Monday 14 September 2009

The Unknown Truth

So - what is it about "truth" these days? The truth is out there - yes, but how many of us want to really know it. All of us know"satyamev jayate" - truth shall prevail, but are we really interested in finding the truth - the real truth and nothing but the truth?

Take the instance of a set of villagers in a movie called "chintuji". They are oblivious or want to be oblivious to the progress in other cities fearing it will bring harm to their peaceful utopian like existence. For them, the truth is their village life. For them the truth out there is a lie - which they have no intention of living.



For the outsiders,the "truth" is that they are living a lie - a lie based on convenience and the high moral ground. So which one is the real truth for us/them?Are they "immoral" to not adopt existing technology? Are they right in living a sheltered life?Is technology a bad thing? What is the truth?

Forget this much debatable topic - how about something "simple" like our TV serials. Most of them claim to advocate wrongdoings against the women fraternity. BTW, with the amount of serials out there discussing atrocities against women, it almost seems to me like a conspiracy;) - are women being brainwashed into believing that women all over India are facing serious issues and that "we are like this only" and that this is their fate?




Isnt there a single serial that can show my truth or the urban truth - that - we women can prove our might when we want to; that we are no longer the sufferers if we choose to do so;that we can carve our own way - if we choose to do so. It makes me wonder really! This medium - TV - reaches out to billions of people all over India - covering vasts dimensions and latitudes of people. Surely, not all of them should be coerced into the theory that "seeing is believing". Why cant there be more positive shows out there? Why cant the urban truth be broadcast - why does television have to be so sad and glum all the time? At the same time, these serials push the "truth" of harassment to women - but isnt the real "truth" that women should not be harassed? And for the record putting up a notice before the serial starts that the serial does not advocate harassment does not help in any way. Why dont we see the moral truth somewhere on any channel - be it news? Why are we not shown "happy" news of our society? Is that not the truth? Are we not dwelling on killings, corruption, inhumanity all the time? Is there no goodness left for us to broadcast anymore? Is that not the truth of our life, too?Should we not "know" that?

So - do we as Indians want to know the truth or we dont? I say we want to know the truth when its convenient for us. When the truth is glossy coated and looks endearing. When it appeals to our sensibilities - we are all for it. However, when it breaches serious personal boundaries, we are not interested and cite logic like destruction of society morals if the truth is exposed!Well, society is as society does and thats the plain truth.



In a way, yes, covering the truth does help maintain the distinct identity that India has of social acceptance - and personally speaking I would like it that way.

So what is your version of the truth?

Wednesday 26 August 2009

A new kind of racism..


Sheesh! It reads "Discounts for those born after 1984"

Tuesday 25 August 2009

Now.. this is what you call being creative

Awesome watch!! Who knew technology had advanced thiis much.. The guy who created the video is a genius.. go watch!

Two Weeks - Grizzly Bear from Gabe Askew on Vimeo.

Wednesday 5 August 2009

Monty Python - the relevance today!

Something I found ! Why didnt I know about their existence? Check it out! Such a clever clever script and screenplay! Might have to watch it twice!

Sunday 2 August 2009

A time to criticize and praise..


What is it about death? Does being dead give people the libety to praise unbashedly and criticize with frequent fervour? I am not saying that it should not be done - but why praise someone when that person is dead? Why not praise people when they are still alive and can feel happy at being appreciated?

Take the case of MJ. Most of us have grown up with his music. Whether it was just another reason to dance or a reason to understand music or the joy of discovering that Indian culture (albeit in a small way then) was put on an international platform (rem the lady who dances in the middle of the road - in the black or white song?)

What makes the event of a celebrities death so - shall we say "special"? SUddenly you find him being discussed in all possible channels, in all possible forums - big or small. Whether it is malicious gossip, dragging skeletons out of his closet with headlines like - "He wore a fake nose!" to "He was bankrupt" to the number of children he has or doesnt have. Recently his charred lock of hair is being turned into diamonds I find. Wonder which crazy fan would buy that?

But the idea is not to talk about his controversial life or the skeletons people are digging out of his closet. He was a legend and the craze with which people take you up, perhaps they exhibit the same madness in bringing you down. Just another way of being able to say - hey look, he doesnt have everything now, does he? Anyway, thats my skeptical opinion about the world.

But I want to perhaps look at the other side of this. Why was the world not able to recognize and appreciate his genius when he was alive. Why was he not considered for knighthood or Nobel Prize, as he is being considered now? Why were fans not able to praise and download or buy his music with the same amount of fervour that they are doing now? Why is it that death makes us go to extremes and perhaps take that extra effort to praise that someone special.

Perhaps more people live in the moment than they realize..:)

Saturday 25 July 2009

Poker Orchestra

Usually, I dont like instrumental music.. well, not that much.. But this one that I found - is very interesting.. guess it helps that I knew the song with lyrics before this came out and can see the various musicians here.. the arrangement looks complicated! There are soo many different instruments playing at one time - its amazing and the amalgamation gives you - great music..

very nice - go watch. While there, check out the orchestras tribute to MJ - another nice one!

Thursday 16 July 2009

Chappad phad ke ... mila!!:)

The appreciation doesnt stop.. not that we mind.. but um, can we now officially be called celebrities of the retail world?:) This is one of those rare moments where I can say - I won.. a competition!