Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna

I still remember that day in my ninth class when there was hype for the release of Kuch kuch hota hai which had generated huge hopes in the audience of being a blockbuster. The fact that it turned out to be one is history now and of course any Karan johar movie now is expected to do the same. One thing you can be sure of finding in a Karan Johar movie is grandeur, lovely locations abroad, amazing costumes, some smiles and tears. This movie also falls into the same category and can be identified to be a Karan johar movie even by a person who does not know that it is one. The differences that you can find in this movie compared to the rest are the absence of a "sagaai " or a "karva chaut" song, a bold subject which is alien to the families that were seen in his earlier movies. It seems like Karan was experimenting to test the acceptance by audience in "kal ho na ho" by touching on issues of homosexuality subtly behind the facade of light comedy.

Gone are the days when the woman in the house was shown as sati savitri. The sense of independence that many women feel and want to feel now is nicely captured in this movie through the character of Rhea ( Preity Zinta ). It is a fresh change to see the heroine of the movie ( Rani Mukherji) listening to her heart and desires rather than having blind devotion to husband like she used to do spending years shedding tears or staying as a widow in the movies of 70s and 80s. The presence of three superstars of course adds more charm to the movie though the Bacchans who are portrayed as the cool dudes in the movie steal the show when pitted against a fussy and irritable character that is played by Shahrukh khan. Kiron kher who is present in almost every superhit movie now a days is given enough footage in the movie as the whole movie revolves only around these six people except for a few friendly appearances by other actors. Talking of such friendly appearances in a Karan Johar’s movie everyone in the audience knows that right from KKHH to KANK the trio of shahrukh, Rani and kajol has to be a part of the movie. Whoever among these does not play a lead role definitely appears in a song. And so did Kajol in a song that rocked the theatre with the Bacchans dancing for Rock n Roll. John Abraham and Arjun rampal have also made guest appearances in the movie which act as respite from the lead roles who are there throughout the movie.

The movie starts off with an introduction of the lead roles in a hyped manner which provides enough opportunity for the audience in the theatres to whistle clap and shout for their favorite actors and actresses. Especially the introduction of Shahrukh Khan goes on for about five minutes before he reveals his face fully. The FIFA Fever has not vanished yet and hence based on the time of release Karan Johar has made use of it to create waves of enthusiasm by introducing Shahrukh khan as the heroic football player. The first half of the movie moves at a good pace with both content and comedy. Abhishek Bacchan and Amitabh Bacchan fill the theatres with giggles through their crispy dialogues and cool attitude in the movie. We have come across Baby B doing that in many movies. But it is interesting to see Big B flirting with the fairer sex over a broad range of age from 20-60. Kiron Kher as usual comes across as a modern mummy with touches of her characteristic comedy. Preity Zinta who represents the independent, successful and career oriented gal has carried her role well though she has not got much of an opportunity to showcase her talents. Rani Mukherji has performed well as usual and Shahrukh khan’s performance also gives a clear picture of Dev Saran. While watching the movie you can’t crib about the performance of the actors and the actresses in the movie. Afterall all of them are well experienced and popular. Yet the feeling that the movie lacks something lingers on.

Though the movie has a storyline that is different from the ones that Johar and Chopras deal with, the screenplay does not live up to that. At certain points in the last few minutes, the pace of the movie lags behind. The background score typical of these movies that play the tune of one of the songs of the movie often makes it slow when the actors walk away from each other or look at each other for the first time. This is because they are shown doing these things in slow motion till the tune of at least two lines of the song plays in the background. The comedy scenes are not spread over the movie like they were in Kuch kuch hota hai or Kal ho na ho to keep the audience entertained. The last part of the movie seems slow and insipid due to lack of energy and enthusiasm. But whatever comedy scenes are present in the movie concentrated in the first half are very good. Especially, scenes of some confusion leading to dialogues with double entendre and attempts of Rani and Shahrukh to rekindle the romance in their lives which end up as fiasco. The character representation in the movie is one of the main points that make the movie less effective. The roles of Rani and Shahrukh seem repetitive and often remind you of roles that they played in Hum tum and Chalte Chalte respectively. Hence the freshness of the characters remains absent. The songs are a good mixture of both melody and energy. "Rock and Roll" as well as "Where’s the part tonight" are two songs that sweep you off your feet in a good DTS theatre. But the positioning of some songs like " Party song " and the title song are untimely with the former not going with the flow of the movie and the latter reducing the speed of the movie almost while nearing climax. The cinematography is commendable which has made every scene fit to be made as a poster. The scenes that show snowfall and dry leaves being carried by the wind remind you of some scenes from kal ho na ho.

The theme of the movie is pretty realistic as the same feelings that are experienced by Maya ( Rani Mukherji) in the movie can be experienced by many women of the married community. It is quite possible that the person to whom you get married may not be the one whom you can call your "soulmate". And what if you actually meet that kind of a person after marriage? That is a very possible thing to happen. How the relationships get strained and life changes is something that needs to be addressed to. But the strength in the topic is not found in the script. First of all there are not an instant in the movie that can make you actually feel that Dev is indeed the soulmate of Maya except for some common likes and dislikes. In fact, there are more instances of Maya being upset with Dev too which may diminish the difference between Rishi and Dev as far as Maya is concerned. Moreover the role description of Dev is not at all attractive which will probably make you question at some instant while watching the movie – "What is her problem in loving such a charming guy like Rishi ( Abhishek Bacchan ) ?" . This is because neither is Rishi portrayed strongly as someone whom Rani cannot be happy with or Dev as someone whom a married woman can get attracted to. It is understandable that Dev had to be shown as a failure which could create problems between him and Rhea. But looking at him limping throughout the movie with a long hair do that does not suit him often makes you crib about his appearance in the movie. To cut short the whole story and say in a few words, the presentation of the love between Maya and Dev is not convincing that makes us overlook the fact that it is extra-marital and wish that they should be together.

Some things that can be appreciated as different in the movie are twists like Rhea and Rishi deserting their respective partners when they learn of their affair; while you will be actually expecting them to forgive them and lead a happy life thereafter like ‘usual’ Hindi movies, Abhishek Bacchan announcing his marriage when you expect him to say "I cant live without you. Come back to me." Sudden death of Amitabh Bacchan and his advice to Maya to leave Rishi also seem unexpected.

Overall this movie can be rated as reasonably good for audience without much expectations of the hyped " Karan Johar Blockbuster" movies. It is a mixture of + and – points and what overtakes what depends on how much you believe in the theme as well as on how much you can relate to the characters in the movie.

Life as a teacher

Everyday we realise certain things as life is a persistent and continuous teacher....The classes of life are more ruthless than any dean or academic administration of a institution because there are no holidays for lessons of life....This blog is just like writing notes for todays lesson.....

Human psychology has emerged now as a stream of study for people dreaming of becomming " doctors "....both in the real sense of medical doctors and also pseudo doctors who earn a phD....But I guess psychology is not something that is taught only in educational institutions....we dont get exposed to psychology for the first time in the class room like we do probably to Newtons laws....It is something that is communicated without a medium....u grow up with parents and siblings and without verbal exchange u can easily make out what is running in their mind.....No one teaches us how to do that....It is just like how babies know to drink mother's milk without any training.....

Sometimes some people are very sensitive and sharp for whom the others' thought process seems pretty transparent....This may make them good psychologists...but if thats not their proffesion, it is a bane in disguise of virtue....Thats because there is lot of hypocrisy in this worls......countless number of liars and pretenders....If u r a dumb believer of what people have to tell u....there is no disturbance...because what people usually tell u is more likely to be sweet, polite and atleast sounds favourable....But if there was some x ray machine that could decode the thoughts in their mind all that is said above may be disproved....So if u have the ability to somehow feel what the person is thinking or what his intentions are instead of what ur ears r hearing...U will face a lot of disappointment.....

For example lets take a hypothetical situation where u r in some serious crisis and in need of some money...U approach the person whom u consider to be ur very close friend and ask for help....If u r insensitive to invisible thought waves u will probably believe the reason that ur friend politely gives...and the disappointment of not getting the money will be covered up by the care that ur friend shows using wonderful words ....But if u r sharp to know what is going on in ur friends mind while he is saying those things....U r doomed to double disappointment....

So it is better to move on with life without thinking about the mental chaos of other people.....and better be happy with the flowery descriptions that cover up thorny intentions....In both cases ur practical situation will be same but mentally u will be obviating some extra disturbances....

To be happy one needs to learn to let go of many things....Nobody likes to be answerable to someone...and no one is answerable to u....no matter whether u think they r or not....so unless u let go of it....it will linger on only in ur mind and affect u.....Dont remember the bad things that others have done to u....because U cant reverse it and after all u did not do it....and also dont remember the good that u have done to others...because it is already done...moreover it will only make u expect returns in vain and regret the good things which will only devalue the highness of it.......

A Transformation

I feel there is a right time for every activity, a right place for every incident to happen and a right person who has to be responsible for it and all this is predetermined..... At every stage each one of us learns lessons from failures, disappointments and even success for that matter....But it seemed like I only acknowledged the lesson, talked about it but never put it to practice in the situations that came later, the opportunities I had later.....I only realised today how hearing the same things that I knew already can make me feel the urge to do something I had not done....It was like studying in 10th again ( the one u have already studied and passed out) but this time with more enthu, more vigour and more energy.....I felt as if I am given a second opportunity to do something that I ought to do.....( though I never wanted to do it when the first opportunity arrived).....

Rain drops were being sent from heaven along with a message for me.....I stood there feeling the drops touching my forhead, my arms and often making my eyes blink in an attempt to stop them from entering my eyes...later i realised that they were in fact trying to open my eyes!! A voice from miles away speaking a few words that directly went and shook my mind, my thoughts and brought in front of me, my hidden strengths. The voice was penetrating only today of all the days and it said " U have so much in you.....U have the capacity to do wonders....U need to realise ur potential...stop depending on others either for emotional support or for achieving something....U have everything in u to do it urself......U need to realise that u have proven now and again that u have the ability to do well and succeed all on ur own.....Dont question others...u can find the answer urself......U dont need more than a few people who care for u which u already have......U need not be very nice to everyone....u cant impress everyone.....and there is no need....Ur life will be fine and in fact better even without the care of people u crave for.....U need not be afraid of failures...U need to face them with courage and self confidence...That is what will give u a sense of respect for urself...U need to place urself high in ur own opinion.....There is nothing wrong in being a lil selfish to stand high in ur own opinion...U need ot give urself more importance than for others.....U need to have something that u can give ur life for.....a passion...It may be ur favourite field of study..... a favourite art that u wanna pursue....U need to go higher in life and achieve gr8 things....U have everything in u to do all that....Do not compromise ur priorities for the sake of something that is not worth it......U can handle situations in a very mature manner.....if u want to.....it is just that u have never wanted to.....bring some changes in yourself and u will turn into a very fine mature lady.... Start now and look at problems as challenges u can face urself and come out of it and feel a sense of pride and love for urself......Dont let others use u.....U r ur own priced possession...u cant let it go waste....Let go of extreme emotions...dont try to hold on to things and people....The source of inspiration and enthusiasm for u should be internal......It is within u....."

These things written down will keep me on track to be a transformed independent individual......I realise that every individual is a beautiful creation of god....with amazing abilities to go ahead with life happily.....We should not underestimate this ability and let it go waste.....Say to urself everyday....." what is life if not for the challenges that u overcome?...so face it...be strong...I shall win"

My realisations

Human mind is very dynamic and restless; especially mine which refuses to rest even when I am sleeping. It constantly fights to make its presence known through dreams when I am sleeping, imagination of situations and thoughts when I am alone and awake. Even when I am speaking to a person, the mind is working in the background simultaneously which is what is responsible for me having opinions on others. And often due to this continuous activity and generation of what we call thoughts, I travel to places I have never seen, solve problems I have never faced and may not face ever, experience circumstances which may never happen and realise stuff that has changed my attitude towards life, my daily life and behaviour.

The thought process of human mind is responsible for the changes we find in people and appreciate or complain saying " He is not the same now". Many people say that it is due to the environment, society and what not. But the necessary link in all this is the human mind. It is because of this that two people growing in the same house may be drastically different because they do not have the same mind and hence not the same way of absorbing , assimilating and realising things from the abovementioned factors. So i thought it is a good idea to write down all that I think when I am alone observing my surroundings, sitting in front of a comp, walking on the footpath and even when I lie awake on bed at nights waiting to get sleep....So all that follows is an incoherent set of realisations and thoughts without any continuity. The only link is that I have thought about all these things.

The belief in one single sentence can spoil a person's peace of mind and way of life. I have always believed..." Anything can happen anytime"....But it has made me so different from my peers. It makes me think of all the negative possibilities before going ahead with something and think of a way out of every negative possibility even before any problem arrives.... It never happens and all the energy I put in thinking could have been used for something else....I have been branded as a pessimist for doing that...But can a person be positive always....How can u be cautious without thinking of a negative possibility?....People say I am overcautious.....But when I want to do something really well first thing that comes to my mind is what if I fail!...The dreadful scene of me failing in it keeps me on my toes to work for success...Now can I call it as a pessimism leading to optimal results.....I know that there is a problem with what I do...But it is so involuntary....I dont make any efforts to think all this....My mind does not stop just like a clock ticking away.... But my point is why not take precautions against negative when u can?...and this will not happen if u dont have the ability to think of the negative possibilities....so this involuntary activity in mind has both been a friend and a foe to me......It does not allow me to sleep at nights......me lying idle on the bed think of my parents.....their old age ...their health.....my future.....my education....my health.....my friends future......and the list goes on.....and why is that I think of negative possibilities and spoil a peaceful sleep that the other part of the world is enjoying....?

Sometimes some sights can never get erased from ur memories and come back to u again and again ...... For me it is the sight from the corridor when I was walking on it in a hospital and I peeped into the wards......I started thinking....Old age is such a bane.....however strong people r in youth ...how muchever they fight for success and gain fame and name....this body is such a fragile piece fo flesh and bones which deserts the person .....once he is on the bed dependent on people who at that point of time are in his past situation.....life looks like hell.....his own hands and legs dont do what he wants them to.....needles pricking him all over his veins disguised as energy sources for his waning body..... all he does is stare at the activity of nurses and doctors and helplessly wondering whether everone has to experience what he is doing some day...... This sight has stayed in my mind and it shouts and tells me everytime.... Life is not a bed of roses....Most of the people experience what u r seeing.....be happy now that u r in a better situation presently.....but this positive feeling is immediately struck by something very harsh...." there is lot of age difference between u and the people who have been a part of ur life all this while----- ur parents , ur grandparents, ur aunts and uncles.....so u may see them going through these stages.....and that is not very far also"......I feel miserable that time as if I have no reserve of enthu left in me.....I go home and look at my parents and feel better.....I pray whenever I look at them..." Oh god! I dont wanna see all this with people I love so much ".....but is it realistic to pray so? can it happen?

There are always some situations where u realise that how many ever people care for u...how many ever people love u......you have to face it all alone and get out of it.....just like how u came to this world and how u r gonna leave it.....But I have one more belief that if u r brought to the entrance of something u will definitely exit that too....When the balance is maintained at the world level through borth and death.....it will definitely be maintained for a small system like the situation u get into...Given enough time everything falls to place.....If u look back and see all that u have cried for in your past---- may be a doll in nursery, a pencil in nursery, an exam in school, a friend in adolescence......It does not hold any important place in your present life.....U got into a problem and u came out of it...u got attached to something and u came out of it....so everything is a phase..... It is like waiting for the milk to curdle so that u can have sweet curd next day....

I sometimes wonder how my mind can oscillate between so many positive and negative thoughts...Is that called balance?....Life would have been good if everyone was open...there was no need to differentiate between what has to be spoken out and what not...who has to be treated formally and who need not be..... I dont know much about animnal society...but i know this thing for sure that there life is far less complicated.....All the complications that arise in our lives is just paying compensation for the intelligence that we humans have been endowed with.....No man is free...there is always something that holds him back......no person would have done everything that he wanted to.....but people who call themselves free would have just transferred the restrictions to their own minds and say that they are actually acting according to their own rules....the transition time is not accounted for.....

Love is a beautiful feeling but it is problematic when two people love each other too much also.....Issues of possesiveness, personal space creep in......or they think each of them understand othe other so much that there is no need to say anything that they used to...It slowly turns into " used to love each other ".....There is need to express.....it is something like a plant growing.....but do we stop watering a plant just because it has grown fully....?

These discrete thoughts shall continue......and spread to social, psychological and other fields in future posts......I shall stop it here now.....