Sachiniti

April 15, 2008

Fear Aging?? Not A Chance!

Filed under: Experiences, Random, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 5:49 pm
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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…)

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…)

January 17, 2008

Mona Lisa Identity Revealed

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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…)

January 3, 2008

Christmas And New Year - Goa Style

Filed under: Experiences, India n Me, Random, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 4:50 pm
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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…)

November 29, 2007

Mumbai Fare : Britannia

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Mr.Boman Kohinoor and me’

THERE IS NO LOVE GREATER THAN THE LOVE OF EATING’.. is a mantra diligently followed as well as encrypted in the menu of Britannia restaurant..

and damn gainsayers , mostly the lot obsessively watching their calories and waists, longingly, pleadingly, lurking around, not daring to venture close when you are probing the Biryani expectantly, excitedly trying to muffle the slurp. (more…)

November 14, 2007

Lakme Revlon Deny Female Staff Marriage Symbols

Filed under: Experiences, India n Me, Random, This Gets To Me, Truth of India, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 1:57 pm
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Kaveetaa Kaul

Without attempting a perfervid take on this incident, I found it prudent to expatiate on Sachiniti to bring the issue to light. Its time we make wrong doers answerable.

A recent shopping experience left one feeling quite disgusted at the dictatorial attitude of cosmetic companies Revlon and Lakme towards their female staff. A casual chat revealed that married women at the respective counters, while expected to be ‘made up’ to the hilt were permitted to wear neither the ’sindoor‘ ( vermilion mark on the forehead indicating marital status) or the ‘mangal sutra’ ( a sacred thread of black beads donned at the time of the marriage ceremony) as a matter of policy.

It got my goat and I have mailed them my views on the issue reproduced below: (more…)

November 12, 2007

Awarded… And Passed On To A Few Of The Best Bloggers

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Kaveetaa Kaul

Since I have been graciously awarded the above by Mapiprincesa , felt it would be in the propriety of things to carry it forward. Hedonism as a philosophy is highly contagious.

Although Mapiprincesa grandly made her choice from among the blogosphere globally(wow) I am nominating five bloggers from our desi sphere ..’Kyunki dil hai hindustani’. I think the under mentioned ‘roaaaaaarrrr’ well enough to be heard and applauded. They are encouraged to add the above image on to their website, nominate their ‘five’ and keep the roarrrr alive in the blogging safari. (more…)

November 2, 2007

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

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Kaveetaa Kaul

7264 views

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…)

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 21, 2007

A Short Gap..

Filed under: Experiences, Relationships, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 4:54 pm

My mother has taken ill. I cant quite get myself to writing . Hoping and praying she will be fine soon.

Her story..

June 25, 2007

Of Rains And Times Of India

Filed under: Experiences, India n Me, Mumbai, Random, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 1:27 pm

Brace yourself for some wild gloating about moi in Toi.. in the second half of this post!!

Meanwhile, the legendary Mumbai monsoon has arrived! For many it proves to be a source of great nuisance, erratic trains, pot holed roads, dampness galore, for me nevertheless a welcome relief, a time to romanticise. It takes a lot to incite me these days. My maids quite aghast at the fact that a treasured broken vase, is met uncharacteristically with just a disapproving look, a mild reprimand and an advice at caution. She is as yet, I presume, wondering whether it has to do with her prayers or the almost perfect ‘pakoras’. Drat.. will she ever guess it has to do with almost perfect weather? Come October and my elephantine memory is gonna get her into a chase! (more…)

May 13, 2007

On Mothers Day

Filed under: Chicken Soup For The Soul, Random, Relationships, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 12:21 pm

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Why are you crying, a young boy asked his Mom?

“Because I’m a woman,” she told him.

“I don’t understand,” he said.

His Mom just hugged him and said,
“And you never will, but that’s O.K.”…….
(more…)

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…)

May 2, 2007

Eternal Sunshine And Bollywood

Filed under: Experiences, India n Me, Movies, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 12:29 pm

Kaveetaa Kaul 

Saw a movie which is considered quite a ‘cult film’ by most cinephiles and also enormously inspiring by some makers. It is certainly not your quintessential ‘worth-a-watch’ film. Primarily because it needs you to be attentive, mature and intelligent. It pre-supposes the inherent sharpness of the viewer..such a diametrically differing standpoint from the Indian cinegoers perspective, since he enters a cinema hall to lose himself and surrender to the sensibilities of the maker. While films such as ‘Eternal Sunshine of a spotless mind’ demand that you ‘grow up’ and watch the meanderings of the script with your senses alert.

No, this is not a review of the film. In fact it would be a trifle difficult to indulge in that exercise. (more…)

April 5, 2007

Another Candle Snuffed Out..

Filed under: Chicken Soup For The Soul, Experiences, Our Festivals, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 2:10 pm

…Hmmm..you guessed right.. birthday yesterday.

What is it about this day that gets you into ‘reflection mode’?

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Amidst the roses and cakes ( black forest with its creamy spongy, layers) prayers offered and blessings received, the day was spent in lighthearted frolicsome banter. Perhaps to re-invent the charisma of childhood years when regular, fervent, announcements were made almost a month preceding the 4th of April, so as to circumvent, eschew any room for forgetfulness/misunderstanding.. (more…)

March 30, 2007

Inspite Of It All..

Filed under: Chicken Soup For The Soul, Experiences, Relationships, opinions, personal — Kaveetaa Kaul @ 2:18 pm

Kaveetaa Kaul

Oftentimes, lifes vagaries present before one a spate of experiences which as if challenge the roots of our existential paradigm. In other words we, perchance seem to encounter seemingly impossible circumstances and individuals, who yank the carpet from underneath our feet, before one can mutter bally-ho, compelling us to re fashion our mental make-up. (more…)

February 22, 2007

Bhram An Illusion - The Truth Behind The Scenes (Updated)

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 ! (more…)

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