Cyberkitty was nice enough to think that the stuff I write here is worth reading. Thank you!!
Accordingly, I am to nominate 4 other people for the Nice Matters Award.
4 does sound like a small number, because there are so many nice blogs out there.. yet, these are the ones that instantly come to mind:
1. Aaina: This is a Hindi blog, and i love the content - always.
2. Adi: Delhidreams. Very lovable poetry, and an even better story about 2 people in love.
3. Nabeel: He always brings out the most interesting things for his blog.
4. Twisted DNA: My no. 1 de-stressor after alcohol.
This tag is now open to all visitors. And the winners. Please post your fave 4 blogs - either in the comments section here, or on your own blog(and then let me know in the comments).
BTW, I m due for a surgery next Monday. At the moment, my head is in the modes of philosophy, fear and excitement, in that order.
The doctor thinks that philosophy, excitement, and fear is a better order of mind modes.
Any ideas on how to make the conversion?
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Double Whammy
I have a new love in my life : Pankaj Kapoor. I also have a new award for the most underrated actor in Indian cinema today - Pankaj Kapoor.
The good thing about a children's film(The Blue Umbrella, in this case) is that all characters are uni-dimensional. They are simple characters, in a simple story. You are only expected to savor one emotion at a time.
Pankaj Kapoor effortlessly adds layers to this character. The added layers do not complicate the story or its telling. They enhance your experience of every single moment of the story....and take it to an altogether unexpected level...
The man who tells his store help that one should not steal; the man who,knowing that he will be rightfully accused of theft in under 2 minutes, continues to give the chief guest's speech; the man who tries to sell biscuits and toffee to the children in the village, just so his excommunication is sidelined; the man who displays the loneliness of social excommunication; and then his desperate attempts to "belong"; and the man who is happy, and proud again.
Watch this film for Pankaj Kapoor. Biniya is a delight, and the story is wonderfully told, but these are the bonuses. After ages, a wonderful children's film meant also for the adults. Loved It!
The other film we saw last night was Gandhi, My Father.
Pretty much the only film ever, in which the protagonist moves in and out of the screen in random frames that make no effort to trace his journey. In short, its another documentary on Gandhi Sr. and his greatness.
Completely unexplored other characters, incl. Kasturba, the protagonist, his wife, the other children of the house, their relationship as siblings... nothing at all! This was a film where one expected layers and exploration, and did not even get basic research.
Pankaj Kapoor effortlessly adds layers to this character. The added layers do not complicate the story or its telling. They enhance your experience of every single moment of the story....and take it to an altogether unexpected level...
The man who tells his store help that one should not steal; the man who,knowing that he will be rightfully accused of theft in under 2 minutes, continues to give the chief guest's speech; the man who tries to sell biscuits and toffee to the children in the village, just so his excommunication is sidelined; the man who displays the loneliness of social excommunication; and then his desperate attempts to "belong"; and the man who is happy, and proud again.
Watch this film for Pankaj Kapoor. Biniya is a delight, and the story is wonderfully told, but these are the bonuses. After ages, a wonderful children's film meant also for the adults. Loved It!
The other film we saw last night was Gandhi, My Father.
Pretty much the only film ever, in which the protagonist moves in and out of the screen in random frames that make no effort to trace his journey. In short, its another documentary on Gandhi Sr. and his greatness.
Completely unexplored other characters, incl. Kasturba, the protagonist, his wife, the other children of the house, their relationship as siblings... nothing at all! This was a film where one expected layers and exploration, and did not even get basic research.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Sanjay Dutt and the "Equality Before Law"
In India, there is this hugely successful actor called Sanjay Dutt. I am not a fan, and therefore know little about his biographical details.
At the moment, he has been given a 6 year sentence for his involvement in the Mumbai blasts. Some people think its unfair, because his public life has been spotless all these years, and there really is no justification to send him behind bars again. Some others think that justice has been done, and just because he is a much loved public figure, he should not be condoned by the legal system.
Central to this entire debate, imho, is the axiom that All Men are Equal before Law.
It is this axiom that one would like to challenge.
Why should all men be equal before law? The usual answer is, so no one receives an unfair favor.
But that axiom assumes that each act of the person must be viewed in isolation. That is like looking at one piece of a jigsaw puzzle, and taking a decision that will impact the entire picture. How is that logical?
My contention is this - not just for Sanjay Dutt, but for everyone, their position in a legal system should be a function of, not just an isolated act, but, (at the very least), their entire criminal history (or lack thereof).
It is not about Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt is, again, a metaphor we can use to examine axioms that we do not question. While we are at it, Why do we not question axioms?
At the moment, he has been given a 6 year sentence for his involvement in the Mumbai blasts. Some people think its unfair, because his public life has been spotless all these years, and there really is no justification to send him behind bars again. Some others think that justice has been done, and just because he is a much loved public figure, he should not be condoned by the legal system.
Central to this entire debate, imho, is the axiom that All Men are Equal before Law.
It is this axiom that one would like to challenge.
Why should all men be equal before law? The usual answer is, so no one receives an unfair favor.
But that axiom assumes that each act of the person must be viewed in isolation. That is like looking at one piece of a jigsaw puzzle, and taking a decision that will impact the entire picture. How is that logical?
My contention is this - not just for Sanjay Dutt, but for everyone, their position in a legal system should be a function of, not just an isolated act, but, (at the very least), their entire criminal history (or lack thereof).
It is not about Sanjay Dutt. Sanjay Dutt is, again, a metaphor we can use to examine axioms that we do not question. While we are at it, Why do we not question axioms?
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