Why Papa?

Papa, teacher scolded me again
when I ask you for new uniform
in place of torn ones
you point to our neighbour
who doesn't even send his kids to school

Why papa, when I ask for a chocolate
once in a while
you say "Look at the neighbour
they eat food only twice a day"

If you want to compare with neighbours
why not with the house across two streets
who have a beautiful house, clothes, comforts
why compare with the weak?

Don't we want to become stronger
and better day by day papa?
or is our lot to remain thus - remain
satisfied that we are better than neigbour!

My text books are torn, secondhand
I have no toys to play
OK, OK, I won't ask anything
at least, will you please stop
talking of neighbours every time
and everyday in our house?

Junk Food

Feeding on the fears of people
stroking insecurities
inciting negative passions
may work in the short run
for the vested interests

For the long haul though
the hype and high of junk food, doesn't last
it is only a matter of time that
people come back to home food
made with care by a loving mother

It is love and love alone
that triumphs in the end...

NB: Happy republic day to all fellow citizens

Looking for Miss Sargam - Book Review:

This article/review has been published in the issue 89 (Jan-Feb) of muse India 

When I received the book  "Looking for Miss Sargam- Stories of Music and Misadventure" written by Shubha Mudgal for writing a review for the online publication "Muse India", I was happy for the opportunity to read content that is different from the usual. After all it is not often that you get to read inside stories set in the world of classical music in India. I was also curious and trifle excited to know how a celebrated personality in the field of music would fare as a writer. The seven short stories included in the book traces the life and times of musicians  who lived in the earlier times (say 50s and 60s) to the present times, their motivations and challenges. 

The world of cinema which was once mysterious has been demystified over the years with reportage/ gossip and actors coming more and more in the public eye in the form of interviews, promotions, being featured on multiple television channels and the internet. The lives of those in the world of music, however, particularly of the classical genre has largely remained obscure. This, then is the USP of the book "Looking for Miss Sargam" which gives us insights into the lives of musicians that comprises not only of the hard work, glitz and fame but the anxieties, desires, excitement and frustrations encountered by any human being. The fact that they live in the same world as we do, exposes them to the same 'matlabi' (Selfish) environment, sometimes having to deal with even scammers. 

All the seven stories have been told in a very engaging manner by the author, a renowned musician herself and one who has had a ring side view of the life unfolding in the Hindustani classical music scene. I would not like to be a spoiler and reveal too many details of the stories. Suffice it to say, that they are informative and retains the interest and suspense of the reader till the end.

The first story “Aman Bol” gives us a peek into the business /promotion side of the music industry involving stage shows and the egos of artists that have to be contented with by organisors.  “Foreign returned” calls attention to the craze of musicians to perform in foreign countries and how that can sometimes lead to unpleasant situations. In “Taan Kaptaan”, one gets to know of shady characters who may be lurking out there with an eye on a quick buck.

Being from a corporate background, I particularly could relate to the proceedings in the story “A farewell to music" that discusses the heated interactions in the board meeting of a music company. It also throws light on the fact that in India parents who seemingly have the best interests of their children at heart, often stifle and interfere with their happiness when it comes to a career choice.

“Manzoor Rehmati” tells a story of an artiste who is obsessed with the desire for formal national recognition and how he has to pay a heavy price for it. In the “Man who made stars” we get to see the lure of the film industry for musicians and how it can be attempted to be exploited by the powerful in the industry.

The anxiety and pain of being denied credit for one’s musical contribution  is beautifully brought out in the story “At the feet of his master” We have heard of so many instances in the film industry wherein praise is lapped by a celebrity while  the actual contributor does not find a place in the credits.  

Shubha Mudgal 's style of writing is free flowing, She uses quite a bit of the appropriate regional language ( with translation of the dialogue in English ) to provide an authentic flavour. The stories reveal the demands, trials and tribulations faced by musicians including recent ones, such as the interference by the self proclaimed 'Sanskaris'-  "Protectors of culture" or moral police who attack and stop release of a song or album if they don't like the lyrics. 

Although written in a lighthearted manner, the stories divulge chords of an inner pain that tell you that the music world is not all 'glitter'. Perhaps, one misses a goody goody story in the collection that leaves you with only a pleasant feeling about music. But then, stories become interesting when there is conflict and drama. The author has ensured that sufficient dozes of both are present in all her seven stories.

 In a tongue in cheek manner, Shubha Mudgal has titled the book "Looking for Miss Sargam" hinting at the distractions from pure music these days, with 'Miss Sargam", the seven notes remaining elusive and the need to search for and find her. 

Book: Looking for Miss Sargam
Author: Shubha Mudgal
Publisher: Speaking Tiger
ISBN: 978-93-88874-88-5
PP: 205
Price: Rs 499  

Bouquet

The little boy loved flowers
he loved them all- pink, white, red, blue, indigo
seeing his excitement, his parents began
to give him a bouquet  everyday
with lovely, fragrant assortment of flowers.

Initially, he jumped with joy
caressed each flower, kissed them
soon he began to take the bouquet for granted
when father/mother gave it in the morning
he mechanically smelled and tossed it to one side

Some time later, a grandpa like figure visited
said he would live with them for some time
he liked only roses- chided everyone
for including other flowers in bouquet
began to throw away all flowers, other than roses
one by one...

The size of the bouquet shrunk
soon, the bouquet had only roses
the boy began to miss  his multicoloured  flowers
longed for the white, blue, green, yellow
and its various shades that he had loved so much!

Soon the bouquet even had less roses
the pale ones were out as grandpa didn't like those
Will it end up as two, one  and no more a bouquet?
the boy wondered...
Perhaps he will get back his rich bouquet
once the visitor left?- No signs of his leaving though..
perhaps he will never ever leave!

Boy cried into his pillow..
if he ever got back his bouquet
of assorted beauty, unique, grand, each flower
he wouldn't take them for granted
every single day, he promised
he would embrace bouquet tight
every single day, as if his life depended on it....

Dancing away...

Girl met boy
love at first sight
joy spread from head to toe
it was as if she could pirouette for hours
go on and on
never tiring
with sustained joy
Love, excitement within!

NB: Pirouette:  An act of spinning on one foot, spin, twirl, whirl 

Combat

As children many were the
sciamachy we had
others watched amused, encouraging
years later, now adults
our engagements bitter, fearful, real
create terror in those around
the rivalry sealed and dusted!

NB: Sciamachy: An act or instance of fighting a shadow or mock combat

Deadly Splash- Chaapak Movie Review

Deepika Padukone, starer "Chhappak"
tells the story of acid victims
a 'horror' moment that changes
lives of victims forever!

It also raises issues
of easy availability of acid,
insensitivity of legal system, the police
and the general public at large
to the plight of acid victims

Some may feel movie, too matter of fact
not the usual, hyped sentimental stuff
Hindi movies are known for
yet this movie is more about triumph rather than defeat
triumph of the spirit, over horrific circumstances
over  heinous, sick action of cowards!

Instead of wallowing long in self pity
Malti, the protagonist, based on a real life Shero
not only rebuilds own life
but fights for the needs of fellow acid victims

Though a heavy subject,
ace director Meghna Gulzar gives
right dozes of sensitivity, concern,
and lighter moments to this beautiful flick
sans melodrama...

Deepika as Malti is too good
so are her co artists providing solid support
whether Vikrant Massey as co-passenger
Madhurjeet Sarghi as lawyer
Vishal Dahia as attacker
or Payal Nair as  ever supporting Shiraz auntie

The entire team - cast and crew
can be very proud - being part
of a crisp, racy, engaging film
with a powerful social message as well!
It's thumbs up all the way!! 

chameleon

In a rare family meeting
once in a blue moon
you mollycoddle to me
yet in other places
at a mall, in a public place
you treat as if, you don't know
me from Adam!

Social circles turn you
or is it me
into an alien!

NB: mollycoddle : to Coddle, pamper 

Creativity: Yesterday-Today

Being creative only required you, then
to focus hundred percent on what you do best
whether it is writing- play, poetry, short story, novel
drawing, painting, sculpting, cloth printing
singing, acting, performing- whatever
you only had to pay attention to your craft... full time

Now in the 21st century though
more time need to be spent
promoting your work
press conferences, multiple launches in many cities
closely monitor the sales- how your book or film is doing
play sales person- engage on social media

Does all this leave you drained, exhausted
with hardly time for what you do best?
experience creativity blocks like the writer's block ?
suffer anxiety pangs on seeing others belt out creations
one after the other , with seemingly no problems...?

Like it or not, reality can't be wished away
acceptance of reality is the first step- and then
coping mechanisms need to be developed and maintained
for survival in a different era, with it's  unique features!