I Wish..

/1. To be able to eat vegetarian food without clenching my face.

2. Not to crave for non veg, for every meal in a day.

3. Not to assume that Hanuman is still alive and lives in the Himalayas.

4. I don’t feel regret being a woman when I am chumming.

5. I am more relaxed and less tensed

6. To see the unseen and hear the unheard

7. To eat without thinking about my weight.

8. I could slide my cards on and on and not pay any bills.

9. I drink..but lots and lots of water.

10.  That Meryl Streep stop getting Oscar nomination

11. And finally Leonardo winning an Oscar.

12. Freido Pinto stop speaking in an unknown accent

13. Music be music and not Yo Yo Honey Singh

14. I learn how to let go things.

15. And when that is done, I don’t look back and regret.

16. I appreciate more that I have and not crave for things which are simply not meant for me.

17. I stop snoring

18. I stop professing my love for chocolates

19. I have a house made up of cheesecake only.

20. That dogs could speak and when I sad she comes to me says, that everything will be fine, for real.

21. A tiny vacuum that constantly roams around my apartment picking up hairs.

22. I had a mirror which shows my tummy in rather than out.

23. I had a completely white t -shirt which does not change color, whatsoever.

24. There was birth control for men

25. Tasty foods have no calories.

26. I do not have to wax and be a bear

27. I have a time machine and travel to all the best memories that I have left behind.

28. For a face where there are not pimples and freckles.

29.  I knew I had 100 more lives after this

30. I lived by the sea.

31.  People won’t give me hopeless smirks when I ask for a XL size in clothes.

32. For self de-clogging shower drains.

33. I don’t regret being a woman when I am chumming

34. Or can stop my period, when the time is not right.

35. For magic in my fingers that would produce

36. I traveled through out the world without any ticket and money

35. My identification is not just mere papers, but me myself.

36. For hair products that switch hair from curly and wavy to straight, whenever I want to, without struggling.

37. I finally learn how to tie a sari.

38. For more ladies public toilet.

39. For a pair of heels that won’t break my feet.

40. For my grandfather’s company.

41. An internet browser extension that hides all wedding and baby announcements.

42. I stop writing reminders on papers and then forget about those papers.

43. That finally people know that Naseeruddin Shah and Paresh Rawal are better actors than Amitabh Bacchan.

44. The rain actually wipe away all tears.

45. To live life without smart phones and laptop.

46.  To demolish dead lines and alarm clocks

47. To be a photographer.

48. To travel around the ancient and medieval ruins of the world.

49. To see Egypt.

50. To walk down the streets, alone and not feel scared.

51. To date Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Horrorwood Horror !!

Before you judge me with the title, I would like to clarify that like any another Indian, I love hindi movie and would go at any levels to catch one, even in week nights.  I am definitely not one of those who is all for world cinema and doesn’t care about the thriving and multicolored and billion dollars worth film industry which we have. But recently I have come across one video, which made me think and question my love for Bollywood films. It is not my moral police- ness that is speaking but right now with the situation like this, where India is been ranked worst for women among the G20 nations, I have question which I ask myself and others:- How much is Bollywood to be blamed in the current fatal status of women in this country? Can directors and actors completely wash off their hands that they have nothing to do about it, or is there a fleeting responsibility they share towards a condition such as these? Theater, on the other hand is used as a social weapon to question the system right through ages, whether about women’s liberty, caste, love or the modern life, then why not films? Why are we not using a powerful forum like films to fight today’s injustice and still use it only as an entertainment factor? Why do we still throng at the multiplexes to see half nude if not completely actors bulging their muscles and whereas films like Chittagong or Inshallah Kashmir goes unnoticed or even doesn’t allow to be released? Why do we watch a film like The Reader or Milk just because it is made elsewhere and not come together to make a film like that here? India has much inspiring stories but that hardly comes out, but if a Poonam Pandey laughs and blushes with plunging neck line is an instant hit. It seems that today Bollywood has only become a den of nude or semi nude women shaking their bosom with muscular men. Acting skills have taken a backseat and directors only want people who would bare it all – for a song or for the whole movie.

This blog is not a projection of my feminist nut cracking but rather a distressed and tired mind speaking when the nation is at turmoil, not knowing exactly as to what women are to the society? Are we an object or a social status or a medium or simply as the joke goes that god created men and then he thought….’eeee what the hell, I am bored let just create something called women, but no self esteem or respect attached to it?’ Coming back to the video that I talked about, it starts with short clippings of Indian actresses shaking their booty and then directly goes to interview some men asking what do they think about eve teasing or so as to women and you shall be shocked to hear their responses….no I am not going to tell you, but take it for me, it does give you chills. But then my mind starts lingering and what I was curious is why does someone likes a Bollywood item song? Or in fact would enjoy watching an item song? Is it only because of the music or the beats or for the singer or the fact that voluptuous young women dancing in skimpy clothes showing off little extra and leaving you craving for more? And from where and when this item song of projecting women in a sensational way happened? Sometime back a song came called ‘Bipasha’ featuring Bipasha only. The song was trash but the video had a million view and if you have watched the song you would  know exactly why. Is this what was left for us? Simultaneously, what about the men who justifies eve teasing or rape saying that it is their right and if women show off their body then why is it a fault to admire that? So, does it imply that half nudity or more than half nudity in today’s entertainment industry is the real reason? Is it really we in the form of ‘bollywood item girls’ who are enticing the ‘male’ ? Karan Johar vehemently denied any social role Bollywood movies has to play, supported by people like Zoya Akhtar. Thus, I am asking you guys do you agree to this, or you think that in may other ways the latest trend that has come up and the justification that these people give to unnecessary nudity in songs and scenes has actually got something to do with it?

I feel Bollywood’s projection of women’s sexuality is quite problematic, in the sense that fair women are sexy…nudity for the sake of nudity is justified…teasing women can be comedy with innovative punch lines and item songs with gory lines objectifies women to enjoy. Just a passing thought…do women also ogle at hot guys? I mean like stare at their chest  or ass like the whole world is rotating there…or whistle or shagging in the public or even singing lewd songs? I mean do we…?? I am not saying you don’t appreciate beauty if its right next to you but appreciating and lusting is very different. I guess the situation is such if you are watching The Reader or 12 Years A Slave, the attention should not be on naked breasts or ass but rather the subject matter and what message does it convey. But unfortunately that is not the case. Aren’t we are all fed up of making Poonam Pandey a celebrity and how fucking frustrating it is when you see her talking about women and her respect, and she says..”I serve people what they want.” It is an extremely weird and confusing situation, where there seemed to be no solution, at all. I mean how would you even change the pattern of how people think, rather how men think? Just today evening  I had gone out for a walk in and was just in my casual wear. I had to visit an ATM and the moment I entered I felt the nasty gaze of the security guard on me and the way he was checking me out from head to foot. that was thoroughly disgusting. This is just the tip of the ice berg and definitely everyday we face much worse… but how do I explain to him that what he did was offensive? Or to the millions on the road…??? Indian screen is not ready for women in bikini…because we don’t have the maturity to perceive that, because those people who are posing are surrounded by macho body guards 24/7 and here we are getting the aftermath. Just Stop it..!! Even in television. If budding models want to make their living am sure there are other ways but just give it a halt..!!

Anywayzz, I never claimed that my blog searching for an answer but the intention was to nurture the think hat and put forward some questions which desperately needs to be answered. Is our Hinidi film industry really responsible or the ways it works that is the problem? Why is Katrina Kaif running in two piece is a sensational news or Poonam Pandey having a million follower in Twitter is a headline? Why we give the ‘celebrity’ status to people who doesn’t come in any way to that? We forget people who are regularly fighting every day every second a nasty war of survival. Do we have an answer…or will we ever ans answer.

And Yes, the video link that I talked about, here it goes.  http://www.storypick.com/damaging-truth-indian-entertainment-industry-doesnt-want-know/

Watch…Learn and Think..

Reminiscing 2 (Badami Caves, Pattadakal)

First of all a very happy new year guys (late though). Firstly, for all those people who missed me....awwww but I am back (a pleasing nod) and those of you who din't awww, I am back (don't care much nod). Am sure all of you had a marvelous and happening new years eve, with gallons of booze down your throat and tons of fresh meat in between your teeth I rather had a very interesting and different new years celebration. For a change, and so luckily I got two days off from my maddening life and ran away to a rather serene and quiet place to beckon 2014...to Pattadakal and Badami caves. The journey was quite simple - Yeshvantpur station - Mysore, Solapur express - Badami station. those of you, who have already been to Hampi thenlet me clarify that Badami is no way like that. It is a small place with practically no people, except for some crazy tourists with rocky hills surrounding it.

Bhoothnatha Temple, Badami

I reached there at 7 in the morning and you can imagine how unimaginably beautiful it might have been. But not all is beautiful and quiet when you next approach the auto ride. The general rate is 100 rs to anywhere from the station and it is one hell of a bumpy ride. The roads are simply awful and continues forever - its like dancing in a telegu song without any control of your body parts! But somehow that too you fall in love with as there is no crowd but green pastures and humongous hills, which are echoing history and you don't know for how long. So the effect of this whole journey can be twofold - You think in the way, that its a tiny wonderful place, where your mobile internet do not work which is great, the people are simple and there are just few hotels that serves the purpose or it is a place, where in spite of it being like a 'world heritage site,' the roads are simply awful, with no street lights or anything, no proper place to stay and those which are there are little expensive,not an inch of  development and you are vehemently asked not to step out of the hotel after 6 pm. That is no one way how you perceive a tourist place, most of all which is flocked by 'whites,' but yes you get BEER...all the time ! The KSTDC hotels are the best and you have the option of choosing a car or an auto for your tour. If you ask me, get an auto. So the whole tour of Badami Caves and Pattadakal can be completed in just a day, but if you are one of those who wants to 'sit, think and love,' world heritage sites then try saving its at least for 2 days. Boredom won't dare to touch you at all.
     I believe I should introduce briefly to the history of the Badami caves and the group of temples of Pattadakal for a better understanding. The Badami caves is considered as an example of Indian rock cut

architecture of the 6th and 8th centuries. there are four caves; all curve out of the soft Badami sandstone on a hill cliff in the late 6th and 7th centuries. Cave 1 is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Cave 2 and 3 to Vishnu and Cave 4 to Jain. There are long flights of stairs and people having knee problems should not try hard. Each of these caves has unique architectural styles, where humongous statues of Vishnu, Durga, Mahavira and Shiva can be noticed. I think the most beautiful sight would be the whole of Badami looks up to you. How beautiful it is especially during the twilight..!! It depends on you how long you want to stay back and enjoy the caves. I sat and sat and sat and experienced every bit of it, which is why a guard has to come and remind me that it is the closing time. So back to the guest house and nothing much to do in the evening. So an early dinner and sleep and all geared up for the beautiful Pattadakal temples.
        Pattadakal is around 30 kms from Badami and again auto is your chariot. But...but...but..no matter how much you might be enjoying the surrounding the road is bumpy, graciously bad and simply unmanageable. I won't give you any false hope that at the end you'r gonna love it because that won't happen for sure. But all is worth when you catch the first glimpse of the temples far away but standing gallantly.

Pattadakal

Pattadakal

               Again a brief history of this place. Pattadakal was the Chalukhyan capital, where temples were built between 7th and 8th centuries. There are ten temples including a  Jain sanctuary surrounded by numerous small shrines and plinths in fusion of various Indian architectural styles. Four temples were built in Chalukya Dravidian style, four in Nagara style of Northern India and the Papanatha temple in mixed style. Nine Shiva temples and one Jaina basadi, situated along the northern course of the river, Malaprabha. Please do not take a guide. they will   eat your head. Please..please experience the beautiful architecture not just by photographs but imagining the gigantic temples that stand in front of you. Do a little study before you venture out or else carry with yourself a book.There are innumerable ones and especially George Michell's 'Pattadakal' is the best one. I reached there at 10 in the morning and believe me, when I say this left at 6 pm. I don't know what I was doing but all I can say 31st December could not have been so so and so better. I experienced bliss in the stillness of those walls. I encountered another interesting soul - a person from Lithuania. He came down all the way to have a real 3D sketch of those temples. He said he came at 6 in the morning and saw the most beautiful

Mahisasurmardini

sunrise in the world..after the one he saw in Pashupati temple, Nepal. One very interesting thing caught my attention was an idol of 'Mahisasurmardini' in one of the temples, and got to know that mahisasurmardini was in fact worshiped in the southern India as a folk goddess for a very long time. the incarnation is in fact very similar to the way in which she is worshiped today in Bengal. Apart from these two you can also see the Bhoothnatha temple, Badami fort (not much is left), and Aihole caves

           The purpose of my blog is not to describe you the beautiful architectural designs or the temples that I saw, because as you will guess they are indeed beautiful and probably beautiful is just an understatement. I want everyone to know that there so many unknown places in India which are craving to be discovered by the people who loves traveling. Pattadakal in spite of it being a world heritage site is not known by most and thats a pity. Pattadakal also hosts a major dance festival which is something worth witnessing. India is not only about Delhi and Agra. I boasts so much of diverse culture and traditions which are depicted in various and amazing ways. South India holds 4 of the major world heritage sites. My intention is to cover all the ancient and medieval ruins in India. So far 3 is done...what about you? So pack your bags and let the dais roll..!! For now enjoy the amazing pictures and get jealous...!

               FYI did you that there is no train announcement that happens at the Badami station and that when a train arrives the station master comes and simply rings a bell? Should i still give you more reasons to visit this place? 

 

Bonbibi and her people

I don't want to term this as a traveller's insight, for what I experience and saw was out of the world and I would really urge everyone to leave those fancy shoes and travel to the so called uncharted territories, which are though, stones throw away from our place, but we shall never try  to give it a second look. Well, something similar happened to me which took me by surprise. Yesterday was 2nd Magh or as Bengalis say 'Doshora Magh, which was the time for Bonbibi r mela in the Sundarbans. Now please do not take your mind to the visions of forest and ferocious tigers when I say Sundarbans...coz it has 19 blocks and not all of them are like that. Mostly happens to be clear cut areas for cultivation or settlements, except for the blocks like Kultoli or Gosaba, which are nearer to the forest, while the rest of them can be travelled easily. Coming back to my topic of discussion, yesterday after travelling for nearly 3 hrs I discovered a mammoth fair or mela, which is attended by thousands of people, without fail. These people arrive from various villages. This is my dear the Bonbibir Mela. I got down at Dakhin Barasaat station travelled in van richkshaws for 25 minutes until you reach a point from where the only option is to simply walk. The walk is magnificent as you

are walking for at least more than 4 kms  through uncultivatable land which is called 'Bada.' The surrounding is simply awesome, especially if you are coming from busy hustle cities, coz here all you will get are open sky, open fields with no sign of houses and long chain of happy people walking towards the fair and you too match feet with them. I do not have words to actually describe the huge fields that I was walking through....I feel so feeble at times not to have experienced so much oxygen around myself, that I was panting for breath. Anywayz I managed to reach and found tons of people flying kites! They have come with their families, friends, daughters, sons, uncles, everyone's flying kites. Crossing that you reach the Harinkhali, which is a 'khal' or a small bridge after which is the main mela area. This place is actually at a confluence of 5 villages- Ramrudrapur, Harinagam, Chaltaberia, Babongachi and Khakherda. Once you reach the mela area you experience the sudden splurge of people coming towards you, you hear music and laughter and what you see is the undying faith on Bonbibi. Long cue, people waiting patiently to

Bonbibi's shrine

enter the shrine and seek the blessing of Bonbibi. They say 'ma r ashirbad.' Mind it, the ma is not the urban deity Durga! Well I thought bengalis can't do anything beyond Durga Puja, but apparently that is not so. Bonbibi too resides in people's home. I asked few people in the cue about their experience and each narrated their own individual story of bonbibi and her presence. Someone even claimed that he returned from her death bed only because of Bonbibi's blessing. However, what I found little contradictory is that Bonbibi is a deity which is even today followed by the Hindus and Muslims, but there were no Muslims who were entering the shrine to seek her blessing. Majority of the people were Hindus. Some said, that many come to Bonbibi for fulfilment of one's desires and for that they throw 'batasha' i.e. sweet cake to the crowd. Let me mention here, that Bonbibi came into existence as a god to protect people from tiger attacks but in numerous occasions I have noticed the transformation of her character to 'god of everything' and from Bonbibi to 'Bondevi.' This mela can be said of one such.

Bonbibi to Bondevi.  

       After this I turned my attention to the business part of the mela i.e. 'becha kena' or buying and selling of things and found out that furnitures sell like hot cakes, and each dealer makes a profit of nearly 10,000 rs in one single day. It was so amazing to see how passionately they talk about their work and each year to be part of the celebration. Some of them even uttered that they look forward for this particular day through out the year and how lovely it is to shop, especially furnitures. Places like these makes you realise how happy small things can make you...how delightful it is to experience those meaningless gestures and run around as if you do not have any directions to go. This mela reminded me of those feelings and the gestures that I miss now. I was dumbstruck by seeing the immense trust and belief that people has on Bonbibi. Some even proclaimed her bigger than Durga. I could not help myself any longer but succumb to my desire of having a jalebi and a bhelpuri and woooow I must say. It was the right medicine for my undying hunger. Everyone's happy...all were smiling...they were excited and giggling. The whole environment echoed positivity. Sundarban was definitely not all about tigers...their is life, with so much of different stories.This mela ends at 11pm, and the next day the businessmen heads off to another village nearby to sell off the remains...called as 'choto mela,' and I definitely know that 'choto' or small would just be in name. I returned back with memories that I will cherish through out and will come back again next year. Hogla and Gochoron are the two stations nearby, from where trains can be boarded for Sealdah. So you see, experiencing nature does not mean to have a 'Thai Spa,' rather, we should try to run away from our boundaries to venture in some different experience. I feel lucky that this is just the beginning of my awesome journey, I shall share all my insights, but I would urge all to see it with your own eyes....Otherwise you will MISS IT !