Hearty Paws

Hearty Paws

I have not seen much Korean films, but definitely some. Yesterday night I saw a film called- Hearty Paws, suggested by a friend. And I fell in love with the film instantly. I cannot get that film out of my head and hence this post. I get a bit too emotional whenever I see a film on children or animals and this film has both.

The relationship among the dog and the kids, the intelligence and sensibility of the dog is portrayed very-well.  All the characters in the film - Soi, Chan and their pet Hearty are simply adorable. The acting of all these three protagonists is just outstanding. But my personal favourite is Soi and Hearty. The whole scene of Soi and Hearty playing in their room, where Soi puts up lipstick and tries to be a mother is something I can completely relate to. As a kid I have played this game and the only difference is that I had an adorable cat instead of dog. The scene where Hearty eats ice-cream from the black packet brought by Chan is something with which all those who have ever had pet can relate very easily. 

There are some scenes in the film which I could not bear to watch also, as they are quite intolerable (for me). The scene when Hearty follows the tracks of a train, for several days only to find his master in another town, really is heart-wrenching. Not that they were not a part of the narrative, but personally I could not bear it. The second part of the film is a bit too sad.

Hearty played by Dal-I definitely deserves an award. Whether it be coated in grime or fresh from a bath, it is quite incredible to see how the filmmakers managed to coerce what I would say a brilliant performance from it, with its soulful eyes.

As a whole I just loved the film, though I cannot watch it again because of the second part, it is a bit too sad for me. And being an Indian I always expect a happy ending. But the film is quite captivating and emotionally engaging.

Grandparents

ROOTS 

It has been 2 long years since I have met them (my maternal family). I am not very good at expressing my emotions and probably this is the first time that I am accepting that I have missed them terribly. I remember the last time I met them I wanted to freeze the time, I wish there was a save button in my eyes which can save their image. Today I am going back there after a real long time.

This is the only house which I can call home. Since my father has a transferable job we have never stayed at one house for a long time. We have spent our childhood in various houses, but this house is special, its my grandfather’s house (maternal). This is the house where I have spent most of my summer holidays, each and every nook and corner of this house has some or the other memory attached to it.

Coming back to my maternal family. I will start with my maternal grandfather whom we call Abbu Nana. There are very few people in the world with whom I can talk endlessly as I am not very good in talking. But one person with whom I could chat for hours about issues and topics is my Abu nana. The long conversations and discussion with him, brings smile on my face.. His narrative skills and explicit explanations are simply adorable.

My relationship with him is very special. We used to discuss issues in depth needless to say he is a very-well read person and understands all the aspects of a topic. It is a delight to talk to him either it be on a serious issue or a light topic. His narrative style is just explicit either it be about his first job, his siblings or it be mocking at present actor/actress.  All his children and grandchildren looks up to him. He is an extremely lovable person and loves to spend time with children and animals. He still has a poultry, parrots and birds. And at this age also he keeps himself busy. He gets up early in the morning reads nemaz, recites Quran and then have tea with Ammi Nanna (my maternal grandmother). He follows a fixed routine till now.  

I was apprehensive to write about him as: first I was scared that will I be able to pen down about such a dynamic and humble person. Second if he will ever get a chance to read this, he is going to find lots of mistake in my language, as he writes amazingly well English. However it’s for my own contentment that I thought of writing about him. 

My Ammi Nana (My maternal grandmother) is someone from whom I have learnt to play Ludo. She is extremely good in it. She hates sleeping till late in morning and whenever we used to sleep till late, she used to switch of the fan in summers. She loves her grandchildren and is very affectionate towards animals also. I think my love for cats have been inherited from her

I am sure of one thing and that is- Almighty has blessed me with  wonderful grandparents like them.

Light, Camera and Action

SHOTS

Don’t get carried away by the title, here by shot I mean a series of frames  (of camera) that runs for an uninterrupted period of time. I imagine everything in terms of shot and scene. I visualise every small things in and around me right from image, light, beauty, emotions to landscape in terms of shots. But at this juncture of life I have no real association with lights, camera and action (other than my still camera). Not that I have always been associated with it. But I have always been in and around it. And I did not realise when and why life took these things away from me. There is definitely a huge dissatisfaction that I have deep in my heart.

Today, if I sit back and think then I realise what I really miss. I have always been fond of reading and the possibility of imagining my own character began from there. I used to (even now) imagine each and every story book I read in terms of visuals. Ever since the time I started reading books, either it be simple Nandan (A Hindi story for kids), the fairy tale (which I used to adore), Enid Blyton’s stories, Nancy Drew’s stories or the first novel Oliver Twist which I read as a part of school project, I have always been fascinated towards stories and the characters. And sometimes when I used to read those silly teenage romantic books, I used to imagine which Bollywood actor and actress will justify the character the most. My visualisation started there and today I am just stuck with my own little dreams and imagination, without any way to substantiate those characters into the reel world.

Technically my association with light and camera began when I was in graduation and we were sent to learn camera from a well-known centre.  That time I didn’t take those classes very seriously as I never knew one day I am going to miss it. Anyhow the memories of those classes are very vivid in my mind even today. Those winter mornings, bright sun light, carefree life with friends, Frank Sir’s class, everything about the class. I still remember the camera teachers did not let us take shots other than few static shots, no pan and tilt shot. One day one of the teachers let me take a pan shot inside the studio while shooting an interview and after that I kept on boosting about that shot to all my friends and sisters. I must admit that shot had terrible shake and editor did not used it in final programme.

There are two in fact 5 major events in my life or stage that 

made shots a part of my existence

1.       Documentary- I won’t say it was my first documentary, as it was our first documentary. As a part of our final project we had to make documentary. At that time we just knew documentary means we need real sufferers, victims taking about the rejection they felt in society (we had no idea of docudrama). We choose a great topic and that was HIV AIDs. At that time taking a topic like that and that too in a small city like Patna was definitely not a piece of cake. We hired camera person to shoot the film. Anyhow after the shoot with lots of hard work and difficulty when we sat on edit table we realise all the shots had shake, the zoom-in, zoom-out, pan and tilt was done so fast that we could not select which shot to take as it were equally bad. We were hardly left with time to re-shoot, so did the editing with whatever best was possible at that time. Our documentary’s name was- Darkness to Light. That was my first real shaking up event and then I realised that we should have done camera ourselves rather than trusting an outsider. A big eye opening, in fact it was a huge encouragement to learn camera.

2.       MCRC- Getting through Mass Communication of Jamia Millia Islamia was a definitely dream comes true. When I gave my entrance exams, I came back home quite paranoid and told my mummy I won’t be able to make it as there are just too many contenders. But I got through it. Anyways all the madness of camera, shot, visualization, characters came from there. The whole experience of creating our own characters, story was simply amazing. To present the story/ idea for the projects, to support the idea, to argue for the story from the teachers, to convince the teachers that this topic is worth making documentary/ project was something I miss terribly today. But that was the time when I actually got completely involved in lights, camera and action. Here I got to use film camera for the first and time. Analysing the shots, thinking about the background score, music and characterization was something that I learnt from here. In fact all my enthusiasm for camera and its components inculcated mainly from here.

3.       Basera-  I got my first job in a daily soap Basera(serial) as Assistant Creative Director in Mumbai. Working there was a huge exposure. Not because it was glamorous but simply because of the fact that I learnt a lot. We used to work for long hours, but every day there was a new enthusiasm. The major lesson I learnt from there is the lighting and continuity (the soul of television production)

4.       ANI- My second job was at a news agency in Delhi. The ambience was completely opposite of my Mumbai’s job. The pace was much more slower and easy. I had to sit at one place and work and it was a weekly programme so my work was much more at ease. But just after 2 months of my joining my Producer resigned and I was given all the responsibilities of the programme. I got to know about shoot, I used to fight for my ideas, for my stories. I loved working there, probably that was the best work I have ever done as I really enjoyed doing it. I was deeply involved with my programme and learned everything that goes in making a programme. Right from lining up a personality for interview, coordinating with outstation reporters, selecting stories, fighting for ideas, writing, editing, sequencing, use of graphics, getting anchor done and most importantly handling different type of people. But I must say it was something I really enjoyed and going to cherish all my life.  

Today my only association with lights, camera and action is the visualisation and imagination that I do within my own mind. This is called the vicious circle of life that today I stand at the same position where I started. But today I lack one thing the dream, the enthusiasm that one day I will be there.

There are two major encouragements because of which I felt the void even more vivid. And I started writing this post. Two things that I have never left completely are- watching films and clicking photographs. I saw Gangs of Waseeypur recently and the shots, characterization simply rekindled my love towards this field. The acting, the lighting, the shots, the story, the film has everything that makes a film great.    

Whenever I go to watch a film, whoever sits beside me knows that I am going to say something about the cinematography, sometimes my friends (not from the field) mocks at me and says- Ho gai shuru Maryam! I believe my association with lights, camera and action is something I will cherish my whole life, either I will be in and around it or not. I will always be associated with it.

Relevance of patriotism

Relevance of patriotism

Literally meaning- ‘the quality of being patriotic’, the concept of patriotism has really evolved from the post-independence era that was marked by aspirations of building a new India.

 It is no more limited to singing patriotic songs or fighting for one’s country, the concept is very subjective and definitely different for different individual. Some people are of the view that if a person who doesn’t support India in sports (specifically in cricket) is not a patriotic person. It’s not that I don’t support my country or don’t like cricket, but I have seen lots of people accusing the person who doesn’t watch cricket or doesn’t support India in sports of being unpatriotic. I definitely do not agree with this kind of patriotism.

Patriotism is an abstract concept which can be interpreted in its own ways. As soon as we try to define it we see that put onto paper and into doctrines, it hardly has any corporeal basis. For me the concept of patriotism is different, real patriotism runs deeper.

All that we have to do is ensure that we don’t fool ourselves in the name of freedom. Here is what I believe is could be considered as acts of patriotism in India today:-

Election – Casting vote every time an election is held. Unfortunately most of the educated don’t cast their votes and later crib about non-existent Government. At least we can go and vote for the candidate who will perform despite being corrupt.

Corruption – We can avoid paying bribes wherever possible. If the work is not head going, try to get it done without paying bribe and if anybody demands a bribe use the channels available to complain about corruption.

Taxes – Salaried employees have no option of not paying tax. It amuses me that there are only 30 million tax payers in this country. Avoid transactions with establishments which defraud on tax. We should never do a business transaction without a proper bill.

Constitutional Rights – We should know the basics of our Constitution at least what are the fundamental rights and duties of a citizen?

National Symbols – Respect our national symbols. We all stand up when our religious prayers are said but some of them sit with legs crossed when the National Anthem is played. Please stand up when the National Anthem is played and teach it to the next generation also. Never encourage jokes on our National Leaders and symbols.

Communal harmony – Don’t listen to the devise sermons, neither of the men in saffron nor of the men in green. Rise above regional interests. People from another state are not outsiders and learn to respect the state in which you find your living. We can only prosper together and never by fighting with one another.

Environment – We are heading towards serious problems on the global warming front. Try to protect and foster the trees which are planted on the roadside.

Traffic – with increased urbanization, traffic continues to grow. The roads and public transport will grow but not endlessly. It is a national shame to see the way we break traffic rules. Breaking traffic rules and getting away with it is considered a part of smartness.

What I have stated above may seem very simplistic and not invoking the usual rhetoric we associate ourselves when it comes to being patriotic. Today’s reality is that this country wants awakened citizens to move forward and it is in this sphere where we may have to display our patriotism.  

Jodhpur

JODHPUR- THE BLUE CITY

Jodhpur was our second destination in Rajasthan trip after Udaipur. And since we were coming from Kumbhalgarh fort we reached late in evening, quite exhausted. But the cultural song and dance programme by the local artists in the hotel that we stayed coupled with open air restaurant really rejuvenated our mind.  

Popularly called the blue city, Jodhpur's old city is mostly a labyrinthine of winding, narrow passages cramped with colorful street vendors, shops selling exotic spices and people dressed in dazzling outfits.

Top view of old city

Aerial view of city (night)

Top view of city (night)

We embarked the city tour next day and started the day with India's last great Palace, Umaid Bhavan Palace. Constructed between 1929 and 1944, the Palace was originally envisaged as a drought relief measure and the intention was to provide employment to over 3000 people afflicted by consecutive years of drought.

The Umaid Bhawan Gallery

The Umaid Bhawan Gallery

The Umaid Bhawan Exterior

Named after The Late His Highness Maharaja Umaid Singhji, the palace has been the residence of Maharaja Umaid Singhji and his successors.  And even today the successor of the royal family resides here. The palace is divided into 3 parts- the first part is converted into a five star property, the second part is where the successor of the family still lives and the third part is converted into museum where tourists like us can visit.

The Umaid Bhawan Gallery

It has an exquisite set of display section, exhibiting arms, furniture, antique clocks and priceless China vases that formed a part the private collection of Maharajas of Jodhpur. The Umaid Bhawan Palace is equipped to cater to all segments of travellers, either it be visitors on business or leisure to the city of Jodhpur.

The Umaid Bhawan Exhibits

Then we moved to Jaswant Thada, a royal mausoleum. Built in the memory of Maharaja Jaswant Singh, in 1899, Jaswant Thada is a classic example of the Rajputana style of architecture. With an imposing white marble and absolute beauty, it is enriched with its amazing grandeur, beautiful gardens and intricately carved facades.

Jaswant Thada

Jaswant Thada's interior

Jaswant Thada's Exterior

 The Pond of the Gods at Jaswant Thada, serves as the traditional cremation ground for the Jodhpur royals.

Jaswant Thada's Pond

Timing

The entry to Jaswant Thada is between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm

Then we headed to the most popular place of Jodhpur, The Mehrangarh Fort. Rightly being called as “the work of giants”, by Rudyard Kipling, it stands a hundred feet in splendour on a perpendicular cliff, four hundred feet above the sky line of Jodhpur. It is the most maintained fort I have ever seen. There are facilities of currency exchange, restaurant and an elevator for senior citizen and physically challenged people. Before you start exploring the fort, get an audio guide. Highly recommended, the sound effects and commentaries from former rulers of Jodhpur recorded on an MP3 player give a lucid overview.

Dating back to the 15th century AD, The Mehrangarh Fort is perched on the rocks, majestically overlooking the plains of the city. It is surrounded by a thick wall with eight gates and innumerable bastions. As you step inside a series of palaces and courtyards that are linked together by various passages are the backbone of the main structure and what was once the ruling seat of the Marwar Empire. Legend has it that the Rathore chieftain, Rao Jodha laid the foundation of Mehrangarh in 1459. 

The fort has a series of seven gates. The most famous of the gates are:

• Jai Pol ("Gate of Victory"), built by Maharaja Man Singh in 1806 to celebrate his victory in a war with Jaipur and Bikaner.
• Fateh Pol, built to celebrate a victory over the Mughals in 1707;
• Dedh Kamgra Pol, which still bears the scars of bombardment by cannonballs;
• Loha Pol, which is the final gate into the main part of the fort complex

The Mehrangarh Museum displays a wide range of objects in fourteen display rooms. The museum also includes four period rooms. The displays are being constantly up-graded with due emphasis on lighting, visitor-flow and captioning. It is one of the most well-maintained fort of India and what amazes me the most is its lavishness. We would have got lost in this huge fort, if we would not have taken a guide here.

There are various rooms and they are referred as the Period Rooms.

• The grandest of Mehrangarh's period rooms is The Phool Mahal. It is an exclusive chamber of pleasure; dancing girls once swooned in exhaustion here under a ceiling rich in gold filigree. The Phool Mahal was created by Maharaja Abhaya Singh (1724-1749) and the gold came from Ahmedabad in Gujarat as war booty after his famous victory over the rebellious Mughal governor, Sarbuland Khan. The paintings, royal portraits and the ever popular raga mala, came much later, in the reign of Jaswant Singh II. 

• The Jhanki Mahal is the place from where the royal ladies watched the official proceedings in the courtyard. Today it houses a rich collection of the royal cradles. The cradles are decorated with gilt mirrors and figures of fairies, elephant and birds.

• Moti Mahal or The Pearl Palace was built by Raja Sur Singh (1595–1619). It is the largest of the Mehrangarh Museum's period rooms. Sur Singh's Moti Mahal has five alcoves leading onto hidden balconies; it is believed they were built for his five queens to listen in on court proceeding.

Sheesha Mahal or The Hall of Mirrors It is a fine example of a typical Rajput Sheesh Mahal.

Besides the various period mahals there are various galleries ion Mehrangarh Fort

Elephant's Palanquin or howdahs- These were fastened on to the elephant's back. The front compartment, with more leg space and a raised protective metal sheet, was meant for kings or and the rear smaller one for a reliable bodyguard disguised as a fly-whisk attendant.

• Palanquins Gallery- Palanquins were a popular means of travel and circumambulation for the ladies of the nobility up to the second quarter of the 20th century. They were also used by male nobility and royals on special occasions.

• Daulat Khana - Treasures of Mehrangarh Museum- This gallery displays one of the most important and best preserved collections of fine and applied arts of the Mughal period of Indian history, during which the Rathore rulers of Jodhpur maintained close links with the Mughal emperors. It also has the remains of Emperor Akbar.

• Armoury gallery displays a rare collection of armour from every period in Jodhpur. On display are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhino horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls and guns with gold and silver work on the barrels. The gallery also has on display the personal swords of many emperors, among them outstanding historical piece like the Khaanda of Rao Jodhaa, weighing over 7 pounds, the sword of Akbar the Great and the sword of Timur.

• Paintings- It has Folio from the Shiva Purana at Mehrangarh Museum. This Gallery displays colours of Marwar-Jodhpur, the finest example of Marwar paintings.

• The Folk Music Instruments Gallery- There is a number of different types and kinds of folk musical instruments, some particular to a group or community, and some to a region.

Besides these, there are many courtyards and balconies. There are lots of rooms that are kept closed, but I am sure you will be tiered by the lavishness, exotic collection coupled with the traditional Rajasthani music in the background played by the local artists. 

• You will need at least 2-3 hours to visit this lavish fort and if you are fond of historical places like me then you might end up spending 4-5 hours here. 

• After the long visit there you can replenish yourself at the restaurant or the café. Since we were very hungry we enjoyed the traditional Rajasthani thali served there.

• There are small stalls also where you can shop for the handicrafts and junk jewellery.

• And if you are fond of adventure then do try Flying Fox. Since I am scared of heights I could not try it.

And after all these places to visit, if you are left with time then do visit Kailana Lake.  You can enjoy a boat ride there so visit there only in evenings. 

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN JODHPUR

• Take a walk to the old city, if you exit the Mehrangarh Fort from the back side then you can walk down to the old city. You can see the narrow by lanes and houses painted in blue.

• Rajasthani cuisine is among the most exotic cuisines in the country and can be had to one's heart's content in Jodhpur. Its unique culinary fare like the Makhaniya Lassi, Mawa Kachori and Mirchibada are a must try. If you are a non-vegetarian, then do visit Shaheen Restaurant to enjoy its delicious food.

• And if you are fond of jewellery, then do buy the lac bangles they are simply beautiful.

How To Reach:
By Air: The Jodhpur Airport is 5 km from the city center. Regular flight services connect the city with other major cities in and around Rajasthan. There are daily flights to Delhi, Mumbai, Udaipur and Jaipur.

By Train: Jodhpur is well connected by railway lines. Trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata are easily available. The 'Palace on Wheels' also visits this city of royal splendor.

By Road: Another convenient mode of transportation to Jodhpur is by road. The main highway between Jodhpur and Jaisalmer is via Agoli and Pokaran. The highway is well connected with Agra, Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer and Udaipur by bus.

The well connected city of Jodhpur has an airport and a railway station that links it with most major cities in the country.

•       Chittorgarh- 5 hours (288.7 kilometres)
•       Kumbhalgarh Fort- 3 and half hours (171 kilometres)
•       Udaipur- 4 and half hours (261.1 kilometres)
•       Jaisalmar- 4 and half hours (269.2 kilometres)
•       Jaipur- 5 and half hours (328.7 kilometres)
•       Pushkar-4 and half hours (212.6 kilometres)
•       Ajmer- 3 hours (198.6 kilometres)
•      Alwar- 7 and half hours (482.1 kilometres)