Bollywood and crime have always had a strange connection, not only in reel life but also real life. Recently, Shiney Ahuja’s conviction to seven years of jail for raping his maid, made many celebrities cry foul stating that they are being made soft targets and at the same time the common man rejoicing the fact that maybe, finally it is the end of celebrity feudalism.
To be quite honest, yes, many times celebrities are easy targets and at times them being famous doesn’t go in their favour. With people filing frivolous PILs (public interest litigations) over unimportant issues and sometimes the paparazzi going overboard highlighting their scandals to garner more eyeballs, some what justifies their viewpoint. But in the case of Shiney Ahuja, with not much money riding on him, and with not many hit films to his credit, what will one get by framing him and secondly parts of the industry that are vehemently supporting him, will they remember him and if he is released will they give him roles following a bad public image?
Well, that’s a separate issue all together. The question here is this has our judiciary finally agreed on the fact that justice needs to be the same for all, or are celebrities still allowed to be let off the noose.
Going into flashback mode, one of the first few actors to be caught up in the cops tangle was Sanjay Dutt. Being the son of yesteryear actors Nargis and Sunil Dutt, Sanjay Dutts arrest under TADA for owning AK-47 rifles in 1993 was a big blow to the industry. Currently, he is still fighting for his innocence in the Supreme Court against his 6 years punishment. As of now he is out on bail and though he withdrew his candidacy he did wish to contest for the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. However, what about the others who aided him or who were caught for the same offence? Either they are still languishing in jail or have completed their term. But Sanjay Dutt still continues to enthral us with his Munna Bhai acts.
Speaking about the 1993 riots, how can one forget Bollywoods love story with the underworld. Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, a small time criminal who later became one of Mumbai’s dreaded dons, shifted his focus to the film industry with actress Mandakini. The glamour struck don organized parties in Dubai and Sharjah, which were attended by major Bollywood stars, either due to pressure or out of choice, thus, showing the legal system that he still ran Mumbai even on foreign shores. However, with the arrest of diamond trader Bharat Shah in 2001 and the underworld and Bollywood nexus being exposed, the Mumbai police claim a reduction in the underworld involvement in films. However, what happened to all the actors who were spotted with the don and the producers who made movies for him?
When talking about crime one cannot not talk about Bollywoods proverbial bad boy Salman Khan. The actors first brush with the law was when he was charged with hunting black bucks in Jodhpur. Ironically, he is the only actor who faces the consequences, while Saif Ali Khan and Sonali Bendre who were also accused have been let off the hook. Though he was handed a 5 year jail term in 2006, he has been out on bail since 2007. If that wasn’t enough he was later held guilty for rash negligent driving causing death of one and injuring four people. Though he was found not guilty he still has to stand trial for lesser charges, pertaining to the same case. Ironically, enough we lauded him for his cop act in Dabbangg and speak of him as a messiah due to his Being Human charitable trust.
Even Feroz Khan’s lesser known son Fardeen Khan was caught under the narcotics act. However, a few apologies and a fine set him free in the world of filmdom. But to think of it, if we were ever even suspected of any of these acts, would we have been let loose so easily? I don’t think so. Well, the verdict in Shiney Ahuja’s case has managed to restore some faith in the judiciary and the fact that justice is the same for all, but then again its not like he is a big star.
Well, the least we can do is be hopeful it’s the end of celebrity feudalism and that like Shiney Ahuja we would like it if other high and mighty politicians and bigwigs too face the music.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
The power of words
They say the pen is mightier than the sword
There couldn’t be anything truer than this thought.
While wounds with a sword may heal themselves
Words get etched in the memory of the inflicted.
Wounds will bleed and will naturally cover up
The pain felt is then and then gradually leaves without a mark.
Words stay on ringing in the head
Repeating themselves again and again.
Not only has it etched and imprinted itself
But engraves itself deeper as time goes by.
While superficial wounds are forgotten with time
These are refreshed and stay for always in the mind.
Why is it difficult to forgive and forget
Though at times forgiven, there still is that remembrance
The remembrance of that hurt that one word caused
The remembrance of the effect on your psyche and your heart.
Things seem to be normal and life moves on
But the past is there forever and is always brought to the forefront.
Happy memories and words are cherished
But even if regretted, the words which hurt, are remembered with spite and hatred.
There couldn’t be anything truer than this thought.
While wounds with a sword may heal themselves
Words get etched in the memory of the inflicted.
Wounds will bleed and will naturally cover up
The pain felt is then and then gradually leaves without a mark.
Words stay on ringing in the head
Repeating themselves again and again.
Not only has it etched and imprinted itself
But engraves itself deeper as time goes by.
While superficial wounds are forgotten with time
These are refreshed and stay for always in the mind.
Why is it difficult to forgive and forget
Though at times forgiven, there still is that remembrance
The remembrance of that hurt that one word caused
The remembrance of the effect on your psyche and your heart.
Things seem to be normal and life moves on
But the past is there forever and is always brought to the forefront.
Happy memories and words are cherished
But even if regretted, the words which hurt, are remembered with spite and hatred.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The rise of the Zen
Through their small eyes, its devastation they see around
In seconds everything demolished and gone.
As per tradition they stood firm
And bowed their heads to the on coming storm.
Their wrinkled eyes, crinkled further
As generations of hard work crumbled to powder.
But they still stood stoic, and faced the thunder,
With patience, forbearance and profound valour.
The tsunami seemed to have washed away their tears
Just as it did their homes and ones who were dear.
The earthquake seemed to have shaken them off fear
Though it formed cracks within their land and water.
The radiation caused frenzy all over
But within them ignited a spark to recover.
While others looked upon them with sympathy and regret
They took charge, fought and started to move ahead.
While the rest of the world seemed dumbfounded and shocked
They continued living life with a pinch of salt.
What is the difference between us and them
Is it their spirit or their resonance?
Yes, we are human and they are too
But we would beg for sympathy, while damage control is what they started to do
Our vision would be hazy with images of the past,
While they look to the future while resurrecting the past.
Like an epitome of calmness they stand still
The tsunami came but not a tear spilt.
The earthquake shook the entire world
But the Japanese stood their ground and faced the world.
Their sadness and loss knows no bounds
But their silent resistance covers up their wounds.
11 March 2011, could be marked as the fall of the yen
But it also marked the rise and power of Zen.
In seconds everything demolished and gone.
As per tradition they stood firm
And bowed their heads to the on coming storm.
Their wrinkled eyes, crinkled further
As generations of hard work crumbled to powder.
But they still stood stoic, and faced the thunder,
With patience, forbearance and profound valour.
The tsunami seemed to have washed away their tears
Just as it did their homes and ones who were dear.
The earthquake seemed to have shaken them off fear
Though it formed cracks within their land and water.
The radiation caused frenzy all over
But within them ignited a spark to recover.
While others looked upon them with sympathy and regret
They took charge, fought and started to move ahead.
While the rest of the world seemed dumbfounded and shocked
They continued living life with a pinch of salt.
What is the difference between us and them
Is it their spirit or their resonance?
Yes, we are human and they are too
But we would beg for sympathy, while damage control is what they started to do
Our vision would be hazy with images of the past,
While they look to the future while resurrecting the past.
Like an epitome of calmness they stand still
The tsunami came but not a tear spilt.
The earthquake shook the entire world
But the Japanese stood their ground and faced the world.
Their sadness and loss knows no bounds
But their silent resistance covers up their wounds.
11 March 2011, could be marked as the fall of the yen
But it also marked the rise and power of Zen.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The toothless tiger
The Shiv Sena was lying pretty low for a while, which was too good to be true. However, true to their image this publicity hungry party decided to tell the people they exist during this cricket frenzy season. One comment from Shahid Afridi saying an India-Pakistan final would be a good watch was enough to trigger of their anti-Pakistan sentiments and for Bal Thackeray to decide if he will allow the Pakistani team to play at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai if they reach the finals.
Till Bal Thackeray headed the Shiv Sena, the party did have somewhat a strong hold in Maharashtra. However, after his son Uddhav Thackeray took over the party reins and the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (which unfortunately works on similar lines), the party soon became a toothless tiger.
Starting of as a cartoonist for a newspaper the politician Bal Thackeray was given birth to in the late 60’s thanks to the Congress who gave him a free hand to do whatever he wanted to in order to tighten his grip on Mumbai’s industrial unions. At that time too Thackeray was leading an anti-migrant campaign (which he is mostly known for). Though at that time it was against South Indians and Gujaratis and now it’s against Biharis and UPites.
Given the free hand to do whatever he wanted at that time, soon Thackeray considered himself the uncrowned king of Mumbai and promoted his brand of hate politics to such a level that people and other political parties in Maharashtra feared him and were forced to bend down to his flawed policies. However, during his entire political career his main problem was that his issues were never consistent. From the anti-migrant issues it shifted to anti-muslim. Then when that lost steam he went back to the anti-migrant and then the anti-Pakistani rant of his and of course the in between campaigns against western culture especially Valentines Day. The only think consistent about him is the way he communicated his messages – violence, hate speeches, fiery articles and vandalism.
However, things have changed. The party which is supposed to be for the Maharashtrians never really managed doing anything to uplift the Maharashtrians besides changing the names of cities, flyovers etc. All they managed to gain was the peoples hatred and honestly enough is enough with his hate and divisive politics. In Maharashtra, there may still be a few Maharashtrians who look up to him but anywhere else in India, I don’t think his views even matter.
So what does the party do now – resort to eyeball grabbing tactics, all of which have backtracked on him. He first shot his mouth off by slamming Sachin Tendulkar for saying that Mumbai belonged to all. The end result of that he was forced to eat his words. Next he condemned Shahrukh Khan for his comments on Pakistani players playing for the IPL and hence called for a ban on his movie. End result of that – the movie went on to become a blockbuster. Then he opposed Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Mumbai and called it a publicity gimmick, well, Rahul Gandhi at least managed to win the Mumbaikars hearts by bonding with them which the Shiv Sena never managed doing in all these years.
Now coming back to the present, Bal Thackeray has shot himself in the arm yet again by saying he will not allow the Pakistani team to play if they reach the finals. Firstly, he should have thought about this when Wankhede Stadium was decided as the finals venue, frankly not that his opinion makes a difference. Secondly, who exactly is asking for his permission? He isn’t exactly in power and no one really cares about his hooliganism anymore, so what makes him think the people will support him? And if this is supposed to be his idea to prove his nationalist sentiments, then he should realise that by disrupting the finals he will only cause worldwide shame amongst all the cricket playing countries. Lastly, do not mix politics in sports, as a matter of fact any form of entertainment and certainly not cricket. In this cricket crazy country, where cricketers are held at a higher pedestal than any politician, talking about causing problems during the World Cup is akin to playing with fire. This time Maharashtrian or non-Maharashtrian, no one will tolerate it.
So in conclusion, keep politics away from sports, because honestly enough is enough, I think we all have had enough of your hate politics and your parties deteriorating political standing is proof enough for that.
Till Bal Thackeray headed the Shiv Sena, the party did have somewhat a strong hold in Maharashtra. However, after his son Uddhav Thackeray took over the party reins and the formation of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (which unfortunately works on similar lines), the party soon became a toothless tiger.
Starting of as a cartoonist for a newspaper the politician Bal Thackeray was given birth to in the late 60’s thanks to the Congress who gave him a free hand to do whatever he wanted to in order to tighten his grip on Mumbai’s industrial unions. At that time too Thackeray was leading an anti-migrant campaign (which he is mostly known for). Though at that time it was against South Indians and Gujaratis and now it’s against Biharis and UPites.
Given the free hand to do whatever he wanted at that time, soon Thackeray considered himself the uncrowned king of Mumbai and promoted his brand of hate politics to such a level that people and other political parties in Maharashtra feared him and were forced to bend down to his flawed policies. However, during his entire political career his main problem was that his issues were never consistent. From the anti-migrant issues it shifted to anti-muslim. Then when that lost steam he went back to the anti-migrant and then the anti-Pakistani rant of his and of course the in between campaigns against western culture especially Valentines Day. The only think consistent about him is the way he communicated his messages – violence, hate speeches, fiery articles and vandalism.
However, things have changed. The party which is supposed to be for the Maharashtrians never really managed doing anything to uplift the Maharashtrians besides changing the names of cities, flyovers etc. All they managed to gain was the peoples hatred and honestly enough is enough with his hate and divisive politics. In Maharashtra, there may still be a few Maharashtrians who look up to him but anywhere else in India, I don’t think his views even matter.
So what does the party do now – resort to eyeball grabbing tactics, all of which have backtracked on him. He first shot his mouth off by slamming Sachin Tendulkar for saying that Mumbai belonged to all. The end result of that he was forced to eat his words. Next he condemned Shahrukh Khan for his comments on Pakistani players playing for the IPL and hence called for a ban on his movie. End result of that – the movie went on to become a blockbuster. Then he opposed Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Mumbai and called it a publicity gimmick, well, Rahul Gandhi at least managed to win the Mumbaikars hearts by bonding with them which the Shiv Sena never managed doing in all these years.
Now coming back to the present, Bal Thackeray has shot himself in the arm yet again by saying he will not allow the Pakistani team to play if they reach the finals. Firstly, he should have thought about this when Wankhede Stadium was decided as the finals venue, frankly not that his opinion makes a difference. Secondly, who exactly is asking for his permission? He isn’t exactly in power and no one really cares about his hooliganism anymore, so what makes him think the people will support him? And if this is supposed to be his idea to prove his nationalist sentiments, then he should realise that by disrupting the finals he will only cause worldwide shame amongst all the cricket playing countries. Lastly, do not mix politics in sports, as a matter of fact any form of entertainment and certainly not cricket. In this cricket crazy country, where cricketers are held at a higher pedestal than any politician, talking about causing problems during the World Cup is akin to playing with fire. This time Maharashtrian or non-Maharashtrian, no one will tolerate it.
So in conclusion, keep politics away from sports, because honestly enough is enough, I think we all have had enough of your hate politics and your parties deteriorating political standing is proof enough for that.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Cricket madness: India’s media frenzy
The number of people playing cricket on the streets has increased.
The ICC World Cup 2011 is just around the corner and the hysteria has already kicked in.
Issues of the grounds and change in certain venues haven’t dampened the spirit in a country where cricket is close to being religion. With a Rs1.2 billion insurance cover to an estimated Rs 6.3 billion of betting money riding on this game, this year the mania is a little different from the previous years.
Undoubtedly, India is being counted as one of the hot favourites to win the World Cup. After the 2003 team led by Saurav Ganguly, this team captained by M S Dhoni seems to be in the running to reach the final this year.
Captain Cool (as Dhoni is popularly known) has led the team to many a victory in the recent past but the win in the warm up match against Australia has increased the nation’s confidence in him and his team.
Even in the North-eastern region of India where cricket is not that popular, the ensuing ICC World Cup has aroused an overwhelming interest among sports enthusiasts.
A billion dreams will rest on their shoulders as they seek to become the second Indian team, after the 1983 Kapil Dev team, to win the top prize in one-day cricket.
However, there seems to be a media overdrive of sorts, with every news channel and paper coming up with World Cup centric shows and promotional campaigns of winning the World Cup.
Each one seems to be in a race to outdo the other by getting an experts panel practically every day to talk about the nuances of the game. And if that doesn’t garner enough eyeballs, the Bollywood brigade has also joined the bandwagon. Not only have all major Bollywood film releases been pushed to after the World Cup but stars are also sharing their cricketing knowledge with the world.
There is speculation that the reason behind one of the film industry’s most prestigious awards breaking their 50 year tradition of holding the awards end of February and holding the event early, is due to the World Cup.
Advertisers aren’t far behind, with cricket based advertisements thronging the tube all at once. Even before a ball is bowled, there is a pitched battle among business groups vying for attention.
It is estimated that over one billion viewers will witness the third largest televised event from their homes across the globe. A similar number of viewers are expected to watch the fourth season of the Indian Premier League that follows right after this. It is an unparalleled season of media frenzy, millions in cash changing hands during these three months.
Suddenly, the number of people playing cricket on the streets seems to have risen and TV set sales are also on the rise. This time, it’s not just men who are interested but the women too.
This is not only because India is one of the hosts or a favourite but because it is probably the Master Blaster’s last World Cup. The only thing that has been eluding the record breaking Sachin Tendulkar is a World Cup victory. This time around, not only do we want India to win the World Cup but we want the World Cup to be won for that one man who has managed to unite the entire nation. We want him to bring the World Cup home for us.
However, having said that this team is carrying the pressure of expectations of 1.2 billion people for whom cricket is not just a sport but close to being a fanaticism of sorts.
After the opening ceremony, the entire nation is going to be glued to one sport and will watch with baited breath as Tendulkar will play his last World Cup, hoping that he wins it.
Post the opening ceremony, the entire nation is going to be glued onto one sport and all televisions on one channel, and will watch with baited breath as Sachin Tendulkar will play his last World Cup and will hope that he and the team win the tournament for the country.
The ICC World Cup 2011 is just around the corner and the hysteria has already kicked in.
Issues of the grounds and change in certain venues haven’t dampened the spirit in a country where cricket is close to being religion. With a Rs1.2 billion insurance cover to an estimated Rs 6.3 billion of betting money riding on this game, this year the mania is a little different from the previous years.
Undoubtedly, India is being counted as one of the hot favourites to win the World Cup. After the 2003 team led by Saurav Ganguly, this team captained by M S Dhoni seems to be in the running to reach the final this year.
Captain Cool (as Dhoni is popularly known) has led the team to many a victory in the recent past but the win in the warm up match against Australia has increased the nation’s confidence in him and his team.
Even in the North-eastern region of India where cricket is not that popular, the ensuing ICC World Cup has aroused an overwhelming interest among sports enthusiasts.
A billion dreams will rest on their shoulders as they seek to become the second Indian team, after the 1983 Kapil Dev team, to win the top prize in one-day cricket.
However, there seems to be a media overdrive of sorts, with every news channel and paper coming up with World Cup centric shows and promotional campaigns of winning the World Cup.
Each one seems to be in a race to outdo the other by getting an experts panel practically every day to talk about the nuances of the game. And if that doesn’t garner enough eyeballs, the Bollywood brigade has also joined the bandwagon. Not only have all major Bollywood film releases been pushed to after the World Cup but stars are also sharing their cricketing knowledge with the world.
There is speculation that the reason behind one of the film industry’s most prestigious awards breaking their 50 year tradition of holding the awards end of February and holding the event early, is due to the World Cup.
Advertisers aren’t far behind, with cricket based advertisements thronging the tube all at once. Even before a ball is bowled, there is a pitched battle among business groups vying for attention.
It is estimated that over one billion viewers will witness the third largest televised event from their homes across the globe. A similar number of viewers are expected to watch the fourth season of the Indian Premier League that follows right after this. It is an unparalleled season of media frenzy, millions in cash changing hands during these three months.
Suddenly, the number of people playing cricket on the streets seems to have risen and TV set sales are also on the rise. This time, it’s not just men who are interested but the women too.
This is not only because India is one of the hosts or a favourite but because it is probably the Master Blaster’s last World Cup. The only thing that has been eluding the record breaking Sachin Tendulkar is a World Cup victory. This time around, not only do we want India to win the World Cup but we want the World Cup to be won for that one man who has managed to unite the entire nation. We want him to bring the World Cup home for us.
However, having said that this team is carrying the pressure of expectations of 1.2 billion people for whom cricket is not just a sport but close to being a fanaticism of sorts.
After the opening ceremony, the entire nation is going to be glued to one sport and will watch with baited breath as Tendulkar will play his last World Cup, hoping that he wins it.
Post the opening ceremony, the entire nation is going to be glued onto one sport and all televisions on one channel, and will watch with baited breath as Sachin Tendulkar will play his last World Cup and will hope that he and the team win the tournament for the country.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
One gesture
At times things seem to be going wrong
And this world seems upside down.
Harsh words said seem to etch deep into the mind
And no one seems there by your side.
Sometimes when you feel misunderstood
Or when the closest people think of you as no good
At that time when all you can feel is loneliness and despair
A feeling of rejection, feelings which cannot be repaired
But all of a sudden from no where you came
Like an angel on earth who came to vanquish the distress that prevailed
Its not like you knew, there was something wrong
The ill feelings were never spoken out, expressed or shown.
But it still seemed you knew something wasn’t right
You knew you couldn’t change it, but you were ready to give it a fight.
You saw that anger, that hurt in the eye
You saw the misery of each tear which fell from the eye.
You didn’t question, you didn’t reason
You quietly understood the awkward silence.
And all of a sudden calm and serene,
You just smiled and warmly hugged me.
I don’t know whether you knew that something was wrong
Whether the gesture was premeditated or a sudden urge
But whatever it was, it was genuine and warm
Maybe to forget those words, the gesture I craved for.
It seemed to encapsulate all those feelings of despise
Bring them together and throw them aside.
That caring touch, that innocent smile
Was all it took to make things right.
To make me feel wanted, to make me want to give things time.
Sometimes words can have such an impact
They stay in your mind and in a whirlwind of emotions you collapse.
But one sweet soft gesture from someone close
Is all it takes for them to be forgotten and slowly go.
And this world seems upside down.
Harsh words said seem to etch deep into the mind
And no one seems there by your side.
Sometimes when you feel misunderstood
Or when the closest people think of you as no good
At that time when all you can feel is loneliness and despair
A feeling of rejection, feelings which cannot be repaired
But all of a sudden from no where you came
Like an angel on earth who came to vanquish the distress that prevailed
Its not like you knew, there was something wrong
The ill feelings were never spoken out, expressed or shown.
But it still seemed you knew something wasn’t right
You knew you couldn’t change it, but you were ready to give it a fight.
You saw that anger, that hurt in the eye
You saw the misery of each tear which fell from the eye.
You didn’t question, you didn’t reason
You quietly understood the awkward silence.
And all of a sudden calm and serene,
You just smiled and warmly hugged me.
I don’t know whether you knew that something was wrong
Whether the gesture was premeditated or a sudden urge
But whatever it was, it was genuine and warm
Maybe to forget those words, the gesture I craved for.
It seemed to encapsulate all those feelings of despise
Bring them together and throw them aside.
That caring touch, that innocent smile
Was all it took to make things right.
To make me feel wanted, to make me want to give things time.
Sometimes words can have such an impact
They stay in your mind and in a whirlwind of emotions you collapse.
But one sweet soft gesture from someone close
Is all it takes for them to be forgotten and slowly go.
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