Strucking gold: Cycle, Hotel and Family

This post is a part of Write Over the Weekend, an initiative for Indian Bloggers by BlogAdda.

Today's theme is:

WOW- ‘Connect the dots between Cycle, Hotel and Family’

Strucking Gold: Cycle, Hotel and Family

Cycle, hotel and family. Three words echoing the reality in the life of Pappu, riding the black cycle, from the slum in Mumbai to the Ritz Hotel in South Mumbai. He started as a cleaner at the tender age of 10 and worked diligently, dedicated himself in the hotel and saved enough money from the baksheesh of the Sahebs to buy himself a second hand cycle. It was his prized possession which he called his 'Black Ambassador. Riding to and fro, braving the sweat and crazy traffic in Mumbai, Pappu's boring life revolves around his cycle, the hotel he calls the second home and the family-Maa, Baba and Munni, his two-year-old sister, who is the apple of his eyes. As he rode the cycle at night fall and early morning, the smile of Munni would miraculously make the tiredness on his face disappear.

It was a usual morning when Munna set on his cycle to Ritz Hotel in Mumbai. He stopped at Marine Drive for a while and sip a cup of steaming hot tea he bought from the vendor, shouting in a coarse voice, 'Chai chai chai..cutting! cutting!' He realized that he reached South Mumbai, earlier than usual by two hours. The time was reset on his modest Reliance handset. Munna was getting bored sitting on the paraphet in the scorching sun. It was 6 a.m. Somehow, he walked on the huge boulders and almost slipped. He fell down and his leg was stuck between the huge rocks. Munna pulled all his might and freed himself. As he was limping his eyes struck upon a shiny object. He looks around to ensure that nobody was watching and tried to pulling the huge boulders. A grey tin suitcase that would have been exhibited as vintage was hiding behind the stack of rocks in ruins. He opened the suitcase and his eyes popped at the bank notes, some crispy and the rest, old notes, ten, 100, thousands. Munna was shit scared at the money that he could have never imagined throughout his life. 

Munna pulled back the suitcase under the boulders and cycled back to The Ritz Hotel and worked diligently till 2 a.m. He cycled back not to home but stopped at Marine Driver, sit for a while and made sure that no eye brows were raised on him. He surveyed the Mumbai Police van where cops stopped for a cup of chai and drove faraway. Not a soul could be seen. The frightened Munna walks on the parapet and quickly slipped beneath the rock. He struggled with the pot of gold that he carried on his cycle and slowly made his way to the slum. As he cycled inside the small lanes in the sleepy slum, he knew that he has just made his life. Munna has big plans for his Munni who will go to a private school. Fate has struck and made his life. He slept peacefully that night for he knows tomorrow will be another day, Cycle, Hotel and Family.

Feeling the pristine beauty of sky, sea and sun

Radiant blue sky,

Blazing sun sparkling its brilliance in all directions,

the white sand on the beach and crystal clear sea water expressing the sheer beauty of life.

I stood motionless, admiring the vivid scenery and images unfurling itself.

Soothing atmosphere depicting the soothing beauty of life,

the heart singing a beautiful lullaby as I feel the relaxed and calm, faraway from the monotony of city life.

Seeking solitude in the magnificence and pristine beauty of life.

A day where I seek together in my own company and soul searching for the real me.

I shall find myself in this solo journey, surrounded by mountains, lush greenery, sand, sea and shining sun.

A gateway to fulfill unlimited happiness.

With Love

Vishal

Sunday Bouquet of Short Stories

Language of the heart and soul

He stood on the lawn of the plush garden, his tiny hands pointing to the direction of the football and eyes focused on his friend. The tiny toddler muttered to his friend in his baby language, 'I want the ball.' He felt helpless, moaning and burped to his friend, hitting the ground with his naked feet. His mom lovingly pinched his cheek, "What do you want, honey? You just had your cereal." She couldn't comprehend what her innocent son wanted. In the flash of the moment, he smiled when the ball flung at him. Only his friend could comprehend what he wanted. The grey-colored dog wags his tail, dashing towards the swimming tail to clench the ball with his tooth to throw at his young friend. Both were alien to each other's language yet the intensity in their eyes conveyed pure love and understanding.

*****************************************

The Journey of Love

Every single day, they traveled together in the long, tiring train  journey from Borivali to Churchgate. Their hearts longed for each other and their eyes speaking the language of love, making love to each other every single second. Only if the heart and the mind could speak and declare their flame. She was a divorcee, accompanying his son for his guitar class and he, an orphan, who lost his parents to the terrorist attack in Mumbai. No amount of human prejudices and orthodox could prevent them from falling in love, constantly craving for attention as their hands gentling stroking each other. They were not alien to the sensation as the electrons in their bodies run wild. Little did they knew it was their last journey together in the train! She sat next to him and sported her angelic smile which he responded as his eyes and lip moved together. "How I wish I could kissed her!" he wondered. She responded in equal measure, "What are you waiting for? I am all yours and can't wait to get intimate with you. I am longing for love and craving for intimate pleasure." He sensed something amiss when he realized that her son didn't accompany her today. They heard a loud, thumping noise that shook them off their berth as shard of metals cascaded on fellow passenger and, fire blew inside the train. Terrorists planted a bomb that exploded in the train which charred all commuters to death. Police found two unidentified bodies, sticking to each other like glue. Death united them in the bond of love when their existence couldn't bring them together.

************************************************

The Last Act

'After all, I am a performer on stage and gotta deliver this last act. Love and death doesn't matter,' she courageous tells herself. After shedding bucket loads of tears inside the make up room, she knew that she has to put a facade of happiness, smiling to her audience and look her sexiest best in the designer's outfit. The compere introduced her as the biggest sensation of the year. She traipsed her steps. blew a kiss to the audience who responded with equal fervor going into a trance. She performed a somersault, her curvy and slim-toned body flying like a spiral upward and downward. The audience is in her spell. She is announced as the winner and won the biggest award a performer could only dream for. After all, she longed for this award but was not happy today. She run to her room and closed the door as hordes of admirers, publicists and fans knocked on the door. She checks her cell phone again. How she wished it was a lie. "Your father couldn't survive the surgery and died on the spot. We are ensuring that his body is flown by air at the earliest." She closed her eyes and could envisioned her father holding her tiny hands and carrying her on the shoulder as she cutely said, 'Papa, I love you.'  

Good ole' days of Love Letters

Gotta be the sins of love in the past decade that has almost drown us in the sea of liquor. The pure, unadulterated love giving us a high a la scotch whisky, neat and clean. Whatta feeling, man!!!! Once the gulp of alcohol seeps in the mud, no power on earth can bring it back in our palm. The hand written love letters was our aphrodisiac and alcohol that gave lovers like us a kick as we let the passion run wild to pour our hearts on ink.

Today, everything is written on social media, babying each other and letting the whole world know bout our mushy mushy feeling. Idhar Udhar ki Baatein, wagaira wagaira, not viagra silly. E-love, E love quotes, E-romantic cards aur kya naahin. Agree! Lovers seductively flirt on whatsapp, Gchar and Facebook. Agree! It gives a sense of thrill and excitement when dates are set, behind a screen, making us enigmatic creatures or 'vultures' on the prowl. Kidding!!!

Do you still remember the days of yore when you were struck by the magnetic beauty of the cute girl waiting for the bus? Naam aur Pata maloom nahin tha! She was a mystery to your existence. Or, the super hunk for gals. You survey her moves and confirming that your nameless lover will wait for the bus at this time. Her face haunting your dreams for days, skipping the pulsating heart beats that you feel when seeing her and lacking courage to speak to her. Dhak Dhak karne lage!!!!! The only savior is the love letter. You've decided enough is enough when you weave poetic words, black-and-blue on colorful and love scent pads. You wanna write in absolutely flawless hand writing despite you write like shit in your note book. Racking your brain on what to write on a rough paper, a spine running down your spine in case Mom and Dad just barged in the room, you throw away the paper.

Nah! It's not happening, yaar. You tell yourself. After sitting and moving in frustration, the words flow like magic, borrowing love quotes at the nearest library that you write at the back of your notebook. See, Mr Google was alien to our teenage days and only the nearest library would do the trick. As lovers, we worked hard at it and asking the uncle to find us some love quotes in books. Finally, when it's done, we rush home and write in a lyrical way as if you are talking to the moon in a bid to impress your lady love.The pool word and tasty calligraphy, almost doodling and bearing your heart out, sketching a cute si heart. A day would be spent writing love letter and not signing your name, for fear that her Dad or elder brother would catch you up. 

Remember the days of Archies! The time you would save your hard-earned pocket money to buy her a romantic red-colored card, declaring your flame on Valentine Day. How exciting it was to fall in love, head over heels with her and not with Google Uncles and Aunties, like it is, nowadays! Love letters whipped with salt of passion, masala of pure love and sprinkle of the heart to steer a storm of intensity.

Give me the hand written love letters any day to make love a magical feeling and nothing makes matters of the heart beautiful like in the good ole' days.

Love

Vishal

The Curious Case of Public Relations

You know what Public Relations people and we, journalists have common? Ahem! Ahem! Grrrr, both of us need each other and we hate in equal measure. A tale of sleeping with the ennemy on the same bed. It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that we fuck with passion on bed and, once the act is done, we swear to never ever, kiss and tell. Never do it, Again!!

As a journalist, I had a love and hate relationship with the bunch of PR people. Yeah! I loathe their aggressive way of doing things and hoodwinking us to get their job, scripted by them, bearing our pen. It's irritating. Yet! They say the pen is mightier than the sword.

I agree that the dreaded, PRwale, got a job to do and we not playing an orgy of sort, surrounded by musical chair. But, what gets to me when they invite you to some crap event and insist that we cover the whole thing from A to Z. As a journalist, it's a matter of personal discretion to retain some information and crap some, which will be of interest to my readers. For journalists, what matters is telling a good story and not doing promotion of sort for a brand. You cannot be telling what should I write or not. I am not here to promote your brand or else, I wouldn't be in this profession.

Girl A represents PR Agency X invites me to an event. I keep the story for Friday since we have something special that will be issued on the Saturday for the readers. A keep calling me and insist that the story need to appear on the specific day.

A: When it's coming? We need it asap.

ME: Sorry, we are keeping it for our special issue on 'real estate'

A: No!!! That cannot be. We need it now. I have a boss to answer. (Sounding hysterical)

ME: I am answerable to my boss as well (banging the phone)

I check with my post and, all said and done, we decide to keep the story. Person A sends a press release and, after checking and double checking my facts, the story go on the page. A calls, "Hey! I need a favor. Can you publish the story again?

ME: (Aghast) Again!!! We already published the story.

A: But, I made a mistake on some facts for the events. You need to publish it again. Please! Please! Please!

ME: Pardon me. Mistake was yours, not mine. I shall revert.

Come 2014. I am working for an upcoming magazine for high net worth individuals, read, super rich expats. PR agency Z represents a client and, somehow, I met the latter for an interview, without going through PR Company, Z. Guess, it hurts their ego. The director calls and was sounding so offended that I didn't go through his agency for the interview.

Director of PR 'Z: You know, they are my clients. I am accountable to them and you can't give us a date when you coming out. You are in the wrong.

ME: (sounding a bit flustered): Well!! Err..I understand your concern, Sir. But, I don't agree when you say that I am in the wrong....

Director:.....Blah! Blah!! Blah!!!!

His Assistant Manager calls and try to put me under pressure so that the article goes in the sister publication. After checking with the chief editor of the sister publication, I send an email to their PR executive:

Dear K,

The story was done for our upcoming publication and not 'sister publication.'

If you think, they were done, think again about this sagging tale of hate. Miss Dumbo-cum-Bimbo K calls and try to flirt a bit on the phone. She sucks at it and it shows how lame someone gets. I shoot her down, "K! This is my office phone and let's stuck to business. No! I cannot take it on some other publication. So sorry about that. 

All said and done. I mean, I can understand that you are only doing the job. But, you get on my nerves when you attempt to thwart my pen to get things done. First of all, it makes you so lame and dumb as PR people. One need to draw the line between journalism and PR work. Agree! There should be a healthy work relationships between the two players on both side of the fence but one tries to step on one's foot, this is simply unacceptable. On the top, it's my pet peeve as a professional when someone step on my toes and once it gets to me, you better be prepared mayhem strikes.

However, I must say that I had wonderful work relationships with few PR agencies who charmed me with their professional attitude to work. You respect my space as a professional and I think we can go a long way to cooperate with each other.

Professionally Yours

Vishal

Stay away from Kiss of Love! Kiss in the name of Gandhi-giri

Kiss of Love, Kiss of Love...Stay away from the Kiss of Love....One, Two, Three, Four...Get on the dance floor. Look at the Besharam! Oh! Lord! Have they no shame! Tauba! Tauba! Polluting Hindustani Sabrata. Kissing openly, smooching and holding each other tight in public glare. What will our elders say? Of course, they should be taught a lesson, beaten black-and-blue to knock some sense in their western polluted minds.

We will slap them and beat them up coz we are the moral 'Saffron' brigade hell-bent in saving our culture.

 We are the moral policing and let them protest..we will hang them in shape. Of course, we will! Coz we hold the monopoly over morality. Call us high handedness. It's either our way or the highway. We are the RSS, Hindu Sena...pyar karo par apni sanskriti ke anusar (Love but within limits of y (our culture) and 'pashchimi sabhyata vaapas jao (Western culture go back).....

Image downloaded on Google India

wah!wah! Ramji! Kaisa duniya hai!! Sanskriti Bachao manj sashaying to the tune of Hawan Karenge, Hawan karenge..kya hai it's 2014 and they telling us not how to kiss but don't do it at all in public glare. See kissing, smooching and making love should be deleted from our dictionary of life coz it's immoral to do it. Sex should be banned! Our guardians of morality will soon upload their own You Tube video, a re-mix of Kiss of Love! Stay away from the Kiss of Love! Bechare Yash Raj Films...Hindu ekta will steal their own franchise and sing a new refrain coz aaj kal ke youngsters polluting Hindu culture.

Images displayed are meant to shock your moral sensibility. 

Sexist comments! That's okay! Terming women as sluts and dented, it's very okay! Kissing and making up in public is not okay-ish at all coz moral brigade tell us. See! They've taken the paternity of universal morality a notch higher to teach us. They storm bars and pubs on V-Day to assault lovelorn couple, go on rampage breaking everything in art gallery and destroy Archies displaying love gifts. Oh! Tauba tauba! Kya baat hai Hindu Brigade morality. They don't have the spine to make a love in their ruthless world of Sangh Parivar! What a parivar swearing by hate! Hum Saath Saath Hai!

Do they get a mental masturbation or what by assaulting couples kissing! Oh! Wait! What did I say masturbation! Chee chee! What ganda words, masturbation and erection! My days in this world are numbered the day Hindu Sangh finds me out! Spewing such venom against Hindu culture. 

Kiss of Love campaign in India: Downloaded on Google India

The dhamki on Facebook telling us not to love and make love. Sexual frustration lurking around with a torch to get inside bedrooms, sneaking on couples making love. Howz about their watching porn in hiding and declaring war against naked couples making out! Tere Badmashiyan aur mere double standard..ho ke rahega milan coz we are against the kiss of love.

We shall kiss and tell our tale of intimacy, libido and smooch to the whole world coz keep it in the closet is so passe. You getting angry! Lassi Pee and thand rakh, like our jovial Sardar-ji will tell you, RSS-walon. Make space, thoda hua ane de..we need space to breath and make love. Getting angry! What can we do? Feeling like breaking furniture! Go and have an orgasm and kiss! No one is preventing you to embrace the kiss of love. I know, you don't have spine! Just do it beneath the white sheet in your bedroom. Live and let live, Oh! Moral Brigade! Who needs your universal morality! After all, getting laid is not such a bad idea, dear hypocrites coz we know you don't like to tell when you visit adda to have some real action in red light area. Mein Laila Laila Chila oonga Kurta Phadwa!!

Kiss of Love, Make Love and Not War.

Let's smooch. You use violence, we shall make love in Public. It's our new Gandhi-giri coz we know how to make love, love and love.

Blowing a kiss of love to you, O' haters of kiss, love and romance

Vishal

Book REVIEW: MEGHNA is pure entertainment, blissful tale of love

MEGHNA

By

Sundari Venkatraman

Rating: Three and a half

Genre: Romance

Banner: Flaming Sun

THANK YOU NOTE

When author Sundari Venkatraman contacted me on Facebook to review her book MEGHNA, I jumped on the occasion since I drooled over her last outing, ‘Double Jeopardy and am in awe of her writing style that connects with my soul. I’ve been excited to read and review, MEGHNA, since it’s the name sake of one of my best friend and college pal.

Disclaimer by Sundari:

It's only for entertainment and has no special value like Double Jeopardy

So don't look for one :D

BLURB:

The young and dashing Rahul Sinha lives in England with his parents, Shyam and Rajni. Rahul is exulted with his efforts at work paying off and plans a holiday with his best friend Sanjay Srivastav who lives in Mumbai with his wife Reema, kids Sanya and Rehaan and most importantly, his sister, Meghna. Rahul recalls meeting Meghna just before they parted six years ago. 
Meghna who teaches modern dance for the pure love of it is thrown for a toss when Rahul comes visiting. She had thought he had forgotten them.
Thus begins the story between Rahul and Meghna, the teasing, the flirting, the anger, the tears… …will they find love? 

-Courtesy (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22840533-meghna)

VERDICT:

Author Sundari Venkatraman has the knack of story-telling that captures your attention from start-to-finish and writes in a unique style that makes you relate to the characters etched in her world of ‘romance.’ The best thing about the writer’s style that she writes in a simple language that connects with the youth. This is what makes MEGHNA works. However, I feel it somewhat falls short of expectation if I compare Meghna with Double Jeopardy. Nevertheless, MEGHNA is a smart read, weaving tale of love that will make you connect with the world of Meghna and Rahul. Thus, the author is successful in telling a good story and injecting the right dose of love, emotions, sadness and drama, like our Hindi movies pot boilers. It’s enough to say that Sundari Venkatraman has concocted pure entertainment to break the routine in your life. Grab it for the pure joy of reading this tale of love.

Narration:

What makes MEGHNA works is the chemistry among the main protagonists, Rahul and Meghna.  The characters, Sanjay, Reema, Shyam, Rajni and, of course, Prashant and Aisha add to the drama that unfurls to set your pulses racing like the Mumbai local trains. The plot does suffer at times when the narration loses steam and grip. However, the author swiftly hit the right nail by sprucing up things through the ‘wicked characters’ of Rajni and Aisha and drama with Meghna running away in the plane. This is the mark of a good writer who feels that when the balance is not tilted in favor of the book, she injects drama in a timely fashion to lift the narration to pique the readers’ interest. We want to know what will happen next and the novel recovers at the right time. I feel that the main characters, Rahul and Meghna are sketched in a detailed manner which one can easily relate to.  

Extracts: The Tango Lines

Dialogues are a forte of a good novel and this is where Sundari Venkatraman scores a high note.

“Meghna was just the perfect name for her. Her grey eyes reminded him of dark, rain-bearing clouds. The lightning temper in her eyes and the thunder in her expression added to his conviction. Just now the grey eyes were smiling guilelessly up at him…Rahul found her lips again and gave her a deep, soul-searing kiss. His tongue danced a tango with hers and both were gasping for breath as they came up for air…..Meghna thought that she had been the only one mooning about her love over the past years of staying apart. The sense of having found a kindred spirit grew by the second.

What’s Not!!!

1.      The miss-and-blink characters of Prashant and Aisha. Perhaps, both should have been developed further and given an extended leash to build up suspense.

2.      Post the break up towards the climax, I find Meghna melt a bit too easily into Rahul’s arms. How about playing hard to get?!

Final words:

 Sundari Venkatraman’s MEGHNA is a light, fun-filled read that comes like a breath of fresh air. The objective of entertainment has been attained to make the heart dance to the tune of love and romance. Sundari Venkatraman is among the few authors that struck a chord with the masses and the intimate scenes cum sexual tension is dealt in an effective manner, something very few authors can narrate in a sensitive manner. She lends credence to the adage, ‘sensuality, intimacy can be told in a dignified and beautiful manner.

At one glance: Sundari Venkatraman’s MEGHNA is a smart and joyful ride.

The book can be purchased on http://www.amazon.in/dp/B00KUPUURS/ and the author can be reached out to on http://sundarivenkat.wix.com/flamingsun/ https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSundariVenkatraman

Fireworks of dreams and love

Festive season ushering to fresh dash of leaves and renewing new hopes for happiness, joy and love;

Earthen lamps lighting our lives, re-kindling optimism,

Christmas carols and gifts strengthening bond in the heart capable of love and melting our senses;

Bursting Crackers of unlimited happiness,

It adds zing to our life;

A tale of making dreams come true, where we leave behind the disappointments and deception,

as we get set to embrace the world and never shy away from falling in love;

We deserve happiness and shall never say no to surprises reserved by life to our existence;

A promise that we shall live life to the fullest as our eyes sparkle at the magical moments thrust upon us;

Scripting churning new horizons in the ocean;

A time to hold each other’s hands and making new bonds;

Let’s marvel at the display of fire-works springing in the sky.

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.

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

Size Zero Syndrome

Huma Qureshi favoriting my tweet

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

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.

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