Balkadu (Marathi Movie) Review

January 24, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Rating: * *

By: Keyur Seta

A film about the ideologies and teachings of an inspirational personality, who has a Godly status among his followers, should ideally be a soul-stirring affair. If not this, it should at least be filled with moments that touch you.

Director Atul Kale’s Balkadu has such instances but they are only few and far between. The film overall turns out to be a wannabe type due to some weak writing and execution. It also bears striking similarities with Mahesh Manjrekar’s Mee Shivajiraje Bhosale Boltoy.

The story revolves around Balkrushna Patil (Umesh Kamat), who is a school teacher staying in Mumbai’s Nala Sopara. His professional and personal life, including his relation with his childhood sweetheart Sai (Neha Pendse), is far from perfect.

As he teaches History, he starts suffering from a condition where he hears voices of historical personalities. Among these voices, the most prominent one is that of the late Shiv Sena Supremo Balasaheb Thackeray. At the same time, Balkrushna’s heart bleeds to see the condition of Marathi people in Mumbai. Will Thackeray’s guidance turn out to be an inspiration for him?

Picture Source: Loksatta.com

Balkadu’s motto is to spread Thackeray’s message for his followers to fight for their rights. But the primary objective of every film is to tell an interesting tale and this is where it falters. The biggest weakness here is the writing. There is hardly any story in the first half. This ensures a screenplay with errors and without any flow.

Things remain the same post-interval. The protagonist’s manner of enlightening and the way the revolution spreads is unconvincing and, at times, unintentionally hilarious. His idea of Marathis moving from the outskirts of Mumbai into the heart of the city is also impractical. Due to these issues, the inspirational message, barring few moments, hardly has any effect on you, especially the speeches, which appear corny.

Another worrisome aspect is the justification given for vandalism. Also, abhorring the idea of Marathi girls marrying non-Marathi guys is regressive in today’s era.

From the music, the Powada song is the only impressive number. But it is quite funny to see a teacher singing and dancing to such a song while teaching history. The camerawork falls in the good category while the background music is too loud.

Apart from some genuinely funny moments, it is Umesh Kamat’s performance that keeps the film going. He gets his act right by portraying various emotions with ease. Prasad Oak is highly convincing as the bad guy. Neha Pendse isn’t bad. As Balkrushna’s mother, Supriya Pathare provides an entertaining act. The actor playing the channel head is average. Anand Ingale is likable while Tiku Talsania is over-the-top. Pushkar Shrotri impresses in a cameo.

Overall: Balkadu doesn’t create the desired effect due to various issues. The film stands some chance at the box office due to the hype.

Director: Atul Kale

Producers: The Great Maratha Entertainment

Writers: Ganesh Pandit and Ambar Hadap

Cast: Umesh Kamat, Prasad Oak, Neha Pendse, Supriya Pathare, Anand Ingale, Tiku Talsania

Music: Ajit-Samir

Genre: Drama

Release Date: January 23, 2015

Review: Baby

January 23, 2015 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

Rating: * * * *

By: Keyur Seta

When was the last time Bollywood produced a well-crafted edge-of-the-seat action thriller? It is extremely difficult to answer this question. But director Neeraj Pandey has answered it with Baby and how! He has come up with a hardcore mainstream action flick but at the same time steered away from the usual clichés seen in our films. The last point also forces me to say that Bollywood has finally come up with an action flick of international standards.

Baby revolves around Ajay (Akshay Kumar), who is a top covert intelligence officer of India. He is part of a secret team called Baby, which is formed after the 26/11 attacks. He works under Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) chief Feroze Khan (Danny Denzongpa), with whom he has a great rapport. Ajay gets another feather in his cap when he foils a deadly terrorist attack on Delhi.

But soon, Bilal Khan (Kay Kay Menon), a terrorist arrested in Mumbai, manages to escape with the help of his group members. He joins his team to help them carry out something very big in India. The mastermind behind all such terror activities is the very dangerous and sinister Maulana Mohammad Rehman (Rashid Naz).

Picture Source: moviecrow.com

Baby is one of the rarest Hindi films of today’s era which doesn’t allow you to take your eyes off the screen. This is its biggest victory for which the writers deserve high applause for a watertight screenplay and witty dialogues. The unpredictability in the narrative, especially towards the ending moments, also plays a role in making this film way different from the normal action flicks. The climax deserves special mention for the nail-biting experience it provides.

Another reason why Baby stands out is that it keeps all the typical Bollywood clichés and stereotypes away, not only in terms of the narrative but also in terms of character traits. Plus, it doesn’t make a hue and cry about it. For example, the fight scene featuring Taapsee Pannu isn’t presented in a way to show that girls can also rough up men. Everything happens as if it is normal. However, the same isn’t the case with the character of Ajay’s wife.

Other minor drawbacks include the usual action flick errors, especially during few moments in the climax. But such hiccups are understandable for such genre of films and they don’t spoil the fun in any way.

Sudeep Chatterjee’s camerawork is also a major factor in the film rising to such levels. He continues from where he left in Dhoom 3. Apart from a short romantic track, there are no songs. The makers should be lauded for not compromising on this. Specific background tunes create the desired effect. But few sounds shouldn’t have been so loud. The editor too has packaged the product perfectly. Thankfully, the action sequences are believable and not at all over-the-top like we have seen in numerous south remakes.

Lastly, Baby wouldn’t have been what it is without Akshay Kumar’s brilliant act. The Khiladi is in prime form in a role only he could have essayed. This is something he hasn’t played in the last few years despite doing quite a few action flicks. Danny Denzongpa and Kay Kay Menon play their respective characters well.

Rashid Naz highly succeeds in creating terror despite his role not being lengthy. It shows that you don’t need villainous antics if you have perfect expressions and body language. In fact, it is difficult to believe him to be a fictional character. Anupam Kher and Taapse Pannu excel in special roles. Rana Daggubati, Mikaal Zulfikar and others provide good support.

Overall: Baby is a new-age, powerful action flick that impresses you throughout. After A Wednesday and Special 26, Neeraj Pandey reinforces his image as a quality filmmaker. The hype and the final product will make Baby a profitable venture at the box office.

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Producers: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Shital Bhatia

Writer: Neeraj Pandey

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Danny Denzongpa, Kay Kay Menon, Rashid Naz, Anupam Kher, Rana Daggubati, Taapsee Pannu

Genre: Thriller

Review: Classmates (Marathi Movie)

January 16, 2015 by Keyur Seta 1 Comment

Rating: * * ½

By: Keyur Seta

Director: Aditya Sarpotdar

Producers: Video Palace and S K Production Films

Writers: Kshitij Patwardhan and Sameer Vidwans

Cast: Ankush Choudhary, Siddharth Chandekar, Sai Tamhankar, Sonalee Kulkarni, Sachit Patil, Pallavi Patil

Genre: Drama

Review: Director Aditya Sarpotdar’s Classmates focuses on a group of college friends and their life after college. Such a subject instantly reminds you of Sanjay Jadhav’s Duniyadari. Funnily enough, Classmates turns out to be like a remake of Duniyadari, with the additional elements of political war and suspense woven into the main plot. In spite of this, the film keeps your interest alive only to dish out some disappointment in the end.

The story commences in 2015 when a group of friends inaugurates a music section in the college from where they passed out. Starting a music section in the college was a dream of their friend who is no more. A shocking incident just after the inauguration forces them to go recall their college days during the final year 20 years ago.

In 1995, Satya (Ankush Choudhary), Aparna aka Appu (Sai Tamhankar) and their group, from TYBA, are known for their aggressive ways. First year students Ani (Siddharth Chandekar), Aditi (Sonalee Kulkarni), Rohit (Sachit Patil) and Heena (Pallavi Patil) also become a part of their lives. The college elections that year changes their lives forever.

Just a couple of minutes into the film and you get a déjà vu about Duniyadari. As the minutes roll by, you get a scary feeling that you are being re-served the 2013 blockbuster in a new bottle, not only in terms of the basic scenario but also the traits of two or three main characters. Thankfully, inclusion of political and mystery angles make sure it is not a complete remake.

These elements do lift the film as it keeps you guessing till the end. Sarpotdar’s manner of presenting various twists and their timing ensure dramatic thrill regularly. However, the final twist and conclusion isn’t much convincing, although it takes you by surprise. You feel there is something amiss. Plus, the final scene brings back memories of Duniyadari. The film also suffers from being dragged in the second half. Its high length of 153 minutes isn’t justified.

Music (Amitraj, Avinash-Vishwajeet, Troy-Arif, Pankaj Padghan) plays an important part as the songs suit the situations and prove to be hummable. The camerawork and background score are also as per the need.

As for the performances, the film mainly belongs to Siddharth Chandekar, who perfectly gets into the skin of his character and provides a mature act. Ankush Choudhary too packs a punch but his character is very similar to the one he played in Duniyadari. Sai Tamhankar proves to be effective once again in two starkly opposite characters.

Sachit Patil performs well while playing an interesting character. Sonalee Kulkarni, Pallavi Patil and Sushant Shelar play their respective characters well. The rest of the actors provide decent support.

Overall: Classmates is an average college film. Its similarities with Duniyadari will also go against it. Due to a good amount of publicity, the film will do well at the box office in the first week.

‘I’ Movie Review (Hindi)

January 16, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Rating: * *

By: Keyur Seta

Director S Shankar’s latest movie ‘I’ took three years in the making. This is visible from its final product as it is extremely challenging for coming up something like this. So the long period of making is justifiable. But what isn’t justifiable is the faulty storyline and shoddy narration, which make sure that the humongous efforts and Vikram’s brilliant act don’t hold much value.

‘I’ tells the story of a simpleton Lingesan aka Lee (Vikram), a body builder, who is crazy for the model Diya (Amy Jackson). He not only gets to act with her in ad films but also gets her love. However, he pays a price for it when he becomes a scary-looking hunchbacked man. How did Lee transform into something like this? Will he ever return to his normal self?

‘I’ has Shankar’s trademark stamp all over it; right from the action sequences to the creative manner of linking scenes. But what takes the cake hands down is Vikram more than outstanding performance! The actor has set a benchmark of dedication in a role that is physically and mentally draining. Hats off! The film also shines in the areas of VFX, prosthetics and camerawork.

Unfortunately, as stated before, these plusses don’t ensure a satisfying experience due to a number of major issues the film faces. They can be listed as below:-

– The basic storyline has two dimensions. The first is professional rivalry, which is fine. But the second is as unintentionally hilarious as a love triangle between a male, female and transgender!

– The first half is an action masala entertainer, very much on par with south Indian film standards. However in the second half, the film becomes a disturbing and depressing saga about the terrible skin ailment of Lee.

Picture Source: Wikipedia

– Advertisement film actors are portrayed as famous film stars. Seriously, how can those promoting products like soap, shampoo and sanitary napkins enjoy the same stardom a commercial film actor enjoys?

– The ‘number one’ ad film star ruins the future of a fellow female star after she refuses to sleep with him. To regain her lost stardom, she takes the help of a man who is not only novice but also someone who has nothing to do with the acting or ad world. She even begs in front of him to help her out!

– ‘I’ portrays people from the transgender in the most pathetic manner. It is scary to see that even in 2015 we are portraying them as a means for cheap humor. The film also shows insensitivity towards people hit by seriously terrible skin ailments.

– A lot of action sequences are just too over-indulgent. The biggest example is the bicycle fight scene atop roofs. The same is the case with the many one-liners, which are straight out of those silly south Indian dubbed films we see on Hindi movie channels.

– There is an unintentionally hilarious character of a doctor. He treats a host of diseases like common ailments, hair fall, skin diseases, dental issues, inspecting reactions of some dangerous and almost unknown viruses, etc. When need arises, he also supplies his plumber to his patients (this is not an exaggeration).

– Talking about unintentional hilarity, it is aplenty in the behavioral traits of the characters and the things they say.

– There is an overdose of songs and they aren’t impressive either. To be frank, it is the bad Hindi lyrics that are more at fault. But their length adds to the already high length of 188 minutes! A song where Vikram appears as an animal-like creature deserves special mention for being annoying!

Coming to other performances, Amy Jackson and Upen Patel are decent. Ramkumar Ganesan is more funny than villainous. Suresh Gopi, who plays the doctor, also suffers due to the writing. The rest of the actors aren’t much to talk about. They are also hampered by the script.

Overall, ‘I’ is disappointing due to its writing despite some technical brilliance.

Layman’s View: Features of Tata Bolt

January 13, 2015 by Keyur Seta 2 Comments

(Note: The following article is not a car review. It lists down the author’s opinions on the features of the car.)

This post is a part of the Get. Set. Bolt. activity at BlogAdda.

By: Keyur Seta

The mention of Tata Motors instantly brings to my mind the Tata Zest experience, which was an interesting and memorable bloggers’ activity in Goa in association with Blog Adda. The same memories were revived when I came to know of another Blog Adda activity with Tata Motors, this time about their upcoming car Tata Bolt.

As per the exercise, we, the bloggers, had to visit a mall, where the Bolt is displayed for the public, and inspect the car and write down its features. To be honest, I hardly possess any knowledge about cars. So my description about the features is more like that of a layman.

Picture provided by Ankit Jain

Space: The comfort of the passengers holds high importance as it is the first thing that a passenger notices. It holds more importance if one goes on a long drive. I found Tata Zest to be well spacious. But I found Bolt even better on that aspect as I was able to stretch my legs well forward, both in front and back seats. Talking about wideness, the back seat is also as wide as in the Zest.

Dickey: You realize that the makers have cut down the space of the dickey in order to make it spacious. But when you do check the dickey, you realize they have compromised its space on a lesser degree only. Plus, its design is such that it doesn’t make much of a difference in terms of the space.

Body: The body of Bolt is smooth, shining and attractive. It feels good to caress it. What’s more important is that apart from the looks, it also appears strong.

Engine: Without going into the technicalities of the engine, let me tell you that the look of the engine was a pleasant surprise for me. Its super stylish looks made it very attractive, which isn’t the adjective we use to describe engines of normal cars. It looks somewhat similar to the one we see in sports cars.

Steering: Bolt has a modern electronic steering, which is comfortable to operate.

Modes: You can switch on any of the three modes. 1) Sport: As per the name, it is useful when you just wish to zoom ahead fast. 2) Eco: Helps in fuel efficiency. 3) City: This one is a balance of the first two.

Entertainment: It has eight speakers that produce impressive surround sound. And as expected from a new age car, its music system has gadget connectivity features with touchscreen facility.

Technical Aspects:

Petrol Version: Revotron 1.2T with Max Power of 90 PS @ 5000 RPM
Diesel Version: Quadrajet 1.3L with Max Power 75 PS @ 4000 RPM

(The mileage and price are not revealed yet. They shall be revealed later this month at the launch [January].)

Picture Source: carkhabri.com

Vivekananda gave me another birth: Kangana Ranaut

January 12, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Actress Kangana Ranaut has spoken about herself during her innumerable interviews. However, very few of us know that she considers Swami Vivekananda as her biggest inspiration and motivation. She spoke about this little known aspect about her life during the 153^rd Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Ramakrishna Mission, Mumbai.

Kangana Ranaut. Picture Source: Sonam Budha @sonambudha1

“There was a time in my life when I couldn’t face tough situations. I was a lot confused about a lot of things. One day, my Yoga Guru gave me few books on the teachings of Swami Vivekananda. That changed everything. His book on Karma Yoga provided me with a lot of inspiration. Only I can understand how his teachings gave me another birth. I am Vivekananda’s product,” said Kangana with a broad smile.

She added, “I always wanted to connect with R K Mission. I am happy that I finally got a chance to be here and speak.”

As always, the address by Swami Sarvalokananda, secretary of RKM Mumbai, contained messages for the youth. “When Swamiji went to the west, he used to proudly say that he is from India. But today’s youth show a lot of hesitation to reveal that.” While speaking on leadership, he said, “We need servant leadership.”

Arunagiri Mudaaliar, Chairman and Chief Mentor of E Cube India, pointed out how Vivekananda’s teachings also help management students. “His most important teaching which the management students adhere to is – Before managing external environment, manage yourself internally.”

Dr R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor at BARC and Dr Srikumar Banerjee, from the Atomic Energy Commission, Mumbai also spoke about the relevance of Vivekananda’s message in today’s times.

A large number of school and college students were invited for the event since Vivekananda’s birthday is also celebrated as National Youth Day in India. This time, his birth tithi coincided with his birthday.

Review: Big Eyes

January 10, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

Rating: * * * *

By: Keyur Seta

A real story that deals with treachery, plagiarism and some amount of tragedy is obviously expected to have its share of serious or sad moments. But despite Tim Burton’s Big Eyes dealing with the aforementioned elements, it manages to be a delightful and peaceful saga and that too while doing complete justice to the subject at hand.

Picture: teaser-trailer.com

Big Eyes tells the real life story of artist Margaret Keane. In 1958 in North California, Margaret (Amy Adams) flees from her abusive husband along with her daughter and settles in San Francisco. As she loves painting, she becomes a street painter that draws people’s sketches. Frankly, she has no other career skill. She specializes in drawing big eyes of their subjects as she feels eyes always reveal everything.

As sheer co-incidence, Margaret meets Walter (Christoph Waltz), a fellow street painter. He encourages her to be a bit cunning and dream big. Their friendship soon blossoms into love and they get married. But can Margaret trust Walter?

The basic story is developed hurriedly at the start. But you don’t mind that since it doesn’t stop you from getting completely involved and feel for the characters of Margaret and her daughter. The proceedings become streamlined after the character of Walter is introduced and the goodness in terms of the writing and presentation is carried on till the climax that is both moving and hilarious.

But a massive twist in the second half and its presentation becomes the biggest reason for the film being such a well-made product. The amusing thing is that the twist was always in your face from the start but you never noticed or thought about it.

The writers have purposely stayed away from keeping melodrama at bay. This surely works well, but in doing that, they haven’t added conflict elements even when it was required. This probably is the only major negative point one can think of.

Picture: indiewire.com

Bruno Delbonnel’s camerawork is also largely responsible for the film being so pleasing. It is sheer joy to see the colorful visuals and streets from his lenses. The art designer also deserves similar praise for creating the old era of the 1950s and 1960s with perfection. Some soulful background tunes add to the pleasure.

Coming to the performances, Amy Adams is excellent! She displays absolute perfection while playing Margaret Keane. There is not even a moment when you can stop feeling for her. She is rightly being nominated for the Oscars for this act.

Christoph Waltz too brings alive the cunning and funny character of Walter through his abilities. Having said this, you also can’t ignore that he is becoming repetitive. As the younger daughter of Margaret, Delaney Raye displays mature acting skills. Madeleine Arthur, as the older one, is decent and so are the rest of the actors.

Overall: Big Eyes is a peaceful saga that fills you with joy. The film has the ability to impress even those who don’t or hardly watch Hollywood.

Director: Tim Burton

Producers: Silverwood Films, Electric City Entertainment and Tim Burton Productions

Writers: Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski

Cast: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Delaney Raye

Genre: Biopic/ Drama

Lokmanya (Marathi Movie) Review

January 6, 2015 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

By: Keyur Seta

Rating: * * * *

The basic motto of a biopic is to do complete justice to the person on whom it is based. The next challenge for such genre of films is to leave behind a solid impact on the heart and mind of the viewer through his message or teachings. Om Raut’s Lokmanya – Ek Yug Purush succeeds in both areas while also making sure it is not just any other freedom fighter biopic.

Lokmanya – Ek Yug Purush focuses on the life of India’s freedom fighter, journalist, teacher and social reformer, Bal Gangadhar Tilak aka Lokmanya Tilak from the time he was a college student till the end of his life. The film highlights his fight against the British rule through various means and its consequences.

The story of a newspaper journalist (Chinmay Mandlekar), based in today’s times, is also narrated simultaneously. Hailing from Mumbai’s middle-class, he is about to marry his rich fiancée (Priya Bapat). But a chance incident ignites some serious inner conflict within him.

Biopics face a danger of becoming a bit boring or a drag, making it unacceptable for the youth. But Lokmanya steers clear from it. Through a riveting screenplay, powerful dialogues and appealing presentation, you are kept engrossed. It also makes sure that the protagonist’s inspiring lines don’t turn out to be fake or corny. Although the film is filled with soul-stirring events, the sequence about the explanation of the Bhagvad Gita and the sad truth during opening credits deserve mention.

But as mentioned before, the film stands apart from the usual biopics. This is due to the story of the journalist, based in today’s era, which is connected to the life story of Tilak. This aspect will break your heart about the kind of lives people are living today. It will force you to question not only others but also yourself.

Lokmanya has few issues though. The commercial element in some sequences should have been toned down. But the biggest question mark is the change of heart of a supporting character, which is unconvincing.

Ajit-Sameer’s music enhances the proceedings to a greater level, especially the theme song. The same can be said for the technicalities (camerawork, background score and editing), production values and costume designing.

Lokmanya wouldn’t have been reached this level without Subodh Bhave’s brilliant enactment of the protagonist. With a powerful and heartwarming act, he shows why he is one of the finest artists around. Sameer Sanjay Vidwans too shines in the role of Gopal Ganesh Agarkar.

Chinmay Mandlekar succeeds in displaying frustration and helplessness, mostly through his expressions. Priya Bapat too plays her part perfectly. Angad Mhaskar, as Daiji Khare, Prashant Uthale, as Chapekar, and the rest of the actors play their parts well. However, the actor in the role of Swami Vivekananda is a miscast.

Overall: Lokmanya – Ek Yug Purush is an ideal film for today’s youth to know this important personality from India’s freedom struggle. It is expected to do well at the box office.

Director: Om Raut

Writers: Om Raut and Kaustubh Savarkar

Producers: Neena Raut Films and Emmay Entertainment

Cast: Subodh Bhave, Chinmay Mandlekar, Sameer Sanjay Vidwans, Priya Bapat

Music: Ajit-Sameer

Genre: Period Drama

Lessons from Mahabharata – Episode 3: Can money alone bring peace?

December 24, 2014 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

(This is the 2nd episode of the series ‘Lessons from Mahabharata’. The sole aim of this series is to highlight that the many messages given in the greatest epic are completely relevant even today and will be forever… Click HERE for the previous episode.)

By: Keyur Seta

The basic necessities of any human being are food, clothing and shelter. To fulfill these basic needs, it is essential for him or her to earn money. Hence, each one of us is into some profession or the other to make sure we keep earning to survive. But how much money is enough even after being able to live life comfortably? Or rather, is money ever enough?

We regularly come across people who are so rich that even their next few generations can live a decent lifestyle without having to work. But despite that, they aren’t satisfied. They continue to devise newer methods to earn even more. If you ask them the reason for their obsession to make more lakhs or crores, their standard answer is – To be happier! But happiness comes from a state of peace or absence of conflict. So can money surely being peace of mind?

Yudhishthir crowned the king. (Picture: Wikipedia)

Now let me present you with some interesting facts. There have been thousands of studies and surveys suggesting that the rich and the super-rich are more depressed than anyone else or are more prone to be depressed. But there is more to it. Many of these studies also suggest that suicidal tendencies are found the most among the wealthy lot. So naturally, psychiatrists come across a lot of people from this class suffering from depression.

I personally know quite a few super rich individuals who are depressed. I also know one such person who committed suicide few years back after being trapped into depression. Similarly, I have also witnessed some very well to do individuals getting treated for depression.

This, obviously, throws light on few important points – If money is enough to bring peace and happiness, why such large numbers of wealthy individuals are falling into depression? Worse, why some of them are ending their lives despite such a fat bank balance? If money is enough to bring happiness and peace, these people, leave alone committing suicide or even being depressed, should not be even close to depression.

This aspect is also seen in the great Indian epic Mahabharata after the war of Kurukshetra. As the Pandavas defeated the Kauravas, Yudhishthir, being the eldest of the Pandava brothers, was crowned as the King of Hastinapur. But was he or the other four Pandava brothers – Arjun, Bheem, Nakul and Sahadev – able to enjoy the fruits of the kingdom?

Despite being the rulers of the richest kingdom in the country, the Pandavas, especially Yudhishthir, weren’t happy or at peace simply because it was achieved after the annihilation of their own cousins, grandfather (Bheeshma), teacher (Drona), brother (Karna) and friends. Plus, thousands of warriors who fought for the Pandavas too had lost their lives on the battlefield.

When a kingdom is achieved after such terrible carnage, it becomes meaningless. So the Pandavas were just unable to enjoy its fruits as they were feeling remorseful. Hence, they retired to heavenly abode. I am not at all trying to say that the war shouldn’t have been fought. It was absolutely necessary to preserve Dharma by not allowing the Kauravas to succeed in their evil ways. I am just pointing out that wealth doesn’t mean much in the presence of inner conflict and remorse.

Now let us look at a fictional example. Mr X is the CEO of a big business empire. But his personal life is in disarray. His health is deteriorating while his family members are constantly into conflict. On the other hand, Mr Y is an executive earning a moderate income. With a healthy lifestyle, loving wife and obedient children, he is happy in his own little world.

So who of the two is richer? You decide.

Pandavas on their way to heaven. (Picture: Goelweb.com)

Meet Me At Starbucks: How professional encounter turned personal

December 22, 2014 by Keyur Seta Leave a Comment

This post is a part of ‘Meet Me At Starbucks’ activity by Starbucks and IndiBlogger with the theme ‘Good Things Happen When We Get Together’. Read more about it here – http://www.meetmeatstarbucks.in/

By: Keyur Seta

As a part of my profession, I have to regularly meet people to take their interviews. In terms of satisfaction, some of these interviews are fun, some are not bad while few completely forgetful. But even the ones that fall in the fun category don’t necessarily turn into friendship; the relation is more professional or work-related. However, unexpectedly and completely out of the blue, I came across one such interviewee, who became one of my closest friends in no time.

It was January 25 this year when I had to interview a filmmaker Ajita Suchitra Veera. (Honestly, I remember the date only because Salman Khan’s Jai Ho had released a day before.) The interview was related to her debut film Ballad Of Rustom, which qualified for Oscar contention this year.

I was looking forward to it as it is always interesting to speak with off-beat filmmakers. I personally appreciate those who are bold enough to show the courage to tread against the tide. Just looking at the subject of her film, I was sure she is a bold individual, who doesn’t shy away from speaking her mind. But my interest was limited to this only, not knowing there was more in store.

She reciprocated my hello with a warm smile as I reached the table she had chosen in the open air area of a coffee shop. There was nothing to feel joyful about it as it is a routine practice to exchange pleasantries in, almost, every profession. As the interview commenced and kept rolling, I realized my prediction about she being bold was spot on! But what was more pleasing was her informal manner of responding, which was more like a friendly chat than an interview.

Image Source: spiceroverindia.wordpress.com

Things became friendlier as we chatted for a good amount of time much after the interview ended. While returning home, I felt a sense of satisfaction as it was one of my most enjoyable interviews. So I was sure we both would be in touch from now onwards. But still, there was quite some distance to cover before becoming close friends.

As per my promise, I mailed her the links of my blogs and, later on, informed her when her interview was published in my magazine. Hence, we started being in touch through the net and realized we have absolutely similar views on politics, religion, social issues and, almost, everything in life. So it wasn’t surprising that we decided to meet up again at a similar place.

Our first informal meet was excellent. We spoke on various issues and didn’t realize when more than three hours passed by. I felt completely at ease, which doesn’t happen always with me so early with someone. Needless to say, there was a lot of laughter too. The same was the case with our next few meets. In this way, a routine interview provided me with a close and respected friend.

A peculiar feature about our chats was that they all happened face-to-face and not online or on phone. Of course, we have interacted through SMS’es and Facebook chats but all our discussions have happened only in person. I also realized that Ajita is the only person with whom I have had long discussions face-to-face in last eight years or so.

Mobiles, computers and other such gadgets were introduced to help us be in touch with all our close ones without meeting them in person. But on the contrary, this has distanced us from our near and dear ones as now all discussions and chats take place only in the virtual world.

Today when I look back over the last eight years or so, I realize that only the talks that have provided me with the maximum satisfaction are the ones that took place face-to-face. I have had long conversations regularly over the years on chats and phone, but the joy of meeting someone and discussion gives a different high.

As I have strictly limited my use of technology by not using internet or Whats App on phone, I feel my chances of getting such high are higher. After all, Good Things Happen When We Get Together.