEAK AT THE KNEES. And when she's making silly faces at the camera to mimic someone ahhhh my gay little heart <3

Ingrid Bergman:

God, she's fantastic. She's both beautiful and a compelling actor who's more than capable of putting the whole movie on her shoulders if necessary. It's worth noting that while her beauty is conventional, she was seen as refreshingly "natural" with more eyebrows and less makeup than many other leading ladies of the time. She's well known for her role in Casablanca, but in Notorious, Spellbound, (both available on archive.org ) and Gaslight (1944) she shows how immensely capable she is.

I mean...she's Ingrid Bergman. I feel like that should be enough, you know? She's physically beautiful (her eyes!) but watching her is like a transcendent experience. Her voice, her expressions... beautiful woman, beautiful actor.

I'm a gay man but even I understand her appeal. I'll watch any movie she shows up in. Gorgeous woman.

Just try and watch her movies without sighing wistfully, then get back to me!

Choosing 1-3 movies where Bergman was at her hottest was agony because, of course, she was always at her hottest. Not just because she was beautiful but because she was absolutely willing to go up against the bs women in Hollywood were constantly dealing with. When exiled from Hollywood for having an affair with Roberto Rossellini, not only did she refuse to apologize at any point, but she went on to say that Hollywood's films had grown stagnant and boring to her. Though she said she appreciated her time working there, she wanted to try new, different techniques (hence starring in Italian neorealist films, working on stage, and acting under directors like Ingmar Bergman). She was not afraid to chase after her artistic ideals and go outside the box regardless of what society had to say about it. From her first movie to her last she killed it. There's so much more to say about Bergman's career and life, but I've already written five million words so I'll stop at that.

ion words so I'll stop at that.

One of the most incredible actors I've ever seen on film. Her facial expressions are so intricate and poignant that I cannot look away. I'm either ace or straight, but damn she made me question that.

SEVEN TIME OSCAR NOMINEE QUEEN. Girl also PULLED, having affairs with famously hot men Gary Cooper and Gregory Peck IN ADDITION to her three marriages...sexy

She has a very natural beauty to her, and she's from Sweden!

She left Hollywood and only became more beautiful. You could drown in her eyes. She can look innocent AND like she's seen it all. She is effortlessly elegant. She's played Joan of Arc (automatically hot) AND was in the movie that coined gaslight as a term. And where would we be without that!

She was known for being a breath of fresh air on the movie scene at the time with her windswept hair, dreamy smile and soulful eyes. I have loved her in every movie I have seen her in - she was just magnetic!

Where do I even start. There's a neighborly quality to this beautiful, talented actress that makes her hotness one of a kind and her looks impossible to forget

With a career spanning five decades, Bergman is often regarded as one of the most influential screen figures in cinematic history. Known for her naturally luminous beauty, Bergman spoke five languages – Swedish, English, German, Italian and French – and acted in each.

She's hot, don't get me wrong, but I've always found her very approachable, like she could easily be a member of my friend group

A lot of the time hotness in a movie is just about words and framing. "You're the most beautiful person here" [vaseline lens] well I sure hope so because that's who you cast. But when, in Casablanca, they call Ingrid Bergman the most beautiful woman in the world... they were not fucking lying. And such a dynamite actor too!! I'd only seen Casablanca up until last year, and there she's confined to love interest. But in Gaslight she was maybe one of the most incredible actors I've ever seen!!!! Goddddd shes so fucking hot and cool.

[ladylaviniya]

Sir Sherlock Holmes & The Indian Princess MasterList

शर्लक बाबू और भारतीय राजकुमारी

Story Summary: It's 1890 in the height of the British Raj occupation of India you are unexpectedly hired as the housekeeping attendant of Detective Sherlock Holmes. The mystery he must solve is the death of his best friend's parents. Cultural differences might bring you closer than ever before.

Pairing: Sherlock Homes x Newalkar!reader

Story Warnings: 18+ Dead Dove Do Not Eat, Dubious Consent, Dark!Content, Kama Sutra, Religion, Religious Icons, Murder, Poison, Death, implied Genocide, Racial Discrimination, Loss of Virginity, Loss of Innocence, Rough Sex, Humiliation, Kink, Sword fights, Outdoor Sex, Age Gap, Royalty, Generational Trauma, Daddy Issues, Internalised Misogyny, Sexism, Vaginal Sex, Oral Sex, Spanking.

Author Notes:

★The Reader character goes by the last name Newalkar and is the daughter of Damodar Rao Newalkar → the adopted son of Rani Laxmibai. I must advise this story is pure fiction but based in the occupation of the British Raj that invaded and Colonised India.

★This story may contain scenes that provide a "White Saviour" theme. The reader is a strong character but Sherlock does have white privilege.

★I am a White European/Australian woman, I apologise for any cultural or historical inaccuracies. I am receiving help from online sources and desi Tumblr mutual @livesinfantasyland and I heavily encourage other Indian/South Asian/Desi readers to share their thoughts, constructive criticism and help as I write this story.

★I would like to express the knowledge that I do not approve or perform of any of the actions the characters of this fanficition demonstrate.

★This story is not fit for every viewers eyes and it will be glorifying acts of trauma and of characters that shouldn't be in reality.

★If you do not wish to see this content please block #SHTIP (scroll and you'll find it is the first tag.)

★This story might be alarming and severely upsetting for people who have had experiences with racial discrimination, misgonistic sexism, religious trauma and sexual coercion.

★If you'd like to be included in or removed from the Taglist, please comment below

★Chapter List★

Chapter 1 - Word Count: 6k

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★Helplines★:

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, assault or domestic violence or know someone who is please reach out to these links that share helpline services, phone numbers or emails. Consent and respect is important in every relationship whether between friends, family or even strangers.

Australian Helpline Services

UK Helpline Services

American Helpline Services

India Helpline Services.

[kennedyism]

Dirty little secret.

Jackie Kennedy x Female!Fashion Designer!Reader (I have issues ✨✨)

Summary: Being a fashion designer in 1972 for Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis isn’t half bad!

Warnings: Younger!Female reader, affairs, reader has some internalized homophobia, Jackie is a cougar in this idk leave me alone. This is all just for fun. Don’t take this seriously and come for my throat 😭

Tag list: @quietamericans, @vixenihy, @jackiesgirl (Tell me if you want to be apart or removed from my tag list!!)

author’s note: i NEED her.

Based on this confession! <3

“Thank you again for the dress.” Jackie thanks, staring up at you as she hangs up the gown in her closet. “You’re quite talented.” She praises with a grin, her breathy voice is stunning to listen to. It’s like an old song. “It’s a bit of a shock you have such a vintage taste given your age.” She jokes, looking back at you with her hands on her hips.

“It’s no problem, Mrs. Onassis.” You say, watching her admire your work, and then you smile as she praises you once again. She always does it. She knows what makes you blush, smile, and laugh. You then roll your eyes playfully as she implies how young you are—you’re only twenty-five after all. “I inspired it off one of your outfits about ten years ago.” You share with her.

That peaks the former first lady’s interest as she sits in a chair with her legs crossed. Wow, she looks beautiful today with a blouse and some white slacks. She then tilts her head. “What outfit?” She asks, trying to think of which one. A fashion icon, yes, but even she can’t remember everything she’s worn.

You blink in shock at her question and she reach into your bag, digging around for a couple seconds before you pull out a picture of Mrs. Onassis in 1962. She’s wearing a peach dress with white gloves and of course, a three strand pearl necklace. You then hand it to her to let her look at. “I think this was your trip to-“ She talks over you.

“India, yes. Your attention to detail is marvelous.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Onassis.”

“I’ve always admired you, you know.”

That makes your cheeks heat up just a bit, a light shade of pink brushing across your cheeks. You’ve always had somewhat if a crush on Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, but you’ve always tried to push it away. It’s not right to like a woman! No, you need to marry a man. That’s God’s plan, this? Absolutely not. You then clear your throat. “Thank you.” You mutter, not looking at the former first lady.

Jackie then stands up, putting the picture on her small table, inching towards you. She’s quite tall, but she isn’t towering over you. She’s can do that in heels, but not in the flats she’s wearing. “Your work is just so intriguing… and you are as well.” She praises, looking into your eyes.

Your face heats up a bit more at her praise and then you smile. Wow, she’s really pretty—Ugh, nope! Not doing this now. You need to get out of there, and it needs to be fast. You then reach for your bag. “Thank you, Mrs. Onassis, but I have to go now. Ring me up if you have another request.” You say swiftly, putting your purse on your shoulder, moving to exit her bedroom.

“Ah, I see… it’s a shame you have to leave so soon. I do enjoy your company, Y/N.”

She isn’t making this easy.

You turn to look at her. Her beautiful features. Her eyes, her lips, her body. All of it, it makes you so hot. You then look at them, your face heating up once again. “Well, I don’t want to interrupt you and Mr. Onassis, so it’s best if I leave.” You excuse, even if Aristotle is a drag to be around.

Jackie laughs softly, it’s intoxicating—she is intoxicating. “He won’t be home for a little while! You’re welcome to stay.” She says, walking towards you, putting her hand on your forearm, brushing her hand around it delicately. “If you’d like.” She finishes.

“Mrs. Onassis—“

“Jackie, Dear.”

“… Jackie, I, I just-“

“You just what? I see the way you look at me. It’s obvious.”

Are you serious? She knew this whole time? What the fuck? Whatever, just play dumb.

“What are you… what are you talking about?” You sputter, backing up towards the door, but you don’t want to leave, but you have to. This isn’t right. She’s so fucking breathtaking. One more look and you’re on the floor. If you hear her speak one more time, you’re never getting up.

Jackie continues to smile softly. “You have feelings towards me—an attraction.” She tells you, and she’s not wrong. Far from it. God, you thought you had it together. Never. You never do for Jacqueline Onassis.

“… What are you saying?”

“I’m saying I feel the same, Y/N.”

After a moment of silence, you pull the former first lady into a loving kiss, and she’s taken back for about three seconds until she kisses you with just enough passion to overwhelm you. She’s been wanting this too. She then pulls away, blinking.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it was rather nice.”

“So… uhm—“

“You better not tell anyone… This is our dirty little secret.”

[eddy25960]

Vivien Leigh, born Vivian Mary Hartley on November 5, 1913, in Darjeeling, British India, is celebrated as one of the most iconic actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Best known for her portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara in the 1939 epic Gone with the Wind, Leigh’s magnetic performances and extraordinary talent earned her two Academy Awards for Best Actress, securing her place in Hollywood’s history.

Her career began in the British theater, where she garnered attention for her beauty and strong stage presence. However, it was her performance as Scarlett O'Hara that propelled her to international fame. This role, adapted from Margaret Mitchell’s novel, required an actress who could convey complex emotions with poise and fire, and Leigh delivered in ways that captivated audiences worldwide. In 1940, she won her first Oscar for this unforgettable role.

In 1951, Leigh won her second Academy Award for her portrayal of Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. This performance, alongside Marlon Brando, remains one of her most critically acclaimed, cementing her status as a versatile actress capable of deep, emotionally charged characters.

Leigh’s personal life was equally fascinating. Her tumultuous marriage to Laurence Olivier, one of the greatest actors of his time, was closely followed by the public. Despite struggling with mental health issues later in life, Leigh’s legacy endures as an actress who defined an era of Hollywood glamour and talent.

Vivien Leigh’s contributions to both film and theater continue to inspire generations, embodying the magic of classic Hollywood that remains timeless today.

[myauditionfordrphil]

Last night was something that I'll remember forever, after years of heartbreak and tears India finally lifted an ICC trophy. It's been 11 years since we lifted an ICC trophy, 13 since we lifted a World Cup and 17 since we won a T20 World Cup and after several close brushes with victory and knockout defeats we are finally the World Champions again. There are many things that I wanted to say since yesterday but I just couldn't get the time to sit down and now when I finally have time in my hands I'd like to get all my feelings out and shut up for the greater good.

First of all Rohit, what a man, what a captain. If somebody deserved the the cup it was him and seeing him collapse to the floor and slapping the turf with all his might showed just how much it ment to him.

Also how he was crying again after a finals but this time they were tears of happiness that didn't seem to stop.

The belief Rohit (and Dravid) showed in Virat, constantly backing him and saying that it's his class that matters and he'll perform in the finals. Virat being the man he is and standing up when India needed him the most and proving Rohit right.

How Virat called Anushka and kids immediately after the win (making funny faces and shedding a few tears) showing that you're never too busy.

The tightest Rohirat hug with both of them crying and refusing to let go of each other just after the win. Matlab pura tournament we were crying for a RoKo moment and we got it at the best time possible.

Bumrah falling to his knees and showing that rare burst of emotions and then immediately running to Sanjana, hugging her so tight that he lifted her off the ground.

Hardik, the man who probably had the worst 7 to 8 months of his life with a smile on his face finally letting go and crying like a child. He turned all the boos into cheers.

Rohit consoling a crying Hardik and barging into his interview to give him a kiss on the cheek (and the way Hardik immediately melted) god how they bashed all the rumours.

Siraj not even being in the playing 11 but falling down to the ground sobbing and being speechless during the interviews.

Also streets will never forget Axar's contribution, Bapu served India again and man deserved every bit of credit.

Shivam Dube with his quickfire and crucial 21 run innings gutted all those who questioned his selection.

Arshdeep celebrating the win after being one of the best bowlers in the tournament in full Punjabi style. The tunak tunak bhangra with Virat will always be a part of numerous edits.

A teary Rohit hugging Virat again.

The Rohika hug omg how I love them.

Rahul Dravid showing more emotions than he did in the past 30 years and celebrating like a madman on his last day as the Indian coach. He truly had his Chak De moment and he bloody deserved it.

Surya taking the bloody catch of the tournament and giving us the chance to tell our future generations about the catch that helped us win the cup the same way our elder generation told us of the iconic Kapil Dev catch.

Virat giving the trophy to Dravid and the whole team lifting him as a tribute.

Rohit running into the ground with tricolour and plunging it into the ground, hoisting the flag in Barbados.

Kuldeep telling Rohit to do the Messi walk to lift the cup.

Rohit and Virat trashing all their rift rumours and posing with the trophy with the tricolour on their backs.

Rohit standing with Sammy on his shoulders, Virat by his side, trophy in his hands and the tricolour on his back.

Bumrah giving his medal to baby Angad and him giving Boom the softest smile.

Rahul Dravid being the Barbados ka Gunda

Sammy enjoying the lap of honour on his father's shoulder.

Rohit sitting down and eating some of the soil to relish the taste of victory. The whole world saw how important this was for him and how he cherished the very soil where they won instead of putting his legs on the trophy.

Virat making the day bittersweet by announcing his retirement from t20i after winning the POTM. The man who literally carried India in t20i's and t20 world cup said goodbye to the format leaving us all a little more teary.

Rohit letting Virat have his moment and instead casually announcing his retirement from t20i and making us cry even more. The man who scored 100s in t20 for fun left the stage with the trophy in his hand.

RoKo posing with the flag and the trophy being the last time they were seen together in t20s for India. Our childhood has really ended and so did an era. Extremely happy that they bid adieu with the trophy in their hands.

Jaddu following their steps and announcing his retirement from t20s also. All the seniors from the team are gone and passed the baton on, India will definitely miss it's best fielder in the t20 field.

All the Indians pouring out their love on social media not caring how big of a celebrity they are.

MS Dhoni making us realise that we need to win a world cup to make him remember his instagram password. Yer the fact that he never posted his pic with the trophy but posted India lifting the title under Rohit's captaincy at 1.30 am.

The entirety of India spilling onto the streets, screaming, crying, waving the tiranga and celebrating the win with raw emotions.

There are so many moments that I missed because yesterday was filled with raw emotions and beautiful moments so please don't hesitate to add you own. Our men in blue proved that for every 19th November there is a 29th June. I always complained (especially after 2023 wc) that how it was unfair that my grandfather got see India lifting the cup and so did my father but never me and last night all my complaints went out of the window. It was a night that I'll tell my kids about, a night that no Indian will ever forget, a night which was made even more special with the whole desiblr celebrating together. I read somewhere that "Indians have red blood running in their veins but they bleed blue" and this statement couldn't get any truer as our mental health really depended on these 11 men in blue. And finally after ages we closed our campaign with the cup in our hands and finally our legends had a deserving farewell. Bleed blue 💙

[dreamyeuphoricll]

One piece characters Nationalities

Brazil🇧🇷: known for its iconic Carnival Festival and the statue of Christ the redeemer 🎺 🎊🪇🥁🪘

Sweden🇸🇪: known as the Pop music Capital of the world 🎵🎤🎙️🎛️🎧🎚️

Japan 🇯🇵: One of the most developed countries,that produce Manga and Anime 🍜🎎👘⛩️🏯㊗️

France 🇫🇷: has the iconic Eiffel Tower,and luxurious fashion brands 🗼👗🍬📸🎨

Canada🇨🇦: famous for its maple syrup, Niagara falls, northern lights and more attractions 🍁🥌 🥞🍯

India🇮🇳: has an iconic building,the Taj mahal,and also the birthplace of Yoga 🧘🏾🥻🕌

United States 🇺🇲: One of the dream place. With famous stars,movies,artists,cities,brands and attractions 🗽🌃🎥🦅🍔🎢🏈

Russia🇷🇺: famous for many things but mostly the beautiful iconic landmarks known as The Moscow Kremlins ☃️🥟💈🌨️🎪

Austria🇦🇹: mostly famous for its castles,palaces and buildings 🏰🧭

China🇨🇳: has beautiful culture and most famous for its food, martial arts,and the iconic Great Wall of China ⛩️🐅🐼🍜🏯🥋

South Africa🇿🇦: famous for its history,natural attractions,food and wildlife 🦁🦓🐗🐃🐘🦏🦒🐦🦃🦚🦈🐬🐳🍊🍌🥘

Germany🇩🇪: renowned for multitude of things but mostly the Oktoberfest 🪽🪽🍄

Italy 🇮🇹: famous for having one of the best foods in the world. 🍝🍕🍤🦞

UK 🇬🇧: famous for many things but mostly the royal history and culture,even for many sports. Not to forget tea and fish and chips🍟☕🚌🎡🏰🤴👸

Spain 🇪🇸: known as one of the top wine-producing countries in the world🍸🍷🍾🥂

Australia 🇦🇺: known as one of the most popular tourist destinations with many unique animals and attractions. Like the iconic Great barrier reef ⛰️🐺🦘🐨🕷️

Comment down below if u got more things to add about ur country

[bollywoodirect]

On this day, October 11, the world celebrates the birthday of a man who needs no introduction – #AmitabhBachchan. Born as Amitabh Shrivastav in 1942, he’s more than just a Bollywood legend; he’s a force that has shaped Indian cinema for over five decades.

Hailing from Allahabad (now Prayagraj), the son of the celebrated poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan and social activist Teji Bachchan, Amitabh’s journey was destined for greatness. After studying in Sherwood College, Nainital, and Kirori Mal College in Delhi, he began his career in 1969 with a voiceover in Bhuvan Shome. Little did anyone know that this voice would soon become one of the most iconic in Indian cinema.

By the 1970s, with films like Anand, Zanjeer, and Sholay, he became the face of the "angry young man" of India. From there, the list of legendary movies only grew—Amar Akbar Anthony, Don, Shakti—each performance cementing his title as the "Shahenshah of Bollywood." His cinematic reign in the ‘70s and ‘80s was so commanding that French filmmaker François Truffaut once referred to him as a "one-man industry."

But Amitabh’s story isn’t one of easy triumphs. After a brief break in the 1990s, he made a stellar comeback in the 2000s with roles in Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, and Piku, for which he won his record fourth National Film Award for Best Actor. His international appeal also soared with appearances in films like The Great Gatsby (2013).

His list of accolades is as long as his filmography—four National Film Awards, sixteen Filmfare Awards, and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award. The Indian government has honored him with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. Even France bestowed upon him its highest civilian award, the Knight of the Legion of Honour.

Not just an actor, Amitabh has dabbled in politics, produced films, sung playback, and hosted numerous seasons of Kaun Banega Crorepati, India’s beloved quiz show. His impact goes far beyond Indian shores, with fans across Africa, the Middle East, and the UK. In 1999, a BBC poll named him the "greatest star of stage or screen," and TIME magazine dubbed him the "Star of the Millennium."

As we wish the Shahenshah a very happy birthday today, let’s take a moment to reflect on his incredible journey. What are your favorite Amitabh Bachchan movies?

[loumandivorce]

wait wait wait my gf and i have been getting really into indian cinema lately (we're 11 movies into our journey and loving every second) do you have any must see recs? we've so far watched a Lot of early 2000s srk movies lmao, its like half our list.

anon this is like the ask of my dreams. this is everything ive ever wanted. BOY DO I!!!! srk early 2000s is peak cinema you and your gf's taste is impeccable. some really fun indian movies are:

for shah rukh khan movies, i actually have an srk movie watchlist on letterboxd!!! you do Not need to follow the order of it but it's like vaguely ordered by what i think would make an enjoyable viewing experience. but if you haven't seen om shanti om that's the number one priority

sholay. possibly The most iconic bollywood movie ever, it came out in the 70s and stars amitabh bachchan, it's the closest thing bollywood has to a western probably? pretty much everyone has seen this movie and can quote it easily

stree is a more modern movie, its a horror comedy ghost movie with feminist undertones featuring rajkumar rao, possibly the best modern bollywood actor. i've watched this like 5 times in the past year because it's just so fun

BAHUBALI!!!!! a south indian film, unfortunately my knowledge on south indian movies is pretty lacking but bahubali is in my top 3 movies of all time. it's two movies and it's set in a fantasy-esque Golden Age of India setting and its all about royal family drama and chosen ones and the trials and tribulations of being a mama's boy

another really good shah rukh khan movie i have to recommend is rab ne bana di jodi, its a romcom with a pretty goofy setup but it's one of his most emotionally sincere and lovely movies in my opinion

goliyon ki rasleela ram-leela! it's a romeo and juliet retelling except they're rival gangs and wield guns, starring the gorgeous deepika padukone. the two lead actors actually fell in love while shooting the movie and eventually got married so that's a testament to their chemistry ig

i hope this list is helpful! i'm always up for giving bollywood cinema recs if anyone needs any, and if you're looking for a specific genre or anything i can do that too!

[mysticmothworld]

Saturniid Moths

(aka those moths with the eyes)

Moths from the Saturniidae family are probably the most well known moth species around. This family has approximately 1500 species distributed worldwide, although they're more common in tropical areas. They have these fake eyes that they don't display when at rest, but when disturbed, they flap their wings, displaying eyes made to mimic owl or snake eyes, and that gives them enough time to escape their predators. These eyes are easily their most recognizable feature. They also have very large wings, the largest saturniid has a wingspan of up to 30 cm (but we'll talk about that later). They are mostly nocturnal, and easily attracted to light, although some are diurnal. Adults cannot eat because their mouthparts don't function. In some places, their caterpillars (like the mopane worm) are eaten.

Check out this interesting diagram of Saturniidae moth sizes in Indiana. It should give a general idea of how big most Saturniidae are.

Some iconic saturniids include:

The Io moth (Automeris io)

These guys are sexually dimorphic, the male is the yellow one the female is the brown one above it. They have unusually large eyespots even for saturniids. They are distributed across Canada, the US and Mexico.

The Luna moth (Actias luna)

Pictured here is a male luna moth, luna moths are sexually dimorphic and the females look similar although more triangular in shape. Fun fact: the 'tails' on their wings are there to help reduce predation as bats will chomp on them instead of, for example, a main part of their wing which may prevent them from flying and/or enable the bat to have better grip on them and just eat them. Distributed across the US and Canada.

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas)

As you can see, these guys are pretty big. Their wingspan can be up to 30 cm wide. Fun fact: their cocoons are so strong they are sometimes used as purses. Distributed across China, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Hercules moth (Coscinocera hercules)

VERY VERY BIG. The females have the biggest wing surface area (300 square cm) of all extant insects. They have a rather large wingspan as well, around 27 cm. The caterpillars can sometimes take more than a year to metamorphose. Native to Northern Australia and New Guinea.

Sources:

Saturniid moth

Family saturniidae

Cool study on moth diversity in Mexico

Io moth

Luna moth

Largest moth

Spotlight: the atlas moth

Hercules moth

Moths with larger hindwings and longer tails are best at deflecting bats (very interesting read)

Image creds:

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]

[whencyclopedia]

Smoke and Ashes: Opium's Hidden Histories

"Smoke and Ashes: Opium’s Hidden Histories" is a sweeping and jarring work of how opium became an insidious capitalistic tool to generate wealth for the British Empire and other Western powers at the expense of an epidemic of addiction in China and the impoverishment of millions of farmers in India. The legacy of this “criminal enterprise,” as the author puts it, left lasting influences that reverberate across cultures and societies even today.

Written in engaging language, Smoke and Ashes is a scholarly follow-up to the author’s famous Ibis trilogy, a collection of fiction that uses the opium trade as its backdrop. In Smoke and Ashes, the author draws on his years-long research into opium supplemented by his family history, personal travels, cross-cultural experience, and expertise in works of historical verisimilitude. Composed over 18 chapters, the author delves into a diverse set of primary and secondary data, including Chinese sources. He also brings a multidimensional angle to the study by highlighting the opium trade's legacy in diverse areas such as art, architecture, horticulture, printmaking, and calligraphy. 23 pictorial illustrations serve as powerful eyewitness accounts to the discourse.

This book should interest students and scholars seeking historical analysis based on facts on the ground instead of colonial narratives. Readers will also find answers to how opium continues to play an outsize role in modern-day conflicts, addictions, corporate behavior, and globalism.

Amitav Ghosh’s research convincingly points out that while opium had always been used for recreational purposes across cultures, it was the Western powers such as the British, Portuguese, the Spaniards, and the Dutch that discovered its significant potential as a trading vehicle. Ghosh adds that colonial rulers, especially the British, often rationalized their actions by arguing that the Asian population was naturally predisposed to narcotics. However, it was British India that bested others in virtually monopolizing the market for the highly addictive Indian opium in China. Used as a currency to redress the East India Company (EIC)’s trade deficit with China, the opium trade by the 1890s generated about five million sterling a year for Britain. Meanwhile, as many as 40 million Chinese became addicted to opium.

Eastern India became the epicenter of British opium production. Workers in opium factories in Patna and Benares toiled under severe conditions, often earning less than the cost of production while their British managers lived in luxury. Ghosh asserts that opium farming permanently impoverished a region that was an economic powerhouse before the British arrived. Ghosh’s work echoes developmental economists such as Jonathan Lehne, who has documented opium-growing communities' lower literacy and economic progress compared to their neighbors.

Ghosh states that after Britain, “the country that benefited most from the opium trade” with China, was the United States. American traders skirted the British opium monopoly by sourcing from Turkey and Malwa in Western India. By 1818, American traders were smuggling about one-third of all the opium consumed in China. Many powerful families like the Astors, Coolidges, Forbes, Irvings, and Roosevelts built their fortunes from the opium trade. Much of this opium money, Ghosh shows, also financed banking, railroads, and Ivy League institutions. While Ghosh mentions that many of these families developed a huge collection of Chinese art, he could have also discussed that some of their holdings were most probably part of millions of Chinese cultural icons plundered by colonialists.

Ghosh ends the book by discussing how the EIC's predatory behaviors have been replicated by modern corporations, like Purdue Pharma, that are responsible for the opium-derived OxyContin addiction. He adds that fossil fuel companies such as BP have also reaped enormous profits at the expense of consumer health or environmental damage.

Perhaps one omission in this book is that the author does not hold Indian opium traders from Malwa, such as the Marwaris, Parsis, and Jews, under the same ethical scrutiny as he does to the British and the Americans. While various other works have covered the British Empire's involvement in the opium trade, most readers would find Ghosh's narrative of American involvement to be eye-opening. Likewise, his linkage of present-day eastern India's economic backwardness to opium is both revealing and insightful.

Winner of India's highest literary award Jnanpith and nominated author for the Man Booker Prize, Amitav Ghosh's works concern colonialism, identity, migration, environmentalism, and climate change. In this book, he provides an invaluable lesson for political and business leaders that abdication of ethics and social responsibility have lasting consequences impacting us all.

Continue reading...

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights, The Scarlet Pimpernel)—She was mixed race (born in India and her mother was Sri Lankan) and still managed to make it in the British and American film industries (by passing) despite a rough start in life and industry racism. She was the first Asian person to be nominated for any Academy Award (best actress in 1935)! She also survived a car accident in 1937 and kept on acting until 1973, despite potentially career-ending facial scars. Also, she met her third husband while they were filming a movie together in 1973 (her last movie and she still looks great!). They fell in love and got married in 1975 when she was 62 and he was 36. She died 4 years later in 1979. Iconic.

Jean Seberg (Breathless, Saint Joan)— Some of us watched À bout de souffle as a lil French undergrad and had the trajectory of our lives changed by Jean Seberg. She IS French new wave!! She is the moment!! She sadly had to work with a lot of shitty directors in her career but even so, she has this magnetic energy whenever she’s on screen. In her personal life, she was also very supportive of civil rights causes, and was even targeted/harassed by the FBI for financially supporting the Black Panther Party.

This is round 3 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

Merle Oberon:

Beautiful. Talented. Biracial. Also please refer to the following promo from the aforementioned A Night To Remember, in which she plays the writer George Sand:

Her performances always give off this perfect blend of of being composed, refined, and aloof while still being deeply passionate and I eat it up every time.

Linked gifset

A rare example of a WOC working in lead roles in this era (mostly because she worked very hard to pass as white and had to hide her south asian heritage sadly). She has this very regal vibe but also a simmering intensity—even holding her own as Cathy opposite Laurence Olivier as Heathcliff.

I need all the gothic fans to STAND UP for our cathy!!

She has such a unique face when it comes to old hollywood actresses - a lot of them start to melt together in my brain - but Merle has always stood out to me<3

Jean Seberg:

anyone who plays Joan of Arc is kind of hot by default tbh

she's gorgeous, she's cool, she has the original blond pixie cut

She donated a lot of her money to civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and the black panther party as well as Native American school groups, as a result of this the fbi ran a smear campaign against her and a surveillance campaign which is thought to have led to her suicide tragically.

idk if this is propaganda but the COINTELPRO and the FBI are widely blamed for her death. If the FBI was after her for supporting the Black Panther Party you know she was good

[not-your-asian-fantasy]

Merle Oberon (Wuthering Heights, The Scarlet Pimpernel)—She was mixed race (born in India and her mother was Sri Lankan) and still managed to make it in the British and American film industries (by passing) despite a rough start in life and industry racism. She was the first Asian person to be nominated for any Academy Award (best actress in 1935)! She also survived a car accident in 1937 and kept on acting until 1973, despite potentially career-ending facial scars. Also, she met her third husband while they were filming a movie together in 1973 (her last movie and she still looks great!). They fell in love and got married in 1975 when she was 62 and he was 36. She died 4 years later in 1979. Iconic.

Source @hotvintagepoll

[igotadigbickandureadthatwrong]

What if in like a couple of centuries or so knowledge from tumblr is taken into account as actual historical factoids of this era and when students are studying in their history class they see stuff like:

"Achilles and Patroclus were def gae as hell"

"Hera is a closeted Bi queen"

"Vasant has an uwufied voice"

"Vishnu is material babyguorl"

And the best part... they get questions like:

1. Describe the voices of each god in Hindu Mythology.

2. Create homoerotic hcs for Mitra and Varuna from Hindu mythology.

3. Prove why Hestia is an aroace icon in greek mythology and show parallels between her and Vasant from Hindu mythology

(I'm mentioning only hindu and greek mythology rn coz those r the only ones I hv a lot of knowledge abt but u add moreeeee)

LMAO I DEFINITELY agree I mean at the end of the day, this is how myths and legends are created amirit. Maybe some of these will go on to become canon and people will actually believe in em years from now who knows lol

Also that Nefertem had come to India and mingled with the Divine Lotus Cult of Gods

Or that Heqet and Indra are besties cuz Indra lobhs his phroggy pookie djdjsk

[kate-the1975]

The Cherry On Top 🍒 // Matty Healy X OC// Social Media AU

Some more Matty × Amy & Ross × Eve content for the lil series I've got going on 🤭💓

Faceclaims :

Amy Mitchell - Daisy Edgar Jones.

Eve Beaty - India Mullen

liked by evehewson, bedforddanes75, 360_brat, eviebeats, and 345,768 others

Mitch_Amsxx Baking in a hotel room kitchen was not easy, but doing it in New York is the cherry on top of my new Victoria Sponge Cake recipe🤭. New recipe & video out tomorrow loves xx

view all 8,765 comments

evehewson Obsessed with that smile of yours Gorgeous 🥰

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx Love youuuu xx

Jamie.Mitch you got any games on your phone?

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx Can you stfu 🥰🤭

⤷ Jamie.Mitch That's no way to talk to your little sister 😪

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx 😐😐

Eviebeats I see what you're doing, and I feel physically ill....

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx What? There's nothing going on here? I'm justing baking sweet treats and minding my own business ☺️

⤷ Eviebeats Is that what we're calling this now....sweet treats 😉

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx Don't be gross 🙃

Charli_xcx me × you collab when? 👀

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx Whenever you're free, my angel 🤭🤭

The1975_fan_1 don't know how I've ended up here....but is that Matty in the 2nd pic orrrr.....👁👄👁

⤷ trumanblackstan ohhh 100% I'd know literally half of his face or a pixel of it from a mile away, and that's HIM!

MattysCurlz Who is she, and how does she know Matty 😐

⤷ 75SATVB She's an Irish Baker on Social Media. Don't really know how they know each other, but he started following her back in February 🙃

⤷ MattysCurlz Literally never heard of her before 😭

⤷ 75SATVB Yeah, not a lot of people outside the UK and Ireland have, but here in Ireland (especially Dublin), she's really popular. Everyone just kinda knows who she is

trumanblack ❤️❤️❤️

⤷ User EXCUSE ME 😨

⤷ beckyfrnglomg Hi 👀

⤷ change.of.heartz MATTHEW!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

⤷ Ellies_1975 I go for a nap, sleep peacefully, and this is what I woke up to 😃💀

denise_welch can't wait to see what you've cooked up this time love 🤭

⤷ Mitch_Amsxx 🥹❤️

liked by trumanblack, Mitch_Ams, rass1975, ryanmcmahon_15, and 8,768 others

Eviebeats "You're so beautiful"

"And you're so handsome"

view all 1,203 comments

trumanblack Hi Evie! 👋😊

⤷ Eviebeats Hi Matthew 😐

⤷ 75Fan01 oooo, she doesn't like him (same) 💀

Mitch_Amsxx Oh my days, you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen 🥹💓

⤷ Eviebeats my lil sunflower 🥹😘💓

Charli_xcx sun-kissed goddess ✨️😍

⤷ Eviebeats sadly its fake because I'm in New York in November, but my god, do I love you, Char 😭💓

carly.rh wow, just wow! Such a beauty inside and out! ❤️🔥

⤷ Eviebeats ILY Mi Amor 💝

jwaughsaxophone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⤷ liked by Eviebeats

pollymoney ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⤷ Eviebeats I feel like I see a pattern here 🥹

rass1975 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

⤷ Eviebeats AHHH!! STOP IT 😭❤️

75DUBLIN OHHHH!!! The Irish fangirls are WINNING!!!

⤷ 1975_Fan_02 YES! Seeing Matty apparently dating an Irish ICON and her best friend Eve being friendly with all of them. The Irish really are winning rn 😭🙏

evehewson Who's out here calling MY wife beautiful, and who TF are you calling handsome🏃‍♀️🤜

⤷ Eviebeats Nobody....just you, bbygirl 😅🙂

⤷ evehewson ummm....sure 👀

Mitch_Amsxx posted on her story :

trumanblack posted on his story :

Eviebeats posted on her story :

Hiiii!!!! This is just a lil something while I write Ross & Eve's first date, so bare with me while I jump ahead and make fake posts for the MSG gigs that haven't happened yet 😭❤️