Big B Blogs!!! Bunderful!! Sorry could not resist the temptation to alliterate ‘the Big B’ 
I have read most and quite simply .. I am impressed. The impeccable choice of words, control over his language, no imminent show of disrespect although make no mistake ..he is mincing no words when he wants to hit out… yet never does he offend. (more…)
So ‘Race’ the racy, thriller, has grossed over a 100 crores worldwide, a thumping hit, its acceptance without a shadow of doubt an established fact. ‘Good going’.. I’d say..well done..as well. But wait a minute, what exactly is it that we are gloating over? The success of a film or the tacit acceptance of values it ‘enshrines’.
I have seen the film, enjoyed the spirit of its mood, liked the visual treat it offered, despite the fact that in South Africa you can place the camera randomly and you’d be sure to have captured some enticing scenery, noticed the belabored look of its actors, summarily thought it to be ‘paisa vasool’ to a large extent, thus sharing in the opinion of a large mass of the audience.
Hypocrisy and doublespeak are traits I cannot boast of having mastered . (more…)
Frog: Tumhare paas dimaag nahin hai.
Bhola: Hai.
Frog: Nahin hai.
Bhola: Hai.
Frog: Nahin hai and jumps into the well.
Bhola: Isme suicide karne waali kya baat thi.?
Wondering why the sudden thoughts on age and all of that ? Well..it happens and I guess one is entitled to pensiveness , once a year when the birthday has come and gone, reminding you of the inevitability of transcience and yet the urgent need for positivity that ought to envelop us at all times.
Received this from a ‘good friend’ who timed it perfectly. It is so inspiring that sharing on ‘Sachiniti’ was as if paramount..
George Carlin’s Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we’re kids? If you’re less than 10 years old, you’re so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
“How old are you?” “I’m four and a half!” You’re never thirty-six and a half. You’re four and a half, going on five! That’s the key
you get into your teens, now they can’t hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
“How old are you?” “I’m gonna be 16!” You could be 13, but hey, you’re gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life. You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony! YOU BECOME 21 YESSSS!!! (more…)
Beauty..at a price!! The compunctions that motivate adoption of techniques enhancing looks across genders, ages, demographics, class, nationalities has never been more pronounced as is today. ‘What you see is what you get’ presumably now an adage referring to outward appearances rather than inner worth as originally connoted.
No harm there..one would reckon. ‘Look good to feel good’ is a reality that cannot be shunned. “Do gooders are left to the ‘karma yoga’ sites or otherwise lost in jungles of anonymity. (more…)
Rinku Sachdeva
Kaveetaa Kaul
Update 6th April 2008: Rinkus father Mr. Harish Sachdeva puts forward his feelings and viewpoints. A must read.
Update 3rd April 2008 : If getting to the unadulterated truth is your concern then please read comment 78 where Ankush, Rinkus family member has spoken out in as veracious and candid a manner as possible.
Update 30th March 2008: Post the publishing of this write up on ‘Sachiniti’, Bapu Deedwania a senior correspondent of Mumbai Mirror got in touch with me ( see comments 13-16) . I was only too keen to set the ball rolling for her to meet the Sachdevas .. their trauma needed to be put forth as well. Todays Mumbai Mirror presents their version of the situation, exactly as Bapu had promised me, without any effort to sensationalise..purely verbatim.Responsible journalism can be such a boon. Thank you Bapu. See bottom of post for details.
Update 28th March 2008 : As predicted here,investigating police officials have found no evidence of any ‘alleged affair’ Rinku Sachdev was ‘reportedly’ accused of . For those of us who knew her, it is not important, since we weren’t assailed with doubts in any case. However, defiling of her good name, issues about circumventing facts, would ultimately tell on her near and dear ones, family and friends which would be grossly unfair. Hence this attempt to showcase the truth.See bottom of post for details.
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How does one grieve over the shocking death of Rinku Sachdeva a 28 year old who you knew as a teenager, whose parents were a couple you looked forward to meeting if only to hear their laughter and imbibe their joie de vivre? How does one replace that happy family with an image of what the TV channels air? Just how does one console the parents? Are there words which can express that ‘I understand your pain I am with you’? And more importantly would such sentiments matter any more? Would they ever be able to recover not just from the loss but more from the sordid insinuations made in the media some blatant some implied but equally defaming? (more…)
Plain Speak: So called critics, or imho self congratulatory presumptuous ‘opinionators’, its made to appear, are having a field day spewing venom against their arch rivals Magna publications of Stardust, the producers of Bhram to get even or perhaps settle personal scores all in the name of a ‘Bhram review’. My question is : Why bring in Bhram? Why take potshots at the film? Weirdos..”Yunfair I say” ..aka Rajnikantham!! Yena rascala..mind it!! Naansense! Honestly how do these guys look at themselves in the mirror and not cringe?
That aside, the fact is there are plenty more who dont play games while reviewing movies,who dont have bosses or ex bosses sending them reviews to publish, neither are they pressurised to pleasing ‘friends’ they owe one to, so loyally tear down a rival film (too threatened by its craftsmanship) ,most of all they are not greenhorns, just out of their nappies and handed the simplest job of all, which reads..’ you like story.. you laugh.. therefore good film’…or ‘ cheap thrills .therefore great film’.. end of review.
Some critics actually have at least a rudimentary knowledge of film making (one in a hundred) coupled with a soul ( one in a million) and can sift out a genuine effort towards evolved cinema like Bhram from copies of Hollywood hits right from dialogues to shot takings.. which is indeed heartening..Kudos.
Trust me when I say that the goings on are too cheap and crass to expand on. The identity of those behind the meticulously planned campaign to denounce the film is shocking!! You’d Never guess!! Unless you belong to the media and have first hand information ! How many reviewers/ critics/film analysts who pride themselves at being connoisseurs have actually cared to go deeper at the reasons for the obvious ’smear campaign’ ? Most are busy copy pasting one review into another, following ,like a herd of sheep.
Have ‘reviewers’ bothered to notice the eye to detail, despite a measly budget, in all departments, sound, background score, cinematography, shot takings, treatment or simply, finesse brought forth technically, which perhaps one gets to see only in big budget or maybe say a Mani Ratnam film ? Oh No Sirree..That does not fall within the purview of a review according to their stunted sense of film critiquing!! Its so much simpler to follow dictates of vested interests, or at most ‘humph’ on a few dialogues, and get your bucks.
Nonetheless it is unneeded to acknowledge and respond to the handiwork of such minds since their unwarranted banal harshness is recognisable. But for those who can and who wish to analyse and dissect, the truth is out there shining as clear as daylight.
C’mon its childs play to pick out a genuine review from a one pregnant with hidden motives and devious agendas. You only have to recognise the obvious over dose of ‘hate’ and malign and teeny weeny scant statements, almost non existent, as to ‘what’ in the world was the valid objection!!
Meanwhile..See the film for yourself sans pre conceived notions and ‘influenced’ mind set…its worth it.
Finally, a film holds its own energy..irrespective. Either way Bhram is attracting more crowds all over, in comparative terms despite lack of promotion. Notwithstanding, success or non, is hardly a parameter to gage worthiness of art per se.. ‘One two three’ I believe is a hit
Bhram therefore remains what it is, a progressive, mature, stylish film, definitely a trend setter in its approach and outlook technically, superbly crafted which amalgamates art with mainstream, never didactic, but neither does it skirt or coyly desist from portraying the life of its characters unapologetically and sans hypocrisy.
One has personally heard nothing but immense praise for the film by those who have seen it and those who are genuinely interested in seeing the face of emerging Indian cinema. A film made with sincerity, tons of hard work and passion . Recommended watch..
At the risk of re iteration ..form your own ‘opinions’ by seeing the film . Why chew on anothers chewed cud, thereby virtually permitting your choices to be hijacked by hidden agenda’d ‘opinions’?
If you have to watch it on a DVD, wait for the official version, ..It would be a crime otherwise, not just legally but for the fact that all you will get is a petered down, distorted, lifeless version of the film, devoid of finesse in all departments.
And it will be even more criminal if ‘reviews’ are then written based on pirated dvd viewings..not only is that NOT a Directors cut ( which btw even the final prints released in theatres, wasnt..portions were deleted) but its half a film cinematically.. So summon up your ethics pals!!
Bole to.. samajhdar ko ishaara kafi hai boss
Misinformation, dictated by hidden motives is rampant. How many know that the Director Pavan Kauls previous film ‘SSSSHHH” netted close to 5 cr ( source : ibos) in 4 weeks, only on domestic Box Office returns. Adding music, overseas and dvd rights etc. it must have definitely crossed 6 cr..but it was referred to as a ‘flop’ by various sources..when, considering it was a small budget film, it was most certainly an above average scorer if not a hit..
The problem with Indian cinegoers is that they are too dependent on ‘fed’ news..too lazy to have their own opinions, yet ever ready to parrot to all and sundry what they have heard/read/ without bothering to verify! Its more thrilling for most, to rip apart a film, ( believe me some have done it without even having seen the film) ..that to them means a “thriller”.
Its the time of 20/20 and IPL..instant results, instant chills, instant thrills, instant judgements…No wonder the ’sold out media’ is getting more powerful by the day since they can actually shape public views of the illiterate junta. No wonder Amitabh Bachchan decides to blog, giving voice to his frustration at having been at the mercy of irresponsible, unethical, vicious journalists for so long.
Anyways
Update 7th April: Bhram has been the biggest gainer in its music sales as compared to all other recent releases. But is it being publicised? No.. So.. got my point? Finally work shows. I believe the Director rejected several songs and spent months on getting what fitted his film. ..so said Pritam himself and the other music duo Siddharth Suhas in their interviews.
The music of Pavan Kauls Bhram, an intense, offbeat, slick,romantic drama/ thriller, has, as of yesterday reached #14 in Top 20 of All India sales ( latest is #11)
.It is no wonder really, the music has been widely appreciated for its variety as much as for its beats and melodies as in e.g. Jaane kyun’ by Sonu Niigam. The director Pavan Kaul had selected this number after endless sittings with Pritam who had it on his laptop in its original form as ‘Ghare Pheraar Gaan‘, composed by the Kolkata-based 70’s music group Mohinder Ghoraguli, in an effort to zero in on the most suitable melody which would signify the core of Bhram, which he finally found in this song. Pritam’s contribution to its orchestration and arrangement cannot however be overlooked..he has done a fantastic job. Sonu Niigams rendition is as always par excellence! (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
Oh yes.. Dhoni is a sport!! He dabbles in all kinds!!
Most of yesterday evening was spent avoiding the visual of a live video recording flashed across several news Channels of an apparently unmoved, placid Dhoni, partaking in a ritual accompanied by a timid goat, all dressed for the kill with ’tilak ‘ on forehead a garland around its neck et al. ( see snap) Makes one shudder to think that this is the mental make up of our erstwhile captain of the Indian cricket team. One would have imagined that he had the class and polish to restrict his ‘killer instinct ‘ to the cricket field, fending off opposing bowlers or demolishing a competitive score. But, it was a revelation, albeit devastatingly disturbing, to witness just how steeped in mediocrity or for that matter, crassy was his mindset to indulge apathetically in inane ritualistic acts anachronistic in practise, if not outright and unmistakably barbaric.
Kaveetaa Kaul
One of the most elegant, royal, majestic, glorious animal to ever grace our planet, the Tiger when televised nationally depicted as pitiable, weak, drugged, bound, dangling from a tree , prodded, stoned, beaten by villagers gloating over their acrylic sense of power over this hapless creature, makes for a vision that benumbs you. Incongruous to the tall claims of ‘Save the Tiger’ campaigns zealously advertised (more…)
Anil Raina
Anil Raina presently a crime correspondent with Mumbai Mirror, sent me this awe inspiring first hand account of a week he spent with our jawans in Jammu and Kashmir. For all of us entrenched in the mundanities of our individual universe, documentation such as this ought to jolt us into sitting up taking cognisance of the lives we so carelessly forget to remember. (more…)
Okay ..you can now stop rubbing your eyes in disbelief…you read the header right. Men arent required to make babies anymore. How? Apparently womens bone marrow can create sperm. Wow! And the Bible spoke of woman being created out of a mans collar (?) bone. time to demolish theories and get on with life….creating life. Out with your bones..women. they are sexy!! (more…)
Today 28th January marks the first death anniversary of maestro par excellence O P Nayyar.
I had written a post on OPN on April 16th 2006 whilst he was yet amongst us but in response to a news item which detailed how O P ji was living with an adopted family. One knows now that the family in question accorded him all the love and respect they could possibly summon. At the time however, to imagine a ‘Badshah’ of Music directors and especially someone who had lived life on his own terms, royally, in such dire straits, evoked a surge of emotion.
Thus the post ‘O P Nayyar- Not Forgotten” was born which has since accumulated staggering statistics of 20,000+ views and 1,000 + comments and growing. Perhaps the highest in the Desi blogosphere. This if anything is a reflection of the magic of OPN’s melodies and the ardent love of his fans from all over the world. Timelessness if a factor to evaluate talent, OPN wins hands down.
Of the hundreds who commented..Famed music composer from Pakistan, Sohail Rana, one of his ghazals being the unforgettable ‘mujhe tum nazar se gira to rahey ho, mijhe tum kabhi bhi bhula na sakogey’ , (more…)
Kaveetaa Kaul
What can safely be described as the mystery of the century, the identity of Leonardo Da Vincis La Gioconda, popularly known as Mona Lisa has finally been revealed. The “Lady of the Louvre’ with her beguiling smile has inspired not just romantics or social causerie for 500 years but captured the imagination world wide of those greatly intrigued by her identity as much as the reason behind that smile that virtually captivated the planet. (more…)
going by last years records for SRK.. theres all reason for him to be upbeat
So he pays an advance tax of 27 CR..Blink blink.. Its true. And this was for nine months, from the months of April 2007 to Dec ‘07.
The tabloids and electronic media have gone into a tizzy proclaiming ” King Khan has done it again” or something similar. Needless to add these are the ‘faithfuls’ who stridently announce his supremacy at every given opportunity while simultaneously looking askance covertly at Big B’. (more…)
2007 marked completion of 21 years of our regular visits to Goa most often bi annually. Nothing can profess better how high it rates on our favourite holiday locations list. The sea, sand, surf, chilled out environs, virginal beaches ( some), garnished with lip smackingly divine cuisine ….all ingredients which spell ‘memorable holidays’.
The ‘Kaul Family’ can today boast of being virtually efficiandos in the field of recommendations for leading the ‘good life’ in Goa. Cross my heart. The best eateries, Goanese style, or Malvani, the best beaches, the most happening destinations.. all you have to do is ask and it shall be revealed. (more…)
Is there a parallel universe revolving agitatedly around, which we ignoramuses know nothing about? There most certainly is if one is to go by the modus operandi to acquire a ‘high’..beyond all highs.. so much so that it sends you scuttling across the boundaries of life. I am angry and not in the least bit satirical. This is serious stuff.
Kids, barely into their teens , or not, are experimenting with a ‘choking game’, (more…)
*Advertisement In A Long Island Shop:
Guitar, for sale……. Cheap……. ….no strings attached
* Ad.. In Hospital Waiting Room:
Smoking Helps You Lose Weight … One Lung At A Time! (more…)
Mr. Mohan Siroya writes directly for “SACHINITI” from the festival precincts in Goa and gives us his first hand account..Interesting!
A brief profile of Mohan Siroya:
Academically a double post graduate ,worked as a Sr.professional manager in MNCs in Mumbai for 30 yrs.. Simultaneously, has also been freelancing as a FILM JOURNALIST/CRITIC for last 40 years. He has been a prolific writer , having written critical articles ,features, reviews etc. on films, Music and TV in numerous English periodicals in India. Named a few are :- The Indian Express, Film Fare, Film World, Picture Post, Cine Advance, Screen , The Hitavada, Lokmat Times , The Twin City Times , Film Industry Journal, Day After, Femina , Eve’s Weekly, Free Press Journal , Blitz etc.
So far Mr. Siroya has written about 7000 articles on films. He is the founder president of FREELANCE FILM JOURNALISTS COMBINE (FFJC), a registered association of Freelance film journalists all over India.
He is also a CONSUMER ACTIVIST of repute , presently being the Chairperson of Consumer Complaints Cell , an NGO based at Marol. Earlier, he was associated with the Consumer Guidance society of India for several years on their complaints committee.. Recently, The Times of India newspaper had eulogized his selfless and free services by calling him a “City Angel”and making a feature on him. Also a Social Activist , having held many prestigious offices in the International Association of Lions Clubs
Mr. Siroya is 71 years young and very much active . He believes in living life king size, with a flair for Shairi, poetry and humour .
38 th International Film Festival of India — Goa
Sedate and Smooth Take off
For the last four years since the Festival started taking place in Goa , this year was the first time that it took off with serenity and seriousnes as a festival of International standard deserves .
The opening ceremony was devoid of any bollyood or cinematic razzmattaz unlike last year when it was reduced to a cheap cinema song- dance show . Credit must go to the Dirctorate of Film Festival and the Chief Minister of Goa, for not entrusting the affairs of orgaanisation to the inexperienced Goa Entertainment Society and diding the two distint areas viz; Cultural and other film shows for public and the actual film festival, both at separate avenues. (more…)
Taslima Nasreen - A Muslim Womans Dares But…………Her Voice Gets Stifled
Taslima Nasreen a Muslim woman who dared to protest against the ’sad plight ‘of women in her community but was compelled to recant her intransigent writings a few days ago.
Taslima Nasrin/ Nasreen has been on the run from Islamic fundamentalists for over 14 years now ever since she published her thoughts in various writings especially her novella ‘Lajja’ (shame).
It all began in 1993 when this particular event proved cataclysmic. (more…)
