It has been almost a fortnight since I came back from Dharamshala after experiencing something that is sublime.
There are many things people feel are sublime- this quality is hard to describe, for it usually means that there is this sense of ecstasy in something; and usually it has to do with the feelings or emotions some thing or ocassion that brings it about.
But what happens when this ecstacy comes about when you just are.
You just are.
You are aware of everything; you can see it feel it and hear things. Yet when there is that moment-- when nothing touches you, but for the sheer physicality of it being there and you not being an intrinsic part but there all the same --that is when you come close to being in a sublime state of mind.
Can't think of any other word to describe this feeling. There is no word in English that quite demonstrates what this feeling is. To be and yet be removed. That sense of awareness of the Now is something only the Masters know all the time. We do know it too;but rarely do we allow ourselves to be in that state as the cacophony of life swirls about us all the time. We put aside that Divine state - so easily within us- so that we can continue to be part of that melee in the mind.
We choose. Truly we choose what we get. We are not concoius of what we really ask for. We just ask. Let me become powerful; let me be rich; let me find that fantastic love;let me be the most loved person on earth; let me....; let me......; let me......give me .....; give me. give me....... and on and on it goes. This asking.
Very few times do we realise that we do actually get what we ask. Its just that when it comes, it comes couched in a form that is not what we recognise. For every demand we have made ,there is the supply. Only we dont see it that way.
So they say, dont ask.Just be. Enjoy the now without wanting, without clutching, without grabbing and without attatching.
See for yourselves - how much you are in a sublime state of mind.
Sublime.
That is what we all are.
That is what we strive to get.
We dont know it yet.
But that is why we are here.
And while we are here,
become that.
The light, the love and the power!
All without asking; without grasping,without conditions.
For now
Now
Friday, November 27, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
The Legend of Shiva and Parvati
Sometimes it would seem that renunciation is not so final- at least in the way most would perceive it. And then life does not seem to have any end or beginning. There are some who truly march to their own beat – and it is the right thing for them. All those who come in contact with such people are only enriched when they look back and see how some axioms of living are shown to them. The legend of Shiva and Parvati a documentary by Krishna Saraswati, tells a story that is not just his own but shows that sometimes some things are stranger than fiction. There are beautiful visuals to support this and it is a journey for all those who wish to see it as such!
The film is not a mythological as the title suggests- in fact it is mostly about the relationship between an ascetic and a German woman who chooses this life in the Himalayas and marries the ascetic and also bears two children – quite contrary to the concept that sadhus must not just stay celibate, but are very cut off from family life.
Shiva is the Day, Parvati the Night; Shiva is the Fire, Parvati the Water;
Shiva is the Heaven, Parvati the Earth and these metaphors are worked into the true story of Renate, who is named Parvati by the yogi or Baba or the master living in the mountainous region in North India.
The entire film reflects the tranquillity of a heritage, that has been handed down to the children who other than wondering about the combination of their parents and the great admiration for the courage they showed by living life on their terms, are totally accepting of a lineage that is unique.
There is love and there is grief; and there is also death and a life lived to the fullest. In the Mountains where the heaven touches earth, lives the passionate God Shiva with his wife, Parvati. That is the belief and that is the devotion-- that evoke some of the greatest poetry and the arts in general. And this mythological tale could be the story of the Indian yogi, who has many followers and disciples—those who have given up a life of materialism and relationships. They revere him as Shiva, whose teaching is about the omnipresent Om.
But then comes a woman, a German, who falls in love with him. His disciples are worried when the two decide to marry. But that is when they realise that their Shiva has found his Parvati.
Nothing lasts and there is nothing that can remain static. Parvati leaves her Shiva as she cannot live with the yogi anymore. She goes back to Germany with her children and brings them up in a more real world. But the spiritualism and the love for the yogi are abiding and not even a remarriage can dilute that.
Later their son recounts how both of them tried to find their own genuine path between legend and reality. The film recounts the way the two came together and how the journey produced some profound thoughts and principles for life.
Magnificent camera work captures the silence and the serenity of the region – it is palpable and reaches out along with the people the director has chosen to tell the entire story. There is profundity in almost every scene and even the way the snail moves on a leaf, has this quality.
Some of the things the associates of the yogi say are eternal truths – beautifully told! For instance, one of them says,’’ he was truly great. There are those who go to the church and think of whores- but here is he, even if he with a whore is only thinking of Shiva.’’ This encapsulates the essence of someone, who is free in every way- even free from the perceived morals!
Krishna Saraswati who steers the film through its narration was born in 1980 in the Himalayan region and spent his early childhood there with his parents. He has been living in Germany since 1985. The Legend of Shiva and Parvati, is his first film and it was made during his studies at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
The film is about two people he says. ‘’And they happen to be my parents.’’ There is no angst here about anything and that is reflected in the way he says ’I think I was also born with spirituality.’’ With such a tradition, how else would he be?
The younger brother of yogi Saraswathi and his sister who are from Tamil Nadu say he went away at a very young age. But came back much later in life and spent time with all of us, they add. A kind of a conclusion to a magnificent film and story!
The film is not a mythological as the title suggests- in fact it is mostly about the relationship between an ascetic and a German woman who chooses this life in the Himalayas and marries the ascetic and also bears two children – quite contrary to the concept that sadhus must not just stay celibate, but are very cut off from family life.
Shiva is the Day, Parvati the Night; Shiva is the Fire, Parvati the Water;
Shiva is the Heaven, Parvati the Earth and these metaphors are worked into the true story of Renate, who is named Parvati by the yogi or Baba or the master living in the mountainous region in North India.
The entire film reflects the tranquillity of a heritage, that has been handed down to the children who other than wondering about the combination of their parents and the great admiration for the courage they showed by living life on their terms, are totally accepting of a lineage that is unique.
There is love and there is grief; and there is also death and a life lived to the fullest. In the Mountains where the heaven touches earth, lives the passionate God Shiva with his wife, Parvati. That is the belief and that is the devotion-- that evoke some of the greatest poetry and the arts in general. And this mythological tale could be the story of the Indian yogi, who has many followers and disciples—those who have given up a life of materialism and relationships. They revere him as Shiva, whose teaching is about the omnipresent Om.
But then comes a woman, a German, who falls in love with him. His disciples are worried when the two decide to marry. But that is when they realise that their Shiva has found his Parvati.
Nothing lasts and there is nothing that can remain static. Parvati leaves her Shiva as she cannot live with the yogi anymore. She goes back to Germany with her children and brings them up in a more real world. But the spiritualism and the love for the yogi are abiding and not even a remarriage can dilute that.
Later their son recounts how both of them tried to find their own genuine path between legend and reality. The film recounts the way the two came together and how the journey produced some profound thoughts and principles for life.
Magnificent camera work captures the silence and the serenity of the region – it is palpable and reaches out along with the people the director has chosen to tell the entire story. There is profundity in almost every scene and even the way the snail moves on a leaf, has this quality.
Some of the things the associates of the yogi say are eternal truths – beautifully told! For instance, one of them says,’’ he was truly great. There are those who go to the church and think of whores- but here is he, even if he with a whore is only thinking of Shiva.’’ This encapsulates the essence of someone, who is free in every way- even free from the perceived morals!
Krishna Saraswati who steers the film through its narration was born in 1980 in the Himalayan region and spent his early childhood there with his parents. He has been living in Germany since 1985. The Legend of Shiva and Parvati, is his first film and it was made during his studies at the Filmakademie Baden-Württemberg.
The film is about two people he says. ‘’And they happen to be my parents.’’ There is no angst here about anything and that is reflected in the way he says ’I think I was also born with spirituality.’’ With such a tradition, how else would he be?
The younger brother of yogi Saraswathi and his sister who are from Tamil Nadu say he went away at a very young age. But came back much later in life and spent time with all of us, they add. A kind of a conclusion to a magnificent film and story!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
such a fiesty woman she is
Well, one more of those full of views things -- jus loved talking to her.Such a tremendous actress --articulate, bold and totally unpretentious!!!! Not many like her for sure.
Think Khushboo and the fragrance that her name suggests, is instant – more because here is a woman and an actor, who has sustained her place in the film industry over the years and continues to be popular and very appealing to a majority. There is no question about that. Plus, she is also someone who is admired, perhaps hated and secretly emulated for her outspokenness and living life on her own terms. While this may seem like clichés, this is exactly what her life is about.
From Mumbai to Chennai, the journey has been long and eventful. Starting out with a film that brought her to prominence – Dard Ka Rishta, with Sunil Dutt, Khushboo came down south in what one can call a destiny’s path. Noticed by almost all big names here in the Telugu and Tamil film industry, her career is a success story. Eventful even! Good, bad and some indifferent, have all gone into making her what she stands for today. Ask her about her forays into films and she is instantly bored.’’ Please don’t ask me the routine things. I’m really sick and tired of saying the same thing over and over again. How about we talk about general things,’’ she says.
That’s what happened one dusky evening on her rooftop of her residence at Santhome. Birds chirped around and the sluggish breeze lazily wound itself around us, as we spoke of things in a meandering sort of manner.
How did it all begin?
As a child actor. And the film that really gave me recognition and fame is Dard Ka Rishta. After that, I was doing a few films in Bombay--that’s when D Rama Naidu wanted to launch Venkatesh in Telegu films. Venky saw one of my films and suggested my name. That’s how I moved to the South.
Didn’t ever feel like going back to Bombay?
From the very beginning, Chennai felt like home. I have not been a party going person-- the kind who would like to go out in the evening. Chennai suits me just fine.
When you get into any field in life, other than the fact of known complexities of working have you seen any changes? Do we still need for equality?
No, we don’t have to fight for equality. Success plays a very big role and a lot of people believe in shortcuts to success. But finally it is hard work, the capacity to perform – that really pull you through. What we talk about sexual harassment at the workplace, of all the places I have seen, read about, the film industry is still a far much better place than any other.
And the casting couch syndrome does not exist?
I don’t think it exists. I have not seen it in the 22 years of my career; even when I was a new comer- whether it is the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or Hindi--I have never seen any person coming, holding my hand and pulling me. No producer is a fool to invest lakhs and crores of rupees in you, for the kind of films that are being made today. And certainly not if he feels you are not worth it--just because you are doing some favours. If you are good, he is going to invest – period. I have seen how women send propositions to my husband who is a director. And since we have a very transparent relationship, we discuss a lot. It is not that we run down the women, but he says,’ look at the desperate moves these girls make to be in the limelight.’’
How does he handle all that?
Very simply—he tells them to ask me. If I said ok, he would be ok to what they suggested too. On a lighter note you know how it is. It is not always the men--the producer or the director – the girls too sometimes are desperate to be in films.
You have been in the industry for such a long time. Are you seeing changes in how women are being perceived from when you started?
Definitely. While it is still a male dominated world, but its not too bad. A heroine is given equal credit. If you talk about being character driven then there is hardly any character worth talking about. Substantial roles are simply not there. The premium seems to be on looking good, glamorous. Yet there are those like Trisha, Tamana, Nayantara, who are not only good looking, but are also making an impact. It is not easy to look glamorous and still last so long. Trisha has been around for quite a while now and has really made it big. It takes a lot of guts to do a role, where all you doing are providing the oomph and the glamour. And surviving.
How about initiating roles for women?
The problem is, we don’t have the multiplex system. If in Bombay you have films centred around the character of the woman, then you have the multiplex system where you make a film on a small budget. Any film which based on the heroine, is not made on a mega-budget. That we can still do here. But people here again are not ready to accept a woman doing a film like Page3, Ashtithva or a Chandani Bar.
Moral policing- has it stopped you from saying things or being the way you are?
Who are the people who do moral policing? I don’t know. We are absolute strangers to them. Why should I fear them? I still speak my mind, I still say what I feel is right because I live in a democratic country, where it gives me the freedom to speak what I want to say until as long as I don’t point a finger at someone and malign them.
What are the issues you would really like speak out on?
One thing I would definitely like to speak out is education for the girl child; sex education in schools from 6th or 7th standard for the girl child, basically sex education. I would defiantly want to work with sex workers to spread the awareness of HIV. That is something people are still unaware of and they don’t want to learn about it.
Are you working on any of these issues?
I am and I do it silently. I don’t publicise it. It is something very personal and I would like to keep it that way.
What is Kushboo as a family person?
(She laughs uproariously) A nagging wife? I nag about everything. About why this or that is not working?
Are you dependent on your husband?
I am not dependent on him. I’m a perfectionist. So when I say this has to be done, it has to be done. And I always tell people that if you cannot do it when I assign you with a job, let me know and I’ll do it. I’m not dependent on you.
What would those jobs be?
Odd jobs; probably going and picking up something for the kids; or probably going and you know things about the house (she was very annoyed about the electricity fittings in the new house that day).
And as a mom?
As a mom, I am strict only when it comes to studies. I am not the kind who will say you have to get cent percent in whatever you are doing. I’ll say, get the green line that you have passed and that is enough for me. But things have to be done on time. Books should not say “incomplete work” or there shouldn’t be any complaints. Unfortunately my children are attached with the tag of being celebrity kids. So extra attention is given to them where ever they go and they are noticed, how they behave. But they are normal children; bound to adamant, cranky. They might come across as being spoilt. So I’m a little extra careful when it comes to their behaviour in public.
Would you call your marriage a happy one?
Well, its not a bed of roses for sure; but then life would be very boring if it was. There are times when we have not talked to each other for weeks. I am on one corner of the bed and he is on the other and the kids in the middle.
How do the children react to these things?
They don’t react at all. When the children are around, we are absolutely normal. We have made an underlying rule that we will not fight in front of the kids and not use any kind of foul language. And when we fight, it not that we are screaming our head off. If he screams, I laugh and he gets bugged; and when I am angry, I throw certain things. Like if I have a handbag I throw it, if I have a book I throw it on the floor and that irritates him.
How did you come to marry Sunder?
I think we had been dating each other for five years and so it was very long. In fact, he was directing his first film when we met and I was already the star.
Did you have an image in your head that this is the kind of guy you wanted to marry?
No, I have never read Mills and Boon, but then all my friends used to say tall, dark and handsome is what he seems. So here he was – tall and handsome, but not very dark fellow. But then the first day of the shooting we were together and my aunt, who was always with me, said it was time I got married and settled down. She saw Sundar pass and said,’’we should find a boy like that. Who is he?’’ And I was hastily trying to quieten her down, saying,’’ he is the director.’’
How were those first few days?
It was a nice unit, a young unit; the director, a first timer; a first time camera man, but they had all worked as assistants together so they had a unity and they were good friends. All of us hit it off, as friends first. And slowly started to get to know Sundar; it was a slow process as he tends to keep to himself and does not talk too much.
How did you get him to talk to you?
Just the opposite, actually. Both of us are on two ends of the spectrum. We were friends and when we started talking, the unit, our friends were wondering. We didn’t even realize how we started liking each other. And on one occasion, when he was supposed to be gone for a few days he came back much faster –and in our shoot we used to play cricket, cards. No caravans to keep to ourselves. And I just asked his camera man,’’ where is Sundar? It is a bit weird without him?’’ And he promptly went and told him that. “Machaaan! Onne miss panara da! ” And Sunder landed up the very next day. I was very happy to see him. That evening actually, Sundar and i were talking and he just turned around and said,’’ If tomorrow we have kids, who will they look like?’’ I said,’’excuse me? ‘’ And he repeated it saying if we kids tomorrow, who will they look like?’’
Is that how he proposed to you?
Yeah, and I asked him,’’are you trying to propose? ‘’oh, I haven’t proposed to you, yet? Ok, fine. Will you marry me? ‘’ It was as simple as that.
And you said, yes?
I immediately said, yes. And that’s it. The very next day, the entire unit knew about it.
And how was the wedding?
It was five years later. Sundar was very keen that he did something before he married me. He comes from a very humble background. He said, I want to give you all the comforts and status you are used to. So unless I buy a house of my own, I will not get married. My mom was a little against it initially, because he comes from a different caste and mom was not sure what kind of a person he is. I had already been hurt once and Mom was very scared. But my brothers were cool about it. They met him and spoke to him and they were happy that I had found a good guy for myself.
But you had to wait five years to marry.
Yeah, that was fine because we were living together. And that is something that depends on the couple; how sure they are of about each other. Of course we had a problem, we broke up in between and we came back and all those fights have happened for us. We broke up for a day and we came back. Also maybe because it was getting to me that the marriage was taking a long time; it was taking its own toll. I was working around the clock and so was he. We were not able to spend so much time together. And on his part he had this basic fear of losing his freedom.
Has the seven year itch made its appearance?
Oh we did not even realise that the seven years has gone past. Once we were shooting and he called me and asked me to come down for it. When I asked why, he said, ‘’no, please come by.’’ And this was when we were dating. I went to the location and he said,’’ I want you to meet somebody.’’ He called a girl and pointed to me and said,’’ do you know who she is? ‘’ She didn’t know that he was dating me. “I have such a wonderful wife back home. Do you think I’ll even turn and look at you”? The girl was really taken aback. And I said, ‘’don’t do that to her.’’ But Sundar felt they needed to know that they need not be so desperate for work?
No woman’s journey into this point in life is without heartaches? We are talking about the Prabhu episode!
it’s a closed chapter. Everybody knows about my one big heartache. Love is blind. But I’m glad I could come out of it. A lot of people are not able to come out of it. I realized what I was doing was wrong. So, I had to come out of it. You never realize how, where and why it happens. There are no answers. I don’t regret it. But then I also know it was a huge mistake. I have shared a beautiful part of my life during that period. It was beautiful till it lasted. But then, definitely a mistake.
How do you see equations in today’s context?
I think we all forget that the basic need in a relationship is time, which we don’t want to give. We want to keep moving on. If it works, fine. If it doesn’t, you move on. That move on tag, should be removed. A marriage has to be worked upon. We all have our problems. Talk it out. I believe there is a solution to every problem. Don’t keep pushing it under the carpet. Because then, by the time you realize there is a heap of problems for which you don’t find solutions to. If it is an abusive marriage, then you have to walk out. A woman can do better when she is alone, all by herself rather than living in an abusive marriage.
You have very strong views on most things. Were you always like this?
I have always believed in being honest. I have seen my mom in an abusive marriage and she never had the chance to leave being uneducated. Today I’m glad she stays with me. I have a wonderful husband who, when we built this house, said ask you mom to come and stay with us. So, my mom, mom-in-law all of us stay together.
What would you ask of life now?
I don’t believe in God. If I have a question, I try to get an answer. And I don’t ask questions to people who I know can’t give answers. I always question a person, whom I know is close to my heart. And I only question when I am hurt. And the person who can hurt me is obviously the person who is close to me. So they are my family and friends and nobody else. It is as simple as that. Life is what you make of it.
So there is no such thing as being destined?
Nobody can foresee the future. I wonder when the last time Bill Gates saw was his astrologer or whether Obama had an astrology chart made. Obama had to work hard to be where he is today and Bill Gates was intelligent enough to make something out of his life. I always want to see my kids smiling, healthy and definitely making something out of their lives. I want my girls to be financially independent. I would like people to stop interfering in everybody else’s lives and take care of their own. Be honest to yourself. Be confident in what you are doing. Even if you falter. Don’t hesitate to say sorry. But if you are not at fault let the world turn upside down, don’t say sorry.
A parting shot?
Take care. That’s my usual line.
I SMILE---
At sight of kids playing in the rain. Probably to hear the giggle of a small kid, the laughter. My day starts with looking at both my kids in the morning. I think that’s the best sight in the world. As my husband puts it, as soon as the school starts, there is a Mahabharata at home every morning till I take them and drop them at school.
I LIKE SHOPPING FOR:
Saris. I love saris. But I am also very comfortable with cotton salwars, mix and match. I hate getting them stitched because invariably the tailors goof up. I love to shop at Fab India, Anokhee.
EATING OUT IS SUCH FUN:
Thai at Lotus and Benjarong. I also like Dakshin at the Park Sheraton.I cook at home and I can make everything except south Indian.
WHAT COLORS ME BEST:
All the earthen shades. Browns and yellows.
Think Khushboo and the fragrance that her name suggests, is instant – more because here is a woman and an actor, who has sustained her place in the film industry over the years and continues to be popular and very appealing to a majority. There is no question about that. Plus, she is also someone who is admired, perhaps hated and secretly emulated for her outspokenness and living life on her own terms. While this may seem like clichés, this is exactly what her life is about.
From Mumbai to Chennai, the journey has been long and eventful. Starting out with a film that brought her to prominence – Dard Ka Rishta, with Sunil Dutt, Khushboo came down south in what one can call a destiny’s path. Noticed by almost all big names here in the Telugu and Tamil film industry, her career is a success story. Eventful even! Good, bad and some indifferent, have all gone into making her what she stands for today. Ask her about her forays into films and she is instantly bored.’’ Please don’t ask me the routine things. I’m really sick and tired of saying the same thing over and over again. How about we talk about general things,’’ she says.
That’s what happened one dusky evening on her rooftop of her residence at Santhome. Birds chirped around and the sluggish breeze lazily wound itself around us, as we spoke of things in a meandering sort of manner.
How did it all begin?
As a child actor. And the film that really gave me recognition and fame is Dard Ka Rishta. After that, I was doing a few films in Bombay--that’s when D Rama Naidu wanted to launch Venkatesh in Telegu films. Venky saw one of my films and suggested my name. That’s how I moved to the South.
Didn’t ever feel like going back to Bombay?
From the very beginning, Chennai felt like home. I have not been a party going person-- the kind who would like to go out in the evening. Chennai suits me just fine.
When you get into any field in life, other than the fact of known complexities of working have you seen any changes? Do we still need for equality?
No, we don’t have to fight for equality. Success plays a very big role and a lot of people believe in shortcuts to success. But finally it is hard work, the capacity to perform – that really pull you through. What we talk about sexual harassment at the workplace, of all the places I have seen, read about, the film industry is still a far much better place than any other.
And the casting couch syndrome does not exist?
I don’t think it exists. I have not seen it in the 22 years of my career; even when I was a new comer- whether it is the Tamil, Telugu, Kannada or Hindi--I have never seen any person coming, holding my hand and pulling me. No producer is a fool to invest lakhs and crores of rupees in you, for the kind of films that are being made today. And certainly not if he feels you are not worth it--just because you are doing some favours. If you are good, he is going to invest – period. I have seen how women send propositions to my husband who is a director. And since we have a very transparent relationship, we discuss a lot. It is not that we run down the women, but he says,’ look at the desperate moves these girls make to be in the limelight.’’
How does he handle all that?
Very simply—he tells them to ask me. If I said ok, he would be ok to what they suggested too. On a lighter note you know how it is. It is not always the men--the producer or the director – the girls too sometimes are desperate to be in films.
You have been in the industry for such a long time. Are you seeing changes in how women are being perceived from when you started?
Definitely. While it is still a male dominated world, but its not too bad. A heroine is given equal credit. If you talk about being character driven then there is hardly any character worth talking about. Substantial roles are simply not there. The premium seems to be on looking good, glamorous. Yet there are those like Trisha, Tamana, Nayantara, who are not only good looking, but are also making an impact. It is not easy to look glamorous and still last so long. Trisha has been around for quite a while now and has really made it big. It takes a lot of guts to do a role, where all you doing are providing the oomph and the glamour. And surviving.
How about initiating roles for women?
The problem is, we don’t have the multiplex system. If in Bombay you have films centred around the character of the woman, then you have the multiplex system where you make a film on a small budget. Any film which based on the heroine, is not made on a mega-budget. That we can still do here. But people here again are not ready to accept a woman doing a film like Page3, Ashtithva or a Chandani Bar.
Moral policing- has it stopped you from saying things or being the way you are?
Who are the people who do moral policing? I don’t know. We are absolute strangers to them. Why should I fear them? I still speak my mind, I still say what I feel is right because I live in a democratic country, where it gives me the freedom to speak what I want to say until as long as I don’t point a finger at someone and malign them.
What are the issues you would really like speak out on?
One thing I would definitely like to speak out is education for the girl child; sex education in schools from 6th or 7th standard for the girl child, basically sex education. I would defiantly want to work with sex workers to spread the awareness of HIV. That is something people are still unaware of and they don’t want to learn about it.
Are you working on any of these issues?
I am and I do it silently. I don’t publicise it. It is something very personal and I would like to keep it that way.
What is Kushboo as a family person?
(She laughs uproariously) A nagging wife? I nag about everything. About why this or that is not working?
Are you dependent on your husband?
I am not dependent on him. I’m a perfectionist. So when I say this has to be done, it has to be done. And I always tell people that if you cannot do it when I assign you with a job, let me know and I’ll do it. I’m not dependent on you.
What would those jobs be?
Odd jobs; probably going and picking up something for the kids; or probably going and you know things about the house (she was very annoyed about the electricity fittings in the new house that day).
And as a mom?
As a mom, I am strict only when it comes to studies. I am not the kind who will say you have to get cent percent in whatever you are doing. I’ll say, get the green line that you have passed and that is enough for me. But things have to be done on time. Books should not say “incomplete work” or there shouldn’t be any complaints. Unfortunately my children are attached with the tag of being celebrity kids. So extra attention is given to them where ever they go and they are noticed, how they behave. But they are normal children; bound to adamant, cranky. They might come across as being spoilt. So I’m a little extra careful when it comes to their behaviour in public.
Would you call your marriage a happy one?
Well, its not a bed of roses for sure; but then life would be very boring if it was. There are times when we have not talked to each other for weeks. I am on one corner of the bed and he is on the other and the kids in the middle.
How do the children react to these things?
They don’t react at all. When the children are around, we are absolutely normal. We have made an underlying rule that we will not fight in front of the kids and not use any kind of foul language. And when we fight, it not that we are screaming our head off. If he screams, I laugh and he gets bugged; and when I am angry, I throw certain things. Like if I have a handbag I throw it, if I have a book I throw it on the floor and that irritates him.
How did you come to marry Sunder?
I think we had been dating each other for five years and so it was very long. In fact, he was directing his first film when we met and I was already the star.
Did you have an image in your head that this is the kind of guy you wanted to marry?
No, I have never read Mills and Boon, but then all my friends used to say tall, dark and handsome is what he seems. So here he was – tall and handsome, but not very dark fellow. But then the first day of the shooting we were together and my aunt, who was always with me, said it was time I got married and settled down. She saw Sundar pass and said,’’we should find a boy like that. Who is he?’’ And I was hastily trying to quieten her down, saying,’’ he is the director.’’
How were those first few days?
It was a nice unit, a young unit; the director, a first timer; a first time camera man, but they had all worked as assistants together so they had a unity and they were good friends. All of us hit it off, as friends first. And slowly started to get to know Sundar; it was a slow process as he tends to keep to himself and does not talk too much.
How did you get him to talk to you?
Just the opposite, actually. Both of us are on two ends of the spectrum. We were friends and when we started talking, the unit, our friends were wondering. We didn’t even realize how we started liking each other. And on one occasion, when he was supposed to be gone for a few days he came back much faster –and in our shoot we used to play cricket, cards. No caravans to keep to ourselves. And I just asked his camera man,’’ where is Sundar? It is a bit weird without him?’’ And he promptly went and told him that. “Machaaan! Onne miss panara da! ” And Sunder landed up the very next day. I was very happy to see him. That evening actually, Sundar and i were talking and he just turned around and said,’’ If tomorrow we have kids, who will they look like?’’ I said,’’excuse me? ‘’ And he repeated it saying if we kids tomorrow, who will they look like?’’
Is that how he proposed to you?
Yeah, and I asked him,’’are you trying to propose? ‘’oh, I haven’t proposed to you, yet? Ok, fine. Will you marry me? ‘’ It was as simple as that.
And you said, yes?
I immediately said, yes. And that’s it. The very next day, the entire unit knew about it.
And how was the wedding?
It was five years later. Sundar was very keen that he did something before he married me. He comes from a very humble background. He said, I want to give you all the comforts and status you are used to. So unless I buy a house of my own, I will not get married. My mom was a little against it initially, because he comes from a different caste and mom was not sure what kind of a person he is. I had already been hurt once and Mom was very scared. But my brothers were cool about it. They met him and spoke to him and they were happy that I had found a good guy for myself.
But you had to wait five years to marry.
Yeah, that was fine because we were living together. And that is something that depends on the couple; how sure they are of about each other. Of course we had a problem, we broke up in between and we came back and all those fights have happened for us. We broke up for a day and we came back. Also maybe because it was getting to me that the marriage was taking a long time; it was taking its own toll. I was working around the clock and so was he. We were not able to spend so much time together. And on his part he had this basic fear of losing his freedom.
Has the seven year itch made its appearance?
Oh we did not even realise that the seven years has gone past. Once we were shooting and he called me and asked me to come down for it. When I asked why, he said, ‘’no, please come by.’’ And this was when we were dating. I went to the location and he said,’’ I want you to meet somebody.’’ He called a girl and pointed to me and said,’’ do you know who she is? ‘’ She didn’t know that he was dating me. “I have such a wonderful wife back home. Do you think I’ll even turn and look at you”? The girl was really taken aback. And I said, ‘’don’t do that to her.’’ But Sundar felt they needed to know that they need not be so desperate for work?
No woman’s journey into this point in life is without heartaches? We are talking about the Prabhu episode!
it’s a closed chapter. Everybody knows about my one big heartache. Love is blind. But I’m glad I could come out of it. A lot of people are not able to come out of it. I realized what I was doing was wrong. So, I had to come out of it. You never realize how, where and why it happens. There are no answers. I don’t regret it. But then I also know it was a huge mistake. I have shared a beautiful part of my life during that period. It was beautiful till it lasted. But then, definitely a mistake.
How do you see equations in today’s context?
I think we all forget that the basic need in a relationship is time, which we don’t want to give. We want to keep moving on. If it works, fine. If it doesn’t, you move on. That move on tag, should be removed. A marriage has to be worked upon. We all have our problems. Talk it out. I believe there is a solution to every problem. Don’t keep pushing it under the carpet. Because then, by the time you realize there is a heap of problems for which you don’t find solutions to. If it is an abusive marriage, then you have to walk out. A woman can do better when she is alone, all by herself rather than living in an abusive marriage.
You have very strong views on most things. Were you always like this?
I have always believed in being honest. I have seen my mom in an abusive marriage and she never had the chance to leave being uneducated. Today I’m glad she stays with me. I have a wonderful husband who, when we built this house, said ask you mom to come and stay with us. So, my mom, mom-in-law all of us stay together.
What would you ask of life now?
I don’t believe in God. If I have a question, I try to get an answer. And I don’t ask questions to people who I know can’t give answers. I always question a person, whom I know is close to my heart. And I only question when I am hurt. And the person who can hurt me is obviously the person who is close to me. So they are my family and friends and nobody else. It is as simple as that. Life is what you make of it.
So there is no such thing as being destined?
Nobody can foresee the future. I wonder when the last time Bill Gates saw was his astrologer or whether Obama had an astrology chart made. Obama had to work hard to be where he is today and Bill Gates was intelligent enough to make something out of his life. I always want to see my kids smiling, healthy and definitely making something out of their lives. I want my girls to be financially independent. I would like people to stop interfering in everybody else’s lives and take care of their own. Be honest to yourself. Be confident in what you are doing. Even if you falter. Don’t hesitate to say sorry. But if you are not at fault let the world turn upside down, don’t say sorry.
A parting shot?
Take care. That’s my usual line.
I SMILE---
At sight of kids playing in the rain. Probably to hear the giggle of a small kid, the laughter. My day starts with looking at both my kids in the morning. I think that’s the best sight in the world. As my husband puts it, as soon as the school starts, there is a Mahabharata at home every morning till I take them and drop them at school.
I LIKE SHOPPING FOR:
Saris. I love saris. But I am also very comfortable with cotton salwars, mix and match. I hate getting them stitched because invariably the tailors goof up. I love to shop at Fab India, Anokhee.
EATING OUT IS SUCH FUN:
Thai at Lotus and Benjarong. I also like Dakshin at the Park Sheraton.I cook at home and I can make everything except south Indian.
WHAT COLORS ME BEST:
All the earthen shades. Browns and yellows.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Check these out
Okay.
So I get to do interviews with some of the most interesting people in the field of arts. How many actually get to read them? A couple of thousands? Maybe a few hundreds? And how many are going to be reading them out here? In this cyber jungle?
I really don't know. But the thing is, these are some cool views. So if you do get a chance to browse through........
The place where he is he can afford to be pricey, distant and with attitude. And its not just because he is someone with such a huge fan following. Apart from being a star in every sense he is also someone with tremendous skills when it comes to portraying a character on screen and as a testimony to that is the fact that awards have come by the dozens. But even if that were an obvious sign of his formidable talent it is the common man who knows that here is an actor who believes in whatever he takes up. And in that belief he brings conviction, sincerity and an edge over others. he therefore is high on that list of dream actors to work with- a man who passion for cinema translates into a dedicated following and adherence to a role- be it of any size- and then sits back to watch the impact he makes.
Meeting him in Kolkata as he shoots for an extended schedule of Mani Ratnam’s Raavana, he reminds one of how he casually endears himself to all those around him. A sense of being grounded also makes him empathetic to people around him and he invariably goes that extra mile to ensure that one is not left stranded. And this quality is something that one has seen over the years in all the interaction one has had with him. You just know that with Vikram around things will get done. One gets talking as he waits to be called for his shot and you discover the passion and commitment to what he does is so completely inherent.
Things happening right now
A lot of excitement, because I’m working with my dream director. It is like a long extended workshop cum holiday-- Chalakudy, Madhya Pradesh and now here at Kolkata. We have been working almost continuously.
The experience that is now
I like working like this. Even with Bala it is like that. When we do a film we just get into it. If it takes time that is ok. There are no distractions this way. And I think this would be one of my most strenuous films. Chalakudy was about rocks and forests; Kolkata is totally dust and all of us are coughing and sneezing in every scene; and Madhya Pradesh was cold and misty.
The preparation that goes into it
Characters evolved as per the scene. Mani Sir is trying to do something that is different –that’s his style. Every scene is out of the ordinary. Forget about whether the film is going to be a hit or not, it is an experience. Every scene is like going to war.
The way it is approached always
There is no easy way out. Even if it is in the middle of the water maybe or under the waterfall, Mani sir will say, ‘’do it this way’’. He will push, push, push – under the waterfall he will,’’ say don’t blink. I don’t want you blinking in the shot.’’ Every scene I think ‘my God we did it!’ I am not exaggerating. When you see the film you will know.
An experience of a lifetime
It is fantastic. It is my dream. I have always felt I needed to work with him right from when I was in college. I would think that if I act with Mani sir and Shankar sir (Shankar sir came little later) I will retire. And he has not let me down in my expectations.
Getting into the skin of the character
I simply get into the character. My brand of performing—acting—is, I will try and get into that look and character. Which is why I am saying I love it when its a long schedule. I like being by myself. Now if I am a brute in this movie, I am going to be like a brute. I am going to be very callous. I am going to be very crude. When I was doing Pithamagan I was like that.
Its all a continuous process
For me, it is a continuous process. Yet I keep one side open. I am going to be rigid about it. But in Pithamagan I am very rigid because Bala and I had already decided that this is how it is going to be. If you take Maja I felt it was the film I enjoyed most in making. Kandhasamy is another film where I have tried out everything. Susi is like that. If I say Susi have you ever tried surfing? And he will make a scene out of that. Bala’s Pithamagan is a film I evolved as an actor. Bala is a creator par excellence. He is in a different range altogether. I am not a creator. But as an actor when I am with him, I become like a creator.
The passion keeps it going
Kandhasamy is again a tough film. Susi would take a lot of shots and each one would take a lot of time. Every shot is perfect. So five seconds of a shot would have taken the whole day. In those five seconds you expect that exact, that particular emotion, which will encompass everything in that character. And no, I don’t lose my patience because I sit around and take my time.
The face behind the macho image
I like fights; it has nothing to do with what is going on. I just cannot seem to do soft, romantic roles. That seems to be my problem. It is so strange. The movies I watch are always romantic, soft comedies, feel good films. I’ve only watched films like My Best Friend’s Wedding and 50 First Dates and things like that. I am trying to tread two paths--do films that are totally performance oriented or do films where the character is very powerful and aggressive.
A case of being in a place that needs a macho look
No. Rajini Sir came in doing different roles. After a particular point, he got into this hero thing. Kamal Sir was always doing the same thing, but after a particular point he changed over to this. For a long time, I was not caught in any image. But I cannot do a soft film and make it run. And then there is a paucity of scripts in Tamil. It does not seem to be like that in the Hindi industry. I would for instance love to do what Akshay Kumar is doing; Shahrukh is doing, Farhaan Akhtar is doing.
The lure of Bollywood
No, not really. I’m totally happy with what I am doing here. I am comfortable with the language and this is my terrain. If the director says something, I would know I what I am doing. I don’t want to be in a movie where I need to understand my dialogues first. I am very happy in Tamil. Not just Tamil, its South India-- Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada. I would only work on another Mani Ratnam movie or probably a Rakesh Mehra film; a Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Or a Dil Chahta Hai-- I love that kind of a film.
An actor par excellence
I would love to work with Aamir Khan. I think he is fantastic. In India we always think that a director is someone who does his own scripts--abroad they get stories from someone and recreate it on celluloid. How Aamir translated a script onto the screen is fantastic. When I saw Taare Amen Par I was so taken in.
Script and story matters
At some point, I think every actor will want to do something like his own script or direction. Five years or ten years down the line I will surely be doing something like that. Come to think of it, all of us are assistant directors. In every film I think I am an assistant director—to Mani Ratnam, Bala, Shankar. Sometimes every actor wants to direct and I’ve always wanted to direct.
Direction and me
I would love to do adventure films. Or something that is totally performance based. I would love to direct films that are totally not mainstream at all or do something that is total joy. It has to be a wholesome entertainer.
Working with Aishwarya and Abhishek- an experience that is great.
Abhishek and I have been friends for long. The moment he is there is vibrancy on the sets. As soon as a shot is over, he will come and tell me, ‘’Kenny Sir, this place- it’s little tricky. Watch this stone and there is this route and when you stand there. ‘’ Or he will say,’ I don’t think you need to worry about glycerine, because its a long shot.’’ Likewise, when I finish my shot and come, I’ll tell him,’’Abhishek, this is it. It’s damn nice.’’ As for ash I think it is very difficult being Ash-- being the most beautiful woman in the world and people always watching her. On the sets, she is professional to the core. As a co-star very encouraging.
Looking back
I had all these dreams of what I wanted to do-- this long struggle. Suddenly, I reached a point where I went beyond what my dreams were. Now I have gotten into that zone where I am very comfortable doing what I love doing, doing it with the best people around. I feel a deep sense of contentment and happiness. Make your hobby your profession and you never have to work one day in your life, which is exactly what I am doing. I have reached that point where I want to do other things, for instance, I’ve started singing, which is not going to be a profession. Like that direction some time.
The urge to move is also there
Yet I am very restless in the sense there is a Selvaraghavan film in the offing and I am thinking, ‘’God! I can’t wait to get into that character. I want to do it yesterday.’’ I only feel Tamil cinema can evolve more, become more like Hindi. We were doing much better films than Hindi. But Hindi films, suddenly over the last five years because of the NRI, overseas, have evolved into something so huge. As an actor I feel we are little deprived there. We are still into only violence; we are still into only rowdism. The softer films are always small budget films.
Best film, best role till date.
Something I feel very close to is Sethu-- which is why I stuck to that Chiyan thing. That is the pot of gold after the rainbow. That rainbow took a long time to materialise. Its like my baby. We went through so much to get that baby out. As an actor, Anniyan is a role any actor would give his right hand to do. I love Dhool and Sami because they were the commercial thing. Dharini taught me this kind of cinema. Kasi and Pithamagan because of the National Award.
No film would be worth it if…
It was just for money. I want to do that perfect film, which is always happening. I want to work with directors like that. It is very difficult to convince me to do something that I am not comfortable with. I am a director’s actor. The director should feel I want to work with this guy again.
Vikram, apart from movies and acting.
What I am on and off screen, are two different people. At home my mobile phone is off. And when I am here my folks can never reach me. At home we live in this sweet little house which is somewhere in Besant Nagar where I can just go walking. I hate to be recognized; I like my space; when I go out with my family, I don’t want to be bothered. I do very normal things. I like to go to the theatre, whether its Sathyam or Mayajaal. I like to go get my own videos. I just drive by and go to the shop and get it. I like to go into departmental stores. I am comfortable in rubber slippers.
The man at home
Here there are five security people. When I go to the gym, I go alone like anybody. My kids will call and say,’’ Appa, come back this evening.’’ Why? Because they want to go to the theatre. So I become the driver. I love that.
Belief in God and Self
Of course I believe in God. And if He were to grant me three wishes, I would ask that I am an actor again in my next life. I want to be Vikram again with my family and friends. But this joy or whatever I am feeling doing all these characters- doing what I love best- I would want it to come quicker. It shouldn’t take all these years. And then I would love for this recession to take a backseat.
Wisdom and my take
Cinema and what has been made of it is because of you all. We reflect what people want. I am very thankful that people are able to appreciate the effort I am putting in. I only wish people are more open to new subjects and that encourages us too. We all live only once. We should all just enjoy life and follow our dreams.
**************************
A few of my favorite things
The color black.
Japanese food--sushi and all that.
The song Uyire. And now Miaow Miaow from Kandhasamy.
Jeans, Hawaii slippers and just some old t-shirt.
The movie Nayagan. And for a long time Gladiator.
A place I love is New Zealand.
A word I use often thank you and sorry.
So I get to do interviews with some of the most interesting people in the field of arts. How many actually get to read them? A couple of thousands? Maybe a few hundreds? And how many are going to be reading them out here? In this cyber jungle?
I really don't know. But the thing is, these are some cool views. So if you do get a chance to browse through........
The place where he is he can afford to be pricey, distant and with attitude. And its not just because he is someone with such a huge fan following. Apart from being a star in every sense he is also someone with tremendous skills when it comes to portraying a character on screen and as a testimony to that is the fact that awards have come by the dozens. But even if that were an obvious sign of his formidable talent it is the common man who knows that here is an actor who believes in whatever he takes up. And in that belief he brings conviction, sincerity and an edge over others. he therefore is high on that list of dream actors to work with- a man who passion for cinema translates into a dedicated following and adherence to a role- be it of any size- and then sits back to watch the impact he makes.
Meeting him in Kolkata as he shoots for an extended schedule of Mani Ratnam’s Raavana, he reminds one of how he casually endears himself to all those around him. A sense of being grounded also makes him empathetic to people around him and he invariably goes that extra mile to ensure that one is not left stranded. And this quality is something that one has seen over the years in all the interaction one has had with him. You just know that with Vikram around things will get done. One gets talking as he waits to be called for his shot and you discover the passion and commitment to what he does is so completely inherent.
Things happening right now
A lot of excitement, because I’m working with my dream director. It is like a long extended workshop cum holiday-- Chalakudy, Madhya Pradesh and now here at Kolkata. We have been working almost continuously.
The experience that is now
I like working like this. Even with Bala it is like that. When we do a film we just get into it. If it takes time that is ok. There are no distractions this way. And I think this would be one of my most strenuous films. Chalakudy was about rocks and forests; Kolkata is totally dust and all of us are coughing and sneezing in every scene; and Madhya Pradesh was cold and misty.
The preparation that goes into it
Characters evolved as per the scene. Mani Sir is trying to do something that is different –that’s his style. Every scene is out of the ordinary. Forget about whether the film is going to be a hit or not, it is an experience. Every scene is like going to war.
The way it is approached always
There is no easy way out. Even if it is in the middle of the water maybe or under the waterfall, Mani sir will say, ‘’do it this way’’. He will push, push, push – under the waterfall he will,’’ say don’t blink. I don’t want you blinking in the shot.’’ Every scene I think ‘my God we did it!’ I am not exaggerating. When you see the film you will know.
An experience of a lifetime
It is fantastic. It is my dream. I have always felt I needed to work with him right from when I was in college. I would think that if I act with Mani sir and Shankar sir (Shankar sir came little later) I will retire. And he has not let me down in my expectations.
Getting into the skin of the character
I simply get into the character. My brand of performing—acting—is, I will try and get into that look and character. Which is why I am saying I love it when its a long schedule. I like being by myself. Now if I am a brute in this movie, I am going to be like a brute. I am going to be very callous. I am going to be very crude. When I was doing Pithamagan I was like that.
Its all a continuous process
For me, it is a continuous process. Yet I keep one side open. I am going to be rigid about it. But in Pithamagan I am very rigid because Bala and I had already decided that this is how it is going to be. If you take Maja I felt it was the film I enjoyed most in making. Kandhasamy is another film where I have tried out everything. Susi is like that. If I say Susi have you ever tried surfing? And he will make a scene out of that. Bala’s Pithamagan is a film I evolved as an actor. Bala is a creator par excellence. He is in a different range altogether. I am not a creator. But as an actor when I am with him, I become like a creator.
The passion keeps it going
Kandhasamy is again a tough film. Susi would take a lot of shots and each one would take a lot of time. Every shot is perfect. So five seconds of a shot would have taken the whole day. In those five seconds you expect that exact, that particular emotion, which will encompass everything in that character. And no, I don’t lose my patience because I sit around and take my time.
The face behind the macho image
I like fights; it has nothing to do with what is going on. I just cannot seem to do soft, romantic roles. That seems to be my problem. It is so strange. The movies I watch are always romantic, soft comedies, feel good films. I’ve only watched films like My Best Friend’s Wedding and 50 First Dates and things like that. I am trying to tread two paths--do films that are totally performance oriented or do films where the character is very powerful and aggressive.
A case of being in a place that needs a macho look
No. Rajini Sir came in doing different roles. After a particular point, he got into this hero thing. Kamal Sir was always doing the same thing, but after a particular point he changed over to this. For a long time, I was not caught in any image. But I cannot do a soft film and make it run. And then there is a paucity of scripts in Tamil. It does not seem to be like that in the Hindi industry. I would for instance love to do what Akshay Kumar is doing; Shahrukh is doing, Farhaan Akhtar is doing.
The lure of Bollywood
No, not really. I’m totally happy with what I am doing here. I am comfortable with the language and this is my terrain. If the director says something, I would know I what I am doing. I don’t want to be in a movie where I need to understand my dialogues first. I am very happy in Tamil. Not just Tamil, its South India-- Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada. I would only work on another Mani Ratnam movie or probably a Rakesh Mehra film; a Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Or a Dil Chahta Hai-- I love that kind of a film.
An actor par excellence
I would love to work with Aamir Khan. I think he is fantastic. In India we always think that a director is someone who does his own scripts--abroad they get stories from someone and recreate it on celluloid. How Aamir translated a script onto the screen is fantastic. When I saw Taare Amen Par I was so taken in.
Script and story matters
At some point, I think every actor will want to do something like his own script or direction. Five years or ten years down the line I will surely be doing something like that. Come to think of it, all of us are assistant directors. In every film I think I am an assistant director—to Mani Ratnam, Bala, Shankar. Sometimes every actor wants to direct and I’ve always wanted to direct.
Direction and me
I would love to do adventure films. Or something that is totally performance based. I would love to direct films that are totally not mainstream at all or do something that is total joy. It has to be a wholesome entertainer.
Working with Aishwarya and Abhishek- an experience that is great.
Abhishek and I have been friends for long. The moment he is there is vibrancy on the sets. As soon as a shot is over, he will come and tell me, ‘’Kenny Sir, this place- it’s little tricky. Watch this stone and there is this route and when you stand there. ‘’ Or he will say,’ I don’t think you need to worry about glycerine, because its a long shot.’’ Likewise, when I finish my shot and come, I’ll tell him,’’Abhishek, this is it. It’s damn nice.’’ As for ash I think it is very difficult being Ash-- being the most beautiful woman in the world and people always watching her. On the sets, she is professional to the core. As a co-star very encouraging.
Looking back
I had all these dreams of what I wanted to do-- this long struggle. Suddenly, I reached a point where I went beyond what my dreams were. Now I have gotten into that zone where I am very comfortable doing what I love doing, doing it with the best people around. I feel a deep sense of contentment and happiness. Make your hobby your profession and you never have to work one day in your life, which is exactly what I am doing. I have reached that point where I want to do other things, for instance, I’ve started singing, which is not going to be a profession. Like that direction some time.
The urge to move is also there
Yet I am very restless in the sense there is a Selvaraghavan film in the offing and I am thinking, ‘’God! I can’t wait to get into that character. I want to do it yesterday.’’ I only feel Tamil cinema can evolve more, become more like Hindi. We were doing much better films than Hindi. But Hindi films, suddenly over the last five years because of the NRI, overseas, have evolved into something so huge. As an actor I feel we are little deprived there. We are still into only violence; we are still into only rowdism. The softer films are always small budget films.
Best film, best role till date.
Something I feel very close to is Sethu-- which is why I stuck to that Chiyan thing. That is the pot of gold after the rainbow. That rainbow took a long time to materialise. Its like my baby. We went through so much to get that baby out. As an actor, Anniyan is a role any actor would give his right hand to do. I love Dhool and Sami because they were the commercial thing. Dharini taught me this kind of cinema. Kasi and Pithamagan because of the National Award.
No film would be worth it if…
It was just for money. I want to do that perfect film, which is always happening. I want to work with directors like that. It is very difficult to convince me to do something that I am not comfortable with. I am a director’s actor. The director should feel I want to work with this guy again.
Vikram, apart from movies and acting.
What I am on and off screen, are two different people. At home my mobile phone is off. And when I am here my folks can never reach me. At home we live in this sweet little house which is somewhere in Besant Nagar where I can just go walking. I hate to be recognized; I like my space; when I go out with my family, I don’t want to be bothered. I do very normal things. I like to go to the theatre, whether its Sathyam or Mayajaal. I like to go get my own videos. I just drive by and go to the shop and get it. I like to go into departmental stores. I am comfortable in rubber slippers.
The man at home
Here there are five security people. When I go to the gym, I go alone like anybody. My kids will call and say,’’ Appa, come back this evening.’’ Why? Because they want to go to the theatre. So I become the driver. I love that.
Belief in God and Self
Of course I believe in God. And if He were to grant me three wishes, I would ask that I am an actor again in my next life. I want to be Vikram again with my family and friends. But this joy or whatever I am feeling doing all these characters- doing what I love best- I would want it to come quicker. It shouldn’t take all these years. And then I would love for this recession to take a backseat.
Wisdom and my take
Cinema and what has been made of it is because of you all. We reflect what people want. I am very thankful that people are able to appreciate the effort I am putting in. I only wish people are more open to new subjects and that encourages us too. We all live only once. We should all just enjoy life and follow our dreams.
**************************
A few of my favorite things
The color black.
Japanese food--sushi and all that.
The song Uyire. And now Miaow Miaow from Kandhasamy.
Jeans, Hawaii slippers and just some old t-shirt.
The movie Nayagan. And for a long time Gladiator.
A place I love is New Zealand.
A word I use often thank you and sorry.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Sampoornam- the complete.
Everything about the work of B Swapna Reddy, speaks of the cultural ethos in which she has grown up. And it is not only to do with the Giver and the Remover of Obstacles, Lord Ganesha that forms the basis of the vibrant work on display at the Lakshana Art Gallery, Judge Jambulingam Road.
Sampoornam-- The Complete, is in a way a complete experience in terms of thoughts, forms and colours. And this completion Swapna seeks to fulfil through the various Ganeshas which shows almost all aspects of life in a world filled with tradition and the cultural experience of this Elephant God. Whether he gives, plays an instrument, bestowers of boons, protector – in his myriad roles, he is omnipresent and pervading. And if anyone sees how he adorns the walls of the gallery in such a burst of colour and motifs, that this feeling of pervasiveness is very obvious.
According to the artist, if a canvas is akin to a temple, the subject is the deity to whom an artist offers worship. ‘’And my journey as an artist began in the exploration of the customs habits and values that shape our daily lives. My art searches for the significance behind common activities that has been lost to mechanical modernity. ‘’
And for many especially in the south, the Elephant God is all present in everything that is done- in homes, office spaces , at street nooks and corners – in fact, in every possible place he is there to show the way and to remove every bit of obstacle –never mind if he himself is in the way. So everything begins with the invocation and with a plea for blessings from him to carry on and these emotions come out through the rough texture adopted by Swapna – and in that the bindu, the geometric forms of symbol worship and the thread that is there speaks of the south Indian milieu that has been internalised by many artists – and she is no different in this. But having said that she gives it all her own world view and in the manner of mounting the Ganesha (in a three dimensional manner) and providing some very lovely colours (pink, green mustard yellow for instance) to him she brings what is perhaps what make her work rather beautiful to behold.
Sampoornam-- The Complete, is in a way a complete experience in terms of thoughts, forms and colours. And this completion Swapna seeks to fulfil through the various Ganeshas which shows almost all aspects of life in a world filled with tradition and the cultural experience of this Elephant God. Whether he gives, plays an instrument, bestowers of boons, protector – in his myriad roles, he is omnipresent and pervading. And if anyone sees how he adorns the walls of the gallery in such a burst of colour and motifs, that this feeling of pervasiveness is very obvious.
According to the artist, if a canvas is akin to a temple, the subject is the deity to whom an artist offers worship. ‘’And my journey as an artist began in the exploration of the customs habits and values that shape our daily lives. My art searches for the significance behind common activities that has been lost to mechanical modernity. ‘’
And for many especially in the south, the Elephant God is all present in everything that is done- in homes, office spaces , at street nooks and corners – in fact, in every possible place he is there to show the way and to remove every bit of obstacle –never mind if he himself is in the way. So everything begins with the invocation and with a plea for blessings from him to carry on and these emotions come out through the rough texture adopted by Swapna – and in that the bindu, the geometric forms of symbol worship and the thread that is there speaks of the south Indian milieu that has been internalised by many artists – and she is no different in this. But having said that she gives it all her own world view and in the manner of mounting the Ganesha (in a three dimensional manner) and providing some very lovely colours (pink, green mustard yellow for instance) to him she brings what is perhaps what make her work rather beautiful to behold.
Monday, July 20, 2009
There is a beautiful place in your mind
While Smile Pinkie is making waves in theatres across the United States and in other parts of the film loving world, over here the man who made it sing, is planning something rather unique.
What is so unique about a workshop, one may well ask. But it is that- simply because there is going to be a kind of an interaction, not seen before here, Chennai specifically. The Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, a professional college of music being launched by Marg Limited with the brilliant Prasanna at its helm, is getting musicians of all genres together at the 77 acre Marg Tapovan for a week in a process of learning, discovering and performing from August 17-22.
This also means that there are going to be international musicians of the likes of guitarist David Gilmore (Wayne Shorter, Joss Stone, Trilok Gurtu), bassist Mike Pope (Chick Corea and the EleKtric Band, Al Di Meola, Mecheael Brecker) and Rodney Holmes (8 -time Grammy Award winning drummer, who plays with Santana, Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter), who will conduct classes, demonstrations and also provide the participants to have a one on one with world class guitarists, drummers etc.
It is to be a residential programme with those who get selected to live amidst nature and do what they love best- make music. Anyone who is here during this time, can make as much music as they want or be as loud as they want and no one will think it strange if someone chooses to play the drums under a lone tree at midnight,’’ says Prasanna, who is in Chennai to tie up things for this workshop.
‘’This is also the place where a college is being built,’’ he says and ‘’will be ready to roll in July 2010 with world class faculty and facilities. Its going to be part of a new city being built by Marg and the college will provide that kind of an exposure people get when they go to a western country to study music.’’
‘’We have been working on a series of initiatives for the college and the workshop is one of them,’’ he says. ‘’And this is unique, because musicians rarely get a chance to experience working or playing music with international artists. It’s the cream of top musicians who will be part of the faculty,’’he adds ‘’ and it can be life altering.’’
The full fledged college will offer a one year diploma in music and’’ we have already started the activities for it. I might take this workshop to other cities in the country and outside we might do a bunch of seminars and apart from building something in the business sense, we are also making the idea of studying music professionally, a reality. The workshop is basically to give a taste of what can come out of such interactions with musicians from all over the world. ‘’
The registrations for the workshop are on full swing with requests being phenomenal. ‘’We are not only getting applications from musicians within the country but also from all over the world,’’ says Prasanna.
Such workshops he feels, make even the best professional player a student for a while. The application can be downloaded from http:// www.guitarprasanna .com/prasanna/applicationpacket.pdf. It also needs to be accompanied by a demo tape or cd of work done. ‘We want to accommodate as many people as we can and there is no age limit except for participants being above 13 – basically those who are comfortable being on their own. We are looking at a good proportion – musicians who scan the spectrum. I wouldn’t want a profusion of heavy metal musicians or have 25 guitarists and just three drummers. The curriculum must be beneficial to all.’’ The cost of the workshop works out to rs 28,000w which includes everything.
Says Mr GRK Reddy, Chairman and MD, Marg Group, ‘’this is something so good for our new city coming up there. And who better than Prasanna to do this? And besides many people are getting into music in a big way and this can fulfil that need.’’
The workshop ends with a huge concert with everyone having a chance to play and provide Chennaites a taste of what different strands of music can do. August 22 also happens to be Chennai Formation Day and ‘’we want to give back to the city that has given us all so much. It’s a free concert and the venue will be decided soon. These are top level musicians and its a fantastic thing for music lovers in Chennai,’’ adds Prasanna. It should be a treat indeed with some of the participants of the workshops already being the best and well known musicians of the country.
What is so unique about a workshop, one may well ask. But it is that- simply because there is going to be a kind of an interaction, not seen before here, Chennai specifically. The Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, a professional college of music being launched by Marg Limited with the brilliant Prasanna at its helm, is getting musicians of all genres together at the 77 acre Marg Tapovan for a week in a process of learning, discovering and performing from August 17-22.
This also means that there are going to be international musicians of the likes of guitarist David Gilmore (Wayne Shorter, Joss Stone, Trilok Gurtu), bassist Mike Pope (Chick Corea and the EleKtric Band, Al Di Meola, Mecheael Brecker) and Rodney Holmes (8 -time Grammy Award winning drummer, who plays with Santana, Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter), who will conduct classes, demonstrations and also provide the participants to have a one on one with world class guitarists, drummers etc.
It is to be a residential programme with those who get selected to live amidst nature and do what they love best- make music. Anyone who is here during this time, can make as much music as they want or be as loud as they want and no one will think it strange if someone chooses to play the drums under a lone tree at midnight,’’ says Prasanna, who is in Chennai to tie up things for this workshop.
‘’This is also the place where a college is being built,’’ he says and ‘’will be ready to roll in July 2010 with world class faculty and facilities. Its going to be part of a new city being built by Marg and the college will provide that kind of an exposure people get when they go to a western country to study music.’’
‘’We have been working on a series of initiatives for the college and the workshop is one of them,’’ he says. ‘’And this is unique, because musicians rarely get a chance to experience working or playing music with international artists. It’s the cream of top musicians who will be part of the faculty,’’he adds ‘’ and it can be life altering.’’
The full fledged college will offer a one year diploma in music and’’ we have already started the activities for it. I might take this workshop to other cities in the country and outside we might do a bunch of seminars and apart from building something in the business sense, we are also making the idea of studying music professionally, a reality. The workshop is basically to give a taste of what can come out of such interactions with musicians from all over the world. ‘’
The registrations for the workshop are on full swing with requests being phenomenal. ‘’We are not only getting applications from musicians within the country but also from all over the world,’’ says Prasanna.
Such workshops he feels, make even the best professional player a student for a while. The application can be downloaded from http:// www.guitarprasanna .com/prasanna/applicationpacket.pdf. It also needs to be accompanied by a demo tape or cd of work done. ‘We want to accommodate as many people as we can and there is no age limit except for participants being above 13 – basically those who are comfortable being on their own. We are looking at a good proportion – musicians who scan the spectrum. I wouldn’t want a profusion of heavy metal musicians or have 25 guitarists and just three drummers. The curriculum must be beneficial to all.’’ The cost of the workshop works out to rs 28,000w which includes everything.
Says Mr GRK Reddy, Chairman and MD, Marg Group, ‘’this is something so good for our new city coming up there. And who better than Prasanna to do this? And besides many people are getting into music in a big way and this can fulfil that need.’’
The workshop ends with a huge concert with everyone having a chance to play and provide Chennaites a taste of what different strands of music can do. August 22 also happens to be Chennai Formation Day and ‘’we want to give back to the city that has given us all so much. It’s a free concert and the venue will be decided soon. These are top level musicians and its a fantastic thing for music lovers in Chennai,’’ adds Prasanna. It should be a treat indeed with some of the participants of the workshops already being the best and well known musicians of the country.
Colors make a lot of difference
The exhibition that is on show at the Apparao Galleries features three artists under the title Mystique Truths, on the ground floor with each of them experiencing such an exquisite view of the world around through their paintings. Whether it is the mixed media creations of Manish Nai or the brilliant colouring of what P Suresh Kumar does or the abstractions of S Kumaresan, which looks at nature and all its elements for him to bring that to the canvas.
Looking at Manish Nai’s work that uses textures of all kinds- jute, butter paper—there is the minimalist manner of using colours and impressions. A thin rectangle here or a block there puts the work in perspective within the colours he chooses to use- the dull greens, black, browns, rust—making such an impact that they need to be seen. The largish frames bring to the walls a sense of the musicality the artist also probably has in mind. The moods and emotions come across through these very tranquil shades that at once ease and energise. When it comes to Suresh Kumar, his canvas abounds in brilliant colours- the acrylics lend themselves to such colourings as well and every shape form or dash of paint is about nature and its beauty. He believes in spontaneity and that is also why he prefers the abstractions which he feels do not restrict the imagination and is also free from the confines of the conscious mind and allows him to capture all that is beautiful, momentary and ephemeral.
To some extent the work of S Kumaresan, also tends to do that- but his work is more of the meandering mind – a bit gross in the manner of the form- but beautiful nevertheless. The artist from Chennai uses his knowledge and experience to create an abstract body of work that is largely inspired by nature and the world around him. A bird, a tree or anything that he sees as part of nature finds expression on his canvas and the style is very arresting when one looks deep into it.
The gallery is also playing host to another exhibition at the second floor – the paintings of D Dhasan, who is a young creative artist from this state. His paintings communicate the unseen energy of the universe. Again nature in its abstract form comes across on his canvas complementing the work that is on display at the ground level.
********
At Prakrit Gallery, Kotturpuram, a collection of contemporary work by several artists is on show. Artists such as Adhimoolam, C Douglas, Partho Shah, R Bala, John Tunsein, Devidas Dharmadhikari, Dilip Choudhary, C Balasubramaiam, Pramatesh Chandra etc. The mixed media work of R Bala uses pieces and parts of clocks and other mechanical aids to create something that is not just dramatic but also very aesthetic. The use of the bright sheen of metals brings to the canvas a sense of verve and uniqueness. The black white and touched with red creations of Dilip, are full of lustre even if they have only these three stark colours on. Women in their ethnic brilliance- in terms of the detailing of their clothes their expressions, their forms are remarkable in the way the artist puts them together in a game of shells. The mirrors on their blouses almost reflect like real mirrors so much is the detailing and the manner of colouring. The austere man- a form that is imposing watches out of the canvas in the work done by Pramatesh Chandra. The lines are angular and the colours minimalist to create more of the graveness with which he looks on at the world around. In fact most of the paintings on display forms a good collection that brings artists together under one roof and with differing but complementary sense of Indianess. The gallery will soon be presenting Points to Lines, an exhibition that showcases drawings of senior artists from across the country.
Looking at Manish Nai’s work that uses textures of all kinds- jute, butter paper—there is the minimalist manner of using colours and impressions. A thin rectangle here or a block there puts the work in perspective within the colours he chooses to use- the dull greens, black, browns, rust—making such an impact that they need to be seen. The largish frames bring to the walls a sense of the musicality the artist also probably has in mind. The moods and emotions come across through these very tranquil shades that at once ease and energise. When it comes to Suresh Kumar, his canvas abounds in brilliant colours- the acrylics lend themselves to such colourings as well and every shape form or dash of paint is about nature and its beauty. He believes in spontaneity and that is also why he prefers the abstractions which he feels do not restrict the imagination and is also free from the confines of the conscious mind and allows him to capture all that is beautiful, momentary and ephemeral.
To some extent the work of S Kumaresan, also tends to do that- but his work is more of the meandering mind – a bit gross in the manner of the form- but beautiful nevertheless. The artist from Chennai uses his knowledge and experience to create an abstract body of work that is largely inspired by nature and the world around him. A bird, a tree or anything that he sees as part of nature finds expression on his canvas and the style is very arresting when one looks deep into it.
The gallery is also playing host to another exhibition at the second floor – the paintings of D Dhasan, who is a young creative artist from this state. His paintings communicate the unseen energy of the universe. Again nature in its abstract form comes across on his canvas complementing the work that is on display at the ground level.
********
At Prakrit Gallery, Kotturpuram, a collection of contemporary work by several artists is on show. Artists such as Adhimoolam, C Douglas, Partho Shah, R Bala, John Tunsein, Devidas Dharmadhikari, Dilip Choudhary, C Balasubramaiam, Pramatesh Chandra etc. The mixed media work of R Bala uses pieces and parts of clocks and other mechanical aids to create something that is not just dramatic but also very aesthetic. The use of the bright sheen of metals brings to the canvas a sense of verve and uniqueness. The black white and touched with red creations of Dilip, are full of lustre even if they have only these three stark colours on. Women in their ethnic brilliance- in terms of the detailing of their clothes their expressions, their forms are remarkable in the way the artist puts them together in a game of shells. The mirrors on their blouses almost reflect like real mirrors so much is the detailing and the manner of colouring. The austere man- a form that is imposing watches out of the canvas in the work done by Pramatesh Chandra. The lines are angular and the colours minimalist to create more of the graveness with which he looks on at the world around. In fact most of the paintings on display forms a good collection that brings artists together under one roof and with differing but complementary sense of Indianess. The gallery will soon be presenting Points to Lines, an exhibition that showcases drawings of senior artists from across the country.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
When you get to see something nice
The art form of bharatnatyam is such that unless there is that precision combined with grace there is likely to be boredom while watching an average performance. And this is something that happens as a matter of routine considering there are so many dancers and almost all of them want to be on stage to show what they have learnt, not necessarily mastered – to the best of their abilities. And sometimes this best does not seem enough for the style shows up average dancing.
Which is why one was pleasantly surprised to see the recital of Vinidhra at the Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall on July 18. It was a recital that not just brought out the beautiful geometrical precision of bharatnatyam, but was also laced with so much grace that all the angularities came across as something very aesthetic. And this comes about also with good sound training and dedication.
Coming as she does from the United States, Vinidhra has been learning dance there and has had her arengretram and has been placed in the Top Five at the First Cleveland Aradhana Dance competition in April 2007. Now into her second year of undergrad at UC Berkeley, California, the artist gave a very account of herself and the margam she chose to display.
Beginning with the Mallari – one of the most traditional pieces in the bharatnatyam repertoire, the Gambheera Nattai piece was a prelude to a recital that was filled with some very memorable moments. The stances, the positioning of the hands, the manner of being firmly in control over the nritta , and the easy mobility of expressions that came in smooth transitions --all of these and more ,were evident in all the pieces chosen. The Sadashivan Maindane in Hamsadhwani, a Maharajapuram Santhanam composition brought back nostalgic memories of this musical maestro and Vinidhra gave this item a unique empathy while describing Shiva. The ode to Shiva continued into the Varnam, Konjum Salangai in Lathangi, a Madurai Muralidharan, composition, which had several beautiful jathi portions with a wealth of devotion attatched to it. It was particularly in this that her stances bore the strength of training and practise, as she appeared light footed and yet firm when it came to footwork. In praise of Goddess Lakshmi, Ranjanimala in Ragamalika, was eloquently done also thanks to the sensitive vocal by Hariprasad. In fact the entire recital felt uplifted also thanks to this element. The Theruvil Vaaraano in Kamas, and the Thillana in Kadanakuthoohalam, concluded the recital that reiterated that for a good bharatnatyam recital there needs to be more than just years and mere knowledge of the dance form. There also needs to be that extra lustre and soul to what one does to bring about an effectiveness that translates into something memorable. Guru Vidhya Subramanian must also be credited for this – and on the nattuvangam conducted the recital with quiet grace. Sigamani on the Violin, Nellai D Kannan on the mridangam and Sashidharan on the flute provided good orchestral support despite the indifferent acoustics at the hall. .
Which is why one was pleasantly surprised to see the recital of Vinidhra at the Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall on July 18. It was a recital that not just brought out the beautiful geometrical precision of bharatnatyam, but was also laced with so much grace that all the angularities came across as something very aesthetic. And this comes about also with good sound training and dedication.
Coming as she does from the United States, Vinidhra has been learning dance there and has had her arengretram and has been placed in the Top Five at the First Cleveland Aradhana Dance competition in April 2007. Now into her second year of undergrad at UC Berkeley, California, the artist gave a very account of herself and the margam she chose to display.
Beginning with the Mallari – one of the most traditional pieces in the bharatnatyam repertoire, the Gambheera Nattai piece was a prelude to a recital that was filled with some very memorable moments. The stances, the positioning of the hands, the manner of being firmly in control over the nritta , and the easy mobility of expressions that came in smooth transitions --all of these and more ,were evident in all the pieces chosen. The Sadashivan Maindane in Hamsadhwani, a Maharajapuram Santhanam composition brought back nostalgic memories of this musical maestro and Vinidhra gave this item a unique empathy while describing Shiva. The ode to Shiva continued into the Varnam, Konjum Salangai in Lathangi, a Madurai Muralidharan, composition, which had several beautiful jathi portions with a wealth of devotion attatched to it. It was particularly in this that her stances bore the strength of training and practise, as she appeared light footed and yet firm when it came to footwork. In praise of Goddess Lakshmi, Ranjanimala in Ragamalika, was eloquently done also thanks to the sensitive vocal by Hariprasad. In fact the entire recital felt uplifted also thanks to this element. The Theruvil Vaaraano in Kamas, and the Thillana in Kadanakuthoohalam, concluded the recital that reiterated that for a good bharatnatyam recital there needs to be more than just years and mere knowledge of the dance form. There also needs to be that extra lustre and soul to what one does to bring about an effectiveness that translates into something memorable. Guru Vidhya Subramanian must also be credited for this – and on the nattuvangam conducted the recital with quiet grace. Sigamani on the Violin, Nellai D Kannan on the mridangam and Sashidharan on the flute provided good orchestral support despite the indifferent acoustics at the hall. .
Monday, July 13, 2009
When music is in the fingers
I watched as the slender fingers touched the chords,
they seemed to be touching my own
Seemingly like simple rods of steel
they seemed to be the link to my soul.
Then the music started out of those strings,
thin, silver and unassuming.
But if anything, can stir those senses
then they can only be those fingers on those links!
they seemed to be touching my own
Seemingly like simple rods of steel
they seemed to be the link to my soul.
Then the music started out of those strings,
thin, silver and unassuming.
But if anything, can stir those senses
then they can only be those fingers on those links!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Ashad Ka Ek Din, is one of Mohan Rakesh's masterpieces of gloom - ah, but so beautiful. The sheer poetry of writing about Kalidas, is an irrepressible urge among writers ( I would think, but would also be happy to be contradicted) because of the inherent pathos of a man ,who goes chasing after his own heart's desires.
Err, nothing wrong with that. Today its the done thing. And so it was those days ,when men believed that they must do what they must do. Stories abound about how men looked at a beautiful woman, woo her , make love to her and then move on to perform their other manly duties; it could be ruling a land, being a landlord or whatever. And then of course, they would forget that brief but beautiful interlude ,till the damsel in literal distress would land up with a tiny little baby in tow to remind them of that moment, when love meant everything. It happened with Shakuntala and Dushyanta, with Kunti and the Sun Lord and oh so many such instances. This is not really about all of them. This is about the way Mohan Rakesh drew up the character of Kalidasa as a man, an artist and a detatched soul.
Even as he grew famous writing some of the best works in Indian literature, the man himself has remained a mere mortal. But that is how they are and people make the mistake of associating certain standard good qualities of loyalty, compassion , love et all, to them because of the confusion arising from their marvelous creativity and their being.
A creative person is not necessarily the best to be around with. As it was in the case with Kalidas- who enjoyed the love ,passion and poetry that Mallika brings to him ,but never really had the strength to stand by her and be with her till the end. I wouldnt really say he was lured by the bright lights of Ujjain and the laurels that were waiting for him over there. That is actually not what he was looking for- but he did look for ways and means of living down his shortcomings, which were so part of him. The agony and ecstasy of having both. It is human and that is why one does not end up hating him.
But what of Mallika, who lives a life of denial? My battle is with the likes of women like her. Why do they have to deify such men? They know the failings, but are still willingly to obviously drown that aspect. Love unconditionally? Maybe. But I'm still not able to come to terms with that. Blame that on my being around in a world of today. That makes me wonder if I would be able to do the same. Love the man no matter what? Its a good and bad thing and as I'm writing this I am actually losing the drift of what I really wanted to write about in the first place.
Ah Mohan Rakesh and his Kalidas.
So then Kalidas loves and leaves his beautiful Mallika to go to Ujjain and get used to the world of luxury and excess. His marriage to the princess, brings him to a pinnacle he never imagined.Even got to rule the world for a while; but then all good things come to an end. Nothing allowed him to forget the one and only love in his life though. The rain, the clouds and everything associated with raw beauty, reminded him of his home and the woman who complemented him so aptly.
Time that goes is unrelenting. Nothing remains the same. Nothing ever can. He comes back to see how Mallika is no more his. In the physical sense. Soul wise, they never belonged to anyone else. But then, we have to judge everything in the physicality of things on earth.
Souls have connections you see. Maybe that is the point I'm trying to make through all this. And this is something that does not allow those that are meant for each other, to live lives that dont have them in it. So it was for Kalidas with all his longing and poignant poetry; so it was for Mallika, who lived a life of penury and disgrace ; and so it is for many of us, who realise that the soul has a partner out somewhere. Even if one recognises it, the other could take time. Or be trapped in a body, that cannot belong in this lifetime. Who knows when and how they will meet?
Err, nothing wrong with that. Today its the done thing. And so it was those days ,when men believed that they must do what they must do. Stories abound about how men looked at a beautiful woman, woo her , make love to her and then move on to perform their other manly duties; it could be ruling a land, being a landlord or whatever. And then of course, they would forget that brief but beautiful interlude ,till the damsel in literal distress would land up with a tiny little baby in tow to remind them of that moment, when love meant everything. It happened with Shakuntala and Dushyanta, with Kunti and the Sun Lord and oh so many such instances. This is not really about all of them. This is about the way Mohan Rakesh drew up the character of Kalidasa as a man, an artist and a detatched soul.
Even as he grew famous writing some of the best works in Indian literature, the man himself has remained a mere mortal. But that is how they are and people make the mistake of associating certain standard good qualities of loyalty, compassion , love et all, to them because of the confusion arising from their marvelous creativity and their being.
A creative person is not necessarily the best to be around with. As it was in the case with Kalidas- who enjoyed the love ,passion and poetry that Mallika brings to him ,but never really had the strength to stand by her and be with her till the end. I wouldnt really say he was lured by the bright lights of Ujjain and the laurels that were waiting for him over there. That is actually not what he was looking for- but he did look for ways and means of living down his shortcomings, which were so part of him. The agony and ecstasy of having both. It is human and that is why one does not end up hating him.
But what of Mallika, who lives a life of denial? My battle is with the likes of women like her. Why do they have to deify such men? They know the failings, but are still willingly to obviously drown that aspect. Love unconditionally? Maybe. But I'm still not able to come to terms with that. Blame that on my being around in a world of today. That makes me wonder if I would be able to do the same. Love the man no matter what? Its a good and bad thing and as I'm writing this I am actually losing the drift of what I really wanted to write about in the first place.
Ah Mohan Rakesh and his Kalidas.
So then Kalidas loves and leaves his beautiful Mallika to go to Ujjain and get used to the world of luxury and excess. His marriage to the princess, brings him to a pinnacle he never imagined.Even got to rule the world for a while; but then all good things come to an end. Nothing allowed him to forget the one and only love in his life though. The rain, the clouds and everything associated with raw beauty, reminded him of his home and the woman who complemented him so aptly.
Time that goes is unrelenting. Nothing remains the same. Nothing ever can. He comes back to see how Mallika is no more his. In the physical sense. Soul wise, they never belonged to anyone else. But then, we have to judge everything in the physicality of things on earth.
Souls have connections you see. Maybe that is the point I'm trying to make through all this. And this is something that does not allow those that are meant for each other, to live lives that dont have them in it. So it was for Kalidas with all his longing and poignant poetry; so it was for Mallika, who lived a life of penury and disgrace ; and so it is for many of us, who realise that the soul has a partner out somewhere. Even if one recognises it, the other could take time. Or be trapped in a body, that cannot belong in this lifetime. Who knows when and how they will meet?
Friday, July 3, 2009
Anger
Holding anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at somone else; you are the one who actually gets burnt-- The Buddha.
Whatever pours forth from the mind,
Possesses the nature of the owner
Are waves different from the water?
Their nature like that of space, is one and the same--The Buddha
Whatever pours forth from the mind,
Possesses the nature of the owner
Are waves different from the water?
Their nature like that of space, is one and the same--The Buddha
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The mind wanders
Nothing is what is seems
Or so they say
But what seems is what feels real
So then how can it be nothing?
My heart is aching
Ok so that is so trite
But its true
It feels like a boulder is pressing down
And it feels as real as birds swooping down the mountains
Will a touch assuage this
Or will a post do that?
Will a song lift the boulder
Or can a word put the balm?
None of which I know
Will comply and save
But this muscle and blood
Will be on till its
Time foretold
So while the heart continues to ache and pulse
The mind wanders in abandon
Floods the being with feelings not quite known
Masters say don't let it
But Masters did'nt account for the passion
That went the wrong way?
Here I am
Perpetually at cross roads
Should I go there or here?
The mind wanders yet again
And the journey is on
Till its designated time
Or so they say
But what seems is what feels real
So then how can it be nothing?
My heart is aching
Ok so that is so trite
But its true
It feels like a boulder is pressing down
And it feels as real as birds swooping down the mountains
Will a touch assuage this
Or will a post do that?
Will a song lift the boulder
Or can a word put the balm?
None of which I know
Will comply and save
But this muscle and blood
Will be on till its
Time foretold
So while the heart continues to ache and pulse
The mind wanders in abandon
Floods the being with feelings not quite known
Masters say don't let it
But Masters did'nt account for the passion
That went the wrong way?
Here I am
Perpetually at cross roads
Should I go there or here?
The mind wanders yet again
And the journey is on
Till its designated time
I Wonder
I really wonder about these blogs. Does anyone actually care about what some random person is saying? I mean on this planet of some billions of people, the air is heady with opinions, raves, rants and whatever. Does anyone really care?
Sometimes I feel that this blogging is also something people who can't in real life make proper conversation do- write things they would'nt dream of saying in any forum, let alone even when they are by themselves. Now this is how it seems to be ,because being in the business of being paid to have an opinion,I dont have a problem saying what I have to say either in front of hundreds of people or in a small group. And then of course, there are yards and yards of newsprint from where I really can shout out my opinions and what have you. And then of course, there is also Facebook ,where everyone knows what you are thinking- at least most of it, never mind if it is voyeristic.
So when I see some blogs with such virulent opiniated views on almost everything, sometimes I feel like saying,'' hey pal, just chill, wont you?'' Almost always, those with the most rabid or lets just say filled with such self importance statements, could be the proverbial wallflower.
Hey I'm saying all this knowing fully that should one of these self appointed keepers of consiousness read what I'm saying will have a couple of nasty things to retort. I hope they do. For then I would know that I'm somewhere right.
Summer shimmers
The sea is restless
Ships placidly lie in wait
For that moment of movement
And the sun is not sure when to shine
The trees mulishly still
Yet there is a hint of breeze
Is that from my mind or really from the air/
The waters undulate with a music all thier own
Lovers call
But wires are not crossing
Hearts are full
Without the comfort of touch
Let the world go around
The heat is here to stay
But there is nothing that is static
For in the sky there is a debate about disgorgement
A loud plop and there it lands
On more of summer shimmers
Diamonds for a moment
Not hard though
For nature is a woman
To love, hold and to nurture
Sometimes I feel that this blogging is also something people who can't in real life make proper conversation do- write things they would'nt dream of saying in any forum, let alone even when they are by themselves. Now this is how it seems to be ,because being in the business of being paid to have an opinion,I dont have a problem saying what I have to say either in front of hundreds of people or in a small group. And then of course, there are yards and yards of newsprint from where I really can shout out my opinions and what have you. And then of course, there is also Facebook ,where everyone knows what you are thinking- at least most of it, never mind if it is voyeristic.
So when I see some blogs with such virulent opiniated views on almost everything, sometimes I feel like saying,'' hey pal, just chill, wont you?'' Almost always, those with the most rabid or lets just say filled with such self importance statements, could be the proverbial wallflower.
Hey I'm saying all this knowing fully that should one of these self appointed keepers of consiousness read what I'm saying will have a couple of nasty things to retort. I hope they do. For then I would know that I'm somewhere right.
Summer shimmers
The sea is restless
Ships placidly lie in wait
For that moment of movement
And the sun is not sure when to shine
The trees mulishly still
Yet there is a hint of breeze
Is that from my mind or really from the air/
The waters undulate with a music all thier own
Lovers call
But wires are not crossing
Hearts are full
Without the comfort of touch
Let the world go around
The heat is here to stay
But there is nothing that is static
For in the sky there is a debate about disgorgement
A loud plop and there it lands
On more of summer shimmers
Diamonds for a moment
Not hard though
For nature is a woman
To love, hold and to nurture
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
You Need To Be Choiceless
That's what Shekhar Kapoor says.
We are moral people living in an immoral world.
How does that work?
Its because we constantly face choices- the dilemma of what is the right and the wrong. Well ,that is the basic premise but its not as easy as it sounds. For any creative person chaos, angst, doubt and a certian madness are essential. The process of creativity comes about when the choices are reduced and finally there are none. That is when the product shows itself to be of totality.
Shekhar Kapoor is sauve, good looking and speaks well.
I had a hard time not to wonder about the fact that he is single now and probably available? But being in the circles i know he is ,I'm pretty sure some woman must be up his sleeve- pun intended!
Ah so now you guessed that I am of the female gender- though it could be a man too- if you saw Rituparno I won't blame anyone for thinking, now is this a man or a woman?
But then, sensitivity and creativity know no gender or class. The mind is pretty asexual, when it comes to making something out of nothing.
Enough of Shekhar who probably does not even know I exist- but I do.
Choices- let's get back to that. They say everything is destined- preplanned and all worked out by our respective karma and the dues we need to pay. So if that were the case ,when things happen; when we meet people ;fall in love or anything that needs a decision of some sort we need to figure out what should follow. Here is where we make out choices- I would say here is where free will comes to play and thus the so called karmic cycle moves on.
So then I guess the choicelessness comes into play here. Sometimes you don't have the choice but to make the right or wrong decision. Am I sounding contradictory? I guess in a way that really is the essense of life.
I'm in a contemplative mood today. I have choices to make too. I don't know the path - I don't know what I should take on- I don't know how to resolve the feelings I have- forbidden fruit is always so much more attractive?
We are moral people living in an immoral world.
How does that work?
Its because we constantly face choices- the dilemma of what is the right and the wrong. Well ,that is the basic premise but its not as easy as it sounds. For any creative person chaos, angst, doubt and a certian madness are essential. The process of creativity comes about when the choices are reduced and finally there are none. That is when the product shows itself to be of totality.
Shekhar Kapoor is sauve, good looking and speaks well.
I had a hard time not to wonder about the fact that he is single now and probably available? But being in the circles i know he is ,I'm pretty sure some woman must be up his sleeve- pun intended!
Ah so now you guessed that I am of the female gender- though it could be a man too- if you saw Rituparno I won't blame anyone for thinking, now is this a man or a woman?
But then, sensitivity and creativity know no gender or class. The mind is pretty asexual, when it comes to making something out of nothing.
Enough of Shekhar who probably does not even know I exist- but I do.
Choices- let's get back to that. They say everything is destined- preplanned and all worked out by our respective karma and the dues we need to pay. So if that were the case ,when things happen; when we meet people ;fall in love or anything that needs a decision of some sort we need to figure out what should follow. Here is where we make out choices- I would say here is where free will comes to play and thus the so called karmic cycle moves on.
So then I guess the choicelessness comes into play here. Sometimes you don't have the choice but to make the right or wrong decision. Am I sounding contradictory? I guess in a way that really is the essense of life.
I'm in a contemplative mood today. I have choices to make too. I don't know the path - I don't know what I should take on- I don't know how to resolve the feelings I have- forbidden fruit is always so much more attractive?
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sigh
Boy, this sure requires one hellava lot of discipline.
Since I write all the time ,I find this out of my ambit and something that needs some kind of persistent efforts to write in. Not that I don't have enough to write about.
I have thoughts that are tumbling out of me all the time. Now whether anyone else would be interested in knowing it, is besides the point. I have always maintained that I have an opinion on everything. And I mean everything. Sometimes I don't want to voice it, for fear of hurting someone or something others are attatched to.
Having said that ,I went for a rather eclectic concert today.Called happy music to induce the happy hormones and thus spread peace and happinesss? Well,I dont know if that would happen but I saw that the audience that had gathered there, was in a state of bliss.Its not often they get to sit in airconditioned hall, albeit very small, and hear a young group belt out songs( not probably heard before)-- seemed like lazy flow of a river on a sunny day. It meandered through ballads, jazz, eastern, funk what have you and it actually was a very pleasant evening. And then, when I do go for such things,I wish I had that special someone along with me so the happy hormones could flow into a serene state of mind. Special does not necessarily have to be of the opposite gender- it could be anyone, who is along the same wavelength- when words are redundant and when silence is so comfortable. You do have that with great friends too, you know?
Of course, if it is the great love that drives one then all the better.
Hmm
I'll leave with this incompletion for now. More on this later
Ciao
Since I write all the time ,I find this out of my ambit and something that needs some kind of persistent efforts to write in. Not that I don't have enough to write about.
I have thoughts that are tumbling out of me all the time. Now whether anyone else would be interested in knowing it, is besides the point. I have always maintained that I have an opinion on everything. And I mean everything. Sometimes I don't want to voice it, for fear of hurting someone or something others are attatched to.
Having said that ,I went for a rather eclectic concert today.Called happy music to induce the happy hormones and thus spread peace and happinesss? Well,I dont know if that would happen but I saw that the audience that had gathered there, was in a state of bliss.Its not often they get to sit in airconditioned hall, albeit very small, and hear a young group belt out songs( not probably heard before)-- seemed like lazy flow of a river on a sunny day. It meandered through ballads, jazz, eastern, funk what have you and it actually was a very pleasant evening. And then, when I do go for such things,I wish I had that special someone along with me so the happy hormones could flow into a serene state of mind. Special does not necessarily have to be of the opposite gender- it could be anyone, who is along the same wavelength- when words are redundant and when silence is so comfortable. You do have that with great friends too, you know?
Of course, if it is the great love that drives one then all the better.
Hmm
I'll leave with this incompletion for now. More on this later
Ciao
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Thing About Relationships
Yeah. Isnt this what preoccupies most people?
Either because of it or for the lack of it.
The damning part of it all is the way people get entangled, without even them realising that they are getting into an intricate web that will take a toll on their emotions.
Happens all the time
Like I did
like I am doing
and like I guess, I will be doing till the day I die
Why do we meet someone, who seems to have practically no reason to come but to make one feel worse than before?
For a reason, for a season, would say all those who are into alternate living.
People come because you need to learn something or finish something?
He came
He tickled my intellect
I told myself I can handle this
but before I knew it ,I was so caught
That I could'nt let go
I knew it was truly bad for me
But who hears the quiet voice of reason in moments such as these
So it went on
For a while
Words couching a wealth of passion
Triggering off days to look forward
To the next bout of interaction
Till the silence set in
A cold unrelenting silence
It clawed around my heart like the cold that refuses to be warmed
I tried my best to rekindle
To no avail
The distance was too much to surmount
After all
Only when you know what caused it
Can you cross that vast ,lonely plain of space
So here I am
Wondering who is having the last laugh
Its not me for sure
Maybe, as they say
It was indeed for a season
To make me see the futility of it all
Voyagers in this life
All going to one end
Got to be done alone
And that is what I am doing now
Either because of it or for the lack of it.
The damning part of it all is the way people get entangled, without even them realising that they are getting into an intricate web that will take a toll on their emotions.
Happens all the time
Like I did
like I am doing
and like I guess, I will be doing till the day I die
Why do we meet someone, who seems to have practically no reason to come but to make one feel worse than before?
For a reason, for a season, would say all those who are into alternate living.
People come because you need to learn something or finish something?
He came
He tickled my intellect
I told myself I can handle this
but before I knew it ,I was so caught
That I could'nt let go
I knew it was truly bad for me
But who hears the quiet voice of reason in moments such as these
So it went on
For a while
Words couching a wealth of passion
Triggering off days to look forward
To the next bout of interaction
Till the silence set in
A cold unrelenting silence
It clawed around my heart like the cold that refuses to be warmed
I tried my best to rekindle
To no avail
The distance was too much to surmount
After all
Only when you know what caused it
Can you cross that vast ,lonely plain of space
So here I am
Wondering who is having the last laugh
Its not me for sure
Maybe, as they say
It was indeed for a season
To make me see the futility of it all
Voyagers in this life
All going to one end
Got to be done alone
And that is what I am doing now
Sunday, May 24, 2009
ill wait
Damn
I'll wait till the IPL fever goes with the passing days.
Annoying, Irritating and whatever else you can think of when anything becomes an obsession.
Here I am in high stress,
All cause there is a game being played
much shouting and yelling
and I am sitting in filing my life
What's it about men running here and there
would they do it just like that?
nothing is just that for
money is what they run after
Let them
I say
its no sweat off my back
but I am involved as bunches of my regulars
are no longer in circulation save for a few days in the cold
So I wait
Let this pass
As all does pass
And when it does,I shall know who lives and who does not
Yet amidst all this,I wait for yet another thing
A word ,a line, a verse
From somone I love so deeply
I just wait
I'll wait till the IPL fever goes with the passing days.
Annoying, Irritating and whatever else you can think of when anything becomes an obsession.
Here I am in high stress,
All cause there is a game being played
much shouting and yelling
and I am sitting in filing my life
What's it about men running here and there
would they do it just like that?
nothing is just that for
money is what they run after
Let them
I say
its no sweat off my back
but I am involved as bunches of my regulars
are no longer in circulation save for a few days in the cold
So I wait
Let this pass
As all does pass
And when it does,I shall know who lives and who does not
Yet amidst all this,I wait for yet another thing
A word ,a line, a verse
From somone I love so deeply
I just wait
Monday, May 18, 2009
Its been a while i know
When I started on this thing called blog,I told myself I would put down anything that came to my mind.Which is also why I call it Right Off My Head. But I do know that writing anything --even if it mayt seem like nonsense to others-- requires a discipine. And I am not sure I have that quality. OH, when it comes to deadlines I do cover it good and proper.But something like this?
Well then, if I have to get down to the business of thoughts making an appearance as words and sentences ,then I will have to say what I am thinking!
I travelled a bit this week. To Delhi and yes in this heat and when the election results were trickling in first and then gushing out of every channel worth its name. Strangely ,the surprises were being handled without too much hysteria and the Ruling Party has in a way been humbled by the way the Indian voter has decided its fate. Along with this grave sense of responsibility, also comes a feeling of doing what the party believes in. No more dithering, no more horse trading. People have seen some value in continuity and deep down all those who are in power today know that.
Ruling the country is such serious business. And there has been such a shift in the way the young India has percieved the leaders.Jago Re and other such enterprises, have ensured that the youth would feel bad if they did not vote. So out of fear of being labelled as being apathetic, many turned up at the polling booths to cast a vote.
And in that they voted for a young man,whose poise and dignity, probably does not match experince and knowledge of everything. But so what? Don't we all start not knowing much but learn along the way?
I do hope that this young lot will take everything in their stride and not be open to the influences of yesterday. They would need to think out of the box and remain to a large extent, incorruptible. With that comes the responsibilty. I have the faith and I have the hope. I hope I am proved right about this.
So then Delhi is hot - weather wise and other wise. But its a city with its own character. Am I saying something new? I guess not. But just see how things are bustling about. The people, the streets and the arts. Here is where international shows get their viewing and no matter what one may say about the South - this is the gateway to the world knowing a large part of the Indian artistic profile.
But then its also mine. Every place in India is also mine. And I think every Indian should feel a sense of propriety about every part of this country. If we do then this is a nation that will survive every onslaught - Am I right?
Well then, if I have to get down to the business of thoughts making an appearance as words and sentences ,then I will have to say what I am thinking!
I travelled a bit this week. To Delhi and yes in this heat and when the election results were trickling in first and then gushing out of every channel worth its name. Strangely ,the surprises were being handled without too much hysteria and the Ruling Party has in a way been humbled by the way the Indian voter has decided its fate. Along with this grave sense of responsibility, also comes a feeling of doing what the party believes in. No more dithering, no more horse trading. People have seen some value in continuity and deep down all those who are in power today know that.
Ruling the country is such serious business. And there has been such a shift in the way the young India has percieved the leaders.Jago Re and other such enterprises, have ensured that the youth would feel bad if they did not vote. So out of fear of being labelled as being apathetic, many turned up at the polling booths to cast a vote.
And in that they voted for a young man,whose poise and dignity, probably does not match experince and knowledge of everything. But so what? Don't we all start not knowing much but learn along the way?
I do hope that this young lot will take everything in their stride and not be open to the influences of yesterday. They would need to think out of the box and remain to a large extent, incorruptible. With that comes the responsibilty. I have the faith and I have the hope. I hope I am proved right about this.
So then Delhi is hot - weather wise and other wise. But its a city with its own character. Am I saying something new? I guess not. But just see how things are bustling about. The people, the streets and the arts. Here is where international shows get their viewing and no matter what one may say about the South - this is the gateway to the world knowing a large part of the Indian artistic profile.
But then its also mine. Every place in India is also mine. And I think every Indian should feel a sense of propriety about every part of this country. If we do then this is a nation that will survive every onslaught - Am I right?
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Everything you want ,is in the Universe
Its true.
Not heard of the saying-- if you want something so bad you almost invariably end up getting it?
Well, something like that could have spawned the kind of books that The Secret talks about too. That, put one good thought out and the Universe conspires to get it for you. Its a great super market out there- you can, if you will.
The thing is, most of us don't quite know what we want. We want many things that are obvious. Like a good job; lots of money; fabulous house; arm candy for the world so on and so forth. I mean ,the materialism is much easier to relate to . But then, beyond that are those intangibles that are so hard to explain. The need to be appreciated is so strong, that it has its own manner of presenting itself. To be loved; to be looked up to; to be wanted! And when these things are sought to be categorised, they seem kind of simple expectations-- not too difficult to fulfill! But it does not work that way.
Ever seen the horizon? Deceptive enough to be seemingly near ,but as you walk towards it there is only a stretch that seems eternal. Yyou never quite get there. And these feelings sometimes are like that elusive horizon. It seems simple enough to get through --but the more you go towards them ,the further they retreat. And you are left with a feeling of not having much. You have it and yet you don't.
In life,I dont think there is ever a moment of just happiness or sadness. Or for that matter any kind of emotion that is purely singular. Everything almost always comes with its accompanying opposite. Ever tried getting some great news? I'll bet you do. But then, along with that also comes something that would bother you .You really can't completely enjoy that moment of high as a nagging sense of its opposite, is also present.
Everything therefore, needs to be looked at in the same manner- good or the bad. Nothing new I'm saying here. But then ,only when there is equanimity can there be any place for fulfillment. And fulfillment does not come from finishing something- it comes as part of the process. The process is this business called Life.
Not heard of the saying-- if you want something so bad you almost invariably end up getting it?
Well, something like that could have spawned the kind of books that The Secret talks about too. That, put one good thought out and the Universe conspires to get it for you. Its a great super market out there- you can, if you will.
The thing is, most of us don't quite know what we want. We want many things that are obvious. Like a good job; lots of money; fabulous house; arm candy for the world so on and so forth. I mean ,the materialism is much easier to relate to . But then, beyond that are those intangibles that are so hard to explain. The need to be appreciated is so strong, that it has its own manner of presenting itself. To be loved; to be looked up to; to be wanted! And when these things are sought to be categorised, they seem kind of simple expectations-- not too difficult to fulfill! But it does not work that way.
Ever seen the horizon? Deceptive enough to be seemingly near ,but as you walk towards it there is only a stretch that seems eternal. Yyou never quite get there. And these feelings sometimes are like that elusive horizon. It seems simple enough to get through --but the more you go towards them ,the further they retreat. And you are left with a feeling of not having much. You have it and yet you don't.
In life,I dont think there is ever a moment of just happiness or sadness. Or for that matter any kind of emotion that is purely singular. Everything almost always comes with its accompanying opposite. Ever tried getting some great news? I'll bet you do. But then, along with that also comes something that would bother you .You really can't completely enjoy that moment of high as a nagging sense of its opposite, is also present.
Everything therefore, needs to be looked at in the same manner- good or the bad. Nothing new I'm saying here. But then ,only when there is equanimity can there be any place for fulfillment. And fulfillment does not come from finishing something- it comes as part of the process. The process is this business called Life.
Something so delicate!
There is one film that constantly reminds me of how emotions can be so delicately portrayed. Stories are told, incidents are narrated; but not all of them carry that air of poignancy without reducing it to any melodrama. The film I'm talking about here is Rhythm made by Vasanth, who brings in several strands of feelings and balances them in the gentlest of manner. Every frame you see, is only rich with this element!
Two people meet in Mumbai- one is a photo editor at Indian Express and the other a banking clerk. He has an account in this bank and she is quiet, reticent and retiring. All three words explaining her attitude and her demenour. She refuses all overtures of friendliness from him and while he is puzzled, sometimes hurt by her actions ,takes it in his stride. His old parents see themselves as a burden on him, but he is the quintessential son-- loving them ,nurishing them with his warmth and care.
What then would have brought these two together? A train accident! That kills their respective ,loving spouses and the tragedy brings them to this city of opportunities. She has a child, which he finds out eventually and the child takes a shine to him. The rest is probably something a cinema loving nation can predict. Of course, it is evident to everyone but them that they are actually meant for each other. A story has to unfold and the way they come together is what Rhythm is about.
What is tender here, is not fledgling love that permeates through the story-- but the way in which relationships are centrered around this love. Father and son, mother in law /daughter in law, husband and wife, the viewer and the visuals. Like a slow waltz ,the dance builds up the rising cresendo of music within every color every frame every expression is about human compassion, angst and ultimate joy.
In life too, relationships are the anchors -- we may not really realise that, but in every situation that would be the key to the outcome. Of anything. Ordinary things assume extraordinary luminance ,when put out into the universe with love. Love here is not the much bandied about term. Love is about living life in completion, inspite of imperfections. And if you see Rhythm ,you know excatly what I am talking about.
Two people meet in Mumbai- one is a photo editor at Indian Express and the other a banking clerk. He has an account in this bank and she is quiet, reticent and retiring. All three words explaining her attitude and her demenour. She refuses all overtures of friendliness from him and while he is puzzled, sometimes hurt by her actions ,takes it in his stride. His old parents see themselves as a burden on him, but he is the quintessential son-- loving them ,nurishing them with his warmth and care.
What then would have brought these two together? A train accident! That kills their respective ,loving spouses and the tragedy brings them to this city of opportunities. She has a child, which he finds out eventually and the child takes a shine to him. The rest is probably something a cinema loving nation can predict. Of course, it is evident to everyone but them that they are actually meant for each other. A story has to unfold and the way they come together is what Rhythm is about.
What is tender here, is not fledgling love that permeates through the story-- but the way in which relationships are centrered around this love. Father and son, mother in law /daughter in law, husband and wife, the viewer and the visuals. Like a slow waltz ,the dance builds up the rising cresendo of music within every color every frame every expression is about human compassion, angst and ultimate joy.
In life too, relationships are the anchors -- we may not really realise that, but in every situation that would be the key to the outcome. Of anything. Ordinary things assume extraordinary luminance ,when put out into the universe with love. Love here is not the much bandied about term. Love is about living life in completion, inspite of imperfections. And if you see Rhythm ,you know excatly what I am talking about.
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