Naan yeh...Why was I born??

Listening to Rahman's latest song on 'why we were born?' Such a simple question yet we fail to find the answer in our lifetime. Partly because we don't think about life in its totality. We are too busy getting past the present day, wanting to finish the daily chores.

Funny that though we are earning much more, can afford all luxuries, we are still dissatisfied n unfulfilled.

We don't give time to simple pleasures -- listening to music n drowning in its soul, holding our beloved's hand and getting lost in their eyes, talks and them. Going for a walk with no destination in mind with a smile on our face.

Everybody knows that it's the small things that matters most. Yet no one really acts upon it.

Where are the sensibilities? the flutter in your stomach?? Where is the child-like innocence? Where are the emotions-- the tear in your eye when you hear a song that touches your heart, sparkle in your eyes at the idea of trying something new??

So why was I born??to fulfill my duties in the various roles that I am given--daughter, friend, sister, wife, mother?? Balance both worlds ?? But what about the ME???

The voice floats in my mind--naan yeh pirendhe, Kanye dhirende...

Song-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2rGhnGuCy0 

Life in Fast forward mode

Everyone is in a hurry--to reach office, finish chores, climb up the professional ladder---we want things to be done quickly. And I'm certainly no exception...so yesterday my phone was taking more time to open an app and this ticked me off, I instantly thought of changing the ruddy thing!

Later, I realised, how stupid I was to get frustrated, to think of changing the phone because it took 30 seconds more to open the app. And I wondered, what's wrong with me? But then, I am a byproduct of the society we are living in today. This whole ' keep running to get what you want' business is what society is unabashedly promoting. How can I be an exception then?

We have forgotten to be patient-- and I think technology has a great role to play here---faster processors, smarter phones are promulgating the idea that being patient is being stupid! But this is having a great psychological effect on us---our impatience is not limited to gadgets, sadly it has spilled onto the most important aspect of our lives-- relationships! In Delhi, hurling abuses at a slow moving car, picking up instant fights on trivial issues have become a  norm! So you need to be rude to survive here! How lame is this?!

Our 'rush' has increased our hunger for materialistic things, to prove the society that we are 'well off' and can afford luxuries! The whole idea of wellness has reduced to materialism and thus, the space for emotions, introspection, nurtuning sensibilities and compassion are withering away. What are we turning into? 

This rush has not left us with the time to 'feel'-- to go through the emotional journey from being 'sad' to 'happy' or vice a versa. You are supposed to heal quickly and move on with your life, lest you might lag behind others! Many close to you will actually ask you to 'ignore' the feeling to save you from pain....is that the solution? does repressing your feelings help? For me, it creates more complications---when you are not happy inside, you start looking outwardly, in people first. And because people are also running, they don't have time to give you, to understand your emotions, that's when you start looking at things--buying stuff to make you happy, though ephemeral, it does make you happy for that moment.

All this leaves you dissatisfied at a spiritual and emotional level and the only way to hide it is by displaying your happiness!

I feel social media has to be blamed for further isolating us--- some of my younger friends are so chatty on FB but when I personally meet them, they have nothing to talk about--a stark contrast to their FB chats with me...people are not meeting as often as they should---'time jo nahin hai!'---but kyun? Our parents had no such aides--cellphone, social network, etc, yet their relationships with their friends, relatives are much stronger than ours ever will be!

Is that not ironic and scary?! Technology at one level helps us to stay 'connected' but this very 'connection' is so indifferent, devoid of emotions!

Why don't we discuss these things often without thinking RoI on such discussions, aren't some things meant for pure pleasure and personal reflection? 

Is life not beyond the 'great marathon'? Isn't it about self reflection, observing society, questioning its rules and stereotypes, engaging in conversations and discussions that soothe your soul, stimulate you not only intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually?

I'm happy I have friends close to me with whom I can take such journeys, though short, yet fulfilling!

PS: Swati, this came after our conversation yesterday :)

Drowning in the world of Satyajit Ray!

As the World celebrates his 92nd birthday, including Google who created a special doodle based on his epic film Pather Panchali, I look back at my childhood to figure out how I fell in love with this person or rather his work!

I was gifted Satyajit Ray's Sonar Kella (from Feluda series) when I was around 10 years old and that was the beginning of my relationship with his works. One book led to another till I finished the whole set of Feluda series. His writing is magnetic because of its simplicity, precision in details (the location of the case, characteristics of the character, etc) and the complexity of the case dealt with such ease! One can 'experience' the moments of the book. The writing also appealed because of the realistic elements--- the protagonist and his companions travelling in sleeper class, riding on rickshaws, eating typical Bengali food, etc...

And then began the love of his films, that of course began with Goopi Gayen Bagha Bayen, followed by Hirok Rajar Desh and Goopi Bagha Phire Elo! The most popular children's film, also equally loved by elders! The simplistic rural backdrop and two young innocent men shunned out their villages due to their love of music meet each other and meet the king of ghosts. This king then grants them their three wishes--unlimited food, travel and ability to charm with their music---- now, that is the sheer brilliance of the director who is also the script writer! Why you may ask--- well, he easily captured the three wishes that any Bong would love to have!

These films not only had unparalleled creativity whether it be in the sets, dialogues written in a poetic form, the music and lyrics, costumes, and the list goes on--- but also taught the audience! In Hirok Rajar Deshe, the message of worker rights and defeating the imperialist regime (symbolised through the King's character).

His adaptation of well known works like Apu Triology, Charulata, Teen Kanya are all masterpieces. I think his respect for such legendary stories clearly reflects in the films he made! 

Another commendable achievement is his ability to create women-centric films, the characters have their own mind, with a strong sense of identity. He managed to exhibit their dynamism, desires and thoughts, thus, defying stereotyping them. I think very few Directors have managed to accomplish this. 

I can go on and on about this legend, I never met and whose works has left me mesmerised and spell bound!

You will live forever! :)