Category: Perspective

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Respect the Passion

If you are based in Europe at this time of the year, then perhaps you will be hearing and reading this phrase more often than anyone else. … The Euro-cup Football Mania is gripping everyone and all the brands are aching on this public craze. “Respect the Passion” is the tagline of Kio Advertisement. My humble request to all my readers is to please lend me 30 secs of your time and watch the clip attached with this post. I really will not mind even if you don’t read my post… but please watch the video clip and only then proceed further.

Kia Sponsors Euro 2008 - Respect the Passion

I am witnessing this public craze at close quarters and I am awed and impressed at the same time ( I am yet to learn the language.. so cant really understand if they are fighting over their team or is it just a wild display of appreciation… ). Not that I have not witness public craze at home… but I must admit, I am more scared when I see the cricket fever gripping everyone else. I would in fact appreciate tennis fans back home when the Grand Slams is scheduled and fans make a beeline at various tennis clubs so that they can watch Federer, Nadal, Jokovic, and others in big screen, over a mug of beer. At that juncture, whosoever watching the match in the same premises is their back slapping pal… (Sometimes rather too hard… depends on who supports whom). There is a certain amount of dignity seen among tennis enthusiasts, and it is this dignity that set my train of thoughts in motion ( plus.. internet is restricted and I have to make maximum use of my offline time…)

Aren’t we all passionate about our passion ?… oh yeah !.. indeed… there cannot be any second opinion about this… Now, if your passion is a bit expensive and is biting on the family budget, and family time…then I am certainly not on your side. Mate… you are slipping from passion to obsession… time to do a rain-check. When was the time you passionately defended your passion, argued for it , laid yourself bare to prove a point ??… How injured were you when your perception was not perceived by those arguing with you ?… Would you say.. they were so blind.. they could not see my point of view ? Take a minute and think about it

Perhaps you might have witnessed something to this effect. Why do you think they were fighting tooth and nail?… Whats so special about a certain aspect of our interest that people donot hesitate to dare and bare? .. It’s an interesting scene to watch when passions are being argued…. ( This is like… you always enjoy most at your friend’s wedding… while at your own wedding…you are so preoccupied and constantly spoken to… that you hardly remember to enjoy )
With very opinionated teenagers in the family, such arguments are common. In fact, I personally believe that this is an important part of growing up. But when they do get carried away, one of us would intervene and ask them to “mind their own business”… I have also witness firey arguments over passion ( the most common example would be involving the cine-field Kamal – Rajini , Amir – Sharukh ,KaranJohar Movie – Non Karan Johar Movie Overacting and PrakashRaj… etc etc).. Sometimes these arguments turn sour and highly unpleasant. Each one would be waiting for a chance to demean the interest of others.

While defending one’s passion, and arguing who is correct, we forget the principle of two lines (இரு கோடுகள்).. One need not demean the passion of the other in order to express “my passion is greater than yours”… merely citing the bests of ones own passion would raise the bar so high, that it will become hard to demean the other. Perhaps, we must all learn to “Respect the Passion” and not reason with it.

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WE -The Brat … our wants -and- our needs

Have a toddler at home ?..Ever watched a toddler in a supermarket?. The demure ones that toes along with the parents is a treat to watch… and sometimes we often remark “Cho..chweeet” and move on with our purchase. However, how about those “brats” who would just not listen to their parents and continues on their tantrum-spree over something at the display window? We have seen parents who give an awkward smile to the fellow-shoppers and continue to ignore the tantrum, or indulge in futile attempt to reason with the “brat” ( we all know it never works) and eventually giving in to the “brat’s” tantrum….. Now.. YOU HOLD THIS SCENE IN YOUR MIND

If you think this post is about “how parents should react to a brat’s tantrum”, then you are seriously mistaken. Here the child desires for something that he wants … ( He sees in the display , sees everyone else has it, and “just wants it”).. there is no reason behind “want”. However “Mommy knows best”, and she would not get it unless the child “needs it”. What would you do when your toddler throws a tantrum?

Sometimes, aren’t we all behaving like brats? Always yelling (although not as loud as the toddler).. “I want this”, “I want that”, “He has got a promotion, why not me”, … sounds familiar… aren’t these the tantrums we throw while we are so called “praying”… (..now .. don’t tell me that you are always praying for world-peace… we all pray for world-peace and in the well being of everyone else… but that is just the starter… ) what follows is most definitely the tantrum of our wants , desires and “I wish”

I donot intend to impart valuable insights into the power of prayer or trusting in your abilities or building and acting on your level of self confidence. I presume we all are capable of doing that ourselves.. (I hate it when someone “advices” me on….”blah..blab…you have to belive in yourself…blah…blah…)…. This is not something that can be taught… It has to come from within..

Sometimes, “God” ( if you may allow me refer to the supreme force) responds to our wishes (read prayers) just like the mother at the supermarket. I have come to believe that he would not grant me my wish unless I need it. So I have begun to reformat my prayer to “Grant me the desire to wish for what I need… rather than.. to wish for what I want”… this way… I am happy as I know I will be getting what I want”… and perhaps “HE is happy as he is letting me to have things that I need”… what do think ?… win – win situation.. eh ??

Pal, this is just me thinking out loud here, wondering did we ever grow-up from the “brat-stage-of-life”. Surely, we have matured by the number of years… but is this maturity akin to wine or waste ( mature waste is also useful as compost… are we ??? )

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On Second Thought…

The television was on, not that I was watching, but just for the fact that, “there is a TV”, and it is expected to be “ON”. With nothing much to do around these days, I was drifting aimlessly with my thoughts. I would start thinking about a certain incident that took place almost 5 years back, during the playback, I would amuse myself by giving new twists and turn to the same happening. This would steer the incident towards the outcome in my desire. I am very much aware that I no longer control any past experiences. But this helps me to relive sad moments and convert them to happy endings.

One thought would lead to another, soon a storyboard would develop. Last night I was watching a program on Diana, and how the paparazzi were held responsible for her demise. Somehow influenced by this, I was rubbing shoulders with Diana in my dream. I could also see my family living in the Buckingham Palace. We laughed our heart out at the totally impossible dream. But then, when I ruminate on my dream, I imagine all sorts of things.. as how Diana would feel in our Company, would the Queen Mother approve of my “friendship” with Diana, Diana enjoying Pongal and sambaar served on banana leaf…. and other things we do everyday.

All said and done… this gave me another thought. Is the Human mind ever capable of being “blank” ?. The reason I say so is, at any given waking-moment, I’am ( and I hope you too) always thnking about something. It could be about work ( not something everyone would relish), could be about the chores that think you have to do in the next couple of hours, or could be about some preparation , arrangement etc. If none of this is your priority in your thought process, the I bet you will be either staring into the idiot-box, or instinctively reach out for your Internet on your laptop or your mobile.

The need for “being connected” is so strong in the human psyche, is impossible to ignore and has become a natural urge like hunger and anger. By being “Connected”, I mean it in all possible sense, literally, figuratively, and not to mention Virtually. My observation is..the “being connected”-feeling also extends to our thought process as well. If I am thinking about a certain wedding in the family, then train of thought would be the guests, this will lead to a certain anecdote that happened with a particular guest. This would follow into the place where this took place. Then all the memories associated with that place would rush in. Each memory would kindle another train of thought and the process continues.

Philosophically speaking, “you can be alone even in crowd”, while it is also said ” You are never alone when you are in your own company”. Now these are fodder for great minds. There is still a long way to got for me to debate on this. But are we really afraid of being alone. ( DONOT read alone as loneliness, or isolated… those are totally different dimensions). I accept, with crime rate on the rise, it makes sense when a person is uneasy when alone. But how about, getting to the level of paranoia when one is alone.

I have learnt over time that “out thoughts” speak to us only when we are alone. Not that they are silent at other times, but,our remaining senses are so occupied that we do not hear our own thoughts We are either constantly talking, or listening to someone else talk. Did you ever face a situation….where.. when there is no human around , when there is no internet , when there is a cable blackout .. ????. How did that make you feel ????

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Alt + Ctrl + Del

Wow!, the life saving mantra of the day !.. don’t you agree.. Imagine, you have multiple windows open, IE , Photoshop , Excel, PowerPoint… and I guess PLM for some of my friends. Bham !… the system just fails to respond. You fanatically hit the numlock and finally confirm that your system has decided to hang itself . Before anymore damage is done, and without gibving much response time , instinct takes you to hit Alt + Ctrl + Del. Well, system restarts , bells jingle in the background , Halleluah ! … activity restored. If you had enabled autosave, then not much data is lost.

How I wish even our lives also had the Alt + Ctrl + Del option. Unlike multiple windows in our system, we have multiple train of thoughts hovering above and inside us. And on one unsuspecting moment, we tend to give the wrong response for train of thought… At times such as these, I would wish that the earth would swallow me alive… I sincerely wish human life also had Alt + Ctrl + Del ..Here are some of the scenarios where I would just love those three keys..

Scenario 1 : –

The team ( I am here .. guys ) is brainstorming over the recent project that was delegated to us. All of a sudden a brainwave hits me.. and germ of an idea begins to take shape. But “me first” takes over, and I just blurt it out as it comes to my mind.. I mean.. live really.. I start thinking out loud… Well, it so turns out that I bite my tongue before I make further fool of myself… Darn ! I wish …I could Alt + Ctrl + Del

Scenario 2 :-

I get up at the wrong side of my bed and trip over the remote. The maid decides to take a day off with no intimation. With bread and butter for breakfast, we hurry with our routine. I am so caught up with my agenda at work, that I don’t realize the signal turn green. The consistent honking from the car behind makes me jittery. Accidentally I hit the reverse gear in an attempt to move forward and ram into already pissed off commuter… Dear God!… Give me Alt + Ctrl + Del key to my life… this one time.

Scenario 3 :-

The house is a total chaos. Guests are pouring in at our home as a family function is on the way. Our house is one of the key accommodation facilty for the extended family because Mother Superior ( The great grand mother of the family) momentarily resides here. She is my great-grand-mother-in-law . So there is an added responsibility to appease her and in-house guests and visitors who drop in to chat with Mother superior. For about 12 people freshly brewd filter coffee was prepared and elegantly served . 1 liter of milk was used for the preparation and 15 – 20 sp sugar was added ( So I thought).. Remember the movie “Cheeni Kum”….. it seems in total confusion.. I added salt instead of sugar… Every room is occupied with members of varied age groups.. I was not spared a space to save my face… oh! Dear Lord ! in heaven… Grant me my three wishes … I mean three keys

These are the worst case scenarios in my life where I desperately wish for a restart. I am sure you too would have something similar to share….. So when was the first ( or middle or last) time you desperately wished that something like this.. C’mon.. there is nothing to feel embarrsed about this.. anyway.. it cannot be worse than what happened to me…

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Reason – Wisdom (or) Knowledge

It is said and widely accepted the “Reasoning is a mark of an intellect”, but has anyone ever realized the moment where we come across “some extra-witted intellect”… who thinks and reasons beyond any extent that “those who reason are all intellects”??. Moments such as these brings out the animal in me , complete with rage and devoid of any reason.

With all due respects to the great intellectual minds that gave us copious amount of texts in an attempt to teach philosophy, we have to accept the fact that some things should not be reasoned.. in fact the spirit fails to live the moment we think of a reason.

Let me illustrate with an anecdote. A group of friends get out for an evening walk. Its almost dusk, but the night has not yet set in. The behlpuri and paav-baaji waala are doing brisk business. Along the footpath they spot an elderly man accompanied by his grandson selling “Tender Coconut” ( Nariyal Paani) by the footpath. I am not sure to call this a fruit , nut or food, but nevertheless, this is God’s gif to mankind during the scorching summer months.

Coming back to our friends, they decide to have nariayal pani. However, one of them declines the offer, saying “Nah!.. don’t feel like having one now”. No big deal isn’t it .. Others enjoy their natural drink, while this guy is there, accompanying his friends.. and “into” the conversation that was in progress.

So what is the point.. you ask.. Wait till you hear a Reasoning-voice from that group, insisting on “why don’t you want to drink nariyal paani ?…do you realise how healthy this is ?.. It has been medically proved that one Nariyal pani during summer months will keep your organs cool and prevents dehydration.. Or is it because you are more inclined towards having a chilled beer ??.. atleast you could be of some help to this aged person selling naariyal paani for Rs.10″… The poor guy who declined to have a nariyal pani is now annoyed and embarrassed at the same time.. His only fault was to decline a drink, and his peer has already portrayed a ” Unconcerned about heath – aversion to natural product – loves to guzzle down beer- and a horrible person who would not help an old man” kind of a picture.

I am sure this guy is making a mental note to self …. “Next time this guy is around , I shall either leave, or do as he does “…. I will not argue that the “Reasoning-guy’s” reasons were all wrong. My point is.. why at all reason here ?.. Was that reasoning even necessary ??.. What did this act accomplish ??

So, what am I trying to say by citing the above anecdote ?.. I have made an attempt to superdialute some major “intellectual reasoning” going on in the real and virtual world. Off late, I happen to chace on posts where readers are “fighting over each other for ligusitic and geographic reasons”. (.. please don’t expect me to spill it out…It is not worth the attention…)

I have the privilege of knowing some real life fanatics, who are obsessed with their fanaticism that they would squeeze out every ounce of reason in the book to convince why “their fanaticism” is ethically – morally – and above all intellectually correct. Listening to their long and accurate reasoning will put any statistician to shame. They will have numbers at the fingertips. Eventually, they will also “win an argument”.. but their reason fails to see that they have lost the battle even before it was fought.

With all statistics and data to reason.. why do they fail to see the very basics of reasoning… “Wisdom of is Reason.. is to reason only if the reason demands“… I believe such people gather knowledge in mass, but loose out on wisdom…the very reason behind reasoning.

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The charm in the day lost in the “days”

The seed for this post was sown into my head while having a chit-chat with one of our blogger friends, on the day before “Women’s day”. Coming back after a long hiatus, it all started with a formal hi.. how do you do.. whats new with blogosphere.. and stuff. As we were heading towards the conclusion of our conversation, like any other good natured friend, he wished me “Happy Women’s day”. For courtesy sake, I could only muster a non-hearted “Thank you”.

Please do not get me wrong while I say, “Non-Hearted”, I am very much proud to be a woman and also to be who I am as a person. No amount of persuasion will make me change anything that has happened to me so far for being a woman. So what could be wrong with a pleasant wish for “Women’s day”. We have eminent personalities like Kiran Bedi, Kiran Mazumdar, Ekta Kapoor (Queen of Megaserials), Indria Noyi, Barkha Dutt.. and many more who are absent from the media glare.

A Little introspection threw light on the actual cause of my “Non-Heartedness”. It’s not the “women’s day” that put me off, in fact it’s the “logic of day” that irritated me more. On a religious significance, I have grown up watching the “Full moon day” and the “No moon day”, with its religious overtones, and the “Children’s day” and the “Teacher’s day” (where as a high-schooler we used to dress up as teachers and trot to kindergarten class to teach… oh !..booy!!!… that was fun). Then there was the “college day”, “Sports day”, Annual day” which was more like a “family” affair with the school / college. Nothing national or international about it.

Then slowly other days started invading the calendar. “Valentine day”, “Friendship day”, Mother’s day”, Father’s day”, “Aids awareness day”, “The Golden day” (also known as the “Akshaya Thritiya”..where its considererdd auspicious if you purchase gold on the particular day) .. and others… sheesh… I cant even keep track of their names any more. My guess is , these days were supposed to be observed as reminders for the purpose they represent. How many of us can cross our heart and solemnly say that “we remember the purpose all along, and salute to the spirit of it in this day”. Barring a few who can be counted at fingertips, I am sure most of us forget all about “these day’s” purpose in the battle of our everyday existence.

All that remains in the end of the day is, “A feel good factor for the end of the day”, and then wait till the next “day” arrives to feel good again. Why doesn’t these days stay memorable or linger in our thoughts? Does the importance for which “These Days” stand for, is to make us “Feel Good”…. Is that all ???. How many us are capable of writing pages and pages on “Aids Awareness”, yet when a calling comes towards “Demand a health certificate” before finalising a wedding, all of us chicken out (I am not exception..I still chicken out while asking others, but nevertheless I got myslf tested).Yet I wish back a “Non-Hearted” some-day

The tension-out-of-home takes its toll on the “lady of the house”, be it the Mother, or the wife, irrespective of one’s gender or age. Yet everyone is sugar and honey on “Mother’s day” and “valentine day”. Does one day of “excessive niceness” compensate for the year long grunt and brunt, or should that be taken as a consolation for the same. Yet I wish back a “Non-Hearted” some-day.

I no longer see the spirit of the day on the days they were supposed to be. This makes me feel sad for all those people who have put in their heart and soul towards the cause it represents. I, myself, is not making one iota of contribution towards any of the cause, Yet I somehow manage a “Non-Hearted” some day wishes.

Its easy to say “philosophically”, everyday is special and has to be lived that way, May be for those with surplus funds in their kitty, can afford the luxury of sit-back-and-revel, while for all others, it’s a matter of everyday existence in their own sense of the world, be it Ambani or the Aaam aadmi.

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Contact Me

Hi There,
So, I guess you have taken time to review through the contents of this blog. Let me know how I can be of assistance. I’m not bound by the activities that are listed in my VA-Profile. So go ahead and share your concerns with me. We can think about it together.

Just one more thing, owing to the difference in time zone, please allow at least 24 hrs for my response to reach your inbox.

See you soon at my inbox, chao !

Deepa

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Mind Your Language

Before you jump into conclusion that I am going to fire away my displeasure towards those who use foul language in public places – in the presence of children and the elderly, then hold your horses.. I am not going to do anything of that sort (for now… expect it for later). However much, I would very much love to do so, this post is not about that.

This is about the old British comedy series called “Mind your language”. I don’t know how many of you are aware that such a series existed , and is still popular among the viewers even today. If you are one of those who know, & perhaps watched this TV show in the past, then time to celebrate. And if you are hearing about this show for the first time (strongly recommended that you speak to your English teacher at school. She will appreciate you for this information), then you must make it a point to watch this show. This is currently being relayed in Zee CAFE – 6.00 pm (IST).

Click on the above image to view you tube videos on “Mind your language”

I must admit, I just can’t seem to get over my penchant for languages…. (oh! no… I am not into reading and comprehending any literary texts.. I find them full of jargons and very less flair)…. Earlier it was my post on YES Minister, and now its Mind your language… and I’am Loving this …
SOME FACTS about this show

This comedy series of 42 episodes were aired initially during 1977 -79 and rerun in 1986 , and now again in 2007-08 There is not much to speak by way of “Plot”. The events revolve around a certain “School of Languages” in London, where people from different nationalities register to learn English the english-way. Their proficiency in english language varies from nil to less than little. Each student has his own way of interpreting the language spoken which leads to hilarious circumstances inside the classroom and the school premises. More information available at Wikipedia and a long list of videos at you tube …

So what’s is so special about this TV Show? .. Its a comedy show.. so what ?..

This show can be enjoyed if you are prepared to watch with a mind-set that “students do not know” English. Don’t ‘Think’ while watching… just listen.. You will know what I mean. In short, If you can maintain a “simple-frame of mind” then, I guarantee that you will not feel wasted after 30 min. Some remarks may seem lewd and obscene.. But remember, the students are learning English. .. as in when the teacher s down with cold, one of the students Ms.Jamila, prepares a hot water bottle to keep him warm. At that instant, the principal walks in and demands an explanation for the lady’s presence. Jamila replies as-a-matter-of-fact …”I warm master-ji’s bed”

At another instance in the same episode :-
Miss Courtney: Can anybody tell me what “B.C.” stands for?
Student : Before Christmas!

The only pre-requisite to enjoy ( and of course understand) this show is to be able to understand the Queen’s English and how literal translations from other-language-sentences will affect the meaning of the sentence thus formed. You need not hold a degree in English literature to enjoy this show.. ( this is the best part…), But you must be able to laugh / giggle without making any audible sound. If you think I am being stupid, then think again ( and ask some one who has seen .. or is seeing this show). Every … (note it.. every) dialogue is important to get the complete picture.

I can go on and on about the characterization and mannerism of each person who has been a part of this show..(from the janitor to the sheik-who-was-about-to-gift-a-rolls royce).. but that will corrupt the first-timer’s mind. Comeback here and tell me what you enjoyed about this show,I am sure it will be equally interesting

This show comes as a welcome break from the array of inappropriate conversations and swear words surrounding us at workplace – traffic-restaurants– colleges – and schools ( Please don’t even think that inappropriate language is not prevalent in schools… you are gravely mistaken….)Well.. Let me not spoil the mood of the post by speaking about it now, will make a post in this regard some time later

I must also mention that, a similar show was air in our local channel SAB Tv called “Zaban Sambhal ke” … ( meaning “Talk with caution”.. in other words “Mind your Language“).. where people from different nationalities come to learn hindi. The part of the teacher was played by Pankaj Kapur of Karamchand fame (.. Shahid kapur’s dad…).. I enjoyed both the shows.. how about you ?? …

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“Manichitrathaazh” – “Aaptamitra” – “Chandramukhi”- “Bhool bhullaiyaa”

Read further only if you are familiar with the Movies titled “Manichitrathaazh” or “Aaptamitra” or “Chandramukhi” or “Bhool bhullaiyaa”. Else do not blame me if you feel bored halfway If you think this is going to be another “Movie Review”-post, then you will be disappointed. You either have to be a “Manichitrathaazh” or “Aaptamitra” or “Chandramukhi” or “Bhool bhullaiyaa” fanatic (love-it or hate-it kind).. in order to feel at ease with the post.

After a long time.. I was finally able to watch the movie “bhool bhulaiyya”. Its not because the movie halls were full, just that., I was so much busy doing other things, I practically did not have time to go to the multiplex. I was desperately trying to make myself free for the 1st day, 1st show of this movie, but as providence would have it , I got the opportunity only few weeks back.

Donot jump into any kind of conclusion that I am Priyadarshan fan or Akshaykumar fan… not at all.. In fact I am a typical Manichitrathaazh fan. I have lost count of how many times I have watched this movie since its release. Even today if this movie is aired at Asianet – Surya (popular Malayalam TV channels), I make it a point to watch this movie, and my family is also put through the same ordeal .But if it’s Chandramukhi (Tamil remake) or Aptamitra (Kannada remake), then it doesn’t interests me

By now you would have realized that “Manichitrathazh” is the original movie and the rest all are remakes. Since I am conversant in all the 4 languages (Malayalam, Tamil, kannada, Hindi) in which the remakes has been made (and indeed turned out to be great hits), I am of the opinion that I am capable of grasping the nuances in each language by itself, and at the same time comprehending the original storyline with the remakes. So friends, If you are also conversant in all the above 4 languages AND has watched all the remakes, please feel free to join me in the discussion. I am sure it would make an interesting thread.

Before complimenting or condemning the remakes let me assure all my readers that I have nothing against remake-movies. In fact, remakes are challenges.. and require more effort to scale the standard set by the original movie, coz remakes are never viewed as a single entity, they are always seen in comparison with the original version.

I would like to present my comparison of the remakes not with the original Malayalam hit – Manichitrathaazh, instead, comparison of remakes amongst each other. I have compared each remake against its closeness towards the original storyline only. This does not mean I am looking for a frame-to-frame copy of the original Malayalam hit. But, should at least be vaguely as logical as presented in the original plot.

The movie’s plot revolves around the fable of a certain danseuse. And the characters just play their part in the plot. .. this was how the original – movie has presented the plot. Its only fair that I expect the remakes also to follow the same logic (to start with). Every character, however small or miniscule, plays a vital role in the complete picture. So, attempts to glorify the “hero” score the lowest in my priority.

This makes Chandramukhi and Aaptamitra slip a slot down due to the “hero-introduction-fights”. Vishnuvardhan is a vetran actor of the Kannada film industry. Yet, he was also not spared of the hero-introduction-fight. The sequence was completely out-of-sync with the main storyline.

With all due respects to Rajini (-fans) and Vishnuvardhan(-fans), The psychiatrist is NOT the hero of the movie. In fact, this movie is a heroine subject and there is no hero… just another male character. Character of the Psychiatrist is indeed important.. I do not deny that.. but this character’s characterization involves “around” the danseuse. Hence by itself, the character of psychiatrist is like any other character.

The character of scared-uncle-who-forgets-the-keys is well essayed by all 3 artistes (in the remakes). They all are established and competent actors who knows their jobs and tickle the public with their body language and dialogue delivery. However, Vadivelu’s character harboring doubts about Psychiatrist’s intentions towards his wife, and the dialogues presented in this context , appear to be in cheap taste, in my opinion. So chandramukhi slips one more slot down here.

Not stopping here, the Rajini-fans received a special treat by watching an exclusive terrace fight picturized on Rajani ( in addition to the introductory fight sequence). The stunts performed were superb .. just pumps your adrenaline while watching such a fight sequence. But this sequence was completely uncalled for in the storyline. Chandramukhi slips again.

Last but not the least, I could not digest the logic behind , the-psychiatrist-turns-out-to-be-the-tyranical-king (in the heroine’s eyes while she is in a state of delirium … or possessed). If I have grasped the concept of the original movie correctly, the fable goes by ,… the tyrant king fell in love with the danseuse. She in turn loved someone else. So when the lady of the house ( heroine) listens to the fable , she starts imagining that she is the danseuse, and attempts to kill her husband at several occasion. Not stopping here she goes to imagine further that the gentleman living in the same neighborhood (next door neighbor) is her paramour . This clearly puts the husband of the heroine in the shoes of the tyrant king.

If you would argue that… the scene in which the “possessed” lady speaks to the psychiatrist as if speaking to her husband.. Let me remind you…. We have seen that… normally when the “possessed” lady is disturbed by anyone in the house (.. 3 people go to keep the kalash.. etc etc).. she does not wait to speak to them. She just frightens them by breaking and throwing things at others. However, before communicating behind closed doors with the psychiatrist,.. she first listens to the clanking of wooden-slippers and walking stick. She composes herself by asking for the person’s identity ( notice the change in voice). Its only after he proclaims himself to be the “tyrant-king”, she expresses her urge for vendetta in the voice. She just takes it for granted that the person using the slippers and the walking stick is her (danseuse’s) husband.

This is not the case in the climax. The “possessed” lady sees the neighbor and instantly he transformed into her paramour. So, its only logical that her husband transforms into the “tyrant king”. In the eyes of the dansensue, she does-not-see the psychiatrist. He is non-existent. So I find it rather silly when the psychiatrist transforms into the “tyrant king” whilst the husband looks on. So here Chandramukhi and Aptamitra slips again.

Speaking of climax picturisation, how can I miss the classic dance performance by the artists? Vineeth is an excellent dancer, and has the advantage of appearing in two remakes. Chandramukhi just jumped a slot ahead. I would have preferred to watch Vineeth and Soundarya in unison. Soundarya had a certain grace while performing in “well-dressed” sequences, and roaring pain and anger in “kaajal-smeared-eyes” performance. Aaptamitra slips a slot down due to the out-of-sync between dancers. Both of them appeared out-of-sync at several occasion ( inspite of the edits), and he was overpowered by the “star-status” of Soundarya in the dance sequence.

So, this leaves me with “bhool bullaiiya”. Please donot watch “bhool bhullaiya” thinking you are going to watch dubbed version of Chandramukhi or Aptamitra. However, it looks very silly when Akshay is trying to “appear” serious by constantly fiddling with his glasses. The character of the dumb girl coul
d have be portrayed better if the intention was to mislead the viewers during the course of the movie. She could have done more than just stand-and-stare. Close head shots prove ShineyAhuja’s i-donot-belong-here kind of performance. Even while performing for the romantic number with VidyaBalan, he was looking more perturbed than romantic.

All said and done, “Bhool bhulaiyya” is indeed the best remake of the original so far. There is no special heroism involved. The performance of PareshRawal and lady-who-plays-his-wife is spot-on. VidyaBalan and Vineeth steal their show with their enthralling performance. More importantly, it was in-synch with the original story line. But , ShineyAhuja could have been given a makeover of “Elderly person”.. when he is seen as the tyrant king… appearance closely resembling the “tyrant king’s” portrait in the “haunted room”.

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BillionBeats – News to inspire

News is an industry in itself. News is no longer trestricted to the few pages we glance through while we sitp our morning cup of coffee or tea. Eventhough this practice is still in vouge, 24 hour news channels and other variety of “news publications” have changed the way a news-item is offered to the public. Not a single day goes by, without listening , reading, seeing news about Crime-corruption and gore. I totally agree that news providers are taking grave risk to procure such information and present to the public. Such news help us to be on gaurd.

But, here, I am trying to communicate about news of a different kind. As Adults, there are thousand and one things going in our head, ranging from office conference to family disputes and a day out with our kids. We constantly try to remind our kids, how important is to be the best in what one does. It could be music, arts, sports, anyting.. just about anything towards which the child has developed an aptitude. As parents we do our best to encourage them to perform better. Beyond parental support and guidance, its important that a child understands the process of hard-work , commitment, dedicataion and determinaton involved before tasting the fruits of sucess.

Such an understanding comes from reading about the experiences of people who have braved the odds and continued to move with detarmination until the goal is reached. Reading such anecdotes on past -happenings may motivate them start… but will soon wear them out once they face a roadblock. So its equally important that children be made aware personalities of today who have made the impossible possible. Perpahps reading about some who lives and breathes the same air as us… will act as a driving force during times of dejection and gloom.

News papers and other online editorials are so much loaded with politics , movies, crime, stockmarket.. etc.. etc.. there is no place to publish the achievements of several unsung heroes of today. So when I came across a worthy bit of news that almost answers the quest regarding inspirational editorial, I just want to share it with all. Its the online publication call the Billion Beats. (… I know its late to talk about its launch now.. but friends.. better late than never.). The best part is this is a no-crime , no-gore editorial

Billion Beats is now an offshot of Dr.Kalam’s Official website. This is a fortnightly magazine. So When you reach Abdulkalam.com, you will notice the link to BillionBeats. Just download the pdf of current issue to read

Billion Beats is a publication that germinated among some HAL employees while they were having a casual conversation with Dr.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam. Dr.Kalam’s zest to celebrate success was so infectious.. these handful of people have taken the time and effort to come up with an editorial that publishes only success stories that will inspire anyone reading it. As Dr.Kalam says… it could be from a fishing village, from an agricultural village… it could be from anywhere.

One need not have any great literary skills to contribute to this editorial. If you are aware of anyone who has braved the odds and realised their dream, if you feel that their story could inspire few young minds…all that is necessary is to pen your thoughts and mailthem to billionbeats@gmail.com. The editorial team shall review the article and perhaps even publish it.

Even your teenager can write to the editorial team.. who knows he / she may be featured in the next issue along with his/her photograph. So what are you waiting for.. I sure we all know of some-one-who-did-this-and-that-and-finally-acomplished. Lets pool all such incidents . Such instances are sure to be a source of inspiration for many young minds.

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