Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology....Read More
Pooja Pillai is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, working with the National Editorial and Opinion section. Her work frequently explores the intersection of society, culture and technology.
Editorial Focus & Expertise
Pooja’s writing spans several key domains, often blending analytical commentary with cultural critique.
Art & Culture: She writes extensively on cinema, books, and the evolving landscape of arts and entertainment.
Technology & Society: Her work examines the human impact of the gig economy, the rise of AI in creative fields, and the cultural shifts driven by digital platforms.
Food & Lifestyle: She often uses food as a lens to explore history and politics, covering everything from the origins of pantry essentials to the impact of nutrition policy.
Politics: She closely tracks political developments in South and West India and provides commentary on international political transitions, including the shifting landscape of American politics.
Multimedia & Podcasting
Pooja is a prominent voice in the Indian Express’s digital ecosystem. She is the host of 'DeshKaal with Yogendra Yadav', weekly video podcast where she facilitates deep-dive conversations on Indian democracy, social movements, and current political affairs.
Notable Recent Works
Cinema & Identity: “SRK@60: Why Shah Rukh Khan is Bollywood's last, and only, superstar” – an analysis of stardom and the changing face of Indian identity
Global Politics: Commentary on the Trump administration’s misguided “war on woke culture” via typography and analysis of the visual semiotics of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s attire during successive visits to the White House.
Art & AI: “An unequal music: AI is lowering barriers at the cost of music itself” – a critique of how technology is redefining artistic value.
Professional Presence
Pooja is active on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her latest columns and editorial insights.
Her full archive and latest updates can be found on her Indian Express Author Profile.
Jun 14, 2020 08:04 IST
What is this delicious culinary treat, and how did it come to be an icon of Kerala? Where else can...
Thu, Jun 18, 2020
Jun 11, 2020 20:00 IST
A quick no-fuss recipe that is light and perfect to beat the summer...
Fri, Jun 12, 2020
Jun 09, 2020 01:46 IST
Restaurants are assessing the situation before opening up. “We understand the government has to...
Tue, Jun 09, 2020
Jun 08, 2020 01:29 IST
As per Cushman and Wakefield’s annual report on the world’s most expensive shopping streets, in...
Mon, Jun 08, 2020
Jun 08, 2020 01:19 IST
From capacity to timing, eateries stare at...
Mon, Jun 08, 2020
Jun 07, 2020 06:21 IST
Michelin-starred chef Suvir Saran on his new book -- not a cookbook -- and his journey into the...
Sat, Jun 06, 2020
Jun 06, 2020 03:40 IST
Many restaurants in India have begun to put measures in place. From masks to disinfectants, a look...
Sat, Jun 06, 2020
Jun 03, 2020 20:00 IST
One is a simple recipe and the other is just a bit more complicated, but both are incredibly...
Wed, Jun 03, 2020
May 30, 2020 18:33 IST
Chammanthi podi is best had with rice, but goes well with idlis and dosas as...
Sat, May 30, 2020
May 27, 2020 20:00 IST
Also known as gunpowder, molagapodi is the most popular of South India’s rich tradition of...
Wed, May 27, 2020
May 23, 2020 20:15 IST
Marinated in a spicy green chutney and generously coated in breadcrumbs, this fried fish recipe...
Sat, May 23, 2020
May 20, 2020 17:30 IST
There’s also a savoury version of the kozhukatta. Both are good for for breakfast or as a teatime...
Wed, May 20, 2020
May 16, 2020 20:05 IST
This dal is a delicate balancing act, a simple dish that is an excellent test of your culinary...
Sat, May 16, 2020
May 16, 2020 10:34 IST
The hospitality sector is opening up to new protocols on hygiene and contactless deliveries, but...
Sat, May 16, 2020
May 13, 2020 20:00 IST
Made with a unique technique of layering, padwali rotli is traditionally eaten with aam...
Wed, May 13, 2020
May 09, 2020 15:06 IST
The key to a good rava dosa is how lace-like you can make it, while making sure that it’s cooked...
Sat, May 09, 2020
May 06, 2020 12:30 IST
One of summer’s best recipes for breakfast or for teatime hunger...
Wed, May 06, 2020
May 02, 2020 16:01 IST
This simple Kerala curry can be made with a number of different...
Sat, May 02, 2020
Apr 29, 2020 12:30 IST
The seeds of ripe mango are washed in water, which is then tempered to make the summer special...
Thu, Apr 30, 2020
Apr 25, 2020 12:31 IST
Enjoy the best of Ramzan and summer with this recipe....
Sat, Apr 25, 2020
Apr 23, 2020 12:30 IST
If you’re a soup hater too, this gazpacho may change your mind. It’s bright and refreshing and...
Thu, Apr 23, 2020
Apr 18, 2020 19:16 IST
This won’t keep for too long, even when stored in an air-tight container, so use it within a...
Sat, Apr 18, 2020
Apr 15, 2020 18:24 IST
The current situation also forces one to ask another related question: what will cooking and eating...
Wed, Apr 15, 2020
Apr 13, 2020 15:55 IST
Just a couple of special additions can turn an ordinary meal into a festive spread....
Tue, Apr 14, 2020
Apr 01, 2020 00:15 IST
What kitchen lessons from the current lockdown should we take into the...
Wed, Apr 01, 2020