PIKU- a movie review

Movies are meant to entertain, but entertainment does not necessarily imply meaninglessness, it might at times be meaningful as well. And this weekend was more meaningful because of a movie which aimed entertainment with a purpose. PIKU a movie directed by the celebrated director, of Vicky Donor fame, Shoojit Sircar, dwells in a strange genre. It is a family drama, with a comical backdrop yet loaded with messages on subtle feminism and righteousness. And off-course a commendable cast ensemble. Amitabh Bachchan as the constipated, loud, demanding yet with unimaginable modern values father, Deepika Padukone as Piku, the liberated, opinionated, crude yet caring daughter and Irrfan Khan as the car service owner, an outsider caught between a strange yet dedicated, example setting relationship between the father and daughter.

Deepika Padukone as Piku

She looked elegant in the Bengali Avatar

Talking of acting, I barely have the guts to, because what appeared on screen was reality, nothing seemed like acting. It was so real, it was human that you instantly relate. And about the movie as a whole, first feeling is it a must watch, because of reasons more than one. Firstly just to catch up some awesome acting, which I feel, is Deepika’s best so far. Secondly the way the story is narrated is so much opposed to today’s most of the 100-300 Crore movies, that you actually see the contrast and difference in craft and intellect. Can you believe the movie which discusses constipation and colicky symptoms at length, can actually be a strong satire on the existing bourgeoisie attached to the institution of marriage, besides subtle feminism and women empowerment? I think Deepika did her bit towards the cause of empowering women through this movie, rather than her video “My Choice”. In this movie of a dysfunctional family, a father urges his daughter not to marry because he believes that women choose to please their husbands and in laws sacrificing or rather forgetting their qualities after tying the knot. Often called selfish by the society and even the daughter, he continues to be firm on his views. Another important message that the movie gives, is the responsibility of a daughter towards her parents. Even in this era of modernisation, looking after parents is a duty of the son and daughter in law. While the parents of the later might not have a support system, their daughter is not accountable for look after. It is a shame on our society, when a father is looked down upon if he eats at his daughter’s place, or a mother who stays at her daughter’s place who is married. This movie is a tight slap on the people who think in that direction. In fact it reminds all of us that we are responsible for giving our parents a good and peaceful old age, whatever gender we belong to anyway. And lastly the journey to Kolkata and city viewing is nostalgic for all Bengalis, the narrow lanes, the “Kochuri”, the Ganga Ghats everything is so much a part of us and the open-minded culture that we are brought up to makes us what we are. Infact Bengali Culture is strongly omnipresent through out, including the language.

In totality, PIKU is the movie pick for the weekend, it entertains, it makes you emotional and most importantly it remains with you, so go and catch a glimpse of life.

The cast

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

Tabloid Journalism-Salman Khan's case is just an example

Entertainment news is the only news these days

I find it difficult to digest how the newspapers today crave only for publicity. “Virat Kohli wishes Anushka Sharma Happy birthday” this is also news. I think certain newspapers did not give Nepal’s devastating earthquake as much coverage as it is giving to Salman Khan’s verdict over his hit and run case. Or is it in the earthquake case I should say that the media was irritatingly hyperactive? I think the newspapers have become news makers, blowing insignificant things out of proportion and leaving the important news behind. A profession as noble as journalism, seems so much like a means of tapping things that caters to public demand and serving it hot to them. National crisis is just a meagre topic compared to what Sunny Leone had to say on Rakhi Sawant’s nonsense comment on her. 

Some celebrities are children of this media and are celebrities because of it

Truly it is an era of tabloid journalism. Who cares what is significant, whatever sells is good. And this the reason why personalities like Rakhi Sawant are so called celebrities and are earning like hell. Any publicity is good, positive or negative but today this statement is so omnipresent, that as a literate and opinionated reader of news I feel nauseated. This shit has to stop. There was a time when a newspaper used to be a source of gaining knowledge and elders urged youngsters to read every day. Today a parent is scared to hand over the same to his/her adolescent child, because besides news the papers will definitely have on display pictures of skimpily clad movie stars or news about affairs, adultery or public display of  affection. All news is entertainment news today.

There are many celebrities who are taking benefit out of this wrecked situation. Just recently Salman Khan’s sentence was announced for his hit and run case and newspapers, social media was almost instantaneously abuzz with the news.

Actor Salman Khan

Every minute detail from Salman’s subtle reaction to his outburst was captured and shared. All right, it is fine that he is public figure and is a brand in himself, we might even enjoy his craft but there has to be a line drawn. There are two sides of the coin, one is undue blowing out of proportion and another intruding personal space. Besides celebrities like Abhijit Bhattacharya, who is a singer and composer, tweeted such obnoxious tweets (“Kutta rd pe soyega kutte ki maut marega, roads garib ke baap ki nahi hai I ws homles an year nvr slept on rd”).Off course even a child can pretty well see his cheap PR skills and use of media to get a share of limelight.

Singer Abhijit Bhattacharya on Salman Khan

But my intent of writing this narrative is not to talk about Abhijit or Sunny Leone in particular. It is about stopping this nuisance in the name of entertainment and journalism. While many celebs use this kind of media uproar to remain and retain their publicity, negative or positive does not matter, I am pretty sure there are those who detest this encroachment. I think the time to discard nonsense articles and becoming choosy about what and how we want to entertain ourselves has come, because if demand isn’t there I am sure the supply will reduce too. At least we the ones who have been blessed to see the light of education must start this movement of choosing the correct news for us.

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

What is this Nayi League all about?

When we talk or think of sports in India the name that first comes to our mind is undoubtedly Cricket. Indians are attached to this sport whole-heartedly and emotionally. It is not very unusual to see otherwise busy streets empty when some crucial match is telecasted live. And whenever there is craze, there will be idols. 

Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly share a moment

Talking of cricketing stalwarts, again some names immediately appear to show their existence in our minds, like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and many more. Thinking of the international scenario, there are again numerous names to mention. Now what comes immediately to your mind when I say Kapil Dev, I guess it is the first World Cup won by India as it happened under his captaincy.

A historic moment 

A proud moment indeed for the enter nation and Team India. Though we went on to win another World Cup later, but any first thing is special, isn't it? Hence Kapil Dev’s name will always be associated with creating history for Indian Cricket for the very first time.

India's worthy sons

But then cricketing or for that matter any sport is full of passion. Pursuing sports for a career requires adequate madness, immense interest and self-confidence. It also demands humongous hard work to taste success in the field. But once you are a star performer, a celebrity then the sky is the limit. Sportsmen are known for brand endorsements and advertising. Infact our favorite cricketer Kapil Dev was also spotted in numerous ad films etc. 

M.S Dhoni seen in an ad

But recently social networking is abuzz with a new league, which is about to commence, surprised? No it is not the IPL or anything close to that, frankly I have no idea of what it is, but my curiosity levels are sky high.

Former Indian Captain Kapil Dev is all over internet promoting and raising inquisitiveness amongst his fans about this New League or Ek Nayi League as is addressed in the buzz around.  His most powerful weapon seems to be the twitterati that he is pursuing, truly remarkable the power of online tools. However that is not what the question is, the question is the strangeness of the videos on air about this upcoming league. While sports are known for passion, a man who is an integral part of Indian sportsmanship says that if this new league is played with all heart, you will get to nothing but a googly.

So what can this be all about? Whenever we hear the word league we associate it with sports but there is another dictionary meaning of the word as well which says “a collection of people, countries or groups that combine for mutual protection or co-operation”. The word co-operation attracted me. The new league may be completely different from what we are guessing and may be a reality show like survival of the fittest. And in show of that format co-operation amongst contestants is a must. But again a contestant is not expected to play with his heart, because getting emotional can be detrimental to his/her future in the show. One needs to ruthlessly use his brain and the hence he says playing with heart will take you to defeat. I believe it is a celebrity reality show, and Kapil Dev will be the presenter. I also think that the celebrities will be from the sports background and hence the choice of presenter. Interesting isn’t it? I guess the revelation will be historic because all of us will know the reality and also know how far is our guess from it, waiting eagerly for the sport maestro to spill the beans on his twitter handle soon!

Reality shows come and go, but some of them remain with us. The ones which are played with truthfulness, transparency and heart (or brain as in this case <wink>, to say the least any organ will do> are prized. I would love to believe that this Nayi League will be amongst the remembered ones, because I want a stalwart like Kapil Dev to be associated with some thing praise worthy. However the million dollar question remains unanswered and eager to  get answered and that is “What is this Nayi League?”, is it at all any reality show or some celebrity sports league (which is also a reality show for sure but we generally use the terms differently)? Time will answer, till then let’s keep our anxiousness meter high and keep guessing. Wishing the pride of the nation the very best for his new venture!

Kapil Dev promoting the upcoming venture

 For more detailed information about this new league click on the following link: EK NAYI LEAGUE

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

Swapne Jamon Hoe

Stills from the play (pic courtesy: Mukesh Trivedi)

A play I was a part of, staged during Durga Puja 2014, by Spandan Foundation in Powai, Mumbai. It was written and directed by my co actor Shubhodipto Roy. "Swapne Jemon Hoe" meaning the way it happens in dreams, with an interesting story line and our efforts towards good execution, it is special to me. So thought of sharing it in my blogging space, hope my readers enjoy :-).

To know more about Sharodutsab 2014 by Spandan foundation click on the link below:
Spandan Foundation

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

Dance Basanti :-)

As a kid I always aspired to dance. But my dream of learning the art could never come true; studies stopped me from that indulgence. However I was always involved in many dance programs and that really excited me. But it has been really many years since I took the stage to shake a leg, infact I thought I have lost the zest and courage to move in front of an audience. The last time I danced in a function was in my engineering college, later I acted in plays, did compeering and many other activities, but dancing never! Besides never in my life did I dance to Bollywood numbers, all my dancing was Rabindranitya, contemporary etc.

A few days back, in our Powai based bong association we celebrated, “Bengali New Year” and we kept a theme of Bongs in Bollywood. Can you believe it that I danced and that too to a bollywood number? Remember Bipasha Basu and Akshay Kumar in “Main sirf tera mehboob, tu meri mehbooba!”? And those strange, raunchy moves! I and my husband Avishek were to portray that booty shake on stage. Initially a bit taken aback by the idea, later we took it as challenging and fun. Finally the end product was presentable, if not great and Spandanites were gracious enough to encourage. A few of those captures I wanted to share in my blogging space. Afterall my blog is my journey and all memorable moments are eligible to find space. Avishek did well and as per me, I was kind of OK. It is worth mentioning, that the choreography too was largely his. But truly memorable was the experience for reasons more than one, I first time danced to a Hindi dance number and also it was our first leg shake together, and this made it special. I thank Spandan for the opportunity :-)

A few captures for you!

Avishek

Me

Dance Dance

Dance Dance

Romance is in the air

Picture courtesy Mainak Chatterjee.

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta

                                                                                    

Cherished for life - Leh Ladakh

I closed my eyes to avoid seeing what I thought might be scary,

The aircraft bumped along, gliding and narrowly escaping the nearness to the mountains,

But soon there was calm and I opened my weary eyelids to see a dream,

The lucky heaven clouds knocked at my window and snowy mountains surrounded,

The mighty Himalayan and Karakorum ranges bestowed incredibility to my eyes,

I was living a moment I wanted to have with me forever etched in my mind and soul!

View from the aircraft

I believe I am a traveler, a globe trotter but only in my head. Professional and personal assignments have pushed my passion to take a back seat. Yet the traveler in me is not pseudo though it is dormant and aspiring. As already indicated, I have not been lucky enough to wander the wonder streets of India and abroad, to the extent I desire to, yet life has not been completely partial or unrewarding. I have to confess that I had my share of moments, which are painted like nature’s magnum opus in the cores of my heart canvas. The master strokes of the most wondrous artist, i.e., nature have created epitomes of serenity inside me, an insignificant part of which I captured through my novice lens and a significant part I captured in my traveler heart.

I and my husband Avishek are not a very quarrelsome couple, but when it comes to travelling we beg to differ. I wanted to honeymoon in Maldives, but he insisted to visit the backwaters of Kerala, I gave in to his choice. So next year after exploring the Aravalli ranges in Mt Abu, I rekindled my desire to see the Arabian blueness but again he had a different plan. He said Leh Ladakh is the holiday destination. After quite a heated discussion he managed to inculcate in me a burning desire to behold the cold desert and so he won again. But this is one failure, I will cherish throughout my life and living.

The mountains summons

We boarded the flight from Delhi Airport early in the morning, excited and enthralled. It was not a long flight, but my patience was running low. I wanted to behold the incredible. Here I want to mention of my habit of google searching meticulously before going to explore any new destination. Hence it is no rocket science to guess the reason for my never fading enthusiasm to see one of the most exotic locales of not only India but the world at large. But just before landing, the aircraft entered a seemingly never ending bumpy route, traversing through the narrow gaps between the mountains that stood strong to welcome us. But as they say, incredible destinations are always reached via dangerous roads. At the end what we saw, was the jaw dropping view of the highest ranges in the world, snow-capped, majestic and shinning in the nearness to the mighty sun. A view to die for, a view to live for! This trip to Leh Ladakh is embedded with moments and memories that took my breath away and will be cherished forever.

View from our resort

Frankly now when I look back and recollect my collected memories, I feel amazed at the beauty that this place offers. And it is difficult to find out, where to start from! The first day is more for acclimatization to the enhanced altitude, unrest can be devastating. Breathlessness and asphyxiation are common problems. So the actual vacation starts from day 2 when your body has adjusted to Ladakh’s beauty and adversities. We had planned our trip through Make my trip. They had assigned a car for us, with two other couples of the same age group in it. And it is worth mentioning, that those four are amongst the best of our friends now, true it is, when they say destiny makes friends for you! Day 2 morning was heavenly. The resort had the awesome privilege of viewing the snowcapped ranges. After a quick breakfast of coffee and bread, we kick started our explorations.

A beautiful monastery

Way leading to magnetic hill

A bit of photography

A relaxed Afternoon

Ladakh is a part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is known for its Islamic influence. But Ladakh is strangely influenced by Nepali or Tibetan culture. With exotic and colorful monasteries, complimenting the rough landscape of the cold desert and noticeable army impact everywhere, it definitely stands apart from other travel destinations across the globe Leh is a small town, with a lovely local market, where you can get souvenirs; it has many restaurants with noticeable number of foreign tourists flowing in every day. 

Souvenirs Displayed in the Market

Colors all around

However the best parts of the trip was yet to come and it surfaced with our rendezvous with the highest motorable road in the world, Khardungla pass. Covered with snow in the month of June, when most of the country faces heat waves, Khardungla pass stands tall at an altitude of 5359 m above sea level. The winding road to this destination has mind boggling scenic beauty, which smoothly answers the question, why India is incredible.

Me at Khardungla Pass

All of us in Khardungla Pass

(Bhagyesh, Priyanka,Nilesh, Shalaka, Avishek and I)

Rivers Indus and Zanskar meeting

A mesmerizing Buddha Idol

The school of 3 Idiots fame

Me and Avishek

The next, cherry to the cake was out trip to Nubra valley and champing there overnight. I really lack words to describe my first encounter with fairy tale land. With snowcapped mountains around and sand in between, Nubra valley is nature’s excellence. With double hoofed camels and the slow humming as the stream water flowed past, we had a wonderful camping experience. Sometimes you tend to wonder at the creator’s craft, and this was one such moment.

Tents in Nubra

Awesome Landscape

Double hoofed Camels

The best was yet to come; my majestic blues was yet to cast its magical spell on us. The travel to Pangong Lake was a journey of wonders, the mountains and terrain changed color now and then, from hues of grey to green, we saw it all. And there were yaks, horses and streams of freshly melted ice, to enhance. But I was impatient, I wanted to see my majestic blues and yes finally I saw it. In the vicinity of grey looming mountains, a patch of Prussian blue was evident. And as we approached, we saw the extravagance in totality. The best moment of my life, so far! I stood spell bound, trying to imbibe as much as possible this beauty so majestic.

Pangong Lake

Pangong Lake

Meal by Pangong

The trip to Ladakh was memorable because it was one of its kinds. An incredible proximity to untouched nature and experiencing it with like-minded fellow travelers! What else goes to etching never fading memory lines? I guess Ladakh gave me the “Jio Khulke Moment” when I had spread my wings to experience the never ending stretches of blue, I had felt much more alive!

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta
Picture courtesy: Avishek, Nilesh, Bhagyesh, Shalaka, Priyanka and me

Sharing is Caring

“Oh my God…it was a tiresome day,” complained Arushi. “My boss was really on my head, he was just waiting for me to return from my vacation, sadist!”

“And this traffic, it takes a toll on your patience,” started Aniket. “I don’t know how you manage to drive so calmly.”

“There is no way out….maintaining calm saves the anxiety….otherwise I would die of it one day….you know my travel route, right?” said Arushi.

“Offcourse, why the hell….everyone has to come and stay in this city,” remarked Aniket.

“Huh! The reason is same as yours and mine,” mocked Arushi. “Oh! I so need a steaming cup of coffee.”

“I too” said Aniket. “Darling….”

“What? Don’t you remember we had decided to distribute household chores? Please Ani…atleast today….see how tired I am!” pleaded Arushi.

“But you make the best coffee in the world Aru…please…”Aniket sugar coated the demand.

“Offcourse, you know what? Our mentalities are still the same…age old! Like every other day….I will make coffee and you will relax…”walked off Arushi to the kitchen. This was there regular story, though both were professionally as busy, the household responsibilities always laid on Arushi’s shoulders. Aniket just said but never worked towards sharing that load.

Sounds similar? Ok, here’s another for provoking your memory.

I am tired

“Aniket, Aniket….please come….it is very late already….the dining table is laid,” shouted Arushi. “Oh God, I think we need a 24X7 domestic help, it is very tough for me…what do you think Ani?”

Aniket while walking towards the dinner table from the bedroom “Aru, do you have any idea how much they charge? We already have a domestic help and cook, which is digging a hole in our pocket.”

“But……..” started Arushi.

“Ok, we will sleep over it,” Aniket cut the conversation off. “Aru, it is the same cabbage every day…after long days of work…our bodies demand nutrition, I guess.”

“So why don’t you get the veggies…it is not my sole responsibility,” remarked Arushi.

“My mom, look at her….she works day and night…..without complain. And you, with all the help you have….you only know to complain,” Aniket was angry.

“Your mother does not work or drive…..her only concern is the kitchen. How do you expect me to remember the vegetable stock and the presentation together….God damn it! I am not a machine….” Arushi had tears. “Do you really think that men and women are equal? While I am doing everything that you are doing, or your father may have done…..you expect me to do what your housewife mother does as well?”

You never understand me

Another familiar conversation isn't it? Is it not thought provoking or alarming, that with progress we are teaching the females to work hand in hand with males, but are we teaching the males to share the household responsibilities too? Today’s working, modern man, wants a self reliant, working partner to share the economic load but is he prepared to cook, dust and clean if required?

Sharing is caring. And marriage is a burning example of sharing, sharing space, love, emotions and good and bad times. In this era of crumbling relationships and adultery, I believe in this institution whole-heartedly. I believe that this institution is the backbone of uniqueness of the Indian society. With the ever increasing influence of the western world in our lives, we tend to forget ourselves and culture, which I firmly want to hold on to. But one thing must be remembered and appreciated, holding on to culture does not necessarily imply, clinging on to the age old social taboos. To me progress is perpetual, it only accelerates, never to retard again. Think of the process of evolution. Don't you think, progress, modernization are all alike evolution? Ape man has evolved to be today’s modern man. But evolution was enlightenment of body and mind both and hence should be the progress that today’s world sees. From mobile phones to IT boom, today every aspect is touched in lightning speed, but has our minds evolved too?

I am not very conversant with the evolution of man and how both the genders survived the rough tides of life. But sources indicate that there was a time, when females ruled, they were respected and regarded. However gradually with the increase of physical strength males took to ruling spree and females lost their supreme power. However, I do not have the details of this changing process. But what I know is, progress continued, though this time it was confined to the worldly things. Males continued to dominate the society and females drowned in the dark trenches of disrespect, crime, humiliation and objectification. However time and mentality changed though slowly and women started to walk out of the dark dungeon and showcase their qualities. Today a man and woman, literally walk hand in hand and witness the illumination of advancement together. But has the society at large really accepted this equality, or is it just something nice to talk about?

I am myself

As I already pointed, today’s woman is capable of being the bread earner, but has the man come over his large ego and learnt to know the kitchen? Couples like Aniket and Arushi are representative of this change in society. While it will be unfair to generalize but the reality is, that males like Aniket are in abundance, who still nurture an inside full of social stigmas camouflaged by their modern pretending exterior. But as a modern, working wife, I believe that sharing of responsibilities beautify the relationship in ways more than one.

Just need your help at times

Firstly it is a gesture of love and care. When your partner makes you a cup of coffee after a long day and plants a loving peck on your cheek, the coffee tastes heavenly. This is mutual for both the genders; afterall we all love to be pampered. Moments like this etch never fading memories in our marital life album. Moments that remain with you, moments that grow old with you!

It is so easy when we work together

Secondly, it is needed to appreciate and respect each other’s physical limitations. A woman is neither a slave, nor a machine. She is as much blood, bone, mucous membrane, muscle as the man is. Then is she not entitled to the luxury of feeling tired after a mentally and physically exhausting day in office? It is a man’s responsibility to share the household chores as she balances paying the bills at the end of the month. An understanding of this fact, increases mutual respect and hence strengthens the bond.

Thirdly, it teaches children the equality of status of both men and women. Besides they learn to share and behave more rationally as they grow up, which makes them self dependent individuals.

Lastly, what I believe is the viscous circle of love. When you share, you care and hence you evoke love. While working together or after finishing work, you get more quality time with each other and hence you love more.

Finally, I believe that we have come to an era of complete equality. And the bliss of marital life goes strong only when both the partners know to respect each other’s individuality and love each other too immensely for ego to raise its monstrous head. So keep loving and keep sharing because SHARING IS CARING!

Cheers to our bond of sharing

“I am writing for the #ShareTheLoad activity at BlogAdda.com in association withAriel.”

Aritra Chakrabarty Sengupta