Comments on: what is a slumdog chai wallah?

By: Colin

Colin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:43:49 +0000

Indeed, well said. Thanks so much for this explanation when I asked in person last week — had I read this post I could have saved you the trouble!

But yes, this was an especially interesting element in a film that was filled with interesting elements, and I was relieved to learn just what was behind all those sly smiles and audience laughter. It also explains why Jamal seemed to shrink in his chair at each mention of the term.

By: Akshay

Akshay — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:53:23 +0000

I believe Indians,particularly Hindus have been so apologetic about their religion that they are actively finding reasons to demean their faith when there are none.
The audience laughs with the host cuz it’s a movie. In reality many would object to such behavior. I know I would.

By: Akshay

Akshay — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:48:42 +0000

I believe the “Chai Wallah” status refers to class based discrimination and not caste based. Also Jamal is a Muslim. So no caste there

By: jaya

jaya — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:36:52 +0000

Great blog writing Patrick, wow, so the book will be great, I’ll take a few………….!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And the movie pictures, how’d you get? Also it was a funny blast to go to the movie site listed in your links, EVERYONE, check it out. It’s a riot…. well

Let’s start with peace within, love

By: Marie

Marie — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:38:50 +0000

That’s the most beautiful interpretation of “chai wallah” I’ve ever heard:-)

By: Heather

Heather — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:47:53 +0000

What a great post. Thank you.

By: Christa

Christa — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:36:33 +0000

Your site has certainly opened my eyes and made me deliciously envious of your pilgrimage
The art and ritual of making masala chai and sharing it with friends and family is a heart-warming experience, and all the more so when you have knowledge of the other humans in the world who do this as a living. I would be so honoured as to purchase a cup from a chai wallah. I’ve even considered becoming one myself (it would be a site to see in my wasp-y town in North America). It is a humble profession, but in my opinion filled with magic possibilities when you consider how many people have been warmed, calmed, or consoled by a single cup of tea.

By: bhavana

bhavana — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:02:08 +0000

love this post

By: Sabbio

Sabbio — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 16:44:24 +0000

This is such a coincidence, I discover your post and yesterday evening we began to watch “Slumdog Millionnaire” and this movie is so beautiful yet really sad and horrible concerning the lives of children and unfortunate people in India but, as you point out, it’s the same everywhere on the planet… this saddens me so much, so intensely… why is our world like that?

By: pRiyA

pRiyA — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 04:45:26 +0000

well said!