‘It’s Complicated’ (2009) was an ‘adult comedy’ we enjoyed watching few years back. It wasn’t too wild for us seniors looking for fun specially as it’s cast had super actors, Meryl Streep and Alex Baldwin in light hearted avatars of different genre. The former plays a divorcee with grown up kids and runs into her ex-husband at their son’s graduation ceremony. As they are now divorced and he has re-married since then, problems and complications arise when the flame is reignited and they amazingly fall in love again !

Recently we came across ‘Do Aur Do Pyaar’, film on ‘Hotstar’ which seemed interesting and I felt may have been inspired from the above rom-com but hasn’t been much hyped considering that quite a few engrossing web-series have caught people’s viewing time. Importantly it has Vidya Balan & cool Pratik Gandhi (of ‘Scam’ fame) in lead roles and it deserved a ‘dekho’ ! The two share great chemistry & in hilarious ways, kick up a storm !

The storyline of ‘DADP’ is even more convoluted than the Hollywood comedy, if one were to compare, but as Hindi movies go it’s contrived and far-fetched but real in parts depicting the dysfunctional state of marriages and how young couples can’t seem to cope with it. Here too, both partners have started cheating on their spouses and lead separate love-lives but continue living under same roof, waiting for divorce to come through.

Fate intervenes, they decide to visit Vidya’s parents to attend her grandfather’s funeral. In the austere precincts & her father’s unrelenting ways and family rituals, Vidya’s love for the man she ran away from home to marry, blossoms again as they revisit places they knew during courtship days & rekindles romance that made them do outrageous things. When they return home, it’s love of old times, banter and enjoying each other’s presence –but they have to resolve the commitments & promises made to their other partners !

 The film belongs to the redoubtable Vidya Balan who puts in a spirited performance as emotionally soft, professionally competent dentist, dysfunctional in her relationships. But Pratik Gandhi almost steals the show as the laid back, disheveled Bengali guy who is non-aspirational but whom women love to love and possess despite all his vulnerability.

The dialogues have cracking humour in quite a few sequences that’s reminiscent of the English film we mentioned. Interestingly, akin to many working pairs, the two address each other by the surnames ‘Ganeshan’ and ‘Banerji’ that’s pretty cool ! Special mention be made of  Ileana D’Cruz & Sendhil Ramamurthy who are the remaining two parts of the rectangle but with their own charming angles. ‘No bed of roses’, this style of modern living !              

‘Khamoshi’ (1969) is an old classic with thespian actress Waheeda Rehman in the lead role and Rajesh Khanna in one of his sensitive portrayals as a mentally disturbed young  man jilted in love. It was a remake the old Bengali hit film ‘Deep Jele Jayee’ (1959) with superstar Suchitra Sen in the role of a nurse in a mental hospital, who’s asked to pretend to be his lady love to draw her patient out of his acute depression. Strong emotions are aroused of passion & guilt as characters struggle with new hopes of finding love again…

While the film was directed by Asit Sen, it’s beautiful music was a collaboration of two masters, composer Hemant Kumar and writer, Gulzar. The film for cinematic reasons was to have a soulful song picturised on the hero but the locale had to be outdoors (and not in the hospital) as conceived by the makers. It was visualized as a song sung in the boat (with the lead players) over the River Hoogly in Kolkata and sound effects of waves splashing the oars and choir music in the background gave it an ethereal effect. They’re  drawn to each other & lyrics juxtapose their feelings with memories of their past love.

The song was based on the famous raag ‘Yaman’ that’s been a favorite of composers. The interesting part was choice of the singer who’d bring the real emotions and depth of feelings to such a song and while there were choices, Hemantda felt that only Kishore could do justice to the number with his mellifluous voice. It was picturised on Rajesh Khanna, who was on his way to stardom with his many hits. ‘Woh Sham Kuch Ajeeb Thi..’ is a one of the finest romantic film numbers, rendered with understated eloquence and serenity – it’s a song that’s a ‘thing of beauty and a joy forever’ for old music lovers.         

We possibly open and close doors countless times a day but if not done rightly, they can spell trouble and lead to bigger problems. Left unlocked there can be a break-in but in some flats that have self locking main doors there’s a different challenge. The keys if left inside, the owners simply can’t get in until the duplicate keys arrive or locksmith comes to the rescue with his tools. Metaphorically speaking too, when we thoughtlessly shut the door on someone’s face, it may signal the end of the relationship with that person !

We’ve all grown with Alibaba’s adventures and the riches he stumbles on to by uttering the two words ‘Open Sesame’ !  Such stories  have signified that ‘opening doors’ are like the opportunities that come in life and must be grabbed. Symbolically too, no door can  open without the right key. In school we recall that in our time we had small guide books (also called keys) that gave model answers and tips on how to crack the examinations. Be it the aim of landing jobs, selling goods & services, arranging marriages & in business right reference, guidance works. Today, ‘Networking’ is known to help open many doors.    

Sometimes, one must patiently wait for doors to open for civility demands that no one enters without knocking. Gate-crashing and barging in is not likely to get great results. While at work, to be kept waiting to be called inside by the Boss for a firing or news of a faraway posting causes stress. Awaiting one’s turn for the promotion interview outside the board room door was always unnerving and we’ve been through the jitters. But it’s uncanny that good news overcomes closed doors, loyal friends will rush in to say ‘Mithai Khilao’ ! Once when my Big Boss got promoted, his cabin was kept open the whole day !

Fascinatingly for doors, the sounds they make, change with age too. New house has ones that swing noiselessly. After few years (wooden) doors start to sag with weight ! In older homes, the doors and gates have a familiar screech and clang that inmates know. These sound effects have been put to great use in films, specially of thriller and horror genre. In a suspense film, the old door will creak eerily and never open full till pushed.. but in horror movies there’s  something ominous behind that door that’s remained long closed. Mansions will have secret doors that lead to alleys and passages providing escape routes to the hero/heroine being chased by alien creatures, bad guys or the sundry villains !   

‘There are more things about doors that we can think of ’ to borrow the Bard’s lines. By holding the door open to someone we are showing them that we want to make their life a little easier. It’s graceful and shows that today even if chivalry is retired it’s not dead. As the vintage song goes ‘Mera dar khula hai, khula hi rahega..’ It’s a lyrical message to one’s paramour or friend, that they’re always welcome to share his hearth and home !

It’s so heartening that now virtually every family member (father, mother, siblings) has a day allotted when they’re recognized and celebrated for the sterling qualities they’re supposed to possess. On Father’s Day, even one’s ‘Old Man’ or ’Pops’ as some Senior Dads are sweetly addressed by their progeny, stand a chance of getting some honour as do younger one’s with tech savvy teenaged kids who are real netizens ! Because it’s the day for honoring one’s father, as well as fatherhood, paternal bonds and the influence of fathers in society. This year, it happens to fall on Sunday, the16^th of June. 

So what’s special about this guy called ‘Dad’ that must be talked about. I’ve read a line that kind of explains it – “ It’s easy to be a father, difficult to be a Dad’ which seems to convey that despite being the ‘Family Chieftain’ he tends to remove the hierarchy gaps and treats others as independent units. More than that, daughters, long after settling into domesticity often claim Dads are their real ‘heroes’ and sons strive hard to move out of their big shadows and attain the respect that they once earned. Many of us, now grand-parents, haven’t been able to figure out what makes for a real ‘Daddy Cool’ !  Lives of great men do provide us role models but there is no one size that fits all and in the general scheme, ‘Fathers’ being only human, come in many shades with all their achievements & failings !

Also, there’ve been film-makers and writers who provided us with lovable ‘Screen-Dads’ and many of us found our own fathers in them. A big favourite of our times was ‘Dadamoni’, thespian actor, Ashok Kumar, who’d essayed many a memorable ‘Father’s role’ and more so in films of Hrishikesh Mukherji (like Aashirwaad and Mili etc). I’d chose the fun-loving and affable character he plays in ‘Khoobsoorat’ (1980) as most endearing. A powerless Family Head subservient but loyal to his wife, the matriarch and the family that she controls with discipline. He joins hands with new entrant Rekha in a cultural uprising against his wife’s strict regime, to ensure unfettered joy (‘nirmal anand’) for all ! .   

While Hollywood movies have had their share of immortal fathers on their big screen (including the many wonderful versions of ‘Father of the Bride’), one film that overwhelmed for its adorable humour & pathos was Robin William’s ‘Mrs Doubtfire’(1993) that became a super hit across the globe. It’s the story of divorced actor without custody of his three children who tries every trick and decides to get entry into their house disguised as an elderly housekeeper to be able to spend time with them. Robin in an unforgettable role,makes you laugh and cry in his amazing portrayal as ‘Mrs Doubtfire’ !   

Let’s not be judgmental. Most Dads are ordinary men who turn weak with love & emotional ‘atyachar’ but become protectors, heroes for their loved ones when challenged ! Happy Father’s Day to us all !

(PS : Picis of our Dad with Dadamoni at his residence in Mumbai in 1979-80s )

If it wasn’t for the delivery boy bringing a heavy lunch pack surrounded by  a heavenly aroma, I would have forgotten all about it. Sometime yesterday, my in-laws had called to announce that being an auspicious day, some ‘alpo khabar’ (food) but virtually in form wonderful Bengali delicacies with exotic names, were being despatched. All this because India had beaten the Pakis, I thought with utter naivety. I was reminded it was indeed ‘Jamai Shasti’ !

Of course ! The coin dropped like the way it does in T20 WC matches these days. From olden times, one festival that holds a special place in the hearts of Bengalis is ‘Jamai Sasthi’. It’s a celebration of the bond between a Ma-in-law and her son-in-law, also known as “Jamai”. This festival is observed on the sixth day of the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshtha according to the Hindu calendar. This year the ‘tithi’ happened to fall on 12^th June. Since age is no barrier to qualify for this festivity, at 69 I still enjoy an exalted status. 

But the Bengali son-in-laws aren’t the only lucky guys on this planet to get these annual benefits ? In the other communities too, there are customs to give due importance and show solidarity to the ‘Jamai Sir’. Some films have depicted the guy as ‘Jamai-Raja’, who throws wanton tantrums and has to be handled with kid gloves, at least in the initial stages, till the daughter wields the stick, he’s properly domesticated and loses his sting over time !

In whatever form it may exist, the idea of honouring the ‘Jamai’ is noble in it’s underlying intent. The event is seen as important in bringing the couple, and more particularly the son-in-law closer to the in-law’s family, hence strengthening family bonds. As we’ve all known from experience, as per our traditions, we don’t just marry the person, we marry the families as well !

The commendable feature of films on ‘sports’ is they’re generally devoid of mindless crime, revenge, gore, violence & crude ingredients of full on desi potboilers. However, not all are so watchable or as well made as were movies like ‘Chak De’, ‘Iqbal’, ‘Mary Kom’ and ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’ (naming just few), but those who love sports, get many uplifting messages worth emulating in life. Sports isn’t just a teacher but a leveler too!       

We’ve all got used to OTT in-house viewing, visiting theatres is rare, a bit like visiting a doctor unless one’s forced to. We love to procrastinate, wait for it to come on Prime. There was home resistance against watching ‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ at a nearby hall but for once I prevailed over my Mrs, promising her a treat but not disclosing the film’s story.  For the curious, it’s a ‘cricket’ based drama & that’s why it couldn’t be missed by me !    

An arranged marriage brings Mahendra, a failed district level cricketer and Mahima, a young doctor together & coincidentally having the same nickname, they become Mr. and Mrs.Mahi (Symbolically too, ‘Mahi’ is hugely significant in Indian cricket !). They soon discover their common love and passion for the game of Cricket. Eventually, Mahendra, who hates the drudgery of having to work in his father’s sports goods shop, yearns to get back to cricket field but faces repeated rejections from all quarters.

When things are going downhill, he accidentally spots big cricketing talent in his wife & encourages her to chase her dream of becoming a top cricketer and coaches her on this journey. It’s a process of discovery that’s arduous & challenging and the husband-wife duo slowly get to learn about individuality, chasing dreams & defeating insecurities. Coaches make endless sacrifices that go to make champions, yet have to keep away from spotlight. Apart from cricket, film also explores issues of trust and fame in relationships.

As expected, Raj Kumar Rao as the suppressed son, the supportive husband, and a man desperately seeking validation is understated and sincere and co-actors Kumud Mishra and Rajesh Sharma are impressive. There is also a memorable cameo by veteran Zarina Wahab, and one wonders why she isn’t seen more often in senior roles. However, it’s Janhvi Kapoor, who steals the show as she refreshingly brings serenity and poise to her portrayal and also emotes well in the dramatic scenes. This looks like the coming of age of the young actress in more meatier roles of substance, that can tap her innate talent.   

‘Mr & Mrs Mahi’ isn’t a great sports film and it resorts to cinematic liberties in fairly liberal doses. It’s virtually impossible to succeed in the rat race of Indian cricket without going through the domestic circuit for years and millions of aspirants don’t make it big.  Yet it’s ‘feel-good’ family flic for many reasons and carries the message that true victory lies in not only chasing dreams with commitment but finding fulfillment within yourself.

 

 ‘There’s a tide (dew) in the innings played in cricket …’ specially in T20 Cricket version and India seems to have mastered the uncanny art of getting into a hole and managing a miraculous turnaround like a ‘great escape’ in many of the epic encounters against arch rivals Pakistan. Yesterday it kept us viewers on tenterhooks late and well past midnight !

The media and all the social groups have already analysed what India did right when it came to it’s bowling and what went wrong with Pakis when they batted – it was a match reminiscent of the English classic ‘Escape to Victory’ (1981). Closer home our Bollywood has many inspiring numbers like ‘Chak De..’ that ups the ante for nationalism in sports.

However, I’m reminded of another 70’s blockbuster ‘Amar, Akbar, Anthony’ starring the iconic Big B & others, where three heroes come together to find justice, and have a song that resonates with its multi plurality and unity in diversity as they fight all odds to win. The song lyrics can fit our young pacers who form a winning combo match after match :

‘Anhoni ko honi kar de, Honi ko anhoni,

Apne team mein hai jab, Jasprit, Siraj, Arshdeep !’ 

Born in June,1939, he left untimely more than thirty years ago in Jan, 1994, yet there’s still an immense amount of reminiscing, recreation and invoking of the musical gems of composer, singer and amazingly versatile artist that was RD Burman, lovingly known as Pancham. In the 1960-90s era, he composed musical scores for over 330 films, bringing a new level of musical ensemble with diverse compositions – classical, pop, fusion et al !

His tunes were a boon to both Hindi & Bengali music worlds of his time, that remain sheer treasures & fans know that many of his hit songs have versions in both languages. Interspersed among them are also numbers that became iconic not only for their superb rendition & lyrics but for the picturizations on Rajesh Khanna, the superstar of the 70’s.

‘Zindagi Ke Safar Mein..’ from the Hindi film ‘Aap Ki Kasam’ (1974) featuring Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz, is a sublime, beautiful sad song. It has a poignant theme of a once vain and egoistic man who’s very repentant having lost all his life’s bearings. The heart-rending orals of the soulful song were by inimitable Kishore da and awe-inspiring lyrics were written by Anand Bakshi and composed by Pancham. This was one of those songs that didn’t have a Bengali take but remains one of Pancham’s most moving creations !   

In the iconic film ‘3 Idiots’ (2009), the character Amir Khan essays, tells his cronies ‘If you want to assess a person’s real character, watch how he treats his sub-ordinates and helpers’. Empathy and kindness in their dealings is the hallmark of true leaders and reveals the humane side of people. Yet, often those in positions of power hardly deem it fit to even acknowledge the existence of the staff employed to carry out menial duties. In difficult situations, however, they’re sometimes expected to take the blame and protect their owners and bosses from any harm that may befall them.

But here’s an act of courage and selflessly standing up to protect one’s staff that seems scripted like a film scene and involves a renowned actress, none other than 49 year old Raveena Tandon. Having earlier earned the sobriquet of ‘Mast Mast Girl’ for the hit number ‘Tu Cheez Badi Hai..’ from the hit  film ‘Mohra’ (1994) as a glamorous star, with time she went on to meaningful roles on big screen & OTT. She also takes part in social work and was awarded ‘Padmashri’ in 2023 for her contribution to art and cinema.

About a week ago it was reported that she was involved in an alleged road incident which took an ugly turn. The story goes that returning home in her chauffeur driven car, she found herself in an altercation with a group of people who alleged they were brushed by her vehicle. What had unfolded was after dropping her off, the driver was reversing the car as three people were walking past and were allegedly hit or got touched by it.

When she sensed that trouble was brewing outside her house as a mob had collected and were threatening her driver, she came out, spoke and reasoned with them and in the process got shoved around too. Facing a traumatic time, Raveena continued to stand by her driver and save him from the mob. Through her persuasion the matter finally got resolved and ended up with no one filing a complaint with the police authorities. 

For those who are movie buffs, do watch a gripping film ‘Patna Shukla’ on Hotstar which has Raveena playing a crusading lawyer who goes to any extent to get justice for her clients who are mostly underdogs. It seems she has the same mettle in her real life too ! Occasions don’t make heroes or cowards, they simply unveil them to the eyes of others.  

Malls, shops, restaurants and eateries all depend on footfalls and continuous stream of customers – preferably with the will and money to ‘shop till they drop’ (since on line shopping is only a convenient by product for their sales output). It’s also certain that there’ll be ‘slack’ or low activity periods just as there’ll be busy phases during the normal days that culminates into big weekend rush. In festive seasons when there’s the added ‘sale’ offers, discounts, buy 1 & get 2 two deals, shoppers are seen going insanely crazy !

Regular shoppers, like homemakers and the WFH (working from home) with their in-depth experience of going to the market for groceries and essentials, ata, daal, chahwal, understand the ebbs and flows of traffic in the big malls and super-bazaars and time their visits to avail the ‘afternoon hours’ or the time between 12 noon to 4 pm when customer tide is low ! That apart, there are ‘early birds’ too who queue up and sneak in as soon as the shutters are opened by the mall security staff. That way, shopping part gets over before the day starts for the working class who commute to their workplaces.

Marketers studying customer habits know that there is what’s called the ‘afternoon economy’ which typically suits the housewives and working people like school teachers and over time they form the regular clientele in these hours. But weather conditions can play a part here. During the hot summers and the heat-wave conditions as prevailing in many cities this year, it can severely impact sales and customer footfalls !

Wayside food stalls and eateries face similar problems in extreme weather conditions as do the ‘fine dine’ restaurants. As the mercury rises, it creates psychological barriers for people to dine out as they prefer staying indoors in comfortable temperature zones. The adverse impact on business is partly made up through on-line orders for home delivery but when the mercury soars over 45 degrees even that is affected ! Let’s not forget the monsoons. The Mumbai rains that start with a whisper and build into torrential roar in months June to August. Clearly business runs its course though the entire spectrum !

Let’s also not forget that ‘happy’ term in context of eateries in megacities like Mumbai, Bangalore & Pune. ‘Happy hour’ is a marketing term for a time when a venue such as a restaurant or bar offers reduced prices on alcoholic drinks. Discounted menu items like appetizers are often served to entice people. This is a way for pubs, bars and restaurants to draw in more business before or after peak business hours.

It’s about increasing ‘feel-good’ factor to get better results that there’s also ‘Work happy hour’- the simplest form of it is gathering everyone in office together to share a drink and talk. It mayn’t happen in staid Public Sector but in big Corporates, it’s standard way to help people relax and unwind ! People wants happiness in work lives too. As one wise guy said ‘Happy hour makes me feel happy all the way from my head to mojitos’ !