Haiku #20 ~ Proof

HAIKU : A poetry form, with three lines. The first being 5 syllables, the second 7, then 5 in the third.

Footprints of logic I see,

Showing how and where one truth leads,

Another one follows in league. 

14th June 2020 was the day when many of us were shocked with the news of ‘suicide’ of Bollywood Actor “Sushant Singh Rajput”. The news came as a form of suicide however the way authorities including media started giving the information gave a way to think most of us that if it was a ‘Real suicide’ or just a high profile ‘Planned murder’. His death is found to be suspicious for several reasons. 

This post is for #JusticeForSSR #CBIProbe

Bollywood Song That Talks Of Self-Respect & Self-Love To Me!

“Kinaare” from QUEEN movie.

This song embodies the theme of the movie, independence and self identity; It compares its quest to the search of shores for someone who is drowning mid sea. It crescendos perfectly in the 5th para with the realization that —

“Khud hi To hain hum… Kinaare (We ourselves are our, Shores)”.

Even if all the boatmen leave us,

Then, we will become oars ourselves,

and cross (the ocean) on our own..

Why others, we’ll ask ourselves,

The paths to follow,

Somewhere here in the waves,

We will find… (Shores)

Self-sufficiency gives one the freedom to discover one's true self and attain true independence. To be happy in one’s own company is the greatest nirvana attained!

By beginning to create boundaries for yourself - it that show others that you have self-respect. Release people from your life who don't honor your boundaries. Have confidence in yourself and live with grace, honor, and dignity!

Book Review #81 : Mrs Funnybones

Author : Twinkle Khanna

Publisher : Penguin India

Pages: 240

Price: Rs 299

I have a hard time thinking of this as a book – to me, it’s a collection of articles or blog posts or journal entries…maybe. Anything, but not a book.

The book, is narrated by Mrs Funnybones – Twinkle Khanna. Random, quick, funny, and well written, every chapter is an insight into her life. I must also mention that this book is not a showcase of the glittering life of a superstar’s wife. It is mostly a narration of scattered, unimportant, normal, quirky things that happen in her life, which are not exactly interesting, but her ready wit ensures that they are not boring either. The language is casual and breezy and perfectly echoes the humor and the point that the author is trying to implicate. The narration is very vibrant and cheerful which is why you feel relaxed reading this book.

Big Expectations:

To be honest, I had big expectations from this book. Mostly because, I have read several of her articles, and have really enjoyed them. She is sassy, sarcastic, and has a great sense of humour, which reflects in her writing. The title and the cover work very well. They stand out, and also convey the mood of the book.

Disappointments:

Although the book has been appreciated and endorsed by who's who of the glamour industry, it book did not quite meet my expectations. Admittedly, the expectations were pretty big to begin with, but it’s not just that. The book is in the genre of humour, and while some segments were genuinely funny, there were also bits where the jokes were cliched, and seemed forced; almost as if the book was trying too hard to be something it’s not. She is way more funnier and wittier on her social media!

VERDICT : Reading the book felt like sitting and having a cup of chai with a close friend, the same comforting familiarity of knowing what she was talking about. It is a book to be read especially on those days when life wears you out and you need something to smile about. Nothing too complicated and yet holds you sternly to the pages with its light and good nature.

Rating – 3.5/5

Nano Fiction 30 : Matchmaking

Despite Bollywood painting a very flowery picture of eternal love and marriages based on love, somehow I have lost faith in the Indian matrimonial system and Love too. In India, marriages don’t happen between two individuals (which actually should happen) – it happens between two families, like a royal political treaty. Which kind of screws it up.

Uninvited neighbours and guests gate-crash the wedding and gobble free food. Basically everybody has fun except the ones whose wedding it actually is.

The moment a girl learns how to walk, hawk-eyed relatives start targeting her as the prey. “Tumhare liye rishta aaya” is the death-knell on a woman’s desires. She is scrutinized like an object on sale and is needed to know how to cook, clean, walk on the tight rope, perform stunts etc (I know exaggeration!). Shooting fire from the mouth was the only stunt which wasn’t accepted as that was the exclusive talent-cum-right of the prospective mom-in-law. (Hahahaha)

Soon Sherlock-like matrimonial agents aka the aunties emerge as matchmakers where caste, family, and the girl’s “merits” are the prime concern.

I wonder whether if we can ever find Mr. Right or Ms. Right. And why this race to find the right? Why can't we accept people for who they are?! Why do we leave people for little faults of theirs? Why are we not a bit patient?  

Off late, I have turned anti-men and the concept of marriage puts me off, after I see what is currently going around. I wish India finds somehow a way for a woman to bear a child without a man. (winks)

With the changing dynamics of the “partner selection process", matrimonial sites are getting tough competition from the dating portals these days. Even still, we have such a high divorce rates, because too many options are available to get people replaced.

Does “Tumhare liye rishta aaya” scare you?! 

Book Review #57: Surrogate Author

Name: Surrogate Author

Authors:  Santosh Avvannavar  & Shilpa Patil

ISBN: 9781503002159

Publisher: Hoffen (I Edition)

Pages: 47

I thank the author for sending me this book, in exchange for an honest review.

I have never read a book as funny as this, where being anything other than an engineer is being equal to a terrorist! Amazing 47 pages!

This is the story of an engineer turned author Authdas {a guy very similar to Devdas}. Authdas always wanted to be an author and write his first book named Paro. Paro is his childhood obsession and an unfulfilled dream. But there are so many people who stand in his way. It his love-struck journey towards his dream Paro, and an unending love to his writing even after facing many odds.

The format of the book is unique. I loved how the story comes out like a play with each character taking the centre stage. The book sends out a powerful, and a much needed message - In the introduction, Santosh says "Good authors are those who write and basically are not businessmen." You can be an author, don’t let the critics, money, fame and others affect you.

If Bollywood movies like Devdas, Sholay and DDLJ recharge your soul, you are sure to have a heart full of laughter with this book! If the reader knows the twists of all the movies above, then Surrogate Author is great fun.

The corner tag of the book says ' To Aspiring Authors'. Beyond the main plot, the last few pages of the book include a brief guide to writers-to-be. Manuscript ideas, manuscript keywords and sample manuscript writing tools are shared for the benefit of a newbie author. I found that too helpful! The difficulties and distracting temptations that an aspiring author faces while preparing his first manuscript is sculpted effortlessly through popular Bollywood characters.

The book is meant for aspiring authors, like me, who enjoy drama, movies and entertainment.

Verdict: Surrogate Author is a perfect entertainment for leisure reads and travels. It's just a little bigger than a pocket-size book! But, a dhamaka in small size, truly!

Rating: 4/5!

Nano Fiction 4 : First Night

Hello! So the next Nano Fiction is a bit cheesy! And I was bored weaving sad, heartbreaking stories.

After I finished drafting this one, I was left smiling.

Well, I guess that's the effect reading ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ has on you! (Chuckles) Oh, you can judge me now, I don't care! :P

A hyped book needs to be read. It calls for your attention, after all!

By the way, I super love this song from Viraasat and probably that's how I wanted this little piece of fiction to end - with a lyrical note leaving the readers to imagine a lot ahead! *winks*

Book Review #2 : Supertraits of Superstars

Title: Supertraits of Superstars
Author: Priyanka Sinha Jha
Publisher: Rupa
Price: 195 INR
Pages: 219
Year: 2014

This book is highly inspiring. The language is simple. The book is well structured as well. A self help book, Bollywood style! The caricatures at the beginning of each chapter are to some point not relevant. Especially Vidya Balan’s!

But the colorful background design of the cover is an eye catcher. Priyanka Jha's 'Supertraits of Superstars' cites examples of eleven superstars and focuses on one (or the most vital) of their many traits which has helped them to become what they are today.

An actor's life is never easy. It's not as glamorous or colorful as we think. With such glamour it is easy to get carried away. Priyanka lists interesting incidents and intelligent decisions which these eleven stars have made in their life which acted as turning-points in their career.

Priyanka doesn't even make an attempt to tell you what to do or what not to do with your life. The book doesn’t preach! She just makes you ponder on the immense possibilities which life throws at you. Her casual approach and easy to read writing style ensures that the reader is not bored at any point of time. The book also gives insight into some of the lesser known aspect of these stars. 

The style of writing is really awesome and admirable. Nowhere in any page will you feel bored while reading. It is a light read, yet manages to motivate and inspire and do some thought provoking.

Rating: 4 on 5

The book was received as part of Reviewers Programme on The Tales Pensieve. For more details: http://thetalespensieve.com/reviewers-sign-up/apply-to-review/