Desi identity is not without its exclusions and tensions. Caste, colorism, regionalism, and gender hierarchies persist, often transported alongside more celebratory elements of culture. Colorism — preferences for lighter skin and the industries built around it — and caste discrimination operate both overtly and subtly, shaping marriage markets, employment prospects, and social esteem. Feminist and queer desi voices critique normative prescriptions, demanding visibility and rights. These internal struggles compel a reimagining of who belongs to the desi collective and on what terms. Reckoning with these inequalities is essential to any honest account of desi life.