Another death in the family. Uncle passed away on Wednesday after spending weeks fighting between life and death in the hospital. He was a fighter. It took a toll on the family where life went upside down, taking a u-turn, shuttling between home and hospital. I remember meeting him two weeks back and was shocked to see the jovial man in this state, feeble and losing weight. It made me sad. I told him, Uncle! I will see you when you are back home and we will chit-chat. A feeble smile appeared on his face. It was the last time that I spoke to uncle.
It’s been a month of illness where his son spent the whole day and night sitting at Fortis. I accompanied him where we indulged in lil bit of chat. I think moral support is very important. How do we cope with grief? It’s something which is difficult to comprehend. What remains are wonderful memories spent together! It brought me back to the time when Dad sunk into coma and passed away, way back in 2007. I couldn’t recognize Dad when I met him. Somehow, I was able to cope with Dad’s death because it was the time that I moved away to Pune and then Mumbai and naturally cut myself off from attachment. In short, I was detached emotionally despite being the only child who was close to Dad. The period of detachment worked for me or else, it would have taken a long time for me to cope with Dad’s death. The uncle who died was a dentist and has been a strong pillar of support when Dad suddenly fell ill and passed away.
This week has been a very tiring one, from attending early morning conferences till the evening, spending the night at hospital and uncle’s death. I am still recovering from physical fatigue that took a toll on my life. The lack of exercise must account for something where I spend the time slouching on the chair and typing. Lack of physical exercise is such a bane. I am trying to cut my sugar intake since yours truly has a sweet tooth but for kicking the butt, it’s been a nearly impossible task. I am raring to go back to yoga classes after more than a year.
Uncle’s death brings one face-to-face with life’s reality. I stay with Mom for quite some time now and been trying to move away for my own good and to detach the self. As our parents’ age, we don’t realize how important it is for us to detach emotionally for one day will come where we will be on our own and their physical disappearance will take its toll on us. I don’t want it to happen. I wonder, how many of us realize the importance to detach emotionally! I feel it is of utmost importance. Trust me, it makes us independent and we grow in leaps and bounds. I am guilty of that. I was always an independent person, cherishing my freedom that gave me wings when I left the family cocoon for Pune and Mumbai. But, it waned away when I came back. It’s an area where I feel that I am not growing enough. True independence happens when you are on your own and doing your personal things. I’ve dabbled with moving out for quite some time. Staying independent is bliss.
I do not really subscribe to this view of being the perfect son or the bull crap of getting married to fulfil parents’ need. We no longer have this shaadi conversation, Me and Mom. It fizzled a long time back. I am someone who believes that one should only get married when he or she wants to rather than pleasing parents or society. It shouldn’t be a compulsion or some sort of fucked moral compass to adhere. It’s my life, after all. Neither do I believe that I should stay with parents since it’s my duty. Sorry, I don’t see things this way. It’s all about growing and conquering life beyond the family’s nest. Children don’t need to stay with parents after studies or marriage. It limits growth. I feel that any decision should be taken with an open mind rather than blurred vision becoming the holy cow. Moreover, decisions in my life are taken with lucidity minus the samaj or ritual thing. Unfortunately, our Indian society croon a different tune. Read this amazing piece here. The last time I shared on Facebook, it provoked a flurry of emotions.
On the personal front, I have decided to start all over the novel and chucked the 90 pages odd draft that stands neglected for a couple of years. This week has been quite hectic professionally and personally where I didn’t write anything. I intend to wrap up the first chapter by the end of next week. I have started reading The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak and a host of other books on Kindle but at a slow pace. Need to rush things for I have set an objective of finishing 10 books on Kindle by year-end.
It’s been ages that I am penning my thought on life’s reflections. Time to say cheerz. Of course, I am forever a coffee addict and I am in the process of downing a third glass.
#IAMPINK is a mass movement. The blog goes PINK where women from different walks of life share their stories what they faced and choose to hit back at the patriarchal society. Today, I am glad to share this hard-hitting piece by author Kavipriya Moorthy, ‘Of Feminism, Menism, Equalism and Humanism.’ Kavipriya shares her #PINK story on this blog. It’s a story of women who are often told Conditions Apply. If you haven’t watch #PINK watch it for it’s the most important film to watch for every woman and every man. The response to the film is tremendous and one cannot stay away from it. Reason why yours truly has decided to be part of the mass movement that #PINK is becoming as a small part of the change.
Kavipriya is the author of ‘I don’t wear Sunscreen and blogs here.
Of Feminism, Menism, Equalism, and Humanism
by
Kavipriya Moorthy
Chubby cheeks, dimpled chin, rosy lips and teeth inside – I was taught. So was my brother. Maybe, it started off right there. He and I were taught that a woman should be confined to such written boundaries. Only curly hair, very fair, blue eyes and very lovely too are proposed. Men and their love at first sight! It looks like they learned it somewhere, don’t blame them, please!
“Do What You Love,” but conditions apply. “What are those conditions, dad?” I asked. “First, don’t answer back!” he said. So my men were taught, ‘If a woman questions your norms or answers back, she falls under the ‘bajaari’ category.’ Fair enough. Don’t blame people, please!
Because a girl who is taller than a guy, the one whose voice equals the universal definition of ‘men’s voice’ are to be considered as ‘crazy’ and to be left alone. Don’t even try! Okay, I won’t blame guys.
A girl should look like the Moon, fair, kind, and beautiful and…and…and…who will only live with the light that Su(o)n provides. So, my forefathers planned and told the next generation not to fall for a girl who can be strong as the sun.
Think out of the box my dear son and marry a girl, who cannot ‘think,’ who will never go ‘out,’ who doesn’t know ‘of’ anything, who will not be ‘the’ strong one, and will fit in your ‘box.’
There are no rules to life, but ensure that a girl never ‘rules’ you. They were taught. So was I.
Because my mom said, ‘That friend of yours looks like a ghost,’ when she wore a layer of cream and a lip color that matches her skin tone, and my baby brother started creating memes on women and their makeup. Haha! Yeah. A woman who loves makeup is a No, right?
Because my grandpa told, ‘That friend of yours is really a nice girl!’ You know why? When Priya came home, she was decked in a salwar with her dupatta folded into a ‘V’ shape pinned over her shoulders, hair plaited and wore pretty flat slippers. It looks like my elder brother heard which registered in his mind on what makes a ‘nice girl’ – Don’t blame my brother.
If you find a girl who gives you signals, ‘Don’t wait, just do it.’ – Ah! Niharika was raped. She didn’t give any signals, though. Looks like when drunk and whatever she does falls under the ‘signal’ category. Bhaiya! She bled to death, and you’re a free bird now with 10,000 rupees and a sewing machine Wow! Thank you, Government!
When my little sister’s friends participated in a local dance show, all of them appreciated the small guy who danced to ‘It’s the time to disco’ but then he said that the little girl who danced with him should have worn a pant that covers her legs. Well, the girl stopped dancing forever. Maybe, that’s why we only have Prabhudevas, and there are very less Prabhudevis.
The other day I read a message on my ‘other inbox’ – It read, “Dear sister, please change your picture’s privacy settings to private. Becauseanything can happen Nah!” – Oh, the Morphing, slut shaming, etc…etc…Right? Got it. Thanks, Bro!
Because we were taught only red, blue, yellow, and green are the houses colors at school and girls who chose to wear different nail colors are bitches. Looks like a subconscious choice, my love. Don’t choose that Paasi green nail color!
“Never, Never, Never, Give up,” they taught. Hence, the guy from the high school kept barging every single day on the girl he likes to shower her with roses, greeting cards, and finally with a bottle of acid. Not His Fault, right?
Don’t laugh loud, don’t walk like a man, don’t wear a tight shirt, don’t leave your hair loose, don’t…don’t… and don’t … The only word that I’ve heard throughout my life is, ‘Don’t.’
You need a man to donate sperms, you need a man to lift that heavy table, you need to be accompanied by a man if you’re traveling in the night, you need a man… you need a man… you need a man. The only phrase I’ve heard throughout my life.
‘Good girls don’t smoke, ‘Good girls don’t drink,’ and ‘Good girls will not have sex before marriage.’ ‘But, what about guys, daddy?’ ‘I told you not to question backkkkkkkkk!’ he yelled. And, I was perplexed. I sat down and cried because mom does that. I’ve seen mom doing that whenever dad yells. So, I will do it now; I will also do it when my husband shouts so that it is passed to my little daughter who will also learn to do exactly the same. ‘Keep quiet!’ when he farts, ‘Keep quiet!’ when he cheats, ‘Keep quiet!’ when he… whatever…Just keep quiet my lady. I observed from my big fat family.
“Keep trying,” I heard. I smiled. “For a baby,” they said the next phrase louder. And, I had to, even when I didn’t want to. Because only a child can make me a woman, right? As-Per-The-Social-Norms.
…
…
…
Hey! The world has changed. We all have changed. Things have changed. My girl, walk out. You can wear a mini skirt, you can wear dark red lipstick, you can have sex with anyone; we don’t mind it because it is your body but just ensure that we’re good post marriage. It’s okay if you’ve been intimate with someone before marriage and if you are loyal to me, that would do. You can write or dance or sing or stay as creative as you want because we love women who are great achievers. Hey, girl, You look good, no matter what size you are; chuck your insecurities and buy that XXXL sleeveless short top, none of us will comment. You can my girl — I heard.
“Howwwww?” I asked in astonishment.
“Because we all have accepted whatever feminists want, we believe in equalism and are humanist,” They said, and I jumped with joy.
I just boarded a train and got down at a busy junction, “We are all Equalist and Humanist now,” I recalled and strode. Then…then…someone slipped a hand over my shoulder and crushed my left breast, “Keep quiet. Don’t shout!” It was the voice of my father that hit my brain and I abided. Then another hand squeezed my butt. I am again quiet…QUIET.
#PINK came, conquered and won our hearts. It’s been five days of PINK and I still cannot get the movie out of my system. #IAMPINK is a movement. You have seen how Prashant Mehra, Meenal Arora, Falak Ali and Andrea moves us. Today, I am glad to announce that the blog shares the PINK stories of women who choose to stand for themselves and hit back. It’s a series sharing the stories of such bold women where the blog will go all PINK for a week. Today, Namrata shares her PINK story with us. I am glad and grateful to be the medium and be part of the change.
All throughout my growing up years, I experienced eve teasing and molestation like any other girl. And, just like any other girl the fault was also invariably mine. Right from being teased for wearing a sleeveless top to being proposed in the tuition class, it was me who kept on sending the wrong signals. As a result of it by the time I was about to start college, I was scared of crowded places as much as I was scared of lonely places because that is where those people thrived. I refused to go alone anywhere, I refused to board a bus which was overcrowded because someone had just pinched my bottom. I hate to travel alone in trains because people would touch me inappropriately on some pretext or other.End result a timid me who was completely lost and had ventured on an endless guilt trip.
Every time I heard someone whistle as I walked by, my thoughts immediately would be, “I shouldn’t have worn this shirt. It is too transparent. That is why this man whistled like this.” Not for once did I think I wasn’t wrong nor was my clothing. But as they say, anything in excess is poison and that is what happened in my case. This constant fear in which I was living since so many years was becoming poisonous, threatening to spread across my system and I wasn’t willing to give in.
Circa 2002, my maternal grandfather was hospitalized in a critical condition. The whole extended family was called to be by his side at this time. I was mighty upset I remember faintly because that was the first death I was witnessing so closely in the family. Moreover, I was spending my whole day by his side in the hospital, which is not a happy place to me. There were many disturbing thoughts in my mind; the worst one being the feeling of helplessness at not being able to do much for him when he was in pain. When it was suggested that he needs a 24 X7 caretaker, I had happily volunteered for it only to be told, “You can’t, because you are a girl.” I don’t know if this was a trigger for my frustration but all I know is that I was frustrated at the fact that my being a girl was responsible for so many limitations while being a girl was never a choice I had. I was being judged for something I had not even decided or chosen and still the punishment was mine to bear with, in this case lifelong.
With such radical thoughts in my mind, I went to the railway station to pick up my aunt. Along with these thoughts, there was a parallel thought in my mind which was cursing my mother for sending me here. The moment I saw crowds I would go pale with fear, my heartbeats would increase and I would start sweating profusely. The same thing happened but I had to pick her up at any cost. Muttering under my breath, I crossed the bridge and was about to turn left to take the staircase to platform 3 when a firm, hairy hand brushed past my chest. For a moment, I thought I was imagining stuff because of the heightened fearful state of mind but no I was sure it was for real. I immediately turned around and what do I see! A short man, bulky in-built is staring at me. No, strike that off. Leering at me and I was sure it was him. The nasal twanged voice of the announcer reminded me that my aunt’s train had arrived and that I should quicken my pace.
I jumped down the stairs and reached in time to bump into my aunt who was about to alight from the train. In all honesty, I would have actually forgotten the whole incident just like a million others previously had that guy not been standing on the stairs again. I think that he mistook my turning around to be a positive sign, perhaps and was waiting for me to try again this time. Try again he did and how! There was a strange heady feeling I was undergoing at that moment. Fear mixed with frustration and irritation. I was observing him from the corner of my eye and the moment I saw his hand move, before he could touch me I grabbed it tightly.
He was taken aback. For a moment our eyes met and I was glad to see fear in his eyes, that fear which before few moments was in mine. He was about to say something, “Eh….” While constantly trying to free his arm from my hands when I screamed, “Aei… what do you think you were doing? Let’s go to the police station, it seems you have a problem keeping your hands under control.”
Given the peak hours and the rush of passengers alighting and boarding trains, the runway bridge was heavily crowded. I was constantly trying to hold on to his hand tightly and at the same time not lose sight of my aunt who had come to the city for the first time when I got pushed by a commuter in a hurry and his hand slipped out of mine. Last I remember he was trying to run as quickly as possible and kept turning back to see if I was chasing him or not.
Surprisingly I am a state level judo champion which was long forgotten till that day. I was in a mood to refresh my memory of those kicks and lifts on that man but for his fate. All was not lost that day, on the contrary, a lot was gained. That moment gave me strength. It gave me belief that it is not my fault. It never was, it never will be. Dressing the way I want is not an invitation to be leered at or to pass lewd comments. If I chose to wear western clothes, it no way means anyone can touch me without my permission. Though that incident is more than a decade old I still remember it in detail because that day I realized what I could do. The power was in my hands and I had to just choose to use it. I learned to stand up for myself and say “No”.
Hope you guys doing well. It’s been four days of watching Pink and still can’t get over the film in my head. Like Mr Bachchan said, Pink is turning into a mass movement. I love the song Kaari Kaari and hooked to it. It’s an anthem. The passion, soulful within, mystery and deep, soothing voice inspired me to write a Hindi poem. It’s after ages that I am writing a Hindi poem. Hope you like it! Can’t get PINK out of my head.
Naaraz savera.
Gum sum kyon hai!
Yeh sama!
Akeli raatein.
Kyon ladkhara rahe hai tere paon!
Raat ki daldal!
Dhadkan kyon tez hai?
Tere raina.
Mere dil ki hazar tukde!
Tod do beriyan!
Tod do duniya ki rasme rivaaz
Kyon hai Sannata!
Tod de saare deewarein!
Aankh bandh kar le.
Savera aayega!
Yeh teri aankhein nahin hai.
Diye hai!
ussko jalne do!
Yeh suraj hai jo aur chamkega!
Roshni aur ashayein!
Isski khushboo
Mehsoos kar!
Apne dil ki suno.
Jashan hai jeet ka.
Mera jeet tumhara jeet
Yeh gulabee rang nahin bikhar payega.
Ek soch hai.
Bolo dil se!
Gulabee!
Soumya Mohanty Vilekar is the founder of Audumbar Arts and book author.
Meet the very inspiring, Soumya Mohanty Vilekar. She wears many hats: poet, book author, a certified patent holder in Powder Metallurgy, ambassador for the global initiative World Pulse, is behind the initiative Revolutionary and has now turned producer with her maiden venture, the Sufi song Jogi de Naal through her newly created production company Audumbar Arts. Soumya who has released several books, including the anthology of poems, Suroor of the soul with her partner Shaheen and is a sub-editor at the Hindi quarterly magazine AkhandBharat never cease to inspire and surprise us. I can vouch for that. She has been a good friend who keeps inspiring me at every end. The Pune-based writer and owner, Proprietor who stayed in Dubai for a very long time speak to me in this interview on the Sufi song, Jogi de Naal which is making waves and what keeps us going to conquer the skies.
Owner & Proprietor Audumbar Arts
Writer, poet, community champion leader and now producer of the Sufi album, Jogi de Naal. It seems that you will stop at nothing. How do you find time for limitless creativity to flow in your kitty as an artist and entrepreneur?
“As an artist, there is no end to creativity and thus no end to the journey of being creative.”
Thank you, Vishal for inviting me to have a conversation on your web blog, which talks about every aspect of life and for always supporting me.
When we let creativity flow freely it takes its own course. There is no stopping by, and one tends to be swayed by the tide. It’s a never ending passion, ceaseless and eternal. When we are passionate and enthusiastic about our work, time is managed on its own, although it is strenuous at times, but it is worth the effort.
Art has always fascinated me, whether the colours splashed on a canvas or the varied colours on sky, music of nature or instruments, dance, poetry or literature, I breathe art. Music being the most vibrant of all forms of art, it rejuvenates my existence and life.
We all wish to capture and get hold of time, but it slips away like the sand particles which can never be contained in a closed palm and ultimately, we lose. So instead “Time” should be revered, used in such a way that we never ever repent in future, about a single moment being wasted, when we look back.
2. Your new production vehicle, Audumbar Arts partnered with Zee Music for the launch of ‘Jogi de Naal.’ How did the collaboration happen and can you share with us behind the scenes as well as the idea behind the creation of the company?
While I was always interested in all the aspects of art, Shaheen, my friend had once expressed interest in making a movie with me. (The project will take time to take its real shape).
We even wrote a story for the same but had to be kept aside for a while. That was three years ago.
In 2016, when the thought struck again of doing short films / films on social issues, I came across friends who hailed from music and film background.
Before we could finalize and start the short film project, which had been already conceived and worked upon, I heard the composition of this song “Jogi De Naal” done by Vivian Vaidya. Since it is a soothing Sufi composition, it instantly clicked with me and captured my senses. It carries melodious tune and beats which would grab anyone’s attention. And thus, Audumbar Arts was formed and “Jogi De Naal” became our first project. Although it falls in the genre of Sufi fusion and not the original Sufi music which is more of a devotional and transcendental kind, I found this melody to be the perfect start as a commercially viable project.
The making, recording, mastering and the editing part took us a whole three months and I had to literally breathe “Jogi De Naal” every single moment to ensure every phase went smoothly. The field was new, there were a lot of hitches and hurdles, but I gradually overcame every hurdle.
Thanks to my team of Jogi De Naal who supported me wholeheartedly and unconditionally, we all walked together like a family supporting one another to create this video, which is more of unified team effort and work.
After the completion of the video, I approached various music companies for its release. Although several music companies cooperated with us, they were having packed schedule for the next few months and finally talks with Zee Music Company succeeded and we decided to go ahead with Zee. It is of course, a very big platform and association for Audumbar Arts, especially for its first venture. Their people were supportive and we were able to release the song on “Eid”.
Owner & Proprietor of Audumbar Arts Soumya Mohanty Vilekar (centre), singer Kaushik Kashyap (left) and Seenu Mohanty director (right).
The song will be soon available on different music platforms like Saavn, Gaana, I tunes and Wynk.
I am proud to present to you all the music of Jogi de Naal and you can watch the video on Zee Music’s YouTube Channel https://youtu.be/OkxJPES-2_I
The video has already crossed 20,000 plus views in 48 hrs and hope with everyone’s support, it will reach out to more and more people.
3. What can music lovers expect from Jogi de Naal and the creative vision behind it? What are the new projects Audumbar Arts plan to get into?
The song Jogi De Naal is a Punjabi Sufi song set on a contemporary musical frame with the theme of finding love and happiness.
The video on a broader perspective is a story of a man and woman searching for true love and they find it when they truly connect from the heart.
If we go in depth to comprehend the gist, it reveals: the song’s protagonist isn’t a man but a soul who wanders aimlessly in life where he/she lives, struggles, survives yet continues in the journey. In the quest to connect with the divine, the soul searches and wanders to different places of worship, religion, faith, but it fails to find the peace of divinity and ultimately discovers truth in his true self, depicted as love. The sunset represents the dusk of life and expresses how one realizes the true meaning of life, as soul and divine only in the latter stage of life.
Audumbar Arts has been conceived to highlight the real purpose, the art of music and cinema through the contemporary lens while keeping the essence of Indian art alive.
Audumbar Arts is just out of the cradle and has taken few baby steps before it actually starts walking at a faster pace. There are many plans for the future which are yet to be implemented like regional songs, Sufi albums, devotional songs, videos with social messages and short films. It also wishes to soon commence a new kind of festival which would include and combine art, music, and poetry through heritage and culture. The dreams are big and it will take some time to gradually bring all of this to reality, but the results will be seen.
4. You are also involved with ‘World Pulse’ which is a vibrant global community that believes in making a difference to humanity. So far, how World Pulse is striving to change lives, empower people and its impact on humanity?
WorldPulse is a global platform of an online community that connects more than 25,000 women from different fields belonging to 190 nations to bring a change in lives of around 2.5 billion women. World Pulse is working in partnership with Global fund for Women, Nobel Women’s Initiative, IWMF, INTEL, Global Press Institute, World Vision, Asian University for women and many such organizations to bring about the desired change in lives of women.
WorldPulse has bridged the gap of knowledge, learning, education, communication and distance through interaction, coordination and by providing opportunities, resources on this platform for innumerable women to interact, learn, share, work, collaborate, unite and empower each other with their learning, experience, and resources. The members work individually or with local organizations in many countries at the grassroots level to bring the desired change in their corner of the world.
I joined this community three years ago and since then, have found myself more evolved with the kind of interaction, opportunities and training I have gone through. I completed the role of Community Champion for a term of six months and have been continuing the same until now with equal enthusiasm. The change is visible. With support from WorldPulse, I could initiate and lead the campaign “IAM A LEADER” across the world on WorldPulse and have been actively participating in several other initiatives hosted by them.
5. You also come from the field of powder metallurgy where you hold a joint patent in the same. How were you introduced to this field and the hiccups faced on account of being a woman in this ‘male-dominated domain’?
After a long and series of interviews, I have been asked this question for the first time, which is one of my favourite topics! Thanks to you for letting me speak on one of my favourite topics!
I am in the field of Powder Metallurgy since the last twenty-two years although intermittently due to lot of responsibilities cropping up on the home front. As the work requires to be present at the place of commencing of industries at different places, I have been on and off in this field.
I started working after my graduation and got trained under my father, who is in this field by profession since the last forty years. He has several patents to his name and almost all the metal powder units running in India have been set up by him. Thus, since childhood I have been fascinated about furnaces and metal powders. The feel of working near the coal-fired furnaces always excited me and even today the fire rages in my belly to execute any such project. Although it is highly uncomfortable working in such atmospheres where the furnace temperature ranges from 400- 1800 C which is extremely hot and also the extra fine metal powders scratch and cut through the skin, this is one science which still challenges and makes me feel, that I can do it.
I didn’t actually face any kind of opposition or hiccups, as in India there are very few people who are in the technical field of P/M and rare cases who actually work in this line of setting up industries or providing technical know-how for this indigenous work, so I was rather welcomed with an awe and surprise wherever I went.
The patent I have is jointly owned by my husband and father, for the process of developing partially alloyed bronze powder for powder metallurgical applications using a reduction process.
6. Do you think powder metallurgy has the power to shape India at a time when we are speaking of ‘Make in India’ being an important global economic pillar?
While the whole of India and the new government is talking about the initiative “Make in India”, it was an important step to ensure and gather the indigenous technologies that is already in place, implement them for setting industries and to collaborate with the advanced technologies of such fields from different nations which would enhance the productivity, quality, and quantity of make in India in different sectors.
Powder Metallurgy excels over its counterpart, the method of forging and other processes in producing the smallest, minute metal parts in lesser time and more in quantity with finesse and perfection retaining the original and desired properties of the parts. This has been the basic advantage of P/M.
This science has developed in other countries to a level, which would require years and decades for us to reach that position. Nanoscience and Powder injection moulding processes are the reigning super power countries allowing them to supersede on us by being the owners of such processes.
Powder Metallurgy has the power to change the future of India and has the capability to run for several generations creating a whole new sector of indigenous science.
But, sadly, neither any attention nor any kind of support is provided to such units nor to the developers. We do not even have colleges and engineering institutions offering it as a subject, leave alone Nanoscience/Nanoengineering which is the advanced subject of technology today, which leaves the younger generation and most of our people unaware of this developed science.
7. Revolutionary Pens and sub-editor of a quarterly Hindi Magazine and book author, would you say life has come at a full circle and how do you combine everything?
Well! Life is yet to reach the full circle, although a cycle/span repeats every ten years, there are still many skies which remain untouched and I wish to soar and paint them with my dreams.
AkhandBharat, the Hindi magazine is published quarterly and of national interest highlighting current social issues and other problems of our country.
Revolutionary Pens is one such initiative which intends to connect artists across the world in a single thread of humanity. The birth of “Revolutionary Pens” is for a unified purpose to connect artists around the world to create a world free from hatred, violence, discrimination, terrorism, politicization and transform it into a peaceful and humane world. Amidst the world of chaotic noise and bouts of hatred, we the people of this world live in a cocoon to free ourselves from these pangs and detach by ignoring the situation of the world. Issues are plenty, but every problem shows the lack of inhumaneness in character and nature.
How has mankind moved in such a direction, where we forget, that we are humans and not cannibals or animals?
Art knows no language, religion, caste, discrimination and if this is used to voice strongly for humanity- hatred, violence, and inhumanity would surely vanish from the earth.
This is an effort which has just been conceived and will acquire its shape soon.
I intend to start a newsletter of Revolutionary Pens featuring artists and art from different corners of the world and from different faiths and origin, along with organizing a “Revolutionary Pens Meet” every year very soon.
8. You also published several poems such as Sludge of Politics and your works are also published in Multidisciplinary Journal of Latur University in Maharashtra. Your books ‘Life Inspiration to Spiritualism’, ‘The Mystic Journey’ and ‘Winds of Philia’ made a positive impact. When were you first drawn to poetry and what role it plays in your life?
Poetry for me is like flowing of expressions. My thoughts flow ceaselessly like a river in the form of poetry.
Poetry has the capacity to absorb and express the gigantic turbulences going on in a mind, the overwhelming emotions in a heart, to speak on behalf of the relics of heritage and history to the poignancy of expressing pitiable conditions of a destitute in society, to rise from the ashes and ablaze like a revolution against the misdeeds and inhumaneness, or to eternally keep alive the essence of life, nature and divine through mere scribbling.
In short, poetry is a reflection of self and life around us! I wrote a poem for the first time when I was in junior college, out of compulsion in my college’s spot poetry competition, but, surprisingly I was proclaimed the winner. When I was a ten-year-old girl, a short story that I penned was published in a local newspaper, Hitavada long back. Perhaps, there was already a seed sown inside, which gradually surfaced when I was doing my graduation and started writing.
There was a long gap of ten years again in between after my graduation when I stopped writing and it resurfaced when we were staying in Sharjah in 2011.Since then, not a single day has ended where I have not written anything. It gives a sense of fulfilment to my existence and somewhat calms the mind and heart after a long tiring day.
Writing poems is also a way through which I easily connect with the divine. To realize and appreciate nature, write about its selflessness makes me more introspective and let me shed all the negativities to bring me closer to myself. As a soul, I feel overwhelmed when I write about the intricacies of love, bonds, devotion and compassion.
9. ‘Suroor of the soul’, a critique was the last book which you co-authored which touched the soul and was rich with a socially relevant message. Is there any new book in the offing and plans to write a novel or another poem anthology in the near future?
Suroor of the soul was a book which described the journey in pursuit of real happiness. There are thousands of poems lying in the kitty and two novels already completed.
A poet would always wish his/her works to be published continuously as long as the ink flows and his/her pen writes, but the real essence of poetry or novel when infuses or reaches the heart of every reader brings more happiness and satisfaction. This can happen only when both poetry and novel reach to readers across the world and for this, a good publishing platform is needed.
The process of publishing through traditional, well-known publishing houses is rather slow and critical, so let’s hope those writings and thoughts will see the sunshine some day when the sun dawns.
Producers: Rashmi Sharma, Ronnie Lahiri, Shoojit Sircar
Dialogues: Ritesh Shah
Cinematography: Aveek Mukhopadhyay
Directed by: Aniruddha Roy Chaudhury
Genre: Courtroom drama
Rating: 4.5 stars
SPOILERS AHEAD
It’s a difficult society to live in. Deeply patriarchal to the core where women do not have an easy life and can’t breathe fresh air. When it comes to justice, the commoners often feel powerless and helpless when they knock the door of the justice system often emasculated by the powerful, rich and corrupt politicians. Women issues are not new to us. A girl getting harassed, leered or raped is a common sight. The aspersions cast on her character, she asked for it or must be soliciting the poor guys and doubling as a prostitute anger us. Patriarchy is forced down the throat.
PINK serves as a reference point, coming of age cinema that comes very rarely where it questions the system which is wrong in so many ways. It’s about women but also men. How we assume she is ready for sex with anyone if she smokes, is a working woman doing the graveyard shift, is not a virgin, sexually active or drinks! Herd mentality. Does it help our cause for a better society? I am not sure about that. PINK sends a strong and powerful message: NO! As in NO. When a woman says No to you, it means a big NO. PINK is gritty, dark, disturbing but thought-provoking. It’s gut wrenching. I couldn’t react after watching the film. The best film of the year, by far. It’s the movie to watch. Every woman in India or elsewhere must watch PINK. It has a strong message. There are no subtleties. It’s honest to the core. No overacting, theatrics. It blows the truth on your face, whether you want to hear it or not. Let’s analyze what makes PINK the best film of the year. It provokes. It breaks the silence.
The film is set in Delhi where reference is made to Surajkund resort, the place an unfortunate incident happened that will change the lives of three independent women Meenal Arora (Tapsee Pannu), Falak Ali (Kirti Kulhari) and Andrea (Andrea Tariang). They are harassed and made living hell in the city by the henchmen of Rajveer (Angad Bedi). It’s during a rock concert when the girls met the guys and defend themselves by smashing a bottle on the head of Rajveer. The entire system is on their trail, right from the corrupt cops to the henchmen when they cross path with retired famed advocate Deepak Sehgal (Amitabh Bachchan) afflicted by bipolar disorder.
First class and crisp editing right from the word Go as the camera inches on two separate cars, close up of the three tensed women and three privileged men showing Rajveer bruised head. There is silence. disturbing background music that haunts and a script that never fails the actors. Aniruddha Roy Chaudhury’s directorial baton doesn’t have a dull moment in this gripping film that shakes your state of being and soul. An eccentric lawyer Deepak Sehgal who plays the messiah and lends protective eyes to the three women in his locality. He roams at night like the judge which reminds one of Shahenshah. But, PINK is no commercial outing.
Amitabh Bachchan as Deepak Sehgal is sensational and he is lost, angry, sarcastic at the same time. A toned down performance by Bachchan but with a power stroke And, how! He is old and battered in a role that is considered to be one of his career’s best surpassing himself in every frame. His eyes are menacing, body language in sync where he represents the voice of reason as an enforced prayer. He is the medium that makes a sweeping statement on how we treat women in society and brandishing them as easy. Only someone like him who can enforce such a bold statement on equality. He gives a different shade to acting histrionics and courtroom drama. The legend never ceases to surprise with every film and proves that there is Amitabh Bachchan and then there are actors. He competes with himself. Bachchan will sweep all major awards.
The three girls, Tapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari and Andrea Tariang explodes like volcano on-screen where they match Bachchan histrionic in every frame and step. The girls are sensational and show stealers in quite a few scenes. Thunderous performances. The three of them deserve applause and gives, along with Bachchan, award-winning performances. Piyush Mishra as the conniving lawyer is supremely talented and delivers a stupendous performance. Angad Bedi is menacing and plays to perfection. Ritesh Shah’s writing and dialogues along with Shoojit Sircar’s make a bold statement echoed by the three female protagonists and Amitabh Bachchan on the state of women in our society. At a time when we are hitting against patriarchy, it’s heartening to see men speaking from the point of view of women.
Stand out scenes:
1. When Deepak Sehgal walks with Meenal Arora in the park, she hides her face with the hood to avoid the glares, the former pulls it down. It’s a telling scene and what a way to hit at this hypocrite society.
2.Tapsee Pannu (Meenal Arora) lungs out, ‘Who likes to be touched like that?’ One needs to sit in silence and watch.
3.Kirti Kulhari breaks down in court and delivers one of the best scenes, effectively showing her helplessness and angst at the system, confessing to the crime of soliciting that she never committed. Superbly executed with gusto.
4.Amitabh Bachchan is the soul of PINK as the defense lawyer, asking in the crudest way to his client on her being a virgin, age she first had sex and whether she solicited Angad and his gang. He makes a powerful statement and nails it. And, how! The voice that sends a strong message that a woman’s character is not defined by smoking, having alcohol or sleeping with a man she loves. And, the monolog about women wearing shorts, men are innocent and provoked for committing rape or saving our boys for women to be safe. A much deserved statement in today’s time.
5.In the climax, the three girls clutch to Bachchan and the lady police officer in tears saluting him and after he closes his argument with ‘When a woman says No, it means No. The raw intensity in the eyes makes you sit and watch or how he destroys the lady police officer fabricated case and that of the prosecution. It simply moves you.
On the flip side, the relationship between Bachchan and the ailing lady, Sarah lacks layers and somehow has no bearing on the film’s story. It appears a bit unnecessary.
Who says PINK is a color? It’s an ideology and thought where many men, unfortunately, think that a woman should be taught a lesson for challenging them. Chauvinist male aggression is used to shut down a woman in the form of sexual violence. It’s the hard-hitting message that PINK conveys. It’s the coming-of-age cinema and credit to the team, right from Shoojit Sircar, Ritesh Shah and Aniruddha Roy Chaudhury to put across this hard-hitting message. It speaks about Assam, or other parts of the country where its inhabitants are not considered citizens. The issues are real!
A film like PINK doesn’t come every day. It’s the film of the year which deserves to be patronized to pave the way for more such path-breaking cinema. It grips and makes you uncomfortable, rightly so. It stuns, grips and makes you choke. I couldn’t react after watching this movie. A masterpiece in the truest sense. I was silent for a long time. That’s the power of PINK. The music whether it’s Kari Kari, the PINK anthem and Bachchan’s poetry in this songless flick captures and enraptures your soul. Every woman but also men not only in India but elsewhere must watch PINK.
Take a bow , say PINK to prejudices and a deeply patriarchal society. PINK! Change our attitudes. Make sure you watch PINK in theaters.
