A THOUSAND WEEKS AND A HUNDRED REFERENCES

Cinema they say is a reflection of society but more than that, I think cinema becomes memorable and reflection itself when it leaves references for everyday life for not just some but an entire generation. In clinical terms (pun intended) we can call it the collective memory syndrome.

To help assist my readers I must explain the dictionary or literal meaning of that term. Collective memory refers to the shared pool of information held in the memories of two or more members of a group.  Every time someone says ‘ kitne addmi the’ the average mind jumps to the same interpretation and response that is if they are part of the specific group that share that collective memory.

To my through delight, a film that created a common pool of references in my youth about love, commitment, nationhood as well a European escapade was DDLJ. (Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge ..Precisely for readers beyond the group! Because everyone else will know what I mean!)

As DDLJ celebrates its 1000 weeks in the main corridors of Mumbai, I think of the many occasions when filmmakers tested my referencing of the many moments of DDLJ which have become a part of collective memory for the average Bollywood spectator.

The first visuals that come back to you are that of the train, the extending of the hand and the girl running towards it. I immediately come back to Chennai express and even Yeh Jawaani Hai Diwani when Bunny and Naina interact.

Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge released in 1995 and definition of love was never the same again to a generation of young urban Indians. From serene picturesque locales to a tale of epic romance, DDLJ narrated a fantasy that many Indian if had not experienced would be glad to ride through. Raj and Simran became cult characters and so did their iconic romance.

Soon after, people started to dream of having their own Raj(s) and Simran(s) in their life.  Reference Bachna e haseeno where Ranbir gets a share of RAJ’s fame by recreating the entire sequence for his on screen interest Mahi.

It is fascinating how audiences still connect to those images of DDLJ and extremely depressing when filmmakers bank of the collective memory in a non-creative kind of way.

A classic case is the film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania released in 2014 that not only shares similar title but also rehashes the entire premise of DDLJ. This film is a classic example of what a director should not attempt to do: bank all creativity to the imagination of the viewer alone and abdicate the responsibility to create probably another reference for epic romance in a different setting.

By the end of the film, one is left wondering on why one has gone through a surreal nauseating journey of DDLJ lest one loses the utopian touch of romance.

In any case DDLJ will remain one of the most talked about film for a long time. The celebrations are well deserved and one wonders what is the equivalent of the film for youngsters today..the so called GEN Y with all the gadgetry and machines which surround and influence their communication.

Wonder if they ever feel like saying ‘PALAT’! and Only my peers would know the subtext when I say “ jaa simran , jee le apni jindagi”!

1000 weeks and about two decades later, the film is still fresh in the collective memory of the genuine Bollywood audience. 

(you can also view this write up on LOKMARG.IN )

The irony of empowered women imagery in Hindi Cinema

Yesterday, I randomly happened to tune in to a show called PRIME GUPSHUP on a much reputed TV channel. The show is about talking to Film Directors in a informal style by a senior journalist.

The guest in this particular episode was the frank and vocal Farah Khan. I always move into contemplation when I hear a female director’s interview. Sometimes the content can be so casual and yet so reflective of cinema practices in India.

In Farah’s case, there were two bits I am still thinking about. One she said she never faced a gender bias in her work. The reason she quoted was that if you knew your job, the others just follow the gender doesn’t matter.

She is correct on some counts that in Mumbai or the erstwhile Bombay film industry, knowledge about your craft is the power you exercise and colleagues respect homework and skill on your craft. In terms of the acceptance of a female director, I am not so sure because if it was so easy, one would have ended up seeing many more female directors in yesteryears than today. We must not forget that a lot of them either are from film families or Married to film families……so That’s Debate No 1 as ARNAB puts it

The second remark was more volcanic. She commented on her representation of women and how in her films the actress is not just an actress waiting for a hero but also doping her job. In this specific case she mentioned MAIN HOON NA and Sushmita as a Teacher.

This is what got me really thoughtful. I was wondering which subject was Sushmita in charge of because I didn’t hear her speaking anything which displayed her teaching skills. I did though see her curves et all even within the drape. I was also thinking on Kiron Khers profession or was she only NASEERS wife. And the lovely AMRITA , I never heard of any mention of her subjects , her academic interests or her results.

The particular film being mentioned had all shades of the patriarchal view on women though with a revised modernistic approach. It is a pure rehash of the old norm of glamour girls and oomph

something that as a female cinema academician , I sincerely mind from the bottom of my gut.

Then why is her reference point so skewed. Is that because nobody will bell eh cat. Or is it that she genuinely believes this is what empowerment is, having greta bodies and enticing students in class. How was Sushmita used both as an actress and as that character in the case that the hero was set to achieve….i thought she was only arm candy …and that too ina  female directors film.

Compare it to an ENGLISH VINGLISH BY Gauri Shinde Or A Zindgai Na Milegei Dobaara of a ZOYA Akhtar, one would clearly get different results.

Anyways, I am still thinking and I am still not a ‘SOMEONE’ who will be interviewed on that show at least for some years….so I shall leave you with Debate No 2 . Are there enough women in Cinema who reflect skill on their own profession…think about it !

                                                                                                                                          

Interstellar , the enigma of Space and time

On this week end I decided to see Interstellar but the decision a unique because I also decided to take my 12 year old boy and 7 year old girl to the Cinema hall.

I had heard raving reviews from students I teach and believing on my own prowess at convincing students on the distinction between good cinema and money making cinema, I trusted their opinion.

Now the target was not only to watch the film but to also assess my skills at teaching cinema and to get an assessment on how I have taught my own kids the right cinema habits. So with a very curious mind and a thumping heart, I bought the tickets.

First things first, none can challenge Christopher Nolan’s understanding of creating magic with space and time. I don’t mean the space in screen but right now the space as the ingredient to cinema. I was at peace with the pace that the film established the relationship that was being built between me and the storyteller. It was as rotten Tomatoes has Quoted “ represents more of the thrilling , thought provoking and visually resplendent filmmaking movie goers have come to expect from Nolan”

The constant engagement with the visual storytelling and the metamorphosis of a father daughter relationship at a not so ‘current pace’ was a nuance that I admired. In real times, I don’t think father – daughter duos get that kind of time anymore…at least none that I have met.

The premise of looking for a new planet to inhabit might be the fetish of the developed world but its cinematic implementation was impeccable.

On one hand as a cinema lover, I was admiring the pace and the narrative building scene to scene on the other I was wondering what awaits me at the end of the film. Will my kids sleep, are they going to whine, is it going to be a verbal duel after the film on why they were dragged to the theater.

Well full marks to Nolan then, cause when it finished, I looked at my son and popped the question. Guess what the answer was!

 “ SUPERB” .

I felt vindicated. Good cinema and a gifted Director can entice audiences. 

And from then on, the little one wants a change in her bedtime story…currently its INTERSTELLAR in Hindi.

I plan to see the film again, this time alone and with greater intent.

Just announcing my resolution to post every week anything about cinema :)

An interesting read on a Sunday morning

For my blog today , I only wish to identify a newspaper article  which by itself explains most of the negative impact of the growing 'Technology UPrising' in our environs.

Though I am neither a scientist nor a sociologist , I enjoyed reading every line of the article.  Having met certain strange people who value the machine more than the human, I was thoroughly amused at my own prudence in the matter on front page and that too in such a quick witted manner.

It is food for the 'dumb' mind :)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/man-woman/They-are-making-you-dumber/articleshow/17349244.cms

SILENT PROMISE

I believe I have had four people to thank for my share of parenting.  My biological parents (has to be two! obviously), my Guru and last but not the least 'Cinema'. Coincidently since my belief is so strong and Universe runs on auto-suggestion, the journey so far has also been truly filmi.

So by that logic the filmi part of October 2012 will be : a filmi dip into cinema (STUDIES!)...YES people study cinema as well, have had a super high dose of cinema + research methodology......and then some people who were invisible suddenly reappearing in my life!(very bollywood filmi)  and initiation of my cubs to the power of silence...no not mommas silence, she speaks...but THE SILENT CINEMA.

What does a 10 year old see these days? Probably TV, Internet Games, Animation films and then he sees other people seeing TV, other people people on the lappies and other people watching all current contemporary films.

When I was young my greatest cinema experience of all times, was a screening of SOUND OF MUSIC. and of course the greatest film critic of all time (my life) was my mom. With her, I have some incredible memories of seeing regional cinema on the erstwhile Doordarshan , to whom  for some strange reason, noone gives credit to. There were also some great Hollywood films that I saw on the same platform.

My days of the single channel were superb. The Rays, Ghataks  and Adoors were known to me since 1985 ...when I was 10.

But for  some strange reason, in this vast cinema basket that I assembled, I was never exposed to BUSTER KEATON. That name always rung a bell but I didnot ever go back and do my research till I finally saw The General.



Such incredible work dome in 1926. Such imagery , shot taking and then complimented with a such story telling. The extremes of form and the simplicity of content just bowls you over. One of my favorite film maker Orson Welles stated that Keaton's The General is "the greatest comedy ever made, the greatest Civil War film ever made, and perhaps the greatest film ever made."

A 2002 worldwide poll by Sight & Sound ranked Keaton's The General as the 15th best film of all time and yet it had escaped me. 

HATS OFF ! TO A MASTERPIECE 

So not only did I see it but also made sure that my cubs start their discovery of silent cinema by watching this one. The first reaction on announcement of the screening was very natural...why a black and white...oh it doesnt even have sound.....but then after the first five minutes, the magic began....these kids of the so called super modern robotic age got engulfed in a simple tale sewn together seamlessly and yet so powerfully.


The ought and knot of it is also peculiar. What was also interesting is that during my researches post screening (which is a compulsive habit), I disocovered that The General, set during the American Civil War, , the film's storyline reenacted an actual wartime incident. . Though it would come to be regarded as Keaton's proudest achievement, the film received mixed reviews at the time. It was too dramatic for some filmgoers expecting a lightweight comedy, and reviewers questioned Keaton's judgment in making a comedic film about the Civil War, even while noting it had a "few laughs".


It was an expensive misfire, and Keaton was never entrusted with total control over his films again. His distributor, United Artists, the organisation which wanted to break away from studio tyranny and had teh consuling of CHARLIE Chaplin, insisted on a production manager who monitored expenses and interfered with certain story elements. Ironically Keaton endured this treatment for two more feature films, and then exchanged his independent setup for employment at Hollywood's biggest studio, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).


Anyways, beyond the history, all the parents who ever read this, show your child Silent cinema, break them free of the cacophony of modern life for some time. It will be worth it.

For me , its the beginning of a 'SILENT PROMISE'.....i have loads to share...now the Pandoras box shall open....Chaplin shall also visit us in our dreams.

STROKES TO STEPS

Caught within counterchecking bills of an event and dips in ‘cinema verite’ for my students, my Friday was a nightmare. It finished with chapter 9 of class v – revision. When I went to bed …the only question that lurked was ‘one day of life gone mundane’….but the Saturday has made up for it.

A visit to my favourite artist’s solo exhibition and a small tete-a- tete with kathak in the evening was the flavour of my cake for the day. The icing on the cake though remains my cubs. The ferocious little tigress was with me loving the colours of what she will later know when she grows up to be TRUE REFLECTIONS OF THE SELF- A-R-T . The teddy cub was chiselling his perception of Rabindro Sangeet and Jatra. What needs mention is that tigress never skips Tagore. She noticed his image on one of the display paintings at the gallery and she came running “…mamma…they have tagore.” Little girl knows mama is smitten by that name, those thoughts and that humungous vision.

I have just taken a few steps into knowing the great ‘Gurudev’. Will remove the word ‘great’ because at a seminar recently, an admirer mentioned correctly- “ don’t add the adjectives, it makes the seekers pull away. Pre-designated greatness have made many refrain from any self discovery whether it is the Mahatma or  Gurudev.” I found the words profound.

My journey may have begun late but is well rooted in my desire to self discover each day along with the arduous task of earning bread, remaining the ‘social animal’ and above all guiding young minds as a Teacher. For those who would like to take a dip , they should listen to

“ Bhalo beshe sokhi nivrito jotone …….” …….entirely a new dimension.

ভালোবেসে, সখী, নিভৃতে যতনে
আমার নামটি লিখো-তোমার
মনের মন্দিরে।
আমার পরানে যে গান বাজিছে
তাহার তালটি শিখো-তোমার
চরণমঞ্জীরে।।
ধরিয়া রাখিয়ো সোহাগে আদরে
আমার মুখর পাখি – তোমার
প্রাসাদপ্রাঙ্গণে।
মনে ক’রে সখী, বাঁধিয়া রাখিয়ো
আমার হাতের রাখী – তোমার
কনককঙ্কণে।।
আমার লতার একটি মুকুল
ভুলিয়া তুলিয়া রেখো – তোমার
অলকবন্ধনে।
আমার স্মরণ-শুভ-সিন্দুরে
একটি বিন্দু এঁকো-তোমার
ললাটচন্দনে।
আমার মনের মোহের মাধুরী
মাখিয়া রাখিয়া দিয়ো-তোমার
অঙ্গসৌরভে।
আমার আকুল জীবনমরণ
টুটিয়া লুটিয়া নিয়ো-তোমার
অতুল গৌরবে।।

There is a reference in the same to know the taal of mine for you to know me. I find that segment particularly fascinating. Everyone has that taal, and some are so betaal.

It is Teachers day, and hoards have decided to wish me as their teacher, as someone who has influenced their lives in some way. Most don’t know my ‘taal’.

The messages are part of the bulk mail culture. The only identity that a student would know of me is that I am not bulk ( weight excluded in context). The only ‘taal’ that I follow is to have an individualism amongst the cattle, to stand on your reasoning created by years of observation, humility and a learners habit. To not think that anyone can give you a crash course on life or a diet pill to stay fit.

Mass messages reek of a ritual that needs to be implemented like a task at work. They portray the lack of individual attention or singular reverence to a particular ability of a teacher that has inspired us. All teachers do remain human and mortal at the end of the day.

Those who know me would know that I would answer those singular stand alone messages that contain content and context and are not sent for the sake of being said or sent.

The greatest teachers in the real sense are we to ourselves. An ability of introspection that slowly is being lost. Everyone is on the run and the beauty of the individuality of a message is completely washed away. Dhanya ho Facebook!