101 India

101 Underground | Groom kidnapping in Bihar

To avoid paying dowry, families in Bihar have taken to kidnapping grooms at gunpoint!

101 Hip-hop Homeland North East | Stunnah Beatz & Cryptographik Street Poets

Laying the groundwork for an epic hip hop track to represent the North East. Rapper Feyago began his journey to create a hip hop anthem for the North East in Kolkata. Starting with renowned producer Sunnah Beats (one half of the internationally acclaimed duo StunnahSez Beatz), he sets off for Shillong, looking for the artists who make up the hip hop scene in the region.

101 Movietown | A temple for Amitabh Bachchan

n this temple, there is only one God, and his name is Bachchan. The All Bengal Amitabh Bachchan Fans' Association is more than just a few dedicated fans of the super star. To them, he is not just one of the greatest actors in the country, but a literal God amongst men. Performing social work in the actor's name, Sanjay Patodia is the State Secretary of the organisation, and talks to us about why they love Amitabh Bachchan so much.

101 Traces | The last Jews of Kolkata

Everyone agrees that Kolkata is one of India's most beautiful cities. But not many know that a majority of the landmarks in the city were built not by the British, but by members of the Jewish community. Once a community several thousands strong, they are now down to just over 20 members.

101 India | The Shillong food trail with Khasi Bloodz

Shillong is a popular tourist spot, and yet, you don't find a lot of people talking about the food in the city. We joined D-bok and Big-Ri, members of local rap crew Khasi Bloodz on a gastronomical journey looking for the best local fare - Jadoh (blood rice), Doh Thad (dried meat) and Doh Snam (blood sausages).

101 India | The Ladakhi food trail with Rosh in the small town of Thiksey

From the traditional Ladakhi stew called 'Thukpa', to the breakfast staple 'Paba', we've got it all. Join Rosh as he travels to the small town of Thiksey to learn the secrets behind Ladakh's delicious and unique cuisine.

101 Hip-hop Homeland North India | In search of an anthem with Feyago

When we asked rapper Feyago to journey through North East India to create an iconic hip hop anthem, he began his journey in his home town of Kolkata. Talking to us about his roots, and how he got started in the music industry, Feyago set off for Shantiniketan, looking for a Baul folk singer - one of Bengal's oldest forms of music.

101 Hip-hop Homeland North India | Baul folk Hip-hop by Feyago ft. Tarak Das Baul

What happens when you blend Bengali folk music with urban hip-hop?

101 Underground | A Kashmiri militant's tale from insurgency back to civilian life

Ever wondered what makes someone take up a life of militancy? Often, it's not by their own choosing. Kidnapped from their homes, with the safety of their families threatened if they don't comply, reformed militants from the Kashmir valley tell us their horrific tales.

101 Underground | Busting Varanasi's child prostitution racket

Varanasi is one of the holiest cities in India. According to Manju Singh it is also home to the second largest illegal flesh trade in the world. Along with her husband Ajeet, Manju runs Guria, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fighting child prostitution in the holy city.

101 Movietown | Ankita Singh: Confessions of a B-Grade actress

Ankita Singh has been working in the B-grade film industry for several years now. Having starred in films like 'Munni Metric Pass 2' and 'Leke Ishq Mein Risk Sanam', she's no stranger to a little skin-show. But the industry is not all glamour and glitz. It's been a hard life, with little or no support from family. Actresses like Ankita walk the thin line between earning a living and struggling to earn the respect that any hard working professional deserves.

101 Traces | The Kabuliwalas of Kolkata

A hundred years after Tagore's Kabuliwala walked these streets with his bag of cashews and raisins, the community of Pathans have made a life for themselves in the city's bylanes. Named after the city of their origin, Kabul, the Kabuliwalas have integrated seamlessly with the city that they now call their adopted homeland. They get along famously with the Bengalis, the Marwadis, the Catholics and more that make up the melting pot that is Kolkata's culture.

101 Traces | The Last Days of the Circus

Anwar Khan runs the Great Golden Circus, a massive act spanning multiple tents and acts. Once boasting crowds in excess of 2000 people per show, and running as many as 4 shows a day, today, a good show has an audience of 100 people. Anwar fears that the days of the circus are numbered.

101 Traces: The last Anglo-Indian Jockeys of Kolkata

The Anglo-Indian community has been upholding the legacy of horse racing in Kolkata. But many members of the younger generation have moved on to other careers in other countries, following better prospects. Will the next generation of Anglo-Indians in Kolkata continue the family tradition? Only time will tell.