Bhaag Milkha Bhaag!!!!!

Finally, I went to watch movie “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag” and I was speechless. Bollywood has surely grown over the years and the improvement in creativity is just phenomenal. I am very impressed with the way the director has used simple ingredients like color, water, nature and people to make his story impactful. The art of revealing the critical details of the story only when it is needed and when it is just right, is just marvelous. The monochromatic effect to portray the past, a past that has not buried itself peacefully but is still with him and those memories still haunt him….....

How can anyone use a simple ingredient like water and use it to show all the emotions of your life? That swaying water in a bucket representing freedom, innocence and curiosity as we are growing up, droplets of water bringing sweet memories of your first love, a bucket of sweat that reminds you of your hard work and success, that smell of wet soil that brings in all your best of memories....... But at the same time, the same water can be a disaster. It can also remind you of your pain, suffering, fear, agony and loss. How well has it been used? It is just commendable, and I have no words to describe it. All I have is applause and respect for the magician who could mesmerize me and left me craving for more.

I love the way Milkha Singh goes back and forth in his past. His anger and anguish taking him to achieve whatever he wanted, just to prove to himself, his father, his lady love and his beloved sister. Every relationship in the movie seems so real, whether it’s his relationship with his father, mother, sister, friend or his lady love.

A beautiful relationship between a brother and a sister, I being a sister know how it feels to have a younger brother. How you want to love him, pamper him, scold him but never find enough words to express your love. How you want him to do well in life, and do everything possible to help him when he is in trouble..... Because whenever he is in trouble, he looks up to you with that innocent smile and those eyes saying “please help, I think I'm in trouble.” The way a sister always knows what is his brother up to, and when caught red-handed he would shy and smile. The way your brother cannot see you cry, he will do anything to make you smile. He will be your clown, your friend and your mentor…..

The plight of his sister who is torn between the responsibility of being a wife and a sister is so well directed. She is just a wife for her husband but everything for her dear brother. Sadly, it’s the plight of almost every woman in our society except few lucky ones.

The pain of partition is so well captured, people being slaughtered and their hopeless eyes wandering for a loaf of bread. Milkha being unfortunate enough to witness his parent’s man slaughter, the turmoil within about what is right or wrong and betrayal from his own people, lying in a pool of blood of his family and holding on to their dead bodies......... as if they will wake up…… What a wonderful portrayal! Same effect as if you are watching the movie “300”. Those blood stained knifes somehow look less gross but are powerfully impactful.

His journey to fame, his glorious years and he becoming “the flying sikh” was just splendid. I was awed that they could pull out all those old footages for most of the events that Milkha had succeeded. Even his fling with the Australian girl is beautifully shot and nowhere does it look cheap. The intimacy is dignified, an attraction we would have felt sometime in our lives.

His facing his demons was just awesome, because no matter how much we try and bury our past...... It doesn't leave us... It haunts us till we decide to face it head on and fear no more. Once you look straight into the eyes of your fear, somehow it disappears.

I was just speechless when we came out of the movie, just didn't know what to say. All we came out was what a movie and more and more respect for Farhan Akthar. For not even once I felt he wasn't a sardar or he wasn't Milkha Singh. That dimpled smile, humility, and that sportsmanship is just beyond words to describe.

All I have is respect and more respect for Farhan and Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, they understand the impact of media and they know how well to use it for waking up today's youth. Rang de bansanti was a phenomenal movie...... everything in that movie was awesome. The characters, the dialogues, the portrayal, and direction everything was perfect. The parallel stories of freedom struggle on one hand and struggle for justice on the other hand. The stories you wouldn’t imagine to have any interaction but both the stories share the same sentiment.

Such people have definitely taken Indian cinema to the next level, and forced people like me to appreciate the talent we have here and that Bollywood is not only about stupid movies and item numbers. I am hardcore Hollywood fan, because I watch a movie for everything, story, characters, background scores, and direction. A movie that stays with me, and I can just close my eyes and play it in my head any number of times. Such movies inspire and amaze me at the same time. It amazes me as to what a human brain can do? How can it baffle you? How it teases you? I love movies that give me a food for thought, something that makes me think why so? Whether its people, society, cultures, religion, politics, and I try and look for answers. Obviously, such over analysis leaves me sometimes with some negative thoughts, some upsetting moments and I have troubled Vivek enough number of times with this. 

Anyways, I wish good luck to this new generation of movie-makers, who have beautifully excelled in the art of storytelling. I am sure they will take Indian cinema to new heights. And people like me (Hollywood fans) will have no choice but to applaud and say “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”…….

Go Bollywood…... Hat’s off to this one.

Weekend Get-Away to Matheran!!!

Finally, a pending post:)

We as the slaves of time, always look forward to take a break and feel free for once. I mean free to do what we like rather than being enclosed in the 4 walls of office or home. All we do is start with a sloppy Monday and all through the week wait for Friday. Interestingly, we all are so used to this Monday-Friday and Friday-Sunday cycle that our lives are just around these days.

Few crazy days at work, few hectic weekends and that all it takes for you to realize that's it!!! I really need some break to spend some time away from the twin cities and office. After a lot of yes and no sessions, I decided we have to go out.....doesn't matter what the place is like we will just go.

We packed our bags, got into the car and we started our adventure ride to Matheran. Thanks to Google maps for saving our time and energy in figuring out the way. Life has become so easy and dependable at the same time with technology. It was a wonderful drive via NH4. The road was surprisingly good with picturesque but when we hit a rough patch we realized we are still in India. The final 7-8km to the car parking area known as Dasturi was fun and scary at the same time. The dangerously steep slopes were scary; at every curve my heart almost skipped a beat. You just couldn't see the next curve or the road or any vehicle coming ahead which was a scary feeling but thankful we reached safely. Finally we made it to Dasturi, relieved and shocked at the same time; relieved obviously because we reached safely and shocked because we saw a sea of cars parked and being parked there. It's hard to believe that people would just come to Matheran for a day or so…….I guess desperation to go out does that to everyone.

Interestingly, Matheran is a no-automobile zone so after Dasturi other than the slowest train possible the only option left is a “horse”...... Yeah you heard it right. We had booked a place in the Neemrana group's "The Verandha in the forest" popularly known as the Barr House. It is at the extreme end of Matheran just near the lake. We got onto the horses and started our journey to our home stay. We see people, people and more people, felt as if the whole of Mumbai is there. Commercialization has hit this place big time, hotels big and small everything is there in this small place. As soon as we reached Neemrana, we knew we were in good hands; it's so aptly named Verandha in the forest..... Middle of nowhere just us and a window that overlooks a forest, chirping of birds some songs that I had never heard..... Monkeys all over the place and the best of all no phone, no Internet and no tv...... What more can you ask for :)

We were so tired of those 45 mins of horse ride that we just ate and crashed. Got up by the tea time and decided to go to the lake. There is something special about Matheran that worth mentioning.... The red sandy soil....... It will spoil your shoes, your clothes, your hair and your skin for sure. We decided to walk up to the Charlotte Lake and mannnn so many Gujjus, as if the whole of Gujarat was here....but why? Nonetheless all that mattered was we had come to take a break and we weren't very keen to explore the place. All we wanted to do was rest and relax.

Next day, we decided to go to the market in the evening and walk back which wasn't a very good idea in the night. There were lights but the way back was scary. It was just a vast forest with a sandy soil and all we had was a torch and we were walking close to each other as there were a lot of dogs that could come out of nowhere. Man... That walk was a scary but awesome with so much rush of adrenaline. I was amazed at my inherent human senses as I was able to hear even the slightest rustle of the leaves, could see some animal crossing our way even with limited visibility. I felt so alert and alive that I was so ready to attack anything that comes my way. I guess I have never felt such a strong survival instinct before.

I personally love the idea of using a heritage property and converting it to a "non hotel" hotel. The best part is that since the property is expensive, you will surely have a decent crowd and the best of services.We met this interesting Chef Mahesh, a super enthu guy who has been to most of the Neemrana properties and had learned cooking from the best Indian and continental chefs. And believe me this guy was good....his Indian was good but continental was awesome. And the dessert he made “apple pie" was to die for. Yummy is the word.

It felt like a complete British holiday, have breakfast, read a book, have lunch, take a nap, go for a walk, have dinner, read a book and sleep whenever you want and getup whenever you want. This holiday had the best Monday we both have ever had in the last one year. No Sunday blues, no getting up early, no running after the bus, racing to office, whole day running around in office to get work done and finally home....... Exhausted..........

Traveling has always been my passion; I just love to explore new places, culture, what forms the basis of their civilization. Here, in Matheran there is not much to explore if you have travelled. Similar points as that of any hill station...... Sunset point, sunrise point, echo point, a lame lake....... Popular sites in India are surely overrated.

It's an amazing feeling, when even after a decade of knowing each other, you still look forward to spend some time together. And I feel it's very important to take time off work and enjoy life for a while. Otherwise, stress and frustration would drive you crazy.

It is surely a place for a weekend getaway for Mumbai-Punekars as it offers a break from crazy traffic and you feel closer to nature. A short trip to rediscover, refresh and recharge yourself.

I am Scared...... Because I am a Woman!!!!

With the most heinous rape incident last year, all papers/news channels were spilling blood and hatred all over the place. It's so difficult to live a normal life as you see, read or hear people talking about it all the time. I didn't want to talk, comment, discuss or even write about it but I am so disturbed and shattered, that mere words can't express. Thinking about it gives me those goosebumps that I can’t hide and my heart cries for the unfortunate girl, her poor friend and family. I am so . I don't know what to hate more “the rapist" or my existence?


I must say this event definitely saw a commendable spirit shown by Delhiites..... Finally. Thank you all for the support you guys showed and didn't let this issue go by. Those processions and questions raised really helped us to prove our point. Even if that girl is not with us anymore, I really don't want this issue to settle down. Even if we all know, even if we claim we have freedom, but the bitter truth is that we are still not safe…. ..Not at home and definitely not outside. I sincerely feel we need to combat such terrorism at home first............


I am sure “Nirbhaya” as people popularly call her, thought it would be safer to get on the bus or something before she is shot (I would rather say hunted) by some goons or a political party workers. She would have thought it would be alright and she is safe as she is with a guy and not alone. But I guess little did she know about her fate that this will be worse. I don't know what to conclude from all this that I am not safe? It’s not safe to step out of my house even when I am accompanied by my parents, my husband, my brother and my friends. Does this incident also imply that I am a threat to them as well? So now when I step out in Delhi, should I be worried about my safety or theirs. It all sounds like I have finally become a burden to my family and friends. Does that also mean we should all say yes to female infanticide, as we refuse to take responsibility? I guess it will be easier for that innocent child to die in a day than die worrying every time she steps out all her life…….


Every daughter is special to her parents as she is their joy and pride. A mentor and a friend to her brother, a companion and a support pillar to her husband, a mother (everything) to her children. Then why is all this happening? Believe me I am going crazy looking for answers but I just can't find any. Even if I think the rapists involved had some psychological issue, were emotionally unstable or mentally derailed, even then how could all the 7 people traveling in that bus think alike? What is it that made them so inhuman that they thought it could be a fun activity? How could they sleep at night, had they turned in to some stone monsters as they couldn’t hear her pleads, her screams, and see her tears……...



How will they ever look into the eyes of their mother who gave them this life, their wives who confided and believed in them, their sons for whom they are the role models, and last but not the least their daughters???? What will they tell them, stay away from me because I can't stop myself or I will kill you because there are many people like me out there? When I think about all these questions, my mind goes insane..... I can't think of one good reason to do what they did.........


It was a jolly time for our dear politicians, religious leaders and everyone who can speak because our dear media with surely pick it up even if its crap. You qualification or degree doesn't matter, as they will talk rubbish anyways. They have to say something just for the sake of commenting or to strike a controversy. Oh yes! It’s only to get back in limelight, because everything is always about limelight.

And obviously there is a blame game and the list is endless, influence of western culture, intolerance levels, no respect for life, Bollywood,........ Oh yeah! I said Bollywood, you might not agree but that is a major source of influence in India. Thanks to Bollywood for the “objectification” of women....... So all men see is a “Munni” or “Sheela” in every woman they see. They have treated women with anything but respect. All the jaw dropping sequences with nothing left to imagination, I am sure men would see every female around them like that. It reminds me of the movie "Madagascar", when Alex sees everyone around as a piece of meat...... Yes that is what we wo-men have become - a piece of meat.

We all talk about equality but still talk about special treatment, why? Why is it that we still have to prove ourselves at every point that we want equality not specialty? What is it that when a female is doing well in her career, we say "must be sleeping with the boss" and when she cannot perform we say "women cannot concentrate because they constantly think about home and family"? Even if we all received the same education, same principles, but we still choose to make such silly comments. Why????



I could pour all my heart out and write endlessly about all the reasons and solutions but there is no point. All I want to do is to make a sincere request to all men out there. Please stop all this if not for me, stop it for your mother, wife and daughters, because it’s only up to you to make this place a better place for your loved ones. So that women like me don't have to be scared just because “I am a woman”. And to all the women out there, please learn to stand up for yourself. Be strong and say no to abuse, whether it is at home, your workplace, out on the road, or anywhere else. I am really looking forward to a rape-free India; I hope it happens in my lifetime, so that I can die peacefully without worrying constantly for future generations to come.


Hope is all I have.......

2012 - A Year of Wedding!!!!

As we welcome the New Year, it’s time for a recap. The year began with loads and loads of shopping, planning and more shopping for my upcoming wedding in April. I was going crazy with all the shopping. Shopping all week, weekend, in Mumbai, in Pune and everywhere I went. And the to-do list went on and on, actually felt as if the things to buy will never end. I am crazy about sarees, but still how many can you buy. Its so tricky, because you want the right color, a perfect pattern and style. Believe me its very tiresome and getting these things ready is the next ordeal as the innumerous visits to the tailor will make you insane. And if your luck is bad enough then he will for sure ruin the best buy you have. Being a control freak and super-organized, I had picked colors and patterns for all the wedding occasions. I wanted a magenta bandhani (lehariya) for my first pre-wedding function (Devgon as we call it), perfect temple bordered southern silk in green for my mehendi (Menziraat) and obviously that perfect traditional red for my wedding. I know it sounds crazy, but I was so sure about the colors and patterns that I had a tough time looking for all these. And obviously you can imagine what all did the people with whom I shopped went through. Phewwwww!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you everyone for all the help and support during the shopping spree and the pre-wedding jitters I had. Believe me it’s a stressful time for the bride….. There is something about wedding that makes you go crazy and all you want to do is splurge, you want to buy everything that you have always or never wanted to buy; from super-glittery to that perfect red and golden that it’s super obsessive. I am sure guys will not understand, but it is the truth. I spend one whole day looking for a golden sandal and my poor brother was like “it’s just golden???? How many shades of golden exist?” Well, there are many :P

My Big Fat Kashmiri Wedding is an event that i will remember for the rest of my life. So it had to be just perfect and splendid. Mom and dad’s super organizing skills always amaze me. They had taken care of each and everything. It doesn’t matter whether you have finished your shopping a day or moths before the wedding. Everything goes well at the end. Amidst of all the happiness (halla-gulla), there was something that I was missing. A warm smile on that wrinkled face, a touch that makes you feel blessed…. obviously missed my grandmothers. Both of them were so looking forward to see me as a bride. If I could turn back time and do one thing right it would be to bring her back. Even with all the blessings I got from everyone at home I still wanted her blessings. I wanted to look into her eyes and hold on to her tightly and tell her that I will miss my childhood, my home, my parents, crazy days with my brother but I will miss you the most.

With these thoughts I left, didn’t know how things will go from there on. A rush of mixed feelings of being happy and sad at the same time, but that is life and I was ready to begin the next phase of life. Next on the list was obviously “Honeymoon” – our dream destination was set. We so wanted to spend our honeymoon in the most romantic cities of Paris, Venice and Rome, and Vivek did everything possible to get it they way we wanted to. He left no stone unturned to get us the visa (with all the last minute dramas), and I am so thankful to him for not giving up. As it was surely the time of our lives, perfect weather, perfect place and the perfect us.

Beginning of a new relationship has an exquisiteness of its own. Even if you know someone for eternity, marriage definitely brings in a new feeling of love and respect towards each other. It’s a feeling that you belong to each other and the world around you turns perfect. As you take your first steps as a married couple, you want to make this relationship so beautiful as if the world will end tomorrow. It’s those little things that you do for each other, just to see those twinkly eyes and that 100 watt smile, makes this relationship so special. The first’s in everything after marriage like your first birthday, all the festivals, functions and all the trips home. It’s a superb feeling of being complete.

We belong to different cultures and obviously follow different traditions but its fun to spice things up, taking in all the good and fun things from each others traditions. So we have all the functions with our twist of traditions. This was our first Diwali at home as a married couple so it had to be special. It was a new tradition for me, so everything was new and different from what I have been doing. But there is nothing like spending time with your family. If you are among the lucky ones, your new family will make you feel so welcome, that you don’t even feel as if you weren’t a part of this family. I know it sounds strange but thats how exactly how I felt. It’s interesting to see how we adopt new traditions and make a foundation for our future generations that are yet to come.

What else? hmmm.... yeah, how can I miss writing about work? Work wise, I was crazily busy with one of the biggest projects of my career. So you can imagine, days and nights in the meeting room, unending discussions and late nights in office. Those silly discussions over the choice of words, ego clashes between team members, different perspectives of all the people you work with and so many other things. Working with foreign clients can be difficult, just communicating what exactly we did sometimes makes you go crazy........... as we believe in complicating things and they believe in keeping things simple. Its purely a matter of perception. Those heated arguments within your team when you actually feel like hitting someone but finally agree to disagree and work on everyone’s feedback. Those endless discussions about what is the perfect way to go about the whole project? But whatever it is, on the day of final delivery when all goes well… it gives you a sense of accomplishment and proud that you have done a good job.The good thing about such projects is that you realise 'patience is the key' and you have to let go of certain things. Don't let anybody walk away with your wall of fame and never get upset when idiots who don't do anything are applauded....... Because they are definitely not worth thinking about.

This year has a special place in my heart, not only because I married the one I love but also because it was the year when most of my best friends got married. It seemed like a wild fire of weddings coming through as if I was a holding on to something and once I got married I cleared the way for so many people in my life. Starting with my best friends Saurabh and Amit…… the fire went on to Deepti, Suman and now next year Christeena’s wedding. Can you believe that? Lucky Me ;)

This year we also started a tadition of road trips. Two wonderful road trips with friends. One to Kaas - The Valley of Flowers" with Saurabh and Bhakti and the other one.... back to "Sawantwadi" with Ritu and Yogesh. A wonderful time with friends and I sincerely hope we have more fun times like these this year.

Life is good but its not always rosy. We have our share of worries and challenges all along. Balancing so many things to get that perfect balance of work and family. Questions at every step, decisions that you have never taken before. But with your spouse by your side, no matter how tough life gets, no matter how things go wrong…… you will surely bounce back. Just the way we promise each other in our wedding vows. I am so looking forward to see what lies for us in this year and many more years to come..

Happy New Year 2013!!!!