"Chinese Mirch Masala": films, stories and food to rethink the slogan ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai’ in contemporary times.

This paper aims at shedding some light on the cultural crossings and boundaries between two ancient civilizations - India and China. Looking at the history of the Chinese Diaspora in India, the paper investigates the complex cultural and political dynamics between two great Asian countries that, over the centuries, have repeatedly come into contact, into contrast, into partial agreement and, possibly, on the verge of a long-sought common vision for a stronger Asia, the dream firstly harboured by Nehru in his much quoted expression ‘Hindi Chini Bhai Bhai’.