About Placebo!

#whatisplacebo

                                                              P   L   A   C   E   B   O:

As the film begins, there is a voice that says “This is a story that I will tell myself many times over to remind myself that it has happened”. It is the 27-year old filmmaker Abhay Kumar from Chandigarh and the story is in the documentary called ‘Placebo’. Recently, I was able to catch up the film in the ‘peepshow screening’ (peepshow because you literally have to peep in order to look at the screen)

Before the voice-over, comes the statistics which states how the probability of getting in MIT is 7%, Harvard is 4% and AIIMS is 0.1%. Just imagine! One might wonder at the level of intelligence, determination and passion of people making it to the institute of such academic excellence. But is that all what it really counts? What about the journey the students make inside the institution both mentally and physically?

After the filmmaker’s younger brother damaged his right hand in an act of violence, the filmmaker wondered at the absurdity behind it. In order to investigate further, he went on to live with the brightest minds of the country in the AIIMS hostel being undercover for the next six months. As a fly-on-wall, he shot extensively, took interviews and documented everything that he could. The stay stretched to two long years instead of six months and the shot footage went approx. 1000 hours. This was the time he really stopped shooting and that too with external factors and constraints. 

Now, lies the biggest question: What is Placebo?  

As the filmmaker when he started to document his observations, less he did realize where it was heading. What started as an observation went on to become bigger, brutal and honest. It took the shape of a truth that covered various aspects such as academic pressure, administration negligence, parental pressure, ragging, depression and suicide.

 Here, the journey of the filmmaker is the journey of the film. He risked everything in order to make something he believed in. When he ran out of resources, he even crowdfunded to complete the post-production and somehow managed all what he could. In the post-screening discussion, he mentioned how for almost seven months during editing, he and his two-member team used to spend countless hours to analyze the footage and to come up with something on the timeline. Now, that’s the conviction of a real filmmaker who never gives up. Something that is brave and inspirational.

There are a lot of things to be liked in the film, particularly the way it beautifully uses animation sequences to enhance the narrative. The visuals shot on Handycam, iPhone, iPad and DSLR are consistent in terms of aesthetics and colors which is done by Siddharth Meer (the man behind Byomkesh Bakshy, Court etc.). Another thing of the film stands out is its non-linear editing which is really powerful, with such a vast footage one really needs to be extra patient about it which is done really well. Editing a 96 mins feature from almost 1000 hours of footage, now that's a monumental task to achieve. 

    

As the movie ends, one realizes the bigger aspect of it. The film engages and holds enough potential to start a conversation in any room. While the film witnesses three suicide cases in the hostel and protests arising from it, it is also saddening to realize how one can loosely use the term ‘depression’ in regular lingo without actually considering its real meaning. It shows while one suffers from it, doesn’t realize what that isolation or the saddening is! The film provides a vocabulary, a grammar to actually address the real aspects of the issue. The fact that mental illness and depression are separate is still often treated as one.  

Post-screening discussion with Placebo's director Abhay Kumar 

The film chooses four protagonists including Abhay's brother and further the filmmaker largely delves deeper into their psychology through extensive interviews which are hilarious and on-point. Those four protagonists are relatable characters, belonging from different backgrounds and having different aspirations from life. It is interesting to see how they makes sense even if they might themselves feel are blabbering bullshit at times.   

   

On the whole, this film is something which must be addressed in order to see what things really are. As we flip through the pages, we might see a news of student studying in Kota coaching factory hanging himself under academic pressure. At that point of time, we actually know what that thing really is, therefore the limitations within the system and policies need to be revived and constructed in a better way. 

A conversation from the film that still cracks me up goes like, a guy talks about how he wants to get clicked by the poolside being totally fit in his trunks but further goes on to contemplate how earlier he was fit but didn’t had a pool and now the situation is reverse. Filled with such honest and fun conversations, this film very effectively says what it really wants to and the hardwork pays off when the audience love is reciprocated. 

One thing for sure, this film is worth everything and something that you might have never seen before. Much love Placebo!

About time!

Last time I blogged, it was about relocating to a new place and the emotions attached to it. The fact that I didn't mention was my ongoing masters course in one of the premier institutes of the country -A.J.K. MCRC, Jamia Milia Islamia. Being enrolled in such a prestigious institute wasn't less than any dream for me.

In a few days here, I realized that this was the place for me. Something I always wanted for myself. Five years back, film-making/ photography was something I couldn't even imagine pursuing as my career and today I can't think of anything else.

About time, everything that happened was for a good reason. Suddenly, there was a boost in terms of self-confidence and energy. I became more thoughtful about decisions for future. Being in a film-school, the amount of exposure and learning that I am subjected to is beyond than I have ever been. I became overwhelmed with thoughts every time I start thinking about the journey. But, there is a sense of realization in the way time flies and so will the two years of my masters.

About time, that it doesn't stays. Whether good or bad, it is sure to pass someday. Everyday, I wake up with the thought of learning something. The films we watch, the text we read, conversations we are a part of somehow shapes our perspective about something or the other. More I am engrossed in the world of creative thinking, I am amazed looking at the people how they have excelled. I may not be consumed by the thought that they graduated from the same school, but it sort of inspires and adds to the potential the place holds for individual. Also, at the ends, it's all about giving all that you have in things you believe in.

About time, that we realize there are no shortcuts. All you need is the conviction, belief, self-confidence and you hold the strength to make a difference in somebody's life. As I write this, I may not see the point why am I writing this. But then, these are the things that have been going around my head. I have figured out the direction to which I should be heading and maybe I will achieve things that I have thought for self!

About time, till I write again! 

Of Relocation and Moving Away!

The estranged feeling of not being at the same place where you have been for almost a decade is baffling atleast for me. Imagine leaving behind your room or rather a home full of memories in place for a complete strange new location. Change is inescapable and so is nostalgia, there are times when it just happens and you have no other option except for accepting it. You literally have to make a move then.

That's what even I did!

This year, my family decided to move to new house for better (though in the same city). The whole process behind it- packing, transporting, shifting, loading and unloading stuff became way too chaotic. Not that we didn't expected it to be but maybe we didn't deal with it the right way. Dozens of cartons were just packed and transported to this new place where it was supposed to be unpacked again. It became a task for a family full of working people. Finding limited time off the busy schedule and most importantly that motivation to do so was the key which I clearly lacked.

As usual, I procrastinated and still doing it. The reason even after a month, things haven't been quite settled in this new place. This all started a fortnight away from Diwali, when we finally decided to make the move. Till the last minute, we were quite skeptical to move since the new place wasn't completely ready. We extremely ran short of time since Diwali was the time when we just had to completely settle our new home.

During the whole process, day afer day it used to be a similar schedule. We used to wake up in a mess full of packed and half-packed cartons and messy cupboards. In bits and parts, every single piece of item was wrapped and unwrapped wholly and solely  by a family of six (family- including driver uncle & domestic help and items-excluding heavy pieces of furniture).   

Even a month later, the process of wrapping and unwrapping stuff continues. Slowly and steadily, we will completely settle and adapt to the new habitat. Apart from the thoughts of packing and moving, it is the relocation that has been acting as a major stint. It reminds me of a conversation with a friend where we were talking about how everytime we relocate, we loose a part of ourselves at that place. 

It isn't like this was my first experience of relocating home, but the 8 years that I have spent at this place has been phenomenal in terms of the life phase and major time period during which I lived them.

It were the incidents, events and achievements that would define this place for me. In 9th standard, I moved to this place and lived here till graduation. It was the same place where I completed my schooling and started my college life, the same place where I first learnt how to drive a scooty and then ended up learning a four-wheeler too. The same place where my childhood ended and where I figured out my interest and passion. It is the same place where I  got hold of life's meaning and the urge to live it all. The four walls that strenghtened my bond with my Grandmother (Dadi) became the place where she breathed her last. A lot happened during the years I lived there and that place gave me infinite memories to nurture and cherish forever. 

With time, we create new memories and attachments but without loosing the hold of older ones. Those are the ones created at a particular time when we didn't even know we were creating them. Series of such experiences and memories forms a larger part of life and is always strong enough to create that nostalgia and sweet after-taste...  

The Analogy of 'IF' and the adversities against it!

There are things that we are certain and sure about
things that we know and have complete charge over it.
Then, there are uncertainties of life arising from the 'IF's
IF changes the flow and transforms the fate
The degree of tranquility changes.
It is the 'IF' that gives a new meaning to the whole conditions
As soon as we are sure about something,
The possibility of 'IF' gives it a complete
new perspective, it is then we realize the power of destiny and fate
"What If"? one of the most deadly questions
has the ability to put anyone under the clouds of doubt & self-introspection.
 In order to explore it more, lets take a case
of exploitation of resources and about Earth's polluted face

Imagine one day you wake up from sleep
only to find things going far away from you
Think about the first thought that would cross your mind
Maybe you will analyze it as some conspiracy or
thinking it less as consequences of your own doing.
The dire need will remind you
of all the exploitation and the misuse
But maybe it will be too late
to regret of your own actions

Thousand thoughts will run
at the back of your head
only to find yourself at fault
Maybe you should be a little responsible
as a human and moreover as a consumer

The scarcity of resources didn't scared you
and in turn you took the liberty to destroy it completely
without realizing it was always
the other way around.

The time is now to act
and react before you
start contemplating
the analogy of IF!

Curious Case of the New World

‘Life is not that simple as it used to be’, commented my grandmother while I was busy breathing the virtual world on my Smartphone sitting next to her. To her disagreement, I opposed ‘Not at all, today, we have all the advanced technologies which are built to make our lives convenient. So, how could it become part of the problem?’ ‘True that, but the problem isn’t the technology instead the way how you are feeding over it’, she explained.

Actually, it is worthwhile analyzing two contrasting perspectives in depth, to understand the broadness of the larger debate. There is always much more than what we may or may not consider relevant. It is the selective absorption of facts accordingly i.e. putting a blind eye to things that we don’t consider important. In fact, the word ‘relevance’ itself is born out of perspectives based on said ideologies or thoughts. Probably, it is the major reason behind why the over dependence on technology remains an out-of-context topic.

Technology is omnipresent and currently it has very much to do with our lifestyle. In our everyday life, we feed on technology almost like our food and now it has become an integral part of our lives. Or just remember the time when you jumped with ecstasy after breaking into a public WiFi free of cost. It is rather impossible to imagine life without technology. There are certain symptoms like getting anxious on not find your phone around (leaving it on silent is a sure nightmare) or just forgetting it at home might be another thing that may give your heart skip a beat. Our over-dependence on technology results in taking things for granted. The present generation adapts to technology like never before, for them it is really a simple task to get their hands-on latest gadgets or using the trending app on their Smartphone. True, globalization has indeed transformed the world into a global village. Things can be transferred instantly from one corner to another with the blink of an eye. One moment, someone develops a technology and the very next moment it is innovated and diffused around the world.

Although, the main purpose of technology is to make our life easier, but the opinions on technology are very diverse. Here, technology and digitization has bridged the gap, helping us to reach out people and spreading our message effortlessly among the masses. Today, social media removes all barriers: geographic, societal or cultural. It gives us the power to communicate to anyone, anytime thus creating a permanent platform for communication. But, does that really help when we stop connecting with people in the real world. Isn’t that a harmful consequence of the advanced technology?

Beside the gap, today everyone has the ability to be the source of knowledge because internet has provided us the power to publish. Thus, the credibility of knowledge creator is important than ever before. On internet, hoaxes are believed to spread like a wildfire. You may never know what is true and what isn’t. The constant information overload is taking us nowhere. We ourselves are the creators and victims of this overload.

So, whether technology is simplifying our life, or creating new challenges and stress for us, totally depends on how we act and interact with them. As the technology solves our one problem, we immediately come up with another new problem. It is essential to note that no technology will ever be able to satisfy our constant emerging needs. However, allowing technology to make our life easier will do, just by focusing on the basics of life instead of getting manipulated by materialistic things. Learning to use technology to our own advantage will benefit without actually getting distracted to its flamboyance.  

Even the great Scientist Albert Einstein feared the technology. Once, he said

“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiot

s”.

That quote stands so relevant in the era of smart phone and dumb people.

The blues called by the Monday!

Does the Monday morning embark your workweek with feelings of anxiety, sadness, or un-easiness? Do you lack passion and feel dullness all around you? Does it makes you tired and therefore drags you to work with post-weekend trauma on mind?

If you’re nodding affirmatively, you might have a case of the Monday Blues- set of negative emotions at work that many people usually get at the beginning of the workweek if they’re not happy. It contains elements of hopelessness and a sense to work which is unpleasant but also unavoidable. A person usually faces the blues maybe because of the anticipation of what’s in store for them after a perfect weekend. That is the fear of uncertainty that makes them afraid.   

In the recent times, it became a cultural phenomenon prevailing around the world. At a place where the weekends are considered to be blessing, there this Monday is cursed away heartlessly. At this moment, you might find yourself reminding or humming the song ‘Khoon Choos Le” from the unusual Zombie comedy. It was exceptional the way song talked about our gloomy feeling of bloody khooni Monday. In the weekend, after working for straight 5 days, everybody loves to chill with friends or have a gala family time taking a break that becomes necessity for all. Today routine has engrossed us so much that it feels much like shackles, so as the weekend arrives; everyone go gaga over it with the fancy plans. Unfortunately, they end very soon; the next day being a nightmare -Monday.

Universally, people hate Mondays in the same amount as they love Fridays. They have the Monday fear, some even suffering from its phobia- Lunaediesophobia. Though there is no scientific reason to this, Monday blues is basically an illusion. If you love your work, Monday is just another day where you have to be excited and active instead of feeling low and depressed. It may not always be a matter to just laugh it away and ignore. The frequent blue occurrence points out to a bigger problem in your life where you may have to reconsider about your work and finding out your passion for the things that you love to do.

Monday is not so bad after all. It’s just another day of your life for which you have to feel positive. After all the Day isn’t powerful enough to terrorize or torture you, it is you yourself who play the blame game and brush aside your disinterest and inactiveness for an illogical reason. Weekends are beautiful, always cherish them and so are the weekdays (including Monday). A saying by career coach-Rita Friedman goes like, 

“Take Sunday to rest, review and reward, but plan for and get ready to leap into Monday.”

What do you think of Monday, is it your friend or biggest enemy? Share your views below in the comment box. 

The name is Charlie, Charlie Hebdo!

“We have avenged the Prophet Mohammad” shouted the gunmen in unison after killing a dozen people (including the Editor and prominent cartoonists) inside the office of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Lesser did they know that the brutal attack on journalists would get translated into people’s movement, the biggest in Paris since its liberation during World-War 2. People in Paris united regardless of their identity and culture over the attack on free speech. None did ever imagine the consequences of presenting satirical humor in order to put perspective in a lighter tone.

Charlie Hebdo, weekly magazine with a circulation of 40,000 copies has existed in France for over 40 years in its interesting combination of satirical schoolboy humor on the lines of politics and religion. In a liberated French society, the work of Charlie Hebdo has been connecting with people by taking a dig with its satire and witty humor without any discrimination on the basis of religion. Late Editor and caricaturist Stephane Charbonnier (a.k.a Charb) believed the magazine never criticized any person whether Catholic or Islamic, anyone in particular but just religion which is just an idea. This often brought them at the receiving end from the extremists and ideological groups.      

                        

The aftermath of the attack saw mass demonstrations being held around the world with people taking to the streets and fighting for the free speech. “Je Suis Charlie” became the slogan and the voice of people. On a single day, around 3.7 million people including 40 prominent world leaders came up on streets in Paris to seek solidarity with the victims and condemn the action of extremist terrorist organization in the name of religion. However, the attack over the work of Charlie Hebdo raised a worldwide debate to define free speech and whether they took it too far. Even some of the people joining the protest including Muslims condemned the murder without agreeing or self-identifying to the disgraceful portrayal of their faith. The drawings of Prophet Mohammad were mocked as freedom to express views. In the past, Charlie Hebdo made similar offending cartoons which brought them to top of Al-Qaeda’s hit list.

As the debate strengthened and their content flowed around, #JeNeSuisPasCharlie (I am not Charlie) surfaced on the social network and people were left to choose within their own contemporary expression. It is interesting to note how several ‘JeSuisCharlie’ supporters before the attack didn’t even knew what it was and with mass mobilization, they identified themselves with the organization ending up being a firm supporter of their work.

In a way, the attack on Charlie Hebdo reversed, making them even strong. The publication didn’t close down. The issue of 15^th January skyrocketed to 7.5 million copies straight from 40,000 copies in 6 different languages instead of just French. Their cartoons were carried by several international dailies across the world reaching people like never before. The cover photo showed Prophet again holding ‘Je Suis Charlie’ placard written under the caption ‘All is forgiven’.

Today, the world knows Charlie Hebdo, a publication that might otherwise have remained one of several others. The world condemns the attack and expresses the solidarity, taking a leap of faith in free speech. The cosmopolitan city of Paris far from the Jihad land was never overshadowed by terrorism. But, the support and the aftermath showed the world that it is in a state of intolerance and that liberation and freedom is a part of their culture and it is here to stay.          

Emergence of K- Drama in India

After months of  hard work by the seniors, things were getting quite interesting in the First Frame office and steadily the team was making way to host one of the biggest celebrations of Students' International Film- The First Frame Festival 2014! At that particular time, our film festival became stronger than ever by collaboration with Korean Cultural Center, also the official presenter of a popular Korean drama on Indian television.

This was the time when I became familiar to the term 'K-drama', living in the land of melodramatic "K" soaps ( Ekta Kapoor shows of Kyunki Saas genre) could have mistaken you, also generating some curiousity about the worldwide popularity and acclaim for the K-Dramas. Therefore, I googled the term to know more about it. 

Korean drama refers to televised dramas, in a miniseries or telenovela format, produced in South Korea. The land of PSY (Gangnam Style fame) and birthplace for brands like Samsung and Hyundai likewise produces some of the interesting cult shows ( majorly falls in the genre of Romantic Comedy or History). It was then, I learnt much more about the Korean wave (Hallyu: Korean Pop Culture) that has been hitting the world.

The dramas have been slowly emerging on the television sets in the Indian subcontinent attracting the Indian viewers. The  K- drama is quite popular in North-East especiallly Manipur, because for them in the start of 21st century, a ban on Hindi films and channels was imposed. At that time, Korean industry filled the vacuum setting the scene for the entertainment for the localites. The prestigious KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) stepped in and started the broadcasting of TV dramas, which marked the beginning of Korean culture in India. Since then, the country remained an honest audience of their shows meanwhile also getting gelled with the popular US dramas and sitcoms.

I personally been an audience to just one Korean show-"Dr Hur Jun", autobiography of South Korean Doctor who faced social barriers and overcame hardships on the journey of becoming a physician. Back in 2000, when the show was transmitted in Korea gained maximum viewership and was also ranked No.3 among the maximum viewed shows. It is currently broadcasted in Hindi on DD Bharti in association with Korean Cultural Center, India. The show aims to gain the same viewership in India as well with its rich content and relatable storyline. It unveils the culture, social norms and relationships in their country which is quite similar to conditions in India. 

The poster of Korean Drama: Dr. Hur Jun

While reading about this genre, my search results were constantly hit by some of the most popular Korean shows ranging from romantic comedy to sitcoms and family dramas among many more. Hence, I would like to share a few popular shows here on the list:

1.  The Heirs (Drama/Rom-com):

 The trendy drama television series set in a high school populated by the privileged and rich, embarks their journey as they are groomed to take over their family business empires. This was the first Korean drama co-produced by American digital distribution platform DramaFever and Korean production company Hwa & Dam Pictures.

2. Boys over flowers (Drama/Comedy): 

At the prestigious school Shin Hwa High School in Seoul, four boys comprise the group known as the Flower Four who are spoilled, rebellious and powerful. A new entrant girl enters their group who slowly captures the hearts of many, even of the Flower four group. 

3. Coffee Prince (Romantic Comedy):

 One of the most popular dramas, this romantic comedy tells the story of Han Kyul, the handsome son of a wealthy hotelier family who is set in his bachelor ways and constantly deflects his family’s attempts to make him commit.

4. Secret Garden (Adventure/ Romance) : 

This quirky, high concept drama follows a neurotic businessman and a passionate stunt woman who come to possess each other’s hearts and bodies.

5. You 're beautiful ( Romantic Comedy/ Drama):

You’re Beautiful is hilarious fun with a solid grounding in romance and emotional heart. Punctuated by original music and propelled by the pitch-perfect performances, You’re Beautiful is an enjoyable romp from start to finish.

South Korea is a house to many such prime-time hit shows which are finding its way all over to India, which will then blend the culture of the two countries making their relationships even more strong. K- dramas are a cultural phenomenon, slowly taking over the youth and cinematics of the country. While exploring this genre, I found many Facebook groups and discussions panels aimed at discussing and giving opinions about this genre. 

It even inspires the fashion statement of the youth ranging from wearing bright coloured fancy clothes to aping their hairstyles (those 'Super-COOL' spikes). These dramas are slowly taking the world by storm and presently India has been hit by the WAVE...  

*This post has been written for the blogging competition being conducted by Korean Cultural Centre India, the country partners for First Frame 2014- Sixth International Students’ Film Festival organised by MBICEM.

PS: I am yet to watch the full fledged Korean dramas but while researching for this post, I gained good amount of information about the shows and its emergence at the world level. 

Also if you are crazy about these dramas and have opinions about it, HERE (in the comments box)  the discussion on the  'K-drama' is ON!

Source: Wikipedia/ Korean Bridge

To Dadi, with love!

She died young at the age of 67. She was young at heart like me but her body didn't supported well. She fought till the very last minute. It was a slow death that slowly gulped her whole. At first it was plain drowsiness, which killed her spirit towards life and then later bring her physical works at halt. She then even lost her appetite-one unusual thing being a foodie. Her muscles gave up, all being swelled up. She even couldn't perform the daily prayers, couldn't walk or answer the nature's call, couldn't eat and was bed ridden for couple of weeks. Then came another shock, she faded out on her senses and was loosing away in the deep empty spaces not even recognizing us-her family. Over the months her kidney became useless and it was just a matter of time when it reached her brain. Partially active, she laid in home two days long chanting the 'Ram-naam' after breathing and surviving in ICU machines for 6 tough long days. 

The past few years had been difficult for her with suffering from chronic disease-kidney failure that ended up in multiple complications resulting in complete body shutdown. As we were searching for answers in her treatments and medications, the disease took her over, day by day, week by week. Being treated with Dialysis and all possible nephrology treatments, her system still didn't reacted well. We tried every possible way to somehow bring her back to life and make her feel alive as she always used to. But then, she vanished somewhere deep far away all of sudden and we helplessly saw her going.

My Childhood days: My Brother, Amma, Dadi and me.

       Perfect Family: A perfect family photo on occasion of mummy's
       birthday, all those smiling faces appeared so lovely..

I was fortunate enough to have spent a lot of time alone with her, talking to her and joyfully cheering her up while helping with all I could. In those times I was able to observe sides to my grandmother’s personality that very few had experienced. In home I often found myself restless; too much relaxation got to me, maybe because I was the youngest at home and didn't have much to do.Even she used to spend quite a idle time with me- so we made a good bonding together. Those 18 years of my life I lived with her, gave me some timeless and incredible memories that won't ever fade out. 

Family:  Me, dadi ,badi amma ( front row), bhai and mummy (back row)

She was phenomenal in her own way, spreading her charm on every one she met. A soft-spoken and rebel at the same time.It was over time and much experimenting with different formats that I realized we were so attached to her. The slow, languorous passage of time at home provided a lot of leisure for spending time with her. I would find myself thinking about my grandmother’s spirit, her experiences and her zest for life.Her passion and zeal for life in every work she does-something which has a lot of importance in my life—seems to have passed on to me.

Perfect Shot: Though she didn't liked to be clicked.

At home, most of the time was spent idly as good moments or quarrels and much more, because in different moods came her best moments. Due to her diseases, she had a controlled diet filled with restrictions- like no salt, very less water and dozens of medicines. She became somewhat habitual of it with time and realisation after enough of revolts and opposition towards the restrictions. She was one extra-ordinary being with whom I shared enough of life-long memories and moments. It was in her childhood when she came close to god which then made her disciplined in form of following all the rituals and religious know-hows.Slowly she became an influential avid learner of bhajans which she used to sing to herself, those resonated through the house and even to people around her. The image of this woman was of a ferociously disciplined and strict human being who had sides that were as human as anybody else’s.

She had seen life more than me, 50 more years to be precise, so she was rigid in many ways. I realized how similar we were. We were both actually sensitive but showed ourselves to be strong. We were both stubborn and transparent. 

My grandmother was extremely independent, so when she fell sick, it was not her sickness that caused her pain, but the loss of independence. She never liked asking for help even though we wanted to make her more comfortable. An independent lady she was -making the best of time, had her own set of ideologies on which she lived till her last breath.

The Last ride: As she turned into cinders, her ashes were taken to Haridwar .

She choked to death while breathing through the oxygen mask and being fed through a tube for days. After jumping on-off from the deathbed for a week, we brought her home where we sat beside her holding her hand interpreting those eyes in silence. 

My Dadi (dadadiya) passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 28, 2013, instilling her beliefs so firm that I know now we can take on life without fear or uncertainty and live it fully, with satisfaction. I know while I gaze at the sky looking deep at the stars, I know somewhere she resides in them and showers us with the same blessing and affection. You will remain with us ever and forever... in our memories, in the goods and the bads, in all those moments we lived together, in the walks of life to come... 

For you, a thousand times over...

Encounter with the Eminent & The Final Wave-Off!

A stadium full of wet eyes, the painted faces, the huge banners & the crazy posters, the adrenalin rush within the cheers of the stadium and the big screen showing only his face along with the madness of fans. Every moment of his was watchable- not only for the stadium enthusiasts but also to the one glued to the television sets in chawl or bungalow or listening to radio in Second-hand Maruti or Imported Merc or anywhere. That is how we USED TO define the aura of one man- Sachin Tendulkar

        As the West Indians were seen surviving with every ball, the clock slowly tickled to twelve and their team ended up with 126 runs less on the board. Just then, it was that one Epic moment. A Weird Silence appeared. And every thing came to a hold, Tears rolled down the eyes, not the happy ones for winning the series but in awe of the Living Legend who just hanged up his boots from all the formats of the game. He retired from his life.

 As he himself said, 24 year old life between 22 yards just came to an end.  At one point, we could think Cricket without Sachin but Sachin without cricket is unimaginable.

Waving Flag since 24 years

Summer of 2003.

Scorching Heat- Under the sun, a group of shorts- wearing bachaa party playing gully cricket on the wicket made of brick. As the ball goes missing on every six or four, everyone used to go on the search operation in the neighbourhood, except for that one middle order left-hand batsmen who used to quickly escaped with silly excuse. 

 He goes with an awe of watching the Legend playing and rescuing the team with those fiery shots. Ind Vs Pak World Cup 2003- March 1. As the Semi-final goes on, the whole nation gives it a watch and that Legendary again makes his mark with unbeatable 2 runs short from the century giving the team an easy 6-wicket win. Opening up with the batting and 273 on board, he played amazing against bowlers like Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar. Loosing early wickets in form of Sehwag and Ganguly, India badly needed to be on stable position and then with Mohammad Kaif along came a 100-run partnership with Tendulkar who got caught on Rawalpindi ball at 98. This was an ultimate class of what kind of player he was. Playing calmly and hitting excellent strokes on the go without pressure of losing to Pakis. 

This was my first and early encounter with the Eminent at an age where I was able to sought out and remember things clearly. Thanks to Star Sports for reviving those memories again in 'Sachin years' recently.

It was one of the finest memories of my childhood life, watching him play. Since then, I have been following him and adoring him in every game. Rejoicing on his boundaries and centuries and becoming disheartening on his wicket became a part of all these years. I know the game since I know the Legend himself. 
   

200 and not out 

Spring of 2010.

 Gwalior- February 24. 10th Board times it was. Taking a break from usual boring books, I went on to watch the ODI match- Ind Vs. South Africa. Again opening up with Sehwag and losing him early, it was a complete Deja-vu of 2003 WC semis. But this time, he partnered with Karthik for 194 runs partnership at the 2nd wicket. Hitting those extra-ordinary square legs and midwickets, he made me forget my exams and I watched the whole of Indian innings. Aided by Karthik, Yusuf and Dhoni with whom he was involved in sizable partnerships for 153-runs win, he reached a milestone. The Commentator announced, 'Here is the first man on the planet to reach this score in an ODI match' *200 not out.

Truly a historic moment indeed. It was a joyous moment watching him play every ball as passionately as he used to play 21 years ago. During his whole career span, he was constantly excited learning, hard-working, sincere and a devoting player. All this and many more things formed up a name that is today Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar- Extra-ordinary player of his kind.   
 A Complete Masterclass in all sorts


Summer of 2011.

April, FerozShah Kotla, New Delhi- IPL T20 MI vs DD. It was one of the most important date of my life, not only I was excited to witness my first ever live Stadium match but I was yet to see Sachin Tendulkar sakshaat (the term used for God) in front of me. Reached the venue before the match started. Players were practicing all over and the match was just set to start. But my eyes were searching for that  No. 10 jersey. Suddenly, I saw him walking down the stairs 4 ft away from me - I tell you what a grace it was, the humility and the persona and the charisma reflected in his eyes. I screamed Sachhhhiiinn as he walked down waving the cheering crowd, he even waved to my stand- don't know whether he saw me or not. That was the moment for me. Whole of the match, while Malinga took a 5-wicket haul for an easy 8 wicket win- I saw how Sachin motivated and cheered the bowler with  every ball. An ultimate Captain and a great puller. During the fielding time, I saw him juggling and jumping, changing positions and in the end of the bowling, he was at the same place taking a whole round of the ground. 

He was actively charged with his fielding even at the age of 38, not to forget his unbeatable 46 including a huge sixer off the mid-wicket. Though, Malinga stole the show with incredible bowling, Tendulkar was still my hero at the end of the day. It was a Lifetime experience watching him play from a distance was just incredible. From then on, I kept supporting the Mumbai Indians even when they played against KKR.

Thank you @BCCI for this one!

Summer of 2013:

July, while the Internship period at TOI- A phone rings up and get to know through my friend about this Toshiba press conference with Sachin Tendulkar as the guest, Giving me a chance to watch him off-field with the media passes. So, without knowing the venue-somewhere in Gurgaon, I excited gave it a nod. Next day, I called him and an hour prior to the conference, I got to know about the venue. Hurriedly, I left my place and without having lunch I got on for the way to The Leela Kempinski, Gurgaon. I was in deep trouble because going to a new place alone on public transport after getting short of time and panicking all the way. Another memorable day of my life. 3 o'clock, the event was scheduled to start and I just boarded the Saket metro after travelling 45 mins from home via auto and bus. Then, again took an auto(phat-phat) after the metro and then reached the strange place. Asking people about the hotel, I ran here there searching a tall hotel nearby. A tall building was just hid by the flyover, so as I saw it- I ran and ran and ran without caring for the autos stuff. It seemed like a mirage to me, finally running approx a kilometer or more- I reached the hotel sweating badly. 5:10 I reached and got to know through my friend that Sachin just left this place 5 minutes before whom he saw from close and even shook hand. I was in utter state of shock and disheartening situation. But, it was the inner-satisfaction that hold me strong with a believe that I did my best and all to be there. Lets meet him some other day then and I would narrate that incident to him(hopefully) 

Sachin provided us with uncountable moments of joy leaving us dancing with joy. But then, it was Dec 23, 2012 two days past the dooms day when he announced his retirement from ODI's but still we could watch him play in the First Class and T-20's, so I remained neutral  about him. And then, this was Oct, 2013 when the soul of Cricket announced his retirement from all formats of game after the last test match- 14th Nov at Wankhede Stadium.

Since then, I enjoyed reading the banners and the streamers and the features and the interviews and watching the news programmes and stuff entirely related to him. November arrived and then, as the day keep coming near- the coverage just went sky high. Never in my life, I saw a person getting so much appraisal and the attention everywhere from the social media to news channels to magazines and barber-shop talks. He not only deserved it but he earned it entirely.   

At 5 ft 4 inches, he was the tallest of his contemporaries around the globe. 

He was beyond all, a silent volcano on the field...a gentleman to the core-it is players like him who give dignity to a game. I don't believe in giving people, terms like "God of cricket"- but he surely was ‘the soul of cricket. He was the way a hero should be: great in his game, non-controversial, humble & always at calm.

It was the off-field philanthropy and the goodness that touched hearts with humility with selflessness and a great touch of heroism. 24 years of career with an incredible talent and stats is a bigger thing to achieve.  

The 25 minute farewell speech left me again in tears with the longest goosebumps I ever had. Marvelous speech it was. A person speaking so emotionally thanking all the people since the start of his career and even before that. Not a single person he left in the speech, he spoke of total wisdom and showed the way how to express the gratitude even when one is standing on the peak and at the top of the world. He thanked his father, mother, wife, brother, his guru, other relatives & his teammates.  A man who can love his family like that, respect his Guru till the last day of his career, be true to the game n his fans, be loyal to his country, remain so humble- for me he is the real Hero. No wonder at the age of 40, he could still smile like 16 years old because of purity and innocence that flows in his heart.

Tears of Joy 

He has now been officially awarded the Bharat Ratna- he always was!

And yes, he managed to show his other side, something which the world thought their ‘God’ never did...he let a few tears escape those eyes.

I just wonder what emptiness would fill him with...once the morning he wakes and realizes the game of cricket is no more left in his life.

We all understand and have a fair idea of what are we going to miss from now on. But spare a thought for the super human, who won't step the field again, won't get to hear the chants of Sachhhiiin, Sacchiiiin again, no more replays, no cheering voices that welcomed him when he entered or the death silence when he left the cricket ground.

And as a Matter of Fact, the Master Blaster ended up all the formats with being in the winning side. He ended up a Champion in all forms. And got a Bharat Ratna, an honor as huge as that.

Tendulkar is and will always be in our hearts, minds, memories, notebooks, in the record books, in our stories to our children, in our moments of success and failure..

 A CHAMPION FOR LIFE

P.S: Thank you for the read.As you read all of the blog, I never believed myself to be a cricket-fanatic- I was always a Sachin-fanatic. Proud to be born in his era. A Legend for Life.

Picture credits: Google :D