Thursday, May 24, 2007

On "Rutu Sparsha"...

Perpetual Literature stands for Nature.

“Instead of turning unaided facing nature’s zeal, just give up and have the flavor, but while experiencing the excitement, try not to involve in the phony proposes given by maudlin dreams of the season as these assaults of the season are accustomed with time. Time never surrenders to the feathery rule of season. Seasons can influence a moment or a span, but when time comes, season also compelled to leave. They belong to no one. Not even to themselves. Season is a sweet dream of Nature. ”

These are the opening lines of Shyam Pethkar’s “Rutu Sparsha”; the outstanding anthology of fictional pieces subject to the mixture of various essences of nature, for this book shows Shyam Pethkar at his very best – a veritable paean of praise for the beauty and bounty of nature, unsullied by any worry or care.It’s about all petals of bloom of nature. Not only the seasonal makeover of nature, but also its effects on perceptive human hearts have been revealed with excellence by the writer.

“Rutu Sparsha" is a lifetime experience of an observant, sensitive, and accomplished writer which provides the same to the readers having living and feeling hearts inside their bodies. It forms an influence which makes you think regarding what you are trailing while struggling to gain the worldly triumphs.Right from the origin of ancient civilization in India, we are strongly attached with nature. Our culture and customs came into existence regarding the Nature’s mood. With the progress of bits and pieces, regrettably we are forgetting that we are also the element of Nature. This work exposes melancholy of present Indian urban working youth, which is moved to the town from countryside only for their bread and butter and strongly miss the natural gloom under which they developed. The town life is unable to idolize various figures of nature and this made them homesick. But, this is not only about the nostalgia of town life. It’s a worth praising expression of nature’s magnificence and mastery over human conducts and culture. It confirms the spiritual association of nature to human sensitivity. That’s what our Vedas and Upanishads do.

"The excellence of every art is its intensity, capable of making all disagreeable evaporate from their being in close relationship with Beauty and Truth." This is John Keats’s quote and ideal for the fineness of “Rutu Sparsha.” While experiencing this piece of literature, we realize ourselves as an inseparable part of nature and this feeling bound us to believe that this world belongs to me. This book lifts us right from the countryside to the “Citizenship of World.” We conclude while confessing nature’s supremacy over us and bow in front of Almighty Nature.

"The foam frilled waves,
The deep dark caves,
The success smiles
andFailure weeps
The music of dawn
The evening song
The huge skykissing,
Mountain tips.
The joy of love
The cry ofdeath
The strong atheism
And super-strong faith
Everysatisfaction and every pain
Every fragment of every grain
Every drop offalling rain
andEvery word from poetic brain
All belong toyou.
My heart,
My mind,
My life
My soul… Too.

“Rutu Sparsha” is a Perpetual Literature.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

I’m PS Crazy!

“Sony Launches PS3 in India.”
The news began the new sensation in the world of TV and online Gaming. All the PS Crazy people like me are exited to experience the class of PS3. It will show us the never before reality graphics, great surroundings, lively sound effects and will provide the brand new gaming experience. Though, it is launched in India, it will take a long to reach in my town. Till then, all PS lovers like me are waiting disparately for the new creation. But this launch of PS3 recalled all the memories of PlayStation; right from PS1. I lost in past with all those unforgettable actions with these ancestors of PlayStation.
We used to play Video Games those days. I was in 7th or 8th class, when I acquire skill in this business. Almost everyone in my friend circle had his own TV Game and we used to argue on whose Game is best. But we were not extreme about the TV games like today’s youngsters. Our ‘time to play the game’ was the noon time; most prominently the summer noon as we can’t play on ground due to scorching heat. Today, when I see the school goers busy with TV Games in the evening time, I feel pity over them. They are missing such a precious experience of playing on ground due to there thoughtless passion for PlayStations and other TV Games. But on the other hand, I feel pity on my seniors too. Many friends of my age and almost all my elder ones were away from PS when they were young. Most of them were told when they were in college that these games are for kids and not for the college going youth. Many of them were not ready to accept this new type of gaming as they were more familiar with the sports they were playing at that time. Whatever may be the reason, I consider those who never experienced PS as unfortunates. They lost the grand pleasure in their life. Because PS, if enjoyed in intended manner helps to enhance your knowledge, concentration, creativity and sportsman spirit. It provides you a new charm and refreshment and makes you ready to accept new challenges in life. So, I consider myself a lucky person who enjoyed ground as well as PS; both with full delight.
My introduction to PS One was quite like a step forward. We enjoyed the Video games a lot till three four years and many games were fully mastered by us. I was in 11th class at that time and was happy with PC games when one of my friends brought PS One. It was amazing to watch the graphics and effects even better than PC graphics on simple TV. The PS joystick was easy to handle and it was a different experience to play PS. My first game on PS1 was ‘Xena - The Worrier Princess.’ Whenever I got time, I used to try hands on various challenges in ‘Xena.’ The skill of throwing the weapon on target was fairly acquired by me due to regular practice. But Xena was a only ‘one player’ compatible game. Though, it was a great pleasure to complete various stages of this difficult feeling game, it wasn’t always possible to share the charm with friends. So, the ‘Tekken’ and ‘Smack Down’ Era began. Both these games were mastered by me within few days. Though I was not unconquerable like some other friends in my group, I was a good player of both these games. After these three games, I tried my hand in so many games, but unfortunately I was unable to achieve the top in any other game accept these three. I don’t know why, may be due to the fear of failure; but I never liked the games like car race, bike race and gothic missions like ‘Fatal Frame’ and ‘Alone in the Dark.’ Even I never played the games like ‘James Bond 007’ and ‘Matrix’ as I was a big loser in these games.
Well, I was not the biggest loser. It may be possible for me to attain the respect in these games too, but the arrival of PS2 stopped the mission PS1 for me. News about PS2 launch was on Internet and in newspapers like today’s PS3s’, when we arranged the PS2. The graphics were almost like 3D. Even the PC with high end graphics card was unable to show such quality graphics. My favorite mission in PS2 is ‘Onimusha.’ This is not just the game for me. The second part of this game, ‘Samurai’s Destiny’ is I think the best part of the game. Not only the graphics and sounds but the storyline, the characters, emotions, all are of high quality. I was so much influenced by the story of ‘Samurai’s Destiny’ right from the moment I start playing this game. It was nothing but the influence of ‘Onimusha 2’ under which I wrote my first ever series for kids in Marathi Daily ‘Tarun Bharat.’ My story ‘Mahan-Vijay’ was indeed an Indian avatar of this Japanese story. It appeared through the ‘Spandan’ supplement of ‘Tarun Bharat’ regularly till 18 months. In this way this game gave me fame and money besides pleasure and attentiveness.
The missions like ‘Onimusha’ enhanced the creativity, alertness and memory, while the combats like ‘Tekken 5’ and ‘Smack Down – Here Comes the Pain’ awarded the sportsman spirit and self confidence. Like PS1, my first choice in PS2 was none other than ‘Smack Down.’ Actually ‘Here Comes the Pain’ edition of Smack Down is all time favorite edition of most of the players. After this edition, two next generation games were released but the magic of ‘Here Comes the Pain’ is still spanking new. Even today, whenever I got the time, I choose this very game to refresh my mind. Nowadays, time and workload hardly permits most of us to enjoy PS for a long time like old days. But this doesn’t make me sad at all because we enjoyed the magic and ruled on this digital kingdom for quite a long time.
Though, as we know, a kid dwells in every grown up person; I am waiting for newest member of PS family. The online gaming is a stream open for all age groups and the magic of Broadband is spreading rapidly all over. These two events are innovating the new era in gaming. I am waiting for this new taste as I am a PS crazy right from childhood.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

‘May’ will make you “Music Crazy!!”

May bring the Mania!

Usually Month of May is Summer Vacation period for all Indians. Most of the people enjoy holidays with cold stuffs. Especially, the scorching sun in central India never allows people here to work restlessly for full day as a result of which, May is considered as a month of inactiveness and lethargy.

But the Year 2007 may be the exception! This year, May celebrates its grand entrance with not one, not two but three national music talent hunt reality based shows. All set for set India’s Indian Idol III. Zee is turning into a battlefield for the musical combat called as ‘Musical World War I.’ and finally, Star TV also launching the long awaited ‘Star Voice of India’ right in this month. May is the beginning of year’s Music Mania.

Music is passion for common middle class India after cricket. Importantly, after the disappointing world cup, ended with Australian domination, we were desperately waiting for a change. And the change is brought to us by May! Actually, May is the month of blossom and spring in Europe; so, its here with the gift of Musical Blossom for all. Indian Idol; the most beloved reality show in India is back with its third season. Udit Narayan, Alisha Chinoy and Javed Akhtar with the experienced attendance of Annu Malik will search for the third Indian Idol. Honestly, Sandeep Acharya; the second Indian Idol and his entire team of second season was little impressive as compared to the first batch of Indian Idol. So, judges had to work hard this year in order to elect the impressive troop.

Hard work of selecting singers is initially over for the musical mentors of Zee TV’s ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa challenge 2007 as all four music directors successfully elected the best talent not only from Indian subcontinent but also from England, America, South Africa and Dubai. As per the popular format of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, there will be four Musical legacies with six contestants in each. Last year’s victorious mentor Ismail Darbar and Rocking Himesh Reshammiya will celebrate their second successive year with this reality show. Though, people will miss Adesh Shrivastav and Jatin-Lalit this year, they will be replaced by All time favorite Bappi Daa and famous duo Vishal and Shekar. And for the fans of Adesh and Jatin-Lalit, there is no need to be disappointed as these two will appear on Star TV’s ‘Star Voice of India’ from 18th of May.

‘Star Voice of India’ is actually based the basic concept of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa invented by Gajendra Singh. The recent conflicts between Zee TV and Gajendra Singh; one of the oldest associate with Zee Television results in Singh’s new contract with Star Group. The earlier reincarnation of ‘Antakshari’ on Star One was the beginning of this new alliance. The next and vital step is ‘Star Voice of India.’ In this reality show, there will be three teams of judges; made up of one renowned singer and music director each; would take 24 budding singers under their wing and be their guiding light. Abhijit and Alka Yagnik; former judges in ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs’ will join Adesh Shrivastava and Jatin-Lalit; former mentors in ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Challenge 2005.’ The Show will be hosted by Shaan, who hosted last years ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’ and ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Little Champs;’ all with Zee TV.

The Heat is on –
The confusion and conflict is not over yet. The competition in this field of music is resulting in the conflict between father and son. Aditya Udit Narayan is the host of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa 2007’ whose father will judge the ‘Indian Idol 2007.’ Finally, behind the ‘Star Voice’, ‘Idol’, and ‘Musical World War’, the original war is between the TV Channels. Star, Sony, and Zee; the three milestones in the business will be in the ring as a ‘triple treat’ for the viewers. The comparisons, comments, controversies and conflicts will now form the impact. We witnessed the same type of competition when Star TV created KBC’s first season with Big B. Today, hardly someone may remind the names like ‘Sawal Das Karod Ka’ and ‘Chhappar Faad ke.’ Probably, the theory of ‘survival of fittest’ is applicable to this business also; but we must accept the fact that ‘Anything Can Happen in love and war’ and this competition is love towards music and war between the milestones. Though, the controversy regarding the future of the winners of these types of hunts is still there and will be there, we have to keep our fingers crossed as we are going to get not one, not two but three outstanding singers at the end of the season. The heat is on.

Do we enjoy them at each other's throats?-
From the start of ‘Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’; the concept of ‘war’ between the Gurus also started. The successful music directors actually quarreling for the sake of their contestants, using the language that has to be beeped on TV, are the common incidents during this show. This conflict made the show popular than that of Indian Idol. The controversial statements, the arguments then became the part of the show. Abhijeet’s rivalry with Alka Yagnik during ‘Little Champs’ was the reason for many people to watch the show. Even the channel made publicity of quarrels between these two through the clippings. Himesh and Ismail Darbar’s conflict, Himesh crying over the issue of his contestant’s loss, these types of issues deliberately created to gather the cheap publicity. In ‘Indian Idol’; judges denied the public opinion which created drama of Amey Datey last year. In Sa Re Ga Ma Pa challenge, the votes from Assam, and Arunachal made Debojit victorious, though he was not that promising touch in voice. Public submits SMS’s under the influence of regionalism, language, or any event took place regarding personal or communal comments. So, original talent may be ignored. But we enjoy the controversy. We enjoy the quarrel and the fuming comments from judge’s desk. Do we watch the talent hunt to see our favorite singer or composer using unfair language and quarreling with our another favorite? Anyways, good or bad, happy or sad; the shows are coming to us and we must thank the month of May for bringing out the right of selection.

-Chaitanya S Deshpande.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

On Movies, Music and Drama....

Movies –

I feel little bit lazy to go to the theatre and watch the movie. I don’t have a special choice in this field. Even I don’t have a favorite actor or actresses. I like to see Katrina Kaif, Kareina Kapoor and Sonali Bendre on screen, but not a dying fan of these divas. Moreover, I like Sanju Baba, Govinda, Akshay Kumar in a leading role. The character artists like Paresh Raval, Om Puri, Kader Khan, Sadashiv Amrapurkar, and the villains like late Amrish Puri, Gulshan Grover are the important personalities in Bollywood in my opinion. Among directors, I like Suraj Barjatiya and His production’s films like ‘Hum Aap Ke Hai Kaun’ and ‘Vivaha.’ I don’t like Karan Johar’s films that much, though he is doing great with his ‘cup of coffee.’ Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Nasiruddin Shah, Hema Malini, Aamir Khan, Hritik Roshan are the gems in Bollywood. Amitabh Bachchan is the Lord of Bollywood. I don’t like and don’t want to talk about the ‘Khan’ reign. About comedy side, Johnny Liver, Paresh Raval, Govinda, Rajpal Yadav, Shakti Kapoor and Kader Khan are milestones. Priyadarshan; with his outstanding light comedy films forming the impact like Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s legendary creations such as ‘Golmal’, ‘Naram Garam’, and ‘Chupke Chupke.’ My hot favorite films are ‘Sarfarosh’, ‘Nayak’, ‘Vivaha’, and ‘China Gate.’ With all these, I must quote some names before concluding this section – Amol Palekar, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, Om Puri, Rima, Vikram Gokhale, Om Prakash and Mehmood.
Marathi Films –
Regarding Marathi Film industry, I think its going through the stage of renaissance. In the middle age (1970-90) the Marathi film industry was all about comedy films, and light hearted melodies. Dada Kondke’s duel meaning films reigned on Marathi Industry for some period. Then it went through the era of Mahesh Kothare and Sachin. This era was the golden period when Laxya and Ashok were the rulers of the Industry. Then the era of ‘Halad Kunku’ films was witnessed by this industry. But from last decade, most prominently from last five years, the new blood entered in Marathi Film Industry and the really beautiful films like ‘Shwas’ are being made. Professional standard also enhanced and can be noticed in the films like ‘Khabardar’, ‘Agabai Arechhya’, and ‘Pachadlela.’ Marathi Film Industry can never compete with Bolleywood or South Indian Film Industry, but it is developing as an independent kingdom from last few years. Off course, thanks to Govt. for providing funds to producers.
My all time favorite Marathi films are Mahesh Kothare and Sachin’s creations like Zapatlela, Navari Mile Navaryala, Dhadakebaaj, Banwa-banwee, and Atmavishvas. Ashok Saraf, late Laxmikant Berde, Sachin, Kishori Shahane, Nivedita Saraf, Ashvini Bhave, Dilip Prabhavalkar, Smita Talvalkar, are the great names in Marathi Industry.
English Films –
I hardly watch Hollywood films, so can’t write much about them. Science fictions and graphics used in Hollywood are mind blowing. The Hollywood films are made in order to form material impact while Bollywood films are emotional and sentimental. The huge creations, special effects, marvelous locations, camera works always make Hollywood film an interesting film. The war fictions are really incomparable and I used to watch the war fictions from Hollywood. Jurassic Park series is my favorite series from Hollywood. Angelina Jolly, Brad Pitt, and some professionally super hit actors are notable names in this Industry. ‘Titanic’ is the milestone in worldwide film industry for sure. Some Hollywood actresses and models are unbelievably beautiful for example the English Rose Kate Winslet. I must mention the name of former miss world Natalie Glebova as the word ‘Beauty’ came around.

Music –
Music is my passion and I love to enjoy almost every kind of music. My music interest can be seen right from Hindi Film Music, Indian Classical or Semi-classical Music, Marathi semi-classical songs, to the rocking English numbers. I like to here everyone at different times. My favorite male singer in Bolleywood is Udit Narayan and female is Kavita Krishnamurthy Subramaniyam. In Indian classical music, I must bow in front of Pt. Jeetendra Abhisheki, Pt. Ajit Kadkade, Pt. Jasraj, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Kishori Amonkar, and many more. In Marathi semi classical, Arun Datey is my favorite. In English, Shakira, Old time Jackson, Brian Adams, Ricky Martin and the one who made Triple H’s entrance theme are my favorite. In Gazal or Mausiki, Ghulam Ali and Talat Aziz are favorites. Mageshkar Legacy is god’s precious reward to the world. Lata Didi, Asha Ji, Hridaynathji, Ushaji, all these are the legends and I bow in front of these music milestones. Kishore Daa, Manna Dey, Mohd. Rafee, Mukesh all are the legends of Indian Music Industry. The film music is been prospering since last century and all legendary composers including Madan Mohan, O P Naiyyar, Shankar Jaikishan and Laxmikanth Pyarelal are the responsible hands who nourished the film music. Among today’s composers, I think A R Rahman is best, not only in bolleywood but also in the world. Ravindra Jain is the miracle of destiny and his lyrics and music is divine. Among new talent in singing, I like Shreya Ghoshal and KK. About the hot favorite guy of todays youth, Atif, I have one different opinion. I think one can find at least three Atifs in every gully of Karachi and Islamabad. About controversial, Himesh Reshammiya, I think his tunes are really sweet and enjoyment for common viewers. About his nasal singing, I think that’s his own style through which he expresses his emotions like no other can do! Before some years, Bappi Daa’s style of singing was appreciated by all, then why we can’t enjoy Himesh now? Few singers from talent hunt are also brilliant e.g. Abhijit Savant and Himani. But I hate Kazi Taukir, Amit Sana, Sandeep Acharya, Karunya, Debojeet, and all other minus as they lack versatility and originality.
Being a music lover, I like to enjoy all singers as everyone has its own tone here in Bolleywood. I must mention few names before I conclude. Suresh Vadkar, Alka Yagnik, Abhijeet, Kumar Sanu, Sonu Nigam, Shankar Mahadevan, Anuradha Paudval, Sunidhi Chauhan, Richa Sharma, Chitra, SP Balasubramaniyam(Real velvet Voice), Poornima (Voice with Nakhra), Kailash Kher and Sukhavinder.

Drama –
I am a stage performer and I would like to share my views about Marathi drama here as I am not that much familiar with English or Worldwide stage. I think, being an active part of stage since last ten years, I can analyze the drama as I know the plus points and limitations in it. Marathi Drama can be differentiated mainly into three streams; Professional Stage, Parallel Stage and Amateur Stage. Professionals are all about light hearted dramas, comedies and farces. They are doing the business for the sake of business. They never even hesitate to create and comment on Hindu Mythological characters. The professional stage has two levels. High level includes the standard dramas and well known drama groups e.g. ‘Suyog.’ The high level drama groups create standard Marathi Dramas. Prashant Damle, Vandana Gupte, Bharat Jadhao, Mohan Joshi belongs to this elite panel. The second level includes professional but not well settled drama groups who use cheap ways to earn money. High level professional drama is changing slightly as new subjects other that comedies are coming through them.
Now, the parallel stage; which is not that much wealthy as compared to professionals, but this is the group of real drama lovers. They always try new things and provide new options to professional stage. Actors in parallel stage can be successful on professional stage but the vise-versa is hardly possible.
The Amateur stage is living just because Govt. still organizes the State Level Drama Competitions. These people are free to do whatever they want! They can copy the professional stage and parallel stage with in their own style, they can make a drama without any newer facilities for the sake of old feel; they can choose the old time scripts and make them new, they can even break the rules of standard drama and form a new concept. This is the stage which provides new concepts to Parallel stage. And the hit concepts from parallel stage are picked by professional stage. This means all the three stages are interlinked and forms direct or indirect impact on each other. Professional stage forms direct impact on Amateur while Amateur forms indirect impact on professional. Finally, the Marathi drama is one and it is developing constantly though the velocity varies time to time.