These are a few of my favorite….Movies

I am a movie buff. Blame it on my father who brought me up on a staple diet of “Guns of Navarone”, “Ben Hur” and “Casino Royale”. Ever since I could remember dad was always getting the classic movies at home to watch. When I was really small, viewing choice was curtailed of course, but with time I saw most of the best movies of all times before I passed out of college even. Here is a few best ones that have left a dent in my memory. These are not in any order by the way; each is special on its own.

1. Ben Hur- The grand scale of the movie itself was provocative and lets not forget the overwhelmingly good looking Charlton Heston. Set during the dawn of Christianity, the story of this Jewish Prince who fights hardships to win his life back was a total hit with me. If nothing, it’s worth watching for the famous Chariot Race scene… Formula 1 has nothing on it!

2. Guns of Navarone – Concocted by the master of thrillers Alistair MacLean, this war movie about a group of soldiers trying to take over the Guns of Navarone will always be one of my favorites. If nothing, just to see Gregory peck and Anthony Queen together would do. There is one scene where the group needs to climb a sheer rock face at night, which the rough ocean below them. This scenes still thrills me.

3. To Kill A Mocking Bird – Almost followed dialogue by dialogue from the original novel of the same name by Harper Lee, this movie tells the story of racism in pre-civil war America through the eyes of a child. The book remains my all time favorite, the movie close enough. Again Gregory Peck here, but in a very older and mature role.

4. 12 Angry Men – This movie tells the story of 12 Juror who are trying to decide the fate of a supposed murderer. All except one juror, played by Henry Fonda, believes the man to be guilty. As the 11 men try to convince the 12th and finish off the verdict so that they can go home, Fonda weaves a magic of logic and question and starts to convince the 11 jurors of the man’s innocence. An amazing drama worth watching.

5. Amistad – A movie that brings into light prejudices, racism, politics and ideals. Directed by the master storyteller Spielberg and having super cast including Hopkins, it’s a must watch.

6. Mad city – A trademark Dustin Hoffman movie that takes swing at TV media, as a reporter changes the equation in a hostage situation in this dark comedy.

7. Tootsie – Another Hoffman starrer. The inspiration behind Chachi 420, in this movie a struggling actor dresses up as a girl and gets a role of a female in successful sitcom. Problem starts when he falls in love with his female co star who keeps confiding in him or rather HER. An original cracker.

8. Good Night and Good Luck – If you missed this movie, then you must grab the movie and watch it right now. A beautifully relevant movie in today’s world, it explores the television’s role and responsibility in society. George Clooney based the movie on the journalist who had taken up a stand again a US Senator who had started a witch hunt against so-called communists during the cold war era. It is rumored his inspiration for the movie came from being called a traitor by Bush administration for opposing the Iraq War publicly.

9. Seven Samurai – This Akira Kurusawa classic is the story of seven samurai’s who are trying to regain their honor by fighting for a village under attack from plunderers. You have to watch it to enjoy it. No spoilers for you.

10. Life is Beautiful- I have never seen the Holocaust portrayed in a movie like this. I was laughing and crying at the same time. This foreign movie shows a father’s effort to protect his child from the horrors of holocaust by making it sound like a game. Its touching in its simple heart breaking humor. Another must watch.

Now that I started building this list I realize it is very hard to decide which ones to mention and which not. May be I will continue in the next blog. This is enough for a start.

My city bleeds.....

Two acts of terrorism tore through my city this weekend, ending lives and dreams and shaking people out of their safe cocoon. Places where people went to in this busy metro to chill, relax and make some good memories have turned into legacies of a tragedy that Hyderabad wont forget soon. Terrorism knows no religion, and whoever orchestrated this has sinned so much that no god will ever forgive them. And we share the loss with strangers and friends alike, and also with people who came to see our city's rich culture instead will go back with the memory of blood and death.

Sadly, it is just 48 hours past the incident, and we are already growing indifferent and it has become old news. The law still has no idea and no one probably be punished till 13 years have passed, like in the case of the Bombay blasts. And we will think before we go into a movie theatre or even a popular food joint anymore. Because it doesn't matter anymore what color, caste or creed you are, whether you have money or not. No place is safe anymore. More then lives was lost, we lost the feeling of being safe, of being protected.

But as all cities in India, we will shake off the blast dust and wash away the blood and keep the show running. Life doesn't stop for terrorism after all. But shouldn't our bravery be awarded by some responsibility by our so -called leaders. Is it too much to ask our leaders to protect us or do we have to learn to live with death and fear?

Living on the swing

When was the last time you actually lived?

Sounds like an odd question? But mull over and honestly answer, when was the last time you actually enjoyed the act of living, was overjoyed that you are alive and felt alive? I have dared pop this question from time to time on unsuspecting strangers. Along with the customary eye roll and the “she is nuts” looks, I also received a few honest answers.

“I sat on a swing”, one person told me, a goofy smile on her place. “I took my nephews to the park and they left me alone to play. The grass was wet and I sat down on the swing. I don’t know what happened but sometime later I was flying through the air, shrieking, my hair flapping around blocking my view. When I finally stopped swinging I noticed a whole bunch of people staring at me and my nephews looking very mortified. They never went to the park with me again. I often go by myself nowadays. The people got used to the shrieking by the way”.

I can identify. I have been the shrieking loony in the park often. I see a swing and I loose all my sanity. Nothing beats flying on a swing, wind through the air, the world fleeting through the up and down motion of the swing. All I can think at times like this is "Maaaaaaaan, its good to be alive!!"

Where does Politics stop and news begins?

I have been following the news about China's claim on Tibet on TV and paper but had not read the article on Frontline until someone mailed me a letter to the editor (N Ram) from a Tibetan Film Maker, who makes many points about the facts on that article. Here is a few things that struck me. Please scroll down and read the original letter in Italics first -

Two things-

One, its just as hard to make an opinion based on Tenzing Sonam's letter as it is purely based on my own beliefs. However, he does raises very valid points against N Ram's article. Also for a publication of Frontline's stature to take up such major issues only to preach a blind pro-left line is really disappointing.

Two, most news articles in India give the impression Tibetans prefer being part of India. And its no surprise as given the choice between a democratic country which will allow freedom of religion and expression and an autocratic, aesthetic country which hides a very capitalistic mentally under the clock of an age old philosophy which dictates total domination over all - its not really a choice after all.

Its understandable that India will not relish taking on China on a touchy issue like this by confronting them directly, but then again we don't really have go running and offer up the people of Tibet along with their land to a veritable jail now do we?

Here I have offered my two bits. Please continue

Response to N Ram on Tibet (As publish on The Hoot)

Tenzing Sonam is a Tibetan filmmaker and writer based in New Delhi. His most recent film is the Tibetan feature film, Dreaming Lhasa. This is what he writes:-

Since the Hindu has not used my letters I summarize here points made in the hope that this discussion can reach a wider forum.

Dear Sir,

In recent weeks, Mr N Ram has written articles in The Hindu ("The Politics Of Tibet: A 2007 Reality Check", July 5, 2007) and Frontline ("Future Tibet", July 14-27, 2007), which present a remarkably rosy picture of the situation in Tibet and are uncritically supportive of Chinese policies in the region. I have written to him a number of times pointing out some of the inconsistencies in his reporting and the fact that such misrepresentations of fact could be seen as pure propaganda on behalf of the Chinese government. Unfortunately, Mr Ram has not deemed it necessary to extend even the courtesy of an acknowledgment letter, let alone to provide a platform for a fair debate on the issue of Tibet. I summarize here, some of the main points I made in my letters to Mr Ram in the hope that this discussion can reach a wider forum.

On more than one occasion, Mr Ram makes the crude comparison of the Dalai Lama's international popularity as a religious leader to Ayatollah Khomenei, thereby signalling his intentions to demonise him. He then rails against what he describes as the Dalai Lama's "alignment with colonial interests and western powers...". One could look at this criticism in the context of China's vast holding of US Treasury bonds, which literally keeps its economy afloat, and ask, who is more aligned with western powers - the Chinese government or the Dalai Lama? One could also easily point the finger of colonialism to China's forcible occupation of Tibet.

Mr Ram claims that, "while the Tibetan Buddhist doctrine of reincarnation belongs to the mystical-religious realm and asks a lot from 21st century believers, the Dalai Lama's approach even to rebirth is decidedly ideological- political. " However, he also says that the Chinese government continues to follow "centuries-old custom and tradition that empower it to recognise and appoint both the Dalai and the Panchen Lama." The historical accuracy of this statement is debatable but it begs the question, why does an avowedly atheistic Communist Party find it necessary to involve itself in the "mystical-religious realm" in the 21st century?

Mr Ram contends that China's constitution "guarantees religious freedom to all citizens and regional autonomy to ethnic minorities in extensive parts of a giant country." Is it really enough for a journalist to cite the existence of a law to prove that all is as it should be? Surely he is aware of the ongoing repression of religious freedom in Tibet? Today, it is a crime in Tibet to be found in possession of the Dalai Lama's picture. Amnesty International' s 2006 China report stated that in Tibet, "freedom of religion, expression and association continued to be severely restricted and arbitrary arrests and unfair trials continued." On the fate of groups such as Falun Gong, even the avowedly left-wing journal, CounterPunch, has made grave allegations against the Chinese government (see article in the October 1-15, 2006 issue).

Mr Ram mentions "China's unprecedented economic growth" and "inclusive and nuanced socio-political and cultural policies" as markers of its "exceptional patience" in dealing with the Tibet issue. This glowing picture is at odds with the reality of a country where the growing division between the rich and the poor saw no less than 23,000 incidents of rural and urban unrest in 2006, many of which were brutally quelled by force.

Even more beguiling is Mr Ram's continued faith in the Communist Party of China's Marxist credentials - "The law... defines national regional autonomy as the basic political system of the Communist Party of China to solve the country's ethnic issues using Marxism-Leninism" . That the CPC has now launched a form of 'Leninist capitalism' untrammeled by democratic freedoms or trade union rights is fairly well-known. The only ideology guiding China's present rulers is that of absolute power at any cost.

By consigning Tibet's fate so unambiguously to the implied benevolence of its Chinese overlords, Mr Ram seems to forget that India has a stake in this matter. He dismisses the Dalai Lama's claim that Tibet had "been a strategic 'buffer state' in the heart of Asia guaranteeing the region's stability" for centuries. Yet, the truth is that until the People's Liberation Army invaded Tibet in 1950, India and China had never shared a common border. What is Mr Ram's response to Chinese Ambassador to India, Mr Sun Yuxi's blithe assertion last November that "the whole of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory. And Tawang is only one of the places in it."? Surely, even he knows that had Tibet not been forcibly deprived of its sovereignty, such imperious statements from his Chinese friends would not be forthcoming? Would any Chinese newspaper publish a defence of India's sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh in the manner in which The Hindu and Frontline see fit to blindly defend the Chinese line on Tibet? Or does Mr Ram have a different measure for basic democratic freedoms in different countries?

It is truly unfortunate that Mr Ram should choose to deprive his readership of a balanced perspective on the question of Tibet.

Yours sincerely,
Tenzing Sonam
28 July, 2007

CHAKE DE INDIA!!!!!!!

Yes yes I am talking about the movie. For those of you who watch English movies, this is “Coach Carter” meet “Remember the Titans”! Shakrukh Khan, the Goonda of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team shows the word and the Spartans what only 16, sports Jersey clad woman can do.

I felt this is the movie, which after a long time showcased Shahrukh the actor and not only Shahrukh the STAR. The movie touched me with its sincerity. There was no unnecessary dramatics, no song sequence, no off the side romance story. Every shot, every action was vital to the movie. The players, played by fresh faces who definitely look more like hockey players then stars gave the movie its realistic feel. And I repeat the lack of dramatics was a refreshing break.

And the dialogues were cracking. Sharp, witty very pro-Indian and delivered with style and panache by ----------- everyone! Yeah we are not quoting Shakrukh here only. Even the girl from Jharkhand who spits out HO! to every question does it in her own style.

But underneath it all, the movie dealt with a number of issues very subtly but smartly if I might add. The movie tore through all the stereotypical biases - Gender, Caste, and Status. Showed the murky side of selection boards, the hard work of un-sponsored talents, the see-swing media, which can make or break careers and last but not the least it showed that sheer determination and hard work is all you need to win.

As I walked out of the theatre, people were screaming Chak De India! Including me, but in my mind. Like Lage Raho Munnabhai last year, I feel this movie is going set off trends too.

Being a Miss or Mrs....

My fellow blogger Illusions recently wrote something on women's right, at http://illusions-illusions.blogspot.com/2007/08/sad-sunday.html. I am adding my two bits here. Read hers to follow my comments.

I think one way we can change the way things are run is if we stop treating the boy child differently at home. Stop coddling them and making them feel that they are entitled to everything. I see it so often that it sickens me. Kids pick up things very early in life and if this is what they see....do we really expect them to grow up and not be "Chauvinistic" in their outlook?

I remember fighting with my dad to get the money for studying journalism in Chennai. He was totally against and i was butting head against a wall. Until a relative told him he was right not to invest so much in girl, after all I will be married off. Next thing I know my father storms into the house muttering "bad investment!!!! my foot" and tells me to pack. I wish more people take offense to such comments.

And men could start acting like man and be less afraid of woman taking over the world from them. Sometimes I feel like telling them, "Its okay, I wont take your toy, can I come and play NOW!!..comments plz

Life has a humor

Life has a humor
I often think
Only we are the joke
Life is laughing

What we want
And what we get
It seldom seems
To have an object

For the want of a laugh
We make some cry
For the want of life
We let some die

Choices we make
Lines in the sand
Life comes in waves
All is wiped away

Laughter we say
Often takes the hurt away
Wonder if it so
Why life laughs too

Don't Care About Customer Care?

This is for all you poor souls who have developed spondylitis by walking around with your phone stuck under the crook of your neck, while you are kept on hold by the customer care service of some company or the other. I was introduced to the world of customer care when I started my professional life. There were suddenly cell phones, banks, credit cards - and their lovely customer care.

We all know, you have to go through tougher trials then Sita herself to reach one of these guys. All customer care numbers take you through hoops where you have keep pressing 1, 2 * and hence forth to keep in the right track. Until its finally revealed to you that if none of the already given choices are helping you, you can press so and so number to reach one of these elusive creatures called "Customer Care Representatives."

This is followed by a few moments of music therapy, where a jingle or inane soft music is played for your benefit, while you wait for an audience. Intermittently you are reminded that your call is important and don't hang up (never mind its been only half an hour since you called) or that you can get a free such and such stuff (for which you probably have contact these creatures in the future).

And finally you suddenly hear a human voice asking you how can he or she help you. Don't get fooled by that. 50% of the time they don't really mean it. Most of the time you know more then they do, sometimes they do know what you want but you have to resort to Chinese torture to drag information out and even at times you are put on further hold and either you pass out from exhaustion or the phone company decides enough is enough and cuts the call!

Here is interesting bit of information for you sufferers - the Deccan air number doesn't give you the option to talk to an Customer care rep, until you queue in a wrong flight number (Thank god I typed wrong). And I wish none of you have to contact that airline for anything like cancellation or refund, because then they are worst then politicians - they don't even make PROMISES to give you anything!

There are also the customer care services for some Government facilities like BSNL, MTNL, Cell One. In these cases, if you are lucky you get a happy person. Otherwise, the moment you have finished your first question, you are told "We can't do it, go to the nearest office" and then they hang up on you.

And folks, if any of you think that things are fine and dandy in abroad, like in the U.S., dream on! Customer cares the world over are the same- may be for the reason that most Customer Care services there are routed through India!! But even when I spoke to local CC reps there, I met with the usual cryptic, vague answers which showed either the person didn't know or couldn't be bothered to service me. If you want to read this piece again, press *..ha ha sorry couldn't resist.

Hey if this piece intrigues you, I suggest you find "The Callcenter Movie" on the net and watch it. Its hilarious.

One day your life will flash before your eyes......

.........Make sure it's worth watching!!

This is my mail signature and almost the credo by which I live. When I stumbled up on this line, it was like love at first sight. I always felt that there is more to life then mere existence. Whether there is a reason why men was supposedly given "intelligence" and put somewhat higher up in the "food" chain, I intend to make the best of it.

As those who read this blog will know, most of my stories are memories from my life. And this is just how I want it to be. Full of memorable memories, twists and turns, ups and downs, new experiences and challenges. While living safe is good, many of us I feel miss out on incredible experiences by NOT taking the chance.

I am not asking people to jump out of an aircraft. Sometimes taking chances are as simple as going to a wedding a little far away or say going for white water rafting, a chopper ride. While accidents can happen, it can happen as much as at home then on such an excursion. Fear should not be a reason to miss out on these.

Take for instance roller coasters. I hate them, my husband loves them. I allowed my self one and only one slip and rode a two minute terror called California Scream in Disney. I definitely did not enjoy it. I like speed, as in a speed boat, fast car. Roller coasters are simply too fast and too nauseating for me to enjoy. But that was an experience I do not regret.

I have also done stuff that would have made my parents scream with terror. Like running across the train tracks to catch a train just before starting and literally climbing on to it like monkey (The girl in front of me ended up using my nose as a step).

There was this one time when we went to see off a friend, whose train got late, ticket was not confirmed, and finally we three girls ended up walking down Majestic Bus Stop in Bangalore (for those who do not know, its a red light area and is notorious for criminal activity) at 1 in the night, looking for an auto. We got wolf whistled by three cops, did not see any criminals though!

As I was saying, all these were very very bad things to do I am sure, but boy they sure were some experience. I am sure I will have people shaking their head and "tsking" over this, and I am sure I will also throw a fit if my kids do any such thing, but I do not regret them. It’s all part of life, taking chances, doing new things, experiences that are strange and sometimes even scary. But you only live once. Make sure it's worth watching - on replay!