My Articles

Recently, I signed up for a site to publish my articles on the world wide web. Why I did it? Yes, to be recognised as a writer. Thankfully, the site which has its own set of reviewing guidleines to screen the articles, has published both the articles I had submitted.

And boy! was it joyful. To read your article in print is an inexplicable joy.

To cut a long story short - the link to the first artcile, below is an ode to a little and beautiful girl whom I knew for a few months. Incidentally, I had posted the same article here a few months ago and I re-submitted it to be published online.  

And the other one is a review of a Bollywood film about a slain sports champion-turned-rebel.

So happy reading and catch you all soon.

http://voices.yahoo.com/she-here-10684283.html?cat=44

http://voices.yahoo.com/a-review-paan-singh-tomar-11193512.html?cat=40

Paan Singh Tomar

Paan Singh Tomar and Kahaani

Like every year, Bollywood continued its January jinx at the box office this year too. However, two meaningful films won our hearts in March this year, proving once again, that content still rules and everything else is a meaningless frill. Coming back to the two films — both Kahaani and Paan Singh Tomar stole the show and viewers savoured every bit of the frames of both these films. I’ll begin with Paan Singh Tomar.

Paan Singh Tomar

Some films are never heard of before their release, and later when they release, they strike a chord with everyone. Paan Singh Tomar is one such film and nobody imagined it to be this popular. Of course, the reason is, the ever –reliable and convincing acting of Irrfan Khan as Paan Singh Tomar. The story of Paan Singh, a national athletics champion, is inspired by real –life events but sprinkled with funny and fictionalised incidents. Paan Singh joins the Indian Army as a Subedar from the village of Morena in Madhya Pradesh, India. He does so, as he feels it is the only place to satisfy his large appetite easily, and get paid.

We further get to know about Paan Singh’s time in the army, when he tells his story to a man who interviews him. Likewise, the film flashbacks to show a younger Paan Singh, who worked in the Indian Army.  We see him reporting back late from leave. He is punished and asked to run and take 10 rounds of a ground with his luggage. And here begins the fun part of the film – Paan’s running. He finishes running 10 rounds, faster than the others and hence his officer does not believe him. A senior manager happens to see him run at the same time, and quips — “For the first time, I’m seeing a man enjoy his punishment so much!”

This spreads the word around and convinces a few of the senior officers about Paan’s running abilities. Another interesting incident used by Dhulia, the director, to emphasise the athleticism of Paan is the ‘ice-cream’ incident, where Paan is directed by his officer to deliver a packet of ice-cream to a senior officer’s house at the earliest. The only condition – ice-cream should not melt and should be delivered the before the officer himself reaches home. Paan’s senior strikes a deal saying – if he succeeds, then he will be allowed to join the sports team of the Army.  And Paan succeeds and delivers the packet in 4 minutes and he does all this by running.

All the moments in the film, where Paan runs, whether during practice, punishment or competition, turn out to be the most delightful moments of this film.

The first half of the film shows Paan as a national level champion, devoted to the nation. The second half shows him turning into a rebel and a dreaded dacoit. The director balances this contradiction in a controlled and matured way. Neither he hails the national record holder Paan and catapults him to dizzy heights nor he shows him as a pitiful figure, when he turns a dacoit to defend his property and family. This dramatic change does not appear as a jolt, but rather as smooth turn.

Tigmanshu Dhulia tells a poignant story in a nice way and steers clear of pathos, unlike a KJo. The film tugs at your heart when Paan Singh dies. It also makes you think about the ignorance of the government towards these fallen stars, when snippets of such struggling sportsmen roll, before the end credits. When the film ends, one recalls Paan Singh as a fascinating and amusing character, complete with the naivity of a village man.

Irrfan Khan in this author backed role is superb. His act is completely effortless yet convincing. He is ably supported by Mahie Gill, as Paan Singh’s wife, and together they create some funny intimate moments in the film. This film is definitely a must watch.

One Liners... Those that Leave Everlasting Impressions

While browsing a quotations site or Facebook, I often come across intersting quites or one-liners that make me sit up and think about it. I have decided to list them to come back to them again and again whenever I want to! Also when I feel a little down, these one liners cheer me up. Also, these quotes rock your grey matter and teach you important lessons in life. So here goes the list. Needless this list will expand as and when some quote rocks me well enough. :)

        The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.

        If you don’t do stupid things while you’re young, you’ll have nothing to smile about when you’re old.

        You don’t need anybody that does not need you. Focus on those who truly appreciate you & get rid of those who don’t.

        Whoever is reading this, you’re beautiful and someone out there is crazy about you. So smile! Life is too short to be unhappy.

        If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to serve as a horrible warning.

        I cheated on my fears, broke up with my doubts, got engaged to my faith & now, I’m marrying my dreams.

        Dear Tummy, sorry for all the butterflies. Dear Pillow, sorry for the tears. Dear Heart, sorry for the damage. Dear Brain, you were right.

        Never depend on anyone in this world because even your very own shadow leaves you when you're in darkness.