Movie Reviews, Theatre in India, Travel trails --- see images of life through Sonali Jha Chatterjee's logbook...

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

Teach for India --- Mid-year Retreat

Four months into the Teach for India Fellowship and we get our first break of sorts – the Mid Year Retreat at Ahmadabad for four days -- All second year fellows (2014) and some first year fellows (2013) and the staff, of course. We stayed at a Jain ashram and slept in a 20-bedded dormitory.
Yes, we stayed away from what to do in the classroom and how to make our lessons better. But this was a different learning experience altogether. Sounded simple enough -- Simply answer the following questions: What are your core values? What are your passions? What is your purpose in life? How would you see that purpose helping educational equity in our country?
We mulled over these questions each day as our City Director, Sandeep Rai , took us through various videos and presentations. I kept asking myself --Isn’t it true that these questions are an end in themselves and we spend a lifetime answering them?
This was one part of the retreat. The other part included meetings with people who have made their passion into their life’s purpose because of their values. These people have dedicated their lives to the service (Sewa) of others. All real life examples. For several of us it was difficult to stomach. Most of our learning time was spent at Manav Sadhana, an NGO at the Gandhi Ashram in Sabarmati.
The second half of the last day there were five different activities to choose from. A Padyatra, Flowing with Love, Visiting 3 different communities. I chose to visit the community of beggars and those afflicted with leprosy. This colony is called Loving community and I chose it for the simple reason that a leper and beggar community to me meant a lot of discomfort. So about 15 of us reached this place and I was pleasantly surprised to see a neat and well maintained colony. The children were quite a happy lot and the seniors seemed content. We played with the kids, changed the bandages of those leprosy infected people who needed help that day and helped serve food to the seniors. Dinner here is served for all senior citizens by Manav Sadhana. I must mention the refreshing tea and the delicious pulao that we had.

At night, the next generation of young people , back from work and college, chatted with us and played their regular game of volley ball. We slept in the huge community centre with 10 other kids. Though we left at 5 am, the children woke up to say goodbye. Vijay, our coordinator, said he would accept our thanks only when we came to visit again. That night we took the train to Pune. But the churning of my mind had begun. The four days flashed by leaving behind so many questions for me to answer.

Monday, 6 October 2014

Movie Review (Hindi)

Haider

I was really eager to see this third offering by Vishal Bharadwaj, with his take on Shakespeare's tragedies. I was disappointed. After Maqbool and Omkara, it was only natural for me to have my hopes high, but in vain. I was unable to connect with the characters or the story which is very important for me to be able to enjoy a movie. 
There were flashes of excellent acting when I was really impressed with Shahid Kapur's acting skills, especially when he addresses a crowd with his head shaven for the first time. Tabu had the strongest role but what was her character trying to do? She loves her son, she does not love her husband, she lusts after her brother in law, lives with him and then marries him the moment she comes to know of her husband's death. She loves Haider, her son, but she also suspects he has lost his mental balance. Finally, she realizes that her present husband is no good and blows herself up. Shraddha Kapoor, Haider's love interest was a disappointment. 
The movie left me cold which left me quite depressed. Enjoyed the music though.

Sunday, 5 October 2014

Movie Review (English)

Finding Fanny

Thanks to Homi Adajania, for roping in big name from Bollywood to act in his movie. This is a great deed for small budget film makers who have a story to tell. I wonder, if this film had unknown faces would people still go and watch it. 

I loved the slow movement unfolding real kind of life experiences and emotional upheavals all of us have, that the movie portrayed. Hopefully, more well meaning directors will take to making such movies and again give those actors a chance who might not be well known faces but excellent actors.

Deepika was a surprise. Loved her subtle performance. I also could not get over the Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron touch. I have no words for Naseeruddin, Pankaj and Dimple. 


All in all, had a great time watching a worthwhile movie.

Friday, 3 October 2014

Movie Review (Hindi)

Khoobsurat

The original was one of my favourite movies, mainly because the protagonist was a woman (Rekha) and she was a rebel. She stood up against the rigid rules put in place by the matriarch. I was hoping this Khoobsurat would be along those lines. Well, it was in a way. Only I did not see Sonam as the reason for my liking the movie. She was wildly over the top for me. You know, Mr Director, subtlety is not obsolete, really. I liked Ratna Pathak Shah though as the tough woman laying down tough rules. Wish the younger girl (Ratna's daughter) had more life in her. Now, I must mention the hero, Fawad Khan. Total waste of a good actor. But he kept me interested. And yes, Kiron Kher though predictable, was hilarious. Thanks for the laughs... 
Though it does bring in the big question, what had gotten into Disney to do this movie???