Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
"Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet and Watch"
As I was travelling today from home – the lady next to me was teaching her friend – how to do “Sign of Christ”. The sign of the cross involves using the hand to draw a cross. Though I normally doze of hearing serious religious talks, the conversation made me sit up. She was explaining the how the hand needs to touch the forehead and then to chest and then to left and right. The learner was repeatedly making mistake with the left and right. So the lady next to me told her student about a movie and how how in the movie the actor teaches to properly make the Catholic sign of the cross and remember it easily. She explained how it was taught to Eric Idle by Robbie Coltrane when they were hiding in a convent in drag in the film “Nuns on the Run”. The lesson is
"Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch"
Well – now you would have got to know– why my ears were standing up to hear what these two ladies were talking about. She went on explaining that this is a famous mnemomic for catholics for remembering the right way of catholic sign of cross. She also added funnily that It only works if you have your wallet on the left and wear your watch on the right. (Most likely if it's a pocketwatch).
I was interested by this news and surfed the net to understand whether this was true and the answer was yes. The sign of the cross involves using the hand to draw a cross. It is done by the thumb on the forehead (especially when anointing with oil or imposing ashes on Ash Wednesday) or by touching the forehead, then the heart, then each shoulder. The order of which shoulder is touched first depends on whether the practitioner is an Eastern Orthodox (right to left) or Western-descended Christians (left to right). The thumb, pointer and middle finger are brought together to indicate the Triune nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (who are invoked as the cross is drawn) and the ring finger and pinky are held against the palm to indicate the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine.
This made me think– at this juncture when every so called analyst wants to give advise for investment options – I also wanted to jump into the advice band wagon. Well for starters – I have no idea on investments or funds or share markets. With this qualification of ignorance on these topics which I believe is equivalent to any economist and investment fund managers qualifications, i decided to venture with my mantra on management. My idea was to advise people but with simplicity. So here comes the Mantra –
"Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch"
Spectacles – Look out for the right forecasts and get connected with the right advisors who can help you see clearly your future and your business future. Clarity of the future is the buzz word during this tough time. See clearly your business opportunities and business dead ends and eliminate waste.
Testicles - By substituting courage and determination for anatomy – this year needs more of this. If you don’t have one then let someone who has the b@ll$ to take the tough decisions.
Wallet – Everything boils down to money. Look at your credits and debts and tide along safely. Keep cash on and check your credit
Watch – Look at the context and look for the right “time”. Ground in and understand current ground reality and what the future time period will need once out of this slump.
I have always believed that all religions had created their signs, symbols and practices for people to reason it and understand the inner meaning of it rather than superficially mimicking the symbol.
What do you think? You can apply this concept for your everyday life as well right?
Say it loud "Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch !!!!"
Bolo "Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch !!!!"
"Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch"
Well – now you would have got to know– why my ears were standing up to hear what these two ladies were talking about. She went on explaining that this is a famous mnemomic for catholics for remembering the right way of catholic sign of cross. She also added funnily that It only works if you have your wallet on the left and wear your watch on the right. (Most likely if it's a pocketwatch).
I was interested by this news and surfed the net to understand whether this was true and the answer was yes. The sign of the cross involves using the hand to draw a cross. It is done by the thumb on the forehead (especially when anointing with oil or imposing ashes on Ash Wednesday) or by touching the forehead, then the heart, then each shoulder. The order of which shoulder is touched first depends on whether the practitioner is an Eastern Orthodox (right to left) or Western-descended Christians (left to right). The thumb, pointer and middle finger are brought together to indicate the Triune nature of God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit (who are invoked as the cross is drawn) and the ring finger and pinky are held against the palm to indicate the dual nature of Jesus as both fully human and fully divine.
This made me think– at this juncture when every so called analyst wants to give advise for investment options – I also wanted to jump into the advice band wagon. Well for starters – I have no idea on investments or funds or share markets. With this qualification of ignorance on these topics which I believe is equivalent to any economist and investment fund managers qualifications, i decided to venture with my mantra on management. My idea was to advise people but with simplicity. So here comes the Mantra –
"Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch"
Spectacles – Look out for the right forecasts and get connected with the right advisors who can help you see clearly your future and your business future. Clarity of the future is the buzz word during this tough time. See clearly your business opportunities and business dead ends and eliminate waste.
Testicles - By substituting courage and determination for anatomy – this year needs more of this. If you don’t have one then let someone who has the b@ll$ to take the tough decisions.
Wallet – Everything boils down to money. Look at your credits and debts and tide along safely. Keep cash on and check your credit
Watch – Look at the context and look for the right “time”. Ground in and understand current ground reality and what the future time period will need once out of this slump.
I have always believed that all religions had created their signs, symbols and practices for people to reason it and understand the inner meaning of it rather than superficially mimicking the symbol.
What do you think? You can apply this concept for your everyday life as well right?
Say it loud "Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch !!!!"
Bolo "Spectacles, Testicles, Wallet, and Watch !!!!"
Monday, January 19, 2009
FINALLY BLOGGING !..... YIPPIEEE
Yes! I can’t believe myself.
I know I am the only one cheering aloud for this.
After years of laziness – I have decided that I will move my a@# and start writing something or other. I am cheering because after months of pondering to just even write one sentence – I have created three blogs in a day.
I think this is due to the sudden increase in my reasoning skills – thanks to my one year who is making me to be more aware of life around me and inturn infusing life in me. I have suddenly started to hear birds chirp amidst loud music and see clearly small dots out of any busy commercial. May be I was too fast running in my life that I have been missing the real course of joy.
I adapted the same technique with him. Fast track his growth, his thoughts by thrusting him with too many objectives – too many situations – too many bookish parenting techniques. But nature is great – it teaches you and nurtures you in the right pace to your growth. My fast track methods came crushing down when he started learning things and exploring new objects at his pace entirely the opposite way I wanted him to learn. One –by-one , Item-by Item – he started exploring them inside out – outside in, top-down, down-side-top. I think his game is to be not predictable in his approach. Randomise the exploration and then let the object teach you what you can’t learn by following the rules. He followed it for every toy, every food and every relationship. And all the time I was trying to go against the nature and teach him to hold the way I hold a toy or food or behave with someone. By being random and spontaneous with every human relationship (with his carer, Mother, Grand mother) he was evoking our true character. He was putting us under check on our character and temperament and laughed at us for not keeping our temperament under check. May be it’s not the temperament – it’s the patience which was lacking - or may be it was the temperament and patience together.
Whatever it was it was driving me crazy. It made me look miniscule. It was a scary feeling when you know that the one year old knows that he is in control. Phew…It becomes suddenly an issue everywhere even outside the house. Unconsciously you are trying to throw authority over people egoistically satisfying your control issue with your one year old.
He was so consistently inquisitive and I was consistently inconsistent.
One day, lying next to him while he was looking at the dust particles dancing in the sun’s diffused rays – I understood what was missing in my point. Well - I was missing his point. I was missing his view point.
Now – comes the difficult part – though I figured out the problem – I wasn’t able identify the best solution to it. Because my life has fast tracked too much – I can’t even understand that there can be a miniscule viewpoint to a simple object. A ball is a Ball – a round one – how simply can I explain it or make him understand. Well – after many failed attempts I found out that though I understood I have to view through his world – I am still trying to tell him what is commonly perceived or what I want him to understand. That means – I was useless in getting into smaller details of life and make it simpler. What would be the simplest way then? –
Well after various observations and out of frustration I started not to tell him anything about the object he touches and let the boy learns about it on his own exploration! May be he comes up with his own interpretation which can make more sense of the object. Believe me – suddenly I was in control. I never spent hours explaining things to do my way or the world’s way to be eventually thrown or done in completely opposite way by him. Instead- I set the context and a safe environment and then allowed him to explore the object without a word or meaning to it. Every time he found a new curve or new popping out doll – he came running to me to show his little discovery. His eyes was filled with surprise which was missing earlier when i use to break his small discoveries. I had been inadvertenly breaking his small inventions and discoveries by letting him know the consequence. He wanted me take control of his doings by trusting me with his toys and playing with them. At the end of his experiment, before he moves to the next one – he would look at me for a meaning or approval. That’s when I told him that he played with a balloon and next time if he wants to play he can ask for the balloon. Off he goes to the next experiment and after 3 hours he comes back for his “Bal….n”.
Well - my first lesson was better than his “Balloon” lesson. If he is remembering it better then it gives me more reason to remember and work on it too.
Once I understood the Power of observation and view points, suddenly my years of knowledge looked through the viewpoints of our family values, social culture, National collective consciousness and personal comfort – started to wither down. I haven’t challenged much like a child – inside out, outside in , top down, down top , side by side, near far, far near. I have been running like the horse with its eyes blinded on its sides – just following the path – not reasoning it – not critiquing it – not speaking out. Most importantly not looking through different viewpoints. I was not in control of my life. Though i knew that i use to be a vivid critique when i was young.
Here I am – finally – to look at life and aspects around it through different lenses. The lenses will be varied but the connecting theme will be that it’s my true feeling and belief. It may be offending someone or praising someone but I want to write the true emotions out. It may be grammatically wrong. Past tense mixed with Present tense – but my future lies within reasoning the Life. It may be correct at that moment and may be wrong at the next day but atleast i will be putting words to my thought refreshing my young age exploration.
I was reminded of the phrase “If you don’t stand for something; you will fall for anything”
Finally my treasure island is going to be opened up and shared among you.
Three cheers to you all for reading this blog and request everyone to contribute to my debate topics and present your view points to enhance our reasoning part. Trust me that I will come up with topics and concept which will enlighten you everyday.
I know I am the only one cheering aloud for this.
After years of laziness – I have decided that I will move my a@# and start writing something or other. I am cheering because after months of pondering to just even write one sentence – I have created three blogs in a day.
I think this is due to the sudden increase in my reasoning skills – thanks to my one year who is making me to be more aware of life around me and inturn infusing life in me. I have suddenly started to hear birds chirp amidst loud music and see clearly small dots out of any busy commercial. May be I was too fast running in my life that I have been missing the real course of joy.
I adapted the same technique with him. Fast track his growth, his thoughts by thrusting him with too many objectives – too many situations – too many bookish parenting techniques. But nature is great – it teaches you and nurtures you in the right pace to your growth. My fast track methods came crushing down when he started learning things and exploring new objects at his pace entirely the opposite way I wanted him to learn. One –by-one , Item-by Item – he started exploring them inside out – outside in, top-down, down-side-top. I think his game is to be not predictable in his approach. Randomise the exploration and then let the object teach you what you can’t learn by following the rules. He followed it for every toy, every food and every relationship. And all the time I was trying to go against the nature and teach him to hold the way I hold a toy or food or behave with someone. By being random and spontaneous with every human relationship (with his carer, Mother, Grand mother) he was evoking our true character. He was putting us under check on our character and temperament and laughed at us for not keeping our temperament under check. May be it’s not the temperament – it’s the patience which was lacking - or may be it was the temperament and patience together.
Whatever it was it was driving me crazy. It made me look miniscule. It was a scary feeling when you know that the one year old knows that he is in control. Phew…It becomes suddenly an issue everywhere even outside the house. Unconsciously you are trying to throw authority over people egoistically satisfying your control issue with your one year old.
He was so consistently inquisitive and I was consistently inconsistent.
One day, lying next to him while he was looking at the dust particles dancing in the sun’s diffused rays – I understood what was missing in my point. Well - I was missing his point. I was missing his view point.
Now – comes the difficult part – though I figured out the problem – I wasn’t able identify the best solution to it. Because my life has fast tracked too much – I can’t even understand that there can be a miniscule viewpoint to a simple object. A ball is a Ball – a round one – how simply can I explain it or make him understand. Well – after many failed attempts I found out that though I understood I have to view through his world – I am still trying to tell him what is commonly perceived or what I want him to understand. That means – I was useless in getting into smaller details of life and make it simpler. What would be the simplest way then? –
Well after various observations and out of frustration I started not to tell him anything about the object he touches and let the boy learns about it on his own exploration! May be he comes up with his own interpretation which can make more sense of the object. Believe me – suddenly I was in control. I never spent hours explaining things to do my way or the world’s way to be eventually thrown or done in completely opposite way by him. Instead- I set the context and a safe environment and then allowed him to explore the object without a word or meaning to it. Every time he found a new curve or new popping out doll – he came running to me to show his little discovery. His eyes was filled with surprise which was missing earlier when i use to break his small discoveries. I had been inadvertenly breaking his small inventions and discoveries by letting him know the consequence. He wanted me take control of his doings by trusting me with his toys and playing with them. At the end of his experiment, before he moves to the next one – he would look at me for a meaning or approval. That’s when I told him that he played with a balloon and next time if he wants to play he can ask for the balloon. Off he goes to the next experiment and after 3 hours he comes back for his “Bal….n”.
Well - my first lesson was better than his “Balloon” lesson. If he is remembering it better then it gives me more reason to remember and work on it too.
Once I understood the Power of observation and view points, suddenly my years of knowledge looked through the viewpoints of our family values, social culture, National collective consciousness and personal comfort – started to wither down. I haven’t challenged much like a child – inside out, outside in , top down, down top , side by side, near far, far near. I have been running like the horse with its eyes blinded on its sides – just following the path – not reasoning it – not critiquing it – not speaking out. Most importantly not looking through different viewpoints. I was not in control of my life. Though i knew that i use to be a vivid critique when i was young.
Here I am – finally – to look at life and aspects around it through different lenses. The lenses will be varied but the connecting theme will be that it’s my true feeling and belief. It may be offending someone or praising someone but I want to write the true emotions out. It may be grammatically wrong. Past tense mixed with Present tense – but my future lies within reasoning the Life. It may be correct at that moment and may be wrong at the next day but atleast i will be putting words to my thought refreshing my young age exploration.
I was reminded of the phrase “If you don’t stand for something; you will fall for anything”
Finally my treasure island is going to be opened up and shared among you.
Three cheers to you all for reading this blog and request everyone to contribute to my debate topics and present your view points to enhance our reasoning part. Trust me that I will come up with topics and concept which will enlighten you everyday.
Monkeys and Policies
I was reading an interesting post about how monkeys behave. It kind of reminded me of the free market capitalism – the so called economists came up with and all the affiliated economic products and policies.
Hold on - I am not criticising it or supporting it – as I am not even close to understanding micro and macro economics. But what I can understand as a layman is what the below experiment is about.
Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start climbing towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all the other monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result: all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.
Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with another new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Each time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in beating the newest monkey.
After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.
Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.
And that is how many stupid policies begin.
Hold on - I am not criticising it or supporting it – as I am not even close to understanding micro and macro economics. But what I can understand as a layman is what the below experiment is about.
Start with a cage containing five monkeys. Inside the cage, hang a banana on a string and place a set of stairs under it. Before long, a monkey will go to the stairs and start climbing towards the banana. As soon as he touches the stairs, spray all the other monkeys with cold water. After a while, another monkey makes an attempt with the same result: all the other monkeys are sprayed with cold water. Pretty soon, when another monkey tries to climb the stairs, the other monkeys will try to prevent it.
Now, put away the cold water. Remove one monkey from the cage and replace it with a new one. The new monkey sees the banana and wants to climb the stairs. To his surprise and horror, all of the other monkeys attack him. After another attempt and attack, he knows that if he tries to climb the stairs, he will be assaulted.
Next, remove another of the original five monkeys and replace it with another new one. The newcomer goes to the stairs and is attacked. The previous newcomer takes part in the punishment with enthusiasm!
Likewise, replace a third original monkey with a new one, then a fourth, then the fifth. Each time the newest monkey takes to the stairs, he is attacked. Most of the monkeys that are beating him have no idea why they were not permitted to climb the stairs or why they are participating in beating the newest monkey.
After replacing all the original monkeys, none of the remaining monkeys have ever been sprayed with cold water. Nevertheless, no monkey ever again approaches the stairs to try for the banana.
Why not? Because as far as they know that's the way it's always been done around here.
And that is how many stupid policies begin.
26 / 11, SATYAM and Slum Dog Millionaire….. the countdown has begun
With all the Indians here in Sydney and throughout the world jumping on the success of “Slum dog Millionaire”- I was trying to cope with mixed feelings towards the same.
I thought – may be another Blow to India’s Image after 26/11 Mumbai Attack and Satyam Scandal – Why? How?
Firstly to the starters – Slum dog Millionaire is a 2008 British drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy. It is based on the novel “Q and A” by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. Loveleen Tandan, who began as the film's casting director, was later appointed by Boyle as the co-director.
Set and filmed in India, Slumdog Millionaire follows the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on a game show (Kaun Banega Crorepati) and exceeds people's expectations, arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials. The story unravels the Slum boy’s life by showing the worse and ugly of India and at the end shows how this street knowledge helps the Boy win millions.
After screenings at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, Slumdog Millionaire had a limited North American release on 12 November 2008 to critical acclaim and awards success. It will be released in India on 23 January 2009.
Slumdog Millionaire won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the Critics Choice Awards and all four of the awards it was nominated for at the Golden Globes. Golden globe awards are one of the most prestigious awards and are a strong indicator for Oscar Awards. AR Rahman, who is the Music director for the Movie has won the Golden globe award thus adding another feather to his long list of accomplishments. He is the first and only Indian to win this award.
Now moving to my mixed feelings –
I am Happy
I am Frustrated and angry
I am Happy for two reasons
AR Rahman – I have watched the movie 3 times in one week and every time I watch the movie two things keeps me more involved. One is Rahman’s music and the second one is the cinematography work. Truly the two aspects which keeps afloat this normal Indian drama. Other than these two, screenplay needs a special mention.
My second reason for Happiness - The film’s portrayal of the Indian spirit, with all the darkness and poverty under its belly still living the life with utmost satisfaction and emerging strong with every failure.
I don’t think I need to elaborate on this or think about this – as these emotions seem to be so natural being an Indian and as a film lover.
But I am Frustrated and Angry – Why?!
Films’ Portrayal of India –
The movie shows dark portrayal of Indian life – starting from slum life, Hindus killing Muslims ( Women & Children) mercilessly, Corrupt police watching the massacre, Child smugglers, Beggars, Tourism cheaters, Shoe / slipper snatchers, Food snatchers, Beggars, Pimps, Prostitution, Mafia, Call centre cheating and Anchor of the TV show cheating.
I am no way here going to argue about the current condition of India. Yes! India has its slums, its poverty, its child labourers but which country doesn’t have issues. Why – only these aspects are blown out of proportion to make it dramatic is out of my knowledge. Please note that this movie was taken by a British and has been shown across the world to get critical acclaim before being released in India.
I don’t want to sound so patriotic and racist – but with the simple storyline of a slum boy winning a jackpot – the director had no choice but to fall back onto the typical thoughts of India abroad. Funnily – when we Indians are slowly changing the image of India from “Land of snake charmers and Beggars” – here comes another movie on the same tone. Well – it’s true that India still lingers with these reality issues but why not show the bright and spirited part of India.
The motive of this movie was clearly to make money out of India’s misery in every form. Mr. Danny Boyle – I applaud you for educating those two Indian slum boys who acted in this movie but I hate you for snatching away lively hood of many families who live their life based on India’s tourist places. Some may argue that this movie may increase the Tourism department with people getting interested with the movie scenes. Believe me with the reactions from people around me – it is the opposite. Worse is that it is putting Indians who are abroad to feel embarrassed when their colleague talk about India watching this movie as though they can make out the collective character of India.
If India thinks that it needs to defend from Pakistan because the terrorists tried to attack the financial capital of India and tried to bring down the name and fame of India shining then it needs to defend its stand as well on this Movie. As an art this may be good but being a social media – this movie has irrevocable consequence on the India’s image.
I was sure that this movie will get the Golden globe awards and even may win Oscar because at this juncture when the Western world is on their knees with no money left and jobs left. They need mental soothers in the form of documentation that portrays the rising powers like India which was once under British rule and which is snatching their jobs and growing faster, is still the barbarian tribal land with Beggars and Snake charmers. Danny Boyle- perfectly understood the psyche and utilised it for his success – I would give him Best Marketing Manager award.
Well – you may ask – why cry foul – when thousands of Indian directors on everyday basis show the ugly gang lord and child abuse movies in various regional languages. Infact – I believe maximum violence is churned out in Southern Indian movies. But the difference here is that the story told by westerners. Suddenly the story becomes totally authentic. Even if the scenes are exaggerated to make it dramatic – audience believe it to be true and believe that they will also encounter the same issue when they land up in India. There was not a single good Indian character in the movie except for Jamal Malik, the hero. Right from the Police, Mafia, Child smugglers, Salim, even the taxi driver of American couple at Agra and Anil kapoor. Why? So dramatic if you are genuinely showing the Indian character. Is the collective Indian character – is being a cheat or with a negative shade?
Well - Mr. Danny – it is ok to gossip about your mothers dirty little secrets within your family but when you are going to gossip about your neighbour’s Mother understand the context and the interpretation of your message clearly. If you are clever enough to get an award then I believe that you are clever enough to understand what you are triggering up slowly and steadily. Infact you portray in every character that Indians are Opportunistic, Fraudulent and Money centric And why you Indians – so happy abt this Movie – because you will cry and make noise only when you get hit by bullets in the front? Or when someone accepts that he has manipulated the balance sheets? Why not always look beyond the obvious and defend yourself?
If someone told you that this is bull shit and there is no effect because of the movie. Then appreciate him and treat him because this will be the last time you will be able to treat someone. Mark this day on your calendar – with 26/11, Economic crisis and Satyam scandal – India’s dream money run is already under chokes. This movie is icing on the cake.
Note : This story was written by Vikas while he was at London as a diplomat. I dont know whether it was a coincidence or was his inspiration - the story of scandal which happened in Britain. Here goes the story -London police arrested British army major Charles Ingram, 38, and his wife, Diana, 37 -- both champs of the British ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'' -- claiming that during a Sept. 10 taping, Major Ingram was aided by an accomplice in the audience coughing correct answers in code. The disputed episode, in which Major Ingram won 1 million pounds ($1.4 million), has never aired. On the day of the verdict, the Ingrams were each given 18-month prison sentences suspended for two years, each fined £15,000, and each ordered to pay £10,000 towards prosecution costs. Within two months of the verdict and sentence, the trial judge ordered the Ingrams to pay additional defence costs orders, Charles £40,000 and Diana £25,000.The Army Board invited Major Ingram to resign his commission.you can also read abt this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Ingram
I thought – may be another Blow to India’s Image after 26/11 Mumbai Attack and Satyam Scandal – Why? How?
Firstly to the starters – Slum dog Millionaire is a 2008 British drama film directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy. It is based on the novel “Q and A” by Indian author and diplomat Vikas Swarup. Loveleen Tandan, who began as the film's casting director, was later appointed by Boyle as the co-director.
Set and filmed in India, Slumdog Millionaire follows the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai who appears on a game show (Kaun Banega Crorepati) and exceeds people's expectations, arousing the suspicions of the game show host and of law enforcement officials. The story unravels the Slum boy’s life by showing the worse and ugly of India and at the end shows how this street knowledge helps the Boy win millions.
After screenings at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, Slumdog Millionaire had a limited North American release on 12 November 2008 to critical acclaim and awards success. It will be released in India on 23 January 2009.
Slumdog Millionaire won five of the six awards it was nominated for at the Critics Choice Awards and all four of the awards it was nominated for at the Golden Globes. Golden globe awards are one of the most prestigious awards and are a strong indicator for Oscar Awards. AR Rahman, who is the Music director for the Movie has won the Golden globe award thus adding another feather to his long list of accomplishments. He is the first and only Indian to win this award.
Now moving to my mixed feelings –
I am Happy
I am Frustrated and angry
I am Happy for two reasons
AR Rahman – I have watched the movie 3 times in one week and every time I watch the movie two things keeps me more involved. One is Rahman’s music and the second one is the cinematography work. Truly the two aspects which keeps afloat this normal Indian drama. Other than these two, screenplay needs a special mention.
My second reason for Happiness - The film’s portrayal of the Indian spirit, with all the darkness and poverty under its belly still living the life with utmost satisfaction and emerging strong with every failure.
I don’t think I need to elaborate on this or think about this – as these emotions seem to be so natural being an Indian and as a film lover.
But I am Frustrated and Angry – Why?!
Films’ Portrayal of India –
The movie shows dark portrayal of Indian life – starting from slum life, Hindus killing Muslims ( Women & Children) mercilessly, Corrupt police watching the massacre, Child smugglers, Beggars, Tourism cheaters, Shoe / slipper snatchers, Food snatchers, Beggars, Pimps, Prostitution, Mafia, Call centre cheating and Anchor of the TV show cheating.
I am no way here going to argue about the current condition of India. Yes! India has its slums, its poverty, its child labourers but which country doesn’t have issues. Why – only these aspects are blown out of proportion to make it dramatic is out of my knowledge. Please note that this movie was taken by a British and has been shown across the world to get critical acclaim before being released in India.
I don’t want to sound so patriotic and racist – but with the simple storyline of a slum boy winning a jackpot – the director had no choice but to fall back onto the typical thoughts of India abroad. Funnily – when we Indians are slowly changing the image of India from “Land of snake charmers and Beggars” – here comes another movie on the same tone. Well – it’s true that India still lingers with these reality issues but why not show the bright and spirited part of India.
The motive of this movie was clearly to make money out of India’s misery in every form. Mr. Danny Boyle – I applaud you for educating those two Indian slum boys who acted in this movie but I hate you for snatching away lively hood of many families who live their life based on India’s tourist places. Some may argue that this movie may increase the Tourism department with people getting interested with the movie scenes. Believe me with the reactions from people around me – it is the opposite. Worse is that it is putting Indians who are abroad to feel embarrassed when their colleague talk about India watching this movie as though they can make out the collective character of India.
If India thinks that it needs to defend from Pakistan because the terrorists tried to attack the financial capital of India and tried to bring down the name and fame of India shining then it needs to defend its stand as well on this Movie. As an art this may be good but being a social media – this movie has irrevocable consequence on the India’s image.
I was sure that this movie will get the Golden globe awards and even may win Oscar because at this juncture when the Western world is on their knees with no money left and jobs left. They need mental soothers in the form of documentation that portrays the rising powers like India which was once under British rule and which is snatching their jobs and growing faster, is still the barbarian tribal land with Beggars and Snake charmers. Danny Boyle- perfectly understood the psyche and utilised it for his success – I would give him Best Marketing Manager award.
Well – you may ask – why cry foul – when thousands of Indian directors on everyday basis show the ugly gang lord and child abuse movies in various regional languages. Infact – I believe maximum violence is churned out in Southern Indian movies. But the difference here is that the story told by westerners. Suddenly the story becomes totally authentic. Even if the scenes are exaggerated to make it dramatic – audience believe it to be true and believe that they will also encounter the same issue when they land up in India. There was not a single good Indian character in the movie except for Jamal Malik, the hero. Right from the Police, Mafia, Child smugglers, Salim, even the taxi driver of American couple at Agra and Anil kapoor. Why? So dramatic if you are genuinely showing the Indian character. Is the collective Indian character – is being a cheat or with a negative shade?
Well - Mr. Danny – it is ok to gossip about your mothers dirty little secrets within your family but when you are going to gossip about your neighbour’s Mother understand the context and the interpretation of your message clearly. If you are clever enough to get an award then I believe that you are clever enough to understand what you are triggering up slowly and steadily. Infact you portray in every character that Indians are Opportunistic, Fraudulent and Money centric And why you Indians – so happy abt this Movie – because you will cry and make noise only when you get hit by bullets in the front? Or when someone accepts that he has manipulated the balance sheets? Why not always look beyond the obvious and defend yourself?
If someone told you that this is bull shit and there is no effect because of the movie. Then appreciate him and treat him because this will be the last time you will be able to treat someone. Mark this day on your calendar – with 26/11, Economic crisis and Satyam scandal – India’s dream money run is already under chokes. This movie is icing on the cake.
Note : This story was written by Vikas while he was at London as a diplomat. I dont know whether it was a coincidence or was his inspiration - the story of scandal which happened in Britain. Here goes the story -London police arrested British army major Charles Ingram, 38, and his wife, Diana, 37 -- both champs of the British ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'' -- claiming that during a Sept. 10 taping, Major Ingram was aided by an accomplice in the audience coughing correct answers in code. The disputed episode, in which Major Ingram won 1 million pounds ($1.4 million), has never aired. On the day of the verdict, the Ingrams were each given 18-month prison sentences suspended for two years, each fined £15,000, and each ordered to pay £10,000 towards prosecution costs. Within two months of the verdict and sentence, the trial judge ordered the Ingrams to pay additional defence costs orders, Charles £40,000 and Diana £25,000.The Army Board invited Major Ingram to resign his commission.you can also read abt this here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Ingram
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