Confessions of 2013

Giving a quick round up for 2013 is not been easy as I had imagined, Gosh! 2013 has been a total roller coaster. This year tested heights in me, took me to my lowest point ever and changed me in every possible way. It shook me up and made me witness some bitter truths about life. These truths caused a lot of pain but in the process it allowed me to discover the true person in me. I have never thought through in my life but this year compelled me not only think but also to take tough turns and deep jumps overcoming my own inhibitions and fear. Thank you god!

Today when I look back rewinding, hardest part for me was that I had to let go some favorite people in my life. Essentially time changes us and with that different dynamics of our relationship is witnessed. It is up to us on how we handle it. It’s a sad feeling but that’s how things are, all we can do is to accept it and move on.

2013 also made me see, realize, accept my own mistakes! I am happy that my ability to contemplate and introspect has improved and this will only make me a better person. For many years, I have been a cry baby and people have hated me for that but better late than never! I am not a cry baby anymore. 

With time and many situations that we have to deal with we also learn to be adaptable in our life which is a vicious cycle.This was the year when I took a change in my career, I also realized that my passion is to drive my creative forces.I have found myself more inspiring than before and I am happy and optimistic.

2013 has become the year where I have finally decided to dump all my old baggage.  2014 indeed has made me reborn and has given a true sense of direction, a goal and a clear objective to where I want to be, whom I want to be with, what I should be taking, what I should be giving back to my loved ones and society, this is just the beginning and I am going to write my own destiny.

South Asia's Shame : RAPE

When I was a kid for me “Rape” was something bad that a villain would do to a “heroine” in a typical Bollywood drama. I knew that it was bad and in one occasion when I had asked my mother, she simply said “it is a bad bad thing”. It was only when I was in grade 7; I was told by one of my favourite teacher in the school that Rape is basically a forceful sexual assault and can happen to anyone. Back then source of information were very limited and internet access was rare too. It was more difficult to understand these kinds of subjects which nobody was comfortable talking about. We have come a long way but still our society seems to be threat to our kids and women. This is my introspection and the way I have seen and experienced recent uprising against "Rape"

In recent times, the term “RAPE” is widely been discussed at many forums and many outrage have taken place with some horrific cases been reported but sadly nothing seems to move and to add fuel to the fire with recent gang rape in India’s maximum city, it has become a furore.

Rape is not confined to any country, nation or geography. Delhi is unsafe or Mumbai is safe these are nothing but just a myth of ignorance, problem is deep within our mindset and values which has been a part of our social establishment for many years. Sex is a topic that we do not talk about. When a kid desires to know about “Where did I come from” or “How did I come”, towards puberty when questions arise with regards to sexual urge, attraction, excitement, masturbation and many such things our society opts not to talk about it. The ignorance of keeping it a restricted topic leads to many acts that take place in various situations where kids get sexually abused by their relatives or even strangers which never gets reported and is never spoken; it remains within the person as a trauma for rest of her/his life.

Kids do not realize how they are getting assaulted. Penetration is one of way to abuse but what about forcible act of rubbing or touching and many of our kids are victimized on these grounds? These issues are never reported and spoken just because parents have made it sound it is a forbidden word or topic to talk about and hence children do not come out to report it. Children’s are our future; do we educate them in a right manner?  Keeping our ignorance and denial aside about “nothing will happen to my child” and until this is fixed our society will never be safe for our children’s.

Now we come to the hot topic about our government, laws and institution. One thing for sure is, entire sub continent functions in a very “Chalte hai” attitude. Rape is just seen as a forbidden crime. 95% such cases do not get reported due to social stature or fear of getting bullied from the force that are politically and financially sound. There have been hundreds of cases which were highlighted by the media, enough were reported yet, many convicts bailed through. Shame!

Today Law itself has become a privileged service, people are scared of approaching to police and reporting because after its reported victim and the family gets emotionally raped, then why to even report and invite a situation, this is where a million dollar question lands? And unfortunately our judiciary takes ages to go through a case and provide justice to humanity and by the time a verdict is taken the damage is unimaginable.

As I write I don’t know, where should the correction start from? , I doubt if this will ever be corrected. Problem starts from home, family, relatives, society, law, government and the entire establishment and we have no idea where this problem will end. It has eaten us up so badly that we are swallowed inside a dirty nasty stomach. 

Review: B.A Pass

As a person I am against the term “Judgemental” but when it comes to movie, we all do make assumptions by looking at it’s trailers, posters or analysing the star cast, name of the production house, director and the list goes on depending on one’s personal depth of knowledge about entertainment and cinema.

Most importantly we pay for it and as a middle class consumer we strongly believe in “Value for money”. When I first came across to the poster of B.A Pass where I spotted Shilpa Shukla and numerous accolades gathered in various international film festivals, it seemed that it is not an ordinary movie. For past few months there has been series of good movies and I had never felt so good going to the theatres and coming back getting surprised on every visit that I paid. When I first looked at the trailer my reaction was Oh! Boy.. And I told myself, no matter what reviews does it get, I am up for Ajay Bahl’s B.A Pass.

It wasn't planned but I landed up in one of the cheesiest sleazy theatres in south Mumbai. It was after many years I had been to a vintage one screen primitive theatre, its exterior’s looked awful and crowd could be differentiated from regular  high street multiplexes. It appeared to me that the poster and trailer made quite an impact as it was crowded, people from various age groups starting doubtfully 18 to couples in their early 50’s were present. As I enter the auditorium, I had a chill looking at the ravaged chairs and damp smell which hypothetically looked more like RGV horror film sets. A man guided us to our seat with the help of a torch light. I timidly make myself comfortable or atleast I pretended but surely I wasn’t sure I am going to make through the entire show. Thank god! My chair was clean and I prayed as I did not wanted rats or crawlers running over me. Slowly theatre is houseful. Boy’s right out of their puberty make galore of noise and other grown up gangs hush hush them which more sounded like angry snakes making noise, not less than adventure, silver screen lightens up and the show begins.

B.A Pass is an official adaptation from book “The Railway Aunty” written by Mohan Sikka. Screen play by Ritesh Shah, and directed by Ajay Bahl. On the Main leads were Chak De girl, Shilpa Shukla, Shadab Kamal, Rajesh Sharma and Dibyendu Bhattacharya. Now did I had a judgement about this movie, answer is yes! I was not sure how the translation would take place on screen for such a bold subject, but I was hopeful.

Shilpa Shukla’s role may have been very demanding performing bold and sensuous scenes, she fitted rightly to the character, where she is able to justify the crude, sexy, horny character as portrayed by Mohan Sikka. As story progresses movie is not sleazy, It is not cheesy even though scenes where shadab and Shilpa are seen in an hot, intimate action but nowhere they looked uncanny. Story revolves around the dark aspect of life. It’s not a story of Railway Aunty but is a story of a boy whose destiny had changed in an incident where he loses his both the parents. Whether you call it a bad luck or a bad destiny, his journey will take one through some of the darkest non spoken facts about the Indian society. Formation of our values and belief systems in our society which are so hollow that when it comes to real life terms they appear tragic and how it changes the course of path for one poor individual in its most tragic form.

Shadab has lived up to every bit of Mukesh, he tells you what pain he has deep within him, which he fights back at every occasion. Not a rebellious of nature but he appears to be a soldier, but a soldier who is been in captivate of an unknown enemy. It worsens when he realises that everybody were his enemy but it was too late then for him to realise. If you actually look at it, this movie will make you sad, but at the same time it will awaken you stating how life is full of unprecedented events, how blood relations get powerless over money, how worse money could be to a mankind and how helpless one can be and all we can do is to fight back at every minute until the breath stops! Leading to an orderly silence as it all ends.

As movie ended, lot of audience looked surprised, apart from few claps and whistles while a man and women were steaming in action, they surrendered to heart touching story and were glued to the pain that was shown. Once again a great watch, the only spoiler for me if it had more refinement when it comes to storytelling ability. Shilpa is great at her work but this new bloke Shadab was the show stealer. With 3.5***, I suggest you to watch this incredible story, a unspoken and unexplored truth of our society which I am sure doesn't only exists in Paharganj or Delhi’s Railway colony.

My Mumbai Diary : Sorrow of Mumbai

Mumbai Skyline

Mumbai is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, home to total population of approximately 20.5 million and one of the most populous urban regions in the world including the Greater Mumbai region of Navi Mumbai and Thane.

Apart from commercial capital of India it is also the wealthiest city in India, and has the highest GDP of any city in South, West or Central Asia. Mumbai has been ranked 6th among top 10 global cities on billionaire count, ahead of Shanghai, Paris and Los Angeles.  

Maddening Traffic Jams

Mumbai alone contributes to large surplus of India’s GDP. With all the growing population, city suffers with poor infrastructure. On the other hand India's national capital Delhi has transformed itself with excellent roads, word class metro rail service, world’s largest cng bus service. Despite of being a commercial capital Mumbai  struggles big time not just with basic amenities such as transportation, sanitation, green spaces and pollution. Southern block of the city which is also termed as SoBo, where real estate rates are sky rocketing and is one of the most expensive spaces in the world. SoBo is where the money minting population resides unlike Suburban Mumbai which is dominated by the upper to middle class population is more densely populated with expensive property rates.

Mumbai has three major train routes, western, central and harbour. All these three routes look primitive, unsafe.  One of the world’s largest sub-urban rail systems is also defamed for many deaths as commuters fall from train or die while crossing the tracks or even while boarding as they slip from foot board. While public equally is careless about hazards, but keeping serfice and safety in mind Mumbai urban train which is known as “Local” needs massive makeover.

City of Holes

There is also an unending saga of pot holes.Its rare to see an area in Mumbai where men are not in progress. Once the BMC gets road cleared, in just about few days some other authorities like Electricity, Mobile operator,  Gas connection will be spotted digging in middle of the day ignoring complete mayhem caused. Mumbai rush hour stars 730 am and goes till 1030 am, during this hour passing through these patches can be a nightmare especially if you are late for interview or flights.

Mumbai beaches bleed their own sorrows, plastic and entire wastage appear floating and the smell may just give you sickness. Despite of all, the view that it offers is magnificent, wish it was clean, it would have been an urban heaven.

Famous Mumbai Monsoon saga brings life to stand still as commuters find hard travelling and due to poor transportation management, people suffer a lot. Even the major roads will have millions of pot holes, water logging due to poor drainage system.  Authorities do not realise what this city is going through, with other cities progressing Mumbai’s development has paced at the speed of tortoise.

SubUrban Rail System "Local"

Now, let me also talk about the auto-rickshaws, which is a life line for suburban commuters. There is no system or governance; everybody is a king of their own. Service is merely in existence and all looks a pure business. Drivers deny on your face about going to a destination and it can get fucking nerve wrecking at times. Similar stories with the taxiwalas but they are better off than the autowalas yet not a smooth sail.

Mumbai is yet strong, determined and beautiful but it certainly deserves so much more. This city is expensive, what people pay here to rent a studio apartment could even be half of their pay cheque, still this city is full of dreamers, dream-makers, dream-pavers and winners in their own league of life. But standard of life needs to improve.

 I and millions other love this city but It gives me pain to watch this city suffering in this manner, not sure for how long this city can bear the negligence and exploitation. It needs a change, change not to diminish the authenticity but to preserve its aura and charm. Mumbai is not less than New York or London but these western cities are much ahead, Mumbai needs to catch up before it dies its own slow death.

Review: Ship Of Theseus

What is life, what is soul, who are we and what are we here for? And many such questions bubble above my skull after I walked out from the theatre. I don’t really remember when was the last time I had this feeling! I was left numb and it took a while for me to stop thinking about the movie, That's what “Ship of Theseus” will do to you.

Theseus's paradox, is a Greek paradox that raises the question of whether an object which has had all its components replaced remains fundamentally the same object. I do not want to detail out on the metaphor because it is for you to draw and see what it really means and what inspiration will you draw out of it but yes you have to be prepared to handle the various things that it will trigger off inside your head, heart and bones.

Written and directed by Anand Gandhi, man who wrote dialogue for first 82 episodes for historic TV soap “Kyuki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” and also the screen play for “Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki”. Ironically what a contrasting work he has presented us this time where he brings out different interpretation about self  identity, justice, beauty, purpose of life and death through characters drawn deep.  

Starring  Aida El-Kashef, Neeraj Kabi and Sohum Shah on the leads. Egyptian filmmaker Aida El-Kashef who had associated with Gandhi in previous short films `Continuum’ and `Rhapsody in Autumn’. She  convinces and delivers beautifully.

Mumbai-based theatre actor and director Neeraj Kabi, brings you to shivers as you witness him on screen. I can’t elaborate in words brilliance of his performance not to forget Kabi lost close to 17 kilos over four months.

Sohum Shah’s natural performance is commendable, which translates what was meant and imagined giving us a sense of importance to self and life.

Director of photography, Pankaj Kumar puts his best of creativity by a Canon EOS 1D Mark IV yet no one can challenge the visual originality, simply stunning. Music remains hidden behind the story in a powerful euphoria.

It draws you inside, much deeper without even realizing how deep you have been drawn. There was a moment when entire theatre was quietly drawn into the Gandhi’s strong narration; even a sound of chips or popcorn crunch would obstruct the chain of emotions getting evoked.

We have seen many movies but this is not what anybody can imagine what story can do to you. It provokes you, compels you to think the most imperative matter. Gandhi is a winner, a inspirer and a great visualise who has successfully manage to put all together and get us all on-board in his ship of Theseus  Its simple, all you got to do is let it inside you.

I am glad that I made it, I have never been this happy after watching a film, you can’t miss this one, you should not miss! Worth by all means this is my first 5/5 ***** rating . Go get stunned and solve your own Theseus.

Review: D Day

Honestly! I would not have watched this film given the cliché topic of chasing India’s most wanted but it was the song sequence “Mastakalandar” which I happen to bump into youtube and made me think, this may not be the usual half baked action flick and I was right!

When we get to watch best of thriller and action movies made in Hollywood, the poor act of refinement in Bollywood always put me off. Hang in there! Nikhil Advani has put in lot of hard work getting the right context, production and well researched story. I loved each of detailing that was done to give one level up treatment to the story. Most importantly the characters are well crafted, instructed and positioned.

Advani comes across as far matured and talented director in compare to his previous work, Kal Ho Na ho, Salaam e ishq, Patiala house, Chandni Chowk to China.  Starring Arjun Rampal, Irfan Khan, Huma Qureshi, Shruti Hassan and legendary Rishi Kapoor, all of them have done a brilliant job.  Story based out of  Karachi locations - the red light district of Napier Road, the bustling crowded Empress Market to  Qasim Port and most of the Karachi shots were taken in Ahmedabad. While watching I was amazed with the detailing in production, but spoiler came as in one of the shot we see Blue line Indian railways pass through, which could have been avoided.

Movie is factual and nothing is sugar coated or exaggerated. I really liked the way both the nation’s intelligence agencies are shown. The matter of fact is movie doesn't go against Pakistan, the tension between diplomacy is shown tactfully and very impactful way. Movie is a complete socio political satire, from prime minister saying madam to disowning of agents, it brings across a bitter truth of our system. it is so real that you must not miss the last dialogue by Rishi Kapoor!

Cinematography, action sequence is stunning but the cherry on top is the editing. Nothing looks disconnected and all the sequences are well tailored giving a visual treat. I have to mention about the shot where Arjun is hypothetically witnessing Shruti’s death, what a brilliant piece  of art is it.

D Day is entertaining and exciting, a complete worthy weekend maker! For all the ecstatic performance and keeping me intact even at the late hour show, i will go with 4****, a must watch! Go and witness the new age Indian cinema! Fuck...it’s raining good movies this monsoon. 

My Mumbai Diary : It rains cats and dogs

You must have heard about the Mumbai rains but it’s nothing until you have experienced it. Entire island city embraces as rain sets in by end of June. Monsoon that last for about four months will turn city into a pleasant cloudy concrete garden. Usually warm and humid gets cooled off with the rains and Mumbaikar relish the joy of rain for many reasons.

Mumbai is beautiful during the monsoon. It is refreshing and a misty, cool gusty wind from Arabian Sea adds a delight to have a nice cosy weekend at home, much away from the muddy rush. With rains there is so much to do, from romantic walk on the sea facing promenades of Nariman Point, Worli and Bandra to hot spicy fried chats near chowpaty's the whole some experience is a delight.

Mumbai doesn't have best of infrastructure compared to national capital which leads into a fury of monsoon saga. Its torturous to travel during monsoon as the torrential downpours gets most of the cities low line areas flooded and waterlogged resulting slow to stand still traffic with thousands of people stranded in the bus stations, highways and railway station. People usually carry spare clothes and are usually seen in Bata floaters.

When you are living in Mumbai you have to be really prepared for monsoon. You need to have good pair of shoes, windcheater, and heavy duty umbrella, plastic pouch for your mobile phone and wallet, water proof bag with some biscuits. Now this may sound massive plan but believe me this is how Mumbaikar face the monsoon. Your tiny-miny umbrella will not last more than 5 minutes in hustling windy rains, most of the time it’s upside down and be nothing more than a scrap.

Towards the mid month of June, when heat has drained the city, people are craving for rains to arrive, from national dailies to facebook and twitter, people will rant about when the god damn rains is going to arrive. Many people do believe that good timely monsoon will predicts the coolness of January which in last few years I have experienced doesn't plunge below 18 degrees. As rains will start with pre monsoon low pressure towards south western peninsula, people demonstrate joy and happiness as if it’s a festival long awaited and with weeklong down pour same people are ranting on facebook asking almighty to stop the tap. All the radio stations play some of the best monsoon love songs which make it more lovingly. With lovely walks in promenade to garma garam chai, spicy bhajiyas and vada pavs, Mumbai rains are the best.

I love Mumbai and monsoon makes me more addictive to this city.