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Nature best

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Tejasri Gururaj
Tejasri Gururaj enjoys music, science and nature. She likes to read books and draw Visit my Blog
Nature best
Piercing Gaze
Shine Like A Star
Magnificent
Staring
Thoughtful
Sky Is A Stage
Delicately Floating
Castle In The Air
Soaring high
Touch the sky
Alone and Undaunted
Catching the sun
Clouds are the sky's imagination.

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0 thoughts on “Moods And Moments

Prosenjit Purkait

Hi Jyoti! Glad you liked Part 1. Part 2 is now available to read. The story begins in Part 1 and continues in Part 2. Hope you will find all your answers in Part 2, especially on the choice of the title of the story.

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Prosenjit Purkait

The kid does not despise Leonard Cohen just because she fails to understand his music or his message. She considers her father to be a relic of the past, and therefore, everything he is associated with is perceived to be ancient and redundant by her. The gramophone, the old landline telephone with a rotary dial, the Parker pen made in 1953 are, just like Cohen and her father, relics of the past.

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That is one delightful story. Of course, the kid doesn’t get Cohen yet – I like her reasoning though – music should cheer you up. Looking forward to more stories from the author.

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Quite a charming story with a bit of an eccentric streak. Jhilik is a quick-witted rebel kid. I am curious how the rest of the evening unfolds with the guests and why the story is named – Yellow Strawberries

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Chintamani Vaidya

We are a cricket crazed nation. Those were the days when a transistor was an asset. All and sundry used to crowd around the guy holding the transistor, lending an ear to the cricket commentary. It was similar to Ramayan or Mahabharat, which when aired, people used to leave aside whatever they were doing, glued to their TV sets.

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Dear Subhasri
You have wonderfully presented the article!
You have written this article so well that it tells us to look at jungle safaris in a new way in India.
It says we should enjoy everything in the jungle, not just try to see tigers.
Thanks a lot for sharing your passion and insights…!

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Dear Santoshji
The story is really funny and enjoyable…!
The characters are interesting, with funny situations and a touch of nostalgia.
You have crafted the story in such a manner which keeps you smiling from start to finish.

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Santosh Di, pleej tell me, pleej, how do you do it, come out with humor, with such ease? pleej Di, tell me na?

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Avantika Vinay Singh

A delectable piece of reading. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am totally in awe of Santosh Bakaya’s prolific pen.

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Dear Santoshji,
Lovely article presented…:))
I REALLY enjoyed reading it…
Your  narrative is a heartfelt exploration of everyday life and the strength of the human spirit. Through shining characters, you have tried to convey in the story the message of hope, love, and  importance of family bonds…
Thanks!!!

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I recently wrapped up perusing this spellbinding article on “A Thousand and One Middle Eastern Evenings,” and I’m totally entranced by the captivating stories woven inside this immortal work of art. These accounts have a getting through enchant that keeps on enamoring perusers across ages. The rich woven artwork of characters, experiences, and the appeal of Scheherazade’s narrating is genuinely mystical.

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Waheeda Hussain

Dear Santosh ji
I love your anecdotes and way you paint the complete picture in front of your readers. Taking them with you. You truly are a literary genius. Very interesting and amusing write up.

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Dear Santoshji,

Wonderfully presented the story…!!!

Your article “Morning Meanderings Season 3” resonated deeply and you have added a personal touch and depth in your article.

Your description of dogs, from Nipper’s memories to the strays’ fellowship with a cat, was vivid and heartfelt.

Your imaginative phrases, like “dogs of war,” and the Steinbeck quotes enriched the narrative.

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us!!!

Please keep sharing your brilliancy as always…

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Dear Abhimanshu,
Amazing & detailed Article shared by you!!!

Your ideas about celebrating Independence Day were really helpful.
You explained things in a way that made it easy to understand, and I could picture everything in my mind because of your great descriptions.
You have really worked hard to put all of these pointers together.

I am really grateful for your article as It made me think about Independence Day in a new way and got me excited for the celebrations.

Thanks once again for sharing the wonderful article:))

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Dear Master Arin,
You are REALLY Amazing!!!
You had an awesome trekking adventure with Yudi and friends.
You played by the river, explored nature, and made cool memories.
Arin, You have shared and talking about the environment and you have shown your interest more treks in the future.

Your story brings out the fun and excitement of your journey and also the inspiration for the children of your age…!!!

Keep sharing your excitement towards nature you visit in near future:))

With love & blessings!!!

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Dear Rahul,

Wonderful review you shared in your write-up!!!

The way you’ve captured the essence of Chail’s beauty and attractions in such concise yet vivid descriptions is truly commendable.

Your writing effortlessly transports the reader to this serene hill station.

Great work and Continuously grace us with your exceptional writing talent, as you always do.

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Will read it at leisure. Your prolificity amazes me.You so regularly produce one good thing after the other. Hats off to you.

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Wonderful story. The writer could easily take us along with main Charecters and visualise every scene. The festivities and the movie trip were also very interesting. Keep up the good work Mr Venkat

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Wonderfully described by Santoshji which exhibits an extraordinary talent for crafting captivating articles!!!

Your writing style is poetic, taking readers on enchanting journeys of imagination and emotion.

With each article, you skillfully touch hearts and minds. The narration of walking a red carpet made of red-orange gulmohar flowers and encountering a flower-picker family beautifully blends fantasy with reality, celebrating the beauty found in unexpected places.

Your work is truly commendable!

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“Exquisitely presented and beautifully described, “The Slip Between the Cup and the Can” by Santosh Bakaya captivated my senses😊
Truly quoted that the homo-sapiens must have got some civic sense from their mammal friend.
I await your thoughtful stories as it always inspire and bring joy…💕
Thanks!

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Dr. Thakur, Thanks a lot for your message! I shall get in touch with you for sure. Its great to know about your wonderful collection! 🙏

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Dr. Ajit K. Thakur

I have most of the Rabindrasangeet recordings of Amala Das, Satyabhusan Gupta, Balai Das Seal, Radhika Prasad Goswami, Kanak Das, and many others in my collection. I gave copies of the tapes of those to both HMV (EMI) and Mohan Singh. If you want to do further research, I can provide you with those. I am old and my tenure in this world is approaching the end. My wife is Japanese and my children and grandchildren will have no use for them. Would like to see others enjoy these early recordings. I also have several recordings of Dwijendralal Ray’s that he made on Pathe and early Gramophone Company of India labels (some are one sided).

Dr. Ajit K. Thakur
Phone: (703) 569-4337
e-mail: aythakur@gmail.com

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Hi Rahul

Thank you for the excellent information!
Nice way of presenting the images and it is showing the nice ambience…

The insights you have shared in your blog are truly helpful.

Having lived in Delhi NCR for many years, I often face the challenge of selecting a suitable place for small get-together with my cousins.

However, now with the handy information you have provided about various types of cafes, it has become much easier for me to plan such parties at short notice. Your blog has been a great resource for me, and I appreciate the effort you put into compiling such valuable information!!!

Please continue sharing this kind of write-up.
Thanks

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Hi Nitin
Wow!!!
I must say, the write-up about the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is absolutely beautiful and packed with a wealth of information!

Thanks Antara for sharing beautiful & clean images!

As I read through the blog, it feels as if I am transported to the temple itself. Despite having visited twice already with both my team and family, there is still so much left to explore at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple! It was only after going through the blog that I came to realize the true architectural significance of this remarkable place.

One of the things that struck me the most during my visits was the serene and pollution-free environment. We decided to take advantage of this peacefulness by sitting and meditating for a blissful two hours. The temple’s surroundings with tall, verdant trees, create an atmosphere of total tranquility.

It truly allows you to experience a sense of calm and inner peace.
Please continue sharing this kind of write-up.

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Nicely presented Arin’s article by Jyoti Babel…!
Please keep sharing the article…

It is really amazing to see 5-Year-Old Arin’s love for Books… 👍
He is a creative child… 👏 👏
Keep it up Arin!!!

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madison singleton

i think the authors point of view was to show what the world is (pollution) and what it can be (beutiful).

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Thank you, Rachna.
Kerala has a lot to offer if one takes the trouble to seek it. One needs to go deeper than the typical ‘Tourist fare’ that is popular. It will be an ‘Education’ in Arts, Culture and Craft.

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Amazing read .. I visited Kerala twice for its backwaters and found it green, beautiful . I guess I have seen nothing ! I need to really explore all that you have described . Your essay can find a place in history books , as well as in the hands of a tourist 🙂

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Thank you, Anuradha.
Bacon said: ‘Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.’
Kerala, a state that richly merits the epithet “God’s own Country” conferred on it, also needs to be chewed to savour all its delights and to fully appreciate its many treasures.
I have spent weeks there traveling and discovering its richness and marveling at the kindness that God has bestowed on it.
I love to keep going there.

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Anuradha Warrier

A very interesting and informative article, Mr Rajan. I have only ever been to the Padmanabhapuram temple; now, thanks to you, I must put Padmanabhapuram Palace on my itinerary. 🙂

Thank you for a very interesting read.

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I have this book Rungli Rungliot right next to my table.. And I am in Rungli Rungliot in my new home I have moved into my new home which my husband and I built two years ago.This book was out in our local bookstores at the same time when we were shifting into our new home… Coincidence!!
Yes, I am reliving the days and moments shared by Rumer Godden in her very memoir.

Come to Rjngli to embrace the simplicity and solitude…..

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Thank you immensely, Rachna. Your support means a lot. For some time, I have felt that while the beaches/coastal areas of Goa and Kerala are much admired and written about, perhaps Karnataka’s coast has received less than its due.
I have tried to fill that space to some extent. There are a lot more places here, equally good and interesting. A book could do justice to all of that. An article can only seek to highlight some of it so as to kindle interest in readers.
Thank you for such a positive feedback.

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Another ace travelogue..you have brought the Karavali coastline alive with your lucid and comprehensive essay . The pictures are stunning as well. Have been living in Karnataka for practically 20 years and yet have to explore many of the beaches you have listed here . Very beautifully described .

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A comprehensive review of a beautiful book. The stories linger with you for a long time. The review is apt, focussing on the myriad aspects of Ms.Ray’s storytelling art.

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Shirish Waghmode

You have expressed your appreciation in such joyous ,exuberant terms.Its exhilarating just to read it

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Shirish Waghmode

There is so much generosity in your knowledgeable comment .I write to bring to the fore the contribution of the Lyricist. -every body knows the Tune !Thank you ever so much for you erudite encouragement .I shall cherish it !

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Prasanta kumar mangaraj

I am prasanta kumar mangaraj from odisha
Thanks for your contribution for children’s literature.

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Padmini Viswanathan

Loved your piece on Downton Abbey. Loved the serial too. It’s the only one I watched an episode of almost daily. I was very impressed by the way the story was as much about the people who occupied the lower floors. Enjoy reading your weekly meanderings.

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With such impressive and impeccable credentials, the author’s deep and analytical probe into the implications of Sahir’s lyrics for ‘Tum apna ranj-o-ghum’, reflecting a woman’s self confidence breaking out in her willingness to take on the world for her man, should not be surprising. This is not the kind of ‘revolution’ (or emancipation, if you wish) that we saw (and heard) in Waheeda’s “Kaaton se kheench ke yeh aanchal”, but what Sahir has poured into this song deserves a study of the words, not merely listening to the music.

And, Mr Waghmode has laid it all out clearly for us here.

It is not usual to find an essay about just one song in a film replete with good music but the effort is well worth the result in this case.
Kudos to Mr Waghmode for this thought provoking essay.

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Shirish ji, what a lovely look at this rather elegant revolution! You’ve written beautifully. The song has been a favorite for many decades for the strength it portrays in those 9 words, but I’ve never thought about it in the way you did. Many thanks for this essay.

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With such impressive and impeccable credentials, the author’s deep and analytical probe into the implications of Sahir’s lyrics for ‘Tum apna ranj-o-ghum’, reflecting a woman’s self confidence breaking out in her willingness to take on the world for her man, should not be surprising. This is not the kind of ‘revolution’ (or emancipation, if you wish) that we saw (and heard) in Waheeda ‘s “Kaaton se kheench ke yeh aanchal”, but what Sahir has poured into this song deserves a study of the words, not merely listening to the music.
And, Mr Waghmode has laid it all out clearly for us here.
It is not usual to find an essay about just one song in a film replete with good music but the effort is well worth the result in this case.
Kudos to Mr Waghmode for this thought provoking essay.

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I have often walked /trekked such woods.
Looking at this painting, I get the feel that I am actually walking through this green vista.
Beautifully done.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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There is beauty and serenity in everything all around us; we only need our senses to be fine tuned to perceive it. And the words to describe it when we feel the need to share.
A storm, accompanied by thunder and rain can be irritating and ruinous to some. But, as enchantingly interpreted by the author, it can also soothe, and provide a ‘fresh and fragrant’ view of the world, and enthuse us with ‘positive energy’.

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A delightful narration, peppered with pranks of your youth and enjoyable humor. You were fortunate to be introduced to (the tamer version of) ‘Wildlife’ at a very impressionable age.
What I particularly like about this piece is your “It’s only recently that I got around to watching the video of the song. And I feel the same glee I felt as a kid”. That shows true enjoyment. 🙂

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A very nice write up; straight from the heart. Everyone connects with the immortal Lata in their own way, all ending up revering her like an avatar of ‘Saraswati Devi’.
But your own experience that opened up your ‘world of speech’ was something special and significant to you alone.
One can see how it has made a ‘difference’ to your life.

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Sunil Kaushal

Wonderful, how you weave such an interesting and heartwarming story around ordinary everyday happenings. Who would have noticed the little fella and his ability at drawing.

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Thank you, Rachna for your appreciation and kind words. It gives one great satisfaction when readers respond so positively to what is written.
And although this story is fiction, this is exactly how the world of finance and investments around us is working now. The front page of any newspaper these days will carry at least one such happening.
Thanks, again.

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Rachna Rajesh

Thank you uncle . Delighted with your comment. This song is loaded with memories for me. You are right. The opening, and the reso reso especially before KK starts humming, is very RDB. Everything about this song is so riveting. Some songs just put you in a happy mood. This is one of them,

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Rachna. This is fantastic. I must have heard ‘Yeh Dil’ countless number of times, but your write up on it has given me a different perspective on it; a romping, tomboyish Rachna singing along with all the verve of a KK, no less.
And that tune (presumably, as you guess, RD must have had a lot to do with it, when SD was not looking), also has a memorable Elephant trumping, following “Khade hain, hum bhi, raahon main”.
Great work. Keep them coming. Don’t wait.

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Hopped and skipped back!!!ha ha …I can quite picture you doing that!!! What an ability you have for finding reasons to warm up to life !! Keep giving us these inspiring nuggets.

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Sunanda Bhadra Bhattacharyya

Fantabulous! Loved reading it. Beautifully penned. Keep shining ma’am.

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A beautiful article Santosh Ma’am..amazing write…loved the man taking his forty winks amongst the hustle bustle 🥰💕🌺

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A beautiful article Santosh Ma’am..amazing write…loved the man taking his forty winks amongst the hustle bustle 🥰💕

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Gargi Sarkhel Bagchi

Sooo lovely, dearest Santosh! I really find it incredible how you pour in all these detailed and minute break observations into your writings. You have such a keen eye and everyone can visualise all you write. Very beautiful and soothing this one is ❤️❤️

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Gargi Sarkhel Bagchi

Sooo lovely, dearest Santosh! I really find it incredible how you pour in all these detailed and minute break observations into your writings. You have such a keen eye and everyone can visualise all you write. Very beautiful and soothing this one is ❤️❤️❤️

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wow what great task you have skillfully projected Tagore’s play Chitrangada. It is really helpful for me for my Research work.

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Such a beautiful narrative of the little budding artist threaded together in the poignant strands of a migrant labourer’s canvas. Loved it!

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Sunil Kaushal

Such a heartwarming write in times such as these. Santosh Bakaya you have inspired me to ✍ write something I was mulling over….thank you !

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I loved this short story as it dares venture into terrains hitherto hardly explored. I would love to know more about the author if possible and it’s original publication history which appears somewhat obscure.

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Dr. Madhumita Bhattacharjee Nayyar

Noddie and Goldie😊
I am so glad they found two little hearts so full of love. The obsession with ‘angrezi’ names is there as is with a fair skin. My fur babies usually have Indian names. A cute little read .

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I could feel my hunger vanish as you fed those little pups. I felt the warmness hug the old woman as you wrapped your shawl around her. I felt the vendor’s joy as he put that cap on your head. I felt the baby thrill of the labourer’s kid as he giggled happily at you.

Beautifully penned. Regards and best wishes.

I looked up and saw the bird singing merrily in a sky full of kites. And I saw the golden rays of the morning sun showering its blessings on you and your pen.

Beautifully penned.

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This is amazing Maimoona. So life like and yet so still (calm). Very happy to see this. Wishing you the very best of art n life.

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Your best piece I swear and when the raindrops and wall clock pitter patter and tick tock to the rhythm of your heartbeat, socho humara kya hoga sweetheart love you Santosh

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Your best piece I swear and when the raindrops and wall clock pitter patter and tick tock to the rhythm of your heartbeat, socho humara kya hoga sweetheart

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Just amusing and loving as ever.Thank God sparrows can’t kick and drive jeeps. Despite your claim to be a passionate glutton, you exposed your strong will power by smilingly refusing the offer of a crisp hot kachori. The labourers you had imagined guffawing,,while sitting on cots, in their fields might be in search of food to avoid sleeping empty stomach.. Some of them might be standing in long queues in front of free ration shops, instead of searching new jobs.
Thanx for sharing this Good morning post !!”

Thanks Surrendera Mohan Dhirji for your detailed comment.Honoured .

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What a savory dish, you served us! Your gluttony satiates us, brightens our day! ❤️

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K.Radhakrishnan

Very touching story. This is heatrening to see such kind of love in this materialistic world. Beautifully told. Yes. This story brought back memories of Kabuliwala film.

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A weird craving to get attached with some renowned personality or poet or some publisher or to see our poetry or book in the hands of some well known writers/poets should not be our motto to write poetry. Hence you articulated the hard core fact that we our poetry should be a muse of our own self, our own satisfaction of our soul, that please our mind, not to be recommended by some renowned ones, but to grow with© SONALI it’s own essence, which would be a bliss and pleasure of our mind.
KUDOS to you for writing such a powerful poem that conveys a Brilliant message!
🙏💙

© SONALI

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Thanks a ton Lalitji ,part of the laurels go to Antara , who gives wonderful touches to the piece .

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Nadira Cotticollan

Did I enjoy reading it? Of course, I did , as always. You make us smile, every time. You have that rare gift of transforming the banal into something unique. Please tell ‘dejiner” Kanchan that she is finding a permanent place in our hearts.

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Astonished to read such a brilliant piece of writing, in this episode of Morning Meanderings.
How Kanchan stuck in the throw away bookmarks, and how she noticed the kindle from between the pages, and Murakami was once again discovered.
  Even the idea of clicking the picture of the “costly bookmark” of the loving story of the clicker, who paid a great amount is now simply using as a bookmark.
   Indeed it’s a great idea from little happenings that we often ignore or overlook but these ideas are worthy enough for our lives that may play key roles..
Wonderfully presented with your masterly presentation of observation and words, Ma’am!!

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Thank you Bharat ji!

I have to keep poking Baba to pen his memoirs. He recounts them with such drama, we can’t stop laughing. Had to draw a cartoon as I could not find any suitable stock illustration 🙂

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I always read each of the series with my delightful mind, and while reading this piece, I felt the beats of two loving hearts, felt the mild basking sunshine, the free ride of the sparrow over the back of the cow, how distinctively you noticed each one’s way of moving, smiling, working, enjoying…!
Such a delightful read!!❤❤

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Enjoyed reading this Santosh! Especially the bit about the feckless teenagers and the man decamping! So could so picture that 😄

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Your memory card has captured some very interesting memories di. The egrets pecking at the cow, the careless boys complacent in their ignorance and the little girl scanning through the micro chips of her brain. Brilliant as always! ❤️🥰

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What a refreshing piece!
Enjoyed the egrets’ disturbing the cow, the old woman’s consciousness and warning about the present scenario of Pandemic to the adolescents, who “have their masks with them, but using as an oversized earring , or pushing it below the chin”…
The picture vividly portrayed through the eyes of the writer and she penned each and every little detail, what we face randomly in our life..
Great penning , Dr, Santosh Bakaya ma’am!!
Eagerly waiting for the next one!

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“Your finds are miraculous dear Santosh ji. A graduate Shani walla sitting on chair, instead of moving with his oil container from lane to lane and knocking different doors. Then switching over to a respectable source of earning after streaming his entire physical structure. Gym owners will worry if they go through the contents of this post of yours. आपने यह भी
prove कर दिया कि हर कामयाब आदमी के पीछे एक नारी होती है….
Really enjoying !!

Surendra Mohan Dhir ji

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Dejiner umbrellas and masks portrayed in a typical Santosh Bakaya style.
Indeed hopes, good gestures and the simple joys around us add colours to life.
Kudos to you and Kanchan.

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What a joyous morning walk and a big salute to Kanchan and her dejiner masks. What a large heart she has. Clearly, when you have a heart of gold, there is no way the world can make you feel poor.

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Dijiner mask and umbrellas are truly in vogue ! Tell Kanchan she is doing a fantastic job. Loved reading about your morning walk in the pleasant weather, with low mercury levels. Happy walking Ma’am 💚

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Nadira Cotticollan

Delightful as always. Best way to start the day is to get a slice of nature into your morning, however small that be, I always say. And yes…ultimately, it is all about love. Loads of love to you Santhosh 💕💕

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K.Radhakrishnan

Love is in the air for sure. I have fallen in love with Santosh ji’s writings.

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SONALI CHANDA

Thank you for sharing this!❤❤
I just resonate with my childhood, a pigeon with her beautiful white spreading feathers!!
I lost her in her only three years of lifespan!!
So enjoying piece, worth reading!!
I can imagine Kanchan’s glowing face, when she met her childhood friend after a long time!!❤❤❤👌👌

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A nice interlude and pleasant to read.
And Antara with her expressive handwork as well!
It brightened up the day.

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Dear A.K.Nanda sir,

Wonderfully written and nice association of Cartoon with content:))

Re:What a man learns by experience, he never forgets. Good content and good mood go together.

First of all, please take my sincere thanks for the article you shared with thorough originality…!!!

And great Antara for adding more value to the Cartoon created by you:))
It is so well designed that every word written by Nanda sir is going so well with the each & every expression of both the parties G Sahab & of Assistant Editor as well…

Antara your favorite dialogue yaaad aa gaya ki “you always think in images”.

Re: There was complete silence with a queer feeling of uneasiness. We all focused hard on the things in front, typewriter, notepad, stationary, coffee cup, whatever. No one even tried to steal a glance at what happened to G.

While going through the article I also can recall & refresh my memories as I also had a similar experiences but you have expressed it so well that it recalled the past memories.

Thanks and we look forward to your similar articles soon.

Please keep sharing your valuable experiences and knowledge with us

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His life was made of ‘words’, But one will not easily find words with which to do justice to describe his contribution to Urdu literature (to say nothing of Hindi Films).
I think I shall just take the liberty of (mis)quoting Ghalib and say:
“Hain aur bhi duniyaan mein sukhanwar bahut ache.
Kehte hain ke ‘Sahir’ ka hai andaaz e bayaan aur.”

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One of the most exhilarating articles I have come across! If readability is the major or even the only quotient needed in a writer here it is in full measure. I particularly liked the various unanswered questions which stud the narrative. The writer never felt the need for an answer and the wise reader is advised to follow in his path.

In my long life I have seen so many situations which seemed to end abruptly leaving a lot of questions unanswered. After a while one realises that that’s what makes a life so charming and so different from a book which insists on a denouement chapter. I almost missed reading this article and a ton of thanks to Antara for making me do it willy nilly!

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Dear Mr Rajan,

I do not know how I should express my gratitude for your so generous comments on my recollections of the past events that held me by my neck and made me do things that proved amply rewarding in later life. Now that you endorse my recollection of those days makes me feel so richly rewarded.

Thank you!

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Sneh ji,

Thank you for such a wonderful and visual feedback to my recollections. Its been a pleasant experience going back in memory to relive the past. It was on Antara’s insistence that I put this together. Your appreciation makes it all the more worthwhile.

Thanks 🙂

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Thank you for sharing the very riveting memoir.

I graduated in 1956 and can comfortably relate to his recollections of that era, as my early years were spent in Delhi and Dehradun..

Very often, serendipity is a boon, capable of turning a whole life much more meaningful than it would have been.

The wheels of Government that grind slowly perhaps enabled you to embrace a vibrant and fulfilling career that might otherwise have been merely humdrum as a Publicity Officer in the WBPSC.

Ultimately, it is only when one can look back upon a life fully lived, which also enriched, to whatever extent, that of others around us, that one can feel true satisfaction.

I am happy that you can rightfully claim to have achieved that.

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What a beautiful read. It felt like Shri Nanda was sitting on a comfortable chair in front of me. He was looking out a window as he was recollecting his thoughts. Very succinctly summarized events of some important years of a rich life.

Such a glorious heritage to pass on to the daughter and the granddaughter! Looking forward to more such rich reads in the future.

Salute to Shri Nanda Ji. And waiting in anticipation.

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What a beautiful penning of memories. I felt like he was sitting in a comfortable chair in front of me. He seemed to look out a window as he recounted his thoughts, the windowpane serving as a screen on which his memories slowly unfolded.

What a beautiful heritage to pass on to the daughter and the granddaughter!

My heartfelt salute.. and fervent hope for more reads. Thank you, Nanda Ji.

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Sahir when angry wrote fiery poetry
His Speech on Ghalib Centenary in the form of Nazam put the organisers to shame who did not know where to look

Jin shehron mein goonji thhi, Ghalib ki navaa barson
Un shehron mein aaj Urdu, benaam-o-nashaan thehri
Aazaadi-e-kaamil ka elaan huaa jis din,
Maatoob zabaan thehri, ghaddar zabaan thehri

Jis ahd-e-siyaasat ne ye zinda zubaan kuchli
Us ahd-e-siyaasat ko marhoomon ka gham kyon hai
Ghalib jise kehte hain, Urdu hi ka shaayar thha
Urdu pe sitam dhha kar, Ghalib pe karam kyon hai

and

JANG
khoon apna ho ya paraya ho,
nasl-e-adam ka khoon hai aakhir;

It’s a pity that officially the Centenary of the poet by the Government was never Celebrated

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His life was made of ‘words’, But one will not easily find words with which to do justice to describe his contribution to Urdu literature (to say nothing of Hindi Films).
I think I shall just take the liberty of (mis)quoting Ghalib and say:
“Hain aur bhi duniyaan mein sukhanwar bahut ache.
Kehte hain ke ‘Sahir’ ka hai andaaz e bayaan aur.”

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Hi I have gone through uma subedi’s poem about valentine’s day which was translated by suman pokhrel. It’s really wonderful Creation. So how can I get the same poem in Nepali. If have any link of Nepali poem please help me.

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It is difficult to know where to start if one wants to comment on this extraordinary vignette. Why comment. It is as thick and syrupy as the juice some of the talk is about.
of course that is secondary to Manoda who comes alive before our bulging eyes. or the writer herself: that line about her intransigent big toes gave me the first real laugh in this new year. Happy New Year Piu!

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Happy New Year my fellow time traveler! You have started the new year with a lovely fable featuring a bubbly kid who is supposed to be listening but is talking most of the time.
The real problem for an adult is that the points she brings up can’t be just pushed aside. One does feel sorry for her hapless fifth grade teacher. Again as it happens again and again while reading your vignettes we end up with a lump in the throat. Ah the vanished world of childhood! The colorful artwork I suppose stands for the aforesaid world.

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Gussie Fink-Nottle giving the prizes at Market Snodsbury is not from Extricating Young Gussie. It is from the novel Right-Ho, Jeeves. It is one of the funniest scenes ever written.

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Bless Noya! That was a nice and throat-catching Christmas tale. Like all Christmas tales right from the time of Dickens. They say he invented the festival. It is supopsed to be a time of Peace and Good will. Yes, if you ask the newspaper man not to call. But your ever-present little girl and of course Noya are very real. And they do have a way with them which carries us along with them. Thanks for the Christmas cheer Piu!

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Appearing in Olympiads has always helped me to improve my lateral skills. This article is written in a very nice manner. I would definitely recommend this website to my friends as a lot of valuable content is provided here. Also, the Olympiad Success organization has really helped me to secure a rank in the Olympiad exam. It is the best organization for helping students preparing for various Olympiad exams that have helped me. Please recommend me more organization names that can help me preparing for Olympiad exams.

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There is a story about an office goer who every day used to open his tiffin box eagerly and then exclaim disgustedly, “My God, ham sandwiches again!”.

One day a colleague asked him, “why don’t you ask your wife to pack something else for a change?”

He looked surprised- “Wife? I’m a bachelor.”

“Then who packs your lunch?”

“Myself, who else?.”

Your story has a better atmosphere and a double trick ending as well which is much appreciated by this grateful reader. The little girl appears to have had quite an eventful childhood.

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For once the vignette was totally clear in the first reading itself! wheu! Piu! But it asked to be re-read more than once for the golden (gold as you know is very heavy) thoughts that the wind carries so fast- almost before you can read it- but not before you want run behind it and catch hold of it for another look,another think! But again who can catch the wind!

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Came across thia by chance.
“My report card looked back at me.”
It would- being Piu’s !
Incredible.
She has demonstrated how much could be put across by forcing the innocent reader to read between the lines between the lines between the…

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Stunning! Piu. A vignette that makes you dizzy and simultaneously wise. Can they go together? I guess so – if they happen to be rivers (I have Piu’s word for it!) and meet by happenstace. Which is how meetings happen in life anyway.Meeting is Life and Parting is death and both are in the Y tapestry!So now you know why they put Y in the alphabet.

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At times it is difficult to know which land one is in. On earth, surely. That’s a comforting thought. Nice vignette, Piu!

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You asked this question last week
Is it the artist who merges with the writer or the other way round. I didn’t give an answer….
Because I didn’t have one.
But this week what I wrote ia partly from this question you raised.
Just wanted to put it here and .. yes… thank you again for reading them and seeing them as well

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In this effort we can see the artist completely merging into the writer- or is it the other way round? No matter.It is often difficult to say when the visual ends and the explanation begins. “The ripples settled slowly taking their own time but only one head remained. She turned but her reflection didn’t bother to” should be a complete statement or a complete picture. After this the line “It is only here in the dreams that they are freed from reality.” appears superfluous – almost as though aimed at readers who stayed too long in LKG.

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As it should be in any self respecting dream the end is in the beginning of Piu’s exploration of dreams. Could a dream be sensuous ? She appears to think so. The way it unfolds before our wondering eyes like a swirling roll of cloud lazily unfolding itself she casts before our amazed eyes so many throwaway lines, that we stop counting (after all in a dream mathematics has no standing) and just allow it to envelop us like the sweet shower enjoyed by that little girl. “she stuck out her tongue”. A girl sticking out her tongue may be for more than one reason. I could almost hear Piu quietly laughing.

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I had wondered for quite a while as to how Piu would look as a commentatator rather than as the progenetrix of a piece of creative writing. Now I know. And it is a great occasion to be present at the confluence of three streams creative thought too. As she has said the poems go deep into the heart and stay there to be recalled whenever something happens to activate a thought.

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A universal phenomenon which Piu expresses in her own way. In the olden days from every house one person would have gone to the wars. To return some day or maybe not.

Today it is the same. Not to the wars but abroad. To return some day or perhaps not. A question is asked, Is the pain same. And answered, it is relative. Ultimately all emotions are relative. It is a chinese box of a story. And the red balcony is the red herring!

Bravo Piu.

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BD, everything in this post is by Piu – text, sub-text, super-text, et al. There was no use of scalpel or knife or scissors anywhere. 🙂

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Thank you Brahatji ! That this writing took you back to another 3 years old is the best line in the comment. Stay well.

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I should add a special cheer to the sub-text (whoever wrote it) for its depth and universal applicability.It can stand on its own.

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This is the best piece you’ve written, Piu! I never-could-be-zipped-all nonsense mouth indeed! I’m grateful it had no zipper attached and hence it could continue to shed those shiny marbles all through the years. Perhaps the reason I feel so moved by this piece is that it takes me back a few decades and the girl was hardly three years. No marbles though. But I feel as if she is talking. The way you bring people to vital life is amazing.

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That’s a painting too… the mirrors and their maze of reflections. I can’t deny… I should not… I look forward to your comments. Thank you
Your last few lines are better connected with the poems than mine!!!

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This time you’ve set a tough paper, Piu! It somewhat resembles a hall of mirrors where two long mirrors face each other, and when we look in we see mirrors opening onto mirrors onto mirrors.. A poet is looking inside trying to find himself, and an artist is trying to look into his poetry to see what he is trying to find within himself, and the reader is looking at the art of artist to find what the artist is trying to find in the poem what the poet is trying to find within.. For me it was also like a stone thrown into a placid pond creating ripple after bigger ripple.

Following one of them led me to an interview of Amitava by Bhawana Somaaya wherein I could receive a more intimate look at the labyrinth. At the end of it the total experience was what both the poet and the painter would probably call রংধনু নিদর্শন a rainbow pattern. The ultimate lingering echo in my mind were the lines “I know the feeling of penury every time a son becomes a father, where will he go, then?” and the evocative image of a man slowly walking away with bent head.

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A heartwarming story, Piu. I would merely like to add a PS. I do not think that tree is going to turn crimson again. Not for anyone else. Unless that boy comes back.But that boy can’t come back. Because he would no longer be a boy. However – even within an adult the boy could sometimes continue to exist. Then perhaps, if you happen to pass by you might – you might see that crimson again.

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To us Ba was a simple housewife following Bapu’ in every decision he took . Ratnottama Sengupta’s article on Ba is not only well written but well researched too . The brilliant write up brings to light Ba as a person , her contributions in Bapu’s life and in the freedom movement.
Thanks Ratnottama for this interesting and informative write up.

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Recording Angel 😊
Thank you for the unique comments. Do take care and I wish KKR to win always … and in every match😀

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Debasis Sengupta

Highly researched by a competent writer. It brings out clearly the unacknowledged contribution of Ba in India’s freedom struggle.

Thank you Ratnottama for this write up.

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Well,here’s a new take on the Gita maxim, “karmaNyeva adhikaaraste!” How Peeyush would love this!

Don’t worry Piu if you are not in the team,your sixer has been duly noted by the Recording Angel, if not on the score board. A nice nostalgic contribution for the IPL season!

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I enjoy every bit of your appreciation and yet get confused. I fall in the trap of believing that I write great. But true works… the one that stays longer… and are profound…require more time and reflection .
I don’t do that!
They are bits of me … quick , random, sketchy. More like those roadside panipuri.
But sometimes… some nights…I read something amazing… something profound of other writer and a spell is casted!!

Thanks for your warm words and the time you spend in encouraging 🙏🏽

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How do you think of these things,Piu! I’m speechless. And to express it so sensitively too. I guess an artist is an artist irrespective of the medium. As for your initial query-You can stop wondering.
Every blessed thing in the universe has a thought and feeling.Haven’t I seen it demonstrated just now?

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Happy Nostalgia! Made my day. Thanks Piu! There are dancing girls and dancing girls, but this variety are the most adorable! That “khabe na?” says it all!

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An intensely emotional trip, Piu,- for the reader. And it relentlessly moves on to a throat-catching finish. But, as it happens in trips organized by Piu, about 2/3 way into it I felt the exactly opposite emotion and actually was reaching out to the phone to tell you how much I admired the deft switch!
All in all a not uneventful journey, by any standard!

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Great post and advice. Very useful information, it clarified things a lot for us. Thanks for the wonderful blog.

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However I am also able to augment the Wednesday schedule provided by your editor with this little contribution.In the Broadway hit comedy of Muriel Resnik,ANY WEDNESDAY, that is the day the heroine has earmarked for the weekly visit of her married lover!

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It appears the actual culprit is my haste.On reading the first part of the byline I got cheesed off and skipping the rest of it proceeded directly to the article.

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Thank you Bharatji! Your comments should be saved in a file and treasured!
But I would like to disagree with you regarding the byline😊
My editor friend actually got the essence in a line!!
Those were the days when we were still childlike and the raining jamuns could filled our hearts with glee. That age the prayers are true from the heart.

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This is one piece where the byline at the top (the work of the editor?) throws one totally off the track. Ignore the byline and read the vignette and it is total joy.

The best piece of writing is supposed to be where Nature and Art are in harmony. Here Nature Art and Artists (not forgetting the parrots) all merge into a homogenous emotional souffle. And the bit of audio (from the throat of Piu?) places the cherry unerringly on its top. Very satisfying!

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Thank you Bharatji 🙏🏽The little ones are imaginary and they never grew , still riding the train , I guess!!

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It is difficult to comment on this vignette, Piu. For, to do that, one has to separate some item out of it, good, or bad, like picking up things with a pin. This effusion is so homogenous, absorbing and peace-inducing that I can only say that I re-read it again immediately so that I don’t get back to mundane reality too soon. Both the boy and girl are people worth meeting. Are they still available, I wonder. 🙂

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Bharatji you are a constant encouragement and your comments add to my stories. Thank you and happy that we all are remembering and counting our blessings together🙏🏽

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Bravo Piu! I wonder if the picture he was drawing which made him miss his tea was ever as evocative as the one you have drawn of that hour in his class with the denizens of the garden (part of his family surely) come to attend his class as well! I too have my favourite teacher whom I would like to remember today- with love!

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Thank you so much Bharatji 🙏🏽
Indigo is a vibrant color and it casts a light which is his own. The suggestion is warmly taken.

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worth waiting for! How does one day matter if the fruit is so tasty. An atmospheric tale breathlessly told -and heard. I still haven’t got my breath back. Bravo Piu. the specialty words and phrases dot the stormy squelchy path like familiar guidelines.
The painting is beautiful but somehow appears too bright for a dark stormy night.

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Piu, I guess this is where the drawing teacher reveals her trade.I had aleady the benefit of a preview of the bits and pieces which have been here sucked in and seemlessly folded along with the Origami paper and right before one’s unbelieving eyes- voila! a boat ? a mountain ? or a funny looking cloud?

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Superb as ever Piu! Your mom was not the only one using the handi.

Sights and smells and thoughts being cooked together during the creation of this vignette. From past experience I keep my antenna tuned for “live” phrases and they are scattered all over- “weird wiring” for one! “Like the rest of her kind” for another! Actually the title itself was enough to draw me- I have two favourite songs one in Hindi and another in Bengali, from movies of that name. All I can say is- keep them coming!

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Dear Bharatji…I also look forward to your comments 🙏 I have few readers for my letters but I am very lucky that each one of them become a co passenger and we all take a ride together in the time machine. Stay well. I will keep posting letters.

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A delectable mixture of humor and seriousness! As I read along I stopped wondering why you chose that title! That was a classic move Piu.The second meaning keeps on recurring cunningly studded in the unlikeliest places! But that in noway takes away the eternal validity of the “Hard Truth” now so painfully underlined by Covid.

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Reena Dasgupta

The photographs by Manobina Roy beautifully captures an era long lost. How well she has chosen each subjects to depict the life and society of her time! An amazing collection by a woman much ahead of her time.

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Shashidhar. BR

Really great to read through the emotional issues with reality. Such writings really inspires the present generation to serve for the country

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I’ve fallen into the habit of not wanting to miss any of Piu’s blogs- no that word is too crassly journalistic for the slices of life soaked in emotion the lady brings out of her own magic lamp from time to time! And this is no exception. A short movie the way a movie should be shot. The constant movement in Time bringing together a full bodied roop katha is in itself a miracle. And you seem to do it so smoothly. Thanks for letting the Time stand still for a moment Piu. Do keep writing.

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I am so happy to see this post of yours. I lived in Jayanagar for 8 years and past two weeks I have been working on a write up about my Bengaluru experiences!! Such a coincidence to see urs . Good to see a fellow sojourner !! Very nice post !!

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Yes, Mr Bharat. That ‘old’ Bangalore, is cherished and remembered by all those who were a part of it. It is ironic that while the City itself has been renamed, all its charms and pleasures that really belonged to the erstwhile, unspoiled ‘Bengaluru’ have vanished.
Thank you for your nice comments. I completely echo what you have said.

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Thank you Mr Rajan. Your article was like a breath of fresh air which used be always present in my childhood but which is practically on its way out now. I belong to the other half of the spectrum – Basavanagudi in the City Area of Bangalore. With wide avenues lined with Gulmohar trees, large circles (a concept now totally obsolete) and practically no traffic, it seems more like a dream than reality now. We used to cycle to the Gandhinagar area for movies or the South Parade (now MG Road) for more movies, book shops eateries.
I don’t think traffic policemen existed in those days!

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Mr Swaroop.
Thanks a lot for your appreciative comment, embellished with your own pleasant memories of a lost Bangalore.

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I have been to Bangalore once that too just about 3 years ago. But this story appeals to everyone who loves to recall how his/her city used to be.

I have similar memories of Delhi, although I am Made in Delhi and will live my life here. The city has changed like any other, perhaps more rapidly because of metro, Commonwealth Games etc.

Raj, I agree with you. The story did bring a smile. 🙂

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The nostalgia trip of a more unhurried and a more innocent age brought a smile. Although my time in Bangalore was a few years during the turn of the century it remains second home in a sense. The walks and the eateries were always pleasant. The Saturday morning routine of my cousin and me was heading to a Darshini in Malleshwaram for breakfast and takeaways for people at home. That and other such little pleasures are kind of lost. Can see where Mr Rajan comes from on this.

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Mam you’re just infallible. You add perfection is your every written piece!👍🎀

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Really missing the carefree summer vacation at my maternal grandmother’s house at pune, we are a gang of 10 creating nuisance every time that become difficult for others to Handel us 😉
Reading this reminds me of those days…

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This piece resonates with all the emotions I felt before summer vacations. It’s lovely and refreshing. Especially the first para…I can remember the suspense I felt before that report card came into my mother’s hands.

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There is a scene in Rajnigandha wherein Deepa sits at the window watching the postman pass her house daily without once stepping in. I remember we used to do the same watch in our younger days. A single letter would be the equivalent of a jackpot then.Well, I have not received a single letter delivered by a postman (actually postwoman in our area) during the last decade, maybe much more.
Long before Corona email has turned the world upside down. Have you seen the latest M.O form? The space for message is hardly a pin stripe.
Sic transit gloria!

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Piu’s letters evoke long forgotten memories of childhood, boyhood and manhood and give no inkling about how to deal with them until they disappear on their own and leave you free.

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Wonderfully nostalgic and lovingly painted picture Piu! I belong to the times when those post cards where every tiny area was covered with writing and were eagerly awaited and breathlesly consumed.Oh for those forever lost days
Thanks!

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Marvelous blog. I really enjoyed reading this blog. Ladakh is one of my favorite travel destinations in India. It is a very amazing place. The vibes of here takes you to just another world. Thanks for sharing this information.

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I walk in the dusk knowing I’m lost
still I walk in hope, to find my destination someday
I know not what destination is
but I walk in hope, to find what I’m looking for
I know not what I’m looking for
but I walk in hope, that I’ll find you one day
I know not where are thou
yet I walk in hope
that you’ll find your path to reach me, hold me and never fade away

The path you are in was once waiting for you

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I walk in the dusk knowing I’m lost
still I walk in hope, to find my destination someday
I know not what destination is
but I walk in hope, to find what I’m looking for
I know not what I’m looking for
but I walk in hope, that I’ll find you one day
I know not where are thou
yet I walk in hope
that you’ll find your path to reach me, hold me and never fade away

The path you are in was once waiting for you

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Subhasis Gupta

Short and crisp yet with loads of information that was not known to us, aptly accompanied by record cover, recitation of Tagore and Ketaki’s English translation of 1400 Saal. Excellent power packed writing. In all of your writing, you bring in many unknown or little known facts and experiences with immense passion which makes us feel, breath and experience the time.

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Dear Dr. Rahman,

Nearly all biographical articles on Geeta Dutt do mention that her family belonged to (and even she was born in) the Faridpur district of undivided Bengal. Why should that have something to with her status as an artist? She is revered across the globe.

This article is based on the author’s personal memories of Geeta Dutt. The mention of where her family hailed from, perhaps wasn’t relevant here. The author didn’t live in Fairdpur. Neither did Geeta Dutt, during the times when the author saw her.

Please refer to the several articles we have on her right here in our magazine here – each one mentions her ancestral roots:

Geeta Dutt – The Skylark Who Sang From The Heart

Geeta Dutt – The Singer with the Golden Heart

Eternal Wait: The Story Of The Dark Girl By The Meghna (Geeta Dutt)

Hope you will enjoy these heartfelt tributes to Geeta ji. 😊🙏

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Some of points in your articles need correction. For instance, Ghalib prayed quite regularly.

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Radhika kapur

You have the art of virtually transporting the reader to the locale & it feels as though one is witnessing it … very enjoyable

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‘By a whisker’-takes you on high imaginative tangent and takes you on a roller coaster of unexpected turns.

The characters and their vain humanised motives are delightfully enacted, with a doze of modulated action,and sparkling humour.

There are many hidden links- in the character names, their behaviour, the language,very subtle and open ended, left to individual interpretation- the making of an enduring story.
Kudos to Ramendra, once again!

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The actual geet is composed by Maithili kavi “Vidyapati”…he must be recalled and praised for his beautiful composition…

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I am not aware if Amrita Pritam had penned her autobiography. But if there is one, then Ye Kahani Nahin has to be part of that necessarily. It characterizes her relationship with Sahir whom she refers as SA and herself as AA. This characterization is tethered to a rendezvous spanning three days – and is therefore objective even as it is full of symbolism.

As I grasped this literary piece on YouTube, I could easily discern that a pregnant silence connected the two, that an innate dignity informed their relationship, and that Sahir’s mother was in the picture wistfully looked at them, to their connect. AA did allude to the difficulties inherent in their relational consummation – that they were of different religions, that she was under the burden of an existing formal relationship. Yet they enjoyed a relational openness, did not keep this fact to only themselves.

Jumelia’s adaptation is beautifully word, is quasi abstract, compels one to visit the piece as originally penned. Jumelia’s prose is a threshold poetry. Will look forward to her further creative effort.

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Dr Mohammed Rahman ( Resident in UK , born in Bangladesh)

I have been living in the UK for many years, a Medical doctor by profession. I am a very keen music lover and try to sing in my friend’s circle now & then. Geeta Dutt has always been my favourite singer and often listen to her Bengali and Hindi songs. I am told by different people that her family was from Bangladesh but to my amazement I have never come across a mention anywhere that her family came from Bangladesh. Is it something you thought that it will dampen herstatus in the eyes of the rest of the people in Asian subcontinent. However , thank you .

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Debasish Bhattacharya

Dear Ms. Neha,

It is a reward to me when I see such a comment of appreciation from you. It took me down the memory lane four years back and found that it is as fresh as ever, watching the movie, listening to the songs and passionate scribbling my feelings out as an anecdote.

Thank you once again. Stay safe and happy within the four walls of your home in these hard times.

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Loved this detailed document about one of my most favourite songs. This song and the movie is so close to my heart and I’m amazed to witness how beautifully the song is used to portray a gay relationship where in the eyes of the society lord Krishna and Radha resembles as a heterosexual couple.
But this imitation shows love is love, it has no boundaries and no gender.

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Great sir! Congratulations for the successful and amazing end to this story. 🙂

Well, as a reader of the novel, it is a saddening news that it has come to an end. I used to wait every Wednesday and Friday. 🙂

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You have selected a very unique title for your post. I agree that gold jewellery is a woman’s, first love. You have also explained in detail which jewellery will go with which clothes and what kind of personality will the jewellery portray. I have heard about matching jewellery with clothes but this is the first time I am hearing about matching jewellery with your personality. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post with us.

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Congratulations! To Sagar and Hyderabad Blues for such a nice winning. May this novel get a very nice and happy ending!

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One of my very favorite Begum Akhtar ghazals. Somehow didn’t realize this was Shakeel!
Loved your connect with Sahir and the interpretation of this.
Will hear it more carefully now.
Vijay ji please likhte rahiye.

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Hat’s off to Aamir for getting the partnership hand of Shantanu. May god give him more capacity to do great things like these. I am sure that Aamir and Shantanu will make a great pair.

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Congratulations! To Aamir for being the partner of Shantanu for the debate competition. Great story sir. Waiting to see what happens next.

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You have a loving heart. You look for love and you get love. An amazing tender write, Santosh Bakaya. Congrats!

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Great! Great! Brilliant story!!!! I hope Sagar would get better and would be able to participate in the camp.

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Great suspense created by the author! I was waiting for this episode eagerly. And now I am waiting to know what happens next.

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Such a heartwarming story. The innocence of a child is somewhere lost in the run for adulthood.

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Wow! Great work done by the writer this story is very inspiring and I love the effort put in by a small kid

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Wow! Beautiful!

Great efforts by Ramen Uncle and Avijit Uncle!

Thanks to Sagar and Amir I have started getting interested in cricket which I never liked before.

I like Amir’s character very much!

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Very beautiful! Well, didn’t the author feel hungry while writing about these delicious, finger licking dishes?

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Wherever you set foot, Santosh ji, the fog would clear. Beautiful — both the writing and you.

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A wonderful write up, excellent narrative,the contrasting imagery in the opulent marriage scene and the rag picking children’s scene is brilliant. You are a keen observer and your write up comes laced with a pinch of salt.Lovely.

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Thank you so much, dear Rachel. Felt good reading your comment. I totally agree with everything you have mentioned. Really appreciate your heartfelt comment.

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I agree with Vinitha. I think the rise of realism has come from the field of digital art, just as the invention of photography gave rise to abstract art. I feel like we, as artists are constantly competing with the rise of technologies that allow those who normally would never be able to enter the arts… overtake us and we have to rise to the occasion by stepping into places that technology has not been able to go.

The last paragraph where she describes her passion and what happens when the paint hits the canvas. There is no truer statement. I think we, as artists – are that way, the paint and the relationship with the brush and understanding canvas and paper and paint…. its a soul relationship and opens the door to a realm where only that relationship exists. Time is meaningless and nothing and no one can enter until we step outside of that sphere.

Her work is emotional. The ballerina dancing on the ocean really touched me… that unknown, uncertainty of dancing on air…our emotion….never knowing when you will fly or when you will crash into the waves. Knowing this is the only thing your soul was put on earth to do…. but on some level it will drown you too. Really powerful

I also entered the corporate world and then quit to go back to art… so I totally get that. 🙂

Shes super talented… I hope she has an amazing career!

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The depth, the sensitivity and the theme taken together are just a humdinger of a literary gift.

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Satyananda Sarangi

As always, this made my day. You’re absolutely a magician in storytelling, ma’am.

Enjoyed this.

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Jyoti, you’ve got me wanting to start reading these authors right away, in their original language!
Very well presented. Please keep writing.

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Very well written. She exactly reflected our Telugu readers, movie goers feelings towards the two great Bengali writers

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This is a brilliant take on Sarat. He is my favorite too. I guess, I read all his stories while I was in 11th and 12th standards. Premchand I read while in 9th and 10th – volumes of Mansarovar.

Sarat wrote in a relatively narrow domain dominated by women. His women are not flawless but are remarkable. Gulabo of Pyaasa will easily pass for a Sarat’s woman. Sarat is very intense, almost lives his characters. He emotes, easily gets an empathising readership.

Premchand had no gender preference. Oftener characters in his stories appear subsumed in a larger socio-economic-cultural issues. He essentially witnessed his characters.
Shatranj ke Khiladi of Ray and Devdas of Bimal Roy evidence the difference in approach and style of the two great story-tellers.

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Beautiful! The lamb’s replacement with the pup can be inferred as substituting “service to God” (the lamb is often deemed as a symbol of Christ) with “service to mankind” (the pup is after all an ordinary creature reflecting the mundane). And this message is the need of the hour!

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Enjoyable read. A story full of sensitivity and emotions about love, nature and well-being of humanity and his environment. TFS, Santosh ji.

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Geethanjali Dilip

Every little detail in the countryside and urban India merging with the rural. Such unusual subjects although seemingly mundane in day to day life. Brilliant you are!

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It is a narrative of its own class. So immaculate but so sweet in words presentation that object describe becomes life like.

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Lovely write up! I shuddered when Kanchan made an entry but she came for a good cause and all’s well that ends well. Love your frowzy foursome alliteration.

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“Ordinary people with extraordinary missions make a quiet difference to this world, most of which remains unsung.” Brilliantly said. What a story this is. You’re so right. We all want reforms yet are hesitant to take steps towards it, especially if it means stepping out of our comfort zones. _()_ to that farmer and his mission. A huge thanks to you for this inspiring write-up.

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Love the idea of freedom of the elderly gentlemen in the narrative. You writing almost feels like taking a stroll, like we are a part of all that goes on around in your writing. The note if optimism and hope is never missed, a delightful read as always.

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Congratulations on the complition of your 50th meandering, Ma’am! It’s great to see the happy change in the air. And, you have made it so swift for your readers. This is what I would call “Effortless Revolution “.

Your Kanchan should rule every kitchen. ❤

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Deepak K. Choudhary (Darshak)

Another fascinating ‘meandering’! Ma’am, I love the way you observe life in its myriad subtleties and its multifaceted, kaleidoscopic earthiness. What I find even more engrossing is your style, your diction and parole. The tapestry of expression you weave is marked with an effortless ease and unruffled brilliance reflecting the depth of your understanding of the subject dealt with. This is something outstanding, so rarely noticeable among the contemporary writers of imaginative/fictional prose…🙂

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This is simply awesome, Sir. I learned many new things with this essay. Many, many thanks!

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This is so real. Its an every day problem. We wrinkle our noses, crib, complain, blame the government but continue to litter. Your MM today gives a super picture of the public apathy cloaked in your characteristic humour. Brilliant Santosh Di!

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Namaskaar Gajendra Jee. Bahhot sundar likha hei Aapne. Veisse to Rafi Sahab ke baareme jitna kahe, utna kumm hei. Aapne tto qamaal hee Kar diyaa. Shukriyaa for sharing.. Bharat Oza from Nasha group

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I dont about other things…but your writings always make me happy. Dictionary also gets happy to find itself of some use. The 😊

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Wonderful comment Kunal Da! Humbled at your feedback. Thank you so much 😊🙏”Geeta’s voice apart from being well-trained also carried a distinctive feminine quality.’ Absolutely! Also the Meera bhajans of Jogan, the way she has sung, to me none has sung them with so much devotion and bhaav. They are as if Meera herself is singing. I can understand the impact.

“It was most unfortunate that this golden voice remained unmined for major part of her singing career.” – yes, true that. The saddest loss for the music world.
Thanks again!

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Kunal Chatterjee

Must admire your expression supported every bit by painstaking research……a project by itself. Thanks Antara for sharing a few unheard melodies of Geeta Dutt.

My initiation into film music began sometime in 1949 on family pride HMV gramophone and Radio. That was an era when brand new crop of singers were emerging on the musical arena and therefore it holds a tremendous nostalgic appeal for me personally. Geeta’s voice apart from being well-trained also carried a distinctive feminine quality. The song which appealed to me the most at that tender age was “Ghunghat Ke Pat Khol, Tujhe Piya Milenge….” from Jogan.

It was most unfortunate that this golden voice remained unmined for major part of her singing career.

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Wow…what lovely canvas of rain you created in this piece.Your words are magical.In a flash the whole scene comes dancing in front of me.I soaked myself thoroughly too. How nice to be a child and soak again in the rain.Dil toh baccha hai ji…Soaked thoroughly, ecstatically…with my morning cuppa tea.

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Your words …your demeanor…your motherly smile are like jaldi ki jhappi for everyone around you. The old lady is not the only beneficiary. I can always feel it for myself.

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What a Surprise, I am reading Mehdi Hasan on this forum.

I still regret I couldn’t get ticket of his concert at Birla Hall Marine Lines when he visited India in 1976 which was sponsored by Philips. To my surprise when I went to book ticket a week before it was totally sold out. No tickets available 1000, 2000 etc. I didn’t know Mehdi Hasan that time. I never listened his songs or ghazals. I was stunned by his popularity.

We grew up listening songs which were easily heard everywhere on streets, restaurants so listening ghazals was very rare. Among my friends I was the only Urdu School product so no one was interested in Ghazals except some of my school friends. But we never listened private ghazals with that interest as we listened Bollywood songs or Ghazals.

My Stay in Gulf gave me chance to listen all kinds of music which include Ghazals. We knew Ahmed Faraz by Ghazal Ranjish hi sahi. When I went to Saudi Arabia I listened Mehdi Hasan and Ghulam Ali. Coincidentally I listened Parveen Shakir the great female poet in a Mushaira and then listened my fav Ghazal Ku ba Ku phail gayi baat shanasai ki by Mehdi Hasan. His way of ragas and aalap are just amazing.

Thank you for this superb post!

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LnC-Silhouette

Some comments received on this article on Facebook:

Naveen Anand: A very insightful article indeed. Bhooli Bisri Chand Ummeedein…A ghazal I stay obsessed with…

Suneela Verma: His ghazals are my daily doze of connect with myself… thank you for a very informative article.

Monica Kar: A beautiful tribute indeed. I learned a lot about this singing legend. Thank you, HQ Chowdhury dada! Especially those nuggets of how popular he was – among kings and robbers et al!

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Subhash Chandra

Sweet write about the sweet children who do not indulge in a wrangling discussion about why India lost the World Cup, but who blissfully play the game.

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Thank you for such lovely review Latha Rajgopal.

I am humbled and overwhelmed by your words. And am so glad you could relate to the whole journey. That means a lot to me, coming from someone who has actually taken the footway.

Your words inspire me and encourage me to write more. Thank you once again!

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Latha Rajgopal

Anantha
Aman n Sahil n little Adi were so well characterized I felt as if the incident is happening in front of me and the concern about the baby’s security by the main 2 characters was really appreciable! I could in fact feel travelling on the foot steps of Tirumala as I had once experienced the taking path of steps to Tirupati!

Thank you for giving such interesting episode look forward to many more!
Antara thank you for gifting me Anantha Alagappan!

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Antara Banerjee

A wonderful portrait of a mundane morning made special by your lovely observations… Small things that escape the common eye… catch your loving eye to naturally and follows from your pen like second nature that it is as good as witnessing the whole episode live….

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I have been a regular reader of Morning Meanderings and this one is my favourite till now. How beautifully the mundane and the regular is painted in hues and Hopes and heartiness.
The way only Santosh di can

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Ramendranath hi,
Hum bhagvan jagannath ke bhakt hain. Aap ki kitab Tales Of Jagannath available Nahin hai kripya available karaden aur apse vinati hai ki us kitab ko Hindi me anuvad karneki anumati den

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Ha ha. Superb. Everytime I will see a man donating his watery wealth on the streets, I will remember this story. My eyes would start searching for a monkey and a hose pipe.

The phrase watery wealth should reach the ears of some Bollywood director. Its hindi avatar will get quite famous.what would it be’Geeli Daulat’?

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Beautifully and touchingly woven story. Narrative flow is great, and the theme and musings on it is peerless. Myself is votary of the failed heroes, and this bird woman steals me!

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Santosh di
First thing a big round of applause for you. Never knew I will encounter a writer in You.
It’s after 1994 I have seen a glimpse of you. Thanks to Renu Di’s friend request.
Fantastic initiative. Look forward to some musings of a philosopher as well.

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Ashok Bhargava

Thoroughly enjoyed reading the detailed, analytical and in-depth interview of Ramakant Das. I am fortunate to have met him personally. He is a very personable and friendly person. He is a poet of high calibre.

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Ashok Bhargava

Amazing how a small incident could become a life long memory and innocence could be immortalized by the power of words. Your writing style dignifies poverty and bestows a sense of quiet strength to a child’s smile.

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Very well brought out. The boy-girl imbalance starts from the fetus and grows into disproportionate misogyny at the societal level. I have three daughters and never felt the need or absence of a son. Neither I say that they are as good since that would be admitting the fact that the son is the ‘chirag’ ! I always joke at home that the day I feel outnumbered with three daughters, one granddaughter, and one wife, I would rather go and pick up a male pup only for balancing out ! 😀

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Monalisa Joshi

This is a very heart warming story and I hope Raja is stil with you all grown up I guess by now <3

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This is so cute. Animals also have an art to take their share of love.From Chotu to Raja…a lovely piece to read in the morning.Bear hugs from Ranchi.

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Excellent!
Being a dog lover, must say this makes my day!! And you Ma’am, come across as kind hearted Annapoorna!
The irony of ‘Chhotu’ instantaneously making over to ‘Raja’, quite amusing!
It takes no time to develop a bond with animal and bird life around.
‘Hungry hai kya!’ made me drool over!
Hats off!

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Dr. Paromita Ojha

Such a trivial thing …we tend to overlook …. however you have described it so vividly Dr Bakaya…wonderful

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Thanks so much Taiyeb Shaikh ji for your little story… its making me feel very hungry for mangoes now. In Delhi we enjoy a variety – chausa, dassehri and langra mostly. My ancestral home is in Benaras – so the summer vacations went into gorging heavenly langras. No one can beat Banarasi langras in sweetness. They are khaas aam 😁

And my mom-in-law used to make out of this world mango shake spiked with kaju, kishmish and a small dash of ice-cream at times.

But I think the name “hapus” fits the aam perfectly – its the sound you make when eating the aam with its skin on….😁 I didn’t know aam (mango) is Urdu. Aamrapali got her name from one born under the mango tree.

Aam (common in Urdu) is well known to all of us here with Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khaas of Red Fort 😀 Thank you for sharing the Urdu words.

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Taiyeb Shaikh

Superb Morning treat for Mango lovers like me.

From March to June we must eat Mangoes & that too only Alphonso which is popularly known as Hapus in Maharashtra. My mother used to make aamras & serve it with fresh pooris when we used to have too many mango boxes at home.

Growing up in Bombay or Mumbai has its fun.
Waise Aam (common) is عام in Urdu & Aam (Mango) is آم in Urdu. It’s easy to write in Urdu.

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I can’t reiterate enough how much I like your picturesque writings. The first few paragraphs are full of example of metaphors that I must show to my students. And then amidst it all you subtly put your point: child marriage! Wonderful writing as always.

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Unlike the common people Santosh Bakaya loves to come out of her home even on a rainy day and watch the vigour and vitality of the soaked feathered creatures, and the whelp, and the bipeds. She finds them all nourished and nurtured, exciting and passionate. Her keen eyes do not fail to notice how the neglected cars get a free doorstep car wash, how incorrigibles manage to empty their trash can in their neighbour’s backyard. Being an ardent birdwatcher and a dog lover she spontaneouly gets sprinkled by the love and attention of the fowl and the pup.

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Unlike common people, Santosh Bakaya loves to come out of her home even on a rainy day and watch the birds, canines and humans soaked and embraced in the world of their own fancy. Being an ardent birdwatcher and a dog lover she notices how the rains bring new vitality and drive into the kingdom of the feathered creatures and the whelp. Her keen eyes do not fail to notice how the neglected cars get a free car wash and how incorrigibles empty their trash cans in the neighbour’s yard.

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Monalisa Joshi

What a beautiful way to express the most mundane with complete surrealism. Enjoyed reading this morning meandering Ma’am…the narration was vivid and a fun read.

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Partha Sarathi Mukherjee

Why Santosh Madam is a celebrated story writer, has been answered in her following glimpses of the story above mentioned. Three simple slum dwelling characters but impulsive life n their the movements and how the writer has been decided to be greeted by a dissimulation of birds are full of pulsatios of life in her inking.
We are getting the prosaic surroundings have become thriving with life when scuffling of three birds, have agreed to approach the person for drops of water ,and how startling readers can see buyers in road side shop housed in shanity asking Patanjali product and how then characters become the example of simple life without any artificial simplicity how they represent a mockery of our so called deceptive courtesy ,full of heartless feelings . The writer has described feud and friendship altercation and amiability,but no brutas stabbing of our modern upper middle class family or society.Mock courtesy has been so nicely depicted that it looks sharper than Dattani’s ‘Bravely Fought the Queen”.

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Excellent!

The Media hype about the lives and concerns of the celebrities and those who are higher-up in the social ladder is understandable, and you have aptly highlighted the brazen apathy of all towards the daily concerns of the common folk.

Employing a needy girl as domestic help and listening to her in all patience us the hallmark of this excellent narrative

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Firdaus Parvez

Haha 😂 love the humour! I remember a milkman pestering me the same way when I stopped buying milk from him. He said I was lucky for him and please could I at least take only a little each day even 250 ml would do. He was persistent to such an extent that I was pulling my hair out and just short of kicking his butt.

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Simply hilarious! Love the imagery you create. Can witness the pot-bellied milkman with his flying can, running as fast as his over-burdened legs can carry him with the snarling bhains hot on his heels 🙂

Keep writing!! You rock!

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Mehak Gupta Grover

Yes. The hard reality today is this. We are more attracted towards the distinguished ones leaving aside the masses. Beautifully described.

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Sangeetha John

Madam
so happy that you launched L&C. Your writing always is simple but very beautiful. Thank you for L&C.

Thank you
Sangeetha John

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Sanjit Kumar

Sometimes it appears litterateurs don’t only show mirror to societies or do honest commentaries but their sharp uncanny penetration could excite optimism in dark and solve gruelling complexties to living simplicity_____❤️🎶🎶🎶❤️

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Fascinating!
The author has vividly described the fight of the migrant workers not only at the place of their work but also with the ambiance in which they are forced to live. How the rain-soaked wood consumes their energy in igniting the stove to ensure the cooking of their food. Yet they endure all the despair patiently and forge ahead with their daily grind.

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Absorbing!
The flip-flop between the two men, one fat and another emaciated, the description of an altercation over the stealing of a towel leading to utter debasemenr and chanting of invectives and in no time the change of narratives while gulping tea and laughing heartily!

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U Atreya Sarma

We should try to relate, in one positive way or the other, to everyone we come across in our daily lives and it makes the air and our hearts lighter… paving the way for a better humanity… of course, only when at least a part of our reflections can translate into a concrete gesture for the needy.

And with the increased presence and action-oriented responsiveness of the altruistic minded in the society, and lesser greed… there really need be no ad-hoc or dubious political palliatives. Empathy and cooperative action are the moral of your musings, as I see it, dear Dr Santosh Bakaya. Thanks for tagging me on FB about this piece.

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Providential! Getting freshened-up in the early dawn by watching the grind of the struggling labourers in the smoky-chulha. A fitting finale for the international workers’s day–celebrated as May Day! It’s no surprise that Dr. Bakaya wants to have a heart to heart talk with the underprivileged members of the society for whose upliftment she is eveready to stay in the vanguard.

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Beautiful….so tender…so warm…infused with a love for reading and a love for books!!! Being a bookaholic, I know that feeling all too well.
Loved your piece Santosh Ma’am. Keep writing

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Pathos and humour very well balanced to depict human behaviour towards the have-all’s and have-nots in our society. The story telling style of Santosh is unique… with Charles Lamb’s description for ears and with expressions like asinine recalcitrance… loved the piece

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Oh that was great! Love all of your details and witt! It all sprang to life off the screen as I read… so well done!

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Joseph S. Spence, Sr.

This is just an awesome piece. I love the intensity of the story as it moves along. I like the illustration as a story line, develops, moves uphill to a climax, then back down to normalcy. It became very interesting at that point. Visualizing the man and the dog as great buddies probably skipping along on their way to their destination after the bout is inspiring. Blessings!

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It reminds me legendary Assamese singer Bhupen Hazarika’s famous lines ‘Manush manusher jonney, jibon jiboner jonney’
Great. kudos dear author.

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Subhash Chandra

Deprived children’s love of books and reading is beautifully brought out. Written with empathy. A touching piece. Ending is impactful.

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Monalisa Joshi

Ahaa…such a sweet and heartwarming story. Yes it’s very true canines can be the best of pals of humans. No wonder their love is so pure and you have shown the same through your story. Loved reading it.

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Beautiful post as usual.
Great narration.
Future Sarojini Naidu!?
COMPLIMENTI. BEST wishes and Blessings

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Such a gaze. A beautiful write totally engrossing and as refreshing as a summer bloom.

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Hunger drives the poor and the rich, animals and humans; brought out well through real-life accounts, in this post.

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Nice story where the two could not meet each other. I know a similar actual incident where a young girl and a boy met by chance during a ride in a Taxi from Jaipur to Delhi. Well, they kept on meeting later and are now happily married.

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I would like to be a part of this group. Do you accept only articles in English or in Bengali too?

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Yes we all have as alert citizens have to take the onus to handle this rising issue and we can do it if we all really decide

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Yeah, actually its simple common sense and conscience . if each person follows some basic traffic rules 80 percent issues will melt away. we do it when we go abraod and follow them there because we are scared of penalty but why donot we do that in our own home?

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Good write. Be it traffic or pollution or population… they are all different shades of the same problem. Our booming economy (many will disagree) had handed a lot of disposable money to consumers who are now buying cars and upgrading very frequently. Car / two wheeler makers are going for the kill. Today we have global car model launches with simultaneous launch in India.

Most of the people don’t know how to drive cars, yet are on the roads. Licences are easily obtained by paying bribes. Learners are driving in the overtaking lanes. Total chaos. Unless every citizen contributes, with due support from law enforcement agencies, there’s no solution in sight.

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To add to the above issues, dedicated BRTS lanes are usurped by private/commercial vehicles. There is basic lack of intellect. We need a military code to conform to traffic rules. Humans unfortunately follow the path of least resistance. We try to take the easy way out whenever possible. A sense of discipline can be inculcated only with the use of strict action against the offenders.
Volume of traffic cops should be increased to man the signals with ease.
Cameras should cover the primary areas of violation to begin with and gradually, the entire city should be covered.
Ridiculous and exorbitant fines should be levied for even small offences. For example, lane cutting – 5000. driving and talking on the mobile – 15000. Drunk driving – no fine, only jail term.
Evidence of the offence should be captured by the camera/devices and not be verbal. The fines should be remitted directly in the government account.
Wrong side driving can be eliminated by installing one-way spikes or “tyre killers”

Mollycoddling and drilling sense into the thick heads of the populace isn’t gong to work. Once the fines drill a hole in their pockets, people will change. A small hike in fuel automatically drives people to make changes to their monthly budget.

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Ramen uncle I liked your story very much. I liked Anjali the most because she didn’t leave her nani alone as she knew that she had none to call her own other than her.

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Rabindranath Chakravorty

A beautifully articulated essay on the ever energetic chirping girl pining for home coming !

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Thanks Sachin! Glad you liked the comment. We need more people like you who treat a child not as a product but as a person.

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Very true! Most parents expect too much from tehir kids even if they themselves weren’t any great. Thank you for sharing this post and reminding more parents about the significance of respecting children for what exactly they are rather than what you want them to be. Keep sharing such posts!

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This is a beautiful post on my most fav poet of our time. I’m lucky to listen him live in private gatherings. Sahir means magician who mesmerises us with his classic poetry. I used to memorise his ghazals or poetry after listening to him live.

Although I’m a Urdu School product still I had to refer to the dictionary while reading his poetry. It’s an excellent write up by Jyoti Suravarjula ji.

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Sahir adopted his pen name after he heard Iqbal’s this couplet.
Is chaman mein honge paida bulbul-e-sheraaz bhi,
Sainkron sahir bhi honge saahib-e-eijaaz bhi!

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First Sahir means magician.
About Tajmahal by Sahir…. मज़हर-ए-उल्फत means ‘manifestation of love’… not tomb of love. He used the word Mazhar, not Mazaar. Being a fan of Sahir I am bringing these to your notice. Corrections if made will add value to your essay.

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LnC Silhouette Magazine

Some comments received on this poem on Facebook:

Pisharoty Chandran: Your mathematical musing is inspiring. The point is ‘Matter is neither created nor destroyed’. 1 million species get extinct daily. If at all they have souls, they get recycled into newer creations. Some will be in human form, that’s all.
സൃഷ്ടി – Stithi-Samhara. Brahma-Vishnu-Maheswara.
In the end all this is a myth, a virtual reality, suspended in Ananta, the serpent, Time, what we call as the span of our own existence on Earth.

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Beautiful. Completely relatable yet context intact. Putting new life to Kalidasa’s version

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Thank You Monica.
That’s truly us both,41 years ago.
Our lives are full of many such episodes.
We feel blessed that a Divine Power chooses us.

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Wow! Bimal ji, loved reading this hair-raising adventure. And it was real-life! Loved the part where your wife calmly said “we will adopt her”. Bless her and you! If only we had more people like you in the world. Stay blessed!

Antara, loved the pictures you dotted this adventure with! Lovely!

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But I have seen myself 2 songs from the film Bombay Racecourse on Doordarshans program, Chaya Geet in 1975.

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Rishabh Sharma

Thank you for the opportunity Sir. Will surely look to meet to someday again.

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Bengal’s film industry was as full of intense clashes of personalities, jealousies, intrigues and schemings as talent in those days; so much so that there had been several tiffs: for instance those between Uttam Kumar and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen; just to speak of the two most unfortunate. Both relationships were later patched up, probably chiefly at Uttam Kumar’s own initiative – for he went on to produce films for both, but did much damage to Bengal’s filmdom.

Bengalis have seldom excelled in teamwork! But maybe those failings are not unique to just Bengal: high-profile professions where you constantly are – and demand to be – under the spotlight tend to produce professional rivalries everywhere.

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Dear Mr. Pahwa

I was and am a big fan of late actor wrestler DARA SINGH

I will appreciate to get some information about his earlier films in 1950’s like SANGDIL, PEHLI JHALAK, BHAKTRAJ, JAGGA DAKU AND 1960’s EK THA ALIBABA, KING OF CARNIVAL, SHERDIL, TWO FILMS WHICH DARA SANG, ONE WITH SANJEEV KUMAR AS BADNAM FARISHTA, AND ANOTHER WITH RANDHAWA, HIMMAT E MARDAN

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Thank you for your generous comments Vijay Ji.

Yes, all of his stories have too many characters akin to Russian stories. Although, he is the Shakespeare of Hindi, but his stories overshadowed other Hindi writers such as Mahadevi Verma.

Kafan is definitely best story but Karmabhoomi is the best novel after Godaan. Sad that Doordarshan didn’t make a series on it, otherwise it would appeared like Ramesh Sippy’s Buniyad which too has numerous characters.

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confusedoldbong

Yes, part and parcel of long distance communication, especially in IT companies where what to say and how much you say matters much more than how you work. Sad, but the truth.
Btw, I often do talk on mute.

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Nice review.

I have read most of Premchand. To my mind, he was a fine novelist but an extra-ordinary story writer.

In his earlier novels he seemed to lack finesse. Also, his novels had too may characters, much like some of the Russian novels. A comparison of Premchand with Sharat will appear apt. Sharat operated in a narrow woman-centric domain but was exceptionally impactful.

Premchand operated on a larger canvas and his concerns were largely societal than individual. Thus his novels did not emote as much as Sharat’s. But Premchand the story writer still has no peer – Tagore included – in any of the indian languages. The moment he shrunk the theme sweep – necessary for a story – he just became a world beater.

His best story, in my view is Kafan.

Ray woke up to Premchand little late. Yet he created a masterpiece – Shatraj ke Khilari. Sadgati was equally great but it was a short film.

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Thank you so much for your kind words sir.
I stand corrected on the couplet. Have requested Antara to correct the mistake and she has quickly responded and done.
I agree with your thought on his theory of religion. I feel an atheist is not always non religious but can be ‘practically religious’.
Also very true that one can read his work again and again and learn or discover something new every time.
Thank you once again._()_

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Thank you Antara for your kind words.
Also thank you for sharing the K.L.Saigal sung ghazal and the interesting info about it.
Thanks

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Peeyush Sharma

Thanks Antara for adding the KL Saigal piece. Saigal was probably among first to popularize ghazals among common music lovers.
Each of his ghazals are fabulous.

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Peeyush Sharma

Well written Niraj ji.
Ghalib Is evergreen, for all times.

He was simply put, gifted. He suffered all his life in pains of all various kinds only to be revered after his demise. His thought, language, concept, structure of his couplets and their reach is unparalleled. None prior to him and no one after have achieved it in reference to Urdu poetry.

He may have been satirical but his understanding of religions and their theory was unique and complete. How else could he in one line state; Na thha kuchh to Khuda thha, na hota kuchh to Khuda hota, as if stating straight out of the 10th Chapter, Naasadiya Sukta of Rig Veda. Or as if in the very words of Lord Krishna; Baazichaye atfaal hai duniya mere aage, hota hai shab-o-roz tamasha mere aagye. His thought process was gifted and highly philosophical.

One can read him every day and realize something unique.

Kehte hain ki Ghalibn ka hai andaaze bayan aur… Thanks Niraj ji.

One point though; in the penultimate couplet you have used above, it should be “GO” haath mein jumbish nahin (implicating, even though) .
Best wishes on your book.

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An excellent essay… opens new vistas of understanding Ghalib!
Each ghazal discussed has been painstakingly translated to help us readers understand the difficult Urdu words… a special thanks for that!

The handpicked collection of ghazal videos is top order too… we’ve grown up on them!

I am reminded of a personal favourite by KL Saigal ‘Main unhen chhedoon aur kuchh na kahen‘ – composed by the legendary singer himself.
I am told he repeats the first line 3 times in the original 78 rpm while in this YouTube video we hear it twice. A unique experimentation but then with Ghalib you got to have excellence in every note.

Thank you Niraj Shah for this poetic trip through Ghalib’s gems!

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Thank you Manekji _()_ for your valuable suggestions.
One ghazal each of Talat Saab and Begum Akhtar have been added. The essay is more enhanced now 🙂

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Manek Premchand

Very well written, on the greatest Indian poet of them all! Just wish instead of two songs by Jagjit and two by Suraiya, if there had been at least one by Talat – the king of ghazal singing – from Mirza Ghalib the film. And perhaps one from Begum Akhtar or Rafi. Just my thoughts, but otherwise a nice essay 🙂

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Thoroughly enjoyed your article on Jagjit Chitra. My ride for work was made enjoyable😊
Can relate with many thoughts.

Superb article.

Just to add a few things:
He used digital recording and modern instruments to attract more youth towards ghazals. Beyond time was first digitally recorded album in 1987.
His live concerts were mix of ‘gayaki‘ and also gimmicks to entertain every type of audience.
For purists he also came out with a pure classical based album in 2000 named different strokes.
His Bhairavi’s were very popular in his live concerts.

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Hi Srobona,

Wonder that you’ve written such a wonderful story and also with a moral attached to it . You are truly stepping into your mother’s shoes…..
May God bless you.

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Thanks so very much Kunal! Its an impossible task to encapsulate such a Himalayan repertoire in a few words so no one would try that or succeed. My attempt was to try and provide a glimpse into the universality of his work that connects with every human being, irrespective of language, race or creed.
So very glad you liked it. Feeling enriched and humbled with your feedback.
Thanks!

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Main Apni Favourite Hoon..says the dreamy eyed Kareena Kapoor in Jab We Met and Indian girl wasn’t the same again.

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Though incomplete and only an excerpt, its a treat to the readers…….

Kudos dear Lopa……
Will be waiting eagerly for your upcoming collection…….

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Outstanding Work Antara. The research, the granular details of Gurudev’s work and the explanation is a literary tour for people like me who dont know so much about him. This article is worthy for a personal collection. Thanks so much.

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Carbon fiber is very good material and gain more popularity nowadays. They are best material for shock absorption which makes it good bang for bucks for those who are little bit careless with device and gets their phone damaged easily.

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nice meterial of i phone case we are also deal with the online mobile phone shopping in ksa if any one intrested to buy online product in middle east and saudia or discount rate please may visit our site eshtari.me

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Her alcohol laced voice is like a whiplash on celluloid. Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam haunts us even 54 years later.

Like the doomed love story of ‘Chhoti Bahu’ in Sahib Biwi…Both Meena and Geeta (Dutt) became alcoholics and finally both succumbed to cirrhosis of the liver very early in life.

Somewhere her script went haywire… her life went haywire.

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Learning and Creativity Magazine

Thank you Maria,

Glad to know this lovely essay by Rounak helped you!

Wish you all the best for your speech. Do well 🙂

Best wishes,
Antara
Editor, Learning and Creativity

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Sudarshan Talwar

More details I have about Jhankar when it was launched who was director music, lyrics, writer, etc.

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Thank you Sriram for the generous appreciation of our magazines – Learning and Creativity and Silhouette.

You have nicely summed up the objective behind our articles – we are trying to curate our rich legacy with as much accurate information and insights as we can gather. There are opinions expressed of course but biases are carefully kept away.

About Sanjeev Kumar – you are absolutely right. In fact, I republished this article in Silhouette with a few more insights.
https://learningandcreativity.com/silhouette/sanjeev-kumar/
He was a towering actor among the melee of heroes – his range of histrionics and his ability to slip into the character in a way so as to keep the “Sanjeev Kumar” away was remarkable. He spoke with his eyes – a 1000 words more than any dialogue can convey.

Thank you for your kind comments. I have read all your comments on our other posts too and embedded the videos you have suggested. It will help our other readers enjoy your suggested songs other than our authors who are enjoying your informed feedback.

Please do keep sharing your insights.

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Geeta Dutt was the most original singer and a one of the very few singers who sang from core of her heart.
She had a heart of gold comes as no surprise. Unfortunately, she worked in a volatile and opportunistic Industry which let her down.
What she could not earn in life, she earned afterwards.
She is still one of the most popular and revered singers with a large number of fan following.
Her voice carries her golden heart.

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This website contains unbiased quality articles about film personalities and true heroes are recognized.

People hail Amitabh and Dilip Kumar as greatest actors but to me they were good star with great screen persona and good acting abilities. Sanjeev kumar was actor among stars. There is no comparison. It is a shame that his prowess has not been recognized to the extent it should.

Keep with with your good work.

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Janite cheyechho tumi, bhuleo kokhono mane pade ki tomay;
Ektoo Chaoya aar ektoo paoya, tai niye gaan gaoya sarabela;

I have heard these memorable songs from my childhood without knowing the name of singer but thought that whoever be the singer, she is the great human with all qualities by the God.

Today I know, she is Great Evergreen Singer Geeta Dutt. I go through Geeta Dutt’s life! A beautiful flower nipped in bud! Alas, what right did this man have to shatter her dreams and life. We have never seen her but her songs and style of singing a song explains her internal potentiality & talent and how she was as a human. That is why, God has taken her back to Him for her mental peace because she was not fit for this cruel world.

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If you list out the 10 best Hindi films of all time, Amar Prem would be in the list. Superstar Rajesh Khanna looked his handsomest best in this movie & his performance was simply superb, though the movie revolved around Sharmila Tagore who too gave a heart warming performance.

R.D Burman is at his musical best, along with extraordinary lyrics by Anand Bakshi & exceptional direction by Shakti Samanta makes this film an absolute classic..

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This is such a heartwarming poem… As a mother I know how difficult it is to make kids listen to you and the most difficult job is to make them wear a sweater or socks or shoes or a cap.
And then when they catch cold, they quip – thandd lag gayi kyunki socks nahin pehne thhe na. (so much knowledge!!!! 😀 )

Loved this poem.. touching, affectionate and beautiful

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Shabir Ahmad Mir

Such a subtle piece… The delightful narrative seamlessly underlines the masterful psychological underpinnings of a mother daughter role reversal… From being a love giver to a love seeker… It is simply brilliant

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The intimacy of this poem lends it such a tenderness that it makes u wish to be there at the end of poem to smile and treasure a moment of exquisite emotion forever. Thank you Ma’am for such a poem.

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An early morning treat…. So intimately beautiful… Thank you Santosh Ma’am for making my day.

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Shubhangi Shreya

It is good to add profits in Business. But it is better to give priority to Humankind and think for society welfare.

In this story, I can say that Ms. Joy Dey understands the true meaning and way to do Business. It was important for her to have customers in the restaurant, but she also thought about homeless beggars outside too. In my view, she is a very strong person who can clearly understand – The Needs Of Society along with The Goals Of Business.

It is a very beautiful story with a Moral Value attached to it. I think, the Author is a Creative Genius.

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It was very nice it was nicely written by yourself that what your mind though it very very good and you write all the line so so nicely keep it up you will become a huge person

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Sundeep,
I am so happy for you that you were able to make this wondrous journey and trace so much material on these films produced by your illustrious family! If you ever lay your hands on the prints, I would love to be there for a screening.
Naveen

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कहाँ से ढूंढ के लाऊँ, जावाब-ए-रफी?
तू आज भी लाजवाब है, ए मोहम्मद रफी।
$.$.?

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Advocate Pinki Chakraborty

I sumhw inherited d passion on theatres 4m my father & thus, watching a theatre 4 me, is alwys more satisfactory than watching a cinema.I knw Manas from my vry childhood.from d plygrund 2 d first cycle ride,from d 1st dy of schol 2 d tuition classes..as per i knw my bst frnd,he is nothng widout theatre..it’s in his vain n hrt..its giv me an immense opportunities 2 indulge myslf into sum of d bst wrks pr4med by them like “phera”,”nakshi kanthar math” & mny mr.i wish him & keshab al d bst 4 their bright future & also thnx amitava sir 4 creatng such a marvelous platfrm 4 these jwels..

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Yes,indeed he was the best. I find him the most versatile among his contemporaries.

As for dances, he had used his acting skills, one can see the song manchali kahan chali and many others where acted so superbly that keep on watching the videos and never get bored.

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Im using this as a reference for an honors humanities project, shout out to any mchs kids who are also here

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Priya Ji,

Thanks a lot for your appreciation! Means a lot to me! Greatly humbled…

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LAKSHMI PRIYA

Dear Sounak,

This article is P.hd material, not even P.G level . So vast and extensively researched along with the relevant videos.
Hope this finds its way into a rich and glossy coffee table book.

God bless u in all such endeavours of yours.

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Its really engrossing… Your story is really very thoughtful…. It’s. One of a kind.

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Thank you Anup ji,

Suchitra Sen left behind an indelible mark that cannot be surpassed. Very glad you liked the writeup and grateful for your comment.

Some other stories on Suchitra-Uttam you may find interesting:

Asit Sen’s Bengali Films: A New Paradigm in Pathbreaking Narratives

Deep Jele Jai: Representation Of The Physically And Mentally Challenged

Two Legends and Their Lives: Uttam Kumar Suchitra Sen

Uttam Kumar – Suchitra Sen: Enduring Magic of the Iconic Romantic Pair

Forever Suchitra Sen

Will await your comments on these articles 🙂

Thank you again!

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Thanks for a comprehensive piece on the evergreen screen pair of Indian Cinema.It seems you have gone deep into that passionate phase of Bengali Cinema.Look forward for more on Uttam-Suchitra from you elsewhere.

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Wonderful and inspiring interview for a great cause! My best wishes for the success of this unique event for Women, to Sufia Khatoon, Incredible Women Of India, Rhiti Bose, you Lopa Banerjee, Anindita Bose and all others who are part of this project! Cheers! 🙂

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I can never thank Dr. Koshy enough for agreeing to deliver a series of lectures on literary criticism that am sure will be of immense benefit to students and teachers of Literary Theory and Criticism.

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Jyoti, pen your thoughts down…don’t let the storm spend itself.
Swirling thoughts that come in waves and whirlpools make us revisit, rethink, re-cherish (if there is any such word in the dictionary) all that we hold dear in our hearts.
Nida Fazli jaise log mil jaaye to bhi sona hai
Kho jaaye to bhi sona hai.
..

And same goes for Jagjit Singh…. I wish he could make his wife Chitra Singh’s lines come true:
Meherbaan hoke bulalo mujhe chaho jis waqt,
Main gaya waqt nahin hoon ke phir aa bhi na sakoon

Awaiting your held down whirlpool of thoughts….

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Nida Fazli Passed away today. All I could think was… munh ki baat sune har koi, dil ke dard ko jaane kaun. Aawaazon hi bazaaron mein, khaamishi pehchaane kaun.

Aaj tu badi yaad aa rahii ho Antara. After long, I have this feeling to talk. Talk about urdu poetry, about Nida Fazli and Gulzar. About Mir Taqi Mir and Faraz. About my mixed feeling and confused thoughts. About voiced silences and unsaid words. Maano dil mein koi sailaab uth rahaa hai… aur aaknon se chalak rahaa hai. Dikhaa nahin sakti, bas bataa sakti hoon.

I had not even thought of Nida Fazli for a month now. Not about ghazals wither. And now I feel so overwhelmed. I need to do a piece on him. Before this storm passes and the calm after it lulls me into inaction.

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the Ganga originates from Gangotry,
Moving slowly like a new born baby.
Loving to one and all with whole hearty,
Go on prime rose, do not having enmity.
Flowing in Northern part of the country,
Playing in the lap of the Great Himalaya.
Enter into the lands of the great valley,
Famous as the mother of goddess Ganga.
Due to the penance of great Bhagirathi,
It came on land for the salvation of Sagara.
The famous rivers are Ram Ganga ,Madakini,
And Alknanda Join on way of the Ganga.
It becomes source of lives in the summer days,
Birds, animals and human see the light of the day.
When all sources of water give up the hope,
Fulfill need of people, cut the Gordian knot.
As it enters into the plain, it becomes prey,
Industrialists throw waste into The Ganga.
And start to play into the hand of cruelty,
Mix waste and drainages of all the cities.
The flow of the Ganga begins to shrink,
The government set up a plan to clean.
Asked the people to cooperate the authority,
Make up healthy and clean environment.

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I agree with you Ashok M Vaishnav.

Gajendra has presented a collector’s collection! This article has become a reference point for many. An eclectic collection of Rafi’s versatility.

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During 70s I had collected a fairly large collection of Mohammad Rafi’s LP records.
But the collection documented here is simply mind-blowing.
Kudos for such a wonderful work.

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I have already made an explanatory note in reply to comment made by Dee Thakore. Since it appears to have been lost in transit, I am repeating my views again. Yes D. Thakore you are indeed right that Pt Bhimsen Joshi was 8 yrs senior to Geeta Dutt. But I mentioned about the incident which happened in early fifties probably 1953/54,by which time Geeta Dutt’s name was well established.

On the other hand though Pt Joshi’s earliest public show was in 1946 at Pune, his name and fame was not so much pronounced at least in Kolkata. Pt Joshi really established his credentials much later more towards the end of that decade when I also like many others at Kolkata became an ardent fan of him. However the small episode I mentioned in my write-up is absolutely true and I distinctly remember it even till this day.

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Those days of value, in all aspects, for students and teachers were very much there. I can recall a number of incidences when teachers have gone out of their way to help us. Don’t really know if it happens in this day and time, but I believe good people are always there at all times.

This a real moving piece, well written and impactful. It brought back tons of memories too.

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Just to add, Bhimsen Joshi was born in 1922 and Geetaji in 1930, and they thought of him as young artist? lol… I think it’s kind of amusing, that’s all 🙂 Praising Bhimsenji it shows that she had a big heart for other artists. She never showed such classlessness towards other artists.
She had a style, all her own, respectful and pure.
Lastly, even if she was alive today, and she had never sang another tune in her life she still accomplished more than most in the music business.

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A very well written wonderful tribute. Writer’s feelings for the great man are palpably visible.
Please correct this : On his birth anniversary, we pay our humble tribute to our beloved singer

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Thank you Jasmeen Kaur ji,

Indeed Dada Burman’s songs were young at heart and fresh…. they perfectly matched the situation they were fitted in. They have stood the test of time more efficiently and effectively than those made by his contemporaries.

No wonder they are just as popular today as they were years ago.

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Well SD Burman created songs to reach masses heart not just songs to sing.

These songs will be seen on YouTube and TV screen even 100 years later as they are young at heart and made with utmost care to suit all characters. He gave spl care to all his favourite singers. Only he has most singers singing his melody.

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Peeyushji, Sangeeta ji,

Thank you so much, for the comments, appreciation and the blessings. 🙂 🙂

Jagjit Singh did not just move me with his singing. His choice of songs, the lyrics, created an eternal love for poetry as well as shaped me into a person I am today. This is a love kindled in the heart of a 14 year old, one which I’ll carry to my pyre. 🙂

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Very well written!
Although we haven’t traveled to “Philip Island” but you have written so nicely the travelogue that a realistic picture has been created in our mind.

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What a fantastic analysis of the book review, Raj! I am deeply humbled and very grateful indeed for this.

About the long relationship with Jagjit Singh Chitra Singh and their music, Jyoti and I had done an impromptu story last year. We had a great time discussing and putting it together.
http://learningandcreativity.com/jagjit-singh/
This would perhaps give you an idea about why I connected with the book and how.

The book has several other chapters on Jagjit Singh’s personal life, his passion for horses, the family’s experience with spirituality and other facets of his life. It is definitely a recommended reading especially so if you like Jagjit Singh’s music.

Thank you again for such a detailed feedback. It helps and means a lot.

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The review of Baat Niklegi Toh Phir is wonderfully written at many levels. It brings out your passion for Jagjit Singh and his soulful music. It is evident that you have closely followed the great duo’s career and especially Jagjit’s contribution in bringing Ghazals more accessible and yes, more popular and well received.

The thing about writing biographies of great personalities and talents is that there is always a fine line to tread. At once, they must be given their respect and due highlights on their talent and at the same time their normal human qualities and tendencies must also be brought to the fore. Your review gives a good idea of what young JS must have experienced, his marriage to Chitra, children, bereavement, his overall personality. Interestingly, from your review, – Chitra’s first husband Deboo Dutta comes across as not only an enthusiast but a patron and supporter of up and coming musicians of that time.

The reproduction of the old photographs with author’s permission is a nice touch. So were the links to those fabulous numbers. Plus – the utterly charming Yeh tera ghar video with Farooque Sheikh and Deepti Naval was a visual treat. All in all – very nicely done.

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Read it in one go. You have both done a lovely job.

One point though, the ghazal performances and recordings by husband-wife couples became a trend after Jagjit-Chitra.

The down slide in the quality of Hindi Film song helped a huge music listening public change and adopt listening to this new offering. Jagjit came in right where Begum Akhtar had left for a traditional ghazal lover and sort of bridged the gap between this audience and film music lovers who were used to some quality at least. Brought the two fraternities of music lovers together after a long time, last being Talat Mahmood.

Blessings,
Peeyush

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With the short lucid narration … I thought the power of your communication has only increased …as the energy for those lost decibels are now diverted for mind & intellect. Robin Cook under threat !
On a serious note wish this phase passes quickly and it’s back to normalcy at the earliest …

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The best things that happened from this nasty infliction were safe recovery and this wonderful piece of yours, Ramen.. An even better thing would be a complete recovery. And i will join your other friends in praying for that to happen.

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What an excellent writeup on the Master, and what an insight.
I really enjoyed it, and have taken the liberty of linking to it on my own appreciation page.
(www.blandings.no/en/links.html)

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Learning and Creativity

Some of the comments received on Facebook for this article:

Partho Mondal · Delhi University
Beautiful collection of Holi songs from Hindi movies! Loved the tidbits about the songs and movies!
Unlike · Reply · 1 · Mar 6, 2015 2:26pm

Debasish Bhattacharya · Works at Self-Employed
Wow. What a great compilation…..loved to HAVE this on Holi and enjoying my Holi sitting in Malawi. Antara, you made my day. Thanks a lot……..

Sundeep Pahwa · Delhi, India
Aaye Aaye Basanti Bela from Angulimal sung by Lata,Manna Dey Meena Kapoor Md Anil Biswas This info is courtesy Kusum Saxena a very knowledgeble member of WDYK.

Kailash Mundra · Nowrosjee Wadia College, Pune
Add one more , Holi re Holi, rango ki Holi film Paraya Dhan.
Also add Rang de gulal mohe – Film Kamchor & “Dekho aayi holi rang layi holi -Mangal Pandey plus “Layi hain hazaron rang holi – Phool Aur Pathhar …

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Dear Rounak,

Your narration is superb. You have retained the essence of story-telling while also not missing facts and figures and popular culture.

Reading this, I want to visit Pangong lake. It seems magnificent.

The photos are classy, especially at Nubra Valley and Hundar.

Coming from someone so young, your effort is praiseworthy.

All the very best to you and look forward to seeing more of this.

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Learning and Creativity

Some of the comments received on Facebook for this article:

Suhita Roy · Assistant Editor at Hindustan Times, Special projects
Wonderful post Antaradi! Something beautiful and timeless about all the creations by this great maestro

Peeyush Sharma · Business Development Manager at A Slice of Fried Gold
What a beauty of a write up. Thanks Antara. You have said and compiled it really well. Loved every bit of the read. Welcome to the group and we look forward to more gems coming from you. God bless.

Antara Nanda Mondal · Editor/Creative Director at Wisitech InfoSolutions Pvt Ltd
Thank you so very much Peeyush ji…. coming from you it is a very treasured feedback for me and indeed very motivating! I am delighted you liked the article… it was a learning experience for me!

MN Sardana · SBSO at M.E.S.,Ministry Of Defence, Govt.Of India
Antara Ji,at the outset,I may say that I consider myself fortunate having meet you for a while. Your write up I have gone through & shall be reading again & again, to extract new meanings every time,which I might not have understood ,in my first attempt. I wish,I should also had the same passion for the music,which you posses .I must admit that, after going through your article, I feel myself much more enlightened, than before. Yaad Aa Gayi Woh Nasheeli of Manzil & Dum Hai Baki To Gham Nahin from House No 44 are my favorite songs. Thanks & May God bless you. Always !

Govind Maindargikar · Kawathekar High School, P’pur
great Post…..Legend of Film Industry……under his guidance many got nurtuered….Jaidevji/Panchamda/Madan Mohanji……even arranger got recogniation like Arun paudwal….Vasudevji/Bablooda/manoharida……and you see later all these people grew so well today they are recognised all over…..in short they got talim from Legendary burmanda….Bhishmpitamaha……

Subrat Banerji · General Manager at BHEL
Excellent article.

Mahesh Chattopadhyaya · Professor at University of Allahabad
When S D Burman came to Bombay he was middle aged person and much senior in age as his contemporary music directors. Yet he composed many youthful songs which are still liked by person of this generation- and are refreshing. Another aspect of his creativity lies in the canvas which is largest. He could play with same notes yet can produces two different songs for same film (Guide) look at the instruments used in the songs those are few yet very effective and add to the fragrance of the song.

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Learning and Creativity

Some of the comments received on Facebook for this article:

Antara Nanda Mondal · Editor/Creative Director at Wisitech InfoSolutions Pvt Ltd

One of the most lyrical articles Learning And Creativity has received for our music and cinema section… Privileged to be able to publish it with pictures (many thanks to The magical voice of Geeta Dutt group for providing rare and stunning pics for this musical journey…. Thank you Sounak Gupta… We are eagerly awaiting your next articles.

Peeyush Sharma – Business Development Manager at A Slice of Fried Gold

A beautiful piece on the best heard voice in Indian cinema. Heard the songs and enjoyed them immensely. Thanks you from the bottom of my heart for this excellent write-up.

Debasish Bhattacharya · Works at Self-Employed

This piece is just moving……. loved the way the life of this versatile singer called Geeta Dutt has been porttrayed by Sounak Gupta. Got to know about many unknown aspects of this genius. It is a collector’s item for all Geeta fans…. Well done.

Lakshmi Priya

I am reading this after a long time since I came to know about this article . I get very emotional about my fave singer that I do take a break when I am overwhelmed. Now I read it with great interest not just because of the compelling prose by Sounak but also because I learn something new whenever he writes. The article is like a vast canvass on which he sketched an evocative picture of the life of this gifted singer starting from her roots. Many thanx Sounak for the info & the songs.

Subhasis Gupta · Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

Well researched still melancholic; poetic still informative..makes this a rare piece of writing, as being the hallmark of Sounak. Thank you for getting us there with the eternal Geeta Dutt’s melody.

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Wonderful article with so many long playing record lables and relevant information. Thanks for the tribute

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Elizabeth Kuriakose

An awesome flashback – an emotion packed insight into the life of a legendary singer – showing once again the frailty and emotional insecurity that celebrities often face.

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Some of the comments received on Facebook for this article:

Antara Nanda Mondal · Editor/Creative Director at Wisitech InfoSolutions Pvt Ltd
Heartiest Congratulations Reena Prasad! Delighted you liked the presentation too. The poems are exceptional and have added so much value to Learning and Creativity. Hats off to the judges as well – Dr Koshy Sir, Lopa Banerjee and Elizabeth Kuriakose for a great and creatively fulfilling contest and choice of winners.

Reena Prasad · Ispat English Medium School
Thank you Antara Nanda Mondal. Learning and Creativity is a wonderful place to be featured in. Congrats on this great site!

Michele Baron · Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
thank you very much, Lopa Banerjee for this very nice page of poetry and pictures; wonderful poems, all authors, and especially Reena Prasad, and Daipayan Nair, and Fatima Afshan. Thank you for this form, Ampat Koshy, and for judging, Miss Lopa Banerjee, Elizabeth Kuriakose, and Ampat Koshy

Antara Nanda Mondal · Editor/Creative Director at Wisitech InfoSolutions Pvt Ltd
Congratulations Michele Baron! Yours is a beautiful poem indeed!

Michele Baron · Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Antara Nanda Mondal thank you very much smile emoticon and thank you for helping me find this post, too smile emoticon cheers and kindest regards

Priya Batra · System Administrator at YoGadz
Congratulations to the winners

Pramila Khadun · SNDT Women’s University

Congratulations to the four winning poets, beautiful poems indeed.

Reena Prasad · Ispat English Medium School
Thank you Judges. Honoured and thrilled too! What a grand presentation of the winning poems, some real hard work has gone into it. Congrats to Daipayan Nair, Michele Baron Fatima Afshan and to everyone who participated.This is a triumph of this unique form and its creator Dr. Ampat Koshy. It was great fun learning it and writing in it. To the THREE ROSES-our judges Lopa Banerjee, Elizabeth Kuriakose and Dr Koshy- THANK YOU!

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Such a mesmerizing and nostalgic walk down the memory lane…the emotions conveyed in the piece were so nostalgic, they brought tears to my eyes while reading…rest in peace dear Geeta Dutt jee, you will be loved and missed forever, and live within us with your evergreen melodies!

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What a treasure trove of information, thanks a lot. This has set sraight many little information bits that were foggy. Nice people with success find it it extremely difficult to match the shrewd in professional competetive world. Geeta paid the price for being a very nice human being and yet the best female voice in the industry. To add to it, she married the person who rose to be a top grade movie maker.

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I am so excited and at the same time left speechless. Thanks to my judges for their generous decision. Thanks once again 🙂

(1)(0)

Excellent article. My childhood memories have flooded my mind. The time when we used to listen to all great songs on the HMV Gramaphone player. Keep coming with such great articles Gajendraji.

(0)(0)

Hushed Whispers – A Roseate Sonnet

Rhiti Bose

There are hushed whispers everywhere in the air
A maiden of twenty, very fair
Is seen on every moonlit night
Staggering away with all her might

A rose in one hand and a dagger in another
She searches for her lost father
They say, her feet never touches the ground
She is followed by her faithful hound

Lost in the woods, estranged by her father they say
She was dragged away by dangers of the forest lurking on her way

Red blue violet white, she is seen in all colours, till the break of dawn
One hue vanishes after another taking the shade of fawn
She slowly fades to come back another day
Enigma remains of the maiden, they say!

© Rhiti Bose 2015

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Wish you were here last night, in the moon’s glow.
Only the wind was howling so harshly
Outside my window, letting the sand billow blindly.
Wish you were here last night, in the moon’s glow.

Wish we could cradle each other, in our arms.
Your bosom my pillow, my chest your sun’s hillow,
Create an island, safe from the world’s low.
Wish we could cradle each other, in our arms.

To gather strength to stand firm in the quotidian
Till our stars shine as one in the heights of the meridian.

Roaming together or staying, still, in love
Over the years, even when we are apart
Speaking or not, in our lives to see move
Ever, the power of love that won’t depart.

(c) KOSHY AV

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The Fortunate

Blooming buds with innocent smiles
Waved pink apricot palms to invite
Faces beamed spurting curious fountains
Hope swam through clear streams on brown rims
To choose two not so young couples
With open arms received two delicate buds
Shravna of three attired in pink pinafore
In checked shirt, white shorts, krishna of four
Fortunate two amongst hundred and twelve
Hugged siblings foster with tears bids farewell
Reserved were their new homes, future secure
Orphans will not they be called any more
Seeds of love had been planted once more
Everlasting bonds with blessings showered

Sunila Kamal Khemchanani – Copyright reserved

(0)(0)

At Depth
(A Roseate Sonnet)

Learned language at the lap of mother
Sweet,simple and easy to learn
May be appeared mother tongue as pacific ocean
And we become eager divers in it.
As interesting our deep relationship,
As enjoyable our deep knowledge.
As satisfactory our deep meditation
So bewitchment remains in the core of language like pearl in oyster.
Light knowledge results in danger, may be disaster
At times hand calf,at times hanging.
Raising voice of our souls to meet together
Overwork at deep level is a must
Salable materials not to be sold
Especially hopes,dreams,pens and mother tongue.

(C) Shyamal Kumar Majumder
9 Sept,2015.

(0)(0)

And lest we forget The Rose has Thorns
******************************

So easily you played your game with me
As the days rolled into weeks,
and months to years
So easily you hunted on your prey
Like a beast in heat wanting your own way

You spun your yarn so longingly my love
Your besottedness seemed a treasure trove
Your mooning swooning methods all the time
Was nothing but your selfishness sublime

All you promised were a pack of lies
Your lovingness was defiance disguised

Revelations are seldom worthwhile
Objectives can be pretty heartless too
Stinking memories can often cause pain
Entanglements are therefore best restrained

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Roseate Sonnet from Africa – second one!

Owl’ Of Minerva Illuminatti

Sonnet 2 (ROSE)

Woody perrennial of the genus rosa
She is of the rosaceae family
Ofen armed of sharp princkles
Pulchritude lies beneath all the harm

The ancient symbol of love and pulcher
Under the rose
Hidden are untold fairytales
It is a romance lauguage,feedeth those inlove

The smell of attar
And the deepest sip of wine

Reaved and despoilation of flourish
Over the great depth of summer
Silent went the gardens of plantae
Echoes filled the empty gardens before the autumn harvest

By – Kgadi Marius Mojela

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Padmini Dutta Sharma

(C) In the Olive galore
By Padmini Dutta Sharma

There was no looking back
Everything got submerged in the fiasco
She managed to pass the thread
Through the needle though…

There were shadows & marks
Of deceit and treachery
On the walls & the meadows
Quiet akin to the unedited glossary…

He had perilously thrown every oath asunder
Coupling for him was a mere appetizer…

Reposing solitary amidst olive galore
Only the setting sun that slept no more
Salvaging every deceit that ruined her soul
Eternally she put them to rest!

(1)(0)

An amazing and meticulous review Michele Baron and add worth to TSA and loved the campfire metaphor made the review an interesting read.

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Roseate Sonnet
Symphony with life

Where is the sunshine
A life lost its shine
Behind the night shine
Suffocating is breathe; mine

Let me once meet a dream
To bring a shine to life
A love of moon beams
day of the life begins fine

It is day bringing life
It is moon bringing light

R resulting from the mating
O of the sun and moon bond
S symphony in universe
E enchanting is peace

(0)(0)

SONNET – 4

TOUCH OF YOUTH (A Roseate Sonnet – The experimental form
by Dr. Ampat Koshy)
—————————–
© DN 2015
07/09/15 21:42

Noon lit lanes with a touch grim
The dove with its larynx dipped in scream
The gammer old tries a new found trick
Pokes the freedom with her stick.

Does she not bask in the welcoming dusk?
Is that effort a mask?
Does she not play the piper’s pipe-
reminiscing meadows ripe?

Where are you?
Answers nil but curiosities anew

R- ise does she with a thought
O- ff goes the flapping
S- ees with a keen eye, the juvenile rose
E- ssence of which tattooed on her skin.

(0)(0)

ROSEATE SONNET

The Uncanny Silence

The world shakes with tremor upon tremor wild
A patient vulture waits to prey on a dying child.
A Syrian toddler washed on the Turkish shore.
There being no dearth of tales of senseless gore.

Alas, humanity is at the crossroads indeed
Replete with animosity, bloodlust and greed
Is compassion no longer our creed, I wonder
Ah, the world is slowly being torn asunder.

The uncanny silence shrieks, bellows and yells
As the universe echoes with warning bells.

Ravages perpetrated by savages gone berserk
Ominous dangers in every nook and cranny lurk.
Senseless destruction, murder and mendacity
Endlessly we lament the triumph of bellicosity.

(0)(0)

SONNET – 3

COOKERY (A Roseate Sonnet – The experimental form
by Dr. Ampat Koshy)
———————————-
© DN 2015
06/09/15 22:53

The sweat stained cooker in fumes
Nile dripping in tempted tunes
A clutch, a hold; the eager rolled
The whistle in a tale, ready to unfold.

Juvenile hours amidst marine showers
Marks of younghood imprinted without fail
A twist, a turn; the cookery ready to burn
The pirate penning his sail.

It was evening; it is moon
There will be a shift soon.

R- ainbows sketched though no rain
O- ffered is an eager shade
S- ay they that even roses do bleed
E- ffective remains the trade.

(0)(0)

Wonderful article Lopa! My attempt at a Roseate Sonnet:

You fell gloriously from the skies,
And the god was indeed mesmerized,
He stood up to meet your might,
And coiled you in his locks tight.

From thence you flowed to nether regions,
And liberated the slumbering legions,
You ran and made many paths of your own,
And you married again, a king well known.

Your offspring you let drown in the water,
Only later we learn that you’re a liberator.

Reigning goddess with the raging waters,
Oh, many have sought refuge in your altars,
Sacred river, to me you embody female power,
Ever cleansing, everlasting, Himalayan flower!

(0)(0)

Roseate sonnet 3

Leaves whispered to the woods
as the night grew on the earth
close to the lamppost
across the street.

The long deserted road
charred with stones
grinded itself
under the wheels

An owl sat in the corner on the rooftop
pensive on an old barricated house.

Remains a mystery as no visitor passes this way
On this day, this vehicle had dared to so
Stepping and opening the gates of that home, He walked inside
Even as the night grew afraid of the gory tale that was in store.

(0)(0)

Roseate sonnet 2

The cafe was abuzz with chatters and music
filled aroma of coffee and intimate moments
A piece of red velvet cake savoured a table
and creamy cups of mocha enticed few.

A fragrant breeze came near the counter,
spelling out her treats one by one.
He watched her as her hair pangs fell on her shoulder
while managing to hold the tray of cupcakes together.

He gulped to breathe as she stared at him while her teeth digged into the cake
smearing her lips royally with cream.

Rest your heart for another few minutes
O babe, the cafe will close and I will meet you soon
Stare not that way dear, I promise
Evening this day we will make it more romantic under the moon.

-Elvira Lobo

(0)(0)

A Roseate Sonnet
Love in the Time of War

Eyes to eyes, their gaze did arrest,
Bird-like glances found their nest;
New love in ceramic cups was brewing,
Pause now, what are you doing?

Now is not your time to love,
A passed decree’s come from above;
Conscripted you are, you will follow the drill,
You’re a heartless machine, trained to kill.

A battle was waged between the heart and head,
Who won, was left unsaid.

Rising to the tunes of a heart song
Only a lovers frequency can register
Silently they marched out of their bodies
Evenings were now lonely and sinister.

18.8.2015

(0)(0)

Roseate sonnet 1

– Mystery of my heart
I woke up to see the evening bright
The sun kissing the earth and moon standing behind
I made some tea and sipped a little,
Enjoying the aroma of blended ginger.
The ginger reminded of him one more time
His favourite,that gave him his rare smile.
Those romantic evenings spent in our garden
A bliss I looked forward to once he came from work.
Can I borrow it again, oh dear life,
The joy of his company vapoured like the tea.
Rekindle the fire inside, my love
Open the door of your heart for me
Savour me in your ginger feeds
Evergreen will I keep you in my heart streams.

-Elvira Lobo

(0)(0)

Roseate Sonnet – 1

Roasted Almond Ice-cream

In the hustle bustle
Of the tedious routine
Focused on our lives
Togetherness has lost its sheen

Rushed morning kiss
And tea date with the newspaper
All that is left
Of the passionate love affair

Let fun be rife
Let us relish the life

Roasted almond Ice-cream
Our flavor
Served in a waffle cone
Eternally let us savor

Roseate Sonnet – 2

The Fall

Kings and queens reside
In old palaces full of wealth
Stealing from royalty and commoners alike
With strategy full of stealth

The kingdom is their playground
They play by their own rules
Humility and honesty mean nothing to them
They use people as their own tools

Murdering humanity and compounding grief
Rebellion is born to shake the old beliefs

Rickety foundations fall apart
Ornate pillars collapse
Spiders scurry for life
Enigmatic silence prevails

Roseate Sonnet – 3

Last Night

Early in the morning
Busy with day to day chores
Starting the tea
While you softly snore

I cut the vegetables
Listening to the radio anchor jest
While cleaning the top cupboard
I sense your rough hands on my bare waist

Your scorching touch is enough
To take me back to the night before

Remembering the sultry dark
Overwhelming passion
Sensual escapades and
Earth shattering peak

(0)(0)

Lopa~ wonderful article.

Here are two bits from

Mumbai
~ ~ ~ ~

This city of zig zag lights
Of dreams, of life
Of wakeful nights
This city of beautiful strife

This city which makes you soar
Make a you want to fly
Gives you a heady high
Where the mantra is to give it more

This city of deep undercurrents
Of dark depths in shady torrents

Rise with this city
Opportunity knocks on its shores
Surrender to its flow
Effervescent this city ever glows

For Aryan and Eva
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Princess Eva rules my heart
Her smile is bright, she talks a lot
Little Eva dances wild
A bundle of joy this precious child

Aryan too has princely ways
He’s strong and stately our little man
He adores his cars ,is an airplane fan
And no one does leggoes the way he can

Aryan Eva ~ It is but true
Thats its a sheer pleasure to be with you

Relish the moments that I am there
Openning to you my box of love
Splendid kids my bundles of joy
Everlastingly you will rule my heart

~ A ROSEATE SONNET ~
For my Godchildren

To have you both in my arms
And be showered in your innocence
To chatter with you
About toys and turtles
And revel in your art
And draw and dance with you
~ Evenings such as these are a treat~

Lots of love,
Yours,
Pipsi
~ Ipsitaa.

(2)(0)

Beautiful words in a nostalgic setting which will tug at any females heartstrings .. Great work keep it up ??

(1)(0)

Peeyush da,

I look at the novel and the film differently. If we look at Jana Aranya as Ray’s stinging comment on the moral decay of society, it stands tall as a film not only in terms of its social context but also in terms of the craft of filmmaking. Compared to Sankar’s novel, the film is similar only in the social context. Ray keeps the focus sharply on Somnath whereas in the novel as far as I can remember Sukumar has an equally powerful role and his personal struggles, frustrations and his disillusionment with the society is greater than Somnath’s.

Sukumar’s sister Kauna too has a much bigger and better spaced out role in the novel than the smaller but impactful role in the film. Sankar had a much larger canvas to paint, Ray concised it to pin point precision.

In terms of the technique of filmmaking Jana Aranya is a masterpiece… the dash of humor in this very dark film is also something you remember after the film has ended.

I can watch the film and read the novel multiple times – every time I would find something new in both. 🙂

~ Antara

(0)(0)

In finality, while Jana Aranya the novel is intriguing and revealing of its times, the film leaves a bad taste in your mouth. May be Ray wanted it to be very sharp, but that was not Shankar’s intent. One feels like repeating the novel, but I am hesitant to watch the film again.

(0)(0)

Peeyush da,

Chowringhee is indeed the most engrossing novel. It is my all time favorite novel. I completely agree with you – the film fell miles short of the book. Uttam Kumar was perfect and so was Shubhendu, Utpal Dutt, Bhanu, Anjana Bhowmick and Deepti Roy.

Well said Sayan, truly, no one can do a Sayta Bose like Uttam. Also Shubhendu fits Sankar to a T – the typical, inhibited, shy, sensitive and yet educated otee bhadralok – Shubhendu has that written on his face and bearing. Deepti Roy with her impressive personality is the perfect Mrs Pakrashi, Bhanu the golden hearted laundry keeper and no one can do Marco Polo better than Utpal Dutt.

The people who pulled the film down completely were Surpriya Devi (Karabi Guha ) and Biswajit – this pair undid the entire good work in the film. Besides the film left out many crucial elements in the novel which should have been woven into the script. Pity it could have been a classic but is let down badly because it also does have some great music.

The one line of Chowringhee that I will never forget and I quote often which loosely translated means – when one is alone with oneself, one thinks of what I have gained and what I have lost. More so, one thinks of what I gained and then lost.
So true.

Sayan,

I don’t know if you remember, the film Chowringhee we had seen as kids – it was screened in the local Bengali club Vivekananda Vihar to raise funds for the club library and you and I and two other kids had gone around selling tickets for the show to all the Mashis and Kakus of our colony. The impact hadn’t been all that much.

But when I read the novel in college, it just blew me off. An immediate comparison had been with Arthur Hailey’s Hotel but I found Chowringhee more deeper and richer in terms of human relationships, plot and narrative. Hotel fares no where close.

Jana Aranya and Seemabaddha of Sankar and the films made by Satyajit Ray are not comparable. Ray has his own style and objective. He seems to have borrowed the theme content. The films are very different from the novel.

(1)(0)

Thanks a lot dear Reena for your kindness, generosity and for your literary excellence which will make the anthology memorable 🙂

(1)(0)

Thanks Lopa Banerjee and Dr A.V. Koshy for such a meticulously done interview. No easy task because the birth of this book is the amalgamation of a lot of hard work and inspiration from Dr. Ampat Koshy and all the Rejected Stuff members who stood behind us staunchly to transform a vision of writing excellence and impartial selection into reality and for you to accommodate so much of it into an interview must have been an Herculean task. Thankful to you both for the acknowledgement and encouraging words about me- It is a great honour!

(0)(0)

A poignant story…letters meant so much to romance earlier. And now we have those impersonal emails, WhatsApp and what not.

(0)(0)

After escaping from Agra shivaji maharaj reached to rajgadh not Raigarh. Rajgadh was 1st capital of great Maratha empire and raigarh was 2nd capital of great Maratha empire.

(4)(1)

Excellent article with detailed information about Rafi jee!
Thanks for sharing the nice and golden collection of songs.
Old memories rejuvenated!

Our Sincere tribute to Rafi jee!

(0)(0)

That kind connection between individuals , where love and light flow from the heart, is rare and beautiful. Well expressed!

(1)(0)

A very refreshing and glowing, at the same time an earnest and sincere tribute. So well penned Gajendra ji !!!

(0)(0)

Paramita Chakravorty

Munmun……loved reading about this incident. I could absolutely visualise the event….you are a brilliant writer, just as you always were….tor chotobelar lekhagulo ekhono mone ache…..heartfelt appreciation and good wishes..

(1)(0)

Heart touching lines………..!
Nicely presented the true strength of womanhood…………………….

Thanks for sharing such a lovely and inspiring thoughts for a woman. . .

(1)(0)

pramila khadun

Amazing analysis, insightful with a unique literary grandeur.Great work dear Dr Koshy.Heartfelt thanks for mentioning me.

(0)(0)

A brilliant and informative writeup, sir. The analysis you carry out of each work you quote, of each thought involved is intellectually mesmerising. That you champion the cause of the ‘rebels’ of literature makes it all the more interesting 🙂

(0)(0)

People should read newspaper daily to know what is going around us . If we will read it we will also the part of every meeting .

(5)(0)

She is so talented and creative at this young age. It seems all the more great to have a parent like u Aastha, to encourage her vision. Keep it up.

(1)(2)

Such beautiful sketches. Good job Parth. Especially love the first sketch the most.

(0)(0)

Whoa! I had come here to read some other article but the sketches caught my eye. What a pleasure to eyes. Keep it up Parth.

(0)(0)

Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Thanks Tapeshwar -without doubt the best comment I got on this post and all my posts so far, meaningful and extending my essay and adding more depth and significance to it and to Jawed’s work.

(1)(0)

Curating Micro-narratives: The New Creativity

To get to the meaning of past, present and future memory in writing micro- and mini- forms; the twist is vivid and not restricted to its source and its say. The curiosity that Jawed Akhtar Ji displays is not only the rudiments of wonder that fills the human mind but vibes beyond the macro and micro activity; as the title itself conveys more, and is dealt aptly by Ampat Koshy Ji.
Not only it is an antiquarian’s interest alone but frozen moments as the base, comes alive in his micro analysis of comparison in its modern creativity.
The memes of culture floats afresh embedding new meaning with multi-coloured thesaurus plumes and its interrelated aspects from different knowledge fields i.e. painting, videos, audios or apps to name the few. And in the course he curates the creative process.
This is not like considering Beethoven backward in comparison with a modem musician (Jawed Akhtar Ji) because he did not own a hearing aid. The movement of the human intellect is impossible to prophesy: difficult even to record and analyze.
It is hard enough to describe the manifold, the illimitably various stimuli that awaken the sleeping reason and the multiple channels through which thought flows from one mind to another, from one region to another.

John Masefield writes-
I have seen flowers come in stony places;
And kindness done by men with ugly faces;
And the gold cup won by the worst horse at the races;
So I trust, too.
And one certain truth about the great works of the mind

Sometimes, again, great minds recall each other because, although they were strangers and worked in different media, they saw similar aspects of the universe. It is difficult to play certain fugues by Bach without thinking of the wise old men with unsmiling wrinkled faces and deep eyes, who watch us from the shadows of Rembrandt’s last pictures. It is difficult to look at Durer’s mystical etchings without thinking of Goethe’s Faust.
~ Gilbert Highet

To understand animals, autism, and art requires getting away from verbal language. Visual thinking has been a huge asset to comprehend the insights of our mind.
The world needs different kinds of minds to work together.
~ Temple Grandin

(1)(0)

I read about him with less knowledge just as been mentioned above reaching to limited audience of literary class. I belonging to masses with many classes never leave out his curatorial posts adding less knowledge but more interest to know more about him. All thanks to Dr Ampat Koshy to provide me with additional knowledge about this subject.

(1)(0)

Very interesting article which helps us delve in the novelties and creativities that are coming up to suit the times we are living in.All the best Javed and will be waiting for your next sizzling article De Koshy.

(0)(0)

A well written article, once again, you uncover the piece of art, with your sharp insight!

Yes! I have been reading, the stuff, he has been posting on Facebook, in fact I have met him, on a poetry meet, where he recited a nice poem, the cool guy, Jawed Akhtar is a newage artist of his own kind.

(2)(0)

Fascinated! The art of virtual scrapbooking for want of a better word but so much more refined, evolved, layered and pleasurable. The possibilities of the medium continue to enthrall! Thanks to Dr Ampat Koshy for introducing us to Jawed Akhtar and his unique medium of expression.

(4)(1)

” the real takeaway is the whole created by the quotes coming together in your mind in fascinating kaleidoscopic patterns that are tantalizingly incomplete and need you to fill in the dots.”Thus says the writer about the writings of the incredible young man, Jawed Akhtar, who , with his genre- bending writings is all poised to go places.
And Dr. Koshy , let me , reitearte , has an incredible knack of delving out gems . Hats off for this very interesting article.YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!

(3)(0)

I told you the other day, you are floating your Canon by and by and it’s awesome. Such clarity and precision of thought is a rare phenomenon indeed. Kudos.

(0)(0)

I am familiar with the works of most of the names that you have mentioned in your article. I, especially, like the poems you share to commentary on. Great article!

(0)(0)

I wrote a comment earlier but it showed Nikhil’s name.
You are a present day M Arnold. It won’t be wrong to say that you propound theories like WW and Coleridge. Thanks for educating us.

(1)(0)

Scintillating, perspicacious, insightful, mature write up, lucid to read—a path-breaking essay—blazing new paths in Indian literary criticism—reminiscent of CS LEWIS– Common Pursuit (Cambridge’s Scrutiny School)– reminiscent of Eliot’s ‘Functions of criticism’ and ‘Frontiers of Criticism’—and laying emphasis on exegesis, enjoyment, edification, and correction of taste—as the objectives of any significant criticism touching upon a range of perspectives–, post modern to phenomenological.

(2)(0)

Amitava Nag, Editor, Silhouette

HI
As of now we are not able to pay our writers. We are however planning to get some sponsorship so that we can pay a honorarium in the near future.
Best
Amitava Nag
Editor
Silhouette

(0)(0)

At the very outset let me doff my hat to Learning and Creativity for roping in one of the greatest intellectial giants of the century for giving us these highly enriching and insightful essays These are like invaluable museum pieces which need to be preserved for posterity. The speed with which you are churning out these incredibly erudite articles makes me worry about the safety of my hats…hats off yet again.Dr.Ampat koshy and Learning and creativity.

(0)(0)

Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Thanks Santosh, for your kind and encouraging words and support as always.

(0)(0)

Kudos to you for this wonderfully insightful article .This is another feather in your overcrowded cap. Your choice and analysis of poems is excellent. ..looking forward to more such intellectually stimulating articles from your effortlessly erudite pen.Humbled and honoured by your reference to me.

(0)(0)

Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Thanks Suja – this series of columns is becoming the rage back home 🙂

(0)(0)

Wowwww. That was a great critique on Keralite writing. What spurred me on was the analysis of bodacious writing that usually invites arched eyebrows, strange expressions, gawks, and giggles from students and sorry to say, even from some of the academia. Thanks Dr. Koshy for discussing this with such clinical precision. I’m sure you’ve found yourself the magic pen of Canon (not the one that Bloom refers to). Great work indeed.

(0)(0)

Thank you for mentioning us. As a writer, we hope that you don’t, however, limit yourself as a “Keralite writer”, but as a writer at par with others from various regions and countries. Kudos for your excellent work and we hope that we get to see more such diligence from you.

(0)(0)

What an erudite and enlightening article…The writer has indeed done a commendably deft analysis of present day writers …Every article So far has been intellectually stimulating and enriching. leaving the reader hungering for more. Take a bow Dr.Ampat Koshy. Hat off to learning and creativity for such a wonderful article.

(0)(0)

Gorakhnath Gangane

You are an iconoclast, Dr. Koshy. Your analyses of Indian writers and their writing styles are superb. A very excellent write up. Waiting for the next one of yours.

(1)(0)

Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Thanks Suja 🙂 The nod of approval is for you to produce work to justify my prophetic words, not to get a swollen head. 🙂

(0)(0)

Mine mine. Prof. your column is going great guns indeed. Now that I am roped in as a critic, I find myself sprouting wings. I only hope I don’t end up “swoll’n with cunning of a self-conceit” and land with a bang on the rocks. Kudos to you for this great piece of writing.

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Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Lovely poems and second one has that larger framework that makes it worthwhile.

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A wonderful piece of work, relevant and insighful. Honoured to have my poem as a part of it and to get wonderful comments from the author of the piece as well as from friends who read it. A delight to read the work/snippets of some dear friends and the author’s comments on them too.Thank you Dr. Koshy for being a friend of poetry and good writing and “the warrior who fight the good fight “.

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An exceptionally enriching and insightful essay on the true merits, strength, power, beauty and universality of Indian writing in English in the contemporary times that has its roots in Naipaul, Kamala Das and many great poets and writers of the ilk, but has meandered and branched out to newer, broader dimensions with the exceptionally powerful pen of the contemporary Indian writers. Reena’s, Rukaya’s and your poem explain how much grace and power a poem can encompass and be a living example for many to follow. Thanks a ton for mentioning me along with my other awesome poet friends, truly honored and humbled!

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arpita banerjee

Thank you so much for the indepth review. So happy that you enjoyed reading it. Regards. Arpita

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Dr Ampat Varghese Koshy

Although put as a statement, to me the tone seems conspiratorially interrogative but in a friendly manner here too, as if taking the reader more into confidence, or as an aside that implies questioning still but to the self. It does not jar for me but suggests, by referring to a nursery rhyme used by children sung after playing a prank on others whereby they put something light on another person’s head without that person knowing it and then mock that person, ironically, that the community Hughes belongs to is carrying a load placed on them by others and not taken up voluntarily or one their own and here in contrast to the game he children play the load really is heavy like what the Egyptians placed on the Jews who were their slaves in Biblical times and the slave-masters did to their imported slaves in America’s deep south.

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Zeenath Ibrahim

Thank you Ampat sir for this treat. Brilliant essay indeed! Looking forward to more of such insightful writings. Loved the poems mentioned too

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The article is quite illuminating. Thank you. I was reading the poem for the first time.

A minor detail. Breaking the `interrogation’ format, the poem suddenly veers to ‘Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.’ To me, it seems jarring. Was it a compulsion to express the load of suppression more explicitly than needed in a reply-format?

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how true …..the depiction of the school is so apt….
the curse of materialism

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Although, I do not know Bengali, I was simply mesmerised by the lyricism of the translation. Take a bow, versatile writer!

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how delightfully the author has analysed such a beautiful poem- my favourite too! Needs to be read by students of literature . My daughter, an English hons student, is so excited that she plans to make all her friends read it…..kudos to the writer for this erudite, article. Yes , congrats too, to the team at L and C for publishing such intellectually stimulating and enlightening articles….craving for more.

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Dr. Ampat Koshy, this was a truly illuminating article on the reasons to enjoy poetry. The poem chosen is such an evocative one, garnished with an amazing use of similes! Could I share this on my timeline, please? Thank you!

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Right on! One of my favorites. Great American poem, yet great World poem. Yes, good poems appeal to all the senses.

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Thank you so very much for your appreciation, Reena Prasad, Hardaman Singh, Amitava Akash Nag! really means a lot!

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This is just beautiful.

The poem flowing in like a young river taking taking imaginations to the fairytale lands where everything is possible.

Magical!! That is the word that describes this. Loved every bit of it, as if the taste of that moon is still lingering on my tongue and my heart asks for more of this.

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DR Suniil K karyekar

I am not fully convinced with the story above from Mr. Rajgopalan. The recent news in the paper 19th April 2015 – Sakal, says that Shivali Maharaj was in Mathura for 47 days after great-escape from Agra. The story is absolutely Mind-Boggling even after 350+ years. Similarly, his escape from Panhala- Fort and the Pawan Khind / Ghod- Khind is a great puzzle to me. When I visited, Ghod Khind it was very difficult to understand how this great man escaped using Ghod-Khind. What a common man understands, Khind is narrow pass. However, the Khind is closed at other end then How Shivaji Maharaj could use it?
When Khind is closed at other end how the escape is still intriguing even after 350 + years.
The person who has visited the Ghod-Khind and understood the mystery OR some great Historian may please explain.

DR Sunil K Karyekar – Pune.

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Thank you so much Moti ji,

I have always admired Suchitra Sen for a number of things – not only her amazing histrionic skills and extraordinary beauty but also for her remarkable sense of dignity, her courage to turn away from the lure of the arclights when still in her prime, her resolve to immerse herself into spiritualism at a time when her counterparts are struggling to hold on to their place in the limelight….

It is said that when she had shared her unhappiness with Bharat Maharaj of the Ramakrishna Mission at Belur, Bharat Maharaj had simply told her “Lobh koro na” (forsake greed). That turned her completely towards spiritualism to seek inner peace. Hence, while one cannot assume whether she found happiness or not, but one can surely say that her remarkable ability to accept fame as well as oblivion with equal ease must have come from deep-rooted conviction and self-belief.

Thank you for the golden nuggets of information you gave me about S D Burman’s music for this tribute. 🙂

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Indeed one of your best writings… brings out an entire different world… keep writing!!!

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Dear Antara,
Thoroughly enjoy your article. I can see a lot of hard work has gone in to it.
In the end one gets a nagging feeling that she did not get the happiness which should have come her way, what with all the fame and riches. In the end she remained an enigma to the world, admired but not understood!

Thanks for writing this tribute to one of our present day icons.

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‘Mrs. Sen’ (and not the usual Suchitra Ji, Suchitra Di or Suchitra) – that’s itself, the charm! Her screen presence too, quite often, reflects her ‘Madame’ persona. A great write up – thoroughly enjoyed reading! AND What a choice of songs too!!! Enough to effortlessly sail one back in nostalgia, to a land that exists not, and perhaps, never existed…

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Phew! I finally read it, no plodded through it after being tagged and pinged form FB 75times. Aaj tak itna distracted reading kabhi nahin kiya mainein.

I have to agree with you… she was ethereal. Out of the world. Period.

Bas … aagey kuch nahin kehne ki zaroorat.

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My heart-full tribute to legendary actress “Suchitra Sen”……………….!
Suchitra Sen, will always be in the hearts of all her fans

The most beautiful lines of the song “Rahe na rahe hum, meheka karenge, Ban ke kalee, ban ke sabaa, baag-e-wafaa mein”,

I would like to relate the quote shared by Michael Bassey Johnson with the super star Suchitra Sen.

“People will walk in and walk out of your life, but the one whose footstep made a long lasting impression is the one you should never allow to walk out.”

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Thank you Dilip ji for sharing Prashant Jain’s post. I am aware of this incident of Mrs. Sen being referred to as Sir on the sets of Aandhi. I have mentioned it in my article as well…

““While working on Aandhi (1975), Gulzar resorted to calling her ‘Sir’, in retaliation to her persistently calling him so, despite being friends. Such was Suchitra’s persona,” says the book Uttam Kumar And Suchitra Sen: Bengali Cinemas First Couple. “Gulzar says that he was aware of Suchitra’s strong persona and he conceived the role especially for her. Suchitra wanted to dub for Aandhi in her own voice – a wish to prove her Hindi diction. Though her Hindi diction in the film had scope for much improvement, Aandhi finally established Suchitra as a successful actor in Hindi cinema.”

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On the face book- page of Wo din Yaad karo- Prashant Jain has shared some interesting information- you can read it there too Antara- but I am also sharing it here as it is relevant to your article and adds to the information – here it is—“Prashant Jain
42 mins
“Suchitra sen” bangal ki filmo me itna bada naam tha ki aksar log unse samman janak doori banaye rakgte the . Unse kuchh bhi kahne se pahle das baar soch liya karte the. Badi dignified lady thin. Har koi unse madam, ya mrs sen se sambodhit karta tha.
Lekin “gulzar” sb iske opposite fouji style me “sir” kah k bulate the. Aur suchitra sen ne bhi is sambodhan ko sweekar kar liya tha. Gulzar dwara s s ko madam ki jagah sir kahne ki vajah badi interesting thi….suniye
Hua yun ki s s gulzar dwara drcted film aandhi ki shooting kar rahi thin, to wo aksar gulzar ko sir kah kar pukara karti thin. Gulzar ko unka sir kah kar baat karna bada atpata lagta tha. Wo aksar s s se kaha karte the dekhiye main aapse umar or tajurbe dono me bahut chhota hoon aap mujhe sie kah k na bulayen, wo chahte the k wo unka naam gulzar le k bulayen, lekin s s is baat par agree nahi thin.
Ek din gulzar ne unse kaha agar aap mujhe mere naam se na bulakar sir kah kar hi bulati rahengi to aaj se poori unit bhi aapko madam nahi kahegi mrs sen nahi kahegi sir kah kar hi bulayegi . Gulzar k kahne par andhi k set par s s ko unit k kuchh log sir kah k bulane lage …..sir sir,o k sir….etc…. lekin kuchh samay baad har koi unhe sir kah k address karne laga, yahan tak ki spot boy tak sir kah kar bulane lage. Aur gulzar unhe unke aakhri waqt tak sir kah k hi bulate rahe……
Salute ……..dono ko……” unquote

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Antara

I truly enjoyed reading it in the morning. My memory of the Mahanayika would be from the time i saw Mamta when it was released I was in school so enjoyed Roshan sahib songs more It was only when i saw Aandhi that realised what a brilliant actress she was.

I still remember her dialogue while looking at the election posters ‘they should be more in Hindi’ what a satire by Gulzar sahib

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Thank you Anita Desai, A lot of women go through abuse withour raising their voices. Some blame themselves, some are worried for their children, some are used to this abusive pattern, some just simply lack the courage…. whatever be the reason they choose to be victims rather than fighters. This is one such story. ‘Shanti’ the protagonist remains a victim throughout, never even thinking of an alternate option, and if I were to carry on with her story, I think I would still find her in the same abusive relationship even after 20 years.

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Painful. My only thought on reading this was “why do women put up with repeated abuse; why don’t they act when they are hit or abused the first time; why do they fear getting out of the situation more than the abuse itself?” It is much worse when children are involved and they are forced to watch or hear the abuse everyday with a lifelong damage to their tender minds.

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Jitu

Loved your comment, every bit of it!
A life is remembered by not its length but by what it leaves behind. In her short and rather tumultuous career span, Geeta Dutt left behind a peerless legacy…. unmatchable indeed.

If Jhiri jhiri chaitali batashe is my most favourite song for commute, Eyi sundoro swarnali sandhyay is my regular evening treat, Ghum maajhi oi haal dhorechhe and Nishiraat baanka chaand akashe are a must at bedtime… Koto gaan haralam is my companion as I go through my daily chores… Geeta Dutt remains an inseparable part of daily life. Each song a creates a mood, and we smile, laugh and cry with her.

Even for those who don’t understand the intricacies of the Bangla language, the lilting rise and fall of her gayaki is enough to make them enjoy the music 🙂 200% agree with you!

Sounak has very eloquently captured the bhaav behind the songs… and it was a deeply emotional journey for me, presenting this evocative essay 🙂 Loved every moment of it and kept humming all through!

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Thank you AK for your great comments! We are indeed greatly humbled.

Your observation about Khela bhangar khela and Mera sundar sapna is a new insight for me… I know both these songs Mera sundar sapna and Rodon bhara e boshonto by heart but never noticed the similarity… 🙂 Thanks for pointing it out!

Yes, if only rewinding the clock had been possible. Geeta Dutt was the only one who gave the mighty Mangeshkar’s a solid challenge… racing ahead to a pre-eminent position. Her forte in Bhaav gayaki is peerless. The way she can evoke emotions in her listeners, to make them smile and laugh and cry with her, is simply remarkable!

Your comment about making different choices in life reminds me of a favourite line from Robert Browning’s ‘The Last Ride Together’
Had I said that, had I done this,
So might I gain, so might I miss
.

Had Geeta Dutt been able to lead a less turbulent personal life, the canvas of Hindi and Bangla film and non-film music would have been different. She was the first choice for many a top music director and would have remained so. But then, as they say, destiny had something else in store for her.

🙂

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Rewinding the clock – only if that was possible! Misfortune of her admirers! She had been huge name in the Gujarati playback scene too, in the late 40s. So true. Geeta Dutt has always been an independent name – be it when the Mangeshkars were reigning supreme, or before! Many thanks for your appreciation! 🙂

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Sounak,
I couldn’t say it better than Jitu. It is a gold-mine of information, especially for non-Bengalis like me. Not many, including probably Bengalis too, would know that Khela bhangar gela embeds within itself a portion based on the tune of Mera sundar sapna beet gaya, which is based on Rabindrasangeet Rodono bhara ae basant.

Looking at the way her life and career ended in shambles and destruction, how one wishes if it were possible to rewind the clock, she could have made different choices in life, and had a glorious career in Hindi, and especially Bengali films, out of the sight of the mighty Mangeshkars. I am saying this studiedly, based on my understanding of Guru Dutt’s personality from his letters to her, edited by NM Kabir.

Thanks a lot Sounak for this treat. Thank you Antara for hosting it. You guys are doing impressive work.

AK

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Thank you Maajid ji 🙂 I will treasure this feedback received from you. sdburman.net is such a wonderful resource and repository of S D Burman’s magical music. Writing this article and putting it together with pictures and videos was a superb musical journey for me, I am delighted that knowledgeable people like you are appreciating this small effort with such kind words!

Thanks very much again!

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It is very difficult to do justice to the genius, simplicity, versatility and everlasting youthfulness of S.D.Burman. You have done it quite aptly in such a short article. Well done…

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Nirmal ji,

Thank you so much! It was indeed one of the most joyful musical journeys I experience while putting together this article… The subject is so massive that it is one uphill task to decide what to include and what to leave out. Delighted to know that the article could create a brief visual of Dada Burman’s music through words 🙂

Thank you again!!!

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Amazing Sounak … Perhaps the most extensive study on Geetaji’s work in Bangla so far

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Sudeshna Chakravarty

You are incredibly gifted Lopadi…I’m blessed to hv known you as an author and a person individually

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nirmal phophalia

What a beautifully written article on Dada Burman, Antara ji. You have woven all the aspects of his life so intricately removing the time barrier and it unfolds like a film on celluloid before your eyes with authenticity, richness & passing of those melodious years of the golden period of vintage music.

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Many thanks for your appreciation. So true – one needs not to understand the words to enjoy Music. Being frank – even the listeners who understand the language, don’t keep noting the lyrics as the song goes on. One just wonders at the marvel the ethereal voice creates! 😀

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Amazing sketches for so young an artist!
Parth, your drawings are simply awesome. God has gifted you a special talent and may you nurture it, polish it further, learn more and become one of the best artists of the country.

God bless! We will wait eagerly for more drawings from you.

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Beautiful, melancholic, ethereal, soothing, intriguing, poetic. Just like the dark beauty herself. She was god’s sweet child. Lived a short, memorable life… like a lamp that brightens our evenings and flickers out by morning.

Thanks for writing this.

I’ll never be able to fully grasp all the songs and their lyrics. But heyy, who says I need to understand the words to enjoy the music and an ethereal voice like Geeta’s. So aptly named… “Geeta”… she was a song to be remembered for ever.

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Jitu,

Dada Burman’s forte lay in letting himself get bound by rules, trends, genres… He created music that connected, simple! The orchestration could be large or minuscule, depending upon the requirement of the song… the tunes could be anything from fun to soulful, classical to club song…. the range was immense and expansive.

The way he popularised folk and brought it into the mainstream is unparalleled. He created what he knew would work best and many a time, the director had to bend to what Dada wanted… and not surprisingly the melody maker was bang on target!

Delighted you enjoyed the article. And I enjoyed replying to your comment and humming your choice of songs as I went along as these happen to be my favorites too, although you missed out my all time favorite Geeta Dutt numbers 😉

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Thank you AK for your appreciative comments!

Songs of Yore is a treasure house of references, information and insights into the golden era of Indian music. I learned a lot by browsing your articles. I fully agree with you, Dada Burman’s music is timeless, not bound by styles, trends and genres that may come and go. Hence, it continues to appeal to all music lovers across age barriers.

Will keep visiting Songs of Yore for references and quotes.
Thanks again!

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Wow!!! Wonderful creativity and perfection at this age……………………………:))

The best I like out of all is of “Ashiqui” undoubtedly all are very good sketches!

I would like to spend time on other sketches in detail………………………!

Keep on doing your work fantastically as is.

Blessings

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Well researched article Antara. Like you said, Sachin da didn’t have any fixed style. He adapted to the situation. That makes it hard for a layperson to identify his compositions. I know Hemant da or Pancham da’s composition with my eyes closed. I can place Madan Mohan from miles. Not so with SDB. I am actually surprised so many of my favorite songs are up here in the list. That he is ageless and timeless can be known from the fact that the songs composed during my grandfather’s era, enamor my kids even today.

What can I say. Just the other day I was humming O shiv ji bihaane chale… and I didn’t even know it was Sachin da’s. Some of my favorites…

Jalte hain jinke liye
Maana janaab nein pukaara nahin
Ye raat ye chaandni
Tadbeer se bigdi hui
Hai apna dil
Dukhi mann mere
Mere saajan hain us paar
Tu kahaan ye bata
Dil ka bhanwar kare pukaa
Dekho rootha na karo
Poocho na kaise mainein
Mora gora ang lai le
Abke sajan saawan mein
All songs of Abhiman
Khilte hain gul yahaan
Aaye tum yaad mujhe
All songs of Jewel thief
Jaye to jaye kahaan

Hai re… kitna lamba list hai. And he did just 69 movies. Seriously unbelievable.

Timeless and Ageless…

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So beautifully written. Sometimes the impromptu outings turn out to be better than planned tours. Lovely travelogue.

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Hi Chandra,

Nice narration. 🙂 I could relate to you excitement as an avid bird watcher and your plight as the parent of two uninterested kids. LOL. I share your plight often. 🙂

I envy you that you were able to make a day trip and still get to enjoy the sights and the company. Loved reading every bit of it. 🙂 🙂

Sandhill cranes visit my state too, though I have not been able to plan a trip to visit them. I live my dream of seeing a huge flock of birds by following other photographers who make timely trips. If you ever visit California, do stop by at San Joaquin Valley in winter. 🙂 You’d be treated to some ethereal fog and flocks of birds. 🙂

Am posting links to some of my favorite images by fellow photographers… for your viewing pleasure. Hope you enjoy them!

http://www.michaelfrye.com/landscape-photography-blog/2012/01/12/under-a-full-moon/0212-185/

http://www.michaelfrye.com/landscape-photography-blog/2015/01/01/picking-best-images-2014/leaping-sandhill-crane-san-joaquin-valley-ca-usa/

http://www.michaelfrye.com/landscape-photography-blog/2015/01/11/wildlife-landscapes/sandhill-cranes-fog-and-the-setting-moon-san-joaquin-valley-ca-usa/

Regards,
Jyoti

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Very pictorial and lyrical travelogue. Loved the description of the train making the cranes take flight. Will look forward to more such travel stories that make you visualise the sights with words

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This is an awesome piece, Champa! An intriguing comparison of past and present….one would think Charus in 21st century are smart enough to see inward for strength, but sadly that’s often not the case. This piece & similar, in all genres that exude empowerment is much needed in today’s time. I look forward to reading your next piece.

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Very well-researched and very well-written article. Thanks for quoting me and linking my article. You have brought out the immense diversity of SD Burman. He is the only one among his peers whose music did not become dated, everyone else fell by the wayside at the transition from the 1950-60s to the 70s post-Aradhana. May we know the name of the writer?
AK

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Timely and very well- written article on one serious issue of the post- modern society.also highlights the genius of Ray, the filmmaker.

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Thank you Amitava!
More importantly, it was just great fun putting it together with all the suggestions that poured in 🙂 Loved every moment!

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Jis gali mein tera safar na ho sakhi,
us gali se humein to guzarna nahin.

I havent visited MM in a long time… happened to drop in only when Shakun tagged me. I haven’t been on FB much either… so….

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Thanks so very much Jitu!

When I started this list, I never imagined it would grow so long and rich… ! Learning and Creativity naam sarthak ho gaya… jitni learning hui, utni hee creativity badti gayi 😀

Most kids nowadays know of only Balam pichkari and lahu munh lag gaya… so nothing surprising there!

My daughter’s favorite is the Sholay song… she keeps giggling at some of her own observations about the song:

1. why are they still selling colours on carts when Holi has started?
2. Why does Jai keep gazing up with his mouth open instead of dancing?
3. Why does Basanti never get colour on her hair despite all the colour bursts around her?

Well, I hadn’t noticed these points earlier. As I said, no end to learning on L&C 😀

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You ought to feel proud. This indeed is the most comprehensive collection I’ve ever seen. T-series waalon ko bolo L&C ko credit dete hue ek CD nikaalnein Holi ki. 🙂 🙂 L&C Holi collection.

My kids only know khaike pan banaras waala and Lahu munh lagg gaya. Will play some of my favorites to them. 🙂

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Hey Jitu

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

It was such great fun putting this collection together – suggestions kept pouring in during the Holi morning and I kept updating. Could not agree with you more…. some of these gems even I had never heard before!

Talk of crowd sourcing… and with all these lovely suggestions, we ended up creating one of the most comprehensive list of Holi songs on the web. I checked out other lists later and couldn’t help feeling delighted… most of the other lists have 10 videos stuffed one after the other with no descriptions or text. Deeply grateful to all our readers for helping to build the collection!

A friend of mine who lives in the United States said she enjoyed Holi with her two kids playing these songs over and over again as her neighbourhood is all Caucasian with no trace of Holi colour anywhere 😛

Thank you for the lovely poem, Sakhi! My biggest prize! Captures the spirit of Phagun and Holi so beautifully 🙂 Mazaaa aa gaya…! Door desh se aaye gulaal ke rang, Radha Krishna aur gopiyon ke sung…!

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Lovely collection of songs Antara. Just heard some rare gems for the first time and listened to other favorites after a long time. 🙂 You rock these collections. 🙂

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Lovely collection Antara. 🙂 Wishing truck loads of colors and Bollywood music. Mujhe koi aur Holi ke gaane toh nahin yaad hain par I have someting for you no one else has… my poem. 😛

Here’s an old one I had written in 2010/2011

देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

निस दिन बरसत, तनिक न ठहरत, घिर घिर बादल छायो रे
ठहर ठहर मोहे घरी घरी, सावन के याद दिलायो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

फूल लदे डाली डाली, हर ओर दिखे है हरियालि
जा देख तनिक वन उपवन में, वसन्त ने सजाइ रंगावाली
हर शाख शाख हर पात पात पे, फिर बहार है छायो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

कान्हा राधे के संग-संग हैं, मन मन्दिर में बाजे म्रिदंग है
हर चौक उत्सव में लीन-लीन, हर गली से उडता रंग-रंग है
घुमर-घुमर के थिरक-थिरक, गोपीयन रास रचायो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

वो देख उधर उस प्रानंगन में, कैसे खेलत हैं बाल-बाल,
कौनों छिरकत हैं लाल रंग, कौनों उमडत पीलो गुलाल
परिहास करे हैं नर-नारी, होली माहौल सज आयो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

देख सखी, औ देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे
देख सखी, अरि देख सखी, फिर फागुन के रुत आयो रे

– जीतू

Happy Holi! 🙂

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Thanks a ton, Jitu for your comments. Appreciate your sense of humour. All the very best for the coming Silver Jubilee. Love, as the cliche goes, is blind. So I am sure your blind date has truckloads of love in it :))

BTW, if you want to know the Post Script you may read “Effective Parenting : A New Paradigm ”
The link is on L & C .

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Jitu

Agree with you… the Western ghats look awesome in monsoons – especially Pune, Khandala, Lonavla and that entire Konkan region. Wonder why the article says avoid them during monsoons!

I have never been to Mahabaleshwar but the name almost instantly conjures up the picture of lush green valleys and the hugely evocative Hemant Kumar composition in Lata Mangeshkar’s lilting voice…
Kuch dil ne kaha
Kuch bhi nahin
Aisi bhi baatein hoti hain…

Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Anupama is perhaps the best advertisement of Mahabaleshwar… if someday I do happen to visit this hill station… I will for sure hum this song while walking up the slopes.

Never been to Panchgani either… But the name again conjures up that everlasting melody, this time by RD Burman and Asha Bhonsle…
Katra katra milti hai
katra katra jeene do
zindagi hai, behne do……..

These hills must be coming alive with the Sound of Music. 🙂

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1. Is there a reason to specifically not visit Mahabaleshwar in monsoons?? Western ghats look heavenly in their monsoon outfit of low hanging monsoon clouds and lush greens below. If one must visit western ghats, it’s always recommended to visit them in monsoons. I’d love to know why the author recommends not to visit Mahabaleshwar in monsoon.

2. Mahabaleshwar is a leading producer of strawberries in India. Readers please note, visiting the place in Dec/January months has the added advantage of allowing tourists to enjoy strawberry picking.

3. Nice post. 🙂

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LOL Ramendra ji. 🙂 Your ‘2States’ definitely has all the masala quotient that made the other, more famous ‘2 States’ such a big celluloid hit. 🙂 Congratulations on your Blockbuster and god bless you. 🙂

I on the other hand… saw my husband ‘eye to eye’ on the morning of the day we were about to get married. 🙂 Long way to a silver jubilee still but our 17yr old ‘Blind Date’ is still on. 🙂

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Jitu,

Hindi films have a magical quality… you know which dialogue is to come up next, you get the feeling you know the script of the whole film within 10 minutes of the film starting to roll, before the characters can open their mouths you know what they are going to say…. and yet you enjoy it every time!!! Yeh kamaal sirf Hindi filmon mein ho sakta hai! Pata hai kya bolne waale hain aur zabaani yaad bhi hai, phir bhi mazaa aata hai 😀

Have added your golden contributions to the list above 🙂
Keep adding more!

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I am not a ‘writer’. Yet I am… for I write. I neither have a relevant degree not the qualifications… yet I write.I have not been published… yet I write. I sometimes dislike what I’ve written, yet I write.
I write to express, to impress, to complain, to confess. Sometimes I merely ramble, incoherent in my thoughts and I often digress. I write to interact… That is a fact. I find solace in putting down words in a certain scheme. In finding rhythm and rhyme in what I say, I find a piece of me, and some peace for me. I don’t try to find a justification as to why I write. I never asked why I eat, sleep or breathe. So why single out my innocuous chirography? I just do it! That’s it! For that I won’t be apologetic. What I write is neither fancy nor laced with froufrou. I just write. Oh! Yes ma’am! I do. Yet… am no writer you see. I simply write for I so fancy.

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A brilliant collection! Each of these women have inspired us to rethink women’s roles within the patriarchy….and Tagore’s women were truly a class of their own…

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Debasish Bhattacharya

Your encouraging comments are inspirational. These appreciations always keep me going. I would request you to check my post on Alor Pipasa, a Bangla movie……. a quarry of gems (of songs)….. It was made when I was a toddler but saw this a few months back. I loved it so much that I thought of sharing my feelings for the songs from my own point of view with whatever nominal musical background I have. Antara Nanda Mandal has worked hard in editing and uploading some beautiful numbers from the film to add value to my article.

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Another one! Sorry Antara… I can’t help adding more. 😛

“Objection my lord!” Followed by “Objection sustained” by the lord who was addressed previously.

(LOL for many years I actually thought that is how lawyers spoke in the court. I have never been to one… but I was told they do not. 😛 )

Another one…

“Gita pe haath rakh ke kasam khaata hoon main sirf sach kahunga aur sach ke siva kuch nahin kahunga”

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I thank you for sharing your valuable insights on this! I can’t comment about those who didn’t understand the essence of this article, but it appealed to me immensely because it is written in a very aesthetic and informed way. Thanks again. best, Lopa.

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Debasish Bhattacharya

Hi friends……I am here to share my experience of having biriyani here in Blantyre last weekend. It is a small world, becoming smaller……….but………… That was a nightmare.

One management guy came here and had a stopover. He invited me to a famous Indian eating joint – Punjabi Delight. My colleague ordered for the food and then came the well-garnished rice-meat ensemble. The manager came to all tables asking about the food. At the first bite I called the manager. He informed me that he had trained a local cook (chef????) and boastfully told that his dishes are liked by all his customers who almost every weekend visit the restaurant. I couldn’t talk much but nodded. The manger greeted me with a big smile as he translated my nod as apppreciative. Poor me. I couldn’t dare to go for a second spoonful……horrrrrrible stuff….thick meshy rice, chunks of tasteless meats, and to my surprise, genorously put cabbage, carrot and what not making a least tasty food.

A resolution I took after that…..no more eating Indian delicacies (!!!!!!!!) when I am abroad. Hooh…… Antara, it was far away any competition to Aggarwal’s Dosa, trust me.

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Few more…

“Besharam! Tumhaare ghar pe maa behen nahin hai kyaa?” Heroine to the villain who is about to do something bad.

“Sunoh ji! Bazaar se aate waqt zara aata le aana. Ghar mein khaane ka ek kaur nahin hai.” Poor mother to the poor father when he is going out. This scene usually comes right after she checks half a dozen ‘spick and span’, ‘never used’, empty dabbas on the kitchen shelf.

“Apna khayaal rakhna. Pahunchte hi chitti zaroor likhna.” the must say dialogue when any character is sending off any other character on a train.

“Babuji, ye lijiye apni dawaai”. The good daughter or daughter-in-law usually says this. This is the benchmark of her goodness. Giving ‘dawaai’ to the father figure.

An alternate dialogue… “Aapki dawaai ka waqt ho gaya baabuji. Chaliye, munh kholiye.”

“Kyaa karr rahe ho! koi dekh lega” This is when hero is flirting with heroine. This is a cue to the audience that a third person is about to enter the frame. 😛

“Beti, tu jis ghar mein jayegi, uss ghar ko swarg banaa degi.”

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ROFL!

“Doctor to the waiting folks, in front of a door labeled operation theater with a red bulb over it” Ha ha ha…

You are not supposed to notice the eye shadow and liner on the heroine’s eyes.

Add one more…

“Yenna Rascala!” Every north Indian hero trying to imitate Rajanikanth… who btw has never ever said this dialogue. 😛

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Mere radio mein iss waqt “Abke sajan saawan mein” baj raha hai. 😛 I just decided to pay this page a visit. Aaj admin sahiba ko badi cheenkein ayeingi… with the number of times I am remembering her. 😛

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Abhi… iss waqt mere local radio station mein ek bahut hi sundar ghaal sunn rahii hoon…

Jane kya ehsas saaz-e-husn taron mein hain
Jinko chhoote hi mere nagmen raseele ho gaye
Aaj hum bichhade hain to, kitne rangeele ho gaye 🙂

Soch let me share with my partner in rhyme. 😛

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHeLhTtnF7M

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Bhai… agar Kanyakumari special ghoogni mil jaye… toh mujhe bataana. 🙂

Btw…. I saw French crepes here… With all kinds of toppings. Guess what it was made with?? Ragi. 🙂 Ragi dosa with turkey/lamb/beef/chicken/veggie toppings. 😛 Talk about small world. 🙂

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It is a remake of a Bengali hit Nishipadma… the songs are also inspired from what the ones used in the original… even “Kuch to log kahenge” is actually the Hindi version of “Jaa khushi ora bole boluk, oder kothai ki aashe jaye” (which means let them speak whatever they wish, how does it affect us).

It is one of the best films of Rajesh Khanna… at par with Anand, Namak Haram and Safar. He looks too winsome in the dhoti. 🙂 Sharmila is perfectly fitted to the role although she is way too sophisticated to look like a village girl, she does a great job as the baiji. The songs are superb… ! Vinod Mehra too does a good job. Overall a film you can watch more than once and enjoy it everytime. The last scene does leave a lump in the throat.

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Jitu,

Dosa is also made everywhere now… all Aggarwal Sweet Corners in Delhi serve “dosas” and “Bengali sweets” – the dosa is neither the South Indian dosa nor a pancake and the Bengali sweets are anything but Bengali… hence why only Bihar and UP… for all you know ghoogni is being made in Kanyakumari 😀 😀

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Ghoogni is an all-season food… I never bothered to delve into what it is made of… I simply enjoyed all the variants… especially the Anandamela ghoogni was a great favorite. My mother made delicious ghoogni… all my Mashis also did 🙂 I think Bengali women love making ghoogni with loochis and a green chilli thrust into it as a topping! Its a very popular snack for the evening too.

Boubhaats are elaborate affairs. I literally died of shock in my boubhaat when I was asked to eat a whole mooDo (the fish head… it was massive) because it is the ritual! I could almost see the fish smirking at my misery. A minute later I realised my leg was neatly being pulled. In all the boubhaat spread, the bou probably is too nervous to understand what she is eating or serving. 😀

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Were you surprised Antara?? Now I am not sure. Between the chats and this comment-chat… I am all jumbled up. 🙂 Though I do always make ghooghni with batana (dry yellow peas). 🙂

BTW… did you know… that ghughni is also made in Bihar and UP. And both have recipes different from the Bengali ghooghni? 😀 😀

Oh am loving this food discussion. Wish we could share dishes on internet.

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Debashis da,

I have seen boubhaat lunch served though never eaten… for obvious reason. Boubhaats in my hometown were a more intimate affairs. Just the family. We outsiders could only gorge on the receptions which were more formal and meant for outsiders. When my immediate neighbor got married, we were so enamored by the boudi that we did not leave her side for days. It had helped that our summer vacation was going on. LOL. So I have seen boubhaat being served. Plus the fact that we were vegetarians and boubhaat’s hero dish is the fish. So.

About Ghoogni Debashis da… I told Antara, that ghoogni is made with batana( matar)… she was surprised. Yaay! Kicking my foot in the air. Yaaahoooo! See Antara… I know my ghooghni well. 😀 😀 😀

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Hi friends I am back again. I do not want to share my experiences of attending the recent biyebari (sorry, as par Antara it is biye only and the khana khajana was grossly missing, so Antara again wins….no bari at all). I am pleased to see the thread expanding and that is why peeped into this once more.

For Antara, let me correct you if I am allowed. It is about ghoogni. The basic ingredient is not chana (though I enjoyed the discussion chane ki jhaad pe…), but it is whole mutter (peas), the dried ones. And Jitu, you can share your ghoogni recipe with someone who always likes improvisation on traditional or whatsoever, to give it a personal touch. Even at home sometimes I hear – Aaajke tor Babar ghoogni hoyechhe, Mayer noy (Today ghoogni is made by your father and not authentic) ….hehehehe.

But I admit with confidence that my recipe was liked by my spouse too, who even after liking it would say – Bhaja moshla dilena? Ektu leboor rosh ar kNacha peyaj hole jome jeto (Didn’t put roasted spices? A squeeze of lemon and onion juliennes would have made it delicious). I do not disregard her comments as I also sometimes search for the original / authentic (?????) taste that predominates since the childhood when actually all these registrations are made on one’s tastebuds.

Jitu please pardon me. I know you are a vegetarian but cannot resist but providing a traditional Bengali Boubhat lunch (initiation of the bride into the in-law kitchen… meaning a ritualistic familial approval of the bride by the in-laws) menu which I attended in my early teens and it is still clear in my memory. There was no loochi or chholar dal as it was a lunch. However, Antara would love it I suppose.

There are several courses in terms of today’s lunches and dinners – 5 course, 7 course, etc. But several items, sometimes countless, made the erstwhile biyebari’s lavish menu. I am trying to recollect all of that Boubhat……
1. Plain hot rice on a green banana leaf with a slice of ‘gandhoraj’ lemon and a pinch of salt at the right upper corner.
2. Then came divinely flavouring golden ghee (of course from cow’s milk) on the rice followed by fried potato juliennes (muchmuche aloo bhaja).
3. Third was a red saag with grated coconut and fried groundnuts.
4. This was followed by Sukto (with uchchhe in it).
5. Next item was mug-mohan daal… golden sweet-salt moong dal with again grated coconut, raisins and green peas. The accompanying item was beguni (coated brinjal fry).
6. Then came the royal Pabda maachher shorshe jaal.
7. Rui maachher kaliya and bhetki paturi were the next non-veg (fish) items.
8. Then the orange coloured sweetened Bengali polau with raisins and cashew nuts generously sprinkled.
9. Typical mutton kosha was the next item with large potato chunks (Yummy…my fav).
10. Anarosher chutni followed with kurmure papod bhaja, dripping oil.
11. Ritual payesh was served next.
12. Misti doi scoops dropped on an earthen quarter plate.
13. Countless sweets including rasagolla, pantua, khirmohan, chitrokut, motichoorer laddoo topping with abar khabo and paradise sandesh (Bheem Nag speciality).
14. Sweet Banarasi khili paan from Kalpataru (famous paan-shop in College Street, Kolkata) to put a stop……….hooh.
It was tough for me to recollect all these at a go…but I did 😀 hi hi hi….

I join Jitu in missing that biyebarir polau these days. My mother used to make it at home for special occasions. I tried once or twice but could not match it any close to hers. Mothers are mothers……..

Someday I shall extend on Khichuri / Khichadi and also on Pulusu / Jhol / Rasam……. I do not want to miss these even by mistake.
Jitu and Antara, please share your Sankranti festive cuisine (Bengali puli-pithe, etc.) experiences.
I loved the discussion turning courses……. Laughed at how a divine (Satwik) Avial made way to so many comments and sharings turning towards Rajasik and finally Tamasik “foodiepedia” (loved the coinage Antara (Y) ).

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Chane ki jhaad par nahin Jitu…. hum to chane ki ghoogni ki baatein kar rahe hain :)… original ghoogni ho ya modified ghoogni… chana means ghoogni in the East.

Ghoogni can be veg or non-veg depending upon what you prefer. Maangsher ghoogni using keema is a delicacy. But ghoogni is not a biyebari item, it is more of an Anandamela item (the fun food bazar which ladies put up in Durga Puja pandal on Panchami or Shasthi) – one of the other table would have ghoogni in Anandamela.

Also ghoogni used to be a staple “Bijoya” item along with a range of mishtis when as kids we used to go to friends and relatives for “Bijoya” after Durga Puja.. Nowadays, the practice of Bijoya is extinct so ghoogni has become a rarity.

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Btw Debashish da… I am a Telugu, with ancestral roots in Karnataka, born and brought up in erstwhile Bihar( now Jharkhand), married to another Telugu born and brought up in Orissa… who has stayed in Andhra, Karnataka, Gujarat and finally decided to settle in Maharashtra. 🙂

LOL…. do I sound cosmopolitan enough? 😀 😀 😀

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Chane ki jhaad pe chadhaana koi Antara se seekhe. Foodiepedia… kuch bhii!

Debashish da… I do not read Bangla and understand about… 50%. Wish I could find a genie who gave me one wish… to know all possible human languages. Ek aadh alien language bhii chalega. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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Debasish da,

Of course I have a definite mind to read your publication… Baba has already read it and approved whole heartedly. I am saving it for a day when my mind is a little more clear of the cobwebs which are currently keeping me away from L&C work. Mercifully, this wonderful discussion is making me feel again and again that all this effort of putting together L&C has been worthwhile if it can spark such animated and informative discussions between people who don’t know each other, have never seen each other but can share memories, recipes, anecdotes and so many nuggets of knowledge…

Jitu ji doesnt read Bangla. I have been coaxing her to pick it up quite some time now… she hasn’t listened to me so far, but maybe she will heed your words. 🙂

My heartfelt sympathies to you, for being in the midst of a so-called Biyebari and yet being far away from what a 24-carat biyebari actually is 😀 What is biyebari without the bhajas, the jhaals and the mishtis? It is only biye, not bari!

From this emerging foodiepedia, let me request Jitu to share with us some of her recipes. With your fantastic photographs Jitu, the recipes will pitchfork our readers straight to the kitchen!

In other words, with Debasish Bhattacharya and Jitu managing the L&C kitchen, we will have the foodies queuing up for upcoming recipes… Debasish da, your recipes are already being tweeted by others and shared on FB by great music exponents (and you know that 🙂 )

Chalte raho doston… yaadon ki manzil ke saath, khaane khilane ki baat…. ekdum mast!

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I am at present in the midst of a biyebari – most cosmopolitan – of my nephew’s wedding. My Bengali sister from Cuttak (with more of Oriya orientation) got married married to a Telugu from Kankinada, whose son is getting married to a Delhi born Bihari originally from Patna. Just imagine…

My sister and nephew speak Bangla and she dominates familial decisions, thus all around BIYEBARI prevails and few typical customs of Bengali wedding are being followed. But to my surprise all roads led towards the CHURCH when it came to decide food menu. The same trendy hotch potch dominated. Poor me… just imagine and feel sorry for me dear… on one hand I am revisiting childhood delicacies through these discussion thread but actually getting THENGA. Bitter and cruel reality… Reality gave some bruises… sweet memories putting a layer of cool marham… some solace.

Thanks… I did not want it to stop here but now shall be busy in attending the biyebari. Tomorrow night I am flying to Malawi for professional assignment. So I am taking responsibility to reply / share / extending this chain of discussion further in my free evenings and weekends, once I reach there. Till then…

Let my sisters carry on this…..

By the way, from your Bengali references I am interested to ask you a question. How free you are in reading Bangla? If you tell me then I can send you one very long poem (double column, 16 pages) in Bangla written by me that is a kind of collection of all traditional Bangla recipes from both east and west parts. I did it from the urge to keep alive some traditional recipes which otherwise are vanishing into oblivion.

Antara…are you listening? I have given you my publication a couple of months ago but yet to receive a STRONG CRITICISM from you……

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Great feeling seeing this thread stretching…….. Antara halka sa dhakka apne bhi de di hai…..begun bhaja bNotawala, biyebarir phela-chhora (unimportant), but so nicely went with loochis in erstwhile biyebarir menu. My custodian uncle used to remind us – Do not eat that, keep it for using it as a pin (fish-bones) cushion….but I used to enjoy having that defying my uncle’s strictures since it was a loveable item to me.

Love to see this comment sharing thread moves longer… Zara haule haule chalo morey behna,…..Hum bhi pichhey hai tumhare….

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Debashish da,

I loved the description you gave about fights over who’s recipe is better. 🙂 We had those… less in our house as amma had learnt cooking after she got married. But it happens in my in-laws house. You see… people from Vizag region, Rajamundry region, Guntur region and Kakinana regions all have their distinct style of cooking and speaking Telugu. It’s actually quite entertaining for me to watch people argue about whose pulusu is better. Some even make a claim that a cook form their region had impressed Krishnadevraya many centuries ago…. so their style of preparation is the best. LOLOLOL.

Btw… pulusu is a typical Andhra dish which translates to jhol in Bangla. It’s mistaken as rasam but it’s not rasam. 🙂 The arguments over a humble stew… made me laugh. I think I incurred the wrath of some aunty when I had laughed at their very serious discussion as a gathering as a kid.

Did you know… that every state in India (well at least most states) have their own versions of Khichadi? I have eaten authentic Gujarati Khichadi, Maharashtrian Khichadi, Bese Bele bhaat form Karnataka, Bengali Khichadi, Rajasthaani Khichadi and Pongal form Tamil Nadu/AP. Within the same state again there are variations form region to region. Same with kadhi. I have eaten 8 different types of kadhi from various regions.

Oh how I love our country!

Someone should compile these and make an encyclopedia. Antara.. are you listening?? 😀 😀 😀

Thanks for coming along with me on this nostalgia trip both of you. 🙂 I am nothing but a sum of my memories. 🙂 Mauka milte hi shurur ho jaati hoon. 😛 LOL

Regards,
Jitu

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I must add though… It’s not just Bengali weddings… I must add… even south Indian weddings have Gobhi manchurian and Fried rice. 🙁 🙁 and I swear I have nothing against Gobhi manchurian but it just makes me go… huh@#$%^&*()_@ to see traditional food being lost to fashionable trends.

For me… biyebaaris are all about biyebaari daal, loochi, pulav, khajur or aam ka chutney depending on the season, a very typical alu-gobhi ka sabzi{ now I am craving for it 🙁 } and last but not the least… dahi-boondi. “Cold dahi from the matki and hot rasdaar boondi”… ssluuuuurp! Am a vegetarian so that’s about it. Can you believe… I did not realize that the Bengali pulav was entirely different form the regular north Indian one till I read about it quite recently.

PS: Debashish da… I did not add in my previous comment about ghooghni. We had those when we visited friends over for Bijoya. After trying out many recipes online… I finally found one Bangladeshi video blog which had the ghughni recipe and trying it gave me the closest version of ghughni from my childhood memory. Now I make my own version and feed only my non-Bengali friends lest they know something is missing in it. LOLOLOLOL

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Biyebari to me meant lots of “papor bhaja” and “loochis“…. The shining-with-oil papor bhaja is a delicacy I could get only in biyebaris because my Mother insisted on roasted papor rather than fried to avoid the excess oil at home. Chholar dal of course was a must along with begun-bhaja (fried brinjals)… In other words, all the oily food which was otherwise avoided, we could have our fill in the biyebaris.

One of the most celebrated novels by Buddhadeb Basu is Tithidor, which has such elaborate description about the biyebari feast that I ended up feeling famished while reading! Bengali biyebaris are khana-khazanas… especially the sweets – rajbhog, darbesh… I think no biyebari is complete without these.

But both of you are right – nowadays biyebaris have the typical menu – shahi paneer, rogan josh, some hotch potch dish in white sauce with some baby corns peeping out, dal makhni, naan, fried rice (always half cooked so that the grains stand out) and finally gulab jamun and ice-cream, if it is winter we have gajar ka halwa …. There is no way to distinguish a Bengali biyebari from a Punjabi shaadi….

This discussion pushed me down memory lane again… Jitu ji ki purani aadat hai, “thele pe bithake yaadon ke dagar pe halka sa dhakka…. bas chal padi gaddi… haule haule” 🙂

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Yes…..I liked it. Yes, this is what actually happens perhaps in every one’s life. Some traditonal tastes (bookish), some trial and error (practical) and above all matching all these against some memorable taste-bud tickling. All these together makes it whole, and so to say, eternally appealing.

We usually say that this is a Bengali dish or Punjabi or Malyali. But, from my life experience I would love to share my growing up with food being cooked by a Dhakai mother and a Sylheti father, both Bengalis. I have seen so many confluences (certainly I am talking about food only now), agreements, arguments, appreciations and utter rejections of the same item, same BEGALI item, but cooked by my mother as she learnt it from her Dhakai sub-community and from my father or parental aunts who cooked that on their own lessons learnt. Yes, variations of the same dish existed next door everywhere depending upon the in-house appreciation. For istance Sukto….where bitter gourd (Uchchhe and not Karela) is traditionally a must-go. But, my mother changed it for the children who never liked bitter things it in their childhood. This was initially rejected by uncles in our joint family but finally we, the children own that battle, as it was approved by my grand-father.

Jitu, you have moved me reminding me of my childhood days. To me too, it was Chholar Dal and Loochi, the most coveted items in Biyebaris. Sometimes our custodian uncle used to rebuke us – You fools don’t fill up with loochi and dal, wait for the fish and mutton dishes.Poor me liked those so much over non-vegs but could not have the courage to say anything to the uncle. And yes, I miss that chholar dal nowadays as all Chinese and Mughlai dishes have choked the entry of those childhood fantasy items in Biyebari menus. Really miss them…..

Finally, I would like to share that whatever traditional Bengali cuisines I learnt from my mother are also can be put to queries as all of them have been modified intentionally or unintentionally to suit me or my immediate family’s taste. This way the COCKTAIL keeps on adding colours to it…whether we name it TRADITIONAL, para-TRADITIONAL, MODERN or a new INVENTION………..

I must say that after a long time your mail has tickled me to share so many blah blahs with someone…. Hope you have not got bored or tired.

RNEDHE, KHEYE O KHAIYE SOMAN TRIPTI (Enjoy cooking, eating and sharing your preperations with others)

🙂

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Hello Debashis da,

Such interesting anecdotes and variations to one dish. Oh! how I love India.

Turmeric. Yes… I believe it does not go into traditional avial either. The aunty who taught me also did not use it. I think I subconsciously added that being a non-keralaite. Thanks for pointing that out. Interestingly… the version I learnt from my neighbor of two years and the one my mom learnt from her colleague.. were also different. I guess… like every dish in India… the recipe changes from household to household… and we end up with a hodgepodge of all the versions learnt over time with our own unique style which suit out tastes the best.

I can bet… if I read this post a few times… a few years from now… my recipe would end up becoming a mix of yours and mine. 🙂 🙂 🙂

Btw… I am a non Bengali… and as a kid… my favorite dish was “biyebaari daal” LOL. That is not an existent dish I believe. Well.. how was I to know that? Every time I went to a Bengali wedding… they served Chholar Dal. I automatically nick named it… “Biyebaari Daal”. As a kid I never craved for it. There’d be at least 4/5 weddings every year and I could have it enough. But when I grew up and moved out of hometown… I started craving for it. By then… the version amma cooked, the recipes I found internet… none resulted in the exact same taste that I remember from childhood. I did not know what went in it. I was going by a fantasy that every childhood memory usually is. It took me many many years of trials and errors to finally come 60% close to that taste. In the last few years, even the few Bengali weddings I got to attend back in my hometown, served the fashionable and in trend Punjabi dishes and Chinese. Nothing against Chinese or Punjabi dishes… but fashions and trends tend to destroy the uniqueness of our individual cultures. 🙁 🙁

Our generation that’s 50% dependent on the internet for it’s recipes would not even know if the recipe online authentic or not. Like our versions of avial, each recipe is a mix of a bit of traditional, a large dose of convenience and a bit of memory. 🙂 🙂

Regards,

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Dear Jitu Ji,

I am extremely delighted to receive your note on Avial. I am thankful to you for sharing this version of the story with me.

Let me tell you about my learning of this great vegetarian curry. I am a foodie since my childhood and though being a Bengali I always cherish having good food and also try to learn about traditional dishes from around every corner of the world wherever I happen to go. This Avial I first tasted when I was carrying out my studies in IIT, Kharagpur. One of my friends was from Kottayam who’s mother came once and prepared this dish for us. I tasted it and liked it so much that I asked aunty to tell me how to prepare the curry. While telling me about all the ingredients and process, she also narrated this story of Bheema and Durvasa. I think it is very normal that this kind of stories have different versions, some local modifications in due course are added or deleted or modified as these relate to epic characters but do not have direct reference in the epic itself. Moreover, epics like Mahabharatha have different versions written (or verbally preserved). Also, I cannot say with strong logic that my version is the only right one. Anyway, I really appreciate your note which has informed me of another version on the origin of the curry.

Now coming to using vegetables which I used. For vegetables that turn meshy after boiling have to be cooked with care which I have mentioned in my process of Avial. This also I learnt from my friend’s mother. I checked with another Malyali friend in Delhi who told me that arum, etc. are a must-go vegetables.I did use these vegetables and cooked Avial and there was no problem as I took enough care for these while cooking.

More on using turmeric. My daughter learns Bharatanatyam in Guruvayur Temple in our locality in Delhi and for the past nine years many a times I attended Temple lunches which invariably had Avial as one of the dishes served. I never had yellow Avial. To me turmeric may help preserving the boiled vegetables for long but may not be a traditional ingradient for Avial. This, I am saying as I remember that my teacher (friend’s mother) told me that we Bengalis use turmeric in every dish, veg or non-veg…..but in Avial it is a no-no.

I agree 100% for the tarka technique used usually for almost all dishes prepared in southern part of India. This really helps the aroma to be there for long and also the mustards crisp.

Once again I thank you for your note on Avial.

Happy cooking.

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There’s another story I have read somewhere… or may be heard… not sure which.

I think there was some sort of a conspiracy to murder Bheem and he was accidentally declared dead. Since in mourning non-veg is often not prepared… loads for vegetables were chopped for mourning feast. But Bheem was not dead and returned and the feast was cancelled. Not knowing what to do with so many chopped vegetables, the cooks decided to throw them away. Kshtriyas were non-vegetarian… so no one would consume such quantities of vegetables. Bheem came up with a plan and mixed all the vegetables together to prepare what later came to be known as avial.

Two side notes may be incorporated to the recipe.
1. Any vegetable which might impart it’s distinct flavor… like radish, cauliflower etc. is not added.
2. No vegetables which tend to get mushy/slimy when boiled are added. eg. okra, arum or kochhu.
Instead taro is used.

Another way I learnt from a Malyali aunty was… 1. Firm boil all the vegetables together with salt and tumeric(optional). You can refrigerate this mixture for prolonged time without changing it’s taste. 2. When you wish to eat… grind green chillies, raw coconut, curd into a fine paste.

In a wok… mix boiled vegetables and paste bring it to boil once. Separately.. heat oil, add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves… let it sl=plutter some more… then pour over the boiled vegetables. This keeps the mustard seeds crisp and the mustard flavor strong. (This idea of pouring crisp mustard over cooked food works with all south Indian recipes. Sambhar, chutney, pulihara, you name it )

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I have recently started watching Indian parallel cinema and this was one of the best. I specially liked the narration and the intersection of all three stories.

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Truly such a nice singer Jagjit Singh. I always listen to his songs and Gazals and feel awesome. He will always be remembered by the Indian music lover and will forever live in our hearts.

Nicely presented by the authors about Jagjit Singh. Truly nice post.

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Well said Amit. There are many twists and turns in the plot that keeps the readers engrossed. Once you start reading Meluha, you get completely hooked to it. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt; as you said it left many unanswered questions. But thankfully, I had got both the 1st and 2nd part of the series, so didn’t have to wait for the suspense to unfold. The third book, ‘The Oath of Vayuputras’ could have been shorter. Anyway, the whole series on Shiva was worth a read!!

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Wonderful! Hat off to these 2 ladies for writing this heartfelt tribute to this legend on his death anniversary.

Reading this post I now see Jagjit Singh in a new light. How true, had it not been for Jagjit Singh and Chitra Singh, I would have remained “disconnected to this art form.”

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All Said and done, I feel blessed to have lived in an era in which Jagjit lived and to have experienced his almost godlike work. I feel the same for Gulzar sa’ab too.

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My first mythological read. I liked the way the author has tried to give a fictitious tale about Lord Shiva. Though the plot doesn’t justify the facts of the sacred texts yet on its own it creates a worthy myth. It maintains the glory of the Mahadev (Lord Shiva), but fails to do complete justice to him (as some acts portrayed by him in the novel are unbecoming of a God figure). It has a strong plot and the moment I thought it was becoming monotonous, the author played his cards and twisted the plot. The book ends with an unanswered question or rather leaves a path for the sequel to this book. Worth a read.

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Mir Taqi mir ke lyrics were mind blowing.

BTW… a few more rare songs. Google baba ke help se. I don’t know these by rote. 😛

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20tQCoNVJTE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oj47vwoMJZQ( I know you mentioned this movie)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHtU_jYkQks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3SqGOlOzzQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9mwL6OnnTI ( Love this song)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BykvHmbmpYw( Cute song with erstwhile child actors. The guy disappeared from Bollywood I think. )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6ctfS_0Jnw ( Another song with great lyrics. )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYaBbXqZE8w ( A song whose I didn’t know about. Thanks Wiki and Youtube)

I did not know Khyaam or even Shabana azmi had sung songs for any movie. Shabana has done playback for all songs in this movie. The following song os by Khyaam and Shabana.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHe3N4Inm0U

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Zehn, inaayat, takalluf, talaffuz… these are words I had managed quite successfully with guesswork… But that’s about it.

“Oct 10th is coming. Maybe then…” Ab is sher ke moonh mein khoon lag gaya hai….:)

So before the hungry tiger keeps pinging you every other day…. start your journey with Jagjit Singh. I am with you in the little tag along trolley attached with your scooter – Sholay ishtyle!!! 😀

Us modh se shuru karein, phir ye zindagi
Har shai jahaan haseen thhi, hum tum thhe ajnabee
🙂

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Hmmm… Jagjit Singh… less complex…

The second difficult urdu word I learnt(around the same time as Tassavvur was zehn(mind… as a space). It was in a Jagjit Sigh Album – Insight, Song Badala na apne aap ko…

“Duniya na jeet paao toh, Haaro na khud ko tum
Thodi bahut to zehn mein, naarazgi rahe”

LOL… you can guess where I’ll take this journey if I write another word. LOL

I’ll wait. Oct 10th is coming. Maybe then. 🙂

Tab tak ke liye…
“Badala na apne aap ko, jo the wahi rahe
Milte rahe sabhi se magar, ajnabi rahe”

Ciao!

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“Sahir.. I agree. His Urdu was of a high order in terms of pure words. But when you see his sentence structures…,they are simpler… more straight forward than Gulzar. Just that we are not used to pure Urdu so we do not know the meaning immediately. Gulzar on the other hand spins multi-layered images with simpler words”

So very true… bang on target! Its just that it never occurred to me. But now that you say this, it all falls into place. Taroon Bhaduri’s long article on Sahir had made me discover that the “sher” is actually a stand-alone poem… a couplet that has a meaning and completeness with or without the rest of the ghazal/nazm…. Your observations clear the cobwebs further. It is true Gulzar uses simpler words but wraps them up in layers of meaning. Sahir’s style is straighter although the Urdu is of a higher level. Its just that I never noticed this before. Thanks!!!!

I never had the patience to sit with dictionaries… English or Bangla… Fortunately at home I had a walking dictionary my Mother… just had to yell and would get the answer, with explanation and illustrations, which no dictionary could provide. After Ma, my father took up the baton, so the “what’s the meaning of this” yells continued and the laziness increased. Hindi I had quit after 8th Std. so dictionary was not needed. For Urdu my friends helped, albeit very often I ended up learning the wrong meaning 😛

About Ghalib, I did not progress beyond the songs of Suraiyya and Talat Mahmood… they were delightful. But the ghazals of Jagjit Singh-Chitra Singh kept my interest alive in shayari and the ghazal…fortunately, they chose less complex ghazals and I did not have to scratch my head much to guess the meaning.

Thanks for opening up a new angle for me to ponder on – which is quite opposite the one I had so far believed. I will now start mulling over the simplicity of Sahir vs. the complexity of Gulzar. 🙂

Also feels great to know that the memories are as sharp and fresh as ever… I may forget where I kept the keys half an hour ago but I won’t ever forget my delightful brushes and trysts with shayari 🙂 🙂

Jo guzar gayi, kal ki baat thhi
Umra toh nahin, ek raat thhi
Raat ka siraa agar phir mile kaheen
🙂

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“Trying to figure out the meaning of a complex Urdu word would typically start with guesswork (the guesses were based on the words that preceded and succeeded the particular word). When guesses didn’t reach anywhere, I would ask around among my friends.”

LOL… exactly what I used to do.

Except the asking friends part. I don’t know anyone who knows the complex words in Urdu.

Up until last year… there used to be a website called Ebazm.com. It does not exist any more. It was my go to site for dictionary, thesaurus, rhymer and reverse dictionary. The domain is no more in use. 🙁 So to interpret a complex Ghalib sher for a friend… I actually had to ask some of my photography friends from Pakistan. Which made me realize an interesting fact… that some Urdu words are area specific or era specific. Bollywood and it’s lyricists have created newer versions of words which Urdu speaking people from Pakistan could not recognize. Who would have thought of that?? I am not sure if these are just for a few examples or a common trend.

Anyways… coming back to Sahir.. I agree. His Urdu was of a high order in terms of pure words. But when you see his sentence structures…,they are simpler… more straight forward than Gulzar. Just that we are not used to pure Urdu so we do not know the meaning immediately. Gulzar on the other hand spins multi-layered images with simpler words. Even when one understands his words… one will be left either in awe or wondering about the imagery. I was once humming.. “Gila Gila paani” and my kids asked me… “What do you mean gila paani. Is there anything called sookha paani.” I was stumped to explain to my kids.

“Man re.. tu kahe na dheer dhare” is an all time favorite.

Sahir’s command over Hindi khadi boli and Khalis Urdu reminds me of another classic poet who is the inspiration to Ghalib and many other poets… Amir Khusrau. Par unke baare kisi aur din baatein karte hain. 🙂

Loved this line of yours… “for always putting me up on a little cart and giving it a slight push down memory lane. I love sliding down… floating… effortlessly, peeping through the doors and windows of the memories lined up on both sides of the lane with a smile and a laugh to myself 🙂 ”

Memory is a beautiful place to visit indeed. 🙂

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कौन रोता है किसी और की खातिर ऐ दोस्त
सबको अपने ही किसी बात पे रोना आया

Sahir never minced words when it came to speaking out the truth, however harsh it may be.
The poem you have quoted in your personal journey with Sahir brings back many memories… memories which have not faded with time primarily because the impact which created those memories was way too powerful.

I have never been much into poetry although I had to dig into verse for my Eng Honours and most of my friends from Calcutta dabble in poetry. But Sahir and Gulzar were two poets who literally pushed me towards appreciating shayari and the “sher”. Trying to figure out the meaning of a complex Urdu word would typically start with guesswork (the guesses were based on the words that preceded and succeeded the particular word). When guesses didn’t reach anywhere, I would ask around among my friends. For instance, “Jhoola dhanak thha dheere dheere hum jhoole” (one can guess dhanak means rainbow) but when the phrase ends with something like “tasavvoore jana kiye huey”, even your friends end up scratching their heads. Gulzar stopped short of peppering his poetry too much with Urdu of very high order (perhaps keeping in mind that the lay audience would not understand), but Sahir did not follow any such rules. So you have a rather simple song “aap aaye toh khayale dil-e-naashad aya” having words that make you go back to scratching your head thinking “ab ye naashad kya hota hai”.

Along with Sahir’s high class Urdu poetry, what appealed to me a lot was his equally powerful command over Hindi. Can you think of an Urdu-speaking Muslim poet penning stunning devotional songs such as the very Baul-like “Aan milo shaam saanware, Braj mein akeli Radhe khoi khoi si re” (in Bimal Roy’s Devdas) or the kirtan-style “Aaj sajan mohe ang laga lo” (Guru Dutt’s Pyaasa). Similarly “Mann re tu kaahe na dheer dhare” (Chitralekha) is almost a bhajan in its lyrics and rendering.

Thank you Jyoti, my dost, for always putting me up on a little cart and giving it a slight push down memory lane. I love sliding down… floating… effortlessly, peeping through the doors and windows of the memories lined up on both sides of the lane with a smile and a laugh to myself 🙂

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🙂 I want to read that article.

You know.. when I read poetry… I try to see myself as the poet. What would he have gone trough while writing this? Was he smiling at the irony? Was he deliriously happy or insanely sad? What genius was he to think of this analogy? How come I don’t think it? Was it a dusky evening or a dark ominous night… the questions and the speculations go on.

When you said you have a personal hobby of trying to identify the lyricists, composer, singer… I could not help but think how I speculate about a totally different set of guesswork I do… LOL.

Another uncanny similarity between your anecdote and mine… the book I had mentioned, was not filmy either. Much like the article you have mentioned. It dealt with Sahir’s poetry independent of movies. My guess is… even the “Chalo ek baar fir se” song was not written for any movie. May have later been included in the movie.

It feels good read these articles and to reacquaint with something so much larger than ourselves. Sahir, Gulzar, are like oceans. Every time we dive in, we come back with a new experience. 🙂 Thank you for these amazing opportunities to take a stroll on the memory lane.

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कभी खुद पे, कभी हालात पे रोना आया
बात निकली तो हर एक बात पे रोना आया

Sahir’s first impact on me was this song – it left me ploughing its depths…

This song was relatively easy to understand. The Urdu is basic, not much flowery in style but immensely moving and true. It suddenly made me sit up and think, “baat to sahi hai… baat nikli to har, ek baat pe rona aaya”… I promptly noted it down in my song diary.

But the song did not leave me. It made me relook at those ultimate Chitra Singh Jagjit Singh ghazals (Chitra-Jagit Live in Concert was the first inaugural cassette tape my mother had bought along with tape of The Sound of Music when we had bought our first tape deck)… it made me try to read between the lines of songs I loved – jurm-e-ulfat pe humey log sazaa dete hain or the breezily romantic phaili hui hai sapnon ki baahein, the soulful rasm-e-ulfat ko nibhayein to nibhayen kaise… basically songs that were rich in poetry, not necessarily written by Sahir but poetry that makes you ponder over the truth they express.

And then I started watching out for Sahir. Interestingly, he was the one poet-lyricist who could be identified by his songs, his thoughts, his choice of expressions and words. I have this very personal hobby of listening to a song and trying to identify the lyricist, composer and singer (if I don’t know about them already) and also trying to identify the instruments and acoustics being used in the melody. Sahir helped me guess right at least with his songs. 🙂

When writing on Sahir, I found myself in a great quandary – which songs to leave out? They were all priceless…

When I was still in school, my mother had given me an article, a rather long article to read. It was a sort of biography of Sahir, a wonderful heartfelt tribute, written by Taroon K Bhaduri, the celebrated journalist who was famous for his exposes and treatise on the Chambal dacoits. I was always a great admirer of his books in Bengali, especially Abhishapt Chambal and Behadh, Baaghi, Bandook (which was serializing in Desh at that time) and hence, I first thought that this article too would be something to do with the dacoits. As I flipped through the pages, I saw a lot of poetry being quoted and I wondered if it was something to do with cinema, since Taroon Bhaduri’s daughter the famed Jaya Bhaduri was my favorite actress from childhood.

But no, it was on Sahir – it had nothing to do with films or dacoits – it was a close and emotional look at the life of a poet who was more misunderstood than understood. Filled with anecdotes and little stories about Sahir, his rigid and unflinching loyalty to his social beliefs and also his struggle to uphold the thoughts in his poems in the face of the marketing-oriented Hindi film industry, this article blew my mind.

Sahir has made me discover the beauty of shayari, and enjoy the lyricism and depth behind seemingly simple film songs. Your comment made me feel good about several things – about the opportunity of being able to write on Sahir, and then when you know what you wrote is being read it feels even better… about revisiting the poetry that makes you look at life with a new perspective.

Thank you Jyoti, my dost!

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The incisiveness of his writing is visible in this romantic albeit sarcastic poetry where Sahir asks his lover to meet him anywhere but at the Taj Mahal( the modern symbol of eternal love). He goes on to describe the grandeur of the mausoleum and then scorns it with the words.. “One unthinking arrogant emperor has mocked every poor man’s love by using his money to build a mausoleum to advertise his love to the world when those that worked hard to give the structure it’s beautiful face, have remained faceless in history, their individual love being lost to the world as they were too poor to advertise.”

Here is the poem, which some 50 years after it’s been written, still makes one sit up and wonder if Taj Mahal should indeed be celebrated as the symbol of love or not. Does it deserve the adulation?

ताजमहल

ताज तेरे लिए इक मज़हर-ए-उल्‍फ़त ही सही
तुमको इस वादी-ए-रंगीं से अक़ीदत ही सही
मेरी महबूब कहीं और मिला कर मुझसे

बज़्म-ए-शाही में ग़रीबों का गुज़र, क्या मानी ?
सब्त जिस राह पे हों सतवत-ए-शाही के निशाँ
उस पे उल्‍फ़त भरी रूहों का सफ़र क्या मानी ?

मेरी महबूब पस-ए-पर्दा-ए-तशहीर-ए-वफ़ा
तूने सतवत के निशानों को तो देखा होता
मुर्दा शाहों के मक़ाबिर से बहलने वाली,
अपने तारीक़ मकानों को तो देखा होता

अनगिनत लोगों ने दुनिया में मुहब्बत की है
कौन कहता है कि सादिक़ न थे जज़्बे उनके
लेकिन उनके लिये तशहीर का सामान नहीं
क्यूँकि वो लोग भी अपनी ही तरह मुफ़लिस थे

ये इमारात-ओ-मक़ाबिर, ये फसीलें, ये हिसार
मुतल क़ुल्हुक्म शहंशाहों की अज़्मत के सुतून
दामन-ए-दहर पे उस रंग की गुलकारी है
जिसमें शामिल है तेरे और मेरे अज़दाद का ख़ून

मेरी महबूब! उन्‍हें भी तो मुहब्बत होगी
जिनकी सन्नाई ने बख्शी है इसे शक़्ल-ए-जमील
उनके प्यारों के मक़ाबिर रहे बेनाम-ओ-नमूद
आज तक उन पे जलाई न किसी ने क़ंदील

ये चमनज़ार ये जमुना का किनारा, ये महल
ये मुनक़्क़श दर-ओ-दीवार, ये महराब ये ताक़
इक शहंशाह ने दौलत का सहारा लेकर
हम ग़रीबों की मुहब्बत का उड़ाया है मज़ाक़
मेरी महबूब कहीं और मिला कर मुझसे

I shall never see Taj without thinking of Sahir’s words now. There is a lot about Sahir’s poetry that is difficult to grasp at one go. But one thing that does not fail to register instantly is his anger at the disparity in the society. Using Taj Mahal to highlight that disparity yet again… was Sahir’s genius. One can only bow in awe when one reads this.

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Sahir…

My earliest memories of being aware of this name was when in 8th grade, in the collection of Hindi plays that we were studying, the first play had this line… “Sahir aur Majrooh, sunte toh gash khaa kargir jaate.” ‘Sahir’ and ‘Majrooh’ are lyricists… my teacher explained… as if… that was enough to explain the phenomenon that Sahir was.

Never the less… my curiosity was piqued.

I had seen some Hindi books at my neighbor cum classmate’s house. They belonged to his father. I remembered that one of the books was about Sahir or by Sahir or had something to do with Sahir. Had half a mind to ask it… but chickened out. But Fate had other plans.

Around that time, the same neighbor cum classmate’s father’s poetry got published in one of the local circulations. I read it and was impressed beyond words. Unable to resist I told uncle how awe-inspiring that was. He showed me more of his publications and soon one thing lead to another… and I did get to borrow that elusive book.

Sigh… it was one of Sahir’s own works. The earlier print… 1956 I believe. I could not make head or tail of most of the non-filmy work in the book. Not only was the urdu beyond my grasp, the poetry, the concepts, the train of thought… they existed in a level I could not even begin to comprehend. Such was the depth of Sahir’s poetry.

I gave up! 🙁

But all was not lost for me. That one week of attempts to read that tiny less than 150 pages book… lead to an unexpected benefit for me. Serendipity… if you may.

Of all the poems I read or attempted to read… just one clicked simply for the reason, it had been featured in a movie. “Chalo ek baar fir se… ajnabi bann jaayein ham dono”. It had a word… Taarruf. The word means… acquaintance. I hadn’t known the word until then. I was pleasantly surprised to learn the word for the first time. The book you see.. had come with a list of difficult words and their meanings. That one word, lead to another , then another… I started making note of words, meanings. I started penning my own half baked urdu poetry on scraps of paper. 😀

This was way back in the Summer of 89.

Then in the world of education, exams and all the other boring stuff… Sahir and Urdu took backseat.

Years later, I got acquainted with the exciting world of blogging. Again, one thing lead to another and soon I was dishing out half baked poems… again. 😛 But this time… internet became my buddy. I’d look for synonyms, homophones, homonyms, antonyms… you name it.

One of the searches lead me to urdupoetry.com. I started reading Gulzar, then Ghalib, Ahmed Faraz, Nida Fazli, … With internet at my fingertips, Sahir could not stay away from me for too long. Rather I could not stay away from Sahir for too long. I reignited my teenage crush on his works. 😀 I had mentioned once, reading Sahir’s works made me feel like I was doing homework… not doing light reading. I still get that feeling. 😀 The depth in his work is unsurpassed.

From the point of social relevance… everyone agrees that Sahir is as relevant to the society as he was decades ago. But there are other poets who are relevant after centuries. I mean… who does not relate to the love-lornness of Ghalib’s works. But beyond merely relating to his works… Sahir’s works even today, after multiple reads, have the power to whip up storms. One feels as though a layer of torpor has been ripped off from our consciousness and we see things in the new light as though just waking up. True to his name… Sahir = wakeful… he awakens me from my slumber and makes me sit up and notice. That was, is and shall remain the USP of Sahir Ludhiyanvi.

Sahir is much more non-chalant about his works though. Like all true geniuses… he took his works rather lightly. In his own words… “mujhse pehle kitne shaayar aaye aur aakar chale gaye. Woh bhii ek pal ka qissa the, main bhii ek pal ka qissa hoon… ” brings the lament and the irony to the fore. If Sahir were around… I’d tell him. You are not just one of the poets who come and go. You, Sahir Ludhianvi… are timeless. You, sir, were an enigma.

While I derive great pleasure reading his works… his works leave me feeling helpless and heavy. It makes me feel as if there is something Sahir knows and I don’t. Sahir’s own words sums up my cold/hot relationship with his works…

“chand kaliyaan nashaat kii chunakar
muddaton mahv-e-yaas rahataa huun
teraa milanaa Khushii kii baat sahii
tujhase mil kar udaas rahataa huun”

I pick a few blooms of joy every now and then, just so I can immerse myself in grief for long spells. While knowing you is a reason enough to rejoice, the more I meet/know you… the more sad I become.

After all these years… Sahir is still not completely in my grasp. But I have not given up on him yet. Someday, I’ll understand completely. “Woh subah kabhi toh aayegi” 😀

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Mere dost Jyoti ke naame Jyoti kalash chhalke 🙂
I love this song ever since I started understanding music – its a prayer, its a morning raga, its a beautiful hymn and beautiful poetry that creates lovely images in your mind as the song unfolds.

Antara

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Jyoti,

I had added Sansar se bhaage firte ho in the post on Sahir:

“His (Sahir) command over Hindi was just as powerful as his mastery over Urdu, and these lines of “Sansar se bhaage phirte ho, bhagwan ko tum kya paaoge” (Chitralekha, 1964) portray that

“Ye bhog bhi ek tapasya hai,
Tum tyaag ke mare kya jano,

Apmaan rachaita ka hoga,
Rachna ko agar thukraoge…”

There are so many delightful, entertaining, melodious and meaningful songs picturised on actors like Meena Kumari that it is well nigh impossible to put them in one post… I try to divide them up between posts on lyricists, directors, actors and so on. This song is an all time favorite of mine as well. The lyrics are just so true in every word – the age when poetry and thoughts were kings and melodies were spun around them!!!
Thanks for mentioning it 🙂
Antara

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Missed the songs of Chitralekha in this illustrious list. 🙂 Specially… Sansar se bhaage firte ho…

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I heard the song ‘Jyoti kalash Chalke” after eons. Bachpan mein hamesha “Jyoti se Jyoti jagaate chalo” bol ke friends chidhaate the. So I had forgotten this other song.

Loved it. Pt. Narendra Sharma’s lyrics set to Sudhir Phadke’s tunes. 🙂 🙂

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Rupali…. thank you for enjoying the journey with me! 🙂

One post is not enough to encompass the beauty of Geeta Dutt’s music. There has never been another singer like her. There is so much more to write on her. But yes, with this one story my objective was to bring in just one glimpse of the phenomenal range of the Queen of Bhaav Gayaki (as Parag ji rightly said above). Your comments and the feedback I have received from music lovers and Geeta Dutt’s fans makes me feel encouraged that I have at least taken a step towards that direction. 🙂
Nothing can be more rewarding to see qualified connoisseurs of music as well as die hard music fan appreciating the effort!

Thanks again!

Antara

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An excellent documentation & analysis of the musical journey of the queen of melodies ! At the same time re-evaluation of this legendary singer in the eyes of the 21st century listeners. One can listen to the songs, recap the memory and understand the perspective, it’s a total package ! 🙂

Antara, I have also enjoyed the journey with you.

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I agree with you whole-heartedly Jyoti. Hrishida’s use of music is very innovative for several reasons – they take the story forward, they are picturised on all kinds of characters both primary and peripheral, the editing of the songs matches with the taal. You will find the shot cut as the notes reach the “sam”, not somewhere in the middle. You have classical, light, melancholic, romantic, humorous, satirical – all kinds of songs. I will add one of the two Aashirwad songs – probably the Nani ki naav chali because Rail gaadi is there in Ashok Kumar‘s story.

August 20 is Hrishida’s death anniversary, so I still have some time! Thanks for the heads up!!!

Antara

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Thanks for giving the thumbs up! Unless you give me your picture, I am going to pluck from Facebook (Jai ho FB ka). So you’d better send me the picture and bio asap.

Completely agree with you “Sarathchandra and Bimal Mitra were the only ones who made me empathize with their characters.” They are so finely etched that you feel you have known them for a long time. Another favorite male character of Sarat Chandra is Ramesh of Palli Samaj (possibly Gramin Samaj in Hindi translation). He is strong yet vulnerable, intelligent yet innocent, courageous, romantic, big hearted and also childlike. The novel makes you detest the superstitions, the class and caste-consciousness, the rigidity and cruel mean-mindedness of the rural society and that precisely was the objective of the writer.

Datta (Vijaya in Hindi translation) is another favourite novel – light, romantic and yet serious. The characters are just so adorable. I suppose, the 1961 Telugu film Vagdanam by Acharya Atreya is loosely based on Datta.

Once I do my story on Sarat Chandra I would need your inputs too 🙂

Antara

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I had asked the same question to my mother and she had laughed and said, Sarat Chandra himself was once asked by someone “You have named the novel Charitraheen. But all the characters are charitravaan. So who is charitraheen?” Sarat Chandra had reportedly said, with all his characteristic sarcasm that the person who reads it is charitraheen! The aghast reader had asked what do you mean and the reply he got was, if you pick up a book with such a title, it doesnt show much about your character, does it!!! Ha ha! I don’t know if my mom was joking, but one thing I do know is that Sarat Chandra had a cryptic sense of humor which comes through in his novels and characters and I wouldn’t be surprised if he had actually said so. Vishnu Prabhakar’s biography of Sarat Chandra Awara Masiha (in Hindi) is one of the best biographies I have read.

When in the IXth std I wanted to read Charitraheen as I was deeply into Sarat Chandra then, my mother said no. I asked if it was a kind of novel that I shouldn’t read it at my age sort of thing. She said, its not that. You will not understand it now. I took her word and kept it away. I read it when I was in IXth though my mother had repeated what she had said earlier. After I read it, I realised she was right. When in college I read it again, this time it was clearer. The intensive discussions and debates I had with my parents over the characters were actually the eye-openers. The TV serial helped but it had very tacky production values. I remember the Abhaya-Srikanto serial which had Farouque Sheikh. There was another on Shesh Prashna.

Bengali literature provided enough reading material so I did not venture outside much. Subodh Ghosh (who is also among the most filmed authors – sample Ijaazat, Chitchor, Sujata, Ritwick Ghatak’s Ajantrik) – is also one of my favorite authors. But Sarat Chandra rules above all. I am feeling extremely encouraged by your comments and I am definitely going to write one on adaptation of Sarat Chandra in cinema. Let’s see when 🙂 Thanks for the mega boost!

Antara

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If this were happening with me, I know I’d be exasperated… but reading about it as an outsider, I enjoyed a lot. 😀 😀

‘The lion’s call it the sublime act of marking territory.’
LOL

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Another lovely read from you. 🙂

I am a stay at home mom. So I often tell stories to my kids. When they were little, I’d tell them stories I’d read or heard. As they grew older, we started having more interactions, I started narrating anecdote from my own life or my husband’s or someone else’s that I know. For the last few years we have been living outside the country. So the kids did not get to meet their cousins or other relatives. My story telling helped,cause when they did meet… all I had say was… ‘this is the uncle who did that.. remember?’ And they’d remember the story and relate to the stranger in front of them who I am introducing as an uncle or an aunt. My kids not just bond with me because of these mini sessions, it’s easy to explain Math, Social and science… when you have a funny anecdote related to the topic to tell.

When I were little, my grandmother never lived with us, but she did spend one summer at our house. I have fond memories of her telling us stories each night before or after dinner. The best ones were the ones told during the evening power cut or load shedding. Thanks for yet another trip down the memory lane. 🙂

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OMG! What a read.

“(if looks could kill I would have had as many obituaries as Mayawati has statues in her park!)” Ha ha ha ha ha… Hilarious!

🙂

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Antara,

I don’t know what to say to you about putting that comment as a post. If you think it’ll fit in, then please go ahead. I’d feel honored.

Coming to other authors, I have not read any other Bengali author. Maybe a stray story or two of Tagore. But no other. I had read Premchand and Mohan Rakesh. I remember feeling so depressed reading Premchand. He was all about realistic portrayals and situations. It was not about the characters but their station and unique situation in life. Jay Shankar Prasad’s characters were on the other hand, if I remember right… larger than life.

So Sarathchandra and Bimal Mitra were the only ones who made me empathize with their characters. I agree… one post will not suffice. 🙂 Looking forward to your well researched posts in future. 🙂

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Ha ha ha…

Do you know, when I took home the book Charitraheen from the library, the serial Shrikant and Charitraheen were already aired on TV… remember… Rama vij and Farooq Sheik Shrikant?

I had already read Shrikant by then unknown to amma. She saw me reading Charitraheen and looked surprised. Finally when I was done with the book, she asked me what I thought… I remember saying… Why on earth did he name the book Charitraheen (Characterless). There is so much character in his book as well as his characters, he should have named it “Full of character”. Amma laughed and said… probably cause there is no word for “full of character” and said silly charitraheen means shameless.

I was like … whatever.

Your comment about Satish made me remember this conversation.

God… I really do want to read the books now.

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Jyoti,

You did laugh off my earlier suggestion of turning your comment into an article. But don’t laugh this one off please. This kind of writeup deserves more prominence in the website. With your permission I would like to post this as an article – in the Opinion and Movies section. I can add more details to it and relevant videos – but its got to be your article. All I need is a brief author bio from you and a picture. Please don’t say no. A “reactor” cannot write like this or express with such lucidity… This is a lovely piece and I suppose you won’t mind if I claim it for a post, would you? 🙂

Now coming to Saratchandra and Bimal Mitra – two of my top authors. I have read Tagore and Sunil and others in Bengali literature and Tagore songs are an integral part of life, music and realisation. But when it comes to stories and novels – Saratchandra and Bimal Mitra are unsurpassed. I have seen my North Indian colleagues pick their Hindi translations from the office library and it made me very happy in a remote sort of way – because these stories and characters are just so familiar to me from my childhood, they are part of my being.

I haven’t been able to write a detailed article Saratchandra so far (citing time constraints is the most lame excuse but thats what I can think of) but it surely is one that I mean to do someday – probably more than 1 post because a singular post is not enough. But references to Saratchandra have crept into my writings each time I have dealt on literature in cinema or on portrayal of women in films. For example, Sarat Chandra was a master in creating powerful women characters and by interpreting his works, Hindi cinema got some notable examples of women playing roles of substance, rather than simply shedding tears, and singing songs as they do in a typical hero-dominated run-of-the-mill potboiller.

Or

To do justice to Sarat Chandra Chatterjee’s novels that are famous for their strong and bold female characters, Suchitra Sen was the first choice – be it the quiet dignity of Achala in Grihadaha or the bold confidence of Bijoya in Dutta and Paro in Devdas or the title roles of Kamallata in Kamal Lata or Rajlakshmi in Rajlakshmi Srikanto – her personality and magnetic screen presence gave an added dimension to these powerful literary characters.

As you have said eloquently, “Characters with flaws. Characters that had their imperfections celebrated by the author rather than brushed under the carpet.” I was once asked at by an interviewer at Penguin about my favorite male character of Saratchandra. I said, Satish of Charitraheen and Suresh of Grihadaha. The interviewer was surprised. “Not Srikant?” she asked, she had probably expected the staple answer. No, because the courage of Satish, the impulsiveness of Suresh, which is more human, more masculine, appeal to me more than the cold aloofness of Srikant, I said. She said, “Hmmmm” 😀

I agree with you Saratchandra has had the most lasting influence on cinema, among all Indian authors I guess. Some, as you rightly pointed out, adapted his works for movies and TV, others drew influences – Pyaasa being one of the biggest examples – an unmistakable influence of Devdas. I had once asked Sanjay Leela Bhansali at the IFFI on why he was making Devdas, which the today’s “yeh nahin to aur sahi” generation may not be able to identify with. He said, no such fear, anyone who is in love will empathise with Devdas. The appeal is universal.

Bimal Mitra similarly has been widely adapted in cinema. I remember the wonderful TV serial “Mujrim Hazir” which was Nutan’s swan song. Thank you for giving me more story ideas.

Please give me the go ahead for the article. And send your picture and author bio asap. 🙂

Best
Antara

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Saratchandra Chatterjee.

I had checked all your posts to see if there was one on him. Did I miss it? Now that you’ve mentioned his name… I cannot resist penning my thoughts about him.. somewhere, anywhere.

Saratchandra Chatterjee and Bimal Mitra… the two authors that taught me to appreciate and accept human foibles like none of the other authors did.

I never read the originals mind you. But then, I never realized Saratchandra or Bimal Mitra did not write in Hindi. Such were the stories, settings, characters. I had read the stories back to back, so pretty soon I could not distinguish between the plot of one story from another’s. Yet the plots had become irrelevant. The books were all about characters. Characters with flaws. Characters that had their imperfections celebrated by the author rather than brushed under the carpet. They had me wondering, why on earth would any author make the protagonist a lecher or a prostitute, or a megalomaniac. Now I know. These are the characters that have meat. Each character was fleshed out in words in such a way… they came alive and jumped out of the pages. They had me observing strangers around me to try and see if I could spot a character flaw. 😀 Were there other writers who may have done it before or after them… quite possibly. But I knew none of them.

From the movie point of view… Saratchandra is THE Indian author to hold the distinction of having the his works made into the most number of movies and serials. 40… and still counting. And these are the direct makes based on the original works. There may be more movies, serials that have taken inspiration from him indirectly.

Saratchandra Chatterjee, an author who ironically has one of his weaker works as the most celebrated of his works… that has been made into 16 movies.

It’s been 25years since I’ve read those books… or a little more. It’s time to get my hands on them once more and relive the moments.

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I would love to revisit this page and see it with added videos and songs. Hrishida had an penchant for good music. I cannot remember a single movie which does not have good songs. In some cases, the songs survived and became timeless even as the actors and the era featured in the movies were long gone and became mere memories.

In this day and age, where all good songs either feature the lead pair or is a redundant item song, Hrishida’s movies had one unique qualities. The best songs were not necessarily shot on the lead… but the other supporting characters making them equally important. Be it, Dheere dheere machal featured on Sharmila’s on-screen parents, or the Golmaal title song which had the hero’s friends sharing the screen space equally with him. With any other movie maker, the friends would be relegated to the backdrop.

If you could do include one of the two songs by Ashok Kumar from Ashirwaad… Rail gaadi, Rail gaadi and Naav chali, naani ki naav chali. Such songs with the unique nursery rhyme touch were never made again( I think).

Hrishida’s birth and death anniversaries are coming up. So you’ll have the perfect reason to repost this. 🙂 Looking forward to revisiting this page. 🙂

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“Your comment is so engaging, it should ideally be posted as an article in L&C, what say?”

LOL, What can I say? I am not as much a writer as much a reactor(I know there is no such noun to describe humans). But I find myself reacting to external stimulus. So my response was thanks to your post. Without it, as a stand alone piece, I doubt my comment would hold merit.

Thanks so much for reading and replying with equal fervor. 🙂 It feels good to know that your comment was read. 🙂

Regards,
Jyoti

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Hi Jyoti,

I have added the video you suggested with a few of my favourite lines. Thanks for sharing this!
Looking forward to more suggestions 🙂

Antara

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Well… I am glad the tiger tasted blood on Learning and Creativity, that the stories the tiger stumbled upon had “meat” and it made the tiger hunt for more! 😀 What can be a bigger prize than this for the “meat”!!!

I can only say, I agree 200% with everything you have said here – its like you are echoing the feelings and experiences I have had, much like what you wrote under the Geeta Dutt story. Talk about matching wavelengths!

Gulzar’s songs had been part of everything we did – sharing our song diaries in the school bus, arguing over the meaning of nasheman as the bus took a sharp turn and all of us slid to one side, but with no let up in the debates. Gulzar’s movies were part of growing up, of understanding the deeper realities. I had heard lots of stories from my mother on the political turbulence of the 70s in Calcutta and Mere Apne took me closer to that. I had read Sarat Chandra since I was in Vth and Khushboo made me visualize why Sarat Chandra’s women characters stand apart from all the rest in courage and conviction. I had read Jotugriho and watched the classic Tapan Sinha film which had Uttam Kumar and Arundhati in the lead. But Ijaazat made me see it in a new light. Mausam, Parichay, Koshish, Namkeen, Aandhi, Kitaab – I have watched these films over and over again to the point of memorizing the whole script.

I could not have expressed it better – I love the way you say “Gulzar felt like a breath of fresh air. The ease in the language coupled with the unparalleled imagery.” Absolutely! Following your comment, I have added a few favorite lines in the article. Gulzar’s poetry touches every corner of life. Tum pukar lo, tumhara intezaar hai or Woh shaam kuch ajeeb thhi – these songs are there still there in my diaries, the ink now smudged as I was in VIth std then and we used those bulky fountain pens.

Zindagi phoolon ki nahin, phoolon ki tarah mehki rahe (how true!) and Logon ke ghar mein rehta hoon, kab apna koi ghar hoga (the dream of every middle class person), Apni tanhai ka auron se na shikwa karna, tum akele hi nahin ho sabhi akele hain, yeh akela safar nahin guzra … each line is heartfelt, true and eternal. Sahir’s angst has his own place, Majrooh’s lyricism his own, Shailendra’s simplicity is remarkable, but Gulzar stands apart from all of them for consistently making his pen talk to the listener directly.

Your comment is so engaging, it should ideally be posted as an article in L&C, what say?
Thank you for all the encouragement you are giving me Jyoti. Keep them coming please!!!

Antara

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Jyoti,

First of all many thanks for making me revisit my articles. This article was one of the first posts in the Movies section I had done, barely 3 weeks into launching Learning and Creativity. At that point of time, we were all in a tearing hurry to load stories into the site to make it look populated and now when I relook at these early birds, I realise they have that woefully hurried look about them – the songs are missing, the stories behind those songs, those incredible shots and scenes… so much that should have been there isn’t. I will update these stories and I know I will thoroughly enjoy that journey again, and I just have to wait for the opportunity to squeeze it in between the other pressing jobs 🙂

I completely agree with you – one falls short of words when talking about Hrishida’s films. They were like Geeta Dutt, like Gulzar – DIRECT DIL SE! There are no frills, no gimmicks, no lavish sets and opulent spending. They had a STORY. They had CHARACTERS. They had POETRY. They had MUSIC. They had the tightest of SCRIPTS. And they had the crispest EDITING. And they had the most-heartrending PATHOS, they had the most side-splitting HUMOUR.

The stories of humanity, stories of real people, stories you can connect with makes Hrishida’s films an integral part of life. My first brush with the impact of cinema on my mind happened with watching Abhimaan on TV when I was in IIIrd Std. We were usually not allowed to watch serious films then, somehow by luck I got to see this. And it still is one of my all-time favorite movies. It is also one of the best movies to help someone notice and understand the finer nuances of the craft of filmmkaing – camera angles, editing, use of music… I can “ramble” on and on about Hrishida’s movies… there can never be enough to say.

I will try and update this article as soon as I can. Suggest me ideas/songs… would appreciate that greatly!

Thanks again for a lovely feedback!
Antara

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There is nothing any Hindi Movie goer can say about Hrishida’s movies that would suffice. Only director whose movies I have watched again and again… and after a few months of lapse they again seem fresh as ever.

Only other Indian director that I know that comes close is Jandhyala(Telugu).

Only thing to say to Hrishida is… _/\_ for giving us Khoobsoorat, Anand, Abhimaan, Anupama, Anuradha, Golmaal, Guddi, Bawarchi, Naram Garam, Mili, Musafir, Chupke Chupke… the list goes on.

_/\_

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There is a saying in Hindi… Khoon chakha sher baar baar laut ke aata hai. (Once a tiger tastes human blood, it keeps returning for more.)

After reading about Sanjeev Kumar and Geeta Dutt, I could not resist looking through your list of articles to see if you have written about any other of my favorites… Gulzar, Sahir, Jagjit, Hrishikesh Mukherjee…

I was not disappointed. 🙂

I have no recollection of when I fell in love with Gulzar’s works. I did not even know it was his work when I would pick songs from the mix bag of songs Chitrahar, Rangoli or from the movies aired on DD, Zee, Sony. It was only as a teenager that I connected the dots. My guess is after Maachis.

Then Marasim(Jagjit Singh’s album) followed. By this time I was already a die hard fan of Jagjit and was into reading Sahir and Majrooh’s works. I think I read Sahir’s non-filmy work for the sheer kick of reading something I knew none of my peers did. But Sahir’s work was so heavy… I had to constantly refer to dictionary and ask adults to explain. It felt like I was preparing for an exam.

By this time, thanks to amma, I had had an ample doze of Gulzar as a director with Sanjeev Kumar movies… Koshish, Angoor, Parichay, Mausam, Aandhi… and in Hrikesh Mukherjee movies as a lyricist. But I never made the lyricist connection. It was always a Sanjeev Kumar song or a Kishore Kumar song or a RD Burman song. It was even a Hrikesh Mukherjee movie song but never a Gulzar song.

Gulzar felt like a breath of fresh air. The ease in the language coupled with the unparalleled imagery. I was falling in love with words… his words. Then Zee TV struck the final blow. It aired Khamoshi. I think I was in 8th/9th std. I could not get over the movie. It clung to me like my own personal cloud moving with me wherever I went. With Khamoshi and Izaazat being aired on TV… for me Gulzar suddenly came out of fog like crepuscular rays. When I made the connection… I realized it was Gulzar all along. HM’s movies, RD music, KK’s voice… every song had Gulzar magic.

I would have to replay Nida Fazli’s ghazals and make a note of the words on paper or Listen to Sahir’s words multiple times to grasp. Gulzar’s words needed no effort. They would transude and ensconce in my mind like they were long lost puppies finding their way back home. And the imagery. Uff! I don’t think I even have words to describe his imagery. Gila gila paani, dekhi hai mehekti khooshbu, Neela aasmaan so gaya, paani mein jalta charaag…

Over time I made a point to read works of other poets. Internet made searching and reading easier. But my love for Gulzar’s words remained untainted with time.

Like my friend likes to say… He is GOD. And I agree. 🙂

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Thank you so very much Parag ji! I tried to contact you when researching the story as I wanted to include your quotes but could not reach you.

Your feedback is most encouraging. It was an enlightening experience for me writing this article on as you very aptly said, “the queen of Bhaav Gaayki”. I am grateful to the support I received from Priya. I could not include too many songs in one post so I embedded more songs under each of the wonderful pictures used in the article.

Thanks again for sharing this article with Geeta ji’s fans!

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Hi Jyoti,

You can submit your stories for publishing in Learning and Creativity anytime. We regularly receive a steady stream of submissions and publish the selected ones asap. Please browse the Short Stories section. You will find a cross section of authors. You can write on any kind of topic.
http://learningandcreativity.com/literature/stories/

Yes, kids can submit their stories. There is a special kids section where we publish creative writing by children, illustrating each story/essay with relevant pictures. Take a look at this one for example:
http://learningandcreativity.com/creative-writing-by-kids-missing-death-by-a-tigers-whisker/

The Anthology contest is closed for now. We are presently editing the stories that have been selected for the Anthology and soon they will go into production. Initially the Anthology will be published only in ebook format. Depending upon the response, we may bring out a print edition at a later date. We have not ruled out the print option but currently it is not in the offing. A second Anthology will be planned only after seeing the response the first one receives.

You are welcome to write for any of the sections you are interested in – stories, poems, musings, book reviews, movie reviews, opinion, literary criticism, articles on movies/art/music, travelogues. Or share your art, creative photography or travel photography for our albums.
We look forward to your creative contributions.
Best,
Antara

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“Kaaki pilla kaakiki muddu”

I don’t know the number of times I have heard this. You’ve translated that very common saying into a poignant story. But what brought a smile to my face before the poignancy set in… was the vivid description of the station scene. Living quite close to Rourkela, whenever I traveled by train, I had to cross Rourkela. Invariably the train reached the station in the morning. The Rouekela station, the fight over the side lower birth, the co-passengers who etch themselves in our memories for better or for worse… in the short span of time. So many dormant memories got stirred.

Thank you for this lovely read.

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Hi!

I had a few questions.

1. When is the next submission?
2. Can kids submit?
3. Where is the anthology published… just online or as a book too?

Regards,
Jyoti

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Antara, what a fabulous and “straight from the heart” tribute to the queen of Bhaav Gaayki (soulful singing). I will surely share the link of this wonderful article with her fans. Thank you so much for this tribute.

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Jyoti….. you have left me completely speechless!

Saying thanks will not be enough because this kind of comment is not just a note of appreciation, it is a journey in itself altogether.

Sometimes some of my friends and colleagues are not able to figure out why I revel in the old world of melodies, when the whole style of music has changed today… why I continue to thrive in the so-called oldies when sur, taan and laye ruled rather than track sounds of today…
I am at times not able to explain, rather I don’t even try hard enough. It gladdens me no end today to see my daughter growing up to appreciate and love all that makes me roam in a dream world of pure music – it takes me away from the daily stress.

Your note pretty much echoes what I have felt, experienced and cherished. Thank you for putting those very feelings in words which made me write this article and the others before… When I find my article connecting with music buffs like you who have the “ear” to appreciate the good, it makes me feel all the effort has been worthwhile 🙂 🙂

Geeta Dutt’s songs have as you rightly said “touched the soul”. Its incredible how one voice can bring in and express so much pathos, so much romance, so much maternal love and again so much sensuality… If you click on each of the pictures used in the article, each picture is a separate post with one of her stunning songs… There are so many of them, I could have added and added and added… “Tum jo huye mere humsafar” (http://learningandcreativity.com/geeta-dutt/geeta-dutt-8/), “ankhiyan bhool gayi hai sona” (where the way she pulls on the word “sonaaaaah” is simply awesome!), mujhko tum jo mile, ye jahaan mil gaya (Geeta Dutt and Hemant Kumar)…the list is endless.

I am glad I was able to introduce you to her Bengali songs – each one a real gem. Bengali songs have a special genre called the ‘Adhunik’ or non-film. Geeta Dutt has some absolutely mesmerising numbers there. Listen to this awesome romantic duet (Geeta Dutt and Hemant Kumar) here picturised on Uttam-Suchitra. http://learningandcreativity.com/14913/geeta-dutt-in-the-bengali-film-badhubharan-1967/ The video mercifully has some subtitles although I believe romantic songs are quite untranslatable 😛 This song was a runaway hit and still is played over and over again.

I loved the imagery you created of nodding at the laptop in agreement with my article. Awesome! I am smiling ear to ear as I write this, a mirror reflection of what you did sometime ago!!!!

Thanks again for putting in the best comment I have received!!!!! As Debasish da remarked after reading your comment “A true admirer’s story” 🙂

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OMG! Antara, you did it again. First Sanjeev Kumar and now Geeta Dutt. It feels like you are hand picking my favorites to spin magic tapestries of anecdotes laced with lilting music videos, which is fluttering with life of their own pulling me in each time I visit this site.

I love her voice. Period.

There never was another voice like hers. Not for me at least. I never learned music. So somehow I never really liked Lata’s voice as much.( I have been told by a few Lata fans that I do not appreciate her singing as I do not understand music. ) There are a few Lata favorites that I do enjoy…. but if there is one voice I enjoy no matter what genre of song it is… it’s Geeta Dutt’s. She had the magic to change moods, to touch souls.

And your write up… I have no words to say. I was smiling ear to ear reading it and connecting with every word you said. I may have been nodding my head agreeing with every word. (There’s no proof though. 😛 I should have made a selfie video… but I’d look silly smiling and nodding at my laptop 😛 )

I had not heard any of her Bangla songs until now… but have heard Tumi je amar, sung by a friend many years ago. I never bothered to ask who had sung the original. Today, listening to the goddess sing it… I just realized why that song had clicked all those years ago. Thanks so much for adding those links to the write up. I’ll be listening to all of them again… and again.

Last but not the least, please excuse my rambling. I guess I was beside myself reading and listening… so kind of rambled on in excitement.

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Really nice story Chandamita.. I have read your stories elsewhere too.. Your writings are appreaceable.. Hope to read more from you..Please post more of your creations.. 🙂

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Aryan seemed to be expanding his territory every day. Now the servant’s house too has become a part of his domain. He makes regular forays and brings back some booty, thereby adding to his collection.

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The search is on

It is AJ’s house, everything in it is his property. The pond is his playground. You are there because he simply adores you. Looking forward for more such stories about growing up of Aryan Junior

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Thanks so much Anup!

Yes, Sanjeev Kumar was one of the most versatile ‘actors’ to have played the male leads in Hindi films. Usually, Hindi film heroes are stuck in their so-called “image” and they are not able to crawl out of it, even if they wish. Fortunately, Sanjeev Kumar clearly stepped away from that trap and thus managed to attract the most challenging roles, the best directors and some of the best music as well (primarily because he could emote so well with the songs). As a result, he built up a repertoire of classic films and performances which I doubt if anyone can ever match.

Bahon mein chale aao is an ultimate romantic song with two of the most dignified actors playing it out and looking so cute and innocuous. Plus RD Burman’s phenomenal music makes it an all time favorite. 🙂

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Hi Sonal,

We have corrected your name’s spelling in the post. The error is regretted.

Best,
Learning and Creativity Desk

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Hello, My name is Sonal Agrawal. My story is selected there but there is mistake in my surname spelling. It is Agrawal not Aggarwal. Please change it.

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Rupali sarkhel desai

Oh! What a creative website ! Bubbling with ideas, literature , poetry etc. feels like I bumped into this small roadside not very popular restaurant but serving really gorgeous rich biryani. Will relish it over days to come. Only a bong could do this 😉

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Really very good description of the legendary actor of Indian cinema i.e SANJEEV KUMAR, My personal opinion about him is that he was an versatile actor in any character or role.I liked all the collection of song specially “bahon me chale aao….”

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Ramen Sir, just read your Article ‘Having His Way, Undisputed!’ about Aryan Junior . What a narration ! I got plunged in ocean of exotic English vocabulary. This has added to my collection of your articles.

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“The day does not have to be perfect in order for us to feel a sense of celebration.” Let us all go and enjoy our special day.

This is a wonderful thought! Thank you for the review. I look forward to more such reviews. I plan to read this book…

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You are right! All great actors and directors bring so many layers to a movie that one viewing is simply not enough! And that’s what make them classics.

Great movies are like great stories/novels. The more you read them the more you discover…

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Thanks for your lovely comment Jyoti.
I have watched the movies I have listed here endless times, the songs are there on my phone to listen to whenever, wherever… these films have been part of growing up, part of falling in love with the movies and music…
You are absolutely right in saying Sanjeev Kumar looks such a dear in Baahon mein chale aao – amused, a trifle embarassed, shy and quite flattered by all the attention he is getting from his charming companion – all at the same time!
Aandhi, Mausam, Parichay, Koshish, Anubhav, Anamika, Sholay, Grihapravesh, Shatranj Ke Khilari… I have watched these films so many times that I have simply lost count, Everytime I watch these performances, I find something new which I had missed in all the viewings earlier. That’s the magic of actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Jaya Bhaduri and of course filmmakers like Gulzar, Satyajit Ray, Yash Chopra…they add so many layers to their films that one view just isn’t enough… what say?

Thanks again for your comment. Its truly very encouraging!

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Hi Antara,

I have already mentioned that picking one movie from the list of Sanjeev Kumar movies as favorite is next to impossible. Going through each of the videos you’ve post, I just remembered how much I enjoyed watching his movies. Not to mention how damn cute he looked in Baahon mein Chale aa. 😀 Each of his characters were so perfect… it does not seem as though they are factious characters played by an actor.

Thanks for this write-up and allowing me to go on a trip down memory lane. 🙂

Jyoti

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Nice collection of the movies and describe the same. ‘Don’ is the one of my favorite movie in this collection and ‘Khaike pan banaras vala, khul jai band akal ka tala’ is my favorite song

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Re: Just then he heard a divine voice, the voice of Lord Vishnu himself. “Oh king, you need not be saddened or distressed. You worship me in this form itself. My incomplete self represents the state of mankind – its incompleteness.”

Beautiful recounting of the legend of Jagannath. Thanks for writing this story. Though I was aware of why the Jaghannath deity is unfinished, I always wondered why Lord Jagannath is prayed in this incomplete form.

Thanks for the explanation…

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Lovely choudhary

your welcome dear Antara…Anything for Asha Princess (MS. ASHA PAREKH)…..

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By the way Ramen, I think there was a hindi movie starring Saeed Jaffery as Lord Emsworth in a adaptation of Leave it to Psmith.
-Hari

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Dear Ramen,
In your Facebook post, You wrote you wanted comments on what you have written above. What can one comment on such a masterly exposition of opinion on Wodehouse.

You were the one who introduced me to Wodehouse way back in 1978-79. Guru’s Library had a collection only because of us! The language section above was most enjoyable for me because it brought back pleasant memories. Cuthbert the cat … was first discussed somewhere near the football field of OU. The sound of the distant sheep coughing was mentioned on the noisy maniroad to Guru’s. A discerning bird (not mine) would give many more examples like “you look like something sombody found under a flat stone”, etc. As much as it is a pleasure to read Wodehouse again and again, it is as much pleasure to keep reading eulogy of Wodehouse. Keep on at it.

Bye
Hari

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Gifford Dennison

The open ended story is not just a contemporary development in recent literature. Two examples that spring to mind are the story of Jonah in the Bible where questions are left to be answered by the reader, and Jesus’ parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 where we don’t find out what happens in the end of the story. The end is determined by the readers response. The style stimulates thoughtfulness.

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You are so wonderful Tanvi dear. These are such beautiful paintings. Especially love the second one… I wanna go live where the blue waterfall laughs 🙂

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How conveniently u have left out Rajesh khanna with mumtaaz and with sharmila tagore!!!

Your article in incomplete without mentioning the two hit jodi Rajesh khanna and Mumtaaz who gave 8 hit movies together !!
Record unbroken all the 8 movies mumtaaz did with kaka were hits !!
If u talk romance no one can beat THE GREAT RAJESH KHANNA !!!

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Thank you Mahendra for your comment and share.
We have added the link to Chitrangada DVD on Flipkart. It is not available on Amazon or Infibeam or other stores such as Homeshop or Snapdeal.

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Mahendra Soni

Thanks for the lovely writing.. we are posting it on our page too. One thing, taking down the you tube link. The DVD’s can be ordered online 🙂

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I understand there was a guy called Ramji Bangera who accompanied Shivaji during this escape. I want to know more about it. I. Which I can find name of Ramji Bangera

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Why is this young girl writing of murder? You have a long way to go and live…
The imagery is vivid but the whole thought of being murdered and betrayed is depressing. I look forward to reading inspiring and positive poems from teenagers who are experiencing their best phase of life

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Nice poem!!!

I really liked the title of the poem “Silver Smiles On My Lips” which itself sprinkles a lot of happiness and positive energy instantly.

Undoubtedly, the experience throughout the entire journey of the poem is wonderful.

Thanks.

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Amitabha Chattopadhyay

Wish to see many more creations from Payel Ganguly. I know she is capable of delivering many such in literary & creative work. She has god’s blessings with her to excel in many such creative fields….

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Wanted Actor/Actress/Assistant Directors (Fresher’s) for our next Bollywood film to be launched in August 2014. See the TRAILER of our upcoming Film “MAIN SHAHRAUK KHAN BANNER CHAHTA HOON”. OR go to youtube (Type films name in search) OR click the following link OR copy / paste the link. Send your profile, if you are interested to Email:sbfilmsproduction@gmail.com……Satyabrata Biswas, Producer & Director, 09820117180, Mumbai.

http://youtu.be/WyEc-ZijJcg

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Dear Ramen Sir, I have read your article ‘Mother’ in learningandcreativity.com. I felt it very very touching … Ur article reminded me of my mother for whom I was the best son in the world.. .she is no more with me in person since 22-Jun-1982. Yes I lost her around 32 yrs back when I was just 14. Just wanted to share my feelings with u..

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As usual well written in the short form of story writing. We all have a huge advantage of growing up in Hyderabad where we have seen life from such different angles than many others. Such stories just gets back the connect instantaneously. Keep writing as you have been blessed . How do we translate the gift of the gab into gift if the (devils writing spirit) . I meant that when you write it sure shows that you write as if you have been possessed by some good force either on earth itself or from above

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A beautiful description of everyday life of a common person. In the present day hustle-bustle we forget to take out time to stop and recall all these beautiful experiences.
It is refreshing to read them just as if we are experiencing them right in front of our eyes. A very good description.

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The films are discussed chronologically and classified according to their mood. Seems that the author has a very good study over the matter. I wish this type of discussions on the works of other legendary directors also.

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Excellent writing, quite informative. Its really a very good discussion on the lifelong works of Basu Chatterjee.

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Thank you so very much Irvind…. writing about these stalwarts is just so delightful, revisiting their films, their music and their passion for creativity gives me such joy and when that receives such wonderful support from you people, it really makes me feel the effort was all worth it.

Thanks again!
I would like your comments on the latest post on Basu Chatterji… Each rare picture used in the article opens in a separate page with one of the evergreen hit numbers from the same film… Please take a look
http://www.learningandcreativity.com/manzil-memories-rare-memorabilia-basu-chatterjis-films/

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Gulzar sahibji is a man who make anyone visualize the depth of relationship thru his lyrics.. as he writes muhje jaan na kaho meri jaan and on the other he writes musafir hoon yaaron and then he says roz roz daali daali..and khoi hota jisko apna ghaam…
Antara you have compiled it all so well…i like to read your illustrations again and again..

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It’s an initiative to promote aspiring authors, which is the main objective of our organization. So, right now we are not committing any payments or royalties to the contributors.

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It’s an initiative to promote aspiring authors, which is the main objective of our organization. So, right now we are not committing any payments or royalties to the contributors.

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lakshmi priyadarsini

Dear Malini
It is so great to see your story n poem
Welldone,excellent
Keep writing darling
Really very happy
All d best

Lakshmi mam

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My best favourite lyricist……. salam Gulzar Saáb….. humne dekhi hai in ankhon ki mehekti khushbu….only you can visualize and pen down like this Sir……

Among my favourite lyrics penned by Gulzar Sa’ab:

Mera kuchh saaman…tumhare paas para hai (Ijazat)

Aaj ki raat charagon ki lau uNchi karlo…..Ho sake to dil ki aaga jal mein bharlo……….Andhere mein jwalna hoga…Aaj akele chalna hoga (Khamoshi 1969)……

Kabhi chhote chhote shabnam ke qatre……..Dekhe to honge subah savere…..Ye nanhisi aNkhen jagi hai shab-bhar……Bahut kuchh hai dil mein, bas itna hai lab par…… from the song Kabhi pas baytho kisi phool ke pas….. ……Jahan pe sawera ho, basera wohi hai (Film: Basera) ….. Gulzar Saáb ka kalam, Pancham Da ka sur aur Lataji ki gayaki…. deadly combo

Surmayee sham is tarah aye…. Sans lete hai jis tarah saye (Lekin) /
Do naina aur ek kahani…..Thorasa badal, thorasa paani aur ek kahani (Masoom) /
Koi hota jisko apna gham…….. (Mere Apne)

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Much deserved award for the person who is really outstanding in his field. Antara thanks for sharing above full illustration.

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Malini dear very good to read your poem. read more books so that you can write more. very happy for you.

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Well done Malini! You have a flair for writing. Write about your imaginations, experiences and travels… write about the books you loved, the movies you enjoyed, about your school, friends and family. Keep writing more, express your thoughts in words. It’s great fun!
All the best!

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Thanks Siddhant writing this article. If I go back to my earlier years and even today in the morning I am looking for Newspaper with my cup of tea. Also this habit helps us keep a tab on day to day events. Specially reading editorial gives us views of important issues in the world and it helps to increase our vocabulary. Thanks again Siddhant!!

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A lovely description of a trip by a little creative kid…..!
The most important part is to note is, he has explained the trip in a simplify way and step by step that you will enjoy reading it …:))

First he talked about the season, the place of visiting,the mode and the number of family members going along with him after that he shared the experience part during the journey.

In the second step he talked about objective of visiting the place “admission test” and he concluded it with flying colors (cleared the test).

In the end he shared the climax of the trip the visit to historic place Lucknow where he visited many places but he was surprised to see the interesting place the “Imambara”.

This is really a great way of presenting and putting all things together…….:))

Keep doing the great things as is….as you have a good conceptualization and grasping power on a very early stage.

With love and blessings

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The search is on

All the songs are memorable but Seene mein jalan stands out. It was my father’s favorite number

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Nice quote, “Certain things catch your eye but purpose only those that capture the heart” and manage image is also good. Rose and hearts combination are great regarding the quote!!!

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Thank you Irvind… each of these posts are incredible journeys in themselves, as we revisit those songs and discover new meanings and nuances in the films and songs… we have loved these films and songs as kids but as adults they offer a completely new perspective… Delighted you loved them 🙂

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Very well written my friend.. I m proud of you.. the write up.., selection of songs.., all shows your sensitivity and sensibility towards our cinema..Duniya kare sawal and chalte chalte have been all time favourites..All the very best for your future endeavours..

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Thanks for this thought provoking article. You are right; we are “getting our perspectives muddled up” and we need to “control the childish Duryodhana in each one of us and encourage the childlike Krishna.”

How very true about a child following “the language of his heart.” This reminds me of an incident about 2 years ago when Antarip the 5 year old nephew of my wife came to visit us with his mother and father.

In the evening, my then 6 year old child Anshula took Antarip to play with her friends. They had a great time and effortlessly communicated with each other, even though Antarip did not understand Hindi (he lives in Kolkata) and Anshula’s friends did not know a word of Bengali. They were listening to the language of their hearts.

Our biggest challenge, as you have so rightly pointed out, is we forget to enjoy the moment. We are more concerned about what has happened in the past or may happen in the future. The other day at lunch time we were soaking the beautiful sunshine at the roof of our office building. It is springtime here in New Delhi.

Instead of enjoying the weather my colleague was complaining that it is getting so warm in March. The months of May and June will be very hot; we will have a difficult time in summer. In peak summer temperatures in New Delhi go up to 45 degree Celsius.
The other challenge of course is unlike a child we do not trust or accept things easily – most of the time we are Doubting Thomases. We surround ourselves with walls of “fear, mistrust, prejudice, doubt and selfishness.”

After reading your article I am consciously trying to be natural and childlike, and not curb my impulses.

I look forward to more such thought provoking posts of yours.

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Great little angel……………!

Important to note that apart from a talented poet she is a student and understands the value of time management as well….::))

Keep it up….!

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Thank you for showing your interest in L&C’s Short Story Contest.

Yes, we do agree with your point and would like to inform you that you are allowed to publish or sell your story elsewhere after 3 months from the date of publishing. We are also updating the same in our post.

The objective behind publishing the Anthology is to provide both aspiring and established writers to come together on a creative platform and make their works reach out to a larger audience. You would have noticed that Learning and Creativity already has a happening and interactive ‘Stories’ section where we regularly receive contributions from authors. The idea behind consolidating creative and imaginative writings into an Anthology is aimed at taking this initiative a level further.

We are happy to inform that the initiative is receiving interested queries from authors. We hope we have satisfactorily answered your query and we look forward to your participation in the Contest.

Please feel free to ask any further queries you may have.

Thanks!

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Thank you for showing your interest in L&C’s Short Story Contest.

Yes, we do agree with your point and would like to inform you that you are allowed to publish or sell your story elsewhere after 3 months from the date of publishing. We are also updating the same in our post.

The objective behind publishing the Anthology is to provide both aspiring and established writers to come together on a creative platform and make their works reach out to a larger audience. You would have noticed that Learning and Creativity already has a happening and interactive ‘Stories’ section where we regularly receive contributions from authors. The idea behind consolidating creative and imaginative writings into an Anthology is aimed at taking this initiative a level further.

We are happy to inform that the initiative is receiving interested queries from authors. We hope we have satisfactorily answered your query and we look forward to your participation in the Contest.

Please feel free to ask any further queries you may have.

Thanks!

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I would like more exact details about what rights L& C would be acquiring to my story if it were to be accepted. “You will not be allowed to submit or publish the story elsewhere” meeds to be qualified unless you are demanding all rights be signed over to you forever, which is unreasonable if you are not paying for it.

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I would like more exact details about what rights L& C would be acquiring to my story if it were to be accepted. “You will not be allowed to submit or publish the story elsewhere” meeds to be qualified unless you are demanding all rights be signed over to you forever, which is unreasonable if you are not paying for it.

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Archisha Bhatt

The first line of the poem just came to my mind and I wrote it down and then the subsequent lines fell in place.(it is just from my imagination, don`t take it seriously)

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Nice songs collection with actress Nanda.

I love the song: Kuch paa kar khona hai. Kuch kho kar paana hai. Jeevan ka matlab toh aana aur jaana hai. Do pal ke jeevan se. Ek umr churani hai. Zindagi aur kuch bhi nahin
Teri meri kahaani hai.

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She was engaged briefly to director Manmohan Desai but she could not marry him as he passed away after the engagement…

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Thank you Anup!
Majrooh speaks about life, its truths and its beauties… All of us can relate to his words, they are part of us

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Excellent collection of songs. All of the songs are really very good.Keep adding information.

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Nice thought!!!

Nothing is impossible!!! A man or women can do anything with the help of hard work and his positivity.

Do hardwork and get your dream!!!

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Truly quoted that “Time” is not measured by the passing of years.

It is the outcome of our efforts invested during the phase…..!!!

Greatly concluded that It is actually what one does, what one feels and what one achieves……….!!!

To value “Time” we must respect “it” and we should continuously analyzing our time & efforts/ actions spent for the future betterment.

As time spent on any act is actually is our major investment of life and analysis would guide us where we went wrong and so as we can correct the same.

Time is the major factor in everyone’s life and we must understand the value of time.

Thanks for nice sharing!!!

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Swadesh was my school mate at Jamshedpur’s R D Tata High School and we also lived nearby in Jamshedpur.We both dabbled in poetry for long till I moved out of Jamshedpur and came to Kolkata, then Calcutta. I lost touch with him and only around 2011, after my return from Europe, where I worked for long as a journalist and later as executive secretary to the World Peace Council, I found out Swadesh was still in the steel city and is a wellknown poet. I got in touch with Kaurab and also wrote to Swadesh that next time I am in Jamshedpur, I will look him up. Alas my wish remained unfulfilled. I can only convey my deep condolences to his bereaved family.

I recall with great sorrow what he once wrote to me:

Bandhura sajag theko raate
Amra ajashra dukhe dukhi jara,
Tara aachi sathe
Bajre Tali diye mora domaderi jayadhhyani gaabo
Tandra jadi ashe neme
Sararatri aranyer marmar shonabo,
Aye shanti aye, aye pran aye
Adiganta jibaner dakhhin dolay.

Sadhan Mukherjee
New Delhi

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Amitava, few nowadays outside of Bengal can read the Bengali script. To find the gems, they have to dive into the waters of the verses. If only someone like you translates the Bengali verses, a larger section of poetry aficionados can enjoy these not-so-well-known pearls.
So listen to Maitreyee and take the plunge into translation.

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All
You can all read a superlative article on Swadesh Sen and his poetry by none-other-than the maverick Aryanil Mukhopadhyay here : http://kaurab.tripod.com/kau41/kau41_swapna.html

Though this is in Bengali. So only friends who can read Bengali will be able to savour it.
This type of analyses are rare and this is what I meant by saying that I am ” ill-equipped to write in-depth discussions on literature”. Hope everyone enjoys reading it and finds the gems in the poet’s verses.

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lovely..Manya is very sweet n her paintings r also as sweet n beautiful like her.Luv u Baby

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Thanks Amitava for this wonderful tribute to Swadesh Sen! Had it not been for this article I might not have ever known about him.

Great point you made about Mr. Sen, “In a land where self-prophecy and media hawkishness is the cult of the day, Sen chose to remain away from the centre, chose to be aloof and hence undisturbed and unperturbed.”

Even in these times of “self-prophecy and media hawkishness” there are people who write because they love and enjoy writing, rather than write for name, fame and money. I believe Mr. Sen was one of them.

As Atanu has commented we do need to spread the word about the ‘lesser known’, ‘uncompromising’, ‘honest’ writers “to introduce this to the newer generations in their cup of tea…”

Though you might not be an “academic and ill-equipped to write in-depth discussions on literature” I feel its people like you (along with magazines like Kaurab) who can and do hold aloft the torch for the lesser known artists.

After all, as Henry van Dyke so aptly put, “The woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”

I look forward to more such enlightening write-ups of yours about the lesser known artists.

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Nice story Uday! At 19 you are already a good writer! Way to go man! Keep writing. I am sure with practice you will become a successful writer! I look forward to reading more stories of yours.

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Manya is a beautiful human being and an amazing artist. She has an ability to imagine, observe and present,most important for anyone to be creative.so proud of you my gal.

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The story was going so well. Why did you make such an abrupt and idiotic ending? Why would a man in his right senses take a murderer home?

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इशक़ ने इंसान को क्या क्या बना दिया किसी को रूबी किसी को कातिल बना दिया |
दो फूलों का बोझ न उठा सकती थी मुमताज और शाहजहां ने उस पर ताजमहल बना दिया।

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Way to go buddy… its been an interesting journey and a long way to go. All the very best in your upcoming ventures. Love you too. See you tomorrow.

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India is best new year’s and holiday spot who want to visit historical place and culture like Taj Mahal, Taksial, Jammu and Kashmir, Darjeeling. India Wildlife Tour is a most important tour for tourist because it is a biggest wild area in Rajasthan where we can explore different animals and birds .

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Excellent article Antara.. informative and sensitive.. nice reading on a scorching afternoon.
Great music has the power to obliterate surroundings at least for some time. Elevating and noble.

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Maitreyee and Atanu
Thanks for the liking. Kaurab magazine had been steadfast in their support of Mr. Sen. There wouldn’t have been a Swadesh Sen without Kaurab.
I am no academic and ill-equipped to write in-depth discussions on literature. The same reason why translation is a rather difficult task.
Btw. Aryanil Mukhopadhyay had done some translations of Sen’s work – I guess they are available in the Kaurab site
Best
Amitava

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Amitavada, may be few of you like people… deep, thoughtful, honest, transparent and truly modern … yet in your language, sitting in womb of “government organizations, in capitalist companies and foreign money-mongers” can start the informal practice of Swadesh Sen’s journey of “simple, minimalist rendition of the nothingness of life” to introduce this to the newer generations in their cup of tea to a certain extent.

This generation needs light of the writers with tagline ‘lesser known’, ‘uncompromising’, ‘honest’. Like Kamal Kumar Mazumder, like Jagadish Gupta, like Satinath Bhaduri… like Swadesh Sen… the list continues. This show must go on. We must be the readers of your thoughts (like this article) to enrich ourselves more…

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They faced crisis in a way we didn’t. They fought in a way we didn’t. But these women are closer to us in many ways than one… Every time you watch these films, you marvel at their courage, conviction and stoicism. Incredible women who keep inspiring us!
Great post Maitreyee!

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All these women have affected us, somewhere, somehow. And all of us have these traits hidden within, unknown…only to be discovered in critical times.

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Maitreyee… not Bhumika :). Bhumika is fictional recreation of the autobiography of the famous Hindi and Marathi screen actress Hansa Wadkar

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great importance of newspaper is mentioned it was quite good,i mean it was the best

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Nice collection of songs for the festival of colors from golden era to new age. Good description too.

(5)(3)

Oh what a lovely sharing…:))

You have wonderfully conveyed the pros & cons of watching TV.

I like the last four lines the most as it talks about the maturity level of Author’s father that he watches TV for fun and takes proper care of his eyes.

Though TV is an excellent educator and entertainer but it is also true that excess of everything is bad. If we consistently & continuously spend more than 4 hours per day watching TV we tend to gain weight. It has adverse affects for kids who view violent acts.

Hence true saying, prevention is better then cure.

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Truly quoted……..!!!

We get pleasure and inner satisfaction which we can’t even express in words that can only be felt when we try and achieve success in things which are easily not achievable.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful quote….!!!

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Most of the songs by Khayyam are still much loved by music lovers. A nice pack of songs which are deeply melodious. Nice presentation on Khayyam Sahib’s birthday.

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Beautiful rhymes….with lovely and creative meaning..!!!
Hats off to you……:))
Apart from the sweet poem, the important part is that it is from the little creative kid…
Keep sharing your creativity..

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Great post! Has some of my favorite all time Hindi songs!! Your comments about the songs has added another dimension to the songs I have loved for so long…

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Well said Neha! The challenge with us Indians is since we have so few heroes, we tend to latch on to whoever we can claim to be our own – irrespective of whether that person acknowledges his Indianness or not.

I guess with time – as more Indians become successful – we will overcome this syndrome!!

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Shobhana: Hey Thanks Shobhana. Made my day. 🙂

Madhu Ma’am: Thank you. Life is indeed beautiful, if we choose to make it so.

(0)(0)

Interesting review!!!

The collection of vocabulary you have chosen is just encouraging me to read the book………………..!

The best message which the author would like to convey through Kairavi or “Done With Men” is that we should not generalize and stay with the bad experiences we had come across through out our lifetime.

Life is a beautiful journey and in life we all have two choices, one is either be with the condition as they are, and choice two is to take responsibility and make a difference by taking challenges, keep smiling and also by making everyone smile….:))

God has given us one life and we should love and respect the beautiful creation of God.
So live life and spread love, Joy and peace.

(0)(0)

No one can describe this book better then this..the review is just perfect..way to go Neha, fan for life….

(0)(0)

Really admirable collection of all time actress Madhubala’s songs. Nothing to be added beyond these classics they are still the best. We are enjoying them….

(2)(1)

I agree with you The search is on. Colour is no match for the awe-inspiring light and darkness effect that black-and-white cinema can create… when in half light you have those low angle closeups, these actresses, especially Madhubala, Suchitra Sen, Waheeda Rehman and Meena Kumari look much more enchanting than what you can do with colour.

Black-and-white Mughal-e-Azam is a landmark of photography and of the beauty of cinema, while the colour one is a feather in the cap for advances in technology.

(1)(1)

The search is on

I might sound horribly old fashioned here but Mughal-e-Azam in black and white had a charm of its own…

(2)(1)

The search is on

Mesmerising and magical voice of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan in Prem jogan… transports you to a different world. Kishore Kumar’s voice in Ek ladki… always cheers us up

(2)(1)

Lipi Bhattacharya

Dear Neha, I must commend you for this work. It’s a very tempting review….indeed. I am quite allured to read the book.

(1)(0)

Although I didn’t read the book but after having a glance at the interview between dear Shomprakash Sinha Roy and L&C, I gained a lot of information about the stories he has written.

It was really a wonderful experience for me to go through the entire sets of questions and responses of both.

So it would be really a great pleasure to read the book.

All the very best for the upcoming book, “Life Served Hot”.

At the end I would just say that the last question asked by L&C and the advice suggested by dear Shomprakash Sinha Roy is a golden advice for the budding writers…….

Also the best part of the response is that we should always cross check whatever we do in every phase of life.

My good wishes to dear Shomprakash Sinha Roy, dear Pankaj Sharma & the main medium to bring and share the thoughts together the-“L&C”.

(4)(1)

The true architect and father of Modern India Economics. Its a pity that nobody remembers this greatest prime-minister of all times.

I have read all the controversial and banned books on-line or by downloading it, but unfortunately, I could not get this book.

(0)(0)

Satya Nadella has given up on his roots. He doesn’t hold Indian citizenship anymore, doesn’t boast of his Indian roots. Don’t understand why Indians are going crazy about him.

(3)(3)

Maitreyee
About Little mag, you can get in the net – wikis and otherwise. I can’t probably have enough articulation to describe the phenomenon. You have to experience it. 🙂
Yes may write on little mag exclusively at some time in the future.
Thanks Again
Amitava

(0)(0)

Would have liked to know a little bit more about the ‘Little magazines’ at the fair, the different houses that bring them, the reactions of the people to the magazines, what they cover, etc. Nevertheless brought through the nostalgia of the Kolkata book fair. Maybe an exclusive write up only on the ‘little mag’ next time?

(1)(0)

Wonderful lines…!!!

“I make her ring
my mobile screen
reads “Ma”, and
I disconnect
then connect
again, pause.”

Truly, mobiles have brought people closer. Even if it is only an impression, you still get the feeling that the person is around. She is not there, she is no longer there, but she is calling… Beautiful!

Keep sharing your nice thoughts.

(1)(0)

Excellent….!!!

Oh it is really heart touching lines……………:))

It is real old memories and treasures.

The best days and tears keep the remembrance forever…. We can’t get our best days back but dear tears and loving memories will make us live and smile on our face.

Looking forward for your next poem …………….!!!
Keep sharing……………………..

(0)(0)

Excellent!!!

The best part you shared about dear Unmukt which I liked the most is that he is very down to earth and a selfless person because in the book he has given thanks to all his friends and teammates who made his dream of taking the World Cup home come true.

You have also quoted about his coaches, mentors, parents and friends that motivated and inspired Unmukt to work hard.

We must remember that achieving or getting success is the out come of consistent hard work, sincerity, calm mind and above to all the code of conduct including ethics and values.

Great for reading and sharing your feedback about the book “The Sky Is The Limit: Unmukt Chand Is An Inspiration”.

All the very best to dear Unmukt future in India cricket.

And thanks to dear Siddhant for sharing the review.

Keep it up…………..!!!

(0)(0)

Excellent story which talks and teaches about doing things ……………..!!!

The mistakes and an act which you did in the past can’t be undo.
But friends the best thing is, we can learn from our mistakes we did in the past.

And the supreme power the “God” will forgive us as the “God” is like a ocean.

According to Voltaire quote “We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies it is the first law of nature.”

Thanks for sharing the story.

(0)(0)

Lovely poem! Captures the essence of this Ray classic. Tugs at the heart stings like the movie did…

(0)(0)

Apu is a tale of joy, a tale of dreams, a journey of trials and tears, of struggles and victories….
A beautiful poem Maitreyee, that finds the Apu within us…within all of us…

(0)(0)

It’s a lovely piece. A perfect tribute to an incredible artiste. Your style of writing, depth of knowledge and love for the icon are clearly reflected in the article.

(4)(2)

I really would like to convey my thanks to Ms.Monika Pant, the writer for sharing her personal experiences that she had faced during her dreadful journey.

It’s appreciable for L&C for being as an Interviewer.

An anecdote was inspiring and heart touching to me.

It really made me so aware and awakened that whenever I come across to any of my dear ones who will be undergoing such kind of life- changing experience, then the first thing that should come in to the mind is “Self belief” which really had worked very well in the journey of Ms.Monika Pant.

She has also shared the fact that apart from the “self belief” it could be many other healing factors. I agree with her sayings that “It gives support and courage to keep going when going gets tough”.

I agree with her sayings that when out of the blue you get to face with any unknown fight with any of the unrelieved syndrome, and then you become unaware & unconscious.

You are alone with the exclamation sign (!).
And in actuality, it is “YOU” who faces the dreaded challenges.

Out of the whole interview, I was really inspired by the L&C’s second last question regarding the It is said, “one death is a tragedy. A million, a statistic.”

And it was very well answered by Ms.Pant that disasters on a bigger scale never become a statistic for someone who has gone through a life challenging experience.

She has also shared that “Echoes from the Vortex” had been written by her when she was undergoing the real journey. She typed each text out and in each process she relived each moment.

To conclude I learned from the above experiences that one should never give up in any of the dreaded circumstances and must have the patience and self-belief.

Thanks and great regards to Ms.Monika Pant

(0)(0)

Thanks for this excellent interview! I completely agree with the point made by Monika Pant, “…I considered my personal sorrow to be a mere statistic in the face of a greater devastation sweeping across the world.”

If only more of us thought this way! Most of our sorrows would vanish into thin air and the world would be a much better place to live in!

(0)(0)

Touching and emotional story…!!!

It is really immaterial what you wear, the important point is you must understand the worth of it…:))

Above materialist approach or show business, the feeling of togetherness is the ultimate asset for your dear ones.

We can’t buy love and affection as it is priceless, hence we should try to be humble and caring for all.

Thanks for sharing the ultimate story… 🙂

(3)(0)

Absolutely…………..:))

You should give a deep thought before choosing or taking any decision….
Sometime decision without giving a thought can be hasty one!

However think before you act……………!

Thanks for sharing a positive quote.

(0)(0)

Anandi Bhattacharya

My father has always lived up to my expectations and knows how to make everyone smile!(especially me). May God bless him!!

(1)(0)

Debasish Bhattacharya

Waste is no more wasted

A trip to Chandigarh has enlightened me on how creative minds can convert wastes into aesthetic creations. Nekchand’s Rock Garden rocked me from the bottom. I wish every future citizen of India must visit the Rock Garden of Chandigarh where they will learn how to make best out of waste while enjoying the ambiance of the garden.

Broken tiles, glass bangles, building debris and the likes…..all things to throw away, have been put together with a creative twist and exhibited all around, form integral part of Nekchand’s creative world………the Rock Garden.

(1)(0)

Wonderful Wonderful Wonderful Mr. Rajpoot…!!! keep shooting, not with the gun but with the Camera…God bless you!!!

(0)(0)

Great quote!!!

“What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve”.
~ Napolean Hill

If we have the ability to retain, analyze and share our thoughts then achieving success adds the great flavor in life.

And to add with the same we have the wonderful things to do in one given life.
So preferably, we should utilize the people’s intellectualism by sharing thoughts and visionary ideas.

Secondly, we should try to mentor each other instead of wasting our valuable time in discussing immaterial things.

Thanks for sharing the beautiful quote………!!!

(0)(0)

ashok kumar sabharwal

very good art shown by nimish dhawan. we pray for his life and also like its creations and wish he success in his life and keep up its creations.

(0)(0)

Great sharing !!!

The 15 Not-so-Known Christmas Facts are really very informative for us.

I was not even aware of the fact number two which talks about three main colors red, green & gold associated with Christmas….!

Thanks & Merry Christmas

(0)(0)

Rightly quoted ….!!!

Yes……..:)) Christmas or any happy moments should not be just for a day,

It should be alive in our heart and soul for ever….as all happy moments keep us away from all ailments………!!!

Enjoy Merry Christmas………:))

(0)(0)

Sasim Kumar Barai

Pratapeshwar temple at Ambika Kalna is temple complex Bengal Terracotta artworks with almost no parallel of this kind. Raja Pratap Chandra built this “Rekh-Deul” style of temple structure in 1849. The artists of Bengal depicted various kinds of Hindu epics, mythological life of Sree Chaitanna, Ravan, Durga, Abhiggan Shakuntala and day to day features of 18th century of Bengal. It has cosmic type arts as the artists have used the form of dragon like the Chinese and used multimedia -terracotta and pankha. It is simply magnificent. Adjacent to it there is another temple complex-108 Shiva Temple which were built in 1809.In Burdwan District there are many such unparalleled terracotta temples.

(0)(0)

Thanks a lot ma’am!! Your kind words of appreciation has motivated me!! It’s a desire of every writer to receive critics and I welcome that whole heartedly. Thank you again for taking interest in going through my poem .. 🙂

(1)(0)

Awesome and lovely prayer shared!!!

I am really touched by the second last stanza of the prayer….
“So, empower us,
Awaken our weary spirits
So that we can come out
Of our not-so-deep wells.
When situations torment us,
Please widen our visions
To be able to see through
The bright side”.

Wonderful way of expressing the optimistic approach and to move forward in life …………….!!!

(3)(0)

Yes!!!

The whole zest of learning is between something ………………………………..to….everything!!!

Life will be perfect when we do things with passionate approach.

So dear friends learning is the lifetime & endless process……………….keep on learning.

Thanks for sharing beautiful quote.

(0)(0)

It is perfect and true saying…………….!!!

But we all need to first recognize our weakness and try our level best to convert it in strength to make our life beautiful and pleasant.

Please remember to weakness is one of the part of our behavioral pattern which will go with time.

So don’t be dishearten yourself………………………………….:))

Thanks for sharing.

(0)(0)

Wonderful picture absolutely covered by with blanket of ice…))

It is really amazing to view the natural beauty on earth!!!

Thanks for sharing……….the nice nature moods.

(0)(0)

An amazing story and so very well written! The command over the language, the narrative construction, the choice of expressions and words,,,all speak of a brilliant writer in the making. Your story is very tightly edited with no loose ends. You have a natural talent and a spontaneous way with words.
Keep writing more Archisha!!! We’re all loving your stories 🙂

(0)(0)

Dear Anuj,

Nice drawing……..!!!

Looking forward to your more piece of creations…..:))

Keep it up.

(1)(1)

Really fun watching the festive craft ideas………………………………………………………………………………!!!

Absolutely!!! Kids really love snowmen and they don’t wait for a snowy day to have some wintertime fun.

The best part I like the most is, all the required decorative items like pair of socks, scissors, needle, cotton and rice etc are easily available and you don’t need to go to market and spend money on the same.

After seeing the video I am so excited to create a snowman for gifting to dear ones…..::))

Thanks for sharing nice idea.

(0)(0)

Nice creative tutorial video shared ……..It is really fun watching and learning……!!!

I will try and spread the joys and good wishes to my dear ones…………………:))

Looking forward to the more creative videos.

(0)(0)

Wonderful………!!!

Wow great ideas shared for gifting….

A bean bag in green or a maple wall clock in red is good idea for gifting
It is really useful gift….

.Keep sharing………………………..!

(0)(0)

A really nice story! It was full of imagination and I liked to read it. I am looking forward to read more stories by you.

(2)(0)

Very well said, the “meaning of things lies not in things themselves, but in our attitude towards them” which totally depends on our approach and “behavior pattern”.

The way we think and how we take that thinking to the next level, that is important and integral part. If we allow our thoughts to move positively, half of the work is almost done.

However, if we think how the task will be completed as it seems to be tough we can’t even think of starting and completing the same.

So please remember, our thoughts should be clear and positive.

Thanks for sharing the positive quote…!!!

(0)(0)

Beautiful saying about life in three words, It goes on………………………………………………………….!!!

Life is in really a beautiful journey and we must love and respect the beautiful creation of the God.

Thanks for sharing the wonderful quote.

(1)(0)

Wonderful story shared by a little girl……….:))

In the story I like the love, emotions & possessiveness of Rebel towards Sarangi. .

The best moment was when Rebel saw Sarangi standing after a long break, it was a superb moment for both of them.

It was a happy-ending……………..:)))

Keep sharing your brilliant writing skills……………….!!!

(1)(0)

Absolutely!!!

Wisdom, Benevolence & Courage are the characteristics are of true leaders and they have the inborn quality of true leaderships.

If you want to achieve excellence and success, then you must get an hold on all the above qualities.

Thanks for sharing the brilliant quote.

(0)(0)

Yes!!!

I strongly support the above quote.

If you are dreaming good things undoubtedly positive thoughts persists in your subconscious mind.

You would like to turn your dream into reality, it takes more effort than just waiting and hoping..for the best …. !!!

So be positive and keep doing the best from your side the result will come with its own pace.

Keep dreaming and keep doing the good things.

(0)(0)

Dear Uday,

Excellent and Interesting article written by you.

You have shared all the good habits of your friends with the proper scheduling of your daily routine.

Keep on sharing your creative thoughts & knowledge.

With love & Blessings

(1)(0)

an overwhelming piece clearly written right from the core of heart… short but deeply touching … it tells us what soul mates are, how even after death they complete each other…

(0)(0)

Hi Unmukt,

After going through the above text I would also feel like to follow your footsteps.
This is really great that even after so much hardwork on the field you have been very good in studies.

I wish you good luck for your book to be published on 30th November 2013.

Thanks and regards,

Siddhant Verma
Std VIII, St Francis School, Ghaziabad

(4)(1)

Loved the review / interview of Maitreyee’s book. But then, Maitreyee writes beautifully. But here, I really liked your intro to the review. Liked the way you framed the questions, loved the poetry in the words of the reviewer.

(4)(0)

we all have experienced these interludes – of confusion, panic, anxiety, chaos, agony…or ecstasy, anticipation and exhilaration …they are fleeting yet their impact is immensely powerful… sometimes they are the turning points of life

(2)(0)

Krishna Kumar Dhandhania

Though I have been to Benaras quite some time ago yet I have a craving for visiting the place again and spending some time there..In that visit I had gone to Kashi Vishwanath temple and visited one or two ghats but did not take a dip in Ganga as it was a winter month…

This time I want to stay for a while and ‘live’ Banaras and bring its flavour back home..A city said to be the oldest living city in the world having an age of 5000 years must carry its past with it as without its pillars of the past it could not have sustained the onslaught of modernity…Its stone craft, its copper craft and magical weaving of zari and silken sarees must be experienced in person…

I know of atleast one lady in our extended family who decided to live her last few years in kashi as there is a strong belief that a person dying in Kashi gets salvation..I dont buy books any more as maintaining them is a hard task these days with inadequate staff and the age telling upon us but if my children agree to take over my books and agree to adding to them I shall buy old and rare books from Banaras which are still available there…

Benaras is an ancient but continuing centre for preserving our culture, literature, art and music, crafts and carvings and some exceptional culinary skills…

But these cant be obtained at five stars hotels..One has to wander along the narrow lanes of Kashi keeping one’s eyes open… AND GHATS!!!! THEY ARE JUST MESMERISING…

(3)(0)

Nice one..You have got great sense of humor and what i like the most is, how you connect a situation with the lyrics.All the best for Good bad and ugly.

(0)(0)

A ship coming back to port with birds flying in the sky. Very nice and keep up the good work.

(0)(0)

A beautiful painting drawn by a very small child. Good detailing and great uses of colors.

(0)(0)

kabir Dholpuria

I Like The Review. it beautifully reflects story and set up of movie.I like to watch the movie second time

(0)(1)

Lovely work Abeer Mathur. Keep it up , you will surely go a long way. Lots of love and best wishes.Gunjan Mausi

(0)(0)

Abeer is a really talented artist. At such a young age he really understands the use of crayons so well which can be seen in his drawings. Well done Abeer. Proud of u!!!

(0)(0)

Manna Dey will be remembered for his melodies that will continue to delight the music lovers for ages to come.
It will almost be difficult to fill the void left by him.
RIP…

(2)(2)

This is great loss to Indian Music industry. True one of the Great singers has left us.

There are some great songs which I usually hum in my past time like Pyar hua ikaraar hua of Shri 420.He is one of singer who sings every song and immortalised songs like Laaga chunri mein daag chhupaaun kaise” (Dil Hi To Hai) based on Raag Bhairavi, or the hidden pathos in “Poochho na kaise maine raain bitai” (Meri Surat Teri Aankhen) based on Raag Ahir Bhairav or Pinjre wali muniya ( (Teesri Kasam)) or Na toh kaarvan ki talaash hei, na toh humsafar ki talaash hei (Barasat ki raat), which is the greatest qawwali of Hindi film music. Manna Dey is effervescent. This is great loss to Indian music.

(5)(3)

It is an irrecoverable loss for the film industry and the world of Indian music.
Manna Dey has contributed his golden voice to many films.
The best song of Manna Dey’s I like most is ‘Kasme vaade pyar wafa…’ of the film Upkaar………………!!!
May his soul rest in peace.

(4)(2)

Today is a sad day for all music lovers… Manna Dey’s passing away brings down the curtains on the great male voices of the Golden Era of Indian music…

(4)(2)

This review is much appreciated by me…Just because its draw my attention towards the place where i watched with my college friends. During my engineering college days i watched this movie with my friends and as per the review written by writer its very close to real script of movie.

Thanks Sushil…..Keep Posting…

(3)(0)

What a gist of the movie…would force any one to watch it again!!! I agree wit you bhabhi….zindagi (read moment) fir mile na mile.. So live it to the fullest !!!
I did not know ur a Jackie Shroff fan !!!

(1)(0)

When a girl says “what”, Its not because she didn’t hear you. She is giving you chance to change what you said.

But “Life” is just opposite. Means “Life” never give second chance. So dears joy the life with full pleasure because “Zindgi Milegi Na Dubara”.

Thank you so much to Author for written a review for this movie and Reminded the all zindgi milegi na bubara.

(0)(0)

Amazing movie. Reviewer has in depth knowledge about the movie. We are always hopeful that Indian cinema will give us such type of films in the future also.

(1)(0)

Very creative post by a child! Reminds me of my childhood when I had gone to Nehru Planetarium with my mother.

I too wish I could see some friendly aliens…

(16)(10)

Re: Dil ko buddhu bana ke rakho……

It’s more than dil ko buddhu banana :). As scientists would tell us we only use 10% of our brain consciously.

In other words we are NOT using 90% of our mind consciously, i.e. our sub-conscience/intuition/sixth sense or whatever you want to call it is far more powerful than our conscious thoughts. Unfortunately, most of the time we tend to ignore our sub-conscious thoughts…

As Benjamin Spock the famous American pediatrician and author of ‘Baby and Child Care‘, one of the biggest best-sellers of all time said, “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”

By telling “all is well” we are telling our sub-conscious mind everything is fine. And as you have said yourself, “this really gives us inner power to fight with the bad situation we are going through.”

Reason:
The much more powerful sub-conscious mind tells our conscious mind “all is well.” This creates a feeling of security which gives energy to face the situation at hand, keep fighting and finally winning!

After all – jo jeeta woh sikander!!

(8)(4)

As so many people have commented, this is a good review – especially considering this is your first attempt at writing a movie review! Direct dil se!

Keep up the good work Sushil! I look forward to many more movie reviews from you…

(1)(0)

zindagi dubara miley na miley…
pata nahin..
gar pata ho ki ek fir se milegi…
to isi khushi ka jashn manaane is zindagi ko jee len zara

(2)(0)

seema srivastava

i strongly agree with Madhu, that is true our fears n doubts does not allow us to go ahead sometimes bcoz of social, economical, physical causes. Evn tho we should live our life to fullest n enjoy it as we get it once.

(2)(0)

Awesome Movie

A great reveiw by Sushil & unforgatable great movie… ALL IS WELL. Keep it up

(0)(0)

Awesome review!!! with nice lines…Great Work!!!

Really all izz well line is picked up great feelings for all of us.

(3)(0)

“Our fears and doubts, our inhibitions and prejudices that restrict us from enjoying life in its full measure turn out to be the ones that give us the utmost pleasure in the end. It depends on how we take the challenge head-on and fight our fear.”

Very good point! You have hit the nail on the head!! Life’s about taking challenges and facing our fears rather than running away from them!

As the ad for the soft drink goes – Darr ke age jeet hai!

Short and to the point review! I must confess though that I have not seen the movie yet, but reading your review I certainly plan to view it…

(2)(0)

When someone writes a film review for the first time…it is always a great attempt…especially so when the whole effort is for participating in a contest…the competitive spirit is worth appreciating!

(4)(1)

A little champ Uday has expressed his wonderful dream about The Red Fort.

He is not only talking about color & size of The Red Fort but also the revenue model and people appreciating the Blue Red Fort.

He has also included Independence Day’s decoration with descriptions about the proud moon shining with the stars in the sky.

Keep on dreaming and expressing your creative imagination.
I am sure one day you will surely achieve success of your own choice with your creative expressions.

(1)(0)

Thanks bringing such a wonderful page for celebrating 100 Years of Indian Cinema.The collection of movies are so good and many are my favorites.If we visit them so many movies are coming to my mind. My favorites are Do Aankhen Barah Haath,Guide, Sholay,Anand,Deewar, Chupke Chupke,Madhumati, Kagaz ke Phool,Awara, 3Idiots.My Personal favorites are Do Aankhen Barah Haath, Guide,Anand,Sholay and 3Idiots.I am again giving my heartfelt thanks for celebrating our 100 Years Indian Cinema

(2)(0)

Vaibhav Srivastava

awesome movie n superb review by Sushil… please keep posting your thoughts/review on movies,

(1)(0)

Lipi Bhattacharya

An expression of depth in thought. When one is possessed by life, there is no necessity to be free because this possession is acceptance, this possession is passion. With such a devoted feeling towards life, we are at the core of ourselves…..that core which is untouched by the superficial…….

(2)(0)

According to my point of this izz a very nice movie and may be watching this movie 50 times or more. All concept which izz defined by u, are very good, the all lines to heart touches.

And use very good way to represent your feelings with social message.. I like it. And the word all is well “all izz well” izz represent to confidence…

Your review have much depth…Well Done!!!!

(5)(2)

abhishek srivastava

Excellent job done sushil…keep it up…
One thing i would like to mention here as u said “All is well”…this really gives us inner power to fight with the bad situation we are going through. Dil ko buddhu bana ke rakho……
Nice concept ……

(7)(5)

@Lovely Choudhary, Thanks for mentioning the film. Was wondering which film this is because I had never heard that Uttam Kumar had worked with Asha Parekh for a film.

(0)(0)

Cute rhymes!!!
Beautifully expressed the imagination in words by a cute child.
I also wish If I were a bird I would also sing and chirp…………..:))
Keep sharing your cute imaginations………..!!!

(10)(5)

Nice poem!!! But the joy of the silent fall….journey of my own, carrying luggage is the “soul” only..! Really the Silent Fall, the calm & the cool.

(0)(0)

Awesome thesis by u on 3 Idiots movie, all movies theme describe in few lines, u choose great way to describe your thoughts…I also appreciate u for this..

Keep it up!!! Use same thoughts on different things!!!

(9)(8)

Lipi Bhattacharya

Beautiful…..the underlying words mean a lot to me…..the learning in failure in addition to enjoying the fall (if I may consider the essence in that sense) evokes a wisdom that can be shared only by person(s) who has experienced it!!

(2)(0)

The whole concept of the film is unique which has been described in detail by you

I agree with you 3 Idiots a Great movie to watch. It is the question to every schools & college about the education system. I loved watching the Class room scene when Amair gets out and come back. The last Delivery scene. Every frame has it own identity. At last Great movie to watch and think.

You have reminded the whole movie for all of us…Thanks

(12)(8)

Greatly & truly quoted the review about “3 Idiots” !!!

The whole concept of the film is unique which has been described in detail by you.

I agree by you about the movie which conveys a humorous & jovial script of Chatur when he delivers the speech in Hindi.I really like that part much as it was the real enjoyment and paisa vasool.

Keep adding the interesting reviews……….!!! You have reminded the whole movie for all of us…

(12)(9)

Lovely poem! This has given a new perspective to my life. Thank you!

Thinkers have said that the joy is in the journey and not the destination. What I had understood from this was joy is in succeeding and not falling in your endeavors – an essential part of life.

However, your poem made me realize that there is joy in falling too – we just need to enjoy the fall – like the birds do!

(0)(0)

All movies are very good!!!

But in the case of choose only one movie in this case i choose only 3 idiots…because 3 Idiots is not just a story of 3 engineering students; it is story of every being that takes birth on this planet. The movie also presents the struggles of life that people have to face in their lives.

I like 3 Idiots movie so much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(2)(0)

zindagi na milegi dobara (You Don’t Get to Live Life Twice) directed by Zoya Akhtar and story written by Farhan Akhtar.
As the title itself talks about that Bhagwaan ne hamain ek baar yeh pyarii se zindgi tohfey mein de hai aur ham sab koh har pal jina chahiyie!!!

The movie is “Excellent and Matchless” as it is really “Motivational & Inspiring”.
We all watch movies for entertainment,enjoyment and relaxation purposes.
But above all the main cause of visiting cinema is not only relaxing or entertaining our-self but also.It is for some time diverting our mind and making us away from all worries.

Plus the best part of the movie is, Aap jis cheez se sabse jaadaa darte hain aakhir mein apko sabse jaadaa maza usi mein aata hain whether it is anything in life…..!!!

So dear friends if you have missed the chance to watch “zindagi na milegi dobara” so please watch and enjoy the every minute of your life.

(2)(0)

One of the best books I have read. Khaled Hosseini is a fabulous story-teller. This book beautifully depicts the courage and strength of two women trapped in horrible conditions and hard times.

(0)(0)

Such a lovely, romantic poem. Love the lines- “Few words on the moon
Silence for a thought, Laugh merging with the sound of the river…”

(0)(0)

Such a beautiful, heart-touching story. The last line is thought provoking – “It is said, that the credit for someone’s good deed should never be taken away from the person… And today, By GOD’S DISGRACE, he took the pains of somebody into the glory of HIS.”

(0)(0)

Yes, @Suhita, it is a tough choice. We have created a broad range of the most remarkable and trendsetting films for our first ever poll, picking the outstanding cinematic works from almost all regions of India that have vibrant film industry.
Coming up after this poll closes will be genre-based polls and Weekly Specials. We are sure those are going to keep movie buffs engaged and active on the site.
Watch this space and don’t forget to send in your movie review for the contest!

(2)(0)

Had a really tough time choosing just one film that impressed me the most when the options are so amazing. Wish the choice was on genre basis. I vote for a satire. It made me laugh, think and be amazed all at once.

(1)(0)

A Thousand Splendid Suns..is a must read…!!!!! A sensitive story but is written with all the maturity..This book will take you to a different world all together…

(1)(0)

Aha..! It’s pleasure to see this piece of art. I have an exact copy of this drawing. It was given to me by one of my cute student. God bless the artist..

(1)(0)

Lovely song!!!

‘Ek Pyaar Ka Naghma’ has the beautiful wordings……………..!

Song has created the bonding….and when you face any problem it talks about that it is a temporary phase and soon you will come out of it.

Finally the motivates you over all.

It is right sayings that “Old is Gold”.

“तूफ़ान तो आना है, आ कर चले जाना हैं
बादल हैं ये कुछ पल का, छा कर ढल जाना हैं
परछईयाँ रह जाती, रह जाती निशानी हैं”

Thanks

(1)(1)

Great poem Bhanavi! Love your sign-off line, “For if I believe, I know it shall be!”

I feel our greatest problem as we grow older, we start losing faith in our beliefs. Keep believing and I am sure one day you will find your utopia! As Henry Ford so famously said, “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

Keep writing! I look forward to reading more poems and musings of yours!

(4)(0)

The best poem!!!

Tears are valuable assets and you should try to keep it safely.
Tears are not meant for sorrow only it appears at the times of extreme and utter happiness.
But tears are the best counselors and it made us realize that our actions were not in a right direction.

The wise thing is once you realize that you made a mistake and accept or agree to your act.
Your half of the problem gets resolved and you try to that you shouldn’t tend to repeat the same act.

Means you start renovation for getting the things better for future course of time.

Keep smiling…..:))

(0)(0)

Very truly quoted!!!

Heart touching lines.

Please don’t generalize my sayings.

Now a days everyone is moving in a endless race where wishes or desires have no end to it.

No one has the time to listen other’s pain and if by chance if someone shares his /her pains then we listen and afterwords either we tend to forget or ignore the same at that very moment.

We need to understand one thing that the more we love and care for others, you do get the reward which is intangible. And on the above we get the utmost satisfaction which you can’t express in words.

You can only feel about it……………….!!!

.Thanks for sharing..

(0)(0)

Not an avid reader..but this is one of the very few books I have read..
Loved every bit of it..and no doubt Y it has been a best seller for such a long duration of time..
Inspires you to keep on exploring and never give up..
For me its very important to learn something from everything I read and this book did serve its purpose !
Highly recommended..

(2)(0)

Thank you Anup! These songs are eternal…the rendition, the composition, the feeling, the emotions, the thoughts behind the true-to-heart lyrics… they speak the story of countless human beings who go through such situations in life…this is why their universal appeal will never die.

Will add more songs to this collection!
Thanks again!

(2)(0)

Very well described information on Lataji and excellent collection of melodious songs. One can never get bored while listening to these tracks. Really amazing collection of old melodies which are really close to our heart.

Waiting for more songs to be added to this old melodies section of Lata Mangeshkar.

(2)(0)

I agree by the quote of Jeremy Golher,” “A man may as well expect to grow stronger by always eating as wiser by always reading.

Reading habit is important for a human being as like as brushing your teeth daily in the morning…..:)).

Moreover reading books helps all of us in -depth and thorough knowledge!!!

Hence I prefer to read books rather surfing the net.

Thanks for the nice advise and sharing nice article…….

.

(3)(1)

Your travelogue is so beautiful! I enjoyed reading every word. You are so smart and beautiful – definitely taking after both your mother and father, yet still very much your own sweet, genuine individual. I hope and pray you continue to write your thoughts in your journal or diary. Someday, years from now, you will read your words again and relive in your mind the very essence of your travels. I hope I can someday visit these beautiful places you have mentioned. Maybe you can be my tour guide!

(2)(1)

I agree with you. This book has its contribution in shaping my success as well as it motivated me to chase my dream and desires.
I recommend this book to everybody, reader or non-reader..

(2)(0)

The Alchemist is indeed a great book that has a life enhancing effect. Its practicality in every era is the reason that it is admired by every generation and I hope it will continue to inspire people to chase their dreams for ages to come.

(4)(0)

Very good & simple way of drawing rose flower.
The best part is very patiently and given a fine tuning with colors.

Roses grow in many different colors, out of them is the famous well-known rose is “red rose”!!!

So keep smiling as flowers as roses.

Thanks for showing the nice video.

(1)(0)

Nice poem!

“Only eyes speak the truth, neither the mirror nor the lips.

Only the person who loves you can see the pain in your eyes.

While every one else still believes in your smile…”

(0)(0)

Loved these innovative tearing pasting drawings. Can I take this elephant and colorful fish home?

(8)(8)

Reading your travelogue made me feel like as if I am in Darjeeling. Loved it! I especially liked the way, you described the sunrise. Looking forward to more such travelogues from you.

(0)(0)

Srishti Asthana has done the wonderful and remarkable accomplishment for our country.

She has shown her expertise and excellence in green method to treat waste water that has detergents in it.

Means in other ways she has focused to make the green, clean friendly environment.
Within couple of days she is to present her project at the Science fair finals at Google’s office in California in the United States.

On behalf of all well wishers and citizens of India our very best wishes to dear Srishti Asthana to achieve the final glory for our Nation

Another important message to all students that they should also get inspired and motivated to do some thing or the other in any field of their liking through and through and achieve excellence as like as Srishti Asthana.

Please remember we all have the hidden points and creativity in human brain, only thing we need to dig it out and develop the same with the consistent efforts.

Congrats to her parents and all family members!!!

(0)(0)

success is when you feel at ease with yourself,

when you earn enough to sleep well at nights,

when your close relationships are good,

when you are a positive influence on these around you,

when you can deal with adversity and plan for the future,

success is also achieving self-control,

defeating procrastination and feeling motivated and passionate about my life and work

(1)(0)

I am totally agree with Madhu “eyes speak more than the lips”.

Aankhen Bhi Hoti Hai Dil Ki Zubaan
Aankhen Bhi Hoti Hai Dil Ki Zubaan
Bin Bole Kardeti Hai Halat Yeh Pal Mein Bayan

(0)(0)

Very well described by Tapan Das Gupta about Time!!!

He has compared time with sorrow, you may have sorrow but time is flying so fast that you can’t catch it any more if you miss the bus………………….!!!
.
Tapan Das Gupta has shared about his son’s birthday which he forgotten due to his illness.
So he said it was no big deal for a person who had lost track of time.

When we have time we don’t value it and we also don’t realize that if we might have put the right efforts at the right time. Then we can see the out put or the result in the right direction.

Please refer my favorite lines from the poem “The Search” http://www.learningandcreativity.com/the-search-poems

“The past
Searching in the present,
Cannot find itself, dies out”

In hindi there is a saying, “Joe soya voe khoya”

Time is money and we should consciously respect and discipline it.

Thanks for sharing the nice thought!!!

(0)(0)

Thanks for showing and directing to draw the Duck……………….with the help of our numeric family member number 2……..

I have tried and drawn with the help drawing two and I have created a duck swimming in the water….::))

(0)(1)

“Elephant Uncle” is looking in a dancing mood and enjoying the weather and going for the evening walk!!!

I like the caption of painting where “Fish Aunty” is very colorful and glamorous………………:))

Great Sriya baby ……………………:))

(11)(7)

“Burning the Demon” pass the great message “Victory of Good Over Evil”.

So we can say “Truth is always Victorious” and Dassehra is a great example.

At that day Lord Shree Rama’s victory over the ten-headed demon king Ravana. Lord Shree Ram is the symbol of good and demon king Ravana is the symbol of evil.

(1)(0)

After going through the book review I find “Feluda” is full of interesting mysterious stories.

My hobby is also reading mysterious books.I am eager to read the mystery behind the story “Danger in Darjeeling” first as I am unable to resist myself.

I will come back to you to share my experiences after going through the first part of “Feluda”.

I request the writer of the book review to share the brief of other stories as well which he already read and liked the most.

Thanks for sharing the interesting stories!!!

(4)(1)

Hard work does not necessarily guarantee success, but no success is possible without hard work.

Both Kumaraswamy and Mathai proved it.

Really great Story!!!

(0)(0)

This is a well known fact that eyes speak more than the lips

Very well represented by Hema Rengaswamy,
I really liked few lines about the poem :

“Some eyes scorch like fire”
when you are in furious mood and wants to convey your message then eyes take care and be with you at that very moment.

“Some eyes betray secrets”
when you in difficulty and don’t want to share your thoughts or feelings. At that time eyes become your best friend and save you from difficult situation.

“Some eyes sheath an inner glow, bright by their own light”.
Some people have the intellectuality and insights which we can see through in their shining eyes.

At last I would like to say that eyes are precious and we all should value it!!!

(1)(0)

A very soft and touchy expression about the soul!!!
It looks like as calm & quite picture is waiting and ready to welcome the dried soul….:))

The perfect picture with the ultimate words of the last para of the poem “The past searching in the present,Cannot find itself, dies out “.

(0)(0)

The feelings & emotions for a caring mother from a sweet daughter expressed through the creative works.
Nice drawing with sweet words on a Mother’s Day!!!
I would like to see more form of creative expression of drawings & sketches from you.
Keep on doing the same……)

(1)(0)

Really a very nice topic; we have to focus on this system. Solar energy is long lasting source of energy,people are looking for alternative energy sources to save money.

(0)(0)

Very nice drawing on the canvas. A great rural drawing depicting the hard work of the people in the villages. Keep up the good work.

(0)(0)

Great drawing.

One deer with three rabbits are having a fun time in a jungle.
Deer is acting like a security guard for rabbits.

I like your imagination, keep it up.

(0)(0)

Nice picture and remembrance of your KG class teacher.
In the drawing everyone’s hands and hair are showing the enjoyable walk with your teacher.
Sun uncle is also smiling between the trees.

You have a good imagination and keep it up.

(1)(0)

Nice cricket pictures drawn and good detailing done.

Guru is holding the ball in his right hand, Ajay is wearing the pads and Gyan is holding the bat and ball. Now waiting for the match to start.

Very good Parth.

(1)(1)

“Man had always been a lonely being. Now he could read every one, every one of his children like a book. They needn’t say any thing.”

very nice story!!!

(0)(0)

As a writer, I enjoy seeing the young have their hand at it. Good job, Miti. And what a great trip to write about. Makes me want to travel there, too. When I was young, my grandparents lived far away from us. It was before the internet was even thought about. So I wrote letters. I used to have my mother check my letters for any mistakes. She thought that one day I should become a writer. So, if that becomes your passion, I wish you the best of luck.

(3)(1)

Nice Video, For newbie scribe. In this video really some great tips for Improved writing skills.

(1)(0)

A nice & very informative article written by Siddhant Verma on Solar Power.

In the last para, Siddhant has rightly conveyed about the advantage of solar power.
The biggest advantage is that if we use solar power in place of other conventional energy sources it would help us in conserving other power generation resources.

Let us all say “yes” to solar power and make this world a better place to live in.

Keep it up and I look forward to more informative articles in near future from you!!!

(0)(0)

A lovely imaginary poem by a sweet girl!!

She has used the good rhymes while creating a poem….The best line of the poem I like is

“While driving it would act like a road hog
I think, It would be a mix of a cat, mouse, and a dog!”

(0)(0)

Very nice Sketches by a little kids. This is the great example for little kids and the beginner artist.
In short we can say that “Talent have no age boundation”. I really inspired with “Parth”.

Great Creativity!!!

(2)(2)

The narrator is at equal ease with words as well as with lens. Classical clicks complemented with wonderful web of words; It could not have got better. I don’t think you struggle with words at all.
Incredible expression both through pictures and narration.

(1)(1)

Ritaban Majumder

Splendid! The article as well as the photographs. I liked the way you have captured each and every moment of the brief stay in Darjeeling. And as some readers pointed out, it is indeed heartwarming as it reflects the heart and soul you have put in creating this wonderful collage of moments. Please keep on writing and taking photos.

(1)(1)

Nice Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple Photo!!!

Yes i agree with the author description, this is very nice place for the tourists who look for peace and seclusion.

(0)(0)

Devdas movie is really great romantic movie in old Bollywood movies and Suchitra Sen as Paro role iz very good. She iz looking so simple.

In Hindi we can say that “Suddhh Bhartiya Nari”.

And same for Meena Kumari and Nutan, Really great actresses in Hindi movies.

(0)(0)

As they say “If you judge people, you have no time to love them”..A very nice story telling us not to jump on conclusions while assessing people.

(1)(0)

Thank you. Yeah do read Oath of Vayuputras, its not as fast-paced as the other two books but still fine.

(0)(0)

The word “Discipline” itself come with the force of sounding “authority”. As far my understanding is concerned if our way of teaching or imparting discipline shows the boundations and regulations. Then your kids might not be doing it by heart or rather they would be doing for the sake of keeping your respect.

Or if it is mentored in such a way that they can understand the value & benefits of being disciplined. Then I guarantee it would and ought to be coming from within.

I agree with one of the discipline tip of “ignoring certain behavior” of your child.
Many times we come across that our kids are not behaving properly and you are getting irritated and frustrated.

So here your major role comes up!!! You need not to react to a situation rather you need to keep patience at that very time. You would realize your child himself will come to you and would apologize for the misconduct he did. That is your Bonus Point and you would come to know that suddenly your child is becoming disciplined and started directing other kids of his age for getting being disciplined.

I like the quote by Horace “Rule your mind or it will rule you”.

(0)(0)

Splendidly explained!!

Traveling is one part but sharing your traveling experiences so beautifully is again a marvelous thing.

The best part of the travelogue I like is that it has been explained in a manner that the reader will have the feel as if he /she is on the way of journey to Darjeeling.

Oh great thanks for sharing the term “DIPUDA” as I am going to share the term “DIPUDA” with my son as the word is about the collection of three places- Digha, Puri and Darjeeling.

The very first picture is really matching with the caption “ A welcome hug from Kangchenjunga”!!

I am astonished to view the beautiful pic which you have already had the pleasant experience with the matchless memories from your hotel room. You are fortunate to have a great time.

I will again come back after some time as I am really enjoying reading and sharing about the travelogue.

(1)(1)

Love this post — especially the ending, “I just feel more woman, more me, than I have in a long time.”

Unlike conventional wisdom, I guess it’s good to bump into your old flame(s) sometimes,,, 😉

(0)(0)

Lovely story with a great morale — “…the impossible is the untried!” Thoroughly enjoyed it! I will tell this story to my daughter.

Great selection of stories L&C! I will keep coming back for more such stories, articles, travelogues…Keep posting L&C!

(2)(0)

Lovely story! Brought tears to my eyes. Reminds me once again the importance of balance in our lives and I should spend more time with my little girl who is about the same age as Avanti.

(0)(0)

Love this post! Reminds me of an incident that happened when I was in Class IV or so. Our half-yearly exams were about to begin.

We had a very strict Principal, a la Principal Bhattacharya. He came to our class and said that everyone has to bring his admission card to sit in the exams. If a student forgot to bring his admission card (ours was a only boys school) he will not be allowed to sit in the exam.

During the exams, one of the days I forgot to take my admission card. I reached school about half-an-hour before the exam in the school bus. Entering school I realized I had not brought my admission card.

Scared that I might not be allowed to sit in the exam, I went out of school – the guard asked me at the gate where I was going. I told him that I had forgotten my admission card, my house was nearby and I was going to bring the admission card.

Out of the school gate I virtually ran for my life – about 3 Km to my home – and stopped only when I reached home, drained in perspiration (it was summer – around August in New Delhi).

I grabbed my admission card and my father immediately took me on his bicycle to drop me at school – just in time for the exam.

Needless to say I was so ashamed of the incident that I did not share this with my friends…

(3)(0)

The write-up has its share of beautiful moments 🙂 I love the part where you describe the sunrise…want you to share more of such beautiful moments with us…keep it going!

(1)(1)

Very well written travelogue!
Transports you right there into the heartland of one of India’s most idyllic hillstations with a candid, straight-from-the-heart travel story…you now know when to go, what to do, what to see, the best times for the best views….so all you need is to just set off for Darjeeling….!!
Keep writing!!!

(1)(1)

Hats off Sumauli!! you have written this article with such vivid descriptions that it has almost made me feel like I’m in Darjeeling itself! great job buddy… keep up the good work… awaiting more from you…keep clicking and keep writing 🙂

(1)(1)

Really great collection of dialogues and very famous dialogue in Hindi Cinema Jagat, I like so much these dialogue: Kutte, main tera khoon pee jaaoonga and Bhagwan ke liye mujhe chod do!.

(1)(0)

A little girt has really expressed her emotions & feelings to God as if she is in direct touch with “GOD”!!!
This is called “Pure and Innocent world” of a little girl.
Thanks to writer Ramendra Kumar for sharing such a beautiful story…..!

(0)(0)

Maitreyee has said, “I grew up outside Bengal and Uttam Kumar & Suchitra Sen were my window to Bangaliana in what was otherwise a very cosmopolitan childhood.”

How true! For me Uttam-Suchitra movies is what got me interested in B&W Bengali movies – which was far removed from the razzmatazz Hindi and English movies I grew up with – having lived in New Delhi all my life.

(1)(1)

Thanks for publishing this interview! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

I can’t agree more with what Maitreyee has said, “The very fact that they were so good together makes them a hit even today. Not every cine-goer understands or even likes the technological glitz available now. For them a good story with good actors works best even today.”

Give me a good story with good acting, direction and music – the hallmark of Uttam-Suchitra movies and I would prefer such a movie over the technical gimmickry and exotic locales of the movies that are made today. Those were studio shot scenes, with back projections and all. But still they rock!

And in movies now, when the hero yells ‘I love you’ to his lady love, the ‘I’ is shot in Zurich, ‘Love’ in Paris and ‘You’ in Sydney. Where is the music, where is the chemistry, where is the love in all this? Figure it out…!

(1)(1)

The article reminded me that Good teachers are gate keepers to our mind, but great teachers open our minds.

This reminds me of my exams where even if I would finish my test early, I would not want to be the first one to hand it in so I would wait for someone else to do it first.

(1)(0)

Oh my God!!

While going through the entire story and about “Jatin Khudo” & Principal Bhattacharya I am still shivering and visualizing the event. And also thinking about Mr.Nanda how he could have faced Principal Bhattacharya in person…….. ………!!!

If we go 60 years back from today and talk about the “School & Teachers” it was the real discipline. Ethics and values had been the majorly mentored & imparted in the blood. That is why still the culture and etiquette are the most important part of our Indian culture.

Truly explained the word “discretion” in the last para by Mr. Nanda, when is it to be used, for what purpose.

I can imagine and relate by the word discretion with the personalities of “Jatin Khudo” & Principal Bhattacharya.

(3)(0)

Good point made, “…people who do not read newspaper cannot participate in meetings and in debates and therefore struggle in their lives.”

(13)(8)

This is such a sweet writing… keep it up .. would love to read more of your experiences 🙂

(3)(1)

Well written and very good thoughts by a class VIII student! You are right – while we complain about corruption, we ourselves perpetuate corruption by bribing the powers be to get our work done.

We need to remember what Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” Hence, before we complain about corrupt people and the government for propagating corrupt practices we ourselves need to ensure that we do not pay bribes but fight against bribery.

I know it is easier said than done! We have 2 choices:
1. Keep bribing to get our work done and complain about corruption
2. Take a stand and fight for it.

The choice of course is ours!

(1)(0)

Oh! Is it such a poorly written book!? Didn’t the publisher read the manuscript before publishing the book? Some of the books being brought out these days make one think whether publishers are indeed concerned about the reputation that have been built over the years.

(2)(1)

Thanks for this wonderful review. I have read the first 2 books in the Shiva trilogy. I guess now I will read “The Oath of the Vayuputras” too.

(0)(0)

Very impressive and elucidating. The writer is on the world of writing from an early age. Keep it up.

(3)(1)