When the sun goes down,
and everything seems dark.
The clouds seem heavy,
the burden seems hefty.

But, this can't be the end.
Bcoz, end has to be perfect.

That's all about SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE !!!

Just watched Shuddh Desi Romance, much awaited movie of the year!!
But, to be true, it brought all my fears to life..of course REEL life.

Before I began writing this piece, I am glad to see Jaipur yet again. It makes me nostalgic witnessing all the places of Jaipur where I have stood once, pondered awhile and often wondered how beautiful is this life. Jaipur is beautiful, and it has looks way more beautiful if you happen to share links with the city.
The old Jaipur termed as Pink City has been beautifully pictured. It is a difficult job to picture the crowded Bapu bazar and Hawa Mahal area.I recall standing outside the Museum as they have filmed it in too.
Jaipur just makes the good old times rewind. :-)

No..I don't intend to write about the movie today. The movie is flawed and the details can be read in an awesome article by FIRSTPOST and a beautiful article by IBN Live.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/shuddh-desi-romance-review-its-a-nonformulaic-charming-little-film/420141-47-84.html

http://www.firstpost.com/bollywood/shuddh-desi-romance-review-27-kisses-a-repetitive-plot-and-a-happy-ending-1090041.html

What I intend to mention is about a phase in each one's life. I belong to an age group where everyone thinks
that Marriage is the solution of all the problems in life.You get out of college and live a life of solitude for a while.There's a journey between office and your so called room which constitute your life.And, If you are fed up with the daily boredom. Also if you are looking for a change in life,suddenly answer for every problem in life becomes marriage.

This mindset has often surprised me. Marriage is another intricate affair. It is for sure, not the end of
all problems. Yes, it might give you new problems to deal with than the ones you are already dealing.
So, definitely it brings change in life. The news is everyone around me is getting or going to get married.
Making the decisions for accepting a person in your life till you are dead is a big and hard decision. And, here Shuddh Desi Romance comes into picture. Well, even RUN AWAY BRIDE dealt with the same
confusions and fear. Perhaps, getting cold feet is a part of taking risks in our lives.Yes, we are afraid of spending our whole life with a person who's feelings doesnot come with a Guarantee CARD. Yes, we are afraid because a lot many What If's come into existence suddenly. And, yes -- we are afraid as we know in real life we rarely get SRK like Kajol got in DDLJ.

Reality has been harsh. People fall out of love every other day without realizing what the other person might be going through. This pain can be seen in Tara's character.Of course, the emotions were not captivating enough. But, I liked the concept. It deals with situation where arrange marriages are performed and considered the match made from heaven.For some bloody reason, I really don't agree much on the so called- Made in Heaven Stuff. It's all made here by the people we meet.The society which we belong to will consider so many factors- caste, creed etc. and will not allow people to spend life with the people they actually want to life with.Perhaps, if we could have only understand the love and affection of that person in life and reflect the same in our behaviour and life. Everyone would be in peace and live a happy life.

It has also brought in picture that the girls/women today can do away with the loss in their lives and move on. Today, being left at the Altar doesnot end the brides life.They can live a life with audacity and be happy in her own way. I kind of, liked this outlook towards life.Vaani as Tara has been convincing. You can see a girl with a clear head, bold decisions and not shedding tears. A character such as Tara will definitely leave a mark on people who spend a part of their live crying for a person who doesnot really deserve that attention. I sincerely loved Tara's outlook towards life.

 For Pareneeti as Gayatri, I have loved the fact that she is brave and keen to make her own decisions.The fact is it is difficult to come out of a broken relationship and give another chance to anyone. There's a dialogue where it is said that if your relationships are broken 3 to 4 times, they take away every drop of hope from your bright sunny life. You feel shattered and it takes every ounce of courage to believe someone else.

Not to forget the unusual character of Sushant. He will make you laugh, he will confuse you and you feel the words don't really seem to come to his mouth. Expressions do the work. The bride runs away, the groom runs away.They meet someone else, fall in love again. As rightly said by Gayatri, Raghu don't know what love is. Most people don't. Subtle but true, We humans don't really how to love. We seek security, approval of society and every possible factor and forget, there was Love somewhere midway lying down, breaking somebody's trust and heart.
Life is given to us once. Love, perhaps, happens too many times though. And,with so many people going around in life, finding and accepting that one person needs time, sense and confidence. Again, most people fail. Of everything else, I liked the fact that we all get nervous because we feel we will be locked in some relationship and will be stuck. And, believe me -Being stuck with someone is the greatest fear.What if this one relation ruined my whole life. What if this didn't work out. And, a series of "What If".

But, the movie takes a positive direction. It emphasizes that if love exists there is no agreement that needs to hold people together. Perhaps, this is our " SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE."

“The heart was made to be broken.”

Like all other stories, they fell in love and got separated.
'S' as they called her, never really came to know the reason.
But, she came to know the pain, deep pain which she felt within.
Her silent eyes had lost that shiny glow at which she used to smile.Her faith was shaken.
Her believe in love was shattered. And, the saddest of all was that she really didn't know how to bring him back.

Every movie she watched, seemed like her own story to her.
She felt as if the greatest tragedy had been faced by her.
The pain which she is undergoing is second to none.

Life had been harsh. She could not explain anyone coz no one will understand.
She went silent. You could see her pondering, the lines on her face trembling with fear.
Fear of losing somebody she could not imagine her life without. Fear of not ever listening to that voice which
kept her alive. Fear of never seeing him again. Fear of seeing him united with somebody else.

But, all she could do was cry and beg. And, one day that fear become the truth.
That one truth, which she could have never have accepted if she had not witnessed with her own eyes.

That one day, she thought of ending her life. Dying in the name of love. And, then she saw her family.
All she could feel was some people were happy coz of her, some were alive coz of her and for some she was a source of inspiration.
A tiny drop of tear dropped from her eyes. A small line of smile could be seen.
Every thing was hazy. But, one thing was very clear to her. People who will sacrifice their life for her
were around her- Her family and a few friends. For others, they didn't care if she was alive or dead.

That small suicide plan just vanished. Perhaps! that's what family can do to you.
They make you live, every time you feel dead deep inside.
They make you believe yourself, everytime you feel that you are just an ordinary soul without a purpose.
And, moreover they help you find one.

She rose from ashes like a phoenix. Started with her life again.
Although, she often felt like running away but she held firm and stayed along.

Her believe of love was shattered like the broken pieces of mirror.
And, she came to know that: “The heart was made to be broken.”

Kaisi teri Khudgarzi #Raanjhana !!!

Not that the basic essence of love stories fade ever from a typical bollywood movie, but RAANJHANA is still way ahead.
Anand L Rai’s Raanjhanaa makes you feel devastated at first when you finish it watching, atleast it did this to me.
It left me with several questions which didn't really get much answers.

The story's plot is woven in Banaras. The colors of festivals, the purity of Ganga and midway flowing emotions of Dhanush aka Kundan are just a grace to watch. At first, I wasnot very sure why is Dhanush in the main lead. But, he just charmed me with those straight forward still funny dialogues.
The deep love which grows with time for Sonam aka Zoya from a muslim family.
The guy grows up waiting for his beloved.
But, the story is more than a love triangle. Bindiya and murari as lover and friend are worth praise.
Dialogues have definitely won  my heart. Typical UP style..the auto rickshaws scene, drive on a scooter and some great conversations between Murari and Kundan.
"Pyar na hua, UPSC ka paper ho gya. Dus saal se clear hi ni ho raha."

There's that angle in the story where you realize how a certain person becomes your centre of attention and circumscribes your life. Kundan, in the first half, gives us the glimpse of an innocent lover. Zoya's light and funny reactions to Kundan's try to woe her.
But, there have been moments when Zoya has acted as a typical bitch using Kundan to mend ways.
Later, she expresses her love for Abhay to Dhanush.

Rage--yes Rage is the feeling. Abhay, as his earlier performances leaves an impression in the small role he has been given. Hindu and Muslim relations have been seen. It is still difficult to marry a person in different religion. You will also see the change in mindset. A girl who desires a man of her intellect and not any one from the crowd.

Later, in the second half, the story sheds it's charm of colors and goes into serious mode.
You can see Dhanush trying to do every thing possible for Zoya.
You will also see how he simply solves issues which could have gone into fights.
He proves the fact that only a common man can understand the problems of a common man.
He is adorable. I specially loved the fact that he did justice with Hindi which nobody else could do in their cameo into bollywood not even Katrina like people who claim to be celebraties.

Although, the ending leaves us thinking is it what love all about- sacrificing everything you have.
Dhanush has done justice to the innocence, anger and the love.

I, although, was very sad on the ending. And, believe me - It's one of the best endings I have seen ever.
The baggage of guilty burdens a heavy heart even more.

We love Dhanush, Sonam, Abhay and every one in the movie.
If you are movie freak, you will be left with questions for you to figure out.
Thoughts which will question the basic typical lover...the selfish girl/guy. They justified that everyone of us is flawed.

So, from now on, we love with calculations. Such practicality  !!
Such apt heading from The Hindu-"Between the head and Heart."

The feelings are rightly described in:
 Kaisi teri khudgarzi,na dhoop chune na chanv
Kaise teri khudgarji,kisi thaur tike na panv !!

Watch it to witness various shades of love and hatred.
Loved Dhanush, Sonam, music and everything!!

Meri khamoshi se baatein chun lena !!!!

So, life is changing at a pace slower than expected.
But, it's beautiful. And, I am falling for Delhi.
Its mid June and it's terribly hot. But, it feels great inside.
It feels nothing could have been better. And, no other song could describe the feeling  better.
Some sudden surprising rainfalls. Some pleasures getting wet. Kuch baatein, kuch kabhi na badalne wale dost. :-)
Sometimes, falling in love with yourself is just what you need :-)

Ek din kabhi jo khud ko taraashe
Meri nazar se tu zara, haaye re
Aankhon se teri kya kya chhupa hai
Tujhko dikhaaun main zara, haaye re
Ik ankahi si daastaan daastaan
Kehne lagega aaina Subhanallah...

Jo ho raha haim pehli dafaa hai wallah
Aisa hua, Subhanallah..
Jo ho raha hai pehli dafaa hai wallah
Aisa hua

Meri khamoshi se baatein chun lena
Unki dori se taarifein bun lena (x2)

Kal nahi thi jo aaj lagti hoon
Taareef meri hai khaamakha
Tohfa hai tera meri adaa

Ek din kabhi jo khud ko pukaare
Meri zubaan se tu zara, haaye re
Tujh mein chhupi si jo shayari hai
Tujhko sunaaun main zara, haay re
Ye do dilon ka waasta waasta
Khul ke bataaya jaaye naa
Subhanallah...

Jo ho raha hai, pehli dafaa hai Wallah
Aisa hua.. Subhanallah (x3)

Jo ho raha hai, pehli dafaa hai Wallah
Aisa hua.. \m/

Date a girl who Reads!!

Books have always been our best friends.

In times of distress,
In time of need,
In times of happiness and In times of greed.
The happiness bestowed upon us
is self satisfying.
It is peaceful and gratifying.

I have often heard : People related to Literature are a little crazy.
They are always lost in their own world of thoughts and imaginations.
Personally, I have always been fascinated by people who read, moreover, those who write.
Recently, I came across below lines about dating and marrying a girl who reads and it flattered me a lot:-

Imagination is not every one's stuff. Only few people can make friends with their words.
Imagine a girl engrossed in Reading: She must be a thorough reader.
More importantly, she must be creative and may have dealt with a thousand situations which she had already come across during her journey through those pages.
While I was reading Kite Runner, every line had some very deep meanings.
Simple combination of words just held on to emotions so well which only a great writer can combine in such a beautiful world of art.
Reading changes our perspective.Things become instances, incidents become observations and life turns to have a more meaningful virtue than imagined.

Have you felt that essence of eternal bliss with a cup of coffee and a few pages of your book swaying and words creating space in your mind, heart and life.

A girl who reads is able to give space to her mate. She has the capacity to not want you every time
because her books will always keep her busy.
There is a requirement of self-space (if it's the word). Life is only complete when every thing in it has a complete balance.

It is difficult to find that perfect cup of coffee with the exact the tastes you like, quantity of sugar to choose from. Life is more beautiful while we have created our own world of dreams.

As they say:
If you want the world and,
the world beyond it,
Date a girl who reads.
Or better yet, date a girl who writes.

Serene, calm and Creative !!

A world of Self Love Or Self Denial !!

They say, we are immersed in a world of Self-Love and praise and have definitely forgotten the essence of affection. True, Isn't it?
But, Is it wrong to love yourself than to love a person who will never, perhaps, value and acknowledge your presence in his/her life.
Too Bad!!
Well, I have no idea why but God made us that way.
Einstein's theory that "each force has equal and opposite reaction."Yeah, that's correct.. Opposite Reactions.. Lol.

And, thus we ended in an era where A cares for B, B cares for C and C is not bothered about both A & B.Seems like or very story of Vampire Diaries.

For all those, who are not a TVD fan. Let me brief.
The 3 main characters: Stefen and Damon are Vampire brothers and Elena -The love of their life swinging around which guy to spend life with.
There's more to the story definitely. I just linked it to self love and Denial part of my article.

Such is the story of each of us who devoted a greater amount of their lives for a person who didn't care to hold on that long. You can ask yourself is it the greatest tragedy of all.
No, it is not!!
The greatest is denying to move on, to build walls which nobody is allowed to break, to see the world through the eyes of that one experience.

Humans are able to lead such a beautiful life just b'coz of one thing-"They tend to forget."
Forgive, forget and be happy in the present.Past has already left us. Future is still unseen. And, Present is today.Choose a world of self love, it will make life more satisfying, even more beautiful.
We, all, have at some point of time faced self denial. That one moment where we are not sure of what went wrong and what is next. This is an infinite loop if we don't know how to end up loving ourselves.

"Love Yourself, nobody else can love you better, until you find that one person.. to be OPTIMISTIC as always."

-XOXO

The writer in Me!!

It has been ages that I have not delivered a self satisfying piece of work to this blog.
The story of this blog dates to Aug. 2009 as far as I recall.
One day: Serenity happened and to my immense pleasure, it is one of the most pleasurable and
precious thing I possess.

Remember the time where we used to have personal diaries to pen down things, feelings and incidents.
Although, I didn't use this Blog like my Personal diary but it has a collection of the ups and downs or rather the sine curve of my life.

The biggest events ranging from the last day at college, convocations to the beginning of a professional career
is mentioned here in bits and pieces.

Perhaps, a few years down the lane and when I re-read this blog; some memories will come running to me and a few lessons learnt in this time span will be written to remind me of the good and bad times.

I have always had a feeling of gratitude towards this wonderful world of technology who gave me this
writing space. I might not have written a book to be called an author but this workspace has definitely brought to life the writer in me.
I am glad to have SERENITY as an important part of my life.

I hope I keep writing till I keep experiencing life.
Thanks to this blog that I have the ability to express which many people fail to do.

-Chitranshi

Sitaron se aage jahaan aur bhi hain!!!

The poem is first presented in Urdu (transliteration) followed by a translation. In my opinion the translation falls far short of conveying the poet's thoughts, after all language itself is a crutch to express ourselves. But that is the best I could manage. So here goes...

Sitaron se aage jahaan aur bhi hain

Abhi ishq ke imtihaan aur bhi hain

Taahii zindagi se nahin ye fazayen

Yahan sainkdon karawan aur bhi hain

Kanaa'at na kar aalam-e-rang-o-bu par

Chaman aur bhi, aashiyan aur bhi hain

Agar kho gaya ek nasheman to kya gham

Maqamat-e-aah-o-fugaan aur bhi hain

Tu shaheen hai parwaz hai kaam tera

Tere saamne aasman aur bhi hain

Isi roz-o-shab mein ulajh kar na rah ja

Ke tere zamin-o-makan aur bhi hain

Gaye din ke tanha tha main anjuman mein

Yahan ab mere raazadan aur bhi hain

The Translation

Beyond the stars there are other worlds of light

There are more trials of love, besides those on earth.

These spheres are not empty of the pulse of life

There are a hundred forms of life, latent in these spheres

Be not content with this earth, although it has a myriad of colours

There are more gardens, more worlds to be explored

Grieve not if thou losest this abode of sorrow

There are other abodes for thee, for the sighs of yearning and grief

Thou art of eagle breed, born for ethereal flights

Thou hast, beyond those narrowing skies, loftier heavens to roam

Do not get entangled in these deceptive days and nights

Thou has other worlds, beyond linear time and space

Pain

I have been thinking of you,
way more than I should be thinking.


Staying up late,
figuring out things gradually sinking.

I have been waiting for you,
Way more than I should be waiting.

I have been trying to settle things,
way more than I should be trying.

And, somehow I reached a place,
way more far I had been imagining.