Brainy Quote

Friday 28 December 2007

On writing

After long time I have written so much. Always wanted to do this but never managed to bring myself to do it. With year end and new beginning, I was wondering what do I want to do this year. Procrastination came on top list - i.e. to stop doing it and getting things done. I am a writer of many unpublished thoughts and stories. I must have written numerous stories and essays in mind but hardly on paper.

Procrastination was just 1 reason. Probably it was effect and not cause of lack of writing. Underlying issue is my lack of self-confidence in my writing skills. I must have tried - not full heartedly - numerous books that could teach me tricks on writing. Finally I found the book: A Writer's Coach (http://www.amazon.com/Writers-Coach-Editors-Guide-Words/dp/0375423273). And I learned, there is no short cut - daily writing is the only way. To add to this, I am reading Naipaul's essay and I knew it - there is writer in me and I need to bring it out.

In this tech era - a blog era - how difficult can it get. My initial posts are just to fight my inertia. I will persevere to improve and write on for life. This is just a beginning of new year.... I aim to write weekly here. Hopefully....

Finally my typing can't keep up with my speed of thought. I got to go... . Catch up later.

Taare Zameen Par - A must watch

A Little Sweet, A Little Sour
A Little Close Not Too Far
All I Need, All I Need
All I Need Is To Be Free (http://www.sweetslyrics.com/540060.TAARE%20ZAMEEN%20PAR%20movie%20-%20Mera%20Jahan.html)

This song from movie aptly describes Ishaan, protagonist's emotions and feeling. The story is about Ishaan. (More: http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/13306/index.html) I am not going to repeat here what can easily be googled i.e. movie preview, reviews. Below is my personal review on the movie.

Aamir Khan was my hero when I watched him in Hum Hai Rahi Pyar ke. A lost and confused uncle, trying to understand himself and his 2 nephew and a niece. It was my favourite movie as a child. Last week I watched Taare Zameen Par - and I was glad to be Aamir's ardent fan. He proved everyone wrong and emerged as one of the finest director. I believe TZP going to go down in history has 1 of the finest cinema. Songs, direction, acting - just perfect.

Performances: I love the lady who acted as Ishaan's mum. She has starred in some serials. I remember her as Riya from Astitva. Always liked her bold, confident look. She is natural as distressed mum. Each and every scene well delivered. Aamir, he is but the best. Again a new role and new image. He is great but this time he is only a supporting actor. The real star Ishaan a.ka. Darshil.

He was just amazing. I am waiting to see more from him now. I really hope he turns out decent looking because he is a fantastic actor. If as a child he can deliver so much - bollywood is waiting for him. But I hope he doesn't turn out as Kunal Khemu (again from Hum Hai Rahi..). He looks not-so-good.... Kher long way to go for Kunal. Waiting for Aamir's next movie.

Also, I found this blog, supposedly by Aamir. http://www.aamirkhan.com/blog.htm. I have posted my thoughts there and congratulated him. I hope its actually his blog. Assuming it is, he is a good writer.

About songs: They are inspirational and composition awesome. Shankar Ehsaan Loy are great pair. But it was getting monotonous - similar beats - rock n roll soniye, It's the time to disco... but this movie - its simply brilliant. Song 'Mera Jahan' makes feel like flying in the open skies....

As usual, lot to say but too tired to type. Will add later. Cheers!

Bhutto Assassinated

In the morning when I picked up the paper - I didn't believe the headlines. "Bhuto Assassinated". Shock, disbelief and worried - my initial reaction. Benazir Bhutto was ex-prime minister of Pakistan, first woman to lead an Islamic state. She led Pakistan from 1988 to 1990 and again from 1993 to 1996. Later, President Farooq Leghari dismissed her second administration amid accusations of corruption, intimidation of the judiciary, a breakdown of law and order, and undermining the justice system. After 8 years of self imposed exile, Bhutto had returned to Pakistan to stand for the Jan 8. But with her exit, the equation has changed.

Initially, I was reminded of Rajiv Gandhi's assassination. Only similarity is both are from political background and both were assassinated. I was not comparing the situation but rather the feeling of what a nation will be going through, the change in political landscape and long term implication of this.

Though Al Qaeda has claimed the reponsibility, conspiracy theories are rampant. Mushraff could have been involved. All the militant groups who hated Bhutto could have finally succeeded. I can't rule out Nawaz Sharif, who is leader of Muslim League-N party. Just my instincts in the last one.

Sadly, I am not familiar with different policies of parties in election and who may win. But for sure, it is not going to be the same. I will read up and add on here.

Bhutto's orbituary on CNN. Good read: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/bhutto.obit/index.html