Short films

Translation: The wonder of a grandmother’s hands
From the time I was little, every visit to my grandparents in India carried a ritual of its own. Come breakfast, I would crave just one thing… a simple missi roti with a generous dollop of fresh white butter. My grandmother, as if she could read thoughts, would prepare it without my ever asking, pressing the warm roti together with butter inside, to make sure the delicious taste of butter was experienced with every bite of the roti. That, to me, was the taste of summers in Meerut. When away from Meerut, I’ve chased that taste, ordering missi roti in restaurants, sampling countless versions, but none came close. There’s a kind of magic that lives only in dadi’s hands, a love that no recipe can replicate.

Samathur is a special place, rich with its weaving heritage, beautiful landscape, and such warm hearted people. It was a pleasure to spend a day there, learning about how deeply connected their looms are to their history and their hearts today. This day paired with hearing the beautiful voices of Team Tarangam, students of Kumaraguru university, sing traditional classical music made this an unforgettable experience. Thank you Mr T. Deivasigamani for letting me share your final touches to the vibrant pink fabric you wove with such care. And thank you to Team Tarangam for enhancing the story with your beautiful voices.