“My name is Khan and Iam not a terrorist”, a relevant message, but sadly not compelling enough. My name is Khan is a movie, with its heart in the right place but lacks the conviction and power to steer up your emotions.

The movie from the Karan Johar camp is refreshingly different, as the director adopts a simplistic approach in dealing with a pertinent issue. The director goes beyond his trademark Grandeur and traditional family drama to describe the journey of the protagonist; an Aspergers patient, Rizwan Khan, who sets out to meet the president of the United States of America. The biggest problem with the movie is the fact that the very intent or message dilutes in the narrative. Whether the movie is a “Redemption of Love” or a “Journey for Righteousness” is left unanswered.

The movie begins on a refreshing note. The difference in screenplay is visible as the director swiftly gets into the life of Rizwan Khan and his journey to the USA. The subtle humour, varied mannerism and refreshing innocence of the protagonist hold your attention. The wonderful background score and the screen presence of the lovable Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol pair is an enjoyable fare. However an hour later you realise, that the plot of the movie is yet to unveil. As Rizwan Khan aimlessly travels from town to town, narrating is life, your left to the mercy of too many characters who converge to create a story. It is at the interval your left with a thought that the journey is because of a personal tragedy being meted out post the terror attacks of 9/11-all because of being a Khan.

The weakest link in the movie is it’s very script. The second half is entirely flawed as the director goes about describing the events in Rizwan Khan’s life post 9/11. I wish the director had adopted a more genuine approach in describing the plight of Asians post this incident. Dates have been conveniently construed in a manner to suit the narrative. The movie calls for a compelling narrative and a powerful message but sadly lacks all of it . The movie runs out on ideas as the director “fits together” various incidents. The hurricane in Willamina, the media campaign against discrimination of Muslims/Sikhs  and a mothers  valiant fight for redemption are all clobbered together  to drive the movie towards a climax.

The movie despite it’s flaws is a watchable fare, with some magical moments and wonderful messages scattered across the narrative. The church scene of   “Hum Honge Kamiyab” nicely entwined with “We shall overcome” is a treat to watch. Kajol delivers an earnest performance, though the script fails to sketch a powerful feminine character. A special mention of Zarina Wahab , who plays Rizwan’s mother. She does a commendable job, delivering a heart warming performance..

The movie is entirely shouldered by Shah Rukh Khan, who doesn’t disappoint. Khan has reinvented himself to deliver a subtle, measured and yet so graceful performance. The sheer simplicity, innocence and the screen presence of this Badshah revel even at times when the script goes awry. My Name is Khan; Shah Rukh Khan- the movie solely works because of him.

My Name is Khan is a movie that could have transcended barriers of social evil and had the potential to transform the thought process that plagues our society. Sadly, it remains just another movie that showcases the prowess of a versatile Shah Rukh Khan.

I recommend you watch this movie, once (not at a premium!) for the wonderful performance of its protagonist and a relevant message it tries to convey.

We at ease can talk, advise and comment about the entire world around us, but when it comes to tackling personal issues, we are often without a solution. Why is that so?

It is not because we are not competent or incapable of decision-making, but have emotions and inhibitions attached to it.

Each one of us is bestowed with an abstract sense called the ”Sixth Sense” or a “ Gut feeling “. The sixth sense provides us with an answer to many questions, but we seldom go by it. More often people fail to even realize “ the inner call “. The sixth sense provides answers based on foresight rather than emotions. However since the gut/ sixth sense is more of fiction than fact, it seldom finds takers. The best of business minds employ their sixth sense to ‘ think beyond the Box ‘.

When one is asked to speak before a live audience, the world suddenly comes to a standstill. You are often left speechless. Even after hours of practice about a well conversant topic, you are unable to speak. This is a classic example when emotions and inhibitions take complete control over us. The world comes crashing down in a moment. In Public Speaking the first ploy employed to overcome the fear of stage is to speak about “ I, ME AND ALL ABOUT MYSELF “, this helps.

It is said that Counselors who help people tackle personal issues have to in turn have another counselor to shed his personal emotions. Humans are a blessed lot. Ever since childhood we have someone to look up to, be it a mother, a friend, a teacher or spouse. It is in them we need to confide and reiterate our strengths and weaknesses. I often confide my inhibitions to few selected people and seek their feedback. Believe me, it helps.

Last, but not the least “Advices comes for free “ never give advice without being asked for and also accept filth thrown at you. With time you will know what’s best for U!

The high streets in India have always fascinated me. They are filled with life, colour and are representative of  the changing culture of the city. Every person who walks the street as a notion of being cosmopolitan. There is a sense of being sophisticated and up to date, yet there exists distinctness between its ‘regular inhabitants’ and the ‘ visitors’ who cross each other’s paths everyday.

As a child, visiting the high street (in my case M.G Road, Brigade Road and Commercial Street- I have been a Bangalorean all my life!) was an occasion by itself. Each visit had a purpose. It was either to buy my birthday dress or clothes for a festival. The sense of walking down these streets flushed with hoarding, banners and a whole lot of lighting made me feel special. It was a great achievement to buy clothes from the best shops in town, so I thought. There was an urge and childish excitement to wear the latest trends in the city, to brag amongst friends.

The advent of the mall culture, multiplexes spread across the town and the growing suburbs of the city, has led to the high streets becoming “just another destination” over the years. Yet these narrow streets continue to hold its vintage charm where little shops tucked between some huge stores continue to serve every man’s need.

The street vendors selling fancy goods, belts, wallets, export rejected clothes and a whole lot of “Pick any Rs. 50/100” add variety to the dingy footpaths as the “fast world” struggle’s to make their way to the respective destination. Beside’s a glittering showroom of Louis Philippe, you would often find a vendor selling “Local Louis Philippe” for Rs 150, such are the ways of life in India – everything has a commendable substitute!

The “regular inhabitants” (the beggars), who have made it their home, place themselves at regular intervals, in order to earn a  “sympathised living”. An admirable lot of disabled who sell petty items such as handkerchief’s and safety pins eke out some high street space hoping for survival.

The “fast moving” visitors, who have come to enjoy the city in its true spirit, carry with them a sense of urgency (more often of getting nowhere) as they thread past the narrow sidewalks. Foreigners, couples, outstation guests, college goers (having bunked classes) and old timers cross each other’s paths without a tinge of concern as the beggars keep poking at them, hoping to earn a “quick rupee”, being flung at them as a portrayal of sympathy.

A variety of posh cars make their presence felt in the parking lot, showcasing the latest offerings and status symbol in the market. As the vehicle stalls to a halt, little children in tattered clothes capitalise on the opportunity by offering an unsolicited cleaning of the windowpanes. Every situation creates a business opportunity!

The true spirit of India, it’s elegance and diversity comes to the forefront as you make your way through the high street. While people of varying lifestyle, culture and attitude cross each other’s paths, they have little in common except for an urge to be one amongst the growing crowd on the high street.

My cell phone buzzes, it’s a message from a friend that reads  “ Lets meet at CCD (Café Coffee Day), Brigade Road-5 p.m”.

“ Yes!” goes a reply in the affirmative.

It’s my date to witness the changing dimension of my colouring city, a date to be amongst the growing crowd!

Indian cinema is slowly coming of age and Amitabh Bachchan continues to fascinate, endear and silence his critics in times when slapstick, under-the–belt comedy is raking in the mullah at the box-office.

Cinema in it’s true sense is a reflection of reality, bringing forth the various shades and characters in life on the large screen. Paa is one such movie, which depicts a “god gifted “chromosomal disorder with subtle humour, grace, wit and maturity. What appeals most is the movie dwells on value of human relationships, rather than overtly focusing on “Progeria-The Disease “. Yet the movie creates an awareness of a disease less known.

The movie is brisk initially, the director doesn’t loose out on the plot by having a short narrative song (well executed by Illayaraja) to state the obvious events that led to being of our tall, lanky, “Budda-Baccha”- Auro. The dialogues are typically “Balki style”- short, crisp, entwined with humour and yet effective. The cinema hall resonates with short spurts of laughter at regular intervals to keep you engaged through the narrative.

The characterization of each role is unique, providing each person on screen with an identity that one could relate to. The movie also stands apart, for its willingness to “bare-all “ and remain transparent on human relationships, rather than dwell about the clichéd  ‘Unwed Mother “and the subsequent emotional attyachar. Infact a chaste Vidya gifting her son the picture of his ‘Monkey MP ‘ father on his 13^th birthday is forthcoming.

The biggest positive is that script induces humour even in a supposedly sad moment, thereby mitigating certain forgettable flaws in the movie. Auro’s trademark mannerisms and his little world keeps you engaged, be it his “ Bum” granny or his friends at school whose mischievous innocence light up the screen.  The little girl chasing a huge Auro through the movie instantly reminds you of “Cheeni Kum”. Balki continues to exercise his fondness of providing space and leverage to his  “little characters “ in the narration.

On the flip side, the depiction of the real “Paa” – a modern-day, young and upright politician, is not convincing. The movie dwells into the politicisation of slum rehabilitation and a dose of media bashing which is unwarranted and could have been safely avoided. However Abhishek Bachahan gives in an earnest performance, bringing life to many mundane scenes.

Auro, the 13-year old protagonist played by a 67-year old Amitabh, lights up the screen with joy, humour, energy, maturity and elegance without seeking the sympathy of his audience. Never through the narrative does Auro become Amitabh, the greatest achievement by an actor. In an age where a ‘Hero’ calls for being stereotypical in the Bollywood sense, Auro (or Amitabh) transcends the conventional with ease, delivering a powerful and heartfelt performance. Amitabh personifies the saying “Learning never ends”.

Vidya Balan, as Auro’s mother, delivers an outstanding performance. Her portrayal of an independent, strong-willed, concerned yet levelheaded mother is graceful to say the least. This is for certain Vidya Balan best, since Parineeta. Her emotional connect with the viewer is brilliant. It is the “Maa”, who endears the audience. For certain the movie is a depiction of a “Mother-Son, Son-Mother “ relationship. I only hope this talented actress doesn’t get typecast in her future projects.

As you walk out of the theater, you’re bound to reflect on the movie and that in itself speaks of a movie well done . But yes, the movie is a typical “ Multiplex cinema”. Whether this new-age Hindi cinema is able to penetrate into the smaller cities and towns, only time will tell.

I recommend you watch this movie for the superlative performances by its star cast and the sheer goodness and entertainment the movie holds for you. You wouldn’t regret watching “Auro’s World “!

24 hours… I do not know whether it’s too short or long a time to make or break life ,but in this vicious cycle of joy and pain , happiness and sorrow , anger and frustration ,it is a 24 hour cycle that defines the little life around us. As the time ticks by, the date changes and the sun rises in the east, it marks the beginning of a new dawn. Each day brings with it a sense of anticipation .If you’re going through a rough patch, you hope to leave behind the past and make a new beginning. If you’re in love with life, then the break of dawn brings in a sense of renewed hope and excitement of a brighter tomorrow.

Life is a journey into uncertainty. You could either enjoy the excitement or ponder over the unknown. But if you wish to live life in it’s true spirit, live life for 24 hours at a time ….a day at a time. Happiness is a journey, not a destination and so is life. Live life in the moment and each day will usher in a renewed spirit and vigour in life. Let each day redefine your life, for” yesterday was history…tomorrow-a mystery”.

The sight of a wailing 2-year old, Moshe, the Jewish child , who lost both is parents during the shootout at Nariman point , remains etched in my memory .He continues to be in his world of bliss. As the little one grows older, 26/11 would remind him of a day that changed his life forever .

The tragedy has had its share of heroes and martyrs who fought a valiant battle to remind the world of the “power of truth”. Every time I switch on the television these days, I am reminded of the countless people who lost their dear one’s. Words would fall short of expressing the grief of a personal loss, which will continue to haunt them to their death bed .

Voices were raised , a picture of solidarity was projected . The indomitable spirit of the “Common Man” was the rallying point during this tragedy. Today, a year later, life is just the same . Every time you step out of your home, there is no certainty of a safe return. The life and security of the Common Man in India, continues to be at the mercy of the psychopaths who live to kill others.

Will times change? Will there be peace? Will man ever stop killing man?
These questions would remain unanswered. Life would just be the same.
There is a prayer in every lip, a hope in every heart , the hope of a better tomorrow for our children. We can only hope against hope !

Words would only mitigate the impact of the colossal tragedy . It is the time to reflect and introspect on this first anniversary . I sincerely pray and wish that we are not compelled to observe such days in the future .
The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, aptly said “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”. In the midst of all the violence, is a resounding message of peace and non-violence.
May there be peace .Amen !

P.S -I leave behind my readers , the pictures of the tragedy that speak for themselves .
(Pictures of Moshe, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan,Ajmal Kasab , Mr.Kharkhare and the ruthless killings among others that reflect the inhumane nature of the blood thirsty psychopaths)

A Business graduate by degree, a job with an MNC-, white collared, to say the least and yet at the end of the 30th day, you believe you ought to take home a better pay.” It only peanuts that you get “. As you wonder where life is heading, you phone buzzes like a death knell, from your ever so frowning boss who expects the unexpected . Your tied down in chains by the so called “respectable job”.
And then you have a friend, a dropout, who failed miserably at college and was so hopelessly written-off by the world, is today is a money spinner-courtesy The Stock Market.

He lives life to his whims and fancies , rules the roost. You envy, desire and hope you could be like him, but yet the shield of security holds you back. You don’t wish to be a full time gambler. It’s better to be a part-timer!
For a full-timer , the time to write his destiny is fixed – 9.55am -3.30 pm, Monday –Friday. A 5 day job, of trying your luck to re-write your forgettable past. As the first bell rings and the graphs fluctuate , it is like your Eco-cardiograph is being drawn on the large screen . The highs and lows that change within a millisecond call for decisions . “ Go short , hold , sell or buy “ , it’s all happening . The very thought of the dividends you reaped in a particular stock last week drives your juemotions , but your expected to be rational. Emotions do not have a place!.

Amidst the buzz, you make a decision driven by your adrenaline and then – The stock tumbles “ 10 minutes and 200 points down” – “ damn your luck “ , but you ought to give it another try, you cannot stop. You console yourself , its a part of your business . “You lose some , you gain more” or“ You lose more and gain some “ . It really does not matter. The graphs are fluctuating, and so are your fortunes. You better invest before it’s too late . As the closing bell rings , you are either happy or rue or “ wrong decisions” . Yet, your back the next day , it’s your job –being the Gambler .
Life is even more fascinating for a part-timer who grabs some time amidst work at office . The trading screen remains minimised and ever so tempting. You hope to be amongst “ The Action “ , but your boss seems to be around . As he moves , into his cabin ( often to trade in the market himself , in the pretext of being busy ) your screen is up . You take stock of the situation ( or the fluctuating stocks seem to take control of your wallet ) .Within minutes , you pump in money that remains in your salary account into the market , with the hope of booking your profits . You need the money only 3 days later , to pay your ever-growing EMI. You convince yourself . 3 days down , your on a negative , with an EMI that is paid borrowing money from your friend. Your month’s salary –struck in the “Bloodshed “and you no choice but to book losses to survive the remaining days . Then there are days when you make “brilliant decisions” that brings in the mullah. This is enough to keep you invested in the world of unbounded temptation . It a fascinating world , where you can dare to dream of the unthinkable !
The markets have tumbled and so have many lives. We called it a recession, a doom and yet we continue to remain glued to the big screen that fluctuates at the stroke of the first bell . “Are you in stock of Life?”Or “ Are the markets taking stock of your Life?”
“Yield to temptation , rather than cry over spilled milk “ , that how we think , that how the stock market rule our thinking . It’s fascination , unbounded temptation , craze and limitless desire . It’s all happening at the “ Markets “.