Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mukhtasar - Official Song - Teri Meri Kahaani (Exclusive)
Is it just me or is Priyanka Chopra running out of expressions? After watching this video I swapped channels, saw a song from Anjaana Anjaani then Gun Guna Re from Agneepath. It’s like she’s only changed costumes and one video can easily be mistaken for the other. The bitting of lips, raising eyebrow, frowning then jumping around like a bunny on dope, tucking chin in, pushing shoulders out smiling again, biting of lips, raising eyebrow, frowning……she’s on loop man! Where did Meghna of Fashion get lost after promising potential?
And Shahid Kapoor - watch the first line “oh no! humare beech who nahin hona chahiye…..” and if I was to ask you to guess which film it could it be, except Jab We Met as an option I know I’d get a list.
Bad acting is forgivable but being repetitive? C’mmon Mr. Director you know they can do better.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Ishaqzaade
From creating Hammbaarrr and Nikhil Adoda to Jhoom Barabar Jhoom. From creating Shruti Kakkad and Bittu Sharma to creating Dimpy and her 9 awards. From creating Do Dooni Chaar to now creating Parma and Zoya – Habib Faisal presents Ishaqzaade, a saga echoed by unlucky thousands.
Set against a political background and religious tempers, the story is a potpourri of emotions. In a small town called Almore, it is the love story of two Ishaqzaades- Parma Chauhan (Arjun Kapoor) and Zoya Qureshi (Parineeti Chopra ). It’s about dreams and aspirations, family, how mentality declares boundaries even before geography can and how a simple unsuspecting action like falling in love, can change the course of life.
Zoya Qureshi is not your regular small town girl. She aspires to become an MLA just like her father. Drives a jeep, is well educated, has a mind of her own and does not twitch at gun point.
Parma Chauhan on the other hand, is a crass mouthed, gun in crotch, hot blooded young stem who does what and whoever he pleases.
So when they meet, sparks are bound to fly, but who burns and who simmers? When flames grow and love rebels, somewhere a world burns.
Various entities of this film deserve a pat on their big proud shoulders:
Arjun Kapoor for essaying Parma with honesty. Being Boney Kapoor’s son and a Salman Bhai fan I could easily see him sliding on his two flat feet, amongst the Swiss Alps singing “hey hey…ahh haaa…” (being a YRF production and all) but instead he shares his big introduction scene with two other artists, no drum rolls, no fan blowing hair, or walk in 48 frames, he looks every bit of a non hero.
In fact a very common joke on set was anything that ever looked good on Arjun or for a fleeting second gave you the impression ‘hero’ was immediately disapproved by Habib Faisal. “If you want to become a hero, you’ve signed up for the wrong film” is what he maintained throughout. Ishaqzaade is clearly not a feel good product from Yash Raj.
But after watching the film I think Arjun did get his way. As Parma’s character develops with the flowing screenplay, the audience too will not be able to hold back as he transforms from an uncouth animal to a conscientious lover.
I see myself joining the ‘oh my gosh I wanna marry him’ brigade a few times during the film. Parma’s intense declaration of love for Zoya at the brothel has my head bobbing to the motion of his dialogue as he states “Main tujhe itta pyaar karunga, itta pyaar karunga, itta pyaar karunga, bahut pyaar karunga…” Zoya finally melts and so did I. The second time that happened to me was in the climax, when he talked about ‘chotti Zoya & chotta Parma’ it’s not the dialogue as much as it is the honest to god heartfelt delivery.
While Parma’s character develops from shades of black to grey, Zoya is consistent. She bears the flag of a woman not afraid to love or express it. Habib Faisal years ago in a serial he’d directed had the girl protagonist light the pyre of her father (Lavanya). Back in those days that was radical. With Zoya, he still is. So what makes her a typical bhartiya naari but not so much? She fights like a man but still seeks her father’s approval on marriage, she’ll kiss passionately but without an ounce of coyness draws the line for ‘shaadi ke baad’. Feels the hurt when wronged without playing victim. Many felt that Zoya’s spark was doused as her character transformed into a typical Indian woman who bears the brunt of all evil but still forgives. I’d beg for people to see the difference, she makes a choice to kill, she makes a choice to forgive, and in her own time. I think Zoya depicts the inner fire of an average Indian girl, only the average girl fears to ignite it.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie is in the Chemistry Lab. Amidst life threatening action, they take refuge in the college lab, but once the door shuts and the dialogues unfold I was left mesmerized by the simplicity and naivety of the two characters. As I soaked in the moment, I forgot what was happening five minutes ago. A moment where all you see are two young people with innocent dreams, desires, ambitions - as simple as winning a gold medal in the third academic year. How inconsequential things like a lab, the smell of chemicals can make all your worries disappear even if for a minute. How many times do we have that moment when a small something transports us into lala land? Rare. We’ve forgotten how to scrape through layers of bullshit and truly just live the moment.
An important thing I learnt on this journey was that a film is redirected on the edit table. This time its far more difficult because you have only so much to play with! Aarti Bajaj has been the saving grace behind many scenes that had potential of being nominated for ‘cringe worthy’.
Ok the music, Amit Trivedi. That’s all I have to say. Aafton ke Parindey has a rocker feeler, while Jhalla has a very seventies feel to it. Watching Arjun battle Gauahar in Chokra Jawan makes the video a treat. Zoya's unrest as she falls for an infidel is essayed as a rock ballad in Pareshaan but my favouratist is the title track Ishaqzaade, Kausar Munir ke lyrics se pyaar na hojaye to bolna! Ranjeet Barot’s background score is interestingly different. Too bad it’s not included in the soundtrack DVD.
Saving the best for last is Mr. Hemant Chaturvedi. Ishaqzaade would not have been this beautiful if it wasn’t for this DOP’s aesthetic sense of lighting, Some scenes are so beautifully silhouetted that the light pouring in becomes the main attraction of the scene. It’s unbelievable how he waves his magic wand to make sunlight dance for him. Watch out for the warehouse scene and the love making scene, it’s all real and natural.
Habib Faisal is amongst the rare species of ‘real writers’ and even though commercial success means a thing or two, his basic motto is all about staying true.
Zoya Qureshi is not your regular small town girl. She aspires to become an MLA just like her father. Drives a jeep, is well educated, has a mind of her own and does not twitch at gun point.
Parma Chauhan on the other hand, is a crass mouthed, gun in crotch, hot blooded young stem who does what and whoever he pleases.
So when they meet, sparks are bound to fly, but who burns and who simmers? When flames grow and love rebels, somewhere a world burns.
Various entities of this film deserve a pat on their big proud shoulders:
Arjun Kapoor for essaying Parma with honesty. Being Boney Kapoor’s son and a Salman Bhai fan I could easily see him sliding on his two flat feet, amongst the Swiss Alps singing “hey hey…ahh haaa…” (being a YRF production and all) but instead he shares his big introduction scene with two other artists, no drum rolls, no fan blowing hair, or walk in 48 frames, he looks every bit of a non hero.
In fact a very common joke on set was anything that ever looked good on Arjun or for a fleeting second gave you the impression ‘hero’ was immediately disapproved by Habib Faisal. “If you want to become a hero, you’ve signed up for the wrong film” is what he maintained throughout. Ishaqzaade is clearly not a feel good product from Yash Raj.
But after watching the film I think Arjun did get his way. As Parma’s character develops with the flowing screenplay, the audience too will not be able to hold back as he transforms from an uncouth animal to a conscientious lover.
I see myself joining the ‘oh my gosh I wanna marry him’ brigade a few times during the film. Parma’s intense declaration of love for Zoya at the brothel has my head bobbing to the motion of his dialogue as he states “Main tujhe itta pyaar karunga, itta pyaar karunga, itta pyaar karunga, bahut pyaar karunga…” Zoya finally melts and so did I. The second time that happened to me was in the climax, when he talked about ‘chotti Zoya & chotta Parma’ it’s not the dialogue as much as it is the honest to god heartfelt delivery.
While Parma’s character develops from shades of black to grey, Zoya is consistent. She bears the flag of a woman not afraid to love or express it. Habib Faisal years ago in a serial he’d directed had the girl protagonist light the pyre of her father (Lavanya). Back in those days that was radical. With Zoya, he still is. So what makes her a typical bhartiya naari but not so much? She fights like a man but still seeks her father’s approval on marriage, she’ll kiss passionately but without an ounce of coyness draws the line for ‘shaadi ke baad’. Feels the hurt when wronged without playing victim. Many felt that Zoya’s spark was doused as her character transformed into a typical Indian woman who bears the brunt of all evil but still forgives. I’d beg for people to see the difference, she makes a choice to kill, she makes a choice to forgive, and in her own time. I think Zoya depicts the inner fire of an average Indian girl, only the average girl fears to ignite it.
One of my favorite scenes in the movie is in the Chemistry Lab. Amidst life threatening action, they take refuge in the college lab, but once the door shuts and the dialogues unfold I was left mesmerized by the simplicity and naivety of the two characters. As I soaked in the moment, I forgot what was happening five minutes ago. A moment where all you see are two young people with innocent dreams, desires, ambitions - as simple as winning a gold medal in the third academic year. How inconsequential things like a lab, the smell of chemicals can make all your worries disappear even if for a minute. How many times do we have that moment when a small something transports us into lala land? Rare. We’ve forgotten how to scrape through layers of bullshit and truly just live the moment.
An important thing I learnt on this journey was that a film is redirected on the edit table. This time its far more difficult because you have only so much to play with! Aarti Bajaj has been the saving grace behind many scenes that had potential of being nominated for ‘cringe worthy’.
Ok the music, Amit Trivedi. That’s all I have to say. Aafton ke Parindey has a rocker feeler, while Jhalla has a very seventies feel to it. Watching Arjun battle Gauahar in Chokra Jawan makes the video a treat. Zoya's unrest as she falls for an infidel is essayed as a rock ballad in Pareshaan but my favouratist is the title track Ishaqzaade, Kausar Munir ke lyrics se pyaar na hojaye to bolna! Ranjeet Barot’s background score is interestingly different. Too bad it’s not included in the soundtrack DVD.
Saving the best for last is Mr. Hemant Chaturvedi. Ishaqzaade would not have been this beautiful if it wasn’t for this DOP’s aesthetic sense of lighting, Some scenes are so beautifully silhouetted that the light pouring in becomes the main attraction of the scene. It’s unbelievable how he waves his magic wand to make sunlight dance for him. Watch out for the warehouse scene and the love making scene, it’s all real and natural.
Habib Faisal is amongst the rare species of ‘real writers’ and even though commercial success means a thing or two, his basic motto is all about staying true.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Bidhan Samasya.
21-year-old Guwahati resident Bidhan Barua finally won a long battle. His was not a battle against a life threatening disease or racial prejudice, but a battle to affirm his fundamental human rights. A battle against his parents who could not understand how their 21 year old son Bidhan wanted to become Swati. Sex change is still something that our society does not largely identify with forget accepting even with a fight.
Bidhan won the case against his parents when his lawyer had told the High Court earlier that “the parents of the petitioner had got his bank account frozen and were infringing upon his fundamental rights” His parents even threatened to file suit against all the doctors of the hospital who’d be accomplice to Bidhan bringing lady luck. Suddenly Bidhan’s parents have become the wolf in the Red Riding Hood story because they are infringing on his fundamental rights? What would be interesting to know is does our government also have laws against the so called moral brigades like the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena or Ram Sena of our country when they infringe on our rights of visiting a pub (Mangalore) or celebrating Valentine’s Day (bombay) or work overtime in order to stop people from expressing love or simply denying their rights of sitting together (Meerut). “He is an adult and can take care of his own decisions” – High Court Mumbai. Why does this right of making adult decisions not apply to choosing to be gay, same sex marriages or being in possession of cannabis considering it’s grown in large parts of the country!
Bidhan says that he realised early in life that he was born in the wrong sex and preferred to dress like girls. This angered his parents who ill-treated him and beat him up, he alleged. The 21-year-old said it was in standard 7th that he learnt through the Internet that medical science could provide a remedy to his problem through a sex change procedure and he decided to go for it. Today’s e- generation knows much more than we can even provide solutions for. My 8 year old nephew asked me what’s the difference between ghosts and spirits? His is a much smaller concern than Bidhan’s and yes while I’m grateful to technology for providing support to those needy, I’m also weary of being unable to protect my child’s innocence, he’d know about ‘the birds and the bees’ even before spring sets in!
Bidhan is in love with and wants to marry a lieutenant in the Indian Airforce. Why is the airforce pilot anonymous in Bidhans struggle? Many times in the past too, I’ve tried understanding (Post-June 17 2009-Happy, Gay or Not)that if a man’s sexual preference is t be with another man than why would he want his man to become a woman? Will he only be able to give his relationship the respect it deserves if Bidhan turns into a woman? Will he be able to hold his head proud if they get snickered at even after Bidhans surgery? Is this all about the pilot living a perceivably acceptable existence in the society? I’m just inquisitive not judgmental. I’m all for whatever brings one happiness and I hope the likes of Bidhan never for one second until this universe revolves ever have to regret their decision.
Bobby Darling quoted that it’s a one month process where they council you at least three times a week on your impending decision. According to new order from the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal in TORONTO — A man doesn't need to have his penis removed to legally become a woman. Another interesting excerpts from a transgender Ramona’s story “For maintenance, I take hormone pills for the hair and skin; for the organ, I was advised to have regular intercourse, and of course, douching, because it is important to stretch it every so often. Right after my operation, I had a glass object left temporarily inside for the wound to retain the shape of the canal. My doctor advised me, however, to get a boyfriend, and I did. Yes, I do have a clitoris. I also experience the same sexual joys women have.”
My favourite line from her sex change story – “No labor pains and no red flag days. It’s a perfect world”
Ramona you are most women’s envy baby!
Bidhan won the case against his parents when his lawyer had told the High Court earlier that “the parents of the petitioner had got his bank account frozen and were infringing upon his fundamental rights” His parents even threatened to file suit against all the doctors of the hospital who’d be accomplice to Bidhan bringing lady luck. Suddenly Bidhan’s parents have become the wolf in the Red Riding Hood story because they are infringing on his fundamental rights? What would be interesting to know is does our government also have laws against the so called moral brigades like the Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena or Ram Sena of our country when they infringe on our rights of visiting a pub (Mangalore) or celebrating Valentine’s Day (bombay) or work overtime in order to stop people from expressing love or simply denying their rights of sitting together (Meerut). “He is an adult and can take care of his own decisions” – High Court Mumbai. Why does this right of making adult decisions not apply to choosing to be gay, same sex marriages or being in possession of cannabis considering it’s grown in large parts of the country!
Bidhan says that he realised early in life that he was born in the wrong sex and preferred to dress like girls. This angered his parents who ill-treated him and beat him up, he alleged. The 21-year-old said it was in standard 7th that he learnt through the Internet that medical science could provide a remedy to his problem through a sex change procedure and he decided to go for it. Today’s e- generation knows much more than we can even provide solutions for. My 8 year old nephew asked me what’s the difference between ghosts and spirits? His is a much smaller concern than Bidhan’s and yes while I’m grateful to technology for providing support to those needy, I’m also weary of being unable to protect my child’s innocence, he’d know about ‘the birds and the bees’ even before spring sets in!
Bidhan is in love with and wants to marry a lieutenant in the Indian Airforce. Why is the airforce pilot anonymous in Bidhans struggle? Many times in the past too, I’ve tried understanding (Post-June 17 2009-Happy, Gay or Not)that if a man’s sexual preference is t be with another man than why would he want his man to become a woman? Will he only be able to give his relationship the respect it deserves if Bidhan turns into a woman? Will he be able to hold his head proud if they get snickered at even after Bidhans surgery? Is this all about the pilot living a perceivably acceptable existence in the society? I’m just inquisitive not judgmental. I’m all for whatever brings one happiness and I hope the likes of Bidhan never for one second until this universe revolves ever have to regret their decision.
Bobby Darling quoted that it’s a one month process where they council you at least three times a week on your impending decision. According to new order from the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal in TORONTO — A man doesn't need to have his penis removed to legally become a woman. Another interesting excerpts from a transgender Ramona’s story “For maintenance, I take hormone pills for the hair and skin; for the organ, I was advised to have regular intercourse, and of course, douching, because it is important to stretch it every so often. Right after my operation, I had a glass object left temporarily inside for the wound to retain the shape of the canal. My doctor advised me, however, to get a boyfriend, and I did. Yes, I do have a clitoris. I also experience the same sexual joys women have.”
My favourite line from her sex change story – “No labor pains and no red flag days. It’s a perfect world”
Ramona you are most women’s envy baby!
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