On a lazy Friday, a mother from the Desi Moms Network reached out and insisted I join them for a Bollywood night in the city. It isn’t something I usually do, and I was a little apprehensive, but I decided to go along anyway.
Our group grew until six of us from the area, plus two from elsewhere, met in Boston’s Back Bay (4 of us from Desi Moms Network). The venue's name, "Don’t Tell Aunty,” was catchy, and the fusion menu looked truly innovative. Being a self-proclaimed "old-age auntie" now, I can’t really eat that late at night, but that didn’t stop me from having fun. I’ll definitely have to go back for lunch soon to try the food!
After 10 PM, they move the tables to create a dance floor. While the opening DJ didn't quite hit the right vibe for our group, the energy transformed the moment the main DJ came on the floor—one of the owners of the establishment. It was such a pleasant surprise to bump into the DJ's sister and brother-in-law, whom I’ve known for over 20 years.
The dancing was fun, but the best part was seeing these moms dancing without a care in the world. We were surrounded by a much younger crowd, but it didn’t matter; we had our own bubble. Just past midnight, we said goodbye to the full-blown party and drove back from Boston. I’m so glad one of the mothers planned the night and insisted I join; I couldn’t have done it without her.
I spent some time chatting with the girl at the door, the security guy, a mom and daughter duo from New Jersey, and a fellow attendee. It’s clear that Bollywood night is incredibly popular with the younger generation. They miss home—the familiarity and the environment. This DJ provides exactly that; beyond the nostalgia, he serves comfort food like creative Maggi dishes (Noodles) that hit home.
In a room full of younger faces, I realized that joy has no age limit. I came home tired, but my heart was full—and I’m already looking forward to the next dance with the moms from the Desi Moms Network.
Looking back, I realized that for me, it was not the music or nostalgia; it was a reminder that self-care is not just a spa or tea—it can be loud music and the joy of dancing, it’s the radical act of showing up for yourself. I am so glad that night we remembered the person we were before the "auntie" or "mom" took over.
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