Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Exclusive: Priya Malik: “It’s important for us as a society to discard the notion of the “starving artist” especially in the South- Asian communities”

Exclusive: Priya Malik: “It’s important for us as a society to discard the notion of the “starving artist” especially in the South- Asian communities”

In a traditional setup like India, many parents still manage to badger their children into pursuing so-called more “secure” and “stable” careers like doctors and engineers. The last thing they want their children to do is to opt for a career in fields like music, poetry, or other forms of performing arts for they wrongly believe all artists lead a hand-to-mouth existence.

Renowned Indian poet Priya Malik wants to change that notoriously imprecise notion about artists. She has become the first Indian poet to launch an NFT and hopes other artists follow suit soon. She has also launched her poetry on a similar platform, WazirX. For the uninitiated, NFT and WazirX are the marketplaces that allow artists to sell digital art via non-fungible tokens (NFTs) online. These channels help eliminate paying a lot of intermediaries and connect people to people.


Talking exclusively to Eastern Eye, Malik tells us how platforms like NFT and WazirX can help artists augment their income and gain more control over their work, life in midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and how the pandemic helped her reassess her relationships with friends and family members.

You have become the first Indian poet to launch an NFT. Tell us more about the same and how it is going to help more artists?

I am really excited to be the first Indian poet to launch an NFT and really hope that other artists and poets can also see value in it. I believe it is very important for us as a society to discard the notion of the “starving artist”, especially in the South- Asian communities. There is a reason why our parents deter us from becoming artists, that is because they feel that only doctors and engineers make money and it is about time, we change that. So, the next time a desi kid says she wants to grow up and pursue art, we should know she will be “minting” money.

What was the thought behind it?

It is imperative to combine art with technology. We are a software nation after all. I took my poetry from the page to stage (YouTube) and that's how it reached the world, and I see NFTs in a similar way. It not only helps me in authenticating my art but also puts a unique identifier on my work and pays me for what I do best, i.e., poetry!

What are your thoughts on WazirX? How is it helping the artist to earn money in the pandemic?

WazirX has been a boon to the Indian artists community, not just by launching NFTs but also by spreading education and awareness around it. It is absolutely lovely seeing artists become more financially literate, especially the Indian/Asian women on the NFT circuit!

What are your views on the Cryptocurrency market and how is it associated with WazirX?

I think Cryptocurrency is a great tool to take the power of your money back into your hands without dealing with a centralised authority. I see it is an integral part of portfolio diversification when it comes to investments and WazirX has made the process simple and transparent for me. I find their approach to Crypto and NFTs extremely authentic and genuine in spreading awareness and not just focussing on sale targets.

Tell us a bit about your poetry which you launched on WazirX.

I have minted some of my most popular poems as NFTs and it includes digital art by my partner Karan Bakshi. These NFTs are even more special because you'll see a labour of our love that has been converted into a piece of art. You know, my favourite poet Amrita Pritam used to write poetry and her lover Imroz used to illustrate it with drawings, K and I are doing exactly that, albeit in a digital format!

What is also special about my NFTs is that it's a unique amalgamation of poetry, audio and digital art, something that I have personally not seen anyone else does yet!

How is life after being under siege at home amid the Coronavirus pandemic?

I have always been a believer of slow living. To be honest, I am still looking for 1999 in 2021. Obviously, I come from a place of privilege to be able to say that the pandemic helped me slow down and really focus more on my everyday life and family connections. However, I do miss travelling and reconnecting with nature.

Have you started transitioning back to work after lockdown or are you still working from home?

I have done quite a few shoots from home since lockdown. In fact, I have become an expert when it comes to creating my own shooting set up at home! So yes, the pandemic has also taught me that skill. I did go to Ladakh for a bit to shoot for my upcoming Netflix original but have stayed put in Mumbai due to the high levels of infection.

How will be the post-lockdown version of Priya Malik?

With a few kilos extra! Hahaha. I have been cooking and eating some delicious food during the lockdown. However, seriously speaking, I have been meaning to do a pan-India tour with my poetry for a long time with a one-hour solo show, so hopefully, you'll see that taking place. It's been on my to-do list for a while!

What is the most important lesson the pandemic has taught you?

Minimalism. The idea that we can be happy with lesser things, and I think that is a really important lesson.

This period must have given you an opportunity to reassess your relationships with friends and family members…

Indeed. To be honest, I have always been a homebody and I do almost all of my writing at home too, but the pandemic also helped me reconnect with some of my distant relatives who I usually haven't been able to stay in touch with due to our busy work schedules. I live with my partner, so I definitely missed the parents a lot more than usual, but thanks to technology (subtle plug) video calls were a saving grace!

What kind of impact do you think the Coronavirus pandemic will have on the music industry in the long run?

Even though a lot of virtual gigs have happened, nothing can match the intensity of being on stage and seeing real people, rather than people on screen. In fact, that's the beauty of live performers. I do see a resurgence happening soon but I think it will depend on when the pandemic allows us to do so.

More For You

Neena Gupta

The brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement

Getty Images

Neena Gupta joins Kareena Kapoor in calling out Prada over Kolhapuri chappals

Key points

  • Neena Gupta posts a video wearing Kolhapuri chappals gifted by late actor Laxmikant Berde
  • Joins Kareena Kapoor in highlighting resemblance to a Prada sandal design
  • Luxury brand showcased similar footwear at Milan Fashion Week without reference to Indian origins
  • Both actresses emphasised the value of original handmade designs

Neena Gupta backs Kolhapuri chappals after Prada controversy

Veteran Indian actress Neena Gupta has weighed in on the ongoing conversation around Prada’s recent footwear collection after actress Kareena Kapoor earlier pointed out the brand’s use of a traditional Indian design without acknowledgement.

In a video shared on Instagram, Gupta showcased a pair of handmade Kolhapuri chappals gifted to her by the late actor Laxmikant Berde. Sharing the story behind the slippers, she said, “So, these Kolhapur slippers are in great demand these days. Once I did something with Laxmikant Berde—I don't remember what it was—so I asked him, can you get me these slippers from Kolhapur? He said yes. So he got them for me. This is the most beautiful slippers I have ever had. Most beautiful and handmade. I love them. Thank you, Laxmikant. You are not there anymore, but love you.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split
Katy Perry relaxes on deck in a black bikini as she chats with friends
Twitter/info katy perry

Katy Perry seen in black bikini on Capri yacht after Orlando Bloom split

Quick highlights:

  • Katy Perry seen for the first time since confirming split with Orlando Bloom.
  • The singer relaxed on a yacht in Capri with daughter Daisy and close friends.
  • Representatives say the couple has shifted focus to co-parenting after months of changes.
  • Bloom shared cryptic quotes on loneliness while Perry broke down on stage in Australia.

Katy Perry appears to be embracing single life with warmth and grace after confirming her split from actor Orlando Bloom. Just days after their breakup statement, the pop star was seen enjoying a yacht holiday in Capri with her daughter Daisy and longtime friends.

Perry looked composed and at ease as she spent time on the water, marking her first public appearance since the relationship announcement. Dressed in a black bikini, with her hair tied back in a sleek bun, the singer was photographed laughing, hugging friends, and sharing moments with her 4½-year-old daughter.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Beckham family

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham attend the Netflix 'Beckham' UK Premiere

Getty Images

Brooklyn Beckham’s absence looms over Harper’s birthday as family rift deepens

Quick highlights:

  • Brooklyn Beckham is unlikely to attend Harper’s 14th birthday amid ongoing family tensions.
  • He recently skipped David Beckham’s 50th celebration to attend Nicola Peltz’s father’s birthday in the US.
  • Insiders say Harper is especially hurt as she shares a close bond with Brooklyn.
  • Brooklyn reportedly feels distant from the Beckham family and more connected to Nicola’s side.

The Beckham family is preparing to mark Harper’s 14th birthday this week, but the occasion is expected to be bittersweet. Brooklyn Beckham is not expected to join the celebrations, sparking concerns about a deepening rift between him and the rest of his family.

Once a close-knit unit, tensions reportedly began brewing after Brooklyn married American heiress and actress Nicola Peltz in 2022. Since then, his growing bond with Nicola’s family and increasing distance from his own has been a source of strain, insiders claim.

Keep ReadingShow less
Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Cardi B poses with a live crow outside the Petit Palais in Paris

Instagram/lamodemagazine__

Cardi B shocks Paris Couture Week with live crow and bold Schiaparelli look

Quick highlights:

  • Cardi B appeared at Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 couture show in Paris holding a live crow on her arm.
  • Her dramatic black gown was designed by Daniel Roseberry, Schiaparelli’s creative director.
  • The surreal look paid tribute to Elsa Schiaparelli’s legacy of theatrical, boundary-pushing fashion.
  • The show marked a shift in Roseberry’s aesthetic, away from corsetry towards freer silhouettes.

Paris Couture Week opened on a dramatic note this year as Cardi B made a startling entrance at the Petit Palais wearing a black Schiaparelli gown, with a live crow perched on her arm. The rapper’s appearance outside the venue sent photographers scrambling as the bird flapped and squawked, setting the tone for a show rooted in tension, elegance, and surrealism.

The outfit, crafted by Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli’s Autumn 2025 collection, featured graphic fringe and a towering beaded neckline. But it was the crow, alive, glaring, and restless, that stole the spotlight, embodying the fashion house’s long-standing obsession with the unexpected.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less