EVERGLOW- Book Review

When her father’s unexpected death renders Disha homeless, she is brought to Kolkata by her father’s best friend, to live with them. Home is now a rambling joint family where there are more young men than Disha has even known in all her life. A far cry from the simplicity of her life back in Hamirpur, Disha sets about trying to fit in with the rhythms of this household and its members. And then she meets the second son and star of the family—Siddhant. Sid is the lead guitarist of the rock band, Derozio Dreams, and when he discovers that Disha is a classically trained vocalist, he brings her to his band to enhance their fusion repertoire. Music becomes their meeting ground and with Sid involving himself in her initiation into the band, they draw closer, to the chagrin of some family members, especially his mother, who thinks Disha, the outsider, has transgressed. When Disha’s elder sister wants her to come back to Hamirpur to be seen as a prospective bride for her husband’s cousin, Disha’s fate hangs by a slender thread. Will the promise of love and the music that Disha and Sid make together triumph over all odds?

REVIEW

  

I shall begin by complimenting the author's impeccable knowledge of music. A couple of years back, I read ‘RASIA’  by Koral Dasgupta that taught me so much about dance and now this book enlightens me about the numerous ragas. I envy these Bangla women. Two things I know best about are –Cricket and Mathematics. Almost everyone is an expert in the former and hardly anyone wants to know about the latter. SIGH.

We had Music as a compulsory vocational subject in class ten. We had all but one period a week and they used to give us grades that went in our mark sheet. It was only the third week when my teacher told me not to come to her class ever. I had learnt Arohan and Awrohan by then and can sing it even today in my hoarse voice. Reading this book, I regretted to have missed the opportunity to learn music a bit more.

Besides Music, the joint family, Sid-the protagonist is a part of, impresses me.  They disagree on almost everything but they dwell together. It would have made no difference to the story if the author showcased it as a nuclear family but I am glad, she chooses a joint family. Joint families yield so much just at the cost of a little bit of patience and tolerance. Often,   authors make such choices instinctively and tend to find a justification afterwards same as she chooses a British woman as the protagonist's mother who plays an undertone villain and despite her veneer of refinement, she does no good except imparting her complexion to her kids and English nicknames to every kid of the family.

Then comes the band -Derozio Dreams. Read the book and I vouch, you would long to be a part of a Rock band yourself or at least yearn to watch a Rock concert live. I do.

There are two remarkable aspects of this book- Music and Writing.

'EVERGLOW' would have been a passable and flat love story but for the chapters involving Music and concerts. The story appears more lively and cheerful when the band-crew comes into the narration. Music has a magical aura to enrich, enliven and buoy up everything.

The disciplined 'Point of View' in the first-person-narrative is commendable. Often, authors infiltrate the boundaries while telling a story in the first person. The author restrained herself and didn't hesitate to introduce new names and characters of the protagonist's family even in the second half as and when the narrator is introduced to them.

The prose of Nandita Bose always has the tone of poetry which coaxes the reader to go on and on even though the first twenty pages were unfathomable. Even as she peruses the glorious but enigmatic equations of relationships, her mind cannot escape the horrors of religion and homosexuality.

Her authority over the language and rich vocabulary are enviable. The adjectives are not clichéd. Dialogues are piercing. And, to top that, her understanding of Man-Woman dynamics is subtle and though you may not accept the psychology she imparts to her characters, you will feel curious to know what they do next.

Sid outshines all other characters. He is depicted as a star and appears so. He is spontaneous, flexible, responsible, dutiful and caring. There are almost a dozen other male characters but no one comes close to him. Nandita Bose certainly portrays male characters better than their counterparts.

Disha annoys me. She acts more than her age. She is indecisive, uncertain, and hence vulnerable. Although she is from a small town where even mobile phones do not work and she also confesses that her new home has more young men she has ever known in all her life, she is easy-going with boys and allows them to touch her, cuddle her, and embrace her without inhibitions. She aspires so much but surrenders easily, allowing others to decide every dawn of her life. I feel she is fortunate to have met Sid, whom she calls annoying and intolerable. To me, she appears like the nightingale in Vikram Seth's famous poem 'The Frog and the Nightingale'. She performs with great panache on stage but her talent hardly makes her confident otherwise. I will not call it characterization-glitch but, I feel sorry for her.

‘EVERGLOW’ is a brilliant read for the lovers of music and literature.

'EVERGLOW' CAN BE BOUGHT...

https://www.amazon.in/Everglow-Romance-Nandita-Bose

NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL- A SHRINE FOR ALL OF US

                              

NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL- A SHRINE

“The National War Memorial has been built to commemorate the sacrifice of soldiers who died for the country” -NDTV

BUT, CAN WE REALLY COMMEMORATE A SACRIFICE? CAN WE?

My daughter has appeared for her tenth class exams this year. She was working hard for last three months and when her exams were over on 29^th of March, she urged for an outing. I was curious to visit the National War Memorial myself since the Prime Minister had inaugurated the War Museum.

We did some shopping at Chandni Chowk and had tired ourselves. However, we didn’t bow to our exhausted bodies. I deliberately drove as slow as Delhi traffic could allow so that we could relax and revive in the air-conditioned ambience of our car. We reached the India Gate at 2:45 and after walking about 300 meters reached the entrance of the monument which I think, is the greatest tribute by the government to its armed forces since the independence.

As we reached the canopy after crossing the India Gate, we saw a square 'PARAM YODHA STHAL'. We decided to see it later as we're curious to visit the main structure.

The War memorial has been designed and conceptualised by WeBe Design Lab, Chennai. And, they have done a remarkable job indeed. This would remain the most prestigious and satisfying of all the assignments they would accomplish. They deserve a salute.

As we saw the three words ‘NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL’ engraved in bold letters on the not-too-high Kota stone wall, a chill ran across our spines though we were sweating profusely.

Spread in 40 acres, National War Memorial draws inspiration from the 'Chakravyuh' formation.  The main structure is in the form of four chakras (concentric circles), which signify the different values of the armed forces. The four chakras have been christened as

1.            The Amar Chakra (Circle of Mortality) comprising of the stone obelisk and the eternal flame.

2.            The Veerta Chakra (Circle of Bravery) is about the six battles our armed forces fought and has been depicted in bronze.

3.            The Tyag Chakra (Circle of Sacrifice) holds the names of battle causalities.

4.            The Rakshak Chakra (Circle of Protection) is the outermost tier comprising of 695 trees symbolising the guarding soldiers.

I will not use the word Martyr because an Army officer friend educated me that a soldier is always a warrior and never a martyr.

The split walled-segments of the spiral contain the names of warriors (10 names in each column) on rectangular brown tablets with golden ink. Saunter across the sixteen walls slowly and read as many as possible out of 25,942 names that you and I might have never heard of but we do owe gratitude to. Read the rank, the service number, the name and imagine the tricolour clad soul of a smiling soldier who obliged death and died to make his life invaluable. Curse yourself if you do not hear him say, “I sacrificed my life for you. Did you deserve it?”

                           

The thoughtful positioning of a smart board where one can search the name of the warrior if he wants to, impressed me. A gentleman tried searching his name. I didn't want to mock his ignorance but did speak to myself, "On this board, no one can search his own name. Dude, only others can search you here."

As we walk down the innermost arena, we reach the nearest to the 15.5-metre-high obelisk at the centre that has an eternal flame at its bottom and four around it. A soldier stands facing it. Watch him for a few minutes and you would know of the metal that makes a soldier. 

                           

The circular coliseum has a roofed path all along its circumference. Another soldier has to stand to prevent the selfie-seeking people from reaching the obelisk- An unnecessary exertion because we Indians are more passionate about self-approbation than our soldiers are for the motherland. Six bronze murals made by the noted sculpture Ram Sutar embellish the walls of coliseum. As we completed the round and reached the pulchritudinous Gurkha soldiers, comparatively shorter and with tilted hats, at the exit of the Circle of Bravery, I stopped, shook hands with them and said, “We’re proud of you.” They reciprocated with the true spirit of soldiers while I felt their palms were made of steel. Seeing my emotional act some passers-by smiled sarcastically and, in all likelihood, might have labelled me as a hypocrite.

                             

 

After walking out of the Veerta Chakra, we found an empty bench and decided to take a short break in order to calm down our complaining limbs. The time-off, however, was not short of action. A group of fifteen, an elderly women, gentlemen, gentlewomen and children had immediately appeared in a quest to entertain us. They shrieked, squeaked, yelled, sang and slanged each other while clicking pictures in hilarious poses. Then, they sat on the tiled margins of the flower beds. A soldier walked up and politely told them not to sit on the flower bed walls. A noble-lady among them protested saying ‘Banaya hi kyun hai agar baith nahin sakte to’ (Why have those been made if we can’t sit on them). She was an aware citizen of a democratic state. The soldier stood quietly, smiling. They do, even before the stone-pelters in Kashmir.

PARAM YODHA STHAL lies adjacent to the main memorial. It is a befitting tribute to the valour of the twenty-one PARAMVIR CHAKRA Awardees. The bronze busts dedicated to the twenty-one bravest men along with the plaques citing the stories of their bravery in both Hindi and English, amidst the lush green lawns and paved pathways is a stunning place. When I walked into the gallantry gallery, the lights had been switched on and made the premises even more beautiful. Heroism has its own aura but the PARAM YODHA STHAL emanates heroism that inspires you to emulate. The mesmerising stories of these extraordinary soldiers reiterate that guns and ammunition are mere toys and their glory lies in the hands which hold them.

                                        

The place has been lavishly adorned with beautiful flowers, fountains and meticulously installed lights for appeasement of the eyes. You would always come across people who walk into the War Memorial with ignorance or ingratitude that incapacitate them to understand the purpose and sentiments behind this sacred monument. No, it’s not the patriot or nationalist in me but, if soldiers have to stand to check our conduct at a monument constructed to pay homage to our soldiers; I am compelled to write so. Please don’t go there to trouble them. Spare them at this place.

 For some of us, ‘The War Memorial’ is a picnic spot.

The departure from India Gate brought me yet another joy. We stopped to buy roasted corn. A teenage girl and an adolescent boy were assisting the middle-age hawker. When I was about to walk ahead after paying them and requesting for another coat of lemon and salt, the boy said, “Aap kya sena ya police mein hain, sir.”

(Sir, are you from army or police?)

Before replying him, I looked at my wife and kids, smiling smugly. They were as amused as I was.

“Nhin bhai. Kash aisa hota. Lekin aapne aisa bolkar dil khush kar diya” I patted his back and walked off with inflated chest.

(I wish I was. But, brother, saying so, you’ve made my day)

We returned home humbled yet happy and contended. I urge everyone to visit NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL with your family. I promise you won’t regret. And guys, there is no ticket.

                                                  

#NationalWarMemorial #ArmedForces #War #Soldiers #IndianArmy #IndianAirForce #IndianNavy #IndiaGate #Delhi #Tourists  

WAR IS AN EXPENSIVE BARGAIN TO ELIMINATE A CHEAP ENEMY

WAR IS AN EXPENSIVE BARGAIN TO ELIMINATE A CHEAP ENEMY

Last fifteen days were like an action movie on a patriotic theme. So much happened from 14 Feb, the unfortunate day when an insane terror group carried out the barbaric suicidal attack on CRPF Jawans until the eagerly awaited 1 Mar when an Indian Air Force pilot in the captivity of Pakistan will be released. Like every Indian, I too, am anxiously waiting for the moment when Wing Commander Abhinandan will walk across the Wagah Border. 

Right after the Pulwama attack, the humanity seemed to have divided into two segments: The Warmongers and the We-Are-Against-The-War brigade. 

The last fortnight has seen so much of action in form of incidental jingoism and spirited opinions: Instinctive, reflexive, borrowed, mature and immature,

Political and apolitical, Religious and non-religious.

The modernised fourth pillar of democracy, the Media has been the worst contributor in aggravating the situation. 

The herd of menopausal, retired and now unemployed defence personnel, giving useless analysis on television and throwing out the secrets of armed forces like alms to all and sundry just to brag. The residual spirit of soldier in these so-called defence experts does not mind being ridiculed and insulted when they are interrupted by the rude anchors. Often, they are so pumped up that one grows curious to have a glimpse of their service record and what significant they had done when they donned the uniform. 

India's plight is terrorism sponsored by Pakistan. However, our belligerent neighbour always remains in constant denial of it. I am not against war if it is the only possible way to demolish the infrastructure of terrorism in Pakistan but the fact is, we already have had fought four. Did the things change? 

Over the time, our economy, our army, and our stature as a country have grown to an enviable height for our neighbours. We are strong enough to eradicate the roots of terrorism without a war. If we are a country with 70% literacy rate, we must reflect it. We are not like the nations which enter into war with just any country that refuses them favours. We have earned that reputation of being humble despite being powerful. 

Pakistan is near doom surmounting debt and almost no foreign reserves. A country with 80% population below poverty line and a terrible literacy rate resorting to unfair means is digging their own grave.  

A country is an abstract noun defined by geography and demography and is given life by the people inhabit therein. Pakistan as a country hates India as a country and vice-versa and the onus of this hatred lies on the script writers of the division to create Pakistan. Neither can we change history nor we can reverse the division. If you don't believe me check the social media where people from both sides spit venom forgetting that on these social platforms, they are not individuals but, they represent their country.

The locals who caught the Indian Air Force Wing Commander exhibited the same hatred by beating him and by shooting on his leg. Wing Commander's batmen might be better of those rustic Pakistani villagers. Also, the same villagers lynched their own pilot who later succumbed to the injuries caused by them. Hatred couldn’t identify their own warrior. That's what illiteracy and religious fanaticism can do. As is the current state of the two countries, those locals represent Pakistan and the Wing Commander represents India. 

I heard someone saying that we should thank them for not killing our pilot and only injured him.

Yes indeed. But, their intention behind keeping him alive was to torture him brutally to satisfy their hatred.

Terrorism is an idea, a doctrine, a disease which cannot be killed by escalation even if you intend to wipe off the entire population.

Khalistani terrorism in Punjab and LTTE of Sri Lanka are the two examples that have been eliminated by sheer determination. We should immediately change our policy of appeasement and partiality towards Kashmir. The controversial article 370 and article 35 A must have been abolished soon after the exodus of Kahmiri Pundits who were in majority in Kashmir. We need to act sternly against JkLF as we are determined to act against the terror groups on the other side of LOC. The support of our own people is a must more than anything. 

We are doing fine and let us not mar the wheel of progress by indulging into a war. War should never be the first option and for a powerful country, it ought not to be the only way out. That’s what being powerful should mean. The surgical strike in 2016  and the recently executed air strike corroborates that we can eliminate terrorists without harming the civil establishments.

·       The views expressed are personal.

A Tracker and the Heart Stealer by Rajeev Pundir

A Trackerand the Heart Stealer

By Rajeev Pundir

Whether he liked it or not, a writer should not pass a review on the works of another writer. However, Dr Pundir is a dear friend and has insisted me to give a feedback on his novel "The Tracker and the Heart Stealer". 

This is a repeat of plot by the author after his first book which was also based on the distrust and suspicion in husband-wife relationship. Though, this time, there are more twists and turns.

I have read the previous book on the same plot. Dr Pundir understands the complexities of all sort of relationships especially the one, most of us find enigmatic- the man-woman relationship. He always impresses me when he expresses the POV of a woman.

Reading this, I had a feeling that a short story has been stretched into a novel. The first half is too slow and I battled hard to go through it while the second half was so fast paced that I sensed the author was in a hurry to end it. The second half could have been better.

Author’s age and experience of life reflects in the pieces that describe the atmosphere of protagonist’s home. The conversation and behaviour of a workaholic husband with his wife who is craving for his time and attention and the conduct of the two little girls respectively with their father and mother seems very authentic.

The character of Brijesh, the protagonist, could not impress me. He dreams to climb up the ranks but he lacks the qualities of a top cop. Going to fifth floor by stairs tires him and he is too dumb that he was easily fooled by a treacherous woman. Threatening calls from the betting syndicate make him shiver. The protagonist as a top cop lacks the power to perform physically, mentally, and emotionally. His ways were highly unbecoming of even a Policeman; forget an inspector or an ACP. I don’t know if the author has deliberately portrayed him that way but, his qualities are nowhere in sync with what he aspires for. A decorated Police Officer should not have given up as easily as the protagonist.  He could not earn my sympathy.

The few analogies made me smile while reading…

“Woman and a creeper are alike. They climb whenever and wherever they find even the weakest support”

"Whatever you give, nature gives you back multiplied….”

The story gives a message that it is important to strike a balance between your professional and personal life. Your family has a right on your time. Doom is inevitable when your ambitions outgrow your sense of responsibility towards your family.

An enjoyable read. Best wishes to Dr Pundir for his future writing projects. I know, his best is yet to come.

Ten Immortal Hindi Film Songs Featured on a Piano

TEN IMMORTAL HINDI FILM SONGS FEATURED ON A PIANO 

 Songs and Music are the soul of Hindi cinema. Many people go to watch films just because of their songs. Thanks to the  fondness for  songs and music in Hindi films, the lyricist,  the music director and the choreographer are the integral parts of a film. 

Some of the classic movies were made in the golden era of Hindi cinema. Every thing about these movies was mesmerising and all songs in these movies played a pivotal role in their success. 

It seems,  picturising songs on Piano was a rage in that period. Piano is the king of all musical instruments. It is so majestic  that it adds to the grandeur of the room  it is placed in and gives a different aura and dynamics to the person sitting on it. Elegant and classy, Piano has the widest range among the musical instruments. Hindi cinema should feel proud for filming some of its most popular and immortal songs with the actor playing a piano.

1.  "Chalo ek baar phir se ajnabi ban jayen hum dono..."

GUMRAAH (1963)

Lyrics by Sahir Ludhiyanavi, Composed by Ravi, sung by Mahendra Kapoor and featured on Sunil Dutt. This is one song I have heard more number of times than the days I have lived for, sometimes ten to fifteen times on the trot. It seems, the great Sahir sahib has poured out his heart and the silky voice of Mahendra Kapoor and Ravi's music have well complimented. My all time favourite.

तआर्रुफ़ रोग हो जाये तो उसको भूलना बेहतर ..

ताल्लुक़ बोझ बन जाये तो उसको तोड़ना अच्छा ...

वो अफसाना जिसे अंजाम तक लाना ना हो मुमकिन,

उसे एक खूबसूरत मोड़ देकर छोड़ना अच्छा...

Beautiful lines...

         2. "Dost dost na rahaa, pyaar pyaar na rahaa..."

                                         SANGAM (1964)

Shailendra's lyrics, Mukesh's voice, Shankar-Jaikishan's music and enacted by the maestro Raj Kapoor.
See the pain in his eyes, truly posing a betrayed lover and friend. The guilt in the eyes of Rajendra Kumar and Vyjantimala. Nobody seems to be acting in this song. Magnificent.





गले लगीं सहम सहम, भरे गले से बोलतीं 
वो तुम न थीं तो कौन था...तुम ही तो थीं...
सफर के वक़्त में, पलक पे मोतियों को तोलतीं

वो तुम न थीं तो कौन था, तुम ही तो थीं....

        


         3. "Pyaar deewaana hota hai...mastaana hota hai..."

                                        KATI PATANG (1970)

Anand Bakshi's metaphorical lyrics, R.D. Burman's composition, voiced by Kishore Kumar and featured on the unforgettable Rajesh Khanna, every person in love must have hummed or listened to this heart-touching song. Khanna's trademark winks and jerk of neck as he plays the piano looks real but, the lyrics steal the show. 


सुनो किसी शायर ने ये कहा बहुत खूब,
मना करे दुनिया लेकिन मेरे मेहबूब,
वो छलक जाता है जो पैमाना होता है,

हर ख़ुशी से हर गम से बेगाना होता है....

              4. "Tera jaana dil ke armaano ka lut jaana...."

                                         ANARI (1959)

Again, Shailendra's lyrics, Shakar-Jaikishan's music, Lata Mangeshkar's magical voice and Nutan shouldering the responsibility to bring it to life... Every word hits you hard. Breathtaking beauty of Nutan mesmerises you and the Lata Mangeshkar's melody touches you deep. Lovely song to listen to...Lovely song to watch too.



तेरा गम तेरी ख़ुशी
मेरा गम मेरी ख़ुशी 
तुमसे ही थी ज़िन्दगी 
हँस कर हमने  था कहा
जीवन भर का साथ है,
ये कल ही की बात है...

                5. "Koi sone ke dil wala, koi chanwaladi ke dil ..."

                                                       MAYA (1961)

Lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri, composed by Salil Chaudhary, sung by the unmatched Mohammad Rafi and picturised on the ace macho man of Bollywood, The Dev Anand... Brilliant song from a brilliant movie.



क्या जानिये कहाँ से आती है कानों में सदा

है दीवाने, गम तेरा सब से जुदा

             6. "Dheere dheere machal, ae dil-e-beqaraar..."

                                                         ANUPAMA (1966)


Kaifi Azmi's unparalleled poetry, Hemant Kumar's music and Lata Mangeshkar's voice... Despite that the song is not filmed on the lead character, it has become immortal...


उसके दामन की खुशबु हवाओं में है...

उसके क़दमों की आहट फिज़ाओं में है... 

Salute to both of you.. Kaifi sahib and Hemant da...

                      6. "kisi patthar ki moorat se...."

                                           HUMRAAZ (1967)

This pair of Sunil Dutt and Mahendra Kapoor was magical..
Sahir sahib's lyrics and Ravi's music only magnifies it....

हर इक बेजां तकल्लुफ से बगावत का इरादा है...

Sahir Ludhiyanvi was so gifted...

               7. "Jeewan ke din chotey sahi..."

                                                      BADE DILWALA (1983)

I fell for this song hearing the starting piano beats...


Penned by the great Majrooh Sultanopuri, sung by Kishore Kumar, composed by  R.D. Burman...

This is truly an inspiring song and the effortless act of Rishi Kapoor..see that swag, the pain, the pretension and the hesitation of an impostor  ...well, you'll understand it if you've seen the movie.

ये ज़िंदगी दर्द भी है, ये ज़िंदगी है दवा भी
दिल तोड़ना ही न जाना, जाने ये दिल जोड़ना भी
इस ज़िंदगी का शुक्रिया, सदके मैं ऊपर वाले

                            8. "Ye kaun aaya roshan ho gayi..."

                                                SAATHI (1968)

   Majrooh sahib's lyrics, Lata Mangeshkar's voice, Music by Naushad...

   The words will sweeten your ears, music will pacify your soul and the voice will soothe your heart.
What a beautiful song!

See the poetry in these lines...

आहट पे हल्की हल्की , छाती धड़के पायल की...
 हर गोरी से नाम उसका ये लहरें पूछें आँचल की... 
चुपके चुपके राधा कोई पूछे अपने श्याम से...

take a bow, Majrooh Sahib...

                   

                 9. "Aaj ki raat mere dil ki salaami le le..."

                                         RAM AUR SHYAM (1967)

My father was a big fan of Mohammad Rafi. He used to say that the biggest quality of Rafi was that he tried to match his voice with the actor. Isn't it true? 
See how Dilip Kumar enacts this song on Piano.
Lyrics by Shakeel Badayuni and composed by Naushad, this is an epic song from an epic movie.


मैंने चाहा कि बता दूँ मैं हकीकत अपनी... तूने लेकिन न मेरा राज़-इ-मोहब्बत समझा मेरी उलझन मेरे हालात यहाँ तक पहुँचे तेरी आँखों ने मेरे प्यार को नफरत समझा अपनी तेरी राह से बेगाना चला जायेगा....

Just wonderful!

    

                         
                       10. "Chehre pe khushi cha jaati hai..."

                                                 WAQT (1965)

   Penned by Sahi Ludhiyanvi, composed by Ravi Shankar, Sung by Asha Bhonsle and picturised on the quintessential beauty Sadhna. A happy moment song. Unforgettable.


जब तुम मुझे अपना कहते हो,

अपने पे गरूर आ जाता है...

It was difficult to pick just ten songs. Being a poet by heart, I've picked these on the basis of poetry and meaningfulness. 



#Bollywood #HindiCinema #Piano #Music #HindiSongs #GoldenEra

BOOK REVIEW- WHEN THE CHIEF FELL IN LOVE

BOOK REVIEW

 WHEN THE CHIEF FELL IN LOVE

                                               By TUHIN A. SINHA

BLURB

Vihaan Shastri, India’s young and dynamic Defence Minister, comes under attack when 20 soldiers are killed during a terrorist strike at an army camp in Kashmir. With the whole country seething with rage and thirsting for revenge, and the government depending on him to resolve the crisis, Vihaan finds himself battling a strange distraction: Zaira Bhat, the only woman he has truly loved, is back in his life, after 12 long years. In a chequered relationship which began with a love affair in 1990, and which had the two love and lose each other twice at different stages of life, Vihaan and Zaira now find themselves in an extraordinary situation. While Vihaan is the defence minister of the country, Zaira is the daughter of Kashmir’s leading, and most wanted, pro-Pakistan separatist leader, Bilal Mohammad Bhat. Is Vihaan capable of pulling off a double coup? Can he win back the love of his life and also save an on-the edge Kashmir? Come, be a part of Vihaan and Zaira’s crazy journey as they make their way through learning what it is to love someone eternally . . .


REVIEW 

A book is not just a story. Reading a book is reading a mind, acquainting with the person the author is and peeping into a psyche.

After reading "WHEN THE CHIEF FELL IN LOVE" which I finished in a little over five hours, I feel, I know the author, Tuhin Sinha well enough.

When I started the book yesterday afternoon, I was in no mood to finish it in a single sitting because the story began with a college love story. Honestly, going through the first fifty pages or so was an intense test of my patience, and after that, there was a series of conflicts. The story gained pace and it became more engrossing after every page thereafter.

The second part of the book, after the protagonist resigns from his post of the defence minister, fascinated me. I have always believed that books and literature have the potential to bring a change in the society. Tuhin Sinha strengthens my belief with this story weaved around the burning and disturbing state of affairs in Kashmir. I love the authors who feel responsible towards the society. The solution he suggests also seems appropriate in the present scenario when nothing else is working.

The few characters in “WHEN THE CHIEF FELL IN LOVE” are all well drawn. However, I craved to know about Vihaan’s sudden inclination towards politics. Because of my personal reservations, Zaira failed to impress me as a woman. Author has done a fair amount of research to make the book appear a NONFICTION FICTION.

The first half could have been made more interesting. Also, there are a couple of proofreading errors which must be taken care of in the reprints.

Tuhin comes out as a cognoscenti about Kashmir and it is certain that he would enlighten the readers about the deeper roots of Kashmir issue. I wish him all the very best.

PUBLISHED BY : FINGERPRINTS

https://www.amazon.in/When-Chief-fell-Tuhin-Sinha

'PADMAVATI' Hullabaloo

                   'PADMAVATI' HULLABALLOO

Creative independence is always encircled. 
If I ask a filmmaker, "Why do you make films?"
 In all likelihood his answer will be, "To satiate my creativity." 

It is justifiable. But, you make it for your audience. No?.
Then, isn't it your duty to respect the sentiments of the audience?

I have always maintained that a writer should be responsible. You can but you shouldn't write  on subjects which the culture and beliefs prevailing in your land for ages do not permit. 
Are the films hold more value than the history?
Majority will answer in negative. 

Creativity is presenting facts in an interesting and appealing manner. If you have to distort facts in the name of creativity, either you  doubt your talent or you love controversy. Having seen his previous films, I don't have slightest of doubt that the 'Auteur' Mr. Bhansali can ever be short of fodder for his creativity. He could have shown the same story by changing the names of the true historical characters and concealing its historical reference and significance.
None of the living progeny of Rani Padmavati can claim the authenticity of the folklore. However, the grandeur  of Padmavati's character and the reverence of people for her must be respected. Rani Padmavati (or Padmini) and Rawal Ratan Singh are iconic Rajputs. Leave out the despicable historical relevance of Allauddin Khilji for the Indians. 

Films should aim to entertain people or to force them to ponder on the social issues that demand attention of each and every constituent of the society. We, as a society, are by no means short of such issues.

Such rows and controversies always benefit a film. Mr. Bhansali and the cast of his films expressing their anger and distress over the opposition of his film is a complete eyewash and an indispensable reaction. The early intervention of Rajput Karni Sena helped Mr. Bhansali save crores he would have spent on the promotion of the film. 

The producer and the actors of the so called magnum opus PADMAVATI  trying to present themselves as victims.

Deepika says, "It's appalling, it's absolutely appalling. What have we gotten ourselves into? And where have we reached as a nation? We have regressed." 

Sorry to say, but this is hypocrisy. Doesn't she sound selfish considering that this film is her most ambitious project in terms of scale? Or maybe, because only a small group has problems with this film.
We all have read and heard the strong reactions of film stars when media encroach on their personal sphere sharing true or fictitious stories. Then, who gives them the right to showcase the events,  true or cooked, from the lifetime of people, not even alive and, the people who are worshipped and idolised?

you can't make people swallow your personal beliefs in the name of creativity when your creations sustain on the tastes and opinions of masses.
As an individual you may think that there is nothing wrong in practising  sex before marriage, for instance. Alright. But, what if the people you intend to read or see it refuse to think as progressively as you think? Writer's iterate over writing books keeping in mind the readers' inclinations and  the business of making films is no way different. Then,  Mr. Bhansali, his team and the whole film fraternity   must  respect the sentiments of the people who are protesting against PADMAVATI.

I do not endorse the violence and unceremonious statements of the protesters and utterly disapprove of the threats to chop off ears and nose of the actress in lead role. By doing so, they are bound to lose the sympathizers. They are not going to win this fight with violence, vandalism and hooliganism.