Sachiniti

March 25, 2008

The Rinku Sachdeva I knew (Updated - Mumbai Mirror Responds)

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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…)

March 21, 2008

An Illusion Bhram - News, Views, Reviews, Events, Features

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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, as is obvious from the number of ‘neutral’ critics who have raved about the film, 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 randomly deleted without the Directors approval causing great confusion in the continuity of the story) 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.

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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…)

January 28, 2008

A Year Later - O P Nayyar Remembered With Top 25

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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…)

December 1, 2007

Aaja Nachle Ban..Dancing To Mayawatis Tunes (Updated:OSO Ban Controversy)

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So you thought India would dance to M’s tunes? You’re right ..only M as in…er.. Mayawati not Madhuri..dumbos.

This is India maah dears. ..here Aamir Khan is not a greater star than Narendra Modi.When he says ‘Who Aamir’..the people respond with ‘No Fanaa’. And if you think Madhuri Dixit and her million watt smile, coupled with her dhak dhak latkas and jhatkas, and the strenuously exercised 26″ waistline will phase out Madam Mayawatis (more…)

November 15, 2007

Saawariya-Movie Review (updated)

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Kaveetaa Kaul

Featured blog on Sulekha and Editors Choice

Cross Posted at Naachgaana

WordPress Featured Blog- Saawariya Review

Update : My hunch has been proven right..read bottom of post for details.

Saawariya review

In the present age when media of all categories and cadres, is purposefully bombarding ones senses and time willy nilly with information essentially suggestive as if of hypnotic capturing of ones personal opinions, reviews of a film eagerly awaited, overwhelm thought processes. Easily influenced gullible minds fall prey to the insidiously, oftentimes stridently suggested message tags of ‘hit’ or ‘flop’. A more discerning populace admittedly small in percentage, decide to cast aside ‘fed’ ideas and view open minded a movie which promises ‘greatness’ in the cinema-ic denotation.

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November 2, 2007

Mukesh Ambani Gifts Wife Nita- 242 CR Jet!! Srk Gifts Farah A Merc!!

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Kaveetaa Kaul

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Ads which have so far ruled the roost with messages of undying love proclaimed via diamonds for some and the modest Prestige cookers ( think ‘jo biwi se kare pyar woh prestige se kaise kare inkaar) are gonne look so ‘pheeka’ /outdated/archaic now that Mukesh- larger-than-life-Ambani has bought his wife Nita Ambani a Rs. 242 crore Airbus 319 corporate jet as a birthday gift.

Will-o-the-wisp- longings in vogue, much in demand aspirations with the moon seemingly within reach..Thanks to the almost unattainable eponym-ish characters gaining real life credibility.

I gulped on reading the news screaming across Mumbai Mirror, amazed, amused, somewhat envious but mostly scandalised. First Antillia his humungous mansion and now this..though I must candidly admit I find the couple hugely endearing. Nita is gorgeous. We attended a social do some time back where they as well as hubby and me were invitees and I found them to be down to earth and highly affable.

Notwithstanding.. A Jet? Whatever for? Is she planning to drop the kids to school in it to avoid traffic bottlenecks? This was my first reaction..rather frivolous I confess.. slowly other doubts clouded the mind. (more…)

October 20, 2007

Aamir Khan Faisal Khan - Two Faces Of Fate (Updated)

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A still from ‘Mela’ with Aamir and Faisal Khan .. Unfortunately life turned out to be less of a ‘mela’ ..more of a ‘melee’!

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Kaveetaa Kaul

This post has been quoted/linked in Mumbai Mirror Bloggers Park

Update 2nd Nov 07: As expected Aamirs family consisting of his wife Kiran rao and 21 other family members speak out in vehement aggression against Tahir Hussain and Faisal Khan..see update at bottom of post.

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Piqued by the rather insouciant reportage of events that have engulfed the two brothers, Aamir Khan and Faisal Khan, one felt the need to elucidate lucidly on the tittle tattle that has been persistently chasing them this past week. Although news had been alarming yet one desisted from writing on the subject out of sheer sense of fairness and also to avoid further encumbrance towards normalisation/ solution to the rather tragic turn of events.

(more…)

October 10, 2007

Blue Line Buses Of New Delhi Or Blood Line ?! (Updated)

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Kaveetaa Kaul

For as many reasons one possibly garners to soothe oneself over the fact that we are Indian citizens , a hundred fold trigger off anger and disgust that we are in fact Indian citizens who either out of choice or compulsion are doomed to live in a country where the administration is totally oblivious of the problems faced by a common man. Whether you live in penury or die as a result of their corruption and apathy- is hardly an issue deserved of their time.

Shocking expose of reasons for the continuance of Blue line Buses on Delhi roads despite being on a murder trail since the beginning of the year leaves you numb, moreso after you preened on having seen and heard it all, along comes this revelation!

Mere commiserations to the victims and their families seem futile and painfully forced when tragedies that are man made occur with appalling regularity. (more…)

September 10, 2007

Media : A Curate’s Egg- Gitanjali Nagpal and Uma Khurana

Filed under: India n Me, Most Read, Random, This Gets To Me, Truth of India, opinions — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 1:29 pm

The role of Msm ( main stream media) has long been suspect. Unsure if their inherent purpose is to highlight issues that determine social change or merely act as conveyors of news with its fallacies and flaws intact, it appears floundering in the sea of its own dichotomies.

Two recent instances, in stark contrast to one another, if anything bring out with great precision this conundrum to the fore. (more…)

September 6, 2007

Mother Teresa : A Saint In Question

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Kaveeta Kaul

An inconspicuous presence, frail, bent, clad in the now legendary bordered white saree has shaken up the keepers of morality one more time since her earthly demise a decade ago. Mother Teresa’s letters lately released “Mother Teresa : Come Be My Light” speak of her anguish at feeling alone and Godless in a mind littered with doubt and faith faltering with disillusionment. (more…)

July 6, 2007

Police Apathy Drives Indian Housewife Pooja Chauhan To Strip

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Notice the giddy smirks from the two in red! perhaps it ought to have been their sister!

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Kaveeta Kaul

The most essential ingredient needed to survive in a sere environment, where mild pleas are dismissed, protests if not validated by money/ muscle power , ignored, torture rubbished, is nerves of steel.

Pooja Chauhan a hapless wife, daughter-in-law and mother was driven to strip down in a gesture which bespoke of aberrant helplessness, after repeated complaints to the Police accusing her husband and in laws of torture fell on deaf ears. Her fault: She gave birth to a baby daughter 8 months ago when her in laws desired a son. Also she refused to bring in more dowry as was being constantly demanded (more…)

July 2, 2007

Amarnath Shiva Lingam Melts Completely

Filed under: Most Read, Random, Truth of India, opinions, spiritual wisdom — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 1:56 pm
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An image of The Amarnath Cave and the Lingam as it is ordinarily.

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Kaveetaa Kaul

Do we consider ourselves deuteragonists? Second most important in the Great Drama of Life? Or are we pretending to be so, out of ignorance? Or merely acting out our misconceptions? Or waiting for the veil of illusion to lift and expose that which lay behind was in fact a mirror of what lay hidden inside, Pure, Timeless, Intelligence, Deathless, Beingless, All Knowing…

In an unprecedented first, the Shiv Lingam at the holy cave of Amarnath in Kashmir has melted completely (completely in the title meant to emphasise ‘total dissolution’.. without an iota of doubt) creating a wave of disappointment in the lakh or so pilgrims gathered in Pahalgam en route Amarnath. July 1st, the first day of the pilgrimage and there was no lingam in the cave, as validated by the shrine authorities.

Does this mean therefore that Lord Shiva has deserted his abode? (more…)

June 21, 2007

Vote For Taj Mahal - New Seven Wonders Of The World

Filed under: In Praise, India n Me, Most Read, Random, opinions — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 8:53 am

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Kaveeta Kaul

2240 views

Congrats!!!! WE have done it.. The Taj Mahal has made it as one of the Seven Great Wonders! The listing is alphabetical and does not reflect number of votes..

According to media reports Taj has received the highest number of votes!! Wow …Great

Shall keep you updated on exact number of votes.

Meanwhile feast on beautiful pics of the New Seven Wonders and the function

Now that Indian citizenry has supported the cause and accorded Taj the glory it deserves, the Indian Government is obligated to ensure that Agra and the heritage structure abides by norms of infrastructural procedures essential to the tourism industry. Presently the conditions surrounding the Taj are appalling to say the least.

Update:
Results to be declared today..7th July.

You can watch Live Streaming of the Award Function here.

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Show solidarity for the monument of love The Taj Mahal.

Voting is on for the selection of the New Seven Wonders. Our Taj surely does deserve to be in the list.

Presently its not doing as well as one might have hoped, considering we are the largest democracy in the world and perhaps the highest percentage of online subscribers!. It has not even reached the 7th place as yet !! From the looks of it, metaphorically speaking, to be among the first few was the expectation!! Put in your votes asap guys. Its a matter of national pride and also a celebration of Love and the worlds greatest lover Shah Jehan.

Its amazing to be told by overjoyed anchors on the number of votes received via paid SMS’es for say an Indian Idol or Sa Re Ga Ma ..and few forthcoming via a free vote to prove pride for a heritage structure, the pride of India, the next inclusion in Wonders of the world?! C’mon guys I’m sure we can do better. One can do little about votes cast for the goons in U.P…but why not spend a minute for a worthy cause?

Sigh.. Ladies, think about it.. we aint gonna have another Taj dedicated to us..not even the tea bag variety.. so might as well revel in the joy of Mumtaz Mahal..although she had to die to fathom his love.. or am I being cynical! (more…)

June 18, 2007

Shweta Tiwari Victim Of Domestic Violence (Updated)

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A picture taken not too long ago ..Deceptive?

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Kaveetaa Kaul

Shweta Tiwari a popular actress of television soaps seems to be in doldrums of the domestic kind. As reported by leading national T.V. channels and the media, Shweta Tiwari has been going through incidents of physical abuse at the hands of her husband Raja Chowdhry. (more…)

May 22, 2007

Richard Gere On Koffee With Karan

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1009 views

Kaveeta Kaul

Presuming that this programme “Koffee with Karan” has been widely viewed one can get on to the business of opinionating. For those who have missed it, excerpts then assume importance, an option, nevertheless indispensable to the cause of experiencing a rather charming , for want of a better word, revelation of the man that is Richard Gere. (more…)

May 15, 2007

Life In A Metro - A Review

Filed under: Most Read, Movies, movie reviews, opinions — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 12:58 pm

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Kaveetaa Kaul

 

A certain immunity insidiously develops over time if one is part of a metropolis..especially if experience has not provided an alternate lifestyle. One gets accustomed to Life- In- A- Metro, its eccentric and erratic ways, torpedo engined pace, ego centric paradigms, demanding emotional bonds, unquestioning surrender to its gargantuan appetite for devouring the spirit. So much so that when a ‘big deal is made of ‘metro life’ one wonders what the fuss is all about. Isn’t this what life connotes anyways?

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May 8, 2007

Abhi Ash Wedding - Bachchans Take On Bollywood

Filed under: Experiences, Most Read, Movies, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 3:23 pm
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1513 views

Kaveeta Kaul

My personal gossip news vine is Shirin- a beautician who comes by once a month, to help satisfy my compulsive vain urges. The fact that she is also a favourite with other filmi folk lends to the credibility of spicy tidbits interspersed with her routine, which she offers most willingly, free of cost. Mostly its a monologue..me with my eyes closed, trying earnestly to relax away my blues while she chatters away undeterred..Responsiveness is not a criteria she bothers herself much with…and neither is she impressed with subtle piquant wit. I often sense the similarity with the Vijay-Basanti (Sholay) catatonic syndrome.. y’know what I mean. (more…)

March 25, 2007

The Namesake - A Review

Filed under: Most Read, Movies, movie reviews, opinions — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 1:58 pm

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Kaveetaa Kaul

Mira Nair is a woman much respected in her chosen profession, having achieved accolades fairly early in her career. Therefore she has managed to inculcate faithfuls to her style of cinema the world over. Being of Indian origin one would like to believe has embellished her visual and aesthetics to the extent that she has managed to carve an enviable niche in the legion of film makers, where gender offers no privileges, contrarily may oftentimes spring in a spanner. (more…)

March 13, 2007

‘Water’ By Deepa Mehta- A Review

Filed under: Most Read, Movies, movie reviews, opinions — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 12:26 pm
   

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Kaveetaa Kaul

There are films that entertain you and then there is a film like ‘Water’ by Deepa Mehta which moves you and shames you at once, for belonging to an ethos which conforms to the barabarities portrayed via the story of widows, perhaps sequestering,therefore further criminalised , ages ranging from eight to eighty.

There maybe no answers, but should that hinder us from questioning? Especially in the darkened hall where you are spared looking at another Indian, in the eye. Should we hide these truths about India as we would our personal crimes?

In 2000 when the film had created a stir in the media and in Varanasi where it had caused a few Hindu fundamentalist groups to abort the shooting, one was confused as to whether our loyalties lay with our cultural lineage or freedom of expression which considered the same an anathema.

The politicos had their sway and Deepa was forced to relent. She left the country ironically with a bound script, approved by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, but without a single shot canned. (more…)

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