Are you reading the ‘Signs’ that are meant for you?

It was Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” that first brought the “power of the universe” to my notice sometime in early 2000.

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”, the book said.

Shah Rukh Khan of course went on to popularize the lines thereafter in Farah Khan’s 2007 mega block buster Om Shaanti Om…. But prior to ‘The Alchemist’, I had never known of such a notion. A notion that suggests, the universe is out there to help us.

Lately, I have just finished reading “The Celestine Prophecy”. A 1993 book by James Redfield that again talks about the psychological and spiritual ramifications of the human energy and the cosmos on human destiny!

“There are no Co-incidences”, the book says. Everything!... even the most insignificant illogical event happens to us for a reason. We, however, are too preoccupied to see this reason and hence are mostly disconnected with the universe that intends to guide us- all the time!

From the time we were born we have had people to please, exams to pass, admission to obtain, People to please, Job to get, Money to earn, Car to buy, loans to repay, People to please, Bills to pay, Responsibilities to fulfill, etc etc etc… and this is the reality of our lives! But then… is this truly the ‘reality’ of our lives or is it a ‘reality’ we have been told to practice for ourselves because someone else before us did it this way??

Connecting with the universe or being attentive to the signs in no way means you need to lead a nomad’s life! You still have to work hard and be honest and stay sincere and love passionately.

However, if you do manage to separate the wheat from the chaff and live your life at a pace it is intended to… you’ll be surprised how the universe shall reveal itself to you… through signs and messages that are meant exclusively for you.

Having reflected on my life as a whole I was amazed to see how the universe has indeed been guiding me. Certain co-incidences- as I still look at them- I realized were nature’s way to let me know that I was being looked after. Having realized this and thus consciously having been trying to take note of certain recent developments in my life, I cannot help but acknowledge that these “signs” actually… do exist!

It is only up to us now to break away from the rut we have been programmed to call life and be open to read these signs… that have been sent by the universe… for us. 

Hindi Film Titles- The disputes, The arguments and The unfortunate mess.

“What’s in the name?” Juliet asks Romeo in Shakespeare’s classic play Romeo & Juliet.

Well… quiet a bit I would say or nothing at all! Depends entirely on what is at stake!!

In the case of this particular post, I am referring to the name- or title, as it is called- of Hindi feature films.

Today, “Sholay” is not just a word for us; it is an event. HAHK or DDLJ are not four random letters but landmarks that defined a generation.

Hence, the title of a film is the worst nightmare for its makers. If at times, it springs out from the story itself, at times it takes longer to get locked than the entire process of making the film!

It is true, that the success of any film has more to do with its content. However, it is understandably tedious to want to watch or further still fall in love with a film that’s called- “Mulaqaat Pyaar Karne Waalon ki” or something even more morbid!!

Now having known for over years, about the extremely crucial nature of a films title… this is how its sanctity has been treasured by the film industry-

As per norm, a filmmaker registers the title of his feature film with any or all of three primary associations, namely- The Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers (AMPTP) and the Film & Television Producers Guild!!

But the most horrendous part is… even if the maker has diligently registered his precious title… he has no legal right to it!!!

Meaning, while someone may have taken the pains to conjure up a title and register it with any or all of the above associations, I can make my film, name it that and release it while he frets & fumes!!!

And this is because; all the associations above are NOT statutory authorities and are mere trade associations. As such, owning titles by registering them with these bodies has no legal validity at all!!

 

The right way to do it is by registering your title with the Copyright Board, based in New Delhi.

Now the issue here is not of the legal way or the right way. For an industry that prides itself on calling themselves a “family”, it is hypocritical to be raising legal flags. The grounds at stake here are far more moral than legal, especially when both the parties- the titleholder & seeker- are aware of what is at stake and the very fact that tomorrow they might well have switched sides of the ring!

It thus pains me to see the manner in which the “title disputes”, now a regular feature of the movie business have been handled.

If someone has indeed registered their title you want or even worse has already made a film by the name; leave aside the legal ramifications of the issue. Firstly, initiate a correspondence. All players involved here are aware of the volatile and random nature of the business and will see your point and its validity. The effort needs to be taken by you if you indeed feel the title precious to your story.

I would say, go even to the extent of presenting your synopsis to the holder to make your point. Explain to them the importance of the title to the project. If they are hesitant to release the title, why not ask some suggestions too?

And similarly it is the duty of the titleholder to grant the seeker an audience. To hear out his or her case and consider it. To not insecurity cloud your judgment.

Such an exchange and mutual trust will only strengthen the industry and make it a far more healthier and productive place than it presently is. It is criminal for filmmakers to fabricate emotions for a living but be unable to respect & handle emotions where they matter.

It cannot be a “family” just by calling it so. If it is indeed that, then it needs no court or association. Conscience is good enough an authority to regulate you.

If we indeed succeed in doing so… then this will the biggest story every told. The biggest hit we ever experience.

Amen to that. 

Whatsapp-ening!!! The "Super Affordable" Phenomenon!!

You realize the success or rather the “power” of whatsapp when your parents do not realize you being late for dinner because they are immersed in their cell phone screens… whatsapp-ing!!

You realize it more when- on your contact list- amidst the profile pics of your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the people you don’t remember; stare out the- aviator wearing pic of your dhobi, jewelry-decked pic of your maid and the otherwise meek bar waiter posing next to a sports bike!!

And you are further stunned when your technologically challenged Grand Dad who has never held a cell phone in his life… asks you to ‘whatsapp’ a picture, quickly!!

Why has this app taken over our lives like this and cut across all class, age and behavioral strata’s?

It is not ‘simply’ because “whatsapp” gives an impression of being “free”! But more importantly because- the “free” part makes us ‘take to’ a form of communication we are most comfortable with and have inherently preferred for generations- Writing!

Before we adapted ourselves to talking to people in their absence- via the telephone; the written word had always been our preferred form to communicate.

Earlier there were the leaves, tree barks and animal skins we wrote on; later the letters and greeting cards came in; then the email, the sms and BBM took over and now, we have the whatsapp!!

Now, while each of the above modes of communication had a ‘price’ on it, which not everyone could afford; ‘whatsapp’, today is not only affordable but also accessible. Hence, no surprise that it has been latched onto by all!

So what is it about the ‘written form of communication’ that makes us all take to it so naturally??!! I am no psychologist or historian but as a ‘layman’, this is what it must be…

“The written word gives a sense of security and comfort, which we as humans perpetually strive for.

As we write back and forth; we can do so without being as ‘exposed’ as we could be in a verbal or face-to-face conversation. Again, while a face-to-face conversation still gives you more tools to express, a verbal conversation thrives completely on your words and tone!

Below i have stated some pointers as to how we love writing and since whatsapp gives us the guiltless pleasure of affordability, we pleasurably surrender to it.

It Saves Energy-

There is no better relief than convincingly communicating your reactions via a “Yippeee!”, “Supeeerrrrr!!! Or “Oh my God! That is terrible!” via a text than actually having to physically do it and risk being questioned your authenticity because your tone didn’t quiet match up what you felt!!

You can lie-

“I am in a meeting will you ping you once free”.

I don’t need to list here the number of other things you could be doing while this lie goes out!! And what more… it’s FREE…or so it seems!!

That ‘priceless’ moment-

How often have instinctive reactions landed you in a mess of apologies and clarifications??!!

While writing back you get that priceless moment to think, reflect and compose your reaction far better than otherwise is possible- in person or over a call.

The safety of not being given away by your expression or hesitancy in voice is priceless.

Omnipresent-

Not answering a call send out negative vibes. There is something depressing about missed calls. But then… with ‘whatsapp’, you can be suffering a boring meeting and yet react to your close friend, you can be sitting with your parents and planning next nights party… especially since they too would be busy forwarding jokes!

So yeah… There it is. Awesome, ain’t it?

 

Now, if only…

There could be some ‘discreet filter’ to it;

If only people could cultivate some etiquettes of using it. Short forms like- “Sup”- should be banned on ‘whatsapp’. It may mean- “What’s up?” As in “What is happening?” but it is very annoying!!;

If only people would not chat with multiple people at the same time. Finish one conversation and move to the next! Etiquette?;

If only, people would not add you to random groups;

If only there was a polite way of exiting these group without anyone finding out! And lastly,

If only all phones could disable the “Last seen at” option… Life would be bliss!!

But then… who said life is supposed to be bliss? It is supposed to be comfortable and that- “Whatsapp” is!… and it is FREEEEEE!… almost! 

Our driving Culture or The lack of it!!

For long now, I have begun to believe one thing with each passing “drive” on our haphazardly scattered eccentric idiots filled roads. It’s that- if one really wants to get a sense of who we really are… driv

e a day on our roads!!

The veil of warm hearted hospitable people steeped in culture that we hide ourselves behind, shows gaping holes as big as our potholes when one witnesses and experiences our driving skills and etiquettes- or the lack of both!

All the age-old garbs of culture and tradition that we have been conveniently wearing are ripped and stripped off when you see the way we drive!

In another country, last month, I happened to ask a cab driver after witnessing the entire region exhibiting some seriously well-mannered driving. “How come every one here is so well behaved while driving?” His answer left me speechless, “Very simple sir”, he explained, “All of us get license on the basis of one thing- How safe and convenient are we with respect to others on the road?!”.

Now, had his answer got to do with “infrastructure” or “resources”, I would have conceded to the fact that being an over populated poor country we do not have enough of those. But I realized the difference is not in the facilities but in the mindset; in the attitude! And it is the absence of this attitude that has made me cringe at us and as you may have sensed- made me furious too!!

For I can sight plenty of facts to justify our chaos- 1) Poverty 2) Lack of education 3) Too many people 4) Lack of infrastructure etc.  But all these factors do not make me see the need to be arrogantly careless and further be proud of being so. Coz that is exactly what we have become!

Our entire driving culture functions on the idiom- “Care a damn about others and keep moving.” Any signs of concern you might show are mocked as being soft and un-macho!!!  That’s what we have been groomed to behave like!

Hesitate to halt in the middle of the road- and you are ridiculed, Stop at a red light behind the zebra crossing and you are honked out of your mind, Wait at a junction for the jam to get cleared and you seem like a retard with the entire world crossing you over!!

It’s infuriating because none of these corrections I seek need any money or resources. All it needs is a basic realization that “Be concerned” to “Get concern”. All it needs is each individual to behave themselves! And good behavior I believe has nothing to do with being “Rich” or “Poor”, does it?

Especially when you harp all over that the strength of your society is not education or wealth or beauty but “Culture”!!

Phew!

The Power of a “Hey!” & the Reality of “Us”

“Hey”- I knew this 3-letter word for long. I have used it quiet often amongst friends & acquaintances. But it was only last month over a couple of weeks that I realized the “power” it held.

It was during a trip abroad. I don’t want to name the place or its people ‘coz 2 weeks, spread over 4 different zones, is too short a time to generalize the nature of its people. Besides, my point here has nothing to do with any particular place. Instead, it has got to do with the possibility of creating such a place as I briefly experienced.

It happened to me one cold evening when I was walking on the sidewalk and a gentleman was about to cross me. “Hey”, I heard him say. I instinctively looked towards the source of the sound and then immediately looked around. There was no one there and he was looking at me, smiling! “Was that for me?”, I quickly wondered before replying with a nod and a smile. He acknowledged and walked on!

All this lasted for over a few seconds but the impact of this action lasted much longer! From walking with a serious face, I suddenly found myself smiling! A hangover of the greeting!

Before I could recover from this… there was another “Hey!” coming my way… And another and another… and soon it was everywhere! Be it in café’s, on the bus, on the tube, in malls, parks, etc…

Complete strangers with whom you shared nothing in common except that one moment when you were in the same time and space were connecting! It was thrilling to realize how briefly as it might be but we were all playing the same roll at some point- Walker on the side walk, Patron at a café, Passenger on the bus, etc… and while playing that role… we connected through a well meaning, very short yet fulfilling- “Hey!”

And then I came back to where I belong- India- Mumbai! And I wondered- Could it be possible here?

We are not as developed as they are, not as rich as they are and definitely not as educated as they are but then are we not as human as they are?! Don’t we like to smile? How nice would it be to not be forever as irritated as we seem? How nice would it be to connect for that brief moment? So I decided to try… but that very day I received this forwarded msg-

“Smile to at least one unknown person while walking, so that he forgets his problems and starts thinking……… “Bh#$!%@d! Yeh kaun tha??!!”

I dropped the plan!

The onus is on us, Whats the rush to Judge?

Give us any news, especially a bad one and just watch out for our tendency to react and worst still- to judge!

It does not matter whether we have our facts right or have any facts at all. All the same we have a sharp and strong reaction to fire off.

Be it matters of national consequences like the coal scandal and spectrum scams or matters concerning our neighbors dog; the moment we are in the know- how of any extreme news, we are ready to react and often negatively at that!

This morning all the news channels have been howling about the three players of Rajasthan Royals being arrested for spot fixing in IPL and the world has reacted! Most have a definite take and judgment on the issue. I wonder how many have the facts!

The most ridiculous part is that some even seem scandalized by the horrendous nature of the development!!! How naïve is it after 6 years of IPL to be scandalized by any nefarious development concerning the event?  Being surprised by the wrong doings that go on behind the glamor veil of the IPL is like being surprised on learning smoking may cause cancer or that our PM is meek!

 

Albeit, my issue is not as much with the IPL here but it is with ‘our’ tendency to pass judgment on anything and everything without even taking a brief moment to reflect and revaluate the truth.

There is nothing that one can expect from the media except sensationalism and jarring headlines.  They pick up scandals, scream about them, pretend to care until the next scandal

And in the midst of all this noise the truth, I have come to believe is never revealed to the common man ever! It keeps trickling in over time and by the time the whole of it is revealed, the interest on the issue is lost, judgments passed and another “Breaking News” announced!

The truth remains ensconced among the guilty who roam scot-free and continue to pollute the society with a straight face and shameless soul.

The onus for sanity thus falls on “us”- the viewers, the outsiders to hold our reactions and judgments until the facts are known… and the facts are never known overnight.

Until the next “Breaking News” then…

There ain’t any logic in life!!

“I am feeling low”, said a friend to me, a few years back. We were in college then… which means this was… ah! Never mind!

“So? Don’t feel it yaar”, I retorted back, “Feel something else”

He looked at me in a strange way, waved his hand and walked away.

“Huh?”, I thought and I walked on too.

I could never fathom what the whole fuss about being ‘sad’ was all about!! I mean if you ever want to feel anything then why not feel happy??

It was that time of my life when everything was going right. Of course there were times when things went wrong but then you simply addressed them, corrected them and moved on. Where was there time to ponder let alone brood over a feeling???!!

Things have changed now! Yes in between that time and now a lot of “life” happened!! (If you know what I mean- huh? Huh?)

Yeah… So now I know what the fuss is all about.

I do know now that at times there is nothing much you can do about a feeling but feel it!... and at times even suffer it!! For all those dudes like me from my younger day- its true!!

Of course! There is the theory about choosing your feelings and being whom you want to be and picking yourself up and moving on but HEY!!... Its easier said than done!!

Whoever thought about taking the horse to the pond and yet the horse not drinking water was not kidding!! But then whoever also said and wrote that theory about picking yourself up and moving on was not kidding either!!

 

The “twist” in this so far confusing tale called life as such comes down to one critical thing- “Timing!!”

It is unexplainable and hence makes complete sense. To feel sad from happy and happy from sad is so much more about timing than just about you!

A similar incident on a certain occasion may not even scar you but the same incident at another time may break you to pieces! Whats the logic? Well.. There isn’t! and hence it is “Life”.

Search “logic” in life and you might as well search God in religion!! Oops! Yeah… that’s for another time! J

The Girl in Red Zipper!- a despicable act by a sensible girl?

 After- The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo and The Girl in Yellow Boots, it is time to get acquainted with the newly unleashed- The Girl in the Red Zipper!!!

We all know her by now...Her name is- said to be - Madhura Nagendra. She is a post graduate student from Bangalore. She was one of the many thousand performers who worked to make the 2012 Olympic Opening ceremony a success. However, unlike the rest of the thousands who did their job and left, Ms. Madhura Nagendra- The Girl in the Red Zipper- chose otherwise!

She sneaked into the Indian Contingent on the momentous occasion of the Olympic opening ceremony'2012.

On that prestigious night, amidst an entire contingent of Indian athletes uniformly dressed in yellow and navy blue, Ms. Madhura tramped in wearing a bright red zipper and faded blue jeans making sure that in no way, her brave act could be missed!!

And mind you; not only did she forcefully inflict herself on to the Indian contingent but she almost ended up 'LEADING IT'- Waving, smiling and graciously (read- shamelessly) accepting applause all the way!!!

The Indian athletes- whose moment it should have been- could only watch in shock as Ms. Madhura proudly stole their thunder!!!

The fact that a person with 'no authority' could gain such access is a matter of great concern to officials and sportsmen alike. It reflects very poorly on the much publicized security arrangements around the event. However, if we are to condemn radical fanatics and hardened criminals for breaching security (which is incidentally their job!), I wonder how we must react to this so called sensible person- Ms. Madhura Nagendra- for breaching the security, embarrassing her country, demeaning the athletes and making a mockery of the entire event?!!

Her father has said, “From whatever I learnt and presume that she being an Indian, the London Olympics Organizing Committee might also have selected her to 'take' the team inside the stadium. This might have hurt our team's feelings. I feel very sorry for that.” Wow! That still does not justify your daughters actions sir!!

Some others have attested Madhura to be a “good Neighbor”. Some friends of hers have stated her excitement as being reason for her act...But all this is beside the point! In fact- all the defending makes her act seem even more preposterous and condemnable. For she surely can be the best of people and the most competent of employees and of course the most loving of neighbors but that does not absolve her from what she did that night!

No one's asking for her to be punished or imprisoned or banned or chastised...

But Ms. Madhura Nagendra,

A graceful acceptance of your stupidity and a sincere apology from you will surely reveal how truly sensible you are. Because no matter how angelic you may be; most of us know you as the girl in a Red zipper who forcefully stormed in and waved out to the 'world' at an event where you had no business to be. To us you are the girl who has for eternity jarred the image of that night for all the athletes involved (see pic alongside) and finally as the girl who after possessing so much confidence and arrogance... has now gone into hiding.

Not cool!

Mumbai to Goa by Road via NH4 - Details

Time of Year: June'2012.

Start point: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai.

End point: Mangeshi Devasthan, Ponda (23kms from Panaji), Goa.

Total distance- 634 kms (one way).

Duration: 12 hours approx. (One way, inclusive of 3 breaks).

Vehicle- Honda City.

Route: NH4 via Pune-Satara-Kolhapur-Nipani-Amboli (Ghat)- Ajara- Swantwadi and then on to NH17 to Panaji.

Note:

NH 17

This route is approximately 60 kms longer than the traditional NH17 Mumbai-Goa road but is thoroughly worth it. The roads for most of the distance (452kms out of 634kms) are two lane with wide dividers, all the way till Nipani. There are also plenty of petrol pumps along the way.

-Details-

Start Time: 5:45 am 

Place: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East, Mumbai.

First Halt- Second Food Mall @ Pune End

First Halt: Second Food Mall, Mumbai- Pune Expressway.

Time: 7:40 am.(Duration: 25 minutes)

Ideal breakfast time. It had been an hour and 55 minutes since we had left and had covered 143 kms. A light south Indian breakfast of Dosa's and Wada sambhar- ideal for any travel- was leisurely consumed before heading out.

Second Halt- Satara

Second Halt: Some Dhabha, Satara.

Time: 10:30 am (Duration: 15 minutes)

We had crossed 'another' 152 kms. There are plenty of all kinds of dhabha's and restaurants by the road. We stopped at one such for coffee and to stretch our legs. Feeling well refreshed, we began again...

Third Halt: Goa Ves, Nippani.

Time: 1:15 pm (Duration: 30 minutes)

Perfect time for lunch. Also by then we had covered another 157 kms making our total distance covered since Borivali come to 452 kms. That left another 183 kms for the last leg of the drive, thus making this an extremely ideal halt.

At this point you would have just crossed Nippani meaning which the Amboli ghat begins hereafter. There are 3 eating joints here. One on your left- which is unclean and unkept- and two on your right. We had a sumptuous and tasty chicken Thali at 'Goa Ves' which'll be on your right. Although the chicken here required adequate effort and could successfully compete with the best of chewing gums, the curry was super tasty and the roti's were amazingly soft.

Please note the right for Amboli Ghat is a very narrow lane with a discreet black and white board which you could easily miss. Thus more than the board the ideal sign would be the seamless wide road turning up a slope to the right. As soon as the road turns right and then curves to left- going up a slope- on your right will be Goa Ves!! If you cross this, you have missed the right for Amboli Ghat.

Destination:

After the lunch break it was to be directly to the destination without any halt.

It was raining elephants and giraffes all through the ghat. Driving here was a fun and exciting experience. As long as you kept cool and enjoyed it, it was like playing a video game!!

Amboli Ghat

Now, just into the Amboli Ghat there is a popular picnic-waterfall spot where our beloved merry seeking but ever so undisciplined countrymen had gathered in all their enthusiasm to get wet! Their cars were haphazardly parked in all their arrogance on this narrow fog filled steep curvy road! They themselves too were lumbering across the road as if strolling from living room to kitchen-that too on a sunday morning! However, there are two very inviting food shanties here that serve piping hot 'rain- friendly' delicacies like maggie, pakoda's, omlette pav, tea, coffee, soup, etc. Its a super tempting halt considering its setting and temperature. The only reason we did not stop was because it would have seemed retarded to escape from the circus called Mumbai and then head right into the madness prevalent there- on that sunday afternoon- to fight, jostle, grunt and grumble all over again!

We however compensated for it on our way back. (see pic below)

As such, with no further stops and despite the curvy visibility barred ghat we reached our destination- Mangeshi Devasthan at 5:40 pm. The last leg of the drive post lunch was of 183 kms and took us a little less than 3 hours. The whole trip took 12 hours with 3 comfortable halts.

RETURN JOURNEY

We took the same route back. However, with the confidence of knowing the route now, the stops were different and intervals erratic!

Start Place: Mangeshi Devasthan (Ponda, 23 kms from Panaji)

Start Time: 6:20 am

Food Stalls @ Amboli Waterfall Point

First Halt: Amboli Waterfall

Time: 8:30 am (Duration: 25 minutes)

The ghat was largely behind us by now. We had covered the most tricky 108 kms of the journey in the first 2 hours. It was an ideal time for breakfast and the setting could not have been better. It was raining heavily, the fog was in all its attendance and most importantly the place that resembled VT station -at peak hours- on our way to Goa now looked like some secluded cottage in Dehradun! Thus, we made the most of it by hogging on garam garam pakoda's, omlette pavs and multiple rounds of nescafe!!

View from Goa Ves, Nippani

Second Halt: Goa Ves, Nippani

Time: 10:25 am (Duration: 10 minutes)

This halt was not needed at all but we took it all the same! Just for another round of coffee and to stretch our legs. It had only been 77 kms since our last halt but heavy rains and some active village life along the way had taken us an hour and a half to cover the same. We left from here within 10-15 minutes.

Third Halt: First Food Mall, Mumbai-Pune Expressway.

Time: 2:50 pm (Duration: 40 minutes)

In the last 4 hours were a tad bit adventarous considering i was not used to it at all! We covered a mammoth 324 kms non stop! The roads were so straight and empty throughout that it was like the car was driving itself. Also since the tummy's were full we just did not feel like taking a halt!

We finally had our lunch at the first food mall(Pune side) and geared up for the last leg of our trip that would take us home!

Home: Reached.

Time: 5:50 pm

Last 125 kms took 2 hours and 20 minutes, making the entire trip take 11 and half hours with three sufficiently unhurried halts.

So there it is... Drive safe and enjoy the journey. Mind you...the journey is often more important than the destination! ;)

The Genius called Aamir Khan and HOW!

DISCLAIMER: Let me state up front that i have no intentions to be a part of the cynical intelligentsia who have already condemned Satyameva Jayate. Personally, I shall any day prefer a superstar to responsibly take up a cause and create awareness rather than simply and perpetually entertain. Albiet, I am also NOT a die hard Aamir Khan fan who defends everything he does. This short rant here is simply and only an observation of the genius that Aamir Khan is proving time and again to be!

Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Mangal Pandey, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, Gajni, Peepli Live, Delhi Belly, Dhobhi Ghat, 3 Idiots and now Satyameva Jayate! Such is the story and glory of Aamir Khan (AK).

If it was luck, then it would have run out. If it was co-incidence then it would have stopped recurring long back. It thus can be only one thing- pure Genius!

I guess, at some point of time at the beginning of this millennium, it seems as though AK began his transformation from just another successful actor into this super intelligent creative force that he has become today! A calm, collected and sorted individual with acute focus and hard work. The result has been unprecedented success- economically and creatively.

One only has to compare the work of some talented directors with and without AK to know the difference that his acumen can make.

Now, at 11 am yesterday- 6^th May' 2012, I could not help but marvel, yet again, at the brilliance and genius of Aamir Khan.

It was the first telecast of Aamir Khan's television show- Satyameva Jayate (SJ). A show that broke every possible trend, showed the viewers everything that they had seen umpteen times before on some news channel or another and yet garnered stupendous reactions from all quarters! It is too early to comment on the success of the show but what is established yet again, is the brilliance of the mind called- Aamir Khan. Here's how-

The name- 'Satyameva Jayate.'

This name does justice to every text and subtext that one can find in the best 'brand building' journals of the world. It has- High recall value, immediate relativity, encapsulates the products essence...- you name it and it is there! Full marks.

Clutter breaker all the way!!

The show- like AK himself- has already beaten the crowd by not being part of it! Unlike the evening prime time slots that all stars and makers are fighting for, SJ, is telecast on a sunday morning when every other channel is either running re-runs or lame films! Tell me...who amongst all those 'celebrities', we have seen or known would have taken on this challenge aka gamble of a sunday morning spot? None.

Simultaneous telecast- Maximum Coverage!!

Breaking trends and making new ones for the benefit of his product is a AK trademark. He has done it before as a producer and did it again when SJ became the only program of its kind that will be simultaneously telecast on various Star channels along with- Doordarshan!

Finally, the best stroke of the Aamir genius is the theme and concept of Satyameva Jayate. It is a show that talks about genuine problems faced by real people. Now- “If you do not like discussing something that talks about the genuine problems which a large part of your nation is facing, then it only reflects how shallow and insensitive you are!!! For you may detest a game show or cringe at a serial but how will you publicly admit that discussing the perils of child marriage, dowry or female infanticide is something you are not interested in??” I cannot be sure of this being a deliberate reason but i am also sure, it cannot be overlooked!

The success and failure of the show is irrelevant to the context here. Also, Unlike so many people i do not know how much AK earns (and i do not care). All i know is the man is super intelligent and extremely creative. A genius and a winner... and a man cannot be all of that if he is not good man. After all...we all agree that at the end it is only- Satyameva Jayate!

Sachin is the class scholar NOT the monitor!! Hence NO RajyaSabha please!

When you worship a man for 22 years it goes without saying how important or special he is to you. I shall thus deliberately not state here as to how much and why I look up to Sachin Tendulkar. I shall instead state a more relevant observation of mine which will help me elaborate the point I am setting out to make!

My observation that emerged in 1997 was that -“Sachin is the class scholar and could not be the class monitor.”

It was at the time when Sachin; after a disastrous stint as a captain had decided to step down. I still remember how upset and stressed he used to be as a captain and how profusely the losses seemed to affect him.

Here is where my observation came from-

Almost every class in school had a student who was studious and came first in every exam. As opposed to that there would be another student who would never come first but was above average and was the class monitor. While the ‘scholar’ was good and diligent at his studies, the class monitor was capable of holding the class’s attention and managing other admin work.

It was my first glimpse into the human-ness of ‘Sachin Tendulkar’.  I realized how Sachin took everything personally, wanting to make all the difference himself and how poor he was at marshaling his resources. This however, took nothing away from him being the best batsman. But I knew then, as time would prove, that while the class monitors changed from Azhar to Ganguly to Dravid to Dhoni… the class scholar would stay focused and excel. Sachin could not take responsibility as multi tasking distracted him from his task at hand.

The second such observation came when through the entire murkiness of the betting and fixing that Indian cricket went through, defaming some of the icons of the game and bringing it considerable disrepute. Sachin did not say a letter! His silence earned him the dignity he was to maintain till date but again His silence only confirmed the non confrontational nature of his personality. It was evident that his focus was his own game. He did not want to get involved in anything else.

 

He was, as Ravi Shastry put it, “…born to play cricket and go back.” That was what he was meant to do!

Hence, last week when he accepted to be a member of parliament, I was stunned.

For, anyone who has observed him over the years, it was a move that stood contrary to everything Sachin had represented all these years.

Politics, leadership, multi-tasking and confrontation were all virtues that Sachin had stayed away from even when they were related to the game he loved and lived! And now to see him take on those very same virtues off the field makes one wonder…

Thus, my negative reaction to this development is only because of my fear that he might not damage some of the integrity and respect that he has gathered over years of being silent and aloof to various things… like above.

Meanwhile, I shall do that, which I have done for over the last 22 years each time  Sachin Tendulkar was on strike and about to face the delivery- keep my fingers crossed and pray that he does well.