When Nishi Sharma, professionally settled in Nairobi, Kenya, got the telephone call from her mother, residing in East Delhi, regarding her father’s illness, little did she knew that her father, Hem Chand Mittal, had already died. Neither had she thought, even in the wildest of her dreams that she would end up performing the last rites of her deceased father.
Says Nishi Sharma: “When we proceeded to Nigam Bodh Ghat, none knew who would perform the last rites. I even heard some whispers of him having no son. In the midst of all this, my mother startled all including me by saying, “It was your father’s wish that you perform all the rites.”
At the time when she was being brought up, Nishi Sharma was never made to feel that her being a girl was a disadvantage. “Growing at a time when everyone wanted a son, my parents always brought me up as a good human being and not as a boy or a girl. These words of my mother made me feel very blessed as a woman.”
Praying for the salvation of her dead father, Nishi resolved to fulfill her father’s dying wish. “I prayed to Lord Shiva, Goddess Shakti and my Guru Baba Avadhoot Shivananda and his Guru Baba Avadhoot Nityananda to give me strength and courage and be with me during the time, and stepped forward. The Pandit at cremation ground demurred but seeing my resolve, relented. Perhaps, he was doing so for the first time.”
Nishi’s decision to perform the cremation was bound to raise eyebrows amidst the society that has grown up seeing woman as unfit for performing the cremation. In situations where there is no son to perform the last rite, a close male relative is picked to perform the last rites.
Nishi described the situation in these words: “In that moment of sorrow our relatives and friends did not oppose this. However, while performing the initial rites, I could see some heads turning and surprised looks from other men who had come to cremate their own near ones.”
At the time of lighting the funeral pyre, one of Nishi’s cousins tried to stop her by saying: “Girls don’t do this, leave it, we will do it.” “But with my mother’s and uncle’s support and most of all, my Guru’s strength, I was adamant in carrying out my father’s wish,” tells Nishi. And she retorted: “There’s no difference between a girl and a boy.”
The staring gazes of the onlookers and the whispers behind the back must have been extremely unpleasant. She says: “I could hear some laughter. But I was only thinking of my duty. ‘I am not the body nor is the body mine’, I thought”.
“Lighting the funeral pyre, the thought of Shiva and Shakti and the two being the same crossed my mind. Amidst my emotions as a daughter, I found myself repeating the mantras which the Pandit chanted while thinking how all gods of wealth, education and strength are goddesses. Male and female can coexist in the society and fulfill their duties towards the parents who bring us with so much love, yet how ironic that a male child is required to perform the last rites.”
Performing the kapal kriya or the ceremony of breaking the skull was emotionally the most surcharged moment of her life. “In these moments of grief with raised eyebrows and surprised looks, I felt the whole divinity flowing in me. It reconfirmed my faith that if you believe in your own divine strength others will also believe in you.”
She sums up her action by quoting from Lord Krishna, who says in Srimat Bhagwat Gita:
“Seeing all life as my manifestation, they never separated from me. They, worship me in the hearts of all and all their actions proceed from me. Wherever they may live they abide in me.”
Box
Opinions
Life Watch spoke to various people so as to know their opinion. Official response of the Brahmkumari Ashram was that the antime kriya (last rites) have to be performed by the son, in case there is a son. In case there is no male child to perform the rites, the daughter can perform them as well.
Acharya Awadesh Kumar Shastri too was of the opinion that the daughter has been given permission to perform the last rites. To further strengthen his point, he gave reference to the Shri Garuda Purana’s eight to twelfth chapter, where the methodology to perform the rites is explicitly mentioned. Acharya Shastri pointed out that karma (deeds) are more important for salvation than these mundane points. “It is unfortunate that we don’t read this Purana and when we do, it is at the death of a near or dear one.”
Saturday, December 9, 2006
Ajay Chowdhary, Addl. DCP (East)
He is young and graceful! He is modest and yet articulate! He has got a caring personality! He is athletic and a sportsman who excels in games, like Table Tennis! These, by themselves make a lethal combination that can charm all and sundry. And as if all this is not enough, he is also the 1996 batch IPS officer belonging to the UT cadre. He is Ajay Chowdhary, presently posted as Addl. DCP (East) with Delhi Police.
Life Watch had an opportunity to know more of this man when Aziz Haider spent some time with him. Read more of what he learnt about this man who enjoys a very important position in East Delhi and is responsible for maintenance of law and order in the entire region.
Ajay Chowdhary traces all these attributes to his simple upbringing under an equally simple father who inculcated the values that are responsible for the success on which he sits today in such a young age. He sees hard work and sincerity in approach as his mantra for this success. These virtues too, he says, he inherited from his father and as proof he proudly gives the example of his other brothers, who all are equally successful in life.
The fact that he was born and brought up in the small town of Etah gave him the first hand experience of dealing with various strata of society. This experience was further enhanced during the college days at Aligarh Muslim University, whose hostel life made him interact with students from all over the country. Even at AMU, Chowdhary continued to excel in studies and got the highest marks in the class in his BA (Hons) final exams. At all times, alongside his regular studies, he continued his preparations for the competition. “The library at AMU closes at 2 a.m. and I had the opportunity to see it close on countless occasions,” says Chowdhary.
Not that he confined himself to books alone! He was active member of the Sulaiman Hall Literary Society – the hostel that he resided in at AMU. He and his younger brother, who also happens to be an IPS officer from MP cadre, also found time to play Table Tennis – a game that he still plays with considerable mastery and recently won the inter-departmental doubles tournament, partnering with non other than his colleague Garima Bhatnagar, the DCP from East Delhi.
Table Tennis is not the only passion that Chowdhary retains from his student days even though the time that he can give to it is decreasing by the day. Hectic duty hours and the increasing time demanded at office does not allow him to pursue his literary hobbies to the level he would have wished. Otherwise, his taste for literature can be gauged from his translation of Hemingway’s bestseller ‘Farewell to Arms’ in Hindi. In this translation, which is to get printed shortly, Chowdhary has not only endeavoured to translate the plot and narration but has also tried to transcribe Hemingway’s style of writing, in Hindi.
Coming to work, Chowdhary is doing what he had always hoped to do. His objective in life is to “remove problems and grievances of those for whom there are no takers.” “This,” says Chowdhary, “gives a lot of professional satisfaction.”
Ajay Chowdhary has come to Delhi after serving for two and a half years in the insurgency affected areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He showed his caliber there in trying to subdue insurgency. In recognition of his services there, he was given Internal Security Medal by Govt. of India. The State Government too with a medal. “That,” says Chowdhary, “was an enriching experience in the difficult terrain.”
What about the terrain of Delhi? “The expectations are of a different nature though all have to be dealt accordingly.” Not to be cowed down under any circumstances, this man of simple tastes has already started work on meeting the expectations.
And when he returns home, after a tiring day in office, it is either the company of wife and children or the seclusion to the lyrics of Abida Parveen, Jagjit Singh and Bhupinder that relieves him of the stress. Reading Dushyan Kumar, Faiz and Nasir Kazmi rejuvenates his literary buds and beats of qawwali energies him yet again to return to another day of working to “remove problems and grievances of those for whom there are no takers.”
Life Watch had an opportunity to know more of this man when Aziz Haider spent some time with him. Read more of what he learnt about this man who enjoys a very important position in East Delhi and is responsible for maintenance of law and order in the entire region.
Ajay Chowdhary traces all these attributes to his simple upbringing under an equally simple father who inculcated the values that are responsible for the success on which he sits today in such a young age. He sees hard work and sincerity in approach as his mantra for this success. These virtues too, he says, he inherited from his father and as proof he proudly gives the example of his other brothers, who all are equally successful in life.
The fact that he was born and brought up in the small town of Etah gave him the first hand experience of dealing with various strata of society. This experience was further enhanced during the college days at Aligarh Muslim University, whose hostel life made him interact with students from all over the country. Even at AMU, Chowdhary continued to excel in studies and got the highest marks in the class in his BA (Hons) final exams. At all times, alongside his regular studies, he continued his preparations for the competition. “The library at AMU closes at 2 a.m. and I had the opportunity to see it close on countless occasions,” says Chowdhary.
Not that he confined himself to books alone! He was active member of the Sulaiman Hall Literary Society – the hostel that he resided in at AMU. He and his younger brother, who also happens to be an IPS officer from MP cadre, also found time to play Table Tennis – a game that he still plays with considerable mastery and recently won the inter-departmental doubles tournament, partnering with non other than his colleague Garima Bhatnagar, the DCP from East Delhi.
Table Tennis is not the only passion that Chowdhary retains from his student days even though the time that he can give to it is decreasing by the day. Hectic duty hours and the increasing time demanded at office does not allow him to pursue his literary hobbies to the level he would have wished. Otherwise, his taste for literature can be gauged from his translation of Hemingway’s bestseller ‘Farewell to Arms’ in Hindi. In this translation, which is to get printed shortly, Chowdhary has not only endeavoured to translate the plot and narration but has also tried to transcribe Hemingway’s style of writing, in Hindi.
Coming to work, Chowdhary is doing what he had always hoped to do. His objective in life is to “remove problems and grievances of those for whom there are no takers.” “This,” says Chowdhary, “gives a lot of professional satisfaction.”
Ajay Chowdhary has come to Delhi after serving for two and a half years in the insurgency affected areas of Arunachal Pradesh. He showed his caliber there in trying to subdue insurgency. In recognition of his services there, he was given Internal Security Medal by Govt. of India. The State Government too with a medal. “That,” says Chowdhary, “was an enriching experience in the difficult terrain.”
What about the terrain of Delhi? “The expectations are of a different nature though all have to be dealt accordingly.” Not to be cowed down under any circumstances, this man of simple tastes has already started work on meeting the expectations.
And when he returns home, after a tiring day in office, it is either the company of wife and children or the seclusion to the lyrics of Abida Parveen, Jagjit Singh and Bhupinder that relieves him of the stress. Reading Dushyan Kumar, Faiz and Nasir Kazmi rejuvenates his literary buds and beats of qawwali energies him yet again to return to another day of working to “remove problems and grievances of those for whom there are no takers.”
How prepared are we for another outbreak?
Delhi just witnessed the outbreak of Meningococcemia. In preceding years, it has a history of other communicable diseases like Dengue and Plague. With approaching monsoons and more than 30% population of Delhi living in less than 6% of area, Life Watch tried to explore East Delhi’s preparations against such diseases amidst claims and counter claims by the politicians belonging to two main rival parties.
Denizens of East Delhi were lucky that Meningococcemia did not strike here. Or else there were no vaccines available in sufficient quantity. As per our knowledge, there were several hospitals, which were not having the vaccine in sufficient quantity. According to Dr. M.C. Nath (Medical Superitendent) of Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan, 350 vaccines were received at the hospital, out of which 326 were used on their staff. If more patients had landed, where were the vaccines left to treat them?
It is true that the vaccine for meningitis – Nisseria Meningococcus – is scarce. It is also true that doctors and nurses are easy victims. Experts also state that the immune system produced by the intake of the vaccine to fight meningococcemia takes at least 10 days. But if a nurse dies of a disease that is already spreading as an epidemic, you can well imagine the fate of the common man.
Medication, in case of meningitis, cannot be given on clinical symptoms. As Dr. Ranjana Chhabra – Microbiologist at Deepak Memorial Hospital & Research Centre said: “General physicians give antibiotic in case of fever. This, in case of Meningitis, becomes fatal, as detection of Meningitis is difficult if the patient has consumed antibiotic for 3-4 days.” Should we not thank our stars that the disease did not spread much? Or else, our physicians prone to giving antibiotics at small pretexts would have ruined several a cases.”
The pivotal test to confirm meningitis is ‘Cerbero Spinal Fluid Test’. It was found by Life Watch that while some private hospitals were not having the facility for test, others like Shanti Mukund Hospital were charging Rs. 1000 for it. When it comes to Government Hospitals, while Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan was sending the samples to NICD for free testing, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital chose to rely on pathology laboratories in the vicinity for reasons best known to them.
Moreover, in cases of Meningitis, sometimes breathing trouble starts. Commenting on the situation, Dr. Anil Mehra said, “If the patient requires ventilation, s/he must be shifted to ICU immediately. It is the duty of the hospital to provide better ventilation.” What we found to our surprise was that several hospitals didn’t even have proper ventilation and artificial respiratory systems. Deepak Memorial Hospital & Research Centre, for example, managed to spare only two beds and a doctor and nurse as its response to the outbreak.
Lessons to be learnt for future
Whether the system was efficient to face an outbreak of greater intensity is debatable. But if we cease to take lessons, we won’t find ourselves prepared.
This is the time when entire East Delhi is witnessing an upsurge in construction. Bridges are coming up, flyovers are being constructed, roads are being made and at places, long stretch of new roads are being laid, over nullahs and unauthorized constructions. With the coming of rains, this work is bound to stop. What would happen then? Won’t all the construction that is being carried for betterment become a greater nuisance than ever? Would it not be an invitation for mosquitoes to breed or water to log on? This is the time to take preventive measures. Are the authorities listening?
Box 1
Ramesh Pandit, MLC and Chairman, Health Committee, MCD on East Delhi’s preparations against monsoon.
Not a single case of meningitis was reported from East Delhi. Even then, we take precautions at the time of changing seasons. This is so because when weather changes, diseases show their face.
Administration is fully geared up against Cholera. It puts a ban on sale of cut fruits and sugarcane juice. Chlorine tablets are distributed in all areas. Focus on cleanliness and better sanitation is maintained.
MCD distributes pamphlets and erect hoardings to make the people aware. Even electronic media is used for publicity. Hospitals are given special instructions not to show laxity and even mobile vans are put into service.
We have put in service an additional number of 14 rickshaws for the sake of maintaining cleanliness. 30 such rickshaws were already in operation. Dustbins have been put outside IP Extension societies and attempts are being made that no garbage remains standing.
Box 2
Dr. Harshvardhan, MLA and Ex-Minister – Health
The way this Government tackled Meningococcemia was not efficient. You have to have a super-dynamic approach. I still remember the period when plague hit Delhi in 1994. I was the health minister then. We did great publicity in creating awareness. A phone number was advertised and people with symptoms phoned on the number. Our system used to pick up the patient and take him to isolation area.
Today, basic problems like drainage, flooding of roads, problem of inadequate hospital beds/dispensaries, need to be tackled. Radical schemes should be taken up on immediate basis.
The way things are, as on today, I don’t think we are equipped with enough manpower, expertise, technical resources, etc. to fight an epidemic.
Denizens of East Delhi were lucky that Meningococcemia did not strike here. Or else there were no vaccines available in sufficient quantity. As per our knowledge, there were several hospitals, which were not having the vaccine in sufficient quantity. According to Dr. M.C. Nath (Medical Superitendent) of Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan, 350 vaccines were received at the hospital, out of which 326 were used on their staff. If more patients had landed, where were the vaccines left to treat them?
It is true that the vaccine for meningitis – Nisseria Meningococcus – is scarce. It is also true that doctors and nurses are easy victims. Experts also state that the immune system produced by the intake of the vaccine to fight meningococcemia takes at least 10 days. But if a nurse dies of a disease that is already spreading as an epidemic, you can well imagine the fate of the common man.
Medication, in case of meningitis, cannot be given on clinical symptoms. As Dr. Ranjana Chhabra – Microbiologist at Deepak Memorial Hospital & Research Centre said: “General physicians give antibiotic in case of fever. This, in case of Meningitis, becomes fatal, as detection of Meningitis is difficult if the patient has consumed antibiotic for 3-4 days.” Should we not thank our stars that the disease did not spread much? Or else, our physicians prone to giving antibiotics at small pretexts would have ruined several a cases.”
The pivotal test to confirm meningitis is ‘Cerbero Spinal Fluid Test’. It was found by Life Watch that while some private hospitals were not having the facility for test, others like Shanti Mukund Hospital were charging Rs. 1000 for it. When it comes to Government Hospitals, while Dr. Hedgewar Arogya Sansthan was sending the samples to NICD for free testing, Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital chose to rely on pathology laboratories in the vicinity for reasons best known to them.
Moreover, in cases of Meningitis, sometimes breathing trouble starts. Commenting on the situation, Dr. Anil Mehra said, “If the patient requires ventilation, s/he must be shifted to ICU immediately. It is the duty of the hospital to provide better ventilation.” What we found to our surprise was that several hospitals didn’t even have proper ventilation and artificial respiratory systems. Deepak Memorial Hospital & Research Centre, for example, managed to spare only two beds and a doctor and nurse as its response to the outbreak.
Lessons to be learnt for future
Whether the system was efficient to face an outbreak of greater intensity is debatable. But if we cease to take lessons, we won’t find ourselves prepared.
This is the time when entire East Delhi is witnessing an upsurge in construction. Bridges are coming up, flyovers are being constructed, roads are being made and at places, long stretch of new roads are being laid, over nullahs and unauthorized constructions. With the coming of rains, this work is bound to stop. What would happen then? Won’t all the construction that is being carried for betterment become a greater nuisance than ever? Would it not be an invitation for mosquitoes to breed or water to log on? This is the time to take preventive measures. Are the authorities listening?
Box 1
Ramesh Pandit, MLC and Chairman, Health Committee, MCD on East Delhi’s preparations against monsoon.
Not a single case of meningitis was reported from East Delhi. Even then, we take precautions at the time of changing seasons. This is so because when weather changes, diseases show their face.
Administration is fully geared up against Cholera. It puts a ban on sale of cut fruits and sugarcane juice. Chlorine tablets are distributed in all areas. Focus on cleanliness and better sanitation is maintained.
MCD distributes pamphlets and erect hoardings to make the people aware. Even electronic media is used for publicity. Hospitals are given special instructions not to show laxity and even mobile vans are put into service.
We have put in service an additional number of 14 rickshaws for the sake of maintaining cleanliness. 30 such rickshaws were already in operation. Dustbins have been put outside IP Extension societies and attempts are being made that no garbage remains standing.
Box 2
Dr. Harshvardhan, MLA and Ex-Minister – Health
The way this Government tackled Meningococcemia was not efficient. You have to have a super-dynamic approach. I still remember the period when plague hit Delhi in 1994. I was the health minister then. We did great publicity in creating awareness. A phone number was advertised and people with symptoms phoned on the number. Our system used to pick up the patient and take him to isolation area.
Today, basic problems like drainage, flooding of roads, problem of inadequate hospital beds/dispensaries, need to be tackled. Radical schemes should be taken up on immediate basis.
The way things are, as on today, I don’t think we are equipped with enough manpower, expertise, technical resources, etc. to fight an epidemic.
Secret of Karim’s Curries
Food at Karim’s is truly world-class! The restaurant chain has a presence in East Delhi through its Take Away outlet located at Sagar Complex on Vikas Marg. Aziz Haider decided to taste this food one more time and, needless to say, came back licking his fingers to file the story. Read on to know more about curries and the rest of food that this restaurant has to offer…
If only there was space to sit! This is the view of innumerable visitors to Karim’s Take Away joint at Sagar Complex, when they are unable to raise an accusing finger at the quality of food and the consequent licking that it inevitably leads to.
Started in 1913, Karim is today a chain of restaurants serving hot and spicy mughlai cuisine to gourmets coming from far and near. Though professionalism has caught on to the extent that there are several franchise outlets available, where it is possible to debate whether the quality remains the same, the East Delhi’s Take Away joint is directly run by the owners.
Says Alimuddin Ahmed of Dastarkhwan-e-Karim Pvt. Ltd., that runs the East Delhi outlet: “Ours is the fifth generation in business. Cooking The Royal Food is the hereditary profession of Karim’s, because wherever the Mughal’s went they took our ancestors along with them right from the times of Babur. The Mughlai food developed under the patronage of the Mughal Kings and Queens using the Indian spices became our hallmark when the Mughals made India their permanent homeland.”
No doubt that Karim’s food is a result of time-tested methods, perfected through several decades. Trick lies in the proportions and not just the ingredients. Even oil or fat is regulated and only put as per necessity. The comfortable level of chillies makes the food more relishing.
“The type of people who come to our restaurant and even care to pen down their views suggest the extent to which the food is relished. And a lot many inevitably returns, again and again, to give Karim a dedicated clientele that perhaps no other restaurant in Delhi can boast of.”
All that’s on offering is up for taste! You will find a distinct taste to every dish. Upon trying the food at Karim’s you would only marvel at the number of taste-buds that are present on your tongue and the level to which they get ignited. Be it the Yakhni soup and Baqar Khani, roti and the Sag Ghost or simply Nahari or Kofta of peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a boiled egg – your tongue would relish them all. Also, there is a choice of roasted items, including chicken and paneer. Chicken tikka or rumali rotis served with kababs too are hot-selling items and so is Kheer in small earthen plates.
Food is such that Karim should put a warning for the vegetarians. Don’t accompany your non-vegetarian friend to the premises. Or else, just the colour and smell might tempt you into conversion. After all, Karim can easily be blamed for subverting a lot many vegetarians through its exquisite Mughal cuisine.
If only there was space to sit! This is the view of innumerable visitors to Karim’s Take Away joint at Sagar Complex, when they are unable to raise an accusing finger at the quality of food and the consequent licking that it inevitably leads to.
Started in 1913, Karim is today a chain of restaurants serving hot and spicy mughlai cuisine to gourmets coming from far and near. Though professionalism has caught on to the extent that there are several franchise outlets available, where it is possible to debate whether the quality remains the same, the East Delhi’s Take Away joint is directly run by the owners.
Says Alimuddin Ahmed of Dastarkhwan-e-Karim Pvt. Ltd., that runs the East Delhi outlet: “Ours is the fifth generation in business. Cooking The Royal Food is the hereditary profession of Karim’s, because wherever the Mughal’s went they took our ancestors along with them right from the times of Babur. The Mughlai food developed under the patronage of the Mughal Kings and Queens using the Indian spices became our hallmark when the Mughals made India their permanent homeland.”
No doubt that Karim’s food is a result of time-tested methods, perfected through several decades. Trick lies in the proportions and not just the ingredients. Even oil or fat is regulated and only put as per necessity. The comfortable level of chillies makes the food more relishing.
“The type of people who come to our restaurant and even care to pen down their views suggest the extent to which the food is relished. And a lot many inevitably returns, again and again, to give Karim a dedicated clientele that perhaps no other restaurant in Delhi can boast of.”
All that’s on offering is up for taste! You will find a distinct taste to every dish. Upon trying the food at Karim’s you would only marvel at the number of taste-buds that are present on your tongue and the level to which they get ignited. Be it the Yakhni soup and Baqar Khani, roti and the Sag Ghost or simply Nahari or Kofta of peppery ground lamb tenderly embracing a boiled egg – your tongue would relish them all. Also, there is a choice of roasted items, including chicken and paneer. Chicken tikka or rumali rotis served with kababs too are hot-selling items and so is Kheer in small earthen plates.
Food is such that Karim should put a warning for the vegetarians. Don’t accompany your non-vegetarian friend to the premises. Or else, just the colour and smell might tempt you into conversion. After all, Karim can easily be blamed for subverting a lot many vegetarians through its exquisite Mughal cuisine.
Daring to be different: Mahesh Bhatt
If there is one man who can be expected to provide the most candid, uncensored views on any subject, it surely has to be Mahesh Bhatt. Aziz Haider spoke exclusively to this famous director-turned-producer, and found him more candid, more fearless and more philosophical than ever.
Even before you begin the conversation, he ‘demystifies’ his profession by comparing it as similar to that of a clown, snake-charmer and prostitute. “Because we are all in the business of entertainment,” says he.
It is such blatant views on the affairs governing our society that has endeared Mahesh Bhatt to many, while at the same time making few his most ardent critics.
“I do not have false views which people hold on to, for their entire life. They are living in a fool’s paradise.”
“I discovered during my childhood how harsh this life could be. The values that are taught in school do not operate in real life. When I say it openly, they call me a shocker.”
Truth is that he minces no words to push forth his view. Not used to such candid, or you may say blatant views on the harsh realities of life, a section of society see him as a shocker. Shocker he definitely is in that aspect but as this correspondent found out after spending several hours with him, his views are based on his own experiences, good or bad. In contrast to most of us who prefer to remain silent on issues and affairs surrounding us, Mahesh Bhatt at least says what’s in his mind.
Otherwise known for making masala films with sex and glamour, Bhatt’s new venture is different because in the midst of all the entertainment, he ahs also incorporated a serious message on HIV/AIDS.
“People stay away from message-oriented films. So in Actress, we will give them oomph, glamour and stardust with a glimpse of the dark reality behind it all,” says Bhatt.
After last year’s Phir Milenge, Actress will be the second film dealing with the issue of HIV/AIDS. The screenplay is ready and the film is expected to release at the end of the year.
Even in his another film, Nazar, Bhatt has given a one-minute clip on HIV/AIDS right after the board of censorship certification. This is part of the film and appears after the censor certificate so that exhibitors can’t take it out even if they want to.
Critics of Bhatt, however, say that he does all this for remaining in limelight and selling his films. Organizations like UNICEF and NACO have joined hands with the government to form a communication consortium with the film and entertainment industry to incorporate the message of HIV/AIDS in popular media and Bhatt’s rediscovery of message-oriented films is an off-shoot of that.
After all, he still continues to favour depiction of smoking on screen and his films have always been pioneers in exploring new horizons for depiction of sex and glamour.
But such is Mahesh Bhatt! A shocker! Or a different man!
Even before you begin the conversation, he ‘demystifies’ his profession by comparing it as similar to that of a clown, snake-charmer and prostitute. “Because we are all in the business of entertainment,” says he.
It is such blatant views on the affairs governing our society that has endeared Mahesh Bhatt to many, while at the same time making few his most ardent critics.
“I do not have false views which people hold on to, for their entire life. They are living in a fool’s paradise.”
“I discovered during my childhood how harsh this life could be. The values that are taught in school do not operate in real life. When I say it openly, they call me a shocker.”
Truth is that he minces no words to push forth his view. Not used to such candid, or you may say blatant views on the harsh realities of life, a section of society see him as a shocker. Shocker he definitely is in that aspect but as this correspondent found out after spending several hours with him, his views are based on his own experiences, good or bad. In contrast to most of us who prefer to remain silent on issues and affairs surrounding us, Mahesh Bhatt at least says what’s in his mind.
Otherwise known for making masala films with sex and glamour, Bhatt’s new venture is different because in the midst of all the entertainment, he ahs also incorporated a serious message on HIV/AIDS.
“People stay away from message-oriented films. So in Actress, we will give them oomph, glamour and stardust with a glimpse of the dark reality behind it all,” says Bhatt.
After last year’s Phir Milenge, Actress will be the second film dealing with the issue of HIV/AIDS. The screenplay is ready and the film is expected to release at the end of the year.
Even in his another film, Nazar, Bhatt has given a one-minute clip on HIV/AIDS right after the board of censorship certification. This is part of the film and appears after the censor certificate so that exhibitors can’t take it out even if they want to.
Critics of Bhatt, however, say that he does all this for remaining in limelight and selling his films. Organizations like UNICEF and NACO have joined hands with the government to form a communication consortium with the film and entertainment industry to incorporate the message of HIV/AIDS in popular media and Bhatt’s rediscovery of message-oriented films is an off-shoot of that.
After all, he still continues to favour depiction of smoking on screen and his films have always been pioneers in exploring new horizons for depiction of sex and glamour.
But such is Mahesh Bhatt! A shocker! Or a different man!
Down Memory Lane with Priyanka Chopra
Femina Ms. World 2000 and now a busy actress, Priyanka Chopra describes in her own words about her favourite destination, Maldives. See what this busy actress has to say to Aziz Haider.
If there is one image that the magical Maldivean Islands never fail to conjure, that is the water. Sprinkled across the equator, these islands are every one’s fantasy of an idyllic tropical retreat.
It was this wonderful land that played host to all the beauty contestants for Ms. World 2000 swimwear contest. I was one of the many who was participating. It was early stage of the competition and the thought that I may go on to win the crown itself had not dawned on me till then.
I think Maldives was the perfect choice for swimwear contest. The heavenly beauty of the place made us forget for a while why we had assembled there. I, for one, was so enchanted by the beauty of the place that the next few days that I spent there, I did nothing but enjoyed the fun…just fun.
Even today, I fail to forget those moments. I basked in the sun or lazed on the beach marveling the nature at its best. I watched the capricious changes of mood in the ocean, secretive sapphire to clear aquamarine, with hidden hints of more blues that we’d ever imagined, even in a dream.
Besides the most vivid natural beauties that they present, various islands of Maldives also offer guests the luxuries of the best hotels in an eco-friendly, back-to-nature, ambience. At some places, hotel rooms or villas even have their own private stretch of beach, so you can dive or snorkel in warm, crystal-clear waters, or just lie back and contemplate nature’s wondrous world, as you please.
The gourmet meals too are an epicure’s delight, as delectable in appearance as in taste.
I relished the mouth-watering dishes a lot. Despite whatever the figure-conscious may say, I love to eat anything and everything that’s cooked well and looks good. Except Chinese!
The most unforgettable moment came when dark clouds suddenly covered up the entire island. As the clouds thundered, as lightning crisscrossed the darkened sky till it faded away in the horizons, and as rain lashed down heavily, I bathed in the rain. Several times in India, I have done the same under the cool monsoon showers. Here, it was simply irresistible. With coconut grooves on one side swaying to the breeze, the far-stretching ocean with gently undulating waves, cool breeze from the ocean caressing your body in the most sensuous manner, and soft silver sand under your feet, how could anybody resist this temptation?
I saw the brightest rainbow of my life at Maldives, each colour in the vibgyor glowing distinct and incandescent. I was so excited that I ran behind it, as if I could catch it, while it poised tantalizingly between blue sky and even bluer-ocean.
Even at night, I would sneak out of the hotel room despite the fact that it was forbidden to do so. Some other contestants who had become good friends too came along. We all shared the same view of life. We frolicked and did a lot of masti. I am sure God must have taken so much time making Maldives. It’s simply stunning.
We would go to the beach under the starlit night and gaze at the expanse of the night, listen to the musical murmur of the ocean and the romance that it ignited made me sing all those childhood songs that I would sing to nobody else. I consider myself a good singer. Even though I have not done much riyaz lately, I have sung in a South Indian movie and have recently got offers from Bollywood to sing as well. Due to this, some friends even call me the Jennifer Lopez of India.
But there at the Maldivean beaches, it required no cajoling or temptation. The vocal chords by themselves started meeting the rhythms of the sound that nature created and I sang the most passionate songs of my life.
If there is one image that the magical Maldivean Islands never fail to conjure, that is the water. Sprinkled across the equator, these islands are every one’s fantasy of an idyllic tropical retreat.
It was this wonderful land that played host to all the beauty contestants for Ms. World 2000 swimwear contest. I was one of the many who was participating. It was early stage of the competition and the thought that I may go on to win the crown itself had not dawned on me till then.
I think Maldives was the perfect choice for swimwear contest. The heavenly beauty of the place made us forget for a while why we had assembled there. I, for one, was so enchanted by the beauty of the place that the next few days that I spent there, I did nothing but enjoyed the fun…just fun.
Even today, I fail to forget those moments. I basked in the sun or lazed on the beach marveling the nature at its best. I watched the capricious changes of mood in the ocean, secretive sapphire to clear aquamarine, with hidden hints of more blues that we’d ever imagined, even in a dream.
Besides the most vivid natural beauties that they present, various islands of Maldives also offer guests the luxuries of the best hotels in an eco-friendly, back-to-nature, ambience. At some places, hotel rooms or villas even have their own private stretch of beach, so you can dive or snorkel in warm, crystal-clear waters, or just lie back and contemplate nature’s wondrous world, as you please.
The gourmet meals too are an epicure’s delight, as delectable in appearance as in taste.
I relished the mouth-watering dishes a lot. Despite whatever the figure-conscious may say, I love to eat anything and everything that’s cooked well and looks good. Except Chinese!
The most unforgettable moment came when dark clouds suddenly covered up the entire island. As the clouds thundered, as lightning crisscrossed the darkened sky till it faded away in the horizons, and as rain lashed down heavily, I bathed in the rain. Several times in India, I have done the same under the cool monsoon showers. Here, it was simply irresistible. With coconut grooves on one side swaying to the breeze, the far-stretching ocean with gently undulating waves, cool breeze from the ocean caressing your body in the most sensuous manner, and soft silver sand under your feet, how could anybody resist this temptation?
I saw the brightest rainbow of my life at Maldives, each colour in the vibgyor glowing distinct and incandescent. I was so excited that I ran behind it, as if I could catch it, while it poised tantalizingly between blue sky and even bluer-ocean.
Even at night, I would sneak out of the hotel room despite the fact that it was forbidden to do so. Some other contestants who had become good friends too came along. We all shared the same view of life. We frolicked and did a lot of masti. I am sure God must have taken so much time making Maldives. It’s simply stunning.
We would go to the beach under the starlit night and gaze at the expanse of the night, listen to the musical murmur of the ocean and the romance that it ignited made me sing all those childhood songs that I would sing to nobody else. I consider myself a good singer. Even though I have not done much riyaz lately, I have sung in a South Indian movie and have recently got offers from Bollywood to sing as well. Due to this, some friends even call me the Jennifer Lopez of India.
But there at the Maldivean beaches, it required no cajoling or temptation. The vocal chords by themselves started meeting the rhythms of the sound that nature created and I sang the most passionate songs of my life.
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