2014-10-29

Hindi movies, 'One-Liners': Mere Paas Maa Hi


One-liners in Hindi movies has always struck a chord with the Indian masses that go gaga over them. As we look back at the past, the dialogue 'bazzi' has always remained fresh in our imagination, churning memories of classics made that make us revel in hearty laughs. The recent Shah Rukh Khan-Abhishek Bachchan-Deepika Padukone's blockbuster Happy New Year is filled with comic one-liners that delight the heart and which will make us indulge in a laughing riot...Nandu Bhide Dimaag mein Khide...Kismet Badi Kutti Cheez hai, Saali Kabhi Bhi Palat Jaati Hai..Haaro to Haaro Ijjat Mat Uttara. The best things about filmi dialogues is that they need to connect with the masses to make the film a blockbuster hit.


I am a huge Amitabh Bachchan fan whose one-liners connected with the masses that made him the superstar he is today. The way he mouthes his dialogues makes the lines click like a pot of gold. When we watch Big B's successful movies, his one-liners remain fresh in our minds..Mere Paas Maa Hai, Aaj Khush Toh Bahot Hue Tum, Rishtey Mein Hum Tumhare Baap Lagte Hai, Naam Hai Shahenshah, Tumhara Naam Kya Hai Basanti, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan..Baap Ka Naam...Yeh saala telephone Ki Ghanti Bohot Bajta Hai, Mujhe Jo Sahi Lagta Main Wohi Karta Hai, Don ko Pakdna Mushkil Hi Nahin Namunkin Hai, Yeh James Bond Ka Pota Hai. Epic dialogues that took the nation by storm. One dialogue which I feel was so under-rated is, 'Come on, Charlie' from Kyon Ho Gaya Na! Sadly, it didn't make to the list.



Who can forget Shah Rukh Khan's Rahul, Naam to Suna Hoga,Picture Abhi Baaki Hai Mere Dost? I can imagine countless lover boys wooing their lady loves with..Naam Toh Suna Hoga, Don't Underestimate The Power of A Common Man, Hum ek baar jite hain ek baar pyar karte hai, Kaun Kambakht bardasht karne ko pita hai. Baazigar was one movie where SRK redefined the anti-hero that would make the nation fall in love with him. It was okay to be villain-ish. Here's another one, 'Aur Haar Ke Jeetne Wale Ko Baazingar Kehte Hain. DDLJ remains for me one of the most beautiful love stories ever made which marries tradition and modernity. SRK made girls fall in love and boys envy Raj when he says, 'It's alright Senorita, Bade Bade Deshon Mein, Aisi Choti Choti Baatein Hoti Rahti Hain.' Kabir Khan in Chak De India is one character that motivates us when the going gets tough and it's probably a film where SRK plays a character and not himself.

My favorite remains, 'Sattar Minute, Sattar minute hai tumhare paas..Shayad yeh tumhari zindagi ke sab se khaas sattar minute..aaj tum aacha khelo ya bura kehle, yeh sattar minute tumhe zindagi bhaar yaad rahegi...'
How can our villains be left behind? Our own Gabbar Singh whom we love to hate as he instills fear in his eyes, mouthing, 'Kitne aadmi the? So ja Munna nahin to Gabbar aayega...Can cinema's one-liners be complete without our villains? Our own Amrish Puri won hearts with 'Mogambo Khush hua and our old-timer Ajit signing with, 'Saara Seher Mujhe Loin ke Naam se Jaante Hai.' There is no Hindi movies of 70s and 80s without our epic villains delivering one-liners. Shakti Naam Hai Mera Shakti Kapoor...Lolita! The same Kapoor re-defined comedy in the 90s in the mad comic caper, Andaz Apna Apna playing the hilarious crime master, Goga, 'Khandaani chor hoon, aaya hai kuch choora ke lejayega.



Priyadarshan's Hungama was another one replete with hilarious one-liners, 'Babu Bisleri Naam Hai Mera? Kya Kare, Nahale'. He repeated this feat with the crazy Hera Pheri with crazy stuffs that had audience in splits, with our most loved Paresh Rawal aka Babu Rao, 'Uthale le Baba Uthale, arre Mere Ko Nahin Dono ko. Take this one: Dono bhai behen dekhte hai, usne bhi chasma pehna isne bhi chasma pehna. Akshay Kumar adds another feather to the cap, 'Iss Hisaab se aap unke Baap lagte hai.'


The first superstar in the film industry, Rajesh Khanna touched our sensitive chord in Anand, 'Aye Babu Moshai, zindagi badi hone chahiye lambi Nahin' and the most favorite & loved, 'Pushpa, I hate tears.' Raaj Kumar is another actor whose epic lines still rang fresh in our minds, 'Jaani yeh Bachchon ke khelne ki cheez nahin..jo log sheeshe ke ghar mein rehte apne dushman ke ghar mein phattar nahin phekte.'

Mr perfection, Amir Khan, cannot be left behind in Ishq when he innocently says with a twinge of naughtiness, 'Zindagi mein teen cheezon ke peechey nahin bhagna chahiye, bus, train or chokhri'. Apna Dhai kilo ka haath Sunny Deol in Damini, 'Tadik pe Tadik Tadik pe Tadik and 'Yeh Dhai Kilo ka haath kissi pe padta hai, aadmi utha nahin uddh jaata hai.'

Nana Patekar is another actor whose one-liners is something to die for, 'Sala ek maakhi insaan ko hijra bana deta hai.' Our Pandey-ji Salman Khan 'Ek Baar Jo Meine Commitment Ki Hai to Mein Aapne Aap ko Bhool Jata Hoon', 'Mujhpe ek Ehsaan Karna ke Mujhe pe Koi Bhi Ehsaan Mat karna and, of course the 'Bindaas' Dabbang, 'Itna Ched karenge toh confuse ho jaoge ki saas kaha se ley aur pade kaha se.' Our Munna Sanjay Dutt is another actor whose dialogues the audience love to repeat, 'Bole toh..Tension lene ka nahin sirf dene ka..Mammu yeh tere sona ka nahin' and 'Isse bolte hai Ghoda, do peti ka hai....isse bolte hai magazine aur issko bolte hai trigger iss pe umli raakhi aur tan diya jispe tanna hai, trigger dabaya aur khel khallas.'

Uff! What an exhaustive list! Hindi movie and dialogues are like two twin brothers separated at the railway station or at birth but who, ultimately, re-unite during the climax. One cannot exist without the other to make our Hindi movies an epic tale that we will remember after ages and that make us revere our superstars who almost attains 'God-like' cult-status. Truly ek chutki sindoor ki keemat tum kya jaano..I can walk English, I can laugh English, I can run English.' How ending this post with this tragic line that has almost been comical now, 'Mere Karan Arjun Aayenge.'



Fim Review: Happy New Year, Paisa Vasool Masala Cracker

Film Review: Happy New Year

Cast: Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Vivaan Shah, Jackie Shroff and Anupam Kher, Malika Arora Khan, Vishal Dadlani & Anurag Kashyap in guest appearances.
Music: Vishal-Shekhar
Director: Farah Khan

Producer: Gauri Khan/Red Chillies Entertainment


Wanna go on a bumpy and roller-coaster ride? If, yes! Read this review at your own risk..oops! my bad! Risque! It's for the haters of 'meaningful' brainless flicks and kick ass comedy that tickles the heart to happiness. A word of caution to intellectual critics, swearing by meaningful cinema, it's a sugar-coated appreciation of Happy New Year and don't blame me for giving you a heart attack 'kyon ki saala Kismet bada kutti cheez!'....'Haaro to Haaro, Ijaat Mat Uttara'...'Nandu manjhe Dimaag mein Khide'...
Happy New Year belongs to the masses. Stunning visuals of Dubai captured to perfection, mass appeal, Jhakaas dance moves, super entertaining songs and lovable performances. It's no secret that Farah Khan belongs to the Manmohan Desai's school of cinema whose one-liner should remain buried in our head, 'If you want to enjoy my films, leave your brains at home.' I know, the intellectuals must be fuming coz HNY has done to them what 'Mere Brains Ko Aanda Kisne Maara.' Happy New is a typical 'Masale dhar' movie, a bit stretched perhaps as it hits almost three hours, that will woo and make you laugh your lungs out. What works for Farah's is the dialogue baazi, after all what's a Hindi movie without mazedar dialogues?

Happy New is the story of six losers in Dubai, Charlie (SRK), Mohini (Deepika), Nandu (Abhishek), Tammy (Boman), Jag (Sonu) and Vivaan (Rohan). A team of six underdogs who are hell bent in seeking a revenge by making the biggest diamond heist. In turn, they captivate the hearts of million across the globe and not just Rs 100 crores worth star-studded diamonds.


Shah Rukh Khan as Charlie, the Boston University topper, is endearing and proves why he is one of the biggest superstar in the country. Perhaps, HNY is the film where he packed an action storm that would make the rest of his movies fade in comparison in terms of Maar Dhaar. He exudes charisma whether in funny situations, action, romance and emotions. The rehearsing of his old filmy bazzi dialogues that won him hearts and wooed his audience remains the movie's forte. Captivating.
The surprise package of HNY is Abhishek Bachchan. In case you haven't watched this roller-coaster ride, grab your tickets and you'll know why. Abhishek as Nandu Bhide excels in comedy and HNY will certainly be one of his most loved character after a spate of bad movies. He is hilarious when he does a repeat of Amitabh Bachchan, 'I can talk in English and Walk in English.' Junior Bachchan scores big time in this one with his hatke, tapori style, 'Nandu Bhide Dimaag Mein Khide' which the fans will love to no end. In one word: Brilliant. People will identify with the character Nandu that re-defines Abhishek as an actor.



Deepika Padukone as Mohini is live poetry in motion. Her entry is fantastic in the 'Lovely' song and the kind of energy she displays, hitting the octane level like a volcano is breath-taking. She has improved a lot as an actor and in every movie, she raises the bar a notch higher which leaves her contemporaries far behind. Certainly, Deepika proves in HNY that she is the most accomplished and versatile actor who gives her fans something new in every film. Whether it's the romantic scenes with King Khan and comedy or emotional scenes, she shines throughout. She adds credence to her character whether getting ensnared by English the Phunny language or doing a spoof of Kabir Khan in Chak De India. Deepika as Mohini is endearing.
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It's an education watching Boman Irani as Tammy and one wonders how he pulls his characters so effortlessly. An endearing performance by one of the most talented actors in the Hindi film industry. Sonu Sood as Jag performs competently while Naseer's son Vivaan Shah plays his part well as the loser Geek. A potential to watch out for. Jackie Shroff is competent and suave as the villain.
Farah Khan as a director is fully attuned to the taste of the masses and is a maven on making films injecting the right dose of , 'Masala.' However, two back-to-back songs towards the interval seems repetitive and tad boring. Plus, the films drags a bit with its nearing three hours which could have been chopped to make the screenplay more crisp.
On the whole, credit goes to Farah Khan for packing the right punch of action, comedy and emotions to make Happy New Year, the real winner in terms of entertainment.  The right dose of striking a hilarious route coupled with a subdued text of patriotism in the climax makes Happy New Year a flick that carries repeat value coupled with gripping narrative and blockbuster with the right ingredients. Plus, the friendly appearances of Anupam Kher, Vishal Dadlani, Dina Morea and Anurag Kashyap is the extra Mithais.  Truly Team India! Happy New Year has come to make the perfect Diwali gift like the jalebis, mouth-watering Gulab Jamuns and Rasgoolas. Plus, the music by Vishal-Shekhar is captivating and catchy. Another musical high.
What I like with Farah Khan is how she always gives credit to the whole crew in the end. A special gift by Shah Rukh Khan how he presented his cute son, AbRam and of course, Farah's triplets. It's lovely to see Gauri Khan shaking a leg. Reasons for you to watch HNY.
PS: Breaking with the tradition of giving stars to HNY and just go, munch the pop corn and enjoy the ride. To nay-sayers, I am your average blogger and no, SRK, Farah, Abhishek and Deepika have not paid me for the review. So shut up and stop cribbling.


2014-10-26

The Bride's Blissful Night


It's her night! Tomorrow, she will be adorned in the most expensive gold ornaments and her favorite lehenga, crafted by the designer, famous for dressing up the who's who's of fashion, films and upper crust of society. 
The marriage was arranged by her industrial father with the son of his business partner, Rajveer, Harvard-educated and settled in United States. When her father brought the proposal, Anjali developed cold feet since it was her childhood dream to wait for her Knight in shining armour who would sweep her off the feet as they would gallop their way to heavenly bliss. 

The father made her understand that the perfect love story exist only in films and what matters is that she wouldn't be deprived of the luxury of life. After all, every girl needs financial security. Anjali is the epitome of the doting daughter who would never be allowed to traveled by bus or local train. She was chauffeur driven in Mumbai and surrounded by servants in their posh Bandra Bungalow at Bandstand.
Tonight, Anjali decided that she would enjoy her night to the fullest as a single girl. After coaxing her father, the latter decided to give her night of freedom in the company of her gang of girls. Anjali was excited, "Today, I will drink like a fish and make it my honeymoon night.'
It was 10 P.M when they booked themselves in the posh, five-star hotel, close to Chattrapathi Shivaji International Airport. Anjali wore a tensed look, puffing cigarettes. She reflects, "Am I doing something wrong and immoral? I am in two minds but the truth is that I want to enjoy today as if there is no tomorrow." Rajveer is settled in US. It took Anjali a long time to convince her fiance to settle in Mumbai but, only, after she agreeing to spend a whole year with him in New York.  
Finally, the time has come. It was her big night before the D-Day. Adenaline pumped through her body and her heart is beating frantically. She poured a large whisky in the glass and gulped it neat. Her best friend yells, "Come fast, baby. The guys are here." After all, it's her bachelorette party. Decked in a yellow saree, , she slowly walked towards the venue as the few males, moving their hips danced to the tune of Kamli, Ishq Kamine and Chamak Challo. Anjali would be having the time of her life. The guys are struggling models who are trying to make a mark in the super competitive fashion industry in Mumbai and their comrades, imported from France, England and UK swirl their body seductively in front of women, dressed as brides as they ogled at the men. 
As the music plays louder, the male dancers slowly flings their shirts and trousers on the woman who fight with each other to grab the clothes as if it was the cricket ball. The women shouted their lungs out, "We want more and remove everything." The men raises the tempo, pushing their body to an octane level as the girls gape at the flab and marveling at the almost naked men parading in front of them. 
It was past 2 a.m when the party came to an end and their dancers, chosen by their women, escorted the latter to their hotel rooms for a stormy night. Anjali glances at her watch, "Fuck it's 2 a.m and it's my big night. I gotta be ready at 10 in the morning. But, I ain't gotta let my night go waste. After all, I am a woman and have needs to fulfilled like every human being. Tonight is the night of salvation."
She nods to the dancer, dressed in a white underwear who is looking straight into her eyes. "My God! This is a man. Look at the passion and confidence in his eyes, comfortable in his only asset, the white jockey." She is sloshed and walks clumsily towards him, "Hey! Why you standing alone? I wanna take you for hire." Anjali ran her hand on his face and drags him inside the room.
Deep inside, she didn't feel what she was doing isright. The effect of alcohol and ganja gave her the confidence and she couldn't hold herself, flirting shamelessly with the stranger, a dancer flown from France with whom she would share her body with. She winks, "Baby, just give me ten minutes"
Anjali got inside the washroom and lay naked in the basin as she opened the tap, water flowing on her body, caressing her navel, breasts and her thighs. She stood and looks at herself in the mirror. "This guilt feeling is killing me."
Anjali wore her Red lehenge that would make her the most adorable bride in the world today as she would step in with Rajveer, entered the vows of marriage. Today, she decided that she would walk the path of fire and nothing on earth could hold her back. Anjali traipses inside the dim-light bedroom as Christopher, her lover for the night, couldn't stop admiring her, decked as the bride. She sat on the bed, giving seductive look to Christophe, biting her lips and smiling sensually.
Anjali sat, her bare back giving a sensual view to Christophe, urging him to untie the lace on her lehenga. He slowly caresses her back, running his fingers on her neck and reaching down towards her waist. Christophe untied the lace with his tooth as the garment slips from this hand. He bit Anjali on her ear. She couldn't hold herself and deep inside, there was an invisible power that was drawing her to the stranger. They kissed voraciously as he caresses her navel, his hand slowly removing her bra. She gapes for breath, experiencing the sensation of pain and pleasure. Tears rolled down her cheek. Christophe's palm traveled on her boobs. Anjali bit his neck, scratching his back with her finger and in the flurry of passion, her engagement ring fell slipped from her finger to roll on the marbled floor.
Anjali feels free and relieved as a person. She submits hersel to Christophe who kisses her on the neck, going from top to toe, playing with his fingers that he ran on her legs. Anjali is smiling and longing to be one with Christophe. He got inside her and she wanted to say, "Please don't stop and let's travel the route nobody dared to travel with me.
Anjali's fulfilled her needs and couldn't stop thinking about her new leash of life and identity. She hugs Christophe and planted a kiss on his lips. She wanted to say, "Perhaps, you are a stranger to me and you are oblivious how you gave me an identity. It may be your profession to entertain women but you've given me something priceless. I am a woman who has a heart to love, crave for lust and desires. It's my right. I am proud to be myself. I have an identity."
As she walks the Saat Phere with Rajveer, Anjali realizes that the guilt feeling has disappeared. She feels complete as a human being who has no regret in fulfilling her needs as a human being. As they walk to take the blessing of the family, she is glowing in her red lehenga and feeling fresh inside because she has shed out the cloak of pretense and inhibitions. It was her night. Today, is a new day and Anjali is focused on making new memories in her new life and leaving the past behind.

PS: This is pure imagination and fiction. Hope you people will like it.
With Love
V

2014-10-24

Happy Diwali: Sparkling light in our hearts

Google India
Countless diyas lit,
illuminating our hearts.
Pouring our hearts and souls to make Mithai,
that we lap.
There shall be no excuse today as we won't hold ourselves by gulping sweets.
Barfi, Ladoo and mouth-watering Gulab Jamuns.
We share love, strengthening the bond of friendship as we exchange box of Mithai.
We free ourselves from the shackle of human friendship, caste and race.
A day when we become one as we taste sweets made with love.
As we lit the candles and earthen lamps with a smile on our face,
let's pray that we reach salvation and open our hearts & minds to love and self-elevation.
Purifying our hearts, weaving together the chain of togetherness and holding our hands.
The world is one.
Reaching bliss in this age as genuine hearts strike a chord together.
Wearing brand new clothes, we leave behind the bad and ugly as we look forward to beautiful days ahead full of fresh promises, renewed hope, love and dreams.

Happy Diwali
With Love
Vishal

2014-10-19

Size Zero Syndrome

Displaying IMAG0925.jpg
Huma Qureshi favoriting my tweet
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A discussion on Twitter with NDTV, Parineeti, Sonakshi and Tara Despande
It's a tale of weight, curves, size zero and six packs abs to 'flaunt' one's body. First, there was a huge helluva over the size of models and actresses in the film & fashion industry with the media going great guns over size zero. Remember, Kareena Kapoor shedding oodles of weight in a swim suit in Tashan where she went from curvy to size zero. It made headlines that provoked reaction from all quarters, be it fans gushing or loathing, media going berserk and the the film fraternity.



Before Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan's six pack abs in Om Shanti Om in 2007 not only was over hyped but got tiff competition from Amir Khan one year later in Ghajini. It moved 2 notched higher with eight pack abs. Now, one don't really know what will come out to see the gentlemen hitting the gym to hit the double, 15 pack abs.
Then, we have new age and talented actors of the likes of Parineeta Chopra, Huma Qureshi and recently, Sonakshi Sinha who came out in the open and hit back at critics and cynics, mocking their weight on various social media sites. 
Actors such as Parineeti and Huma Qureshi rightfully placated critics who call them curvaceous. After all, what's wrong with curves as long as the ladies are comfortable in their bodies. The whole craze about being skinny is so passe and over-the-top. It's so sad how the media and people on Twitter mocks the amazingly talented actors who are comfortable being themselves. The best thing about the actors is that they are comfortable in their bodies, wearing clothes that fit them. Yes! Being curvaceous is beautiful. I am not saying that someone should be overweight but this whole size zero is an unwanted syndrome. 


It is a known fact that some models are subjected to rigorous diet where they undergo skeleton regime where one gets the impression that they would starve to death.  Eat healthy and be healthy doesn't mean to go without food or gulp only water during the day. The 90s witnessed the best models on ramp and they were not skinny men and women but wore designer clothes that fit them to the hilt. The models were not skinny or size zero but totally rocked the scene. The bottom line is to wear something you are comfortable with. Why should someone wear clothes that would make them look bad or be like a skeleton?


Credit should go to Sonakshi Sinha who posted an image of a skeleton, telling 'Girls Be Like "I Finally hit my goal weight". It couldn't get better than that! I am no fan of Sonakshi Sinha but looking at the jokes or flak she received on Twitter, she deserves respect for giving it back to critic. I mean, look at Deepika Padukone! She is probably one of the woman with the hottest bod who carries herself effortlessly well and with grace. But, Deepika is not skinny nor she is the embodiment of size zero. Far from that! She is comfortable in her body and her curves is in the right place.

One needs to get over this whole size zero syndrome where several models try to impress the world by competing to look best. Sorry ladies and gentlemen! We, men or for that matter any sane person, is not really buying this size zero thing. I feel Parineeti Chopra and Huma Qureshi look fab by being curvaceous. The size zero syndrome doesn't bite the bait. I feel many look weird by shedding bundle of weight by try to be size zero and it shows not just on their body but face. They look  not just weird but like lolly pops and pale anorexic version. 
Size zero is like a patient who is sick in the last stage of their life. Who is this model who is hell bent to die of malnutrition? They look grotesque wearing clothes that are even thinner than their bodies and not really a tale of one size fits all! I mean, Kareena looks scary and weird in Tashan, as if she was deprived of food for days or months. 
God save the ones who are dying to starve in secret with this never-say-die fake hang over and weight complexity. Size Zero is not just a syndrome but a fad that will only make you fade into oblivion. Come on! We love the beautiful dimples flashed that charm us off our feet and not a figure that inching closer to minus zero and negative. Let's not do the mathematics of weight in the battle of curvaceous vs skinny coz it will make you bonker. 
Bust size of 31 inches, waist of 23 inches and 32 inches of hip. Eat well and let's not complicate the world as half of the world are dying of hunger. Let's not burden the world. Zero Diet Plan is an absolute No No. Get rid of this syndrome and eat well people. Be comfy in what you are and twiterrazi stop being gung-go with this bull shit called size zero.

With Love
Vishal


2014-10-18

Womaniya, Moon and Karwa Chauth

Pati Vrata Patni..Mera Pati Parmeshwar. Women, decked in bright designer sarees and adorned with jewellery pray for the long life of the husband. Fasting till the evening and bowing to the Indian tradition, not a single morsel goes into their poor stomachs, till they get a dekkho at the moon.

O! Womaniya! What responsibilities you don’t fulfil on earth to toe the line of the patriarchy? In the name of tradition! A tale of subjugation subjected to the whim and fancy of dogmatic traditions and beliefs, espoused by Hindu society.
There is nothing wrong in observing social norms and one shouldn’t trample on freedom of choice. It is up to you whether you want to observe Karwa Chauth or any other ceremony for that matter.

What I am saying that it shouldn’t be forced down the throat of a woman that if she doesn’t observe Karwa Chauth, mayhem will strike. It doesn’t go without saying that Karwa Chauth is regressive where the freedom of women, as an individual, is put at stake. Why should a woman observe Karwa Chauth for the husband? Is it a condition to get married or respect the husband as a separate entity?

I wonder, what if the woman, who is equal to the husband, does not believe in the tradition of observing such rites. What is morally right or wrong depend on personal ideologies? Why impose something like that on a woman? One can also argue that the husband doesn’t fast, by forsaking water and food but, then, some modern men also observe the fast. But, this is not the issue. I want to shed light on the need for us as human beings to question rites such as Karwa Chauth which violates personal liberty. 
I am not trying to act like a ‘wanna be’ feminist by indulging in rhetoric about equality. Far from that! As human beings, we have the right to reject or question traditions that doesn’t pave the way for equality in a household. There are many blind practices that existed for ages in Hindu tradition that has reduced women as a piece of furniture in a house.

Somebody please tell me that not observing tradition will mean that your husband will die? Who wrote the Janam Kundli of human beings? Are the ones coining the tradition witnessed the facts regarding the whole Karwa Chauth issue? In rural areas, women, including, widows face social stigma by imposing ludicrous social customs on people. It’s a clear violation of basic human rights.

It’s not in my intention to declare war on Karwa Chauth or run down Hindu traditions. Of course, it’s a matter of personal choice. Ladies! If you feel comfortable doing Karwa Chauth fine but I also have the right to criticize it or point at loopholes in my religion.

 I refuse to bow to a system that perpetuate inequality between men and women, indulging in a culture of extreme patriarchy cum exploitation. A woman has the right to wear clothes she is comfortable with and it’s her entire prerogative to observe rites and traditions. One should avoid imposing society’s views on them. Regressive practices and culture of exploitation is an unfortunate social control imposed on human beings. Some are treated as second-class citizens. It’s the sad reality today. I, for one, would never insist that my-would be wife carry my family name or wear Mangal Sutra. Come on! We are married to each other and we don’t need society’s stamp for that.

The aim of the post is to ponder on matters rather than a scathing attack on religion. I humbly believe that we should discuss about traditions in a   healthy way to step up effort for an equal society based on mutual respect and understanding. Violating human rights is the biggest crime committed on earth.

2014-10-12

Letter to my beloved superstar & inspiration, Shri Amitabh Bachchan




My Amitabh Bachchan digital autographs sent on my Twiter handle on Big B birthday on October 11

Respected Superstar,
Dearest Amit-ji,
It dates back to two decades that as a teenager that I was sending you hand written mails in the hope that you shall reply to me. It's been my hero worship during the days when I looked up in anticipation at the postman, secretly hoping that I'll get a letter from Pratiksha Bungalow, Juhu 10th Road. I was a star struck teenager, secretly calling you 'Bhaiya' in my cute little heart. 

Being a 90s kid, I longed for my next Amitabh Bachchan flick throughout the later part of the decade. Sadly, you broke the heart with your five year hiatus to shy away from the camera. I was wondering how someone like you can stay away from the shutterbug! It was crazy, I know for a fact that the Hindi film industry cannot exist without the mention of your name. Finally! You came back with Mrityudaata-I pushed myself to see sense in this one-and Lal Badshah followed-yeah, I enjoyed this one. Little did I realize that as fans we would face the tribulations you've gone through. It was painful to see our most loved superstar going through the worst phase in his career. I was silently praying that like the Phoenix, my superstar would rise from the ashes to make the world bow to his feet. After all, Heroes cannot face failure and not conquer it through sheer magnetic power. After all, you are Amitabh Bachchan. Finally, like in your movies, you won hearts with KBC, gave a new meaning to TV and experimented with a variety of roles. We found back our superstar who motivated us with snippet of wisdom on Kaun Banega Crorepati. 


Amitji, you are such a motivating factor in my life. How you inspired me to wake up from my slumber in life? Often, when I am down, I think what you must have gone through to cope up with stress and beat the blues in life. It gives me such courage when I read your favorite line, 'Mann ka ho toh achcha .... na ho toh zyaada achcha !! kyun ki phir wo iswar ke man ka hota hai, aur iswar aap ka hamesha achcha chahega !!!'
It gives me the courage to get up in life and face tribulations as well as upsets thrown at me by life. When the mood is down, I watch your rendering of your father Shri Harishvansrai Bachchan favorite poem, Madhushala' which is soothing to the ears, heart and soul.



Did I tell you that as a teenager I would repeat your dialogues in front of the mirror?! Yes, I was repeating, 'Rishtey Mein Hum Tumhare Baap Lagte Hai Naam Hai Shahenshah, Vijay Dinanath Chauhan from Agneepath and Aaj Khush to Bahot hue from Deewar and got them recorded in the 'vintage' audio cassette. When Mom and Dad discovered my closely guarded secret, I didn't know where to bury my face. 

Later, during college, I repeated the dialogues in front of friends during our Saturday daaru party and they would insist that I ape you in the golden, baritone voice. I did a good a job of aping you like a monkey. I need to narrate how after our college festival where I was a volunteer, I repeated the Shahenshah dialogue in front of a couple of students who clapped. It sent shiver down the spine and days later, a girl congratulated me for that. I can do a good job imitating you, Sir. Once I was walking down Fergusson College Road and there was a van of 'Indian Idol' stationed. I was prodded to sing a song and since, I don't know how to sing, I repeated Aaj Khush to Bahut Hue' from Deewar. I got a cool Tee of Indian Idol as a gift. So much for the Bachchan influence.



A bundle of memories you've given to me, right from childhood to teenage days and adulthood. You made me dream about movies and is the reason that I breath cinema in my veins. I wanted to become an actor and a film director and you were the reason that made me dream about cinema. Somehow, the dreams couldn't be translated into reality but my love for movies and Bachchan has not subsided over time. You played an important part in my growing years where I would watch you dance, laugh with you and do dishum dishum as you beat the villains.


What do an ardent and crazy Bachchan admirer types in a blog post?! For sure, it's been decades when I'd pour ink on paper, thinking what to write on the flawless white sheet that one would fold into the envelope. Today, you are one of the most active celebrities on the social media that re-defined our relationship with stars. It was imaginable, decades ago, for me to tweet you since the biggest superstar in the world or any other star, for that matter, were deemed unreachable like stars in the sky. There was a certain mystery surrounding film stars and an enigma that they are not within our reach but slunk on their throne in the sky. When you tweet me a personalized digital autograph, it's my Bachchan moment.



As you turn 72, this letter may not reach your abode in Mumbai, Amit-ji but it's my way to tell how much I love, revere and adore you coz you made dreams come true. Yes! I have been a crazy Amitabh Bachchan fan, nurturing dreams that someday that I can pen a book on you. That would be my aha moment in life. You've been a great influenc,e Amit Sir and thank you for the dreams, entertainment and inspiration to better myself as a human being. The dedication for your art, passion and zeal that you approach every new project with the keenness of a child puts the lazy me to shame. Perhaps, some day, we can meet 'again' and sit to talk about cinema. I got so much to show you, my collection of your posters, audio cassettes, magazines and press cuttings.




Post-letter: Like millions of fans, I've met you among the crowd a couple of times. I remember during a special show for Hum, there were several kids who jump the metal barriers as you got up to perform. The cops lathi charged us and you stopped them, shaking hands with each and everyone of us. As I grew up, I met you during the shooting of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, I got your autograph and again during the screening of Hum Kisse Se Kum Nahin, I gave you a birthday greeting card way back in 2000. I was sporting a French cut modeled on my superstar and remember you smiling and stroking the beard. It was my Bachchan moment. I met my God of acting that day.


With Love, respect and admiration,
Mr Bachchan & hope someday you get to read the letter from a child who grew up watching your movies for two decades.

Vishal

2014-10-11

Happy Birthday to my idol & inspiration, Amitabh Bachchan


Happy Birthday to the man,

on whose movies I grew up,

who gave me memories to cherish on celluloid.

An inspiration who made me dream in every single moment as he captured imaginations and emotions.

He made me laugh, cry, dance and sing, imitating his rich, baritone voice.

The man who made me love movies and who charmed me to his way.

His fight against the system taught me that it's perfectly alright to be angry, at times, with life that can be unfair.

He was the dream of every child, each one of us wanted to be like him.

His persona, charisma, tall shadow.

Mouthing his dialogues make us believe in the self.


I modeled my hair style on him as he gave me an identity.

I wanted to be him.

But, there is only one like him, my hero worship and a cult that grow bigger and bigger every single day.

Happy birthday to my childhood hero on whose movies I grew,

the one & only,

Amitabh Bachchan.

Happy wala budday, Sir,

as you turn 72.

With Love and Devotion

Vishal

2014-10-01

Farewell Orkut: Eight-year itch comes to a dead end


First love is always special, like our first kiss, bike, car or toy. Eight-year hitch finally comes to an end as September 30 is the day of Orkut, the first social networking site, that made us discover what chatting is all bout and finding love or chatting with unknown chicks is not debauchery, closed down.

I call Orkut, my first and last love. It was just yesterday that we met and fell in love, head over heels with each other. Orkut made me discover the joy of scrapping friends online, writing testimonials on each other's profile and the first tryst with sharing pictures, uploading musics and starting communities. Move over Selfies on Facebook, Orkut was the real and in-thing till the mighty and brute force of the former conquered the later. The joy of not being able to sit still and heading to the cyber cafe to check if the cute girl has sent a scrap or that friend writing something. We spoke about almost everything at the time of Orkut, our impending exam results being delayed forever, urgent messages of catching up for movies or coffee hang out or finding a common buddy's phone number.

I was like Alice in Wonderland, a tale of eyes wide open gushing on this discovery called Orkut. True, I couldn't live without it, rushing to check out scraps, discovering an online world that unfurled itself, offering countless possibilities of making friends across the globe. It redefined self super stardom on the internet world. More homely and simple, Orkut offered a human face for interaction hidden by the net. A tale of connecting with old chums, scattered in different parts of the cities, at a time when college was almost over. Move over sms-es, phone calls or letters, it was the super cool thing to remain in touch.
orkut_logo_screenshot_official_youtube.jpg 
It was 2006 when I received an invitation to join and connect with friends. The same year when 7/06 train blasts happened when friends would check if I am safe, the same day I traveled to Mumbai for some pending works. Orkut was functional and worked big time for us, scrapping at length and delivering messages. Our boring days were over when I would head to the cyber cafe to kill time I had in hands. It gave me sleepless nights and I couldn't wait for the night to get over to log on Orkut to have some good fun with pals.

It feels as if it was just yesterday as memories flashes back to the mind, reading and sending scraps, putting new statuses and uploading pics. Orkut was the discovery of social networking and gave us a life, beyond the ordinary.

A tale of too little, too late. I promised to self and, as a friend told me months ago, that we would spend the last day, logging on Orkut to relive the good old days. It wasn't meant to be. I forgot that today, September 30, was the last day to log on Orkut owing to the hustle bustle of professional life. When I reached home in the evening, read in the media that Orkut has bid its farewell to the not-so-net savvy tribe that we were. When I tried to log on, they wouldn't let me: directing me to community archive. 

A disappointing and sad message that hingered on nostalgia. It was ten years of pure bliss, January 2004 to September 2014, where millions came together for common  interest. I was advised to visit the help center to preserve my Orkut history of connections and conversations. I can't help feeling nostalgic and sad. Truly, the end of an epoch filled with bliss and wonderful memories. Orkut contained my collection of college memories.

I haven't been able to save my stuffs to Google drive and need to preserve my memories. I know, there won't be anything like Orkut who gave immense joy and made us Orkut-ians. It was a beautiful journey made with simplicity. How I wish the good ole times would come. Pinning for a miracle and hope Google would have second thoughts, may be, after years.

Bidding you farewell, my good and old chum, Orkut. Let me tell, you were and are much better than Facebook which is more fad than anything else. But, I guess, all good things come to an end. Our eight year itch comes to an end! Alvida! Ce n'est qu'un au revoir. You shall be missed, forever.

Kabhie Alvida Na Kehna
Vishal