English Vinglish

Aaaaand Sridevi is back! How I LOVE that woman. I saw this trailer a few days ago and kept grinning all day long. And she’s still as gorgeous as ever (long live Botox).

The film looks good too. I don’t know if it’ll be as good as this trailer, I don’t know if it’ll set cash registers ringing, I don’t know how the critics will rate it. But honestly, I don’t care! I am gonna go see it just for Her. Coz I know she won’t be bad J

P.S: Sridevi and chiffon sarees have always been synonymous. So seeing her in cottons almost seemed a bit weird at first! But she more than made up for it by dancing in the snow. (Check video at 2:27 for that!)

Movie Recommendation - Koshish

Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bachchan, Dina Pathak, Asrani.

Release Year: 1972.

Director: Gulzar.

Movie for this week is Koshish – a superlative story on love, life, courage and hope. This was Gulzar’s second movie as a director, and the first one I’d seen when I was about 8 or 9. I remember being completely bowled over by the performances.  

A realistic tale of a deaf and mute couple, Haricharan and Aarti, played flawlessly by Sanjeev Kumar and Jaya Bachchan. The story spans a period of 20 years of their life. Their love story is touching and has its own moments, like the one where Haricharan proposes to Aarti and she declines, or their wedding night. The couple’s first born passes away when it walks out of the house on a rainy night. But happiness creeps in again when Aarti gives birth to a ‘normal’ boy. A scene to watch out here is when they discover that their son is not deaf; Hari breaks a pot while Aarti whistles on! I have a little problem with the ending of this film. I find it a bit conventional. (But then again, I always have one or the other problem with almost every film!) Apart from that, the movie is exceptional. Especially since it does not contain the usual melodrama that you would expect from a movie that revolves around two deaf and mute people.

It amazes me how Jaya Bachchan can slip into any role with such ease. The effort just doesn’t show. And Sanjeev Kumar! He is always at his best in a Gulzar film. The film’s soundtrack comprises of two very forgettable songs, but they can be ignored; all thanks to a powerful story.

No matter what or how much I write here, it will not do justice to what I feel for this film. Yes, I know I’m partial to Gulzar, but all said and done; Koshish is a film that you must watch and not read about!

Song Of The Week

I’d almost posted Halkat Jawaani here. The song has been playing day in and day out in the head. The Hindi film industry has suddenly woken up to all-things-Maharashtrian, and the outcome is cheesy item numbers such as this, or Mala Jau De, or what was that song from Joker? Never mind. But one thing I can’t figure out, why Halkat? If you want to curse your jawaani, there are many more effective slang words in Marathi. How about Bavlat Jawaani? It may not be as racy as Halkat, but it suits the song.

Coming back to the post, what managed to get Halkat Jawaani out of the system was Phir Le Aaya Dil from Barfi. There are two versions to this song and both are equally good. But it is Rekha Bhardwaj’s rendition that I just can’t stop listening to. The lady probably dips her voice in chocolate before singing. Pritam’s music is beautifully subtle and cleverly highlights Swanand Kirkire’s lyrics. Barfi’s soundtrack also comprises of other impressive compositions like Kyuu, and Aashiyaan.

* Kismat ko hai yen manzur kya keeje

Milte rahe hum badastoor kya keeje

Dil keh raha hai

Usse musalsal kar bhi aao

Woh jo ruki si raah baaki hai

Wohjo ruki si chaah baaki hai *

Song: Phir Le Aaya Dil

Film: Barfi

Music: Pritam

Lyrics: Swanand Kirkire

Vocals: Rekha Bhardwaj

Qui Vengo, Italia

Thanks to Masterchef, my Italian holiday is planned. I have researched on where to go, what to see, what to do and what not to do! Why, I even have somebody for company :)

Now, all that we need is some money! Will have to wait till that happens. *Sigh*.

Getting Him Home

Its that time of the year again,

When idol stalls are put up,

When modaks are made

When a silent thought is interrupted

By the rhythm of a dhol that plays far away.

Its that time of the year again,

When loudspeakers blare,

When traffic barely moves

When money is extorted

In the name of religion.

Its that time of the year again,

When the God comes home.

When he is welcomed with fervour

When he stays, sees,

And chooses not to stay long.

Its that time of the year again,

When we bid him adieu,

With a smile on the face,

And a pit in the stomach.

The Make-Up Letter

[For all those who do not know, this is a sequel to this letter.]

Dear Chocolate,

You must be surprised to hear from me again. Especially after what happened between us. But the truth is, I have missed you. A lot, that too. And I wouldn’t have known about it if I’d not seen you at the store the other day.

Yes, I was at fault. I was the one who strayed. But then, you know how volatile I can be. This Coffee guy was a serious crush. Thanks to my project deadlines, we started seeing each other often. Whether it was a dull morning or some late night programming, he’d always be there, helping me to push through the day (or night). But it was only after I left you for him that I realized how terrible he is. My zombie-like eyes would agree to that. I’ve been deprived of sleep for the past couple of months. I still remember how you used to put me to sleep, and I miss that.

I tried moving on, met a couple of snacks, even fast foods, but none of them were as comforting or as delicious as you are. I thought of calling out to you, but my pride (and my diet) forbade me from doing so. But I don’t care about them anymore. I have become conscious of the fact that you and I belong together. Even though you add to my weight woes, I want you back. a li’l exercise on my part, and we’d both be happy this time.

I hope you find it in you to take me back.

Yours (Now) Faithfully,

Ankita.

Song Of The Week

No matter how bad the day may have been, give me a Gulzar poem/song at the end of it and I’m happy. Song of the week is Aapki Aankhon Mein Kuch from Ghar. Did a lot of you just go ‘awww’ over that? Yes, the song is every bit aww-worthy!

This song defines romance for me. It amazes me how Pancham’s music and Gulzar’s words are always a perfect match. Like ‘made for each other’ type! Add to that Kishore Kumar’s voice and I’d call it wholesome goodness!

* Lab hile toh mogre ke

Phool khilte hai kahin

Aapki aankhon mein kya

Saahil bhi milte hai kahin *

Song: Aapki Aankhon Mein Kuch

Film: Ghar

Music: R.D.Burman

Lyrics: Gulzar

Vocals: Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar.

The Cute Kid

Kids can be so cute,

When they are not throwing tantrums.

Or screaming their lungs out. 

When they are not wailing.

Or even talking.

When they play on their own.

And keep you out of their fights.

When they don't ask you questions.

And share a bar of chocolate.

When they can tie shoelaces.

And don't ask you to.

Yes, kids can be cute.

And I'm a big liar.