Reality or Imagination???

                     A Story that had to be told…

“My Grandma passed away peacefully…

Thank you Madam for being so kind. You will never know how grateful I am to you…” The message that flashed on her mobile was long and with each word goose-bumps rose on her hands, skin and her eyes brimmed with tears…one even trickled down and she blinked only when her lenses began to swim. She closed her eyes for a moment and sniffed. She looked around and found her husband immersed in watching the movie on the television. Her sons were playing on the Tab, a very engaging game and so not likely to look up to observe Mother dear and her near wet eyes. 

     They just assumed that “Mommy dear” was busy with her internet friends after a long time. She composed herself and read the message again. A long, painful and yet, a somehow happily content message. She began scrolling the other messages…spawning over three months…sometimes in a row…sometimes with a gap of a week or half!!! She had done what she had done without much thought to it but today when she read it again...it all sunk in as to what could have transpired….in that small hamlet …so far back in Gujarat or Rajasthan or border of Both the States!!!

       Being an Author of a Book had opened a different world for her and had send her way characters of different sorts. 

Her Book was on a Tele Star and his Fans were…just Fans…some in awe of her…for no one in the industry had ever come up with this sort. Some Jealous of her because she had actually been fortunate to meet the Telestar…some very Nasty…and downright cursed her, gossiped and openly abused her. 

         She had taken it all in her stride and Moved on with dignity embracing those who did adore the Book and love…but what she had been reading and what she read today broke all barriers of Fandom…at least from the ones who came across her way so far…She pieced the messages together and began with the first message few months back.

…

“Mrs. Pardiwala, I had purchased your book but the order is sent back…I need the book desperately …please can you help me??”

She had read that message and replied, “How can I help you?” However, she had received no reply. The message seemed to be authentic enough because the next day she did get the message from the online portal with which they had tied up. She had been a little furious with the online portal and had asked her husband to promptly look into the matter. The reason uncovered was that the village was so remote that it was not listed with them. Her husband had curtly reprimanded the person on the helpline who answered their query but shrugged away the whole thing. Sometimes it happens…

...

“Sony, I may not live longer you know?” granny had smiled at her young granddaughter in whose lap she was lying and her head being pressed gently.

“Shhh…Dadisaaaa…I never want you to go...” Sony trembled and stopped pressing and kissed her.

“I am old and definitely above 85 you know..?? Daadisa gave a toothless grin. “ I came to live in Parbhani with your grandfather and my half dozen Paltan…I know we never thought of family planning those days…First ten years of my marriage I remember being pregnant only...”

“Daadi…you have told me this history thousands of time and that you loved your Daadu so much that you now think he is calling you…and so you need to go…too many films you have grown up on…my filmy Daadisa…I will tell Daadusa..wait a little more…I need her more…”

“He was a very patient man. He would have loved you and pampered you so much if he was alive. He could not fulfil all my wishes but whenever he could, he did…especially he showed me all Dilip Kumar films…what days those were…whenever we dressed up, it felt like a festival…we did not have TV ..” she coughed heavily.

“Daadisa!!! Do not talk so much ...here, have the water…and be quiet…I know everything you will tell…you liked Dilip Kumar…Manoj Kumar…and you are proud of your Rajput Legacy…that your ancestors worked at the Chittorgarh fort for the Royal Family…your great grandmother served the queens…ohhh Daadima my entire childhood has gone …I can recite it like a parrot..”

Sighing deeply, Daadisa still continued, “Yes and the world of films and now serials on TV give me Solace…everything that I could not get in real life, I got in the world of films. Your daadu knew and so he never denied me at least that but after his death…”

“Hmm…my Daadisa found her daadu in Partaap…what you say…Mharo…partaap…yes Daadisaaaa…I wonder what would Daadu say if she knew you stare and stare and stare at Partaappp…” a shy smile spread on her wrinkled face and her eyes lit up with so much love. Only the Mention of Partap these days Granny’s sad musings would evaporate replacing a resplendent glow that made her realise her grandma would have been a beauty in her young Days.

Ever since she had seen the Tele Character of young Partap in the teleserial her eyes had been Aglow with A rare kind of dreamy look. True the actor who was playing the role of young Maharana partap was well…really good. Grandma had taken to the Tele show and would refuse to sleep early just so she could catch the show. Those days when there was no electricity..she was morose…and the day the character ended in the tele show for a leap…Days on end she had not eaten properly. The family thought it was her flailing health but only her grand daughter knew what the real matter was…

She had found a glimpse of her husband in Him and for those few minutes she drank in the image of him and did not miss him… Sad the show had taken a leap and Grandma wrinkled her nose at the new replacement…

"Mharo Partap…yes…why did the show guys have to change him…otherwise in other shows the pregnancy lasts for one and a half year and marriages go on for months…"

Her eyes drooped and she fell into a silent drowsy sleep. Sony knew it was the result of the medicine she had given few minutes ago and now she will not rouse for another two hours…

Sony smiled and smoothed the Blanket on her grandma and left the room.

She had to copy her notes from her friend Vinita who had just returned from her city visit. Truth was she wanted to meet her as she was the only friend from childhood apart from her Grandma. Their family was close to each other and spend their joys and sadness together. Now children shared internet together and all her computer knowhow came from her. She liked to learn more and more...

She found her friend Vinita sprawled on her chaarpoi with her Mobile which she called a smart phone and some of the things it could do filled her with wonder.

“What new thing have you found out now to dazzle me?” she plonked besides her.

Vinita looked little dazed and involved and little removed from her. She got that look often when she was on the cell. She would explain she was chatting with someone. Sony closed her eyes and waited for her friend to return back from her net world.

“How is daadisa now??”

“She wants to die…and she is waiting to take my leave…!!”

“Oh Our filmy Daadisaa…and is she still missing her partap??”

Sony just sighed. It was a mistake to share with Vinita but she had sworn she will not tell anyone and kept the promise so far.

“Hey I actually wanted to tell you something…somebody has written a book on your Daadisa’s Partap…it is a Hit…people are buying it and putting up pictures with it…take a look”

“A whatttttt…..what are you saying??? City people do anything haa…!!!” She took the cell from her friend's hand and saw a young girl holding the book. “She is so young to write a book…she is not even in  her twenties...! “ She said somewhat incredulously….

“Stupid…she has bought the book not written it…you are so slowww…read the text…she is claiming she has purchased it and thanking the author for writing it!”

“Ohhh!! Okkkk!!! “ she read closely and the person was indeed thrilled and described the book highly…one page was visible in the pictures and the handsome Partap smiled back….

“Who is the Author??? What is in the book? Some Silly person out to earn money and publicity no doubt…” she scoffed.

“Whatever, but readers are quite taken to it by the updates and reviews I have seen so far…your Daadisa’s love kinda made me dig in a little more…The author is some Mrs. Pardiwala and is 41…its quite a story why and how she wrote the book!

“Why would anyone write a Book now?

“ It's about his character in that show you and your Daadi used to watch and there are lots of pictures she has put from the show. Lots and lots of it…I found some video links but could not open them in the slow net…”

“Someone had the time!!! Really people do anything these days…”

“Sonnyyyyyy….come down immediately…utensils are drying up in muck...when will you clean them???” Her Kaaki’s shrill voice startled both the friends and they both shared a knowing smile…rolled their eyes and she moved downstairs…she was half way through and another voice pulled up the whole houseee….randheeee…sonyyyy…viniiiii…kaakisaaa…look grandma…what happened to her…baapuuu…everyone from every corner of the house hurried to Grandmaa’s small corner where her charpoi lay…she was breathing fast and her eyes rolled and face contorted…

"She is getting the spasm again…doctor said...we will have to shift her to New Hospital in the City." Baapu was mumbling as others joined him and helped him pick her up and get her out. As if on cue there was an auto waiting of Ramlal kaka who had just come in for his lunch break at home…he took one look at the situation and got his auto there. 

In the little hamlet all helped everyone in need. No one needed invitations to come and help.

Sony had no place in the auto and was instructed to collect needful things and follow on the bullock cart to the city. It was an hour and half before the bullock cart reached the new Hospital. It was that part of the city that was developing and had all the facilities of modernity. Sony had no time to admire her surroundings…her little heart beating frantically. She was praying all the while. 

She cannot lose her grandma …not now…not yet…she had no one else…there were others…kaakisa…baapu...but after her mother’s death…it was daadisaa who had been her source of love…who knew her little nicks and corner..filled her lonely heart with tender hugs…affectionate words…shared her conspiracies…innocent ones…helped her steal pickles and bhakris for her cycling escapades…she had yet to tell her stories about Boy friends and how to be a good daughter in law…if Granny goes away…who will??? No …God cannot be so Unkind…she begged…prayed…bargained…and trembled while the doctors checked her…

They were not so well to do …they could not afford to pay the higher fees of the treatment there…all she could gather is doctors were asking her to be taken to Mumbai …her father nodding his head in despair…Sony dared not open her mouth in front of her Baapu…she rarely spoke to him…for he was not home most of the times…besides, he had become recluse after he lost his wife…he had entrusted his girl’s growth and caretaking to his mother…and had mourned…

Sony looked at the frail frame of her Daadisa...she opened her eyes and whispered something…her Kaakisa offered her a glass of water but she declined wordlessly all the time, looking at Sony… “Oh Sony Thank God you have come…please handle your Daadisa...I will go to the next lane and arrange tea for all of us…my relatives stay there…” She left leaving the duo alone…

“Oh Daadisa…are you ok?” Sony broke down with tears streaming down her cheeks…

Daadisa gave a cheeky smile and she was looking above her head…smiling impishly…knowing it well that she was finding something hilarious around she asked…"Daadiiii…I thought you were dying and I gave so much to God for you…and you are…what is it..??"

Daadisa’s twinkle would not go away and she asked Sony to turn around and look…her Face suffused with colour suddenly…Sony followed the directions…and was Aghast...THERE IT WAS…HANGING IN FULL GLORY…PICTURE OF PARTAPPP…with the Hospital staff…most likely the opening ceremony of the Hospital.

He was dressed in full glory of his tele show and stood there smiling…giving her grandma a reason to smile…

“Sony can I not see the show again?”

Only Daadisa could think and feel like that. She very well knew how smitten she was with that character…but how could she fulfil this wish?

The show was over...there was nothing she could do. She smiled affectionately and nodded her negation…all the colour left her face and every single line drooped. Her eyes were vacant and looked into the space above…adding even this loss to all the other losses she endured a lifetime. 

So often they had to give up one or other thing because they could not afford…they could not…they could not…they could not…Sony wrung her hand in despair at the melancholic frame of her grandmother…frail and lifetime of...not having what you wanted…lifetime of letting go…compromising…doing without…

Her grandma fell into a sleep due to the effects of the medicine…but her face had no zest...it was as lifeless as could be…she was breathing…going through life…but having no wish to live…no motivation to die either…a life of lack surrounded her...death beckoned and yet her granddaughter tugged her back…

Sony cried silently and her face was tear stained when Vinita arrived…consoling her again with a hand on her back. In the evening when Kaakisa came she sent the two girls for a walk.

“Vini , Daadisa wants to see her partap…her one small wish I cannot fulfil…you said the show is on YouTube...can we not arrange for her to see it??”

“Sony…YouTube needs heavy net if you know what I mean…neither my phone nor anyone else’s here has it. Our village has so irregular electricity…where shall we get net from? We do not even have WiFi…they say it makes the net run faster...”

“Why did we have to be born here? Oh why are we not in a big city? My Baapu does not have money to treat Daadisa and take her to Mumbai…my Daadi will go with even this wish unfulfilled…she knows her son cannot afford her life…he will have to choose to let her go..”

The friends sat silently in their Agony. Vinita’s face suddenly brightened.. .

“Hey Sony…remember that book??? If we can buy that book…you know…it has lot of pictures of Partap and about that teleshow…I have seen people praise a lot …and it is available on GobbleKart now...you order it…it comes home then you pay..”

Sony too felt a thrill run into her spine. Yes…we can do that…I am sure from my savings I can buy the book...I have around 600 or 700 rupees…Can you help me?”

“Come with me Sony to my friends Place…she is in my college. Her house has WiFi...we can definitely request her to check the book”

That evening they hurried to the friend’s flat…Vinita had briefed her on phone what help was needed. On her Laptop they opened the site...and sat frozen for a full one minute…the book’s Price was rupees 2700…the digits on the screen blurred in front of her eyes…she sucked in her breath…she had never seen so much money in one go…A Book…so expensive??? Was it made of gold??? In one million years she would not be able to buy that Book…!!!

The  sea of despair seem to get darker and her violent sobs choked her…and screamed out in loud sobs…even though she was in someone else’s house. Vinita hugged her. She suddenly was feeling sorry for adding to her friend’s woes. They thanked her and took leave. Walking back slowly Sony realised what it meant to lack money…what it meant to keep giving up always what you wanted…she could feel her Grandma’s entire life filled with such sighs…and even her last moments not having any respite….she just saw and felt lack…

Back in the hospital she saw a worried Baapu sitting despondent. They had asked for few tests…so grandma will be here for atleast a couple of days…Grandma intermittently kept waking…her eyes squinting and drinking in the fading image of Her Partap…did it take her to her young days with her husband? Did she go back to the glorious past that once was? 

All Sony knew that each time she flickered open her eyes…she looked at the frame and gave the briefest inclination of Joy…and closed her eyes again…she was deciding…to die…or to wait little more…Sony selfishly wanted to let her stay…to whisper jokes…to tease her…who else would do it otherwise…her world would be so bleak…

The next morning she saw her Grandma’s eyes still…tears gathered at the corner and she was vacantly staring above her head…at first Sony’s heart lurched…was she no more…no no but she was crying silently…she was Alive…just staring…she never cried when she looked at Partap…why??? Sony turned around to investigate…and got a jump…where was the frame?? She quickly ran and asked the Nurse…she was informed that it fell and they had sent for another frame and the picture was spoiled .

There went another hurtful moment for Grandma…one thing that got her to smile…gone…just like that…she made a decision…

She went to her friend’s house and asked her "I have to pay the money now???"

"No only when they deliver!"

"And how many days will it take?"

"Maximum one week…to your village..in city it is faster..."

"Can you please place the order for me?"

"I will have to use my name…but you did not have the money…how will you buy?"

"I have some savings..I will manage."

"Ok then…I will be getting a notification...I will let Vinita know about the progress . We can track where the book is!" She said warmly.

Sony solemnly sat by her side while she placed the order. She was calculating something silently. She had some money and she had the gold earrings her Grandma had made for her out of her savings. They were tiny but surely they would fetch her 2000 atleast. 

Her Daadisa had given her for her wedding but she thought it was more important for her to weigh her happiness at the tether end of her life. Give her at least some semblance of victory before she bids her farewell to this life. She wanted the toothless grin of her Grandma back...and she would do anything…marriage was a far fetched possibility…and well her husband will never know a small earring went missing in the trousseau…

That evening her grandma’s condition stabilised and she was brought home with long list of instructions.

She went to the only jeweller the village had and cried…for half an hour! Jashnukaka was a kind man. He heard her out and though it was a far fetched story for him to sell a piece of jewellery…he agreed. He agreed for he knew Daadisa’s love for movies…he had often been helped by Daadisa when they fell ill…any function or occasion and Daadisa was always there with  her wise self to help. 

He offered exactly 1900 rupees and it still fell short…but she took it. She was determined to even beg from someone...if she had to...she insisted he give her 2000…he knew she was being foolish but she trusted him also to keep her secret. He indeed would as he had a brand new pair of gold earrings...for a little lesser price…besides if anyone got wind that he had taken the earring from a  young girl…he would be shamed…so it served him to be silent...

A week passed by with no word from her friend or book. She had told the book would come…Vinita had agreed to lend her the remaining 100…

Her Grandma spoke very little…ate very little and slid into a silence...all in the family simply waited in quavering patience for her to depart…Sony was getting Impatient..she decided to go with Vinita to the city and find out…

“Your order was cancelled as your address is not listed with them”

Sony felt like screaming…fainting…pallor rose on her face so fast…

“Why don’t you talk to the author herself? SHE is friendly you know…I have heard she replies every single query of the book…you too try na…!” The friend supplied sympathetically

"Why would an author talk to me?" She is a greedy woman who just wants to earn money And nothing Else…” Sony sobbed…

"I have observed her and she seems kind…she speaks to everyone regarding the book…No harm in trying…what have you to lose?" The friend offered. "I have been observing her from almost a month and she seems educated and her own story of why she began writing is very moving. Besides so many people are befriending her and talking about the book…she answers every single one of them…"

Sony had no hopes when she typed those words…I need the book desperately ma’am…she typed and waited…

Since she was there from early morning they suggested she take a nap…

“Sony, come fast…the author has replied…how can I help? come!”

Sony could barely believe it…she ran to the laptop…and began typing her side...how her grandma is dying and how the book might help…how the online portal will not send the book…

“OK This is the link…if you are serious about the book and you are telling the truth...I will make the price 2000 for you but you will have to make an online payment and I promise you We will send the book wherever you ask us But you have only 24 hours the link will revert to its original self1”

Sony sat baffled for a while…online payment??? How???

I will ask my Father to help…he knows about your situation. Sony was always carrying the money with her…The author’s offer was unbelievable…besides she was actually willing to help…It was just Magical…some Angels were suddenly favouring her...Her Dad agreed to do the online payment in return of cash immediately. He received a mail telling him that the book will be delivered.

And it was…the prettiest book she ever Saw…Sony could not believe her eyes when she turned the pages of the book…every picture brought alive the scenes…Grandma’s favourite dialogues…favourite scenes…vividly described with Alive pictures...Oh it was a treasure!!!

How much had she cursed the Author as a greedy woman…selfish one...she felt so mortified...the book had reached her in five days flat…it was an afternoon and all were about napping around…she took the book to her Grandma…

“Dadisaa…I brought you your Partap…take a look…”

At the mention of Partaap…she squinted open her eyes…Sony was holding the picture of Partap in her hands…the bright radiant glowing warrior…Grandma’s face lit up…incredulous as the pages moved…she requested to get up…Sony fluffed up few pillows for her weak frame to sit upright…Grandma took it into her hands and turned pages…tears of gratitude…of relief…as if some dear valuable jewel had been handed…as a much coveted treasure…

"Mharo Partap…" she chortled with suppressed glee…she looked up once at Sony and then dug into the book…savouring the images as close proximity as much as her vision would allow…she hugged the book…opened it again…and one by one…took a steady glance at the page…Partap…hugging his mom…You used to hug me like that…Partap held her princess hand…you know when your Daadu got jealous...he nearly dragged me…you see he is crying for the princess is in pain…when I was delivering babies…he cried…just the same…

Each page had a memory…a happy memory of time begone…each alive picture brought glow on Daadisa’s face…each incident brought a chuckle to Daadisa’s whisper…you know he is proposing her…Daadu never proposed me…in our times we never met before marriage…so…once I had asked…pretend that you are asking me to marry you…he had proposed me then…wearing our wedding suit…he looked just…like this…Mharo partap…”

“I used to harass him just like this princess but your daadusa was so patient with all my nakhras..he used to call me nakhrali…Mharo partap is also so tender…so gentle…”

Grandma’s appetite increased with each passing day...although she was weak…she had a reason to get up...Sony read parts from the book for her in the afternoons and in the night. When there were visitors she would hide the book under the pillows. It was their little secret…For others came in her room for necessary visits…cleaning...offering food…mostly everything was given in the care of Sony…for all knew how much they bonded and also, no one else had the time…

“Sony the person who wrote this book..is very old..like me…or young like you?” One day she asked.

“She is 41..she has two sons…she lives in Mumbai.”

“She has taken so much pains and you know she solved our problem of electricity…it is there or not…the book always is…I can hug it and feel your Daadusa…mmharo partap…”

She opened the book…co-incidently it opened to The Wedding Chapter of the book...she sighed. “Ours was a simple wedding…no over the top stuff...is he not looking handsome?” She asked shyly…

Yes Daadi he is…you know he is just 18? Sony supplied for she had been given some information about him from her friend and also when she got to send a message to the author…she always replied and asked about her Grandma…

"Can we meet him??" Asked daadi one day after they read the chapter on his war.

"Daadi he lives so far…"

"Hmm…can I speak to the author..you say she is so friendly..??"

"Daadiiii…" Sony chided gently...her Daadi was getting too adventurous

Daadi replied back with a grin…her toothless grin which had become her world… "You know the author writes so  much about love and a woman’s power to bail her husband out…I thought, who will tell you about all this when you come of age? Now I ask you to read her version of love...sacrifice…obedience...and think…that your grandma is speaking to you…you are so young…"

Daadi you are going nowhere…Sony hated this talk…

Listen my Ladoorani…I have to go...your Daadusa seems to be calling me. 

He has been patient…very patient...I kept telling him no…for I had to train you to love…to teach you to be brave and loyal…never give up…Daadi’s voice had a soft and serene quality which was new for Sony…

Daadi it is late..sleep now…

No open the chapter where he first time tells her he loves her…by now 

Sony knew..what she was talking…she did…"Read for me…will you?" She complied…even she had come to love that version of love…

"Sony when you love you must find this same kind of love…with whom you can spend life…now read the part where she brings back Mharo Partap from death…Sony knew…she read…A woman’s love is strong and capable...you are like that…you sold the earrings I gave you...now, did you not??"

Sony's startled look gave her away…she turned crimson red.. "No child you have learned the equally valuable ideal of putting loved ones happiness first…" I am peaceful today…

Open the Marriage Chapter…She moved her hand on the handsome bridegroom…I wish and pray to God that someday a very Handsome and young man who can give you all the happiness comes to take you on the horse…just like Mharo Partap”

Daadi indicated Sony to come by her pillow side…she slept in her lap…hugged the book…"Sony…Tell the author thank you for this valuable treasure…that fulfilled my last days…it filled my imagination with colours...my soul with peace…my days with love…my Sony transformed into a mature woman from a girl in front of me. Her book...keep with you as my blessings…each time you need a lesson in love…loyalty…friendship…read the lessons we read together…know this…I am with you …I will never go far…always will be around...”

Sony too was filled with peace..her eyes streamed uncontrollably but Grandma’s voice had an incredible soothing power…they three were one…Daadi…Sony…the book…bonded …each one binded and yet willing to let the other go in peace…for they knew...they are all capable now to handle the realm they will move into…Daadisa with her Daadusa…Sony...ready to face the world without the physical form of daadi…the book with its immortal lessons on love and loyalty…

Daadi hugged the book...used it as her pillow in Sony’s lap…closed her eyes…for one last time…the peace on her face was something Sony would always keep…she cried for the form that left and sighed for all that filled her existence…she took the book gently…and repeated…Mharo Partap...

…

"I am grateful to you madam for all that your book brought…it helped my grandmother and me to make peace …she typed for the last time to the woman who had arranged for the book…written with a soul and brought so much worth to her life…"

Mrs. Pardiwala picked up her own Creation and wondered…Can a book contribute so much to someone’s life? Can a book have its own purpose in being ordained to fulfil lives..???

Can this be told...or is the sanctity in secrecy??? She decided to leave it up to her readers…for you never know…when your words will become healing balms for which wounds…some will scoff...some will marvel…some will be inspired…some will simply read…to all the readers…when I wrote the book…I never Knew...some old soul will...echo…Mharo Partap!!!

To quote her...Electricity is there or not…The book always is…

                                                           -By Sonnal Pardiwala

© Sonnal Pardiwala. All Rights Reserved.

Aaj Munn Bhar Aayo…First Show Date with PRDP…

I have tried my best to adapt to changing circumstances and times. Our generation has witnessed the maximum changes in Technological world and ever changing consequent cultural cauldron. I have tried to adapt and keep pace as much as I could...silently keeping my opinions to myself at times for many things…especially Indian Cinema. It has degenerated into a cacophonous debauchery of sorts with songs jarring to the ears!!!

So wherever I go there is…Maine pee nahin hain…Chaar bottle vodka…Bhen ki takki oye…Gulabooo zara gandh faila dooo…and I am left feeling so stressed and yet there is no escape in sight for me. Add to it, my work schedule is so jam-packed that burn out and collapse is so frequent. Sometimes we do resort to hitting the Cinema halls for whatever Movie is running currently and we do come back with sour taste and no reduction in the so-called ever mounting stress. 

We do come back with shaking heads as to what do my kids learn about Indianness and romance and chivalry…

One such annoying day I am super jiffed with the whole world for what it is coming to and why I want to stash the next person who kinda miffs meeee…and so I am stiffly cryptic…irritated…ready to bite someone’s poor head off and I am gently Invaded….

My senses sing…I stopped in my tracks…for my son’s cell phone lets loose soft, melodious strains of….Sukh Dukh Jhuthe…dhun bhi jhutha…jhuthi moh maaya….and it opened a Deeply buried hidden memory of a time gone byyyy…

A Time when I lived in Dreams and Just wove dreams on Romance. A time when life was Carefree and we were free to dream…A time when we dared not sing openly Bhen ki tukki…for sure…

I heard the song again…it was like a soothing breeze on a hot afternoon…a sweet jalebi on a teekha mirchi that I swallowed by mistake…the sweet melodious strain rejuvenated my senses and calmed my mind…to walk on the softer path …where love and tradition resides. Naturally curious…I saw the trailor again and was so awestruck by Salman Khan Clad in Blue and looking super Handsome and Dapper with a prophetic Claim “ Main Vaapas aa gaya”

It is so symbolic in so many ways…he and Sooraj Barjatya taught us to fall in love way back in 1989…with their immortal creation… "Maine Pyaar Kiya" They defined love for us for we were barely 16 at the time and all the songs became our love Anthems and Dialogues reverberate even today..like “Friendship main no sorry no thank you” Every  Single maiden had Salman's Handsome frame in their romantic mental television. 

Unfortunately, I could not permit myself to fall in love with Salman…why???? My sister fell for him and we were Loyal back then…not that I sacrificed anything much infact it was delightful to watch her fandom taking whatever form that time and our budget allowed…so our house was full of those postcard pictures of Salman Khan of 50 paise each…and constantly the songs being hummed. 

She was so besotted that my father humoured her with the video cassette of The Movie on her birthday and I guess we held a Matinee or night show daily on that Movie and somewhere in the stored and treasured item that Cassette is still there although the technology that supports it has vanished, it still remains a cherished possesssion…I think that place in her heart that she gave Salman Khan secretly is so deeply rooted that she never gave that place to anyone till date… and I am sure she still has given her Maiden heart to the Prem who claims…Main Vapas aa gaya…

He indeed enthralled us with his “ Hum Aapke Hain Kaun” he was the favourite Devar and a charmer…and the ideal Son in the Family Saga “ Hum Saath Saath hain” 

And so when Prem says “ main Vapas aa gaya” it holds so much of promise to my eternally, hopelessly incurable romantic heart…I want to catch up first DAY FIRST SHOW…

Speculation is rife about how many crores it will make or not make???

Spoofs and trolls abound making fun of the Hero, Heroine and the star cast and Sooraj Barjatya's style of film making…for how can he survive in this era of bhen ki takki and vodkas numerical potency…??

Now who wants to watch it?? Have we not become practical and oh so wise…in all these years??? Have we not become modern and have we not learned to accept Crass humour to be a part and parcel of even the most vulnerable aspect of romance?

Here are my five reasons why I will go and watch this movie first Day first Show…regardless of what its fate is…

FAMILY

For I treasure movies in my heart that endorse soft melodious tender traditional section of India…that still believes we gotta stay together as a family and be there for each other. I am unfortunate for I have and yet I do not really have a family of extended variety that SOORAJ BARJATYA speaks of…so in a way I get to have a Vicarious satisfaction of seeing them all enjoying and  coming together for a function or gathering. 

Diwali is the nostalgic times when we can relive the family times spent together and if you are indeed lucky go and watch this movie with those loved extended ones and make noise in the theatre…originally we used to grow up on diet of Engagement anthem of Wah wah ramji Jodi kya bunaayi…bhaiya aur Bhabhi ko badhai ho badhai…

Today we may croon Prem Ratan Dhun paayooo…for years to come…it will become the first anthem to hear before you enter your pandemonium and din of daily life which will give you a super dose of wisdom…sukh dukh jhuthe…jhuthi moh maayaaa….prem rratan dhun paaya….

ROMANCE

SOORAJ BARJATYA ‘s films recreate romance as we old school folks defined it. For us romance was not smooching or cracked joke about…We did not take it casually. Our romance began with the eyes word lessly transforming those messages only lovers know to and from each other…there we have Sonam Kapoor all gorgeously draped in a Six yard Saree which can leave a lot to the imagination and our Prem penning on her back love verses with the feather…

It fills me with tickling toes and seductive smiles. There is Dripping romance all the way when Sonam Kapoor accepts the “Imarti” with a Bow of her head. 

Romantic moment such as these I am looking forward to when I sit with my pop corn and pepsi…I so want my teenager son to know this is how you woo each other…love that takes birth in the eyes and is gently woven with gestures helps you walk the path of a long lasting love. 

It will help overcome those glitches which invariably follow. If your hearts have sung together these wordless moments you will hold another forever …no wham bam…thank you ma’am for my kids….so no doubt I will want my kids to at least have a look at an alternative world that exists beyond their jarring notes that keep being churned out daily.

SALMAN KHAN

He was our Poster boy from Maine Pyaar Kiya and the boys took lesson from that movie in how a Boy behaves…right from forming friendships to wooing with smiles and mischief and surrendering to her whims and fancies …and if need be go out there and earn for his love. 

In Hum Aapke Hain Kaun he embodied the ideal mischievous promising young son and vulnerably asking his love “hum aapke …aapke haain kaun?” but immediately checking his passion for a family emergency requires his presence. He did depict a Man you want to lean on in the family who represents the Ideal Indian uber cool Male!!! 

He did Convince us all of that being shown was believable…possible…realllll. Specially when he looked so breathtaking in each frame of “Hum Saath Saath Hain” where he silently wooed Sonali Bendre and was super shy to even confess his feelings yet when it came to separating a part of his family member he so adamantly stood up for his brother…while respecting his mother…so many asked…who does that??? 

My thoughts...even if everyone were to do even half of it…we would be a saner and secure society…so when I viewed the Trailers and updates on the Movie…truly I feel the Prem is Backkkkk…he does look softer…traditionally cool in those attires…much better than his other Avataars…he has reached that stage when not many can actually stand there and tell him…ye theek naa kiya…no one dares…except resorting to fun trolls…

But I did voluntarily give a miss to most of his movies in theatre…of course had no choice if they played on my TV SET which my kids connected to on YouTube to some other site …but this time I am going to set aside a certain sum to go catch Salman Khan on the screen because this combination of being intense, dapper, reliable, romantic, loving, caring…only can be expected when the director of the calibre of Sooraj touches him….he would listen to no one else either…and Sooraj can do it with no one else either…he tried…failed miserably…some Karmic combinations are suchhhh…I will go watch for that reason…first Day first Show….

OPULENCE

We are confined in our Middle-class existence…in our one bedroom hall kitchen….always crammed up for space….always living in those little lacks from which we have no respites. We heard stories of grandeur and larger than life existence of our ancestry…sighhhhh….we can only imagine so when I see Sonam Kapoor being weighed on a Scale for maybe gold jewellery to be given away…

It makes me at least feel the richness..Sooraj Barjatya  brings forth that imagery of people….grander visions of days gone by ….well-adorned elephants…freshly smelling flowers in abundance and at your disposal. For those three-hours I am in the cinema hall...I will permit myself to enter a world where lack word is lacking….and there is no thinking back of how much anything costs…

Diwali festival is a time when all of us allow those little liberties to ourselves…I am going to treat myself to bigger sets and enthralling treats of zara Mathri vathri lete chale…zara gujiya chakli lete chale…

It is the mischievous Prem out for a Date…and is taking stuff…does he have to worry...ek kilo ka kitna??? Of course not…I will immerse myself in that Abundant world of romance, grandeur…splendid mischief and wooing….by a man who need not worry about mundane things like cost nor for the maiden to think…

These are all given things in a Barjatya movie….first Day first Show it is…

 SONAM KAPOOR

I always feel that she has a persona not many have exploited so far. Sooraj again….oh Godddd…someone will think am I a Sooraj fan or what??? But he is the captain of the ship what he can do…again…no one can...he presents his female lead as a princess and a queen…their very best comes out under the canopy of his ultra sensitive vision….look at Bhagyashree…after that one movie…no one could ever repeat that beauty that we saw in MAINE PYAAR KIYA…

Nor has anyone managed to rival the unmatched beauty of Madhuri Dixit…All her movies on one side and this one is special….and Sonam Kapoor does look like “Mermaid” My hubby’s version….I would hate him for this for years to come but…I do agree…only I would insert a traditional Indian word…She looks like an Apsara from ethers….every frame so far that I have seen is surreal and she does look different. I will have the netted saree in my wardrobe sooner and not later…

I want to see her every splendid frame and go oooohhhh!!! Ahhhhh!!! And maybe just maybe I think she resembles…Rekha of yonder years….beautiful…comfortable in her beauty…confident in her glamour and vulnerable to hurt …as her big expressive eyes depicttttt….she is a stunner and I am going to no wonder stare and gaze at her beauty…not everyday or every year a Sooraj Barjatya movie releases and not every movie we get treated to a splendour such as this…

So while all you trade pundits go and speculate...why and what of the movie…give reviews and stars…write it off…or pick it up…before all that unfolds…I want to go and catch the Movie named…Prem Ratan Dhan Payo…have my own dreams and imagination satisfied…and come out singing…..AAJ MUNN BHAR AAYOOOO…..Happy Diwali to the cast and crew of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Sooraj Barjatya…Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor and all therein…including the Elephant…A very very Auspicious time….I will be there First Day first Show…

If you are not an old school girl, here is a bit modern take on PRDP: Preview of Review: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

The writer claims no rights over the images used in the post.

JHALAK- WHO SHOULD WIN?

As the Finale of the thirteen week old show draws closer, there is excitement tons in the Fan world that supports a certain Star. There are clashes too in the sensitive Fan worlds and Facebook comments are flying thick and high…tweets are crashing and crapping one another. Its time Now to decide who will cut Across the finishing Line.Contestants I m sure are putting their Best Foot forward!!!

 But Jhalak has a background of being too and too Boring.
 They have often bypassed the Dancer that was really promising and handed the trophy to someone …well someone who reached the Finale not on the basis of pure Talent but also what I deem a very Unfair voting system…which says one ID can get you hundreds of votes and you can change the ID and vote again and  again…then your reaching the Finale does not depend purely on hard work you do but the gang that follows you and who is dedicated enough to stay up overnight and vote for you non-stop!!!I am guilty of being a part of such a gang…Do hang me….!

Let us try and answer the much awaited Query “Who should win?” Each Fan world thinks that Their Star is the best and must win…even I do so…but for a while let us analyse on few criterias that would go into decision making. I have been hearing a lot about rigging in the show and that it is all predecided. Now popularity builds as the show does, and they have to shed those leaves which do not Add to the entire DÉCOR…So if these four Finalists have reached so Far there must have been some factors that would have worked in their favour…

Shamita Shetty

She looked stunning in her light pink and her choreo for once gave her 30 seconds full of Centre stage and she did shine like a woman who has found her Light and is now sharing with others. 

The next day too she looked stunning in her Blue attire and Confident and she did manage tons of wicked looks in her little frame and her eyes. 

However her coupling with the Magic Show did not Add much to her Act and two separate things were happening on the Floor. She looked so beautiful and tap-a-tap that I decided to overlook the Men and Enjoy her…She did get her oomph Moments and it gives me immense pleasure to know that finally Deepak heeded my advice...so if we have to analyse her on basis of

 Dance…

She knows all the right moves and she showed her prowess in “Piya tu ab to aa jaa” but beyond that I do not think there are memorable numbers that one can revisit. Her persona is so gentle that when it takes time to throw Energetic numbers and get the floor Ablaze it kind of fizzles. They keep saying she is a non trained Dancer but she does put in a decent Dance. When it comes to depicting gentle beauty she did just fine but …Getting versatile numbers or Experimenting did not go hand in hand. When Shamita is announced We expect a Glamorous Do but never a Surprise...

Choreography

Deepak had a beauty there and it was his job to experiment but he stuck to what is acceptable, doable, one that will not tax her. He did not bring any wordless wow moments to the floor where we would think “ Oh Goddd…Damnation!!! Freak!!! How did they manage that?” He had the onus to put forward newer stuff but he put in simple renditions without too much experimenting. Often he would be so excited that he would resort to taking Centre Stage himself like in the “Goddess Act” or “AFROCRUMP- Where they showed a hunting scene in the wild...” Maybe he was instructed Highlight her beauty and show her as A leading Lady stuff!!! In that case he did his job well!!

Popularity

How do you measure popularity in the Tele world? It means there are Fans who tweet in support of you .They put in posts on the Instagram and Facebook with edits of the Highlight moments of their Star and often indulge in Cat fights for you with other Fan worlds. The Star takes indulgent pleasure in reading these comments and rarely ever reverted and fans understand. Star is Busy and we offer  Unconditional Love. 
In her Case I have been surprised to not see a single Gang routing for her till a long long time maybe after fifth or the sixth week I saw a Team Shamita and few comments/Tweets in her favour.
What she could have done right from the beginning was to Build on Fanpower…replied to them..keep small contests…arrange for Chat sessions and in General roll in the opportunity handed to her by the Jhalak exposure. Sadly she just about has begun but the Show is almost ending. So when Semifinale weekend fanworlds went crazy with support we saw not many forthcoming for her. Shipa Shetty is her sibling. She too gave only a Video byte rather than actually coming to the Sets and giving her an encouraging Hug!!! Jhalak being Jhalak arranged for some cheap unkempt boys ogling at her…Tell you what …they would hawk at anyone feminine…and the Discomfort on Shamita showed. Well, Little lady we ought to learn to Balance Class and Crass both.

My advice…Shamita when Aishwarya Rai came on the Siver Screen she too was tagged the IceMaiden and  criticised Galore. But Now we know her as a scintillating Diva as one who has given a feisty, iconic “Kajraare” . Go ahead and Make a career out of this new found exposure. Wish you tons of good luck!

Will she win? Based on Fan power …I do not see lot of folks staying up overnight for her. On basis of Mallaika Arora Khan she may Sway the result in favour of her for she has grown fond of her!!!

Faisal Khan

People have labelled him as a super kid…Wonder kid…Shamita says she finds him a tough competition. It has become a wonder to see him perform as in they can do anything and look cute and stunning. His grace is unmatchable and humility touching. Every time a performance ends he is like sharing all his Kudos moments with All and sundry instead of being A Star and demanding Centre Stage. He is humbled after putting in each n every performance. 

The Day ONE saw them put in a super energetic and their Classic Slow motion. 

He looked Dapper and each Move was Clean and Smashing...really a SemiFinale Give all...show all..

He is a power packed and versatile individual.He will do justice to whatever it is you hand him. He went on to give us goose bumps with his Aerial and that too…Blindfolded Act…

I would be the Mother…I would be in a shell shock at seeing my Little one up there with Blind folded and on a tricky traipsy Eye prop. He perched…moved…swiftly from one part too another…came down and well…in general enthralled the Audience with Wordless wowwws…and your breath stuck at the route of your lungs somewhere…

Enchanting…enticinggg…so much so Manik Paul the IGT winner says… "Faisal is like…ho jayega…he believes in just Manifesting anything and everything in the world of Dance." He gives his All. He does not Hold back.So we have beautiful immortal Memories of his Seductive Laavni Dance…to Main hun hero…to ishqwala love…dil toh bachcha hain ji…to classical dance…

Choreography

VIVEK CHACHERE had a tough Call. Children- that too power packed stunners both. Limitations in that he cannot explore Romance and sensuality. But he took up the Challenge and served Variety. At every juncture he dished out a new Concept. I only have one Complaint…Except Lavani Act you did not give CENTRESTAGE  to Faisal. I agree heads down Vaishnavi Patil is Very Talented and downright Hard working but…It was about Faisal as a star…Choreo’s Job was to highlight him…Give him Centre stage…and make him Shine…
He shone alright but each one of you took this opportunity with Faisal to show case your own popularity…each one took your share of the pie…but my #Masterpiece is that ray of light which will create Warmth and share light wherever…I do wish you could have been so benevolent and ….Allowed few Singularly focused on stage moments of only Faisal…so much so that often it was Vaishnavi who was given Centrestage in "Teen ka tadka" and Faisal was tad bit sidelined…neva mind that we looked only at him…but…

           Popularity

In this arena too he can easily take the Cake and lick  it right up to the last morsel. He is very very very popular with Fans dying super hard for him. Not only do they vote  but each competes on who put in how many more votes and proudly display the number of votes on Instagram updates. People would play hookie from work or spend a zombie day at work for they voted overnight. Semifinale preweeek….saw innumerable video updates supporting our Dude from all corners of the world.It became like if you do it you are in or you would be left out. My sweetheart technology…that I keep harping about…went abuzz with people from fan world and teleworld Starlets… going creative and crazyyy wishing Faisal khan All the best for Finale and assuring him why he will win…till today video uploads are pouring in…People Adore him…enough said…

My advice…Faisal this world of technology gives you amazing opportunity to connect to your fans…Go ahead and stay Connected for they are the ones who actually route for you and stand up for you. You are handed  Talent and popularity both...do take care of both and go ahead in this Tinsel town with tons of Goodluck from us…

Will he win ? They are over hyping and being very patronising…especially Shahid declares... "I want you to win Jhalak" They are building a Crescendo and I fear that they might simply pull the carpet at the last minute…Some accuse he is a Trained Dancer??? Like really??? What is he trained in?? Bharatnatyam?? Kathak?? Has he an international Diploma in Arts and DANCE FROM SOMEWHERE??? 
Attending few dance workshops and a reality show merits to Training?? That way I am sure each one of us is a Trained Dancer…we all attended Some Dance class at some point in our life…I see high Chances of him winning…for he was retained for the stupefying effect he had on thhe minds of the Audience. 
Judges seem to be confused as ever with Mallaika making it clear that Shamita is her Darling whatever she does or does not do…Lauren declares that they nailed it…but Jhalak guys have reduced her to a beautiful Mannequin of Jhalak…not having a say…Wear good clothes…look good…speak little but we may or may not hear it…we may even edit your comments…

SANAYA IRANI

The most popular face on Indi television currently and who is so interesting that she is not on any social media and yet there are fans who die and kill for her…its amazing to watch this...it is frightening too!!! Sanaya is a delicate Maiden but her graph was not consistent and there was not very much variety served except the sensuous Bath tub number…or semifinale which had a sweet and sentimental number. She took a while to settle in gave a lovely Aerial Act. Even Semifinale saw a sweet Balancing of Dance n Thermocol sheets. It was cool n sweet while it lasted but it was not a Grand Semifinale Act!!!

No experiments but cool shade of a tree…The  Shadow Act also was cute but it did not stretch any Creative limits or create any Oh my!!!! wow moments for the Audience. 

She looks lovelyyy…she is bubbly chirpy..and in general she is free with her Hugs and tears..only the Aerial Act was a stunner and memorable one for me where they actually came forward and did something worth a wow…

Choreography

Jai did have a Diamond and he was the gold Cast…His job was to highlight her as a Diva but he too wanted to swim in the rivulet of her popularity and did not give a single Frame to Sanaya  Alone on the  Stage…to sparkle. He was probably too complacent and depended on creating Drama and ride on the fans support that come Hell or high water…they will vote for her and save her…he had the horror Act but he made it funny…he needs lesson from the creepily talented Contortionist who came from IGT and in a matter of seconds…raised our goose bumps and fear factor both…

With Sanaya he simply made it a caricature...a cartoon show…a muddy Act…made murkier…not scarier…So he depended more on creating Drama then showing a different style each week to the Audience so that we take home some memories. For her Fan I am sure they could see no folly or Dint but maybe a choreo of the Calibre of Puneet or Salman would have taken her to greater heights of popularity

Popularity

She has Fans…lots and lots of them. So much so that they stalk every tweet on colors or Face book and insta updates…any and every…whether it is related to Sanaya or not…Frightening as When Kavita Kaushik put in a video update supporting Faisal khan with her Dear friend Aashka Goradia…they lambasted  her as a Traitor on Twitter. That is Dangerous activity. We are a Free Nation. While government is taking away many of our freedoms we can retain to Endorse our liking for a certain telestar!!! 
Gang Activities are such…mob mentality then loses focus and begins to act funny and undemocratic. I was surprised to then see a complete Lack of Updates coming from tele world or Fan world.Maybe crazy fan activity is the reason she has gotten off the techno world… she is not on any social media and so People would find it funny to address her and wish her Good luck for the finale…But Jai could have made provisions for fans video uploads and wishes…Maybe then Fans could have gotten busy uploading videos instead of Harassing Kavita for an innocent video supporting Faisal Khan...I saw that with Vivian Fans where they wreak Havoc with the Reputation if very Star they want to support...

My Advice…Sanaya you are a good looking Versatile  Actress. Jhalak is but one feather in your Cap. I would love if you come on the Media handles to take kudos but  even if you do not...I can see now why you do not...???I would be scared stiff of such fan accounrability...Anyways and otherwise march onwards and forwards with your talent!

Will she Win??? If voting is the criteria then she has a high chance of winning. If Judges opinion is the Criteria then…umm...it cann go any ways for our poor judges are busy pouting for selfies and convincing the world they are fun loving, non thinking Classroom mates…and we have updates that ask us to TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY…in sucha  classroom …Decision is a matter of whimssss!!!

MOHIT MALIK

No other participant has such an ups and downs as Mohit has had!!! He has forgotten steps…his choreo had an injury…he danced a while with Bhawna Khanduja and then Sneha Kapoor. He gave a sensitive performance with his almost solo aggressive rendition however the Semifinale was not upto the mark with certain goofs happening in the act with the IGT Contestant…

Day one had him look a handsome Packer who did pack a punch and the Choreo was smart enough to give him a Centre Stage with the Props…

It was like they did highlight…look at him...He is the Star…but Mohit seemed to lose stamina by the end of the Act and went Kaput at places…next day too he looked stunning in the mythological attire however he did not quite bring in the Bodily gumption and strength of the warrior that was needed.

Choreography

Marischa brought in Variety. They failed in some projects…they came out winners in some…but one thing She proved. She is a choreo who knows to polish the Diamond given to Her without Harping on self. 
Full marks to Marishcha as bringing concepts…highlighting steps…that would aid Mohit…and So 13 weeks back who did not know Mohit much today he has become a household Name as a hardworking, versatile and good looking hunk on the show. I loved the Fact that  at every juncture It was needed to put his best foot forward…Mohit was given that liberty…whether he faltered or made the Best of it…Marishcha allowed it.The bond was visible and am sure they will end up as allies for life. Marischa I too will remember you as a lovely sweet and matured individual.

Popularity

The only sweet fellow who made time and regularly interacted with fans on a daily basis. Quote Tweet of every fan and reply to them. He used the Jhalak exposure to the Hilt and build his popularity and yes he has his share of Tele supporters…wishing him good luck on Insta and twitter and extending love and warmth towards this sweet and gentle fellow who is yet trying to convince himself that he actually made it to Finale…

My Advice …you have indeed overcome your Dance limitations…stepped out of your comfort zone and done what you thought you could not do…You have build new fans and go ahead and enjoy life…wipe that bemused expressions from your Face you can Dance

Will he win??? I see a big possibility. For he is the Dark Horse of Jhalak. He slid in silently…while others got eliminated…he stayed…he has left a show to get into Jhalak…and he had a point to prove himself…so while all Are noisily purchasing Champagne bottles and arranging parties …and vying ffor jhalak  trophy…we just might have this Silent unassuming Fella takin the trophy back home proudly…I do  not buy this trained dancer bit but I doo believe that someone who has not danced regularly on shows or otherwise can be safely categorised as a Non DANCER AND He just fits in that Bill…So if JHALAK stands for Non dancer becoming a Dancer then he is the only one who picks up the Tab…

But it is left to be seen…Will Shamita make it…people assume shee is here due to family connect??? Where is it??? Where was it all these years??? Why not use connect for a higher purpose???

Will Faisal make it…People argue he is already a dancer but he is so adorable that eliminated contestants like Raftaar, Bhawna,Vivian, Shubhreet seem to support him…just because he is  dance show winner shall we discard all the Hard work and versatility???

Sanaya can surely make it…she has the fan power but fan power will egg her presence in the show…is it sufficient to bag the trophy???

Mohit will win??? He is the Dark horse not looking promising…silent…has trophies not been handed to unassuming contestants in the past…soon we shall know….

I will miss Jhalak...I have enjoyed blogging and crazily being a part of a circuit that gossips...screams for first updates…tweets…cat fights…I had funnn…Wish all of them Good luck!!!!

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