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Nandini Balial is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Harper’s Bazaar, Wired, Ebert Voices, Texas Observer, The AV Club, and Slate, among others. She lives and works in Fort Worth, Texas.

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How ‘American Born Chinese’ Turned Costumes Into Moving Art

EBB AND FLOW

The Disney+ show tells a fantastical Chinese American story—that is full to the brim with action too. Which meant costume designer Joy Cretton had a unique challenge at hand.

Nandini Balial | Published Jun 10, 2023

What Padma Lakshmi Learned About Herself on ‘Top Chef’

EATING YOUR FEELINGS

Not long before announcing her departure from the hit cooking show, Lakshmi—who also hosts a road-trip food series on Hulu—talked about the hard truths the industry taught her.

Nandini Balial | Published Jun 03, 2023

The Secrets Behind the Haunting ‘Yellowjackets’ Score

MIXTAPE

The Showtime drama owes so much of its unsettling tone to the original music—which is why composers Anna Waronker and Craig Wreden know so much more of the elusive lore than we do.

Nandini Balial | Published Apr 01, 2023

‘House of the Dragon’ Tells Its Story Best Through Fashion

HAUTE COUTURE

The award-winning costume designer Jany Temime talks about making Westeros feel so real, one enchanting pair of earrings at a time.

Nandini Balial | Published Sep 28, 2022

What You Actually Need to Know About ‘House of the Dragon’

HERE BE DRAGONS

Set 200 years before the blockbuster HBO series, “House of the Dragon” will give the fans what they want: more drama and more dragons.

Nandini Balial | Published Aug 15, 2022

Believe It or Not, ‘Westworld’ Is Worth Watching Again

VIOLENT DELIGHTS

Fans and critics seemed to be at their breaking—and break-up—with the exhaustingly complicated sci-fi series. But the new season is a jolt and a refresh that begs a revisit.

Nandini Balial | Published Jun 25, 2022

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