2 States : Alia makes you high, the film leaves you dry !!!

A new trend is sweeping Hindi Film Industry these days, where popular piece of literature is finding their way to being adapted into screenplays. That’s another thing that books written by Chetan Bhagat are hardly piece of literature, never the less one cannot ignore the fan base of this new-age celebrated writer of India. Unarguably, the book in question “2 States” is his best work till date that was also a bestseller had immensely appealed to the youth of India. And the fact, that book narrated Bhagat’s own story was icing on the cake.

No wonder then that 2 States made perfect sense for Karan Johar to bring it alive on celluloid. Johar, who has eye for talent, this time, bestowed the responsibility to first time director Abhishek Varman to direct the film. Bhagat’s earlier books Five Point Someone & Three Mistakes of My Life when adapted on screen not only were critically acclaimed but also went on to be the huge money spinners. So does “2 States” the film – manages to live up to the expectations, let’s find out.

Unlike, 3 Idiots and Kai Po Che – the author’s earlier adaptation, the screenplay of 2 States is 100% adaptation of the original book. The story revolves between Punjabi munda Krish Malhotra and gori Madrasan Ananya Swaminathan, who meets in IIM-A campus, and sparks fly between them. After having their share of confusion and fun beneath the sheets in the campus, the young couple finally decides to commit and take their relationship forward only to realize marriage in India is not just about the boy and the girl. From here on, the story embarks upon the journey of the young couple upon convincing their parents and also coming in terms with a few skeletons in their backyard.

“2 States” has all ingredients of making a good Rom-com: Romance, Humour, Drama and peppy songs. The script has moments which have audience in splits specially interactions of Krish’s Punjabi Mom with Ananya’s Tamilian parents. The advantage of a book is that by design it will be descriptive and hence give more fodder for its reader to feast upon. And hence it is important when it is adapted; it gives the audience a similar effect. And that’s where the movie falters: it fails to create heart rendering moments between couples, or strong emotional scenes that will make audience high. While the  pace is breezy and flows pretty smoothly from beginning to end but it remains a plateau without any memorable high points. One exception being the conflict scene between Krish and his father. Chetan Bhagat’s earlier adaptations worked better as the screen adaptations moved beyond the premise of the books and created moments of their own.

Never the less, 2 States is very much a watchable movie. It’s just that probably the expectations were higher. The biggest strength of the film is its cast and crew.Abhishek Varman lends a solid punch in its direction capturing smaller nuances in great details. Arjun Kapoor as Krish completely fits the character and lends the right kind of vulnerability and softness the character needs. Since the story is told from his viewpoint, his character is also the strongest in the movie in terms of detailing. Not the easiest character to play but this young actor does well. Also watching him play a banker who works in Yes Bank and being an aspiring writer made me smile. Just for trivia sake,Yes Bank shown in the movie is actual Yes Bank office headquarters at Indiabulls Financial Centre, Mumbai.

Amrita Singh is probably the biggest surprise of the movie – playing the stout Punjabi mom and delivers the funniest lines of the movie with aplomb. Revathy and Subhramaniam don’t quite get a chance to portray their immense talent but still shines in their limited role. Ronit Roy repeats the Udaan act with aplomb. But at the end of the day, it’s Alia who carries the movie on her shoulders pitching up yet another terrific performance.  Like Highway, she is again refreshing natural in every scene, despite her character doesn’t move beyond being feisty. She scorches in every frame and looks a diva, especially in the sarees. Her dimple manages to outshine the not so bright parts of the movie. To sum up 2 States, Alia makes you high but the film overall leaves you dry. But never the less definitely a one time dekho !!!!

Indian Election League (IEL)

The dance of democracy is back. Yes,the biggest and most talked about event in India, bigger than brand IP – General Elections 2014 or Indian Election League. This may be news for some people at least, but that’s that my friends. I chose to draw a parallel with IPL as Cricket and Politics are two subject matters- everybody is passionate about and has an opinion. And both engages power and money at equal stake only that the latter impacts the people of this nation.This election is probably the biggest in last two decades – as it will probably decide the way India will shape up in the next decade. Corruption, Inflation , Development and Security are issues that has troubled each Indian for last few years and everybody from a poor (not a state of mind) to a rich industrialist, has some where been affected by the current governance of ruling party and their indifference and brutal arrogance. While it is true the global environment has not helped matters for India, crippling policy and inaction of present government has taken the matters to worse. What is worrisome is we ourselves the citizens of India haven’t helped either. The crime rates are increasing by day, specially the violence towards women and as society we are downgrading each day.

In India we have two national parties – INC and BJP. Both are perhaps the two sides of same coin. While former offers nothing but doom, the latter is better in some ways probably the execution but not without a tainted past. Left is now memoirs of history but there are small opportunistic fishes in the pond, which changes colour faster than a chameleon. Last year, finally there was seen a silver lining amidst the dark cloud, who liked to call themselves AAP- Aam Aadmi Party. Their intent looked refreshingly different and promised to be the voice of India. But alas, they too got drowned in the glittering glory of publicity. This brings perhaps to discuss another most important element of this election beside political party – Media. Journalism used to be sacred profession until few years back but now it is a glamorous monetary powerful tool which sees itself as a catalyst to create an impact in this democracy by choosing to demand a pie in the already competitive power games of politics.

The ruling party has still not recovered from the ruins of disaster ( read mis-governance) and still discovering the untapped brilliance of its prince, whose intelligence and wisdom can be challenged by a ten year old kid, is back to playing their favourite card of Secularism. The “foreigner” in question knows fully well that this is the only card to stop her favourite “Maut ka Saudagar” from his victory lap to the PM seat. Divide and Rule has been a tested formula since the British rule and most political parties tries to use it to their advantage which is why probably secularism is the most abused term in Indian democracy. Going by my timeline in Face book and Twitter, I wonder how often my friends, distinctly falls prey to this secular pitch of so called secular parties and probably bigger wolves in disguise, who choose to stay behind the barbed wires whenever a riot happens, criticize from a distance and blame everybody else than themselves.  

While we can conveniently blame politicians for everything but we need to look at ourselves – are we secular inside our heart – will we as society allow freely inter-religion marriage, do we allow embracing each other’s religion. One may question that as along we freely allow each other practice their religion we are secular. Are we- then why we feel uncomfortable if a leader of another religion takes centre-stage? I would like to believe if a road or school is build somewhere in India, every community would be able to derive benefit out of it - and that’s why secularism should not be issue, progressive thought and intent should be.

That’s why when AAP talked about – Roti, Kapda and Makan, Bijli and Paani, people took notice and voted for them. Alas they chose to shred their responsibility blaming everyone else and continue to do what they does best – anarchy. And the biggest irony is the anarchist wants their share too in this election of largest democracy. The leader of anarchy needs to understand a simple funda – A strategy which looks perfect on a blue print is of no use unless executed. The theatrics and the race to Lok Sabha will give them short term publicity but if they really want to make a meaningful contribution to Indian politics – they need to adopt a grass root model (something prince advocated but never executed) and build a strong franchise of honest able people, build leaders, fight one by one state elections, and stake their claim in their next elections. Nothing like a formidable opposition in a democracy that keeps the ruling government on its toes. They need to grow strength by strength and foremost a strong base.

This election of course belongs to the Chaiwalla, who also happens to be OBC and incidentally the leading stakeholder of the PM position. Makes pretty picture for the so called class, creed sensitive India. While he may be basking in the current glory, one should not forget he has had a difficult journey himself and not without few skeletons in his backyard. While the judiciary system has given him clean chit, there is no bigger judge than one’s own conscience. And hence it is important, that if India chooses him to be the next captain (based on his administrative track record which even his harsh critic cant deny), he better delivers on all the high rhetoric he promised throughout the campaign in next 5 years and also blend all communities of society like a good chai with flavour of adrak, elaichi and long grove– because he may just not get another chance unlike his wily opponents who may still find ways to creep back into the political system through mergers and acquisitions via the third playing the favourite "secular" card. 

Till then let’s hope: Ab ki baar, janata ke liye sarkar, where development and security becomes the prime agenda for a better India that put its footprints in a grander way in global map. And for that we need to vote and in case you are confused or questioning like me – remember we used to have an option in multiple choice questions in competitive entrance exams – feel free to exercise that: None of the above!!!!!!
 

My Life, My girls .....

First question a hardliner or a skeptic would ask: Why do we need a special day to celebrate womanhood?? I would like to ask them back : Why not? We celebrate birthday’s every year to make ourselves feel special. So what’s harm is celebrating woman’s day every year if that allows to make her feel extra special that one day. Does women's day celebration regressive, demeaning to someone ......the answer is no.Then probable question that may be thrown back at  me would why we can’t make them feel special every day. I would say, please go ahead, nobody is stopping you. But most of us forget to do that in the every-day mundane life of ours.

Celebrations are far away thing, dude most of us do not even give them an equal treatment . How many times we ourselves gossip when a woman is successful in her career that she must have slept her way up the ladder. The power flexing in the name of rape, brutality, eve-teasing makes me cringe all the time. The other day I could not sit through the airing of Satyamev Vjayete. All that stormed in my mind was if I could not watch what happened to others, how much pain victims would have experienced. Wish their soul rest in peace and they get another life as a girl and experience all the wonderful things they deserve to get being a girl.

Coming to the point, this blog is not about my views on womanhood. It is about my sharing with you, my experience with all those wonderful women I met all in the journey of my life and how each one in a different way impacted me and in a way made me evolve. The evolution of a human being is through a mother’s womb. Hence it is imperative that mother play probably the most pivotal role in upbringing of a child and probably that’s why education and social awareness of mother is so crucial in building a progressive society that has space for everyone. Well saying my mother is best is very cliche because I feel for every child the best thing that can ever happened to them is their mother.

Me and my mother's relationship evolved with time, it wasn't easy as I was pampered by everyone else except my mother. And I wanted my mother to pamper me and be over-protective about me like most mothers usually are. But she always wanted me to figure out life by my own from the very childhood. While most Bong mom’s would advocate their kids to sit in first bench and only be friend with rank holders, my mother always told me to mix with everyone. Her logic was simple, you need to know the good and the bad- that’s when you learn to bifurcate and choose the best for yourself. During my teens, I was an angry rebel and not the easiest to handle. But our relationship truly evolved when I stepped out of home and started valuing her. Over the years, she has evolved from a mother to more a friend who loves to gossip about her son and his supposed affair.

Her speculations were amusing and at times irritating. She would secretly peep into my face book account or call this cousin of mine to keep a tab on my on-going state of affairs. No pun intended. Once she concluded seeing a Facebook pic that I was secretly married to this friend of mine and she created a huge hullaboo about the same. We had a fight and later concluded, she just had a bad day. Everyone does.

But at the end of the day, I feel whatever goodness in me is there, is her part in me. The sensitivity she inculcated to treat everyone equal, to care & share are lifelong lessons I will cherish. Her efficient handling of household chore made me realize that we celebrate working women we also equally need to celebrate all those house-wives who run the household to make life easy for all other members. Being a housewife is sometimes more challenging profile than a corporate job. So to all mothers and my mother – thanks for being so amazing and choosing to be part of our lives :)

I never had a sister from the same mother. And neither had I ever believed in making other girls my sisters though there was one girl in my B School who told me that she sees a brother in me and I respected that and kept the same that way. Was always one of those kids who preferred to stay mute on that prayer line in school: “All Indians are my brothers and sisters”. However I had these super amazing cousin sisters. Each a fire brand by their own spirts and have no embarrassment in admitting far more qualified than I am today in life. So there was this cousin of mine who was like my childhood hero, and I wanted to always assist her in everything. And then there was another, who was like my guardian angel, always inspired and motivated me. And then there was this tiny meeny cousin of mine who was a unique species of her own. She was short, extremely light yet one should see her feistiness when it came to combat with her own brother. The kicks and the punches would put any guy to same. And then there were my maternal cousins whom we considered Page 3 during our childhood days and always inquisitive about their affairs. The gossips of their lives were our share of Filmfare during our growing days. Seeing these wonderful girls, growing fiercely independent and progressing so well in their respective careers make me feel proud of my family who always treated boys and girls at par and probably girls a little better. Wish it was the story of every Indian Family. At least becomes some day.

Girl Friend is a very dicey term in India. Almost a misnomer Anyways without going into the debate what is what, I must admit to be super lucky to meet some of the most wonderful girls in my life. Each different from each other, each had a flavor of their own but most importantly the memories they created would cherished forever. Some continue to be an integral part of support system, some parted somewhere during the journey but whatever happened was for greater good. At least I would like to believe.

Never been a morning person, and the ones whom an alarm also doesn't help sometimes. There was this friend of mine who used to wake up herself in wee hours of morning just to ensure I catch the morning flight on time. And then we all have this one friend in life who is just there by you whenever needed, she is like who will catch a flight and come to me if I will really want to be by my side – a one hug from her makes me feel empowered and secured.There was this girl whom I really liked. In my B school, as a good gesture, she gave me her favorite dupatta (because I complemented her a lot on same) along with a letter that was written with paint brush. These special gifts and memories is what make our lives worthwhile. Like I have this friend with whom I have this coffee and brownie connect or a friend with whom we discuss all film gossips. During B-school and college, I had this staunch supporters of mine who would be blindly stand by me in whatever I do. Boy, they made me so confident in life. Each relationship is unique and each counts. I am indebted to each of them for special memories.

Have off late been to this blogging world, and it is so wonderful to know some co-bloggers who are female and so so talented. In this competitive world, they not only guided me but also mentored me, helped with my some of my works and assisted me in taking some crucial decision in this career field. And there are so many more wonderful women I met– some in college, some in B-school, some in office, in extended family and some in social networking sites who were amazing in their own ways. Does that mean every girl that I came across was angel- no; I met some mean ones as well. But then good and bad has nothing to do with gender right?? Thankfully my stars are blessed with few good women starting from my mother who weave a little bit of magic around my life.

 I don’t care if Women’s day is symbolic or commerce driven, I am all for it as long as it makes someone happy or special. May be some day we will have a Men's day too. Think about it how proud we would feel when our girlfriend/wife or daughter achieves something in life and we proudly say : My girl. Yes they belong to us. They need to be nourished, educated and celebrated. Not brutally raped or murdered.

N.B  The images used here are taken from Google images.

Highway : Alia all the way....

There is one scene where Veera, the female protagonist breaks into dance mode and the kidnapper watches her stunned is one of the high points of the film highway. Imtiaz's Ali’s unpredictable and offbeat “Highway” can boast of several such high points yet it leaves you with a unsatisfactory feeling due to its inconsistencies in the script. Despite having strong protagonist and antagonist the film suffers from randomness and fails to give us a gripping screenplay. However the towering performances of the lead performers and excellent cinematography makes up for the deficiency.

The story begins with kidnapping of Veera played by Alia Bhat, by Mahavir played by Randeep Hooda and progresses with their journey covering 5 -6 states and ending with the beautiful Kashmir. The film explores dark secrets in the life of protagonists and uses it as tool to create an endearing relationship between the lead pairs.The film progresses to focus on their relationship and the eventual fate. Thumbs up for the climax of the film. Idealistic yes, but never the less an important one.

Rehman lends soulful music and seems to be in old element after long but it is the cinematography that ensures that elevates viewers experience watching Highway. It  is literally a visual treat. While Imtiaz Ali can be criticized for a lame screenplay, he needs to be lauded for for the near perfect casting, penning yet another strong woman character and neat direction.  But most importantly bringing out of closet, one of the very important social issue that is pertinent in India. His affinity for mountains is clearly visible.

Randeep Hooda is in sublime touch in his role of Mahavir and portrays silence and pain with equal strength. In fact, one should give due credit to him for underplaying his part beautifully specially in emotional parts. But boy, if there is one person who should stand head high right at the highway, it has to be Alia Bhat – she is a revelation. She completely takes you back with her supremely natural performance and the vulnerability that she brings out in the character. Her portrayal of Veera is innocent, endearing, charming and extremely engaging especially in the emotional scenes.She carries the two most difficult scenes of the movie, including climax with aplomb. To make the record straight, while Parineeti still remains my favourite, but Aliya is one up with Highway.

Not for the regular cynics, but I would recommend it once for Alia Bhatt, the message it carries and beautifully portrayed elements of nature.

Dream of New India - A Healthy India !!!

I remember as a child, watching Maa watering plants. Specially the Money Plant which was considered good omen  for the house. She ensured right amount of water and sunlight for all the plants in the house. As the seedlings grew taller with full grown leaves and flowers, she would smile and look satisfied. Today, I could not help but draw a parallel between kids of our nation and those seedlings. Both are valuable assets for a rich future of our country and a healthy next generation will ensure a robust nation, ready to take on any challenges globally. 

The biggest advantage of our country lies in the fact that we are full of natural resources and strategically covered by mountains, water and desert. And these ensure that we as a nation have a balanced climate which is conducive to make us stronger and acclimatize to any weather conditions. However despite being a nation that has everything going for, it is ironical that India is ranked at a lower 119^th out of 190 States by World Health Organization (WHO) in ranking of Health systems. As a nation, we still need to take gigantic steps towards that dream of being one of the healthiest globally from this current scenario.

One of the most critical challenges that our country faces today is death of a child within few years of birth. WHO reports that 5 out of 1000 kids in India have probability to die below 5 years. This is largely due to malnutrition and environment in which they grow. A recent project “Help a Child Reach 5” undertaken by Lifebuoy- Hindustan Lever Limited has  brought in light a simple fact that kids in India up to age 5 die because of improper hand washing, leading to diahorrea and jaundice. This highlights one of the most crucial points of availability – Water, one of the basic elements of nature and also a critical ingredient for our survival. 

Till date drinking water is still not available properly in many places in our country and even if it is available water not always in cleanest form. While it is primary duty of Government to ensure clean water however as society we can ensure small and easy steps taken to protect our future our kids.  

a)  We should start developing good habits in our children both at home and school, the importance of washing hands properly before meal and not to drink water from anywhere.

b   School Management particularly government/municipality schools should ensure proper drinking water facilities inside school campuses for kids.

c)   NGOs should engage in more and more Awareness Campaign particularly in rural areas about drinking water, especially through techniques like boiling. Packaged Drinking Water Manufacturers can run this as CSR Project whereby small packets of water are available in primary level municipal/govt. schools. Corporate may make this available at subsidized cost to Govt and have state-level tie-ups. Also Corporate should look to support NGO’s in building more deep tube wells specially in villages so that clean water is available to kids from very childhood.

Parents and Teachers bear a great social responsibility in building Good Habits in kids at an early stage so that these qualities become so deeply inculcated in them that generations after them too imbibe the same and it works like a chain reaction. These basic steps will ensure prevention of dangerous bacteria, viruses born out of water from entering into the human system and affecting immunity.

It is ironical that India whose GDP growth is largely driven by agricultural economy is also one of the highest when it comes to malnutrition among children. Appropriate Food Intake along with proper Nutrition is a must for an Immune India. While Public Distribution System in India is a matter of grave concern, to begin with following steps can be taken to do some immediate improvement in the short term:

a)    Mid-day Meal Schemes (more popularly known as Anganwadi) that run in India, in government and government –aided schools should be implemented 100% across all states and there should be regulatory system in every Block/Taluka, which should include surprise Audits, to ensure strict monitoring and implementation of the same. It is equally important that government exercises due caution when it comes to selection of vendors who supplies raw materials for food for kids and personally check the environment where food is prepared as often disturbing news of

b)   State Govt. should further look at ensuring at 1 glass of Milk and egg per day under Breakfast Scheme in Govt. and Govt. aided schools for Kids from 3 – 7 years particularly in Rural and Semi-Urban area. This will also have double advantage of incentivizing kids to come to school and study. Amul being one of the largest distributors of Processed Milk can be entered into tie-up with Government for supplying subsidized Milk at Co-operative and Ration Stores.

While the kids from well to do families may have access to Milk and egg, but the tendency of same kids to eat Junk Foods instead of nutritious food is not helping matters either. Burgers/Chips/Colas have replaced the usual Bread - Butter and Fruits. The availability of nutritious food like eggs, milk, fruits, and pulses is very important as right amount of vitamin, protein, and calcium goes a long way in building healthy body.

Also the fact that today’s kids are more attached to their gazettes is not helping the matters either, which means there is less of physical activity/sports which is again important part to build fitness among kids.

a)    Physical Education should be compulsory part of curriculum in schools until Class 5 and compulsory Grades should be applicable. In many occasions even if the Kids are willing to play, lack of infrastructure near their home prevents them from doing so.

b)  Corporate who runs school as part of CSR activity should look at building advance infrastructure like football/cricket ground/swimming pool/Indoor games in their school premises itself to encourage kids to take up sporting activity.At least a Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Saina Nehiwal has ensured that sports can  considered as a career in small town as much it is done in big cities.

Environment and Collusion in Food Quality is another important aspect when it comes to immunity. Everybody in the world can tell how important it is to live in pollution free environment and breathe under clean sky. However easier said than done in a country which is one of the fastest growing economies under the carpet of infrastructure and industrialization.

One of the Mantras one hears is Go Green – which essentially means not only to work towards pollution free environment but also to preserve natural resources be it paper or electricity. While it is a still largely an urban concept, it is heartening to see certain corporate houses taking these initiatives to villages by introducing Solar Lantern.

As a concept Go- Green is fantastic and in fact should be promoted as a culture in each child. Just like how much we like our children to grow into a strong individual, it would be fantastic if our children too learn small habits like switching lights when not on use, do not waste papers, or even grow a plant in the window of their room.

Environment not only in our houses but also public infrastructure needs attention. Lack of proper garbage system, often results in accumulation of garbage in roadside resulting in spreading of harmful diseases like malaria. Proper Fines should be implemented in Societies/Houses who dump garbage on roadside. Municipality Corporation has to implement this and they can appoint volunteers or take help of Scouts in neighborhood schools to ensure a clean city. Government should allocate more funds towards infrastructure of Public Toilets, built in Roads/Stations so that people do not use Roadside. Our kids grow these environment and all these little aspects that adds harm to our kids if not taken proper care of.

If we have intent, we can deliver. Eradication of Polio in our Country along with Use of Contraceptives (Mala-D) to curb population is examples of successful campaign of Public awareness. Similar Campaigns are much required for very important Health Issues like Breast Feeding, Compulsory Vaccinations of Kids, and Usage of Sanitary Napkins among adolescent girls. Government has to have large scale social campaigns and rope in Popular Brand Ambassadors/icons for each of these issues so that the people follow the same.

To build a strong healthy immune nation – our government, society and we as individuals have to work with each other and parallel to each other to make it happen. While government has managed to increase a 7% towards health sector from last time, it is still not even 5% of our GDP. However important is proper allocation of funds given that India also enjoys funding from UN and other international bodies towards health. The social structures like School, Hospitals, and Municipality have to play a very critical role in development of our kids. And at building individual habits will lie solely on the shoulders of parents who will have to act as role model and ensure along with all these, kids get a loving environment to grow. I hope to wake up one day to an India where no kid has to every sleep hungry, where every kid is smiling and suddenly we will realize we have found heaven on this earth itself.

This blog is part of "An Immune India" contest hosted by Indiblogger and Dabur. To have a healthy body please visit http://www.daburchyawanprash.com/. Images used are taken from Google Images.