Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Polish Learnings

Phew! Where do I begin? It's been more than a year now since I touched this part of me. The last time I wrote anything here, I was still a teen! It's not that I had completely forgotten about this little space of mine, I tried. Oh boy! I tried countless number of times. Coming to this page, clicking on the "New Post" button. Sitting there, watching that blinking cursor over the white space. But my hands never moved to type. It didn't took long, when I would just close the tab, thinking probably it's not the right time yet. At times, my hands would begin to type. I would write, filling up that blank white space with the black text, only to scrap everything and dumping the whole draft.
But today, it feels different.

I'm a really curious person, and not getting answers kills me. I've spent days, satisfying my curiosity, to get answers. I succeeded at times, but still waiting for many other such answers.
I sometimes wonder if this has anything to do with my childhood dream of being a detective. Taking these mysterious things as my unsolved detective cases and using my hunger  to solve these mysteries at a sub-conscious level. But that's a thing for some other time. 

Talking about childhood dreams, I was a big fan of music. I sucked as a singer at the stage, but was a rockstar in my bathroom. Everyday I'd have a concert of my own, right in my bathroom. Even today, at times.
My interests in music has varied a lot as I grew up. I remember as a child, I enjoyed 50 cents and Eminem. Their rap songs fascinated me, and I would try to imitate them, failing every time with only gibberish coming out of mouth. But let me tell you, the imaginary audience in my bathroom went crazy listening to me every single day.
I believe music goes beyond the language, beyond words. It's really about connecting to the listener, and one doesn't necessarily needs words for that.
I learned this fact by listening to a lot of songs in a LOT of different languages.  There are a lot of different kinds of songs, all with a lot of varying emotions. Even if it is not possible to understand the words, you can get the essence of it, through the video or through the beats and can really enjoy it. It's possible to feel the theme of the song.
In particular, I really like the songs with videos with an open end. The kind of video which doesn't want you to directly spoon-feed you the meaning, it is there, hiding behind the veils of each shot. And there are many layers to actual meaning or the story behind it. Each time you watch it, the meaning unfolds exposing the deeper expressions.

One such song is "Powiedz mi, ze nie chcesz" (No, I didn't type gibberish) by Dawid Podsiadło (Yes! Dawid with a w), a Polish singer. He sings of course in Polish and sometimes in English too. Some of his songs are really nice to listen. I do have a few favorites from him and this wasn't the first song I heard of his. But it did caught my attention.



The translated lyrics (click 'Pokaż tłumaczenie' on right). 

It's been almost 2 months now since I first heard the song. I've heard it countless number of times since then. When you watch it, the music, the emotions, the actions of all the characters shows there is a possible meaningful story behind all this. And I was pretty sure it's a mind blowing one. It's not obvious for one to get it at the first try. But you do get the feeling, that the journey of discovering that deeper meaning would be well rewarded.

To get to the bottom of this, I first tried watching it again and again... and again. Each time I watched, I could pick up a few minute details, which I had missed the last time. Actually, also because I liked the song.
I would create up certain assumptions about various things, kind of like a story in my head, and would watch the video again to check if the story could fit in. It worked in most cases, but still had many flaws and unexplained things.
It went to the point, when I would just discuss this song's video with friends, I was kind of obsessed. 


Then, one fine day, I just happened to go through the singer's facebook page. After a few minutes going through that page, I glanced at that one button at the top, "Message". It was a really stupid idea. Message a famous singer, that too on facebook? As if they'd have enough time in the world to reply to such stupid messages. But, I guess I was in the "Just do it" mood at that point of time, I just quickly clicked it, typed a small message and sent it. And I forgot about it. Total waste of time, or was it?



Few days later, I got a reply! That would have been the last thing I expected, even after getting struck by lighting and meeting Christian Bale. I just couldn't believe it. More importantly, I didn't understood it. But I had it before my eyes, and I was excited beyond comparison. I guess the last line worked.



I waited patiently for one of my other lucky days!




My mystery had been solved. I was relieved.
But what's the use of posting this here? No, this post isn't about the song. It isn't about one of my 'unsolved cases' being solved. After all, I'm no Sherlock Holmes, and neither my 'cases' the likes of it.
It's about two important things I learned.

First, never stop trying because there is no harm in trying. I could have not messaged him, simply because the probability of him replying was negligible. But there was a possibility, and that's what one should see. At the worst, he wouldn't have replied, and it wouldn't have affected me in any case.  But I went ahead with it, and was well rewarded for it.

I want to thank Malcolm Gladwell and Nike here.
Nike obviously for it's tag line, "Just do it". These three words have helped me in countless situations when I didn't had the courage to do something or when I didn't have enough reasons to do it. Just remember these three words, and you'll find yourself with a new found energy, courage and reasons to do something. It really works.


Nike - Just do it

Malcolm Gladwell, for his books, which talked about always keep trying, always keep asking, because there is no harm in it, and it can surprise you at times with the results. I had a personal experience.

Malcolm Gladwell


And the second thing.



It was so nice for him to reply. His humble-ness and down to earth nature just made me feel so good, for there are still few good and nice hearted people out there. That there is still goodness left in this world. That sometimes when you trust people, it does not go in vain. That only if you have faith, and you believe in people, good things will happen to you!

So, here is a BIG Thank you, Dawid Podsiadło! You just made me learn a few little but important learning through your song, and through your gesture. You have a new fan.

Dawid Podsiadło



Try.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Chit-chat with Rishi Vohra

Rishi Vohra, author of 'Once Upon the Tracks of Mumbai' was kind enough to take out some time and answer a few questions.

Rishi Vohra

Rishi Vohra recently relocated back to Mumbai after completing a Green MBA from San Francisco State University and a Masters Diploma in Environmental Law, prior to which he has had a successful career in the Indian entertainment industry.
Having been a guest columnist for various newspapers in India, he currently writes for delWine and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. 

RG: How did book writing started for you?
RV: I had this character in my head and felt this pressing urge to give him a life on paper. One day, I just sat down and started writing and wrote every day, before and after work. Several months later, I had the first draft of my book in hand. At that time, I was writing for fun. The thought of trying to push it for publication came in much later.

RG: How did you get the idea for "Once Upon The Tracks of Mumbai"?
RV: I had only the character in mind and just a rough storyline. Random thoughts started hitting me while writing the book, and his story unfolded with each page.

RG: What were the challenges you faced while publishing your book?
RV: I was in California at the time of deciding to push this book for publication. I faced more challenges there than here, as literary agents abroad told me that the book "wasn't written with Western sensibilities." When I turned towards the Indian market, within a few months itself, several publishers expressed an interest to pick up the book for publication.
The book was just awarded an 'HONORABLE MENTION' in the General Fiction Category at the Hollywood Book Festival 2013, so now readers in those circles (in the U.S.) are beginning to take notice of the book.

RG: How was your reaction seeing your published work in your hands?
RV: It was like holding your newborn baby! I can't explain the feeling but I count that moment among the several moments of true happiness in my life.

RG: Any memorable moments you remember while writing this book?
RV: I was in Berkeley, California at the time. Besides UC Berkeley and its eateries, the place is known also for its thriving arts and culture scene. This made it an environment conducive to write all over the place - on the footpath, the UC Berkeley campus, coffee shops, the lawns etc. In the process, I met many artists (painters, musicians, poets, jugglers etc) and we always exchanged ideas about the kind of work we were doing. It was a learning process for me, which also encouraged me to keep at it. I learned that anything created by or done from heart will always bring you joy and that is what we should strive for rather than constantly looking for the approval of others.

RG: Are you currently working on your next?
RV: My next is ready. It's a fun ride set in Bollywood.

RG: Who is the first one to read your initial drafts?
RV: Close friends and family.

RG: When not writing, what do you usually do?
RV: I don't have a set routine, but I'm always doing something productive!

RG: How do you handle criticism?
RV: Positively. After all, criticism is always intended to steer someone in the right direction. I use it only for betterment and never take it personally.

RG: Any last words for the readers?
RV: I'll be back!

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Review: Jacob Hills


Synopsis
It's just another evening at the Tiller's Club.

Capt. Rana, a Young Officer training at the War College, stands at the bar, deliberately avoiding his pregnant wife, Heena. Saryu, village belle-turned-modern babe, drink in hand, chats up another YO. Her husband, Maj. Vikram Singh, shoots angry glances at her. The flamboyant Lt. Col. Gary Randhawa and his wife Pam chat merrily with the senior officers - who'd guess that they lead on underground swinger couples' club?

In a corner stands Eva, the beautiful Anglo-Indian wife of Maj. George Chandy, who finds herself at the heart of a murder mystery. The murdered woman's body is covered with cigarette burns. A six-year-old girl's wrist is similarly marked. Another little girl shows signs of severe abuse.

This is Jacob Hills: and army station that houses the War College. A world of genteel conversation, smart men and graceful women. Set in the 1980's - in a country on the cusp of tradition and Westernized modernity - Jacob Hills is the story of what lies beneath the smooth veneer. It's a noxiousness the Chandys must confront if their love is to survive Jacob Hills.


About the author
Ismita Tandon Dhankher is 'A Lesser Known Poet'. Her poem, 'I am Beautiful', won a prize in the Yahoo-Dove Indibloggers contest. She's also the author of the romantic thriller Love on the rocks, released in 2011.
Ismita went to Sophia College, Ajmer, where she studied economics, history and sociology. After acquiring MBA and a brief stint in the foreign exchange division of Thomas Cook, Mumbai, she took up poetry and prose wholeheartedly.
She's currently working on The song of the Sufi Masroof, a book of photographs and poems. Ismita blogs at www.lesserknownpoet.com.

Review
The cover of the book has a 1980's look and gives an impression of a thriller/suspense type book. It is plain and simple. The synopsis doesn't really tells much about the book, but gives an introduction to the different characters.

The book is set in 1980's, in Jacob Hills, a military camp near Shimla. Being set in an Army surrounding, it gives a whole lot of detail about the ways and functioning of army, including the boss-subordinate relations, the officer's club and the officer's wives. It also shows the hard realities of women abuser, child marriage and child abortion. Only a lady author could have written the book in such a detail mentioning even the minutest detail, specially the part where officer's wives is included.

The character building is done perfectly, spending just the right amount of time describing the character. The reader is able to make an impression of the character. The narration is plain and simple, and plot is beautifully built.

One of the most interesting thing about this book is it's alternate person narrative style. Each chapter is written from the point of view from a different character which makes the book even more interesting. It helps in giving an account from the point of view of different characters, such as the abuser and the one being abused, the lover and the hater. This is the main USP of this book.

Although I did feel the ending was abrupt, and could have been better, or the author could have spent more time on it.

 On the whole, this is an short enjoyable read. Read it for it's alternating person narrative style, the army related surrounding and the character building.

Rating: 3.5/5

Book: Jacob Hills
Author: Ismita Tandon Dhankher
ISBN: 9789350296493
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Fiction/Suspense
Page: 263
Language: English

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