The Eyes That Capture (Arjun Kumar)

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Padmavati Controversy - Where are we headed as a nation?

A movie is a recorded sequence of film or video images displayed on a screen with sufficient rapidity as to create the illusion of motion and continuity. This work is as of art or entertainment, mostly fictional.

This is how a movie is defined. This is what the movies are made for. They are the source of entertainment. A get away from the regular monotonous life. Movies, which are fictional stories, created for the masses.

But when these movies or fictional content like these, become the topic of nation’s debate and priority of the media companies and newspapers, the first question which comes to my mind is, that where are we headed as a nation or as a person? Why is some fictional content, from the movie’s trailer, is being given so much importance and the farmers who have been protesting for their rights are being ignored. All this for TRP? When will we grow up? When will we address the larger issues at hand and ignore such minute, irrelevant controversies.

History is being dugged into, mass ruckus is happening in multiple states and debates are being held on every news channel. All of this on one movie trailer, which just shows us 3 minutes of the movie which is probably 2 hours long. How can we jump to a conclusion without even watching the entire film?

I am sure, Rani Padmavati, who not many people knew about, has become the chai pe charcha topic in every house, every nukkad, every barber’s corner, every office. Thanks to the Karni Sena and the lakhs of people who have created this issue, probably just to get attention and come on the TV screen, which they otherwise won’t.

Guys - You are now famous. You have come on the screen as well. Print those stills and get them framed. You have a life achievement to boast about now.

Everybody knows about history. History, as per definition, are the events which occurred in the past, some of which are recorded in various forms. Everybody also knows that, we are never sure what exactly happened in the past, because often, the facts get mutated and vandalised, with the ravages of time and travel. Most importantly, they get ravaged because of the human intervention. A simple game called Chinese Whispers explains the concept.

Such is also the case with the history of the queen of the Rajputs. Rani Padmavati, known as one of the most brave women and the most beautiful woman, wife to the King Ratan Sen, has been recorded in history by many people. One of them was Malik Muhammad Jayasi, who mentioned her in his poem - Padmavat, which was a fictionalised poem. Fictionalised is the word. Mind It.

There are at least 6 versions that I have heard about the Queen. None or any of them are true or not, we will never know. Read more - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/spotlight/rani-padmavati-history-know-the-complete-story-of-rani-padmavati/articleshow/61685630.cms  

Now lets talk about the video song “Ghoomar”. Someone said that - “History has witnessed that none of the Rajput maharanis has ever danced in front of anyone, and they cannot play with history.” My question is, were you there to see whether the queens of the kings danced or not? Dance is a form of expression and everyone has the right to do it and had it in the past as well. Why are we making it so objectionable? How come all the people got together to oppose one dance by Deepika Padukone and termed it as women being objectified. What about all the other movies that have been made in the past or will be made in the future?

Why don't we take care of our women at home, daughters and sisters, mothers and wives. Why do we still follow the age old, hideous traditions of female infanticide and domestic violence and rapes?

I am sure, if Rani Padmavati would have been alive today, she would have not agreed to all that is happening, in our country, in the name of history or politics or religion or caste, etc.

Thousands of children are malnourished, not getting a place to sleep, not getting to go to schools, women are being raped in broad daylight, children are being molested and yet what becomes the nation’s debate priority is whether the movie Padmavati should be banned or not.

Someone from Gujarat said that Bhansali has "distorted the historical facts in the movie.” My dear friend - this is a fictional work and it is based on a history, which is already distorted. I am sure that if we assemble 100 men in one room and ask them to recite Queen Padmavati’s story, one by one, everyone will have a different version.

It is here, that I agree with the statement made by Mr. Manoj Kumar, that it is the fault of both the parties. It is the fault of both Bhansali and also the Karni Sena / Rajputs. They should have sorted out his issue, by themselves. Bhansali could have done a show for them and could have got over with this issue, small in nature, made to be big.

It raises my final question that is all of this intentional and purposely done, so as to attract a hundred thousand more eyes, so as to give it a commercial angle. When will this stop?

When will we all grow as a nation? When will we define our priorities right? when will we tackle the bigger issues at hand? When will religion, caste, colour, sex, money not be the reason for differentiation? When will be first become human and later anything else?

P.S. - These are my personal views, not written to ignite any more controversy and not to hurt anyone’s or any group’s sentiments.

Regards, Arjun Kumar

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Tubelight Movie - Definitely Worth Watching!

What I fail to understand is, that why does negative criticism always over shadows the positive ones. Why does small, probably intentional, scenes from the movies become the topic of discussion and not the larger than life thoughts, life & love depictions, messages from the movie & the complete essence of it, gets lost.

Tubelight, a movie starring Mr. Om Puri (Legend), Zhu Zhu, Matin Rey, Khan brothers and few more who have played the supporting roles, have done a fantastic job. The movie is not the best, but it doesn't fail to  leave the audience with some most beautiful thoughts and messages, that is if one wants to / is able to look at those.

Thoughts conveying the message of love, friendship, belief, hope, faith, brotherhood, etc.

Mr. Om Puri, like always, with his exceptional acting talent and stature, became the foundation for the movie. His looks, his dialogues, his character, his voice, his humour and everything about him, was just phenomenal. We shall miss you.

Sohail Khan, who has always been the topic of discussion, not for his acting skills, proved this time, that he can act too, in the most exceptional ways. His dialogue delivery, his straight face, his surreal acting during the war scenes, made the movie that much more likeable. My favourite part was when he got shot in his leg and he falls on his face. Every thing about that scene (1:45:00) was perfect. He certainly has worked a lot on his acting skill for this movie and has delivered a fantastic performance. I hope that he continues to do so in his movies to come.

Zhu Zhu & Matin Rey have both delivered exceptional performances. Matin, for the age he is, has show exceptional acting talent and has helped deliver one of the most important message through this movie. The message which all of us are very well aware of and yet we tend to ignore. The fact that looks and colour and caste does not determine, which person belongs from which country.

In this movie, Matin and Zhu Zhu are born and raised is India, yet people identify them as Chinese, proves the fact that how us humans, have the habit of differentiating based on caste, colour, religion, etc. We tend to do such with our fellow Indians from the North Eastern parts.

Salman, known as the action hero, who has fans all over the world, appeared in this movie as a young adult. For him, in this movie, all that matters is, his family, his brother, happiness and love. His acting particularly does not give cent percent justice to the role, however it is a good job done. He has not failed to deliver the message and make the movie likeable.

Clearly, Salman Khan will not be the reason for this movie to be likeable. He has done good, but others have done better and have created the movie that much more happening.

Mohammed Zeeshan has also not failed to impress and so has Yashpal Sharma. Both of them are gifted and have done an amazing job.  

Having said that, the movie is not in comparison with the previous one by Kabir - Bajrangi Bhaijaan. There certainly were some loop holes in this movie, which could have been worked on, however none such big which are worth negative reviews.

For me, at the end, if the movie is able to leave in me some essence and some positive thought, it is a good movie. Hence, Tubelight, proved me wrong and left me with some good thoughts.

Definitely a good watch.

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Ukhimath - The Idols Rest Here

This place, is one of the few unexplored & unadulterated places on the Indian Soil. A true gateway to paradise. 50kms before Kedarnath.

Ukhimath or Okhimath, was earlier known as the Ushamath. It was named after the daughter of Vanasur. According to Hindu mythology, wedding of Usha (Daughter of Vanasur) and Anirudh (Grandson of Lord Krishna) happened in this town.

This place is also known as the resting place for the Idols of Kedar Temple. It is here, in winters, all the idols from Kedar temple are brought and worshipped in the temples of Ukhimath. Ukhimath has many ancient temples dedicated to several Hindu gods and goddesses such as Usha, Shiva, Aniruddha, Parvati and Mandhata. The architecture of these temples is unique. They are small, yet colourful in comparison to other temples that you find all over India.

The reason why this place has remained unadulterated for so long is, that many people do not know about the fact, that for six months the idols rest here. Since Kedar Temple is only open for six months, people tend to visit their gods in that period only.

Thanks to the extreme winter season and the heavy snowfall, this side of the Uttrakhand state, remains clean, serene & rich in flora and fauna. These days, it is difficult to find such beautiful hills and mountains, which have not been contaminated by the humans.

Yes of course, there are people who stay here. These are people, who belong from here and majority of the families are of the priests of the Kedar temple and many others in and around that area. These people, who are unlike those who stay in other parts of India. They are friendly, calm and very accommodative.

Children go to schools and colleges, on foot. They sometimes walk upto 10kms one way, so as to study at the schools. All of this, without any second thought. Men, Women, Elderlies, all prefer walking on daily basis. Since, many of the people here are agriculturists, they sometimes tend to walk upto 40kms, on daily basis. It shows in their physique, which is well maintained.

Without the materialistic attitude of people, they truly are happy and content with what they have and with what they earn. Their focus is primarily on their families and friends and their children. The values being transferred, generation to generation, are truly majestic. The happiness and the feeling of being content is visible on their faces.

If you are into travelling to off beat locations and try and study social engineering, this place shall definitely give you a lot of insight.

Away from the daily hustle bustle of life, which you get to see in the cities like Delhi or Mumbai or any other city across the world, people here are mostly seen laughing, talking to each other, sharing, caring and loving. In one word, they are connected to each other. Not on social media, but in person.

Since, Ukhimath is part of the Himalayan range, this place offers a panoramic view of the Kedar and Neelkanth peaks. These views are mesmerising and breath taking. One visit to these peaks and valleys, can make you stay there for longer, than what you planned for.

The picturesque valleys and the river Kaliganga which flows through these mountains, is best for people, who like to trek, love nature, enjoy pristine serenity of the nature, without the crowds. This place is entirely the opposite of other hill stations or mountains like Dharamshala, Nainital, Manali, Shimla, etc.

Wildlife & Nature photographers, this is one of the best nature’s escapades for you all. Birds of a hundred kinds and wild animals like leopards, deers, wild chickens, hyena’s, tigers, etc. roam the surrounding jungles. I was not so lucky to get a glimpse of the leopard, which was staying in and around my camp site. Though, I just got to click its paws print, very close to my accommodation.  

It is also the centre place, for people to stay, so as to visit many off beat locations which surround these peaks. Places like Chopta, Tungnath, Madhmaheshwar, Kalimath, Kedarnath, Gaurikund, Chandrashilla or Deoria Tal, are famous with trekkers, who like medium or high difficulty terrains.

Best time to visit here should be between September till November end. This is the time when you will get to experience the nature at its best.

Arjun Kumar

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Rishikesh - The Go To Place

Rishikesh - A place where souls from all around the world meet. 

It's a place where people are in abundance, which is the case with all places, but here the life is a little slower than the tier 1 cities and the aura is also different. Touristy!  

People come here from all sorts of background. Some for religious purposes. Some for excursions. Some for fun. Some who just hop by for a day.   As an Indian, this place has been projected to me, as the spiritual and religious one. Located at the foothills of the himalayas, it definitely is a natural beauty. Hills on almost all sides and the river ganga in the midst. A place, which they call it by many names like "Gateway to Himalayas" or "Saint's Haven" or "Yoga Capital" of the world. 

The town, which is projected as the holy place and where all sorts of activities like drinking or smoking up, etc. are illegal, yet comes out as just another state, which just projects a different picture and the feeling of being there is entirely different. The picture shown vs the picture in reality. 

Yes, you get to know a lot of people, that is if you are staying at a hostel or an Inn or a guest house, where lot of people and especially where backpackers stay. You learn about new things by interacting with these travellers. You absorb. You relate. You tell. You learn. You share. 

But having said all that, it is also true that this happens in all the places where people travel to. Since this particular place, Rishikesh, which is projected as a holy place and where we relate all our gods to, and pray them for ours and our families well being and the government has strictly banned use of any form of alcohol or drugs or non vegetarian food, yet it is commonly available. Why are we so dual faced?

Everything from Ganja to Hash or Alcohol, is available in Rishikesh and in and around the city. All are doing it. Babas, locals, tourists, All. Everyone is doing stuff, which is termed illegal as per the government and police. Yet, all of that happens, and all of the ones who made the anti laws, know about it and are equally involved. 

Cops get Rs. 20000, per month, from every hostel of around 10 Rooms and more from bigger hostels and hotels. All this money goes up the administrative chain and is shared in percentage, which varies as per the designation of the person. 

It's funny. We stand for something and make laws accordingly, but we do exactly the opposite of what is supposed to be, laid out by ourselves. It makes that point correct, that we humans, have made religion a business. Just like anything and everything else, religion is just an income source. Thousands of devotees come to Rishikesh every year, to pray and in search of some mental peace. They come to a place where they could be far away from the daily life and be in meditation and perform Yoga. Yes, they do all of that and then do some more activities. Activities banned by the government. People come here with the thought of visiting the temples to see idols of the various gods and pray to them, the bridge which relates to Lakshman and Ram, to learn Yoga, yet what they end up doing, is just take selfies with a pout. Who are we trying to impress? 

The temples are well built and architecture is visit worthy, which dates back to thousands of years. The temples dedicated for some of the Indian gods like Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman, Lord Shiva and many more. All is not bad. Rather, all is actually good, if you look everything with a positive perspective. 

The nature, anywhere in the world, just offers us. It takes in return only carbon dioxide, which we release. The green surroundings of the city are mesmerising. The aura of this town is cool, calm, friendly, crowded, different, unique, deceptive, and in few ways - just like any other town. 

The fun lies in getting to know about people, who are staying here, for a week, ten days or a month. These people, who travel from different parts of the world, from different backgrounds, different walks of life and of different age groups. Coming across a group of 60yr old women, visiting temples, shopping, spending time in cafes, is very common. They could be friends and could have been travelling from their country of origin or could have met at the hotel where they were putting up and become friends. 

I met a man, aged 51, German, bald, tall, quirky and very different from many others I met or we meet on daily basis. He had travelled from Germany, on foot, to India and the next destinations were Nepal, Bangladesh and few more countries. Upon questioning, he told that he was doing this walk for spreading the message of peace and love. He said that he had been walking for the past 5 years, in which he had walked 16000 kms and he shall continue walking for 2 more years. In these 5 years, he had made more than 5000 paper cranes, which are also called as the peace birds and had sent all of them, along with some more cash and kind, to Syria, to the people who were suffering because of the war. Unique!

Lots of youngsters who travel, also can be found in groups or duos. Most of them are with a partner, which they either found here or could have been travelling together. It is also said, that many women from different countries, visit to India, especially Rishikesh, in search of a suitable life partner. They believe that Indian men are much more accommodative and respectful. Artists, poets, writers, film makers, corporate world people, etc. all are found here. All mix up and create bundles of joy for themselves. 

The adrenaline rush sports are also available in abundance. From rafting to cliff jumping or bungee, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, trekking etc., all is available for the visitors to take a take on. Rishikesh has become the capital of these sports in India. More than 1000+ businesses are available, to take the tourists on these activities.

Sex and one night stands, massages of all kinds and all other physically intimate games, happen here and are much common. You won't realise it, but it all happens. Rather, many men travel here, so as to probably spend some good time with the opposite sex, with probably no intentions of commitments later. Mostly youngsters, who have finished there studies and are on a short vacation. It is said and believed, that meditation in Rishikesh brings one closer to attainment of moksha, as does a dip in the holy river that flows through it. More than 1000+ yoga reaching centres make it a place with abundance of yoga teachers, who teach the students, various aasanas of yoga. It is funny, as these sadhus or babas or the yoga teachers, are themselves are found with women of all kind, from time to time, hand in hand, getting intimate, after yoga sessions. 

Rishikesh has seen a surge in restaurants, cafe’s and coffee shops. One can tend to enjoy food from variety of cuisines. German, Israeli, Italian, Indian, Continental, etc. Every cafe has something unique to offer. The views from most of the cafe’s are just mesmerising.  Well, I would say that Rishikesh is definitely a place worth a visit. It has become the “Go To Place”. You will not realise it, but if you are travelling alone or may be in a group, the place will own you in 2 days time and leaving the town will be difficult. Its aura mixes up in your mind, your soul, your lungs and while leaving for the next destination, it makes you want to stay and not leave. The place has a unique capability of enhancing the creative side of yours and that is the reason, many artists are found here.

And finally, all said and done, I believe that for humans, it has always been about three or four things. Food, Shelter, Alcohol and Clothes. We can add the word "Women" in the case of men. It was, It is and it shall remain to be. It is the basic human tendency. And if it is so, then why do we have a dual faced approach to everything. Why does the government of Uttarakhand, ban the sale of non vegetarian food, alcohol and drugs like weed or hash in this town, only later to make it available illegally. Regards, Arjun Kumar