Movie Review: Wajah Tum Ho

Ab to karo kuchh aisa yaaron

Hosh na humko aaye

Kaise kahen hum pyaar ne humko

Kya kya khel dikhaaye  -  Remember this legendary Kishore Da song? No. Thankfully there was no rearrangement of this song in Wajah Tum Ho. But these were the exact lyrics that were echoing in my mind when I heard Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas and Aise Ne Mujhe Tum Dekho, the Wajah tum ho version.  Nothing probably will remain sacred.

Wajah Tum Ho- isn't there something very passionate about this phrase. Somebody could be the reason of your being, your Muse, your inspiration.  Only Vishal Pandya and team did not have enough passion for cinema or storytelling. And therefore Wajah Tum Ho is a film without a Wajah. Now, one would ask ‘why watch it when the teasers were not exciting enough?’ The one Wajah was Gurmeet Choudhary.

Like his previous outing which was also his debut, Khamoshiyan, Gurmeet gets to die in this film too. And that is not the reason why I want the makers of WTH to give me the two hours of my life back.

When you have too many thoughts in your head and know you have just two hours to tell your story, what do you do? You, of course, choose the plot and maybe subplots that will connect with the audience. And that does not involve letting the audience know about who satellite TV and hacking works. It is also unfortunate for the makers of  WTH that it released at a time when ‘desh ka bachha bachha’ (yes. Yes. This phrase was used in WTH) is actually talking about hacking, all thanks to the now legendary ‘Legion’. 

 The gory ‘LIVE’ murder on TV is not just puke worthy; it is also reminiscent of the shoddily made cinema. Not that ‘blood and gore’ haven't been executed well in World Cinema. Maybe the director of WTH did not have the time or the desire for a little research or inspiration. And come on. India does have voyeurs and the success of Big Boss is a testimony to the fact. But people about to dine, people sitting in cafes, etc; watching a live murder with gaping mouths? Our collective conscience does better than this.

 The dialog writing is patchy and lazy and has an overdose of the nineties.  Alright.  This Rahul Oberoi is a rapist and a womanizer. But his asking if he would get to ‘touch’ his legal head when his freedom and business empire is at stake; is hilarious. And Mr. Duggal and the lady, Sana Khan,  that plays his lawyer need lessons in acting. That is more important than looking gorgeous because ‘desh ka bachha bachha’ has gotten smarter.

Sharman as the Vardi wala says he gets to use all six bullets of the revolver on anyone, without any questions asked. Seriously? No one has told the makers of WTH about the debate around supposed fake encounters in this nation! And in 2016 who uses 'don't cross your limit' in a serious conversation between a media baron and a performing cop?  And which serious cop calls up a university in Amreeka and says ‘I am calling from India’! We are talking about India. Not Tristan da Cunha, for cinema’s sake.

Then there is Prakash Kutty’s cinematography that does nothing to help the movie. Neither does the editing. In the scene, where the junior cop comes to tell Kabir that they have the phone recording of the slain ACP; there is Gurmeet who plays the lawyer Ranveer,  and Kabir in the same frame.  Only Kabir reacts and Ranveer looks on. Seriously? He remains immune? And the editor lets the director keep that frame?  And neither Gurmeet nor Sana is ever seen analyzing the case. Even college kids caught giving proxy analyze more than these supposed lawyers do and find a way to get out of the way of their professor’s ire.

Oh but then this is more complicated. You don’t know what the Wajah of their actions is. So we go round in circles and it drags for two hours. ..

 The very positioning of the film in the erotic genre was a mistake. Lovers are supposed to get intimate, and that is not an erotic thriller and doesn't essentially need to be the focal point of a movie trailer. Neither Sherlyn Chopra, nor Zarine Khan help and the film would probably be better without them. And no. Not all raunchy / item numbers are trashed. Fevicol and Beedi being case in point.  In the era of internet, I am not sure people can be dragged to the theater with just heaving bosom and dashboard abs.

 The Wajah’s to criticize the film are many.  There is only one reason to not do so. Gurmeet. Wajah tum ho. I would probably just watch reruns of  Gurmeet’s serials and save my filmy heart from getting bruised any further. 

P.S- The makers of 'Hate Story 2&3' need a break.

In conversation with Rubina Ramesh

 I enjoyed this conversion. Read on and find out more about Rubina Ramesh

1.    Tell us about your journey, your childhood, and the career choices you made.  

You can call my childhood a complete novel. Don't worry will not torture the world with my stories.:D But it was both happy and sad. I had everyone - a joint family system with grandparents, uncles and aunts and cousins. And then I lost them all. One lesson which I learned is that 'a family is a fleeting happiness. Never take that for granted'. We all do that.

2.    How did you begin writing?

My grandfather was a scientist and a writer. He was an ardent fan of Rabindranath Tagore (typical Bengali quirk) and Shakespeare (a typical Bengali acquired taste. :D) and he was also a Chinese to English translator. From this powerhouse of a storyteller, my evenings would be lost sitting under the stars and listening to stories. From folklore to aliens kidnapping me and taking me away permanently - depending on the deed of my day I suppose. :P His tales were something. I would often confuse between reality and make-believe. My mom was a script-writer and she an ardent fan of Mills and Boon and Sidney Sheldon. How could I not but write? :D

3.    Tell us about your first book. How did you come up with the idea?

My first book is actually Finding the Angel but I took a long time to bring it out. In the meantime, I would pen short stories in Wrimo India group and from thoseKnitted Tales was born. It was ready to fly while my dear Angel took some more time. But everything happens for a reason and today, I can truly say I am happy the way it turned out to be.

4.    Do you have a writing routine?

I truly wish I had one. I try to make it a point to write 1000 words every day, though the target is set at 2000. But it never happens. TBC takes a chunk of my time and then family. Now if the Great Man above would just give me one hour extra every day - well, I am sure I will find a new reason to procrastinate.

5.    What are the challenges you faced as a writer?

Lack of time is the major drawback I think every writer faces. We have so many stories to tell, yet so less a time. I was worried, at one point of time, that I should not be known as a writer posthumously. Thank god, I am still breathing.

6.    How does it feel to be an Author? Tell us something about your Pre-Author life and Post-Author life?

The only difference between the two lives are- First I would go more to google.com and now I am always staring at amazon.kdp.com :P

7.    What are your favorite books and who is your favorite Author?

I started with Charles Dickens and Emily Bronte and moved on to Daphne du Maurier. Then as my then principal would say, fell down to Mills and Boon and Carolyn Keene :D But I love all authors and books. Give me any story, I can read it. Today from Dan Brown to SundariVenkatraman, from Sidney Sheldon to Sudha Murthy. Yours too Paulami has left an impact on my life.  Currently, If I have to point towards one author - Nora Roberts.My all-time favorite.

8.    You have been promoting books and reaching out to authors. What inspires you to promote works of these writers.

This is a tough question. Initially, it started as fun and then it became a venture :) The Book Club started in 2014 just to gather reviews. Frankly speaking, I did not have much knowledge during that time. What I had was insomnia. :D TBC is like an anchor to me, holding me to my roots. It was due the Indian Authors.

9.    Not all stories and narrations are good. How do you handle the urge to write a not so good review?

What is a good narration? And what is a good story? This is so subjective. I only see one thing, could I connect to the story? After I shut down the pages, do I feel bad that it's over? I have often accused of giving only good reviews. But that is not the case. Unlike many reviewers, I don't review the book that I want to give 2 stars or below. I do send a private note to the author and that is between us. End of the day, my reviews are not about my writing skills. I don't need to bash an author to display that. But believe me, sometimes, it's very tempting. I am this close to it, but I hold back. Reviewers do a very tough job Paulami, and they often don't even get thanks. Sometimes, the authors forget and sometimes they don't like the review.

10.    Message for new writers and your readers.

To new writers: Join me. Take the plunge. It's not that scary.

To Readers: Write to me at rubinaramesh1973@gmail.com and let me know if there is any story in Knitted Tales which would look good as a novel. Personally, I want to do Lolita. What would you want?

Rapid Fire –

A writer you have a secret crush on and want to reach out through this interview. - Sidney Sheldon (*giggles* sorry Paulami, not falling into this trap :D ) May he be one of my assigned Muses!

Something crazy you have done. Like scaring or kissing a stranger.

Wicked! Ok this one is silly but I but....

If anyone has read The Naughtiest Girl in the School, they will know this famous line, "I am the naughtiest girl in the school. I bark and I bite." I wrote that on a piece of paper and put it on my school nemesis's back of the shirt. I was suspended for two days. And read 5 chapters of my moral science book. I would have preferred kissing a stranger to that torture.

Worst book you have read.

The above mentioned moral science book.

A political personality you hate- No Trump, please. Too obvious.

Does it matter? They will get a mention and feel more important. But the same person whom you hate Paulami :D

One person, you want to block/ unfriend/ unfollow on social media.

Shakespeare.(just imagine :D)  He made my life miserable with all the 'th's

Book Review : Confessions On An Island by Ayan Pal

This review of Confessions On An Island comes in late and I apologize to the author. However, the

plot of the novel stayed with me much after I finished reading it. On a recent visit to a beach resort to Goa, I had an evening to myself at a secluded beach, and my team was yet to reach. While the hotel guests began to retire and the restaurants begun to fall quiet, I was immediately reminded of the marooned woman protagonist of Ayan Pal’s novel. I feel that is the mark of good writing. If a story is able to intrude your thoughts while you are on a holiday, the author must have written something great.

The blurb is intriguing enough to make you take notice of the book. “An abducted woman trapped on an island is given a chance to escape, provided she tells stories emerging from the stories her intriguing abductor tells her. 

Clueless about why she is being forced to participate in this game of Russian Matryoshka Dolls, the woman, a bestselling author, decides to play along. And therein begins a thrilling tale narrated by an island. 

Of a man and woman consumed by the power of their imagination and truth, even as the stakes are gradually raised. Soon the only way out is in – into the past, heart and mind. 
The island is ready to confess. 

Are you ready for the truth?”

  Even though Confessions On An Island is Ayan’s debut novel, he is no newbie in the world of writing.  I have read his short stories in various anthologies and he maintains the lucid style in this novel as well.
  To write a novel like Confessions On An Island must have been an exhaustive exercise.  I would not divulge much, but the novel travels through various places and each chapter is a short story, knitted through Ayan’s deft narration. Ayan is a great observer and has done in-depth research for this novel. His writing style never bores you and you become a part of the characters, wanting to know more, wanting to know the ‘why’ and ‘when’.
The characters are so real that you actually begin to hate, want to save and get involved in the entire process. I like this bit of the creative process. If the characters are distant and perfect beings, there is no fun in reading. Confessions On An Island scores big on characterization and each character has many layers.
 Confessions on an Island is also a reminder that we now have a fresh voice in Indian writing and I am sure the author has more stories for us on his writing desk.
  The editing by Indrani Ganguly deserves a special mention, and so does the cover.


Is there a sequel in making, Ayan?

Book Review : His Drunken Wife by Sundari Venkatraman

Blurb: The badass Shikha is startled when the nerdy Abhimanyu proposes marriage. She loves herself, and Abhimanyu doesn’t figure on her list anywhere. For Abhimanyu, however, it was love at first sight when Shikha walked into RS Software, where the two of them work.

When Abhimanyu shows her that he just might be rich enough for her, a pleasantly surprised Shikha accepts his marriage proposal and moves into his swanky apartment.

But it looks like the love is all from only Abhi’s side as Shikha continues to drink herself crazy. Yeah, even at their wedding party.

And then Abhi sets out on a honeymoon to Thailand with his drunken wife. 

Review : I have read The Madras Affair and  The Smitten Husband by Sundari Venkatraman and like the flow of her stories. There is something short and sweet about them and her writing style adds to the feel of a romance.  When I first saw the cover of His Drunken Wife, my imagination was on a motion picture mode in which I could see women getting drunk in parties and taking the piano to sing a sad song. But the author had something very different in store for me. What I liked about the book is the handling of a very sensitive subject. I am not pro liquor ban of even for dry days. But alcohol addiction is a reality and people have found it difficult to handle it. Sundari also brings in a therapist who actually does therapy. Therapy for any addiction of physiological problem is not glamorous. Thumbs up to the author for handling it realistically. 

  What I could not relate in the beginning was Abhimanyu’s wish to marry her and was sure he has something sinister in mind. Well, I need to stop watching erotic thrillers that Bollywood makes every year. But turns out Abhimanyu is a man who is serious about Shikha and wants to go all the way to cure her of the addiction. However, Abhimanyu is hardly boring and I am sure Shikha chooses to marry him for more. It just can’t be his bank balance and penthouse. He appears a little weird in the beginning but intelligently stops Shikha from smoking and gets her to do some ‘real work’ at work at the office. 

  I know Sundari creates very likable heroes. But this time it is Shikha that has my thumbs up. There is perhaps nothing perfect or brilliant about her. But that is what makes her more real. I liked the way her past is discussed briefly. People lead broken lives for a reason. And the author doesn’t go into preaching or a rant. It comes in the narrative and it passes. 

So what are you waiting for? The book should be on your shelf. 

In conversation with Jatin Kuberkar

Tell us about your journey, your childhood, the career choices you made.

To tell about my journey would mean writing a book titled ‘Everything inside a Nothing’

I was born and brought up in the rustic town of Nizamabad, AP. My childhood was full of stories from my Grandma, Gilli-Danda, Marbles, and very less cricket. Those days, I used to make my own toys and play with them. I was (I still am) an avid day dreamer. I wanted to be a doctor when someone in our family died of a disease, I almost proclaimed to become a scientist when I first realized that vinegar and soda cause a reaction, the botanist in me spoke when the Gardner in our school nursed my wound by crushing the juice out of a leaf, the idea of being a teacher hit me when I taught my juniors on a teacher’s day, I was an actor after Sharukh Khan, singer after Sonu Nigam, musician after AR Rehman…these ‘aspirations’ are not just dreams but a bit of them exists in me as a result.

Later when beard and mustaches began encroaching my face, from somewhere a thoughtstruck me ‘now it’s time to get serious about life…’

With the little bit of music I knew, I started working at All India Radio (local FM) as a part time musician, performed a good number of items – composed some hit numbers and then fell in ‘Love’ and my perspective towards life was to change yet again.

‘you have to be rich to get the girl’ a friend suggested and that was the end of my career as a musician. ‘IT and computers full demand may hai yaar!’ was another suggestion and I joined NIIT (though I was doing B.Com). Computer programming was like a cake walk for me (the knowledge from all that I had attempted, I guess). My excellence in NIIT gave me an opportunity to work as a trainee in Hyderabad and later I won a Job…

How did you begin writing?

To the best I remember, my first poem was about the horn of a city bus. I was five then. As a child I used to write and publish an ‘in-house’ magazine called ‘Sience Reportor’ (better read as Science Reporter) that contained articles about my research written in a dirty handwriting. I used to get naturally connected to Kabir and Surdas. Essays, short stories, speeches, slogans, mono acts were a part of regular school routine. But, there was a hitch in the ‘writing’ part of it. My handwriting is yacks!! Now, after writing an imaginary research paper about it, I know it for a fact that some people who think fast, cannot write neatly because their hand cannot match the speed of their thoughts! J

However, the academic world junked my research findings and all my stories and essays saw the dustbin. But that was only until a teacher, by looking at the volume of my writing, decided to read it. Alas! he can’t read ‘Greek and Latin’ and so, I was summoned. When I read out my essay, he complimented me: ‘you have the gift of writing’. It did not make any sense to me then, and out of fear, I stopped writing.

Then, once at a birthday party, I was made in charge to look after a group of kids. I did not know how to control them and so, I started with a story.It started with a magical house and ended inside an earthen pot! I was baffled at my own imagination! If that was for starters, another one happened in my college…the boring lecture on civics made me peep through a window and there is found a gardener working in the blazing sun. he inspired me and I wrote a story about him. I read it to my friends, they liked it and may be that is how I ‘rediscovered’ writing.

Tell us about your first book. How did you come up with the idea.

My first book is titled ‘While I Was Waiting’. It contains short stories based on my observations and real incidents that happened to me when I was waiting at various situations. After I rediscovered writing, I used to put my thoughts on a paper whenever I have time. They mostly were my observations about things and people around me. When I knew blogging, I began posting them under the title, ‘From The Streets of Hyderabad’. At a point my friends suggested to look for a publisher as they found it worth being read. That’s how my first book happened.

Do you have a writing routine?

NO…I write to get out of my boring routine!

I may not follow a routine, but I do a lot of thinking, contemplating and mining in my mind. I keep observing people on the street, at my office, at the market place and everywhere. They teach me a lot! Most of my characterization is done right there…

What are the challenges you faced as a writer?

Time is always against a writer like me!! when my book gets released- there are escalations at the workplace, when I want to do a blog tour- I get an onsite project, when I want to attend a lit-fest – I fall sick, thanks to the stress at office!

As a writer, I feel the only challenge is to maintain the rhythm in the given ‘extremely limited’ time.

How does it feel to be an Author? Tell us something about your Pre-Author life and Post-Author life?

JI found no difference until this happened to me at a party:

I was being introduced to a person who did not care to even give a handshake at first but then, the introducer mentioned, ‘Jatin is the Author of 2 books…’ the reaction suddenly changed

‘Oh! That is so nice to know…let’s talk…’ he put his arms around me and even bought me a drink!

What are your favorite books and who is your favorite Author?

My god of writing is R. K. Narayan and next would be Ruskin Bond. After them, I have only favorite books. I don’t follow authors as a brand.

I read only when I am travelling or bored. I like reading book that tell a different story. My fav books are Harry Potter, The Alchemist, Like the flowing river. I read Asura the Tale of the Vanquished recently and loved the way the author derived his perspective. I think this is what an author should do. Show the world something different, tell a new story, derive inspirations from almost invisible or oblivious source!!

Message for new writers and your readers.

“Do not rush to get published” take your time. Do it slowly.

Review : With you I Dance by Aarti V. Raman

When I received a review copy of With you I Dance by Aarti V. Raman, I fell in love with two things. The cover of the book and the names of the protagonists.  There was something endearing about the two names- Abeer and Meera.  This reviewer has two left feet was eager to read the book on a ballerina. 
  

With You I Dance is a romance, but what I like about romance writers these days is they do address social , emotional or even psychological issues and things are not limited to champagnes and fine dining and private jets. 

Every young woman who is a passionate professional would identify with Meera Sagar the
protagonist of With you I Dance. After all, we all go through phases that we aren’t too happy or proud of. Meera had a job that she loved, a ballerina with one of the most prestigious ballet companies in New York. The man she loved also loves her deeply. But then not everything is okay for Meera and one night changes everything for her. She takes a decision she isn’t very fond of, to come back to her parent’s house in Mumbai.  And that homecoming leads to the inevitable – marriage proposals that her family is keen on. Meera belongs to a well to do Gujarati family, so sustenance is not a problem for her. However, leading a meaningful life and pursuing a passion go missing and Meera is no off sync. 
 Where does the man who loved her vanish?  Thanks to the author, Abeer Goswami is right back in Mumbai and in Meera’s life.  He was is a very honest and honorable man.  This man is nursing a broken heart but tries to be a friend to Meera, to reach out, to help.  Now isn’t that sweet? 
 And then there is Zoya Sehgal, who is as sexy as her name. And she isn’t just successful and Meera’s only friend in the city, she is also the woman Abeer is supposedly now seeing.  
So what does it now make out of Meera’s life? Does she begin to run the business that she now wants to? Does she begin dancing again or has she given her last performance long , long ago? To reveal, these would be a disservice to the book. 
  What I liked about the narrative is the imperfections in Meera’s character.  The author has made Meera real and relatable. With You I Dance is about second chances, in life, in love and in passion. There are doors waiting to be opened which will lead the protagonist to a better tomorrow. How Meera reaches that path is for the reader to find out. 

P.S- This will make a perfect read for the upcoming holiday season. It will leave you with a sweetness and make you feel hopeful. 

Spotlight - With You I Dance by Aarti V.Raman

Book Tour

With You I Dance
by

Aarti V Raman

Blurb

Meera Sagar had everything—the perfect job as a principal ballerina (for a prestigious New York ballet company) and a man who loved her as much as she loved him. But tragedy struck on the night before her biggest performance, forcing her to do the one thing she never wanted to do—come back home. To Mumbai.

Now, a year later, Meera is still trying to pick up the pieces, while fending off marriage proposals from her well-meaning but traditional Gujarati family, and figure life out all over again. By starting a ballet school in Mumbai. But she has two problems. One, she doesn’t know anything about running a business. And two, she can’t dance. Not anymore.

Enter . . .
Abeer Goswami. Hotshot junior partner at a South Bombay law firm and a man nursing a broken heart. When he meets Meera again, the woman who left him, he tries his hardest to be her friend, to help her . . . and not let the past get in the way.

And then . . .
There is the sexy Zoya Sehgal. Meera’s only friend in the city and the woman Abeer is currently seeing. They say triangles have pointy edges, for a reason. Will Meera find a new dream in her ballet school? Can Abeer and Meera find their way back to each other again? And, most important, has Meera danced for the last time?

With you I dance is a warm, funny, at times heart-rending, love story of second chances, true love, and finding yourself when your dearest dream has vanished.

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About the Author

Aarti V Raman is an established novelist in the romantic thriller genre (White Knight, Kingdom Come) with her third book, a contemporary romance titled “With You I Dance” out soon with Fingerprint Publishing.

29 years old, she graduated from Mumbai University in 2007 with a degree in Mass Media focused on Journalism, which provided her the perfect background for conducting sound research on any project. She then went on to study Creative and Professional Writing at Deakin University in Melbourne for post-graduation in 2008. It was there that she learned to hone her craft and lifelong ambition of writing romances that had strong characters and stronger stories that remained etched in the reader's minds.

While waiting for her big break, Aarti pursued commercial writing and gained a vast amount of knowledge (from fishing tackle to soft toys) that she claims have helped her with molding better stories. Her first novel "White Knight" was published by Leadstart in 2012 and gave her the impetus to continue writing. In 2013, her work was excerpted in the Tamil Edition of Mills and Boon novels. And in 2014, her short story "Post-Coital Cigarette" was chosen to be part of the Rupa Romance Anthology "An Atlas of Love" curated by bestselling author Anuja Chauhan.

Her latest novel "Kingdom Come" (Harlequin MIRA) has enjoyed a brief stay at the bestseller lists in Amazon India. Her work is represented by Red Ink Literary Agency, Delhi. And very recently, she was a speaker and panellist at the Goa Arts and Literary Fest 2014, Vth Edition.

She is currently expanding her skill set to include copy editing, content marketing, and creative writing workshop that help her explore the wonderful world of words in various forms.

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In conversation with RJ Roy

Thank you for conversing with me Roy.

1. Tell us something about your journey? 

I never wanted to be a radio jockey. And, the irony is, I completed 10 years in radio on 5th July this year! And, 13+ years of anchoring shows - another dimension which I did not even think of during my B.Com days in St. Xavier's College, Kolkata.But one thing that I was sure about in 2001, after graduation, that I wanted to leave commerce forever.I wanted to be an actor - a dream that is yet to be fulfilled completely, except for some telefilms, short films and two movies.Right now, I host the morning show on Radio One, Monday to Saturday, 7am to 12noon, which I am doing since 2008.

2. How did you develop your love for music? How does it feel to play people’s favourite music and making them smile?

Just the way the "90s kids" developed their passion for music - from Chitrahar on Doordarshan to Mirch Masala on DD2 and Superhit Muqabla, songs played in pandals during Durga Puja and other musical shows in localities and of course cassette players at home...I am sure that I cannot bring a smile on every llistener's face, because it's impossible to please every pair of ears.So, I go by the popular songs - literally "playing" safe, and also add a certain percentage of not so common but some soulful songs on the my music menu.

3. What are the challenges that you faced when you wanted to take up RJing? did you hear anything weird? 

The biggest challenge or a warning, if I am to put it like this, was the speed of my utterings. Usain Bolt could become a champ only after I slowed down over the years.And, then I was told that my voice was bit "heavy" for my age then, when I joined radio in 2006.Today, that is my prime identity. 

4. How was your first audition?

Started off well, but the end was unlike the famous proverb. That was for Radio Mirchi in 2003, just before they were about to launch in Kolkata.I was one of the prime 25 in the final round. But, failed badly, only to join Mirchi in 2006, but not as an RJ.RJing happened with Radio One from 2008.

5. You do a morning show now. Are you a morning person or is it a struggle to make it to the studio?

I am very very much a morning person, as very very much Amjad Khan is the Gabbar.No villain was insulted in the making of this statement.No struggle ever was undertaken to make it to the studio, because the B.Com years in Xavier's demanded a wake-up alarm set at 4.30am.Now, it rings at 5.30 every morning.No dream ever was killed for the run to the studio.

6. Radio and its association with the people of India runs very deep. Do you think the it is a very underutilized platform today?

Many of the RJs in India cite the first ever Independence Day speech by Jawaharlal Nehru, which was broadcasted live on radio.The birth of our independent nation has a deep connection with radio.And, we bengalis can cite another example, that of Mahalaya and the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra - another association with the bengalis since almost independence. 

But this association has "heard" a setback with the advent of internet and other visual modes of infotainment.Radio being a very personal and live medium, can be used to convey important messages across the nation, without using it's power for political agendas.

7. Tell us about Shabdabaaji. How did you conceive the idea?

The basic idea came during my college days, when I became a huge fan of english word games.And, I wondered while playing those games - are there bengali versions of all of them? Not many, I found out soon.And then I started developing the vernacular versions of those word games.In about 3-4 years, I developed and created some 15-20 games, and named the collection "Shabdabaaji : Bengali Word Games". I started doing a show on radio on Shabdabaaji from 2010, launched a website in 2012, launched a mobile game in 2013 and a book on some of the word games was published in 2014.And today, we visit schools-colleges-book fairs-locality events to conduct Shabdabaaji game shows and spread the love for our mother tongue

8. How does it feel to connect with people through Shabdabaaji? I am sure there are many who have no idea about Bangla words and spellings. How do you react? 

Any language can be learnt by practise.Shabdabaaji throws a challenge at every bengali to identify common bengali words.The smile on their faces, when they actually can identify, or, the dejection when they make a silly mistake - connects them to our purpse.

Many bangalis lack the basic sence of spelling in bangla.But we never show our frustration. Rather we teach them the rules and principles of word-making and encourage them to use more bangla words, read and speak more and more in bangla.

9.You are also passionate about acting. Tell us something about that. 

That passion is like the lost Black Money from the Indian economy.Like some of the money has been found, I too have found myself in two movies so far.Like our PM's dream of conquering all the Black Money, I too dream of a kingdom of my own. And like some people who are not listening to our PM's appeal, some people do not pay attention to my call as well. So, my passion is still looking for it's Airbus A320 to take a flight...

10. Message for youngsters that want to joining radio.

Be a Jack(or Jill) of all trades ( In the age of cost-cutting and T20 cricket, every station prefers all-rounders), but for sure, be a master of pun, GK, current affairs, voice modulation, social media, selfies, tags, status updates etc. (the last four are not mandatory though, going by the way radio rocks in 2016 and beyond, maybe...)

Rapid fire –

How do you handle female fan following? Do you get letters, friend requests from crazy fans? 

A.) female fans are like the 3-4 degrees sudden fall in temperature in winter, which makes you feel - yes, you do exist! Crazy fans are like a sudden fall of 10-12 degrees which makes you feel, oh heck, you are rare and it's good once in a winter ;)

One crazy thing you did while drunk.

A)I never got drunk beyond a limit to let my mind create a personal version of the movie Hangover. Nope, yet to be that crazy.... 

One interview you did and absolutely hated it

A) Luckily, none so far! 

One time you were star struck or had an instant crush while interviewing someone.

A)The interview of Priyanka Chopra over the phone for the movie What's Your Rashee. I had few whacky questions on the menu, to answer which, one must be witty.She was super witty.And, one of her answers made me fumble on the next one.She laughed out loud on that fumble - like it was her winning moment! But, she praised my questions. And, that was my moment of glory! (blushing) ooh yesss, Piggy Chops chopped my heartbeats into pieces and pieces and pieces...

The worst kiss ever 

A) Worst would be the first ever kiss, that happened in college.Since practise makes a man perfect (and women too), none everafter has been worse, except for all the Muaaahs I got over phonecalls and from a distance.After all, kiss ne kaha hai ke kiss dur se diya jata hai? 

Author Interview - Deepti Menon

Deepti Menon has always believed in the power of the pen. Having done her post graduation in

English Literature and her B.Ed. in English, she had the option of teaching and writing, and did both with great enjoyment. She started writing at the age of ten, long before she acquired a Diploma in Journalism. She also had the advantage of being an Army kid, and later an Army wife, and loved the idea of travelling around India, meeting new people and acquiring new skills. She firmly believes that much of her personality was honed during those travels.
In 2002, her light-hearted book, ‘Arms and the Woman’, depicting life as seen through the eyes of an Army wife, was published by Rupa Publishers, Delhi. Deepti has been a part of numerous anthologies and her second book ‘Shadow in the Mirror’ is receiving critical acclaim. 

      

     

        Tell us about your book, ‘Shadow in the Mirror’. How did you get the idea for it? What is it about?

My book ‘Shadow in the Mirror’ came about from a tiny germ of an idea that took hold of my mind, and refused to let go. You know how tenacious germs can be! It was my central idea and my entire story got written around it.

‘Shadow in the Mirror’ is a story that starts off with a mysterious death, from which point the stage is set for all the other characters to enter, and create a saga in which all their lives are entangled. The cover image of the riveting lady with a huge red bindi only adds on to the drama! If you like suspense, I think you will enjoy reading her story.

     How long did you take to finish the book? How did you decide the title?

The book took twelve years in the writing. The actual writing took around two years but my manuscript lay in a dusty corner till I revived it, with the timely help of Dipankar Mukherjee of Readomania and his editors, twelve years later.

 The book was initially ‘The Girl in the Mirror’, but by the time I had revived my book, that title was taken, which actually worked as a blessing in disguise, as this title is definitely more eye-catching.

      Tell us about your journey as a journalist.

I worked for around seven years as a freelance journalist and enjoyed every moment of it. I even wrote a breezy piece on it. J

http://deepties.blogspot.in/2011/12/its-my-life-after-all.html

It was a lark as I wrote lifestyle articles and interviewed many interesting personalities like Jeffrey Archer, Ruskin Bond, actors Vijay and Jayaram, Shobhaa De, and many more. I finally had my own section in a magazine called Inbox 1305, a creative venture by the amazing Jyoti Agarwal, in which I reviewed plays, books and people. I thoroughly enjoyed that.

   What was ‘Arms and the Woman’ about?

I was born an Army brat, and turned into an Army wife when I got married to an Army officer. ‘Arms and the Woman’, which was published in 2002 by Rupa, took a light-hearted look at my life within this great institution, and talked about everything from postings to dining-in parties, maids and pets, and the wonderful camaraderie within the entire Army family. I also touched upon the travails that the Services wives have to go through, which make them appreciate the little joys of life even more.

  Tell us about Deepti, the person. What makes you angry or upset? What are the things that you care about?

Well, as Linda Goodman put it, if you go to a gathering and find one person there with her foot in her mouth, that will be a Sagittarian. That pretty much defines me, even though long years in the Army did make a slight dent in that aspect. J But I think that I have been lucky that I have inherited both a funny bone and an optimistic spirit which keep me going for hours.

However, certain things make me see red – animals being ill treated, and people being slighted, especially the elderly. I also don’t appreciate liars, cheats and double-faced people.

I care about relationships very deeply. My family means a lot to me, and so do my friends. I adore my books and my collection of Ganeshas. And of course, the one little person who absorbs my entire attention and affection today is my little granddaughter, Zoya!

What do you consider the biggest challenge in writing?

I think that the biggest challenge in writing is to ensure that your writing sparkles and that your words catch the eye of your readers, and lodge themselves in their hearts. As someone put it so aptly, “Leave a little sparkle wherever you go.” Unless you love your own writing, no one else will do so. Editing your own writing is heartbreakingly challenging, as you never do want to kill any idea, or character, or plot that you have hatched.

    What will you be working on next?

I have a manuscript that I completed in the last NaNoWriMo, which I haven’t touched. I am also participating this year. So those are two WIPs which I would like to polish and serve to my readers with a smile. J

  Any message that you would like to give to our readers and aspiring writers.

Read as much as you can for there is so much out there to be savoured. Write from your heart and create your own style. Above all, live life with love and compassion and that will show in your writing as well.

Thank you so much, dear Paulami, for giving me a chance to decipher my own self! <3