Shobhaa De: Dramarama!

If I’m politically incorrect then Shobhaa De is basically politically unfit to live on earth. What exactly is her deal? You know for the longest time, I heard people complain about her and never really agreed. For the most part, I agree with her statements, comments and opinions even. I agreed when she ousted Punit Malhotra and Sonam Kapoor for misbehaving on Twitter with her. It was wrong of them to call her an “old fossil” when all she did was giver her review for a film. And that is just one of many times I applauded her for being incredibly honest and not giving a crap. But recently, I find myself questioning her sense. It’s fine that you don’t agree with a situation or statement. That is normal. But to sit and tell people to then boycott a film? Now that is pushing the envelope. And I’m referring to Salman Khan’s situation with the Pakistani media regarding the so-called 26/11 comment he made that stirred up such controversy. I don’t think he intended to create such hysteria but of course, he is Salman Khan and even a small statement is blown out of proportion. You would think socialite and media queen Shobhaa De would have understood that. But nope, she goes and tweets that people should boycott Dabangg. What a drama queen move! What on earth does his film have to do with his comment? Fine, maybe I’m a huge Salman Khan fan but even then, her outburst was unnecessary.


There was an instance in the past where SRK called her,” she’s cynicism dressed in a designer sari.” At that point in time, I thought he was seriously in denial as usual. But looking back now, I can totally understand his reasoning for calling her a cynic. She seems to feel that beyond her and her opinions, no one else seems to matter. Look I’m not defending Salman. All I’m saying is everyone is entitled to an opinion. And thus, she has hers. However, is it fair to display it in this manner? I think not. Her new book is on the brink of release. God forbid she make a politically incorrect statement. Would she tell people to boycott her book? Probably not.

Radical Egypt!

As Indians, we have much to thank Egypt for. A small mundane example is Misri, crystalized sugar which we use for offering to our Gods. And for Sindhis, Misri is also the name for the engagement ceremony. Into a well decorated pot, 7 kgs of rock Misri is filled and handed over to the groom's mother. The sweet Misri signifies an abundant amount of sweetness which family and friends pray will roll over into the couples marriage. But this is all off topic.

Over the last two weeks, Egytians have set precedence for the Arab world. They have defined the real meaning of fighting for a government that just doesn't work. With the use of Social Media, the youth of the country took to the streets and protested. They simply were not going to deal with the atrocities that they had dealt with with 30 years of Mubarak reign. And while by now you know that I'm an NOT a Barkha Dutt fan but the lady put it all in perspective. "At one point in Cairo we feared that Tahrir could become Tiananmen square. Instead it gave birth to a modern day Salt March.." With Gandhi as her muse, the journalist compared the revolution of Egypt to the independence struggle of India. Perhaps, the Egyptians really understood Gandhi-giri better than we did and ever will. In complete unison, they set out to change the face of the Arab world. Albeit violence, they managed to overthrow a regime that wasn't making the cut. And all this, conducted by the youth of the country. Egypt will never be the same again. This isn't to say the journey is over for them. That is hardly the case. In fact, they have a rather steep hill to climb from here on. We've seen the military come in only to get too comfortable vis-a-vis Pakistan. And now, with no clear leader, the amount of corruption is bound to hit an all time high. A scary fact is the sheer fact that the opposition leader happens to be an Islamist. For Egyptians, that should raise warning signs. So yes, red flags are around but doesn't mean they haven't accomplished anything; their determination and courage deserves a global standing ovation. The question that hit me almost immediately was simple: why couldn't the youth of India do the same?

Look, we are hardly in need of a revolution. India in itself is a revolutionary country that has faught long and hard. In turn, this has made the country practically immune to any external and internal strife that it have have to face. However, there are major issues in the country that need resolving. The youth are the only ones who can take to the streets in matter of leadership, corruption and other important issues that have been put on the back burner. But they won't. And the answer is simple: the Indian youth is lazy, indifferent and more than anything scared of voicing themselves only because they have been ignored far too many times in the past. I personally believe that the youth is far too self involved to care about the country, far too comfortable with their indifference. I've repeatedly heard of youth leaders who have gone on to state that they are just too tired with being told by the government that they are "too young" to understand. And so, the best attitude is to shrug. But can you imagine if the youth of Egypt would have done the same? They wouldn't have accomplished what they have today, February 11th, 2011. 


It doesn't involve violence but mere determination and a fearless attitude (Dabangg anyone?). The youth of India are not incapable. Now if only they would take some inspiration from the Egyptians and get on with it. Until then complete power to Egyptians. May your revolution take you from strength to strength. Today you have proved that the Arab world is changing and you have made that change. Forget "Yes, We Can"; Yes, You Did!

2010 Films: What You Shoulda Watched!

Every year I countdown the best films that have been in the closing year. This year is no different. Although its been a rather odd year in Bollywood, there have been some fab films which are worthy of watching this year. What rocked about this year was the audiences. They literally threw away some of the biggest films which housed big stars and gladly accepted smaller films which were unique in content and for the most part, didn't even have big stars. Desi films are back in action with a number of action that took center stage. Okay the best of 2010? In no particular order, here are my picks for 2010.

Dabangg: Salman Khan rocked and how in this action film which had a plot that was seriously old school. However, he proved that the masses love some good ol' old fashioned style Bollywood. With a fab soundtrack and Salman Khan doing what he does best, basically... he is back!

Rajneeti: The star cast was phenomenal and the plot, mashallah fantastic. This modern day take on the Mahabharat, basically is worth a watch because you will be back to watch it again... I guarantee it!

Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai: Ajay Devgn had a beyond amazing year and honestly, it is with OATIM that he really rose as an actor. Along with Emraan Hashmi, he depicts the life of a popular and well-known story of an under world don. Needless to say a fab film.

Anjaana Anjaani: It was not such a huge hit at the box office but Anjaana Anjaani hit home with me. I absolutely adored this film for its great take on life and love in a time where careers make us go insane. And of course, I'm a Ranbir Kapoor fan so I'm a tad bit biased. And honest.

Khatta Meetha: Yet again a film which failed at the box office but is such a blast to watch. It is rare that I enjoy an Akshay Kumar film but Khatta Meetha was heaps of fun!

Thanks Maa!: Sadly, not many have even heard of this film. A small film which won a National Award is a better depiction of the slums of Mumbai (read: Slumdog is hardly real). Director Irfan Kamal whose innate research in the subject is obvious in his film which is a true vision.

Lahore: Fab film about a India-Pakistan boxing match. Performances, nothing to really talk about about the plot is fabulous.

City of Gold: How I loved this film! It is a rare sight to see such a beautiful film which tells a virtually unknown tale of the middle class and their challenges in India. By far one of my favorites of the year.

Tere Bin Laden: Funny and spoofy. I love how this little film has become one that everyone couldn't stop talking about. Its take on America and terrorism is hilarious. Watch out for Ali Zafar -- he is headed places for sure.

Udaan: Another small film which had me in tears for all the right reasons. I adored it for the mere fact that it was honest and different. Anurag Kashyap made sure his production was in the limelight as it made rounds at festivals before releasing commercially. Now this is good cinema.

Aakrosh: Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna join forces to create quite the stir with Aakrosh. Really an underrated film but a fab watch. 

Band Baaja Baaraat: The feel good film of the year. YashRaj films are finally back doing what they do best; make good fun films. BBB is a wedding film with good music, a fun plot and good performances.

Special Mentions:

Peepli Live: A must watch if you're a rustic film lover.
Action Replayy: Fun film for sure.
Golmaal 3, Housefull and Tees Maar Khan: Spoofy stuff! But incredible fun. (First time i actually adored a Farah Khan film)
Tum Milo Toh Sahi: A small cutesy film which really was not watched enough.
Badmaash Company: Sweet fun gutsy film which really is a fun DVD watch.
Rakhta Charitra series: RGV does well with the RC series. It is really really interesting.
Red Alert: Suneil Shetty is fab in this film.
A Flat: Scary and good performances.

What does 2011 hold for you? A lot! There's action, comedy and of course, romance. But what genre and which actors will rule supreme? Time will tell.

Salman - Govinda : Kaati!

Apparently Govinda is miffed at Salman Khan and in an act of vengeance has refused to sign a film which also stars his old friend Khan in. Reason: Well, Chi Chi is upset that Salman hasn't promoted his daughter Narmada Ahuja and instead, has been recommending Sonakshi Sinha left, right and center. The distance in their friendship became more evident when Govinda was missing from the Dabangg success party. Anyway, back to Narmada whose acting career is pretty much stuck and not taking off but when Govinda was quizzed about his absence from the Dabangg party, he was snark to respond, "I wasn't invited to the Dabangg party." Ouch! And he added that he didn't need to be at the Dabangg party, but he would definitely be at the Partner 2 success party. Touche Chi Chi!

Dabangging Bash!

With Dabangg breaking records and audiences realizing how much they love, adore and swoon for Salman Khan, the actor felt the need to host a success party for his blockbuster which happens to be the biggest film of his career by the way. You know all his close buds and family were present including old friend Aamir Khan who for some reason came dressed in a bow tie - go figure. While Sallu chose to sit quietly in a corner while his family looked over the guests. Check out the pics!

Sonakshi and Salman: 3 Times Over!

Sonakshi Sinha and Salman Khan are the next big pair that are making waves. The duo were just seen in Dabangg, have already signed Dabangg 2 and have just been paired up yet again for Sajid Nadiadwala's Kick. Nadiadwala claims that it was Salman who insisted on casting Sonakshi for the female lead in the film. Sajid was only more convinced after watching her performance in Dabangg. It will be Shirish Kunder, Farah Khan's husband, who will be directing and this was furthered embraced by Salman. Nadiadwala is more than excited to have Sonakshi on board since her father, Shatrughan Sinha, has been a part of his productions in the past. He further added that this was the first time he actually went to the house of an actor to sign them on while most other stars come to his office. Needless to say Shotgun Sinha encouraged his daughter to sign the film and hopes his sons too will work with Sajid Nadiadwala soon.

Dabangg Review in 108 Words

Step-father and his Robin Hood corrupt police officer son find themselves at constant loggerheads. The cop takes panga with a local goonish youth politician who manipulates his younger brother and amidst the chaos, and a brewing romance with the village belle, he manages to kick some butt. Abhinav Kashyap starts with a bang and directs a rustic film with style. Salman Khan sports his moustache with great swagger, kicks some serious butt and speaks his OTT dialogues like a rock star. Sonakshi Sinha is heard and seen less. The action sequences are exaggerated but are a clear dedication to Rajnikant. Dabangg is how Hindi cinema should be. Masaledar!