Iti Mrinalini--Film Review

In our busy day to day chores we hardly get a time to sit back and think of others. Iti Mrinali is a Bengali film released recently directed by veteran Bengali actress Aparna Sen.The casts are Konkona Sen Sharma,Rajat Kapoor etc. The film depicts the life of an actress as  an unfinished letter and thus the name of the film. 'Iti' is a Bengali word which we used to write at the end of a letter. Mrinalini is the name of the character.

The film starts with the veteran actress Aparna Sen writing her suicide note and then slowly the film flashes back to the past. A heroine no matter how old can she be would never want to leave her position,her fame. She would hate to do a side role. Actually the bitter truth is that no matter how great actress can u be at ur time but slowly when u become older and make space for the new faces no longer does the media or the people recognizes you. You are then just an experienced artist. And thats what happened to Mrinalini. It was the primiere of  new film released where she was given an elderly role but the media was more interested with the heroine. And again she had an intimate relation with the director, who also promised her to cast as a heroine in his next film. But the producer announced the new young heroine to be the lead actress in their upcoming film. Depressed Mrinalini set herself aside from the launch party. She was too shocked to hear the director saying " U are a veteran and u know u r an old face." She decided to end her life.

Amidst the sea of sadness Mrinalini started recollecting her olden days. She ransacked her old boxes and started looking at her old and precious possessions. The film rolled back to her college days when the young Mrinalini played by Konkona Sen Sharma  and her friends were discussing over various poems. She was a student of presidency college and the camera revealed the old College Street of Kolkata , the nostalgic environment of Indian Coffee House , the trams and the rickshaws. Mrinalini's then boyfriend was a Naxal and was killed by the police. Mrinalini moved on in her life and chose acting as her career. She got an offer to work with one of the finest directors and was awarded for her excellence. The film also showed rivalry between the actors.Mrinalini was casted off  of a film where the director chose another famous actress. But nothing stopped Mrinalini to become a famous name. She worked hard and was even got very much involved with her first director played by Rajat Kapoor. She had a baby daughter who was adopted by her brother and sister-in-law. But ultimately their relation broke as Rajat Kapoor was unable to leave his wife and children. At that time another writer cum friend played by Kaushik Sen became her support.

Everything was going fine. But destiny snatched away her daughter. She was on the verge of committing suicide but death was not so easy. Slowly slowly the time went by and she retired herself from the limelight. She refused many directors until a very tempting offer urged her to work again. And while shooting for the film the set caught fire and she lost her only support ,her dresser whom she loved like anything. 

Mrinalini was so engrossed in her past that she didnt see that the rainy night has made its place for the dawn. Suddenly an sms in her mobile conveying the message of arrival of her dear friend aroused a new hope in her heart. She deferred her idea of suicide and went out for a morning walk with her pet dog. But destiny had something else in store. A boy was chased by gangsters. The boy ran past her but accidentally the bullet shot by the gangsters hit Mrinalini.

Though the end could have been made better yet the film was good. The film showed almost many truths of .the film industry. Brilliant acting by Aparna Sen,Konkona Sen Sharma & Rajat kapoor. It was worth watching.

I am Prisoner # 57257

It was 15th Aug 2008. Anand got his release from the Central Jail. It was an independence day for him too. 10 yrs have passed by. Now he was free. He expected some familiar faces outside jail. But no one turned up.

Slowly walking by the road that leads to his house Anand was comparing the present with the past. The time he had last seen this place.The place has changed a lot but its people are the same. As he walked passed by many shops everybody was staring at him. He heard someone whispering " Isnt the man Anand who was in jail for 10 years in account of murder?" Anand saw an old man at a tea stall and went towards him."How are u uncle? And how is everyone at your home? How is Kishore? Is he doing his studies well?" The man was astonished. He looked sideways and found people staring at him in curiosity. He slowly replied "Oh it is you Anand. So you finally got released from the jail?" Anand replied " Yes uncle I got my release today." The old man said" Good. I hope this time you have changed & your family will not be ashamed of you again." Anand was shocked. He was not a murderer. He was framed. He did not want to  kill the man who put a fire at their shop . He just wanted to frighten him. He was young and foolish and did exactly what came to his mind. He did not pull the trigger. It was an accident. An accident from a young boy of 25 years. His family could  not afford a lawyer. So his case went unheard  and he was sentenced to jail. His father died in shock. His mother was left with his younger brother and 2 younger sisters.

Anand smiled and said "Yes uncle this time I will be careful." And he moved on. He went near his house and found a big pandal. There was some kind of celebrations going on. He went inside and found it was a marriage ceremony. It was the marriage of his younger sister Sheetal. The people were busy . Nobody noticed him coming. As he progressed towards the main door a young lady asked him "Who are you? What do you want?" Anand was surprised " I am sorry I could not recognize you. Well. this is my home and ..." The lady replied "Your home? Are you nuts? " She called for her husband. To Anand's utter surprise her husband was none other than his younger brother Vinod.  Vinod was surprised too. He could not recognize his own brother. He slowly said " Hello Bhaiya. How r u ?" Anand was so happy that he went to embrace his brither but Vinod denied. Anand said " I am fine. You have grown up bhai.. You have married also. How is everyone? How is Ma? And about Pooja and sheetal? Vinod said " Ma left us 2 yrs back. Pooja has been married for 3 years and lives in Delhi . She has a son of 5 months old. Sheetal is getting  married today to an engineer. I am a doctor at the Govt Hospital. Meet Neha. She is my wife and a child specialist."

Anad was very happy. Tears ran from his eyes. "Oh wonderful bhai. You people have grown up. But y didnt u tell me about Ma? Y didnt u come to meet me bhai?" Vinod said " How could I come bhaiya? We were left with nothing when you got jailed. Instead of supporting your family you killed a man. You left us with no hope. Do you have any idea what we went through? How we have survived let alone our studies? We had problems even now? Pooja was not getting married because of your scandal. Thank God we finally got a good fellow. "

Anand said slowly "Where is Sheetal ? I want to see her." And was about to advance towards the main door. To this Vinod forbade "Please bhaiya I am requesting you . Do not disturb our happiness anymore. Not on this day. I do not want Sheetal's marriage to break just because of you. "He folded his hands in front of him.

Anand was too shocked to say anything, He then said slowly " Ok bhai . Dont worry . I will not ruin your happiness." And by saying so he wept. Vinod left with his wife showing him the door. Anand slowly walked out of the door weeping.

He was cursing himself saying "I am no longer their .They do not want me .Only Ma could have believed me .She is now dead and I am too. What would I do now? How would I make them believe? Please God bless my family,bless my little sister. Let her be happy. I will go away from their life."

As he was walking he noticed a young married woman crossing the road with her husband . He recognized her to be his ex-love Lata. He thought "Lata is married too. Good for her." Lata was waiting in front of a chemist while her husband went to get some medicines. She saw Anand and moved towards him ."How r u Anand ? When did u get out?" Anand was happy. At least Lata will not think him to be a criminal. He said "I am fine Lata. How r u ? " Lata replied"I am fine and happily married to an advocated for 3 years. I am very happy  so much so that I would never have been had I married a murderer."
Anand was shocked. Finally Lata too thought him to be a criminal. He remebered Lata saying  in jail "Dont worry Anand I know u are innocent. I am there for u . Will be there always with you." Time change everything.
Lata's husband came out of the chemist and she left with him. Anand stood there rooted to the ground unable to move. The society had closed all its doors to him. Nobody believed him. Anand Sharma had ceased to exist.

He went to a park and sat on a bench for a long time. In the late evening he checked in a hotel. WHen the receptionist asked him "Whats your name?" He replied " I am Prisoner # 57257 "

An Encounter with God

It was raining outside. Tina was sitting at her drawing room reading a book. She was sad and thus kept looking outside the window. She could not concentrate on the book. She continued to pray to God "Why has such things happened to me? Why do u not provide me any answer? What have I done to u?
For the past few days Tina was upset with her friends and boyfriend. She was home on a vacation and is not enjoying it at all. Her parents are worried as she doesnt go out , stays in her room on her own. She just cries and stares at the picture of God in her small ,tidy and cosy bedroom.
It was one such day when Tina's parents were asleep and she continued to read story books. She finds them to be her best friends. At least they will never leave her,never argue with her, but will always give her company.As the rain started Tina went to the drawing room to get a better view of rain. But she was sad. She badly wanted the things to be sorted out. She was hurt and heart broken.
It was 2 o' clock at night. Suddenly Tina noticed a tall,fair and handsome man, dressed in blue denim jeans and a red Tshirt, sitting in the sofa facing her.

Man: Hello Tina.. Were u calling me?
Tina: Why on earth shall I call u ? Who are u ? How did u enter my house? Go away or I shall call my dad.
Man: Relax relax..  U know me actually.. I am God.
Tina: God?? What nonsense is that?
Man: Why ? Cant I be one?
Tina: No
Man: Why?
Tina: Because..because u dont look like one..
Man: How do God look like?
Tina: U are not like the one I have posters and statues?
Man: Tina , u read a lot of book dont u ?
Tina( being confused): Yes... so?
Man: U have read Chetan Bhagat's " One night at the call centre"?
Tina: Ya.(thinking what on earth does this man trying to say)
Man: Well then y r u confused? The world can get modern why cant I? After all guys and gals at your age will not like the one u have posters and statues..Isnt it? Dont I look cool in this outfit?
Tina: Ha..............Well ya u do look nice..
Man: Then? 
Tina: No I was just confused.. Well why are so late when I calling u for so many days?You should have come before dont u ?
Man:  U see I have loads of work. Today I was free so I came.. So tell me hows life?
Tina:  U are God. U should be knowing.
Man: Well I want to hear it from u .. Tell me..
Tina: Not good at all. 
Man: Why?
Tina: I am having problems with my boyfriend. He has hurt me. I think the relationship is going to be end. 
Tina cried again and continued. 
I am having problems with my friends too. They dont understand me. They blame me for things I have not done. I am alone. I have no one.
Man( smiling a little): Hey Tina u r a brave girl.First stop crying. Tears are very precious u know. Somebody may not like it.
Tina: Who will not like it?
Man: Ur  Boyfriend .
Tina: He is the one who makes me cry. Had he cared enough for me I would have never cried.
Man: Well .. he do cares for u and u know that very well. U know the solutions to every problem of urs.
Tina: No I dont.
Man: Yes u do. Think how many times have I told u to call hem up and patch up . How many times have I told u to call ur friends and talk to them?
Tina:Why is that I will go every time and patch up with everyone?
Man: Whats wrong in that? U have done that earlier too.
Tina: Yes but not this time. This time the fault was not mine but theirs. They should be sorry not me.My boyfriend always hurt me and I patch up for that and he takes me for granted.My friends too think the same. Despite knowing everything u are telling me to go?
Man: My dear u are the bravest of all of them. It takes a lot of courage to forgive,a lot more to forget. And nobody but u only can do that. And before that let me tell u trust ur love, trust ur friendship and trust me. I have been saying these simple words since ages but people are always stuck with the same  problem. If something  goes right they dont bother and if something is wrong they blame me. My dear dont take ur problems to be so big and continue to weep. Think about the problems others face. U are blessed in comparison to them. Be happy with what u have. Who said u are alone? Do I leave u when u need me? Dont I comfort u ? Dont I fix everything. Then y bother? I am ur best friend. I am here with u ? Y do u fear? Be cool.:P
Tina: What about my tears? What about the pain I faced? Shall I forget everything?
Man:Oh come on......Its nothing. Ur boyfriend is also as much hurt as u r. But he cannot say that. Ur friends are hurt too.Dont count these things. Life is too short.Live it.Be happy.Dont think so much.
Tina: How do u manage to remain so cool?
Man(laughingly): Because I am God. I have huge task.. A task no one can imagine. 
Tina: And you want me to forget everything?
Man: Let me ask u a question.. U do a lot of facebook dont u ?
Tina: Yes I do..so what?
Man: Well there is an application "God wants you to know". U follow it religiously r8?
Tina: Yes
Man: There I have told u one day that u become what ur mind makes u ? Tell me dear do u gain anything by clinging to ur miseries? Take the first step. I am there. I am sure u will thank me for this.:P
Tina: Ok..
Man: And one more thing. Whenever u r sad just think I am there listening to u ,beside u  as always. So be relaxed.
Tina: How will I live if my relation breaks with him?
Man: If u love each other truly it wont break.Love is not so weak u know.
Tina: If it is so then how come Rahul's girlfriend left him after 3 years of relationship? What have u done to console him?
Man: U will see. Rahul will have a better life. I am not a betrayer. 


Well Ok then sweetheart smile and just think the world is urs. Remove the tensions and the worries. Be cool and relax.Do remember what I said and do act accordingly.. U will get everything back.Its time for me to leave somebody else is waiting for me.Bye .. Good night.
Tina: No no dont go..stay sometime more..Please.............

And with that Tina fell from the sofa. She opened her eyes. It was a bright sunny morning. She was dreaming. She washed her face and with full confidence started her day on God's command.Everything was sorted out and Tina could not help thanking God.

The problems are many but solution is always simple. We know what to do but how many of us actually follow that?How many of us listen to our inner voice? 

"U are Beautiful"

It was the farewell day of their college. Four years seems to have passed off on a whisk. Nisha,Anju ,Vineet and Akash were very sad as the college will end soon. It seems as if it was yesterday only when they have arrived at the college as a first year, with an emotion mixed with sadness of leaving their home and excitement of getting a good engineering college. They didnt know anyone. Slowly they became friends...rather best friends...

Nisha was smart,beautiful,thin and tall. Needless to say a lot of boys want her but she was not ready to be caught up in a relation..Again she was not the person who can turn down their requests. She had a number of male friends and enjoyed all their help and parties.Anju was a simple girl whose life had nothing special in it. She was home sick. She was average looking , loved to make friends. But to her dismay she was misunderstood a number of times. Vineet was tall,fair good looking. Many girls liked him. Akash was smart too but his sense of humour made him the most popular guy.

4 of them had great time together. Used to sit at the backbenches and laugh at the jokes made by Akash. They used to party and visit many places.Used to participate in evry competitions.Danced together at the college fest. They were famous for their friendship.Vineet had a sense of liking towards Nisha. Nisha too used to take advantage of that. She took Vineet's help whenever she needed specially during the exams. Anju liked Vineet from the first day.She never knew what those feelings meant until she discovered she is in love with him.
In their 3rd year Anju decided to confess her feelings to Vineet on Valentine's Day. She called up Vineet the night before and asked him to meet her at the college seminar room. Vineet arived on time. Both started talking. Meanwhile Anju asked him what kind of girl he like.Vineet replied " I want a beautiful girl, whom I can admire my entire life." Anju was heartbroken. She knew Vineet will never like him. She asked" Is there anyone in your mind" He replied "yes and she is from our batch." Anju knew it was Nisha. She thought"Nisha is very lucky to get him " She smiled. Vineet asked her "y  r  u asking me these thing?" She said "we are best friends and maybe I can get you wht u want." He said "actually I was also thinking of saying these things to u but couldnt undesrtand how to say,how would u react..I mean u r not that type of girl" Anju replied sadly"ya i am not that type of girl" Vineet said"Anju only u can help me in this ..No one else can."Anju said"I promise u yaar I will try my best to give u what u want....Bye for now and Happy Valentine's Day"
She left ... Nobody could see her tears,nobody knew how she felt. From that day onwards she tried to convince Nisha about Vineet. She even left them alone in the classes  and sat somewhere else with Akash. Akash understood everything. But he didnt say much. Vineet and Nisha started to go out together. But Nisha never loved Vineet. She used him to make her things done. Anju tried a number of times to make her understand but in vain.

It was their farewell day. Everyone was dressed in their best.. The party was about to begin. Vineet and Akash was dressed in Black Suit  were both looking very handsome. Anju was dressed in  a whinte chiffon saree  with simple ornaments which made her look like a princess. Nisha was dressed in a blue silk saree witha  backless blouse and a heavy makeup which made her look gorgeous. Every eyes were on Nisha.The party began. The professors wished their students a bright future. There were many competitions,a fashon show, great food ,drinks.....
Meanwhile Anju stood in a corner and started crying.Vineet on seeing it came near her
"Y r u crying?"
"will miss u all yaar."
"we r not going anywhere just the college is ending.Comeon Anju we will keep in touch."
"ya.."
"Bye d way u didnt tell me the girl's name that day.."
"Aahh...ya..u didnt ask also"
"I knew it was Nisha r8?? Well I tried my best to make her come closer to u...any positive result?"
"How can it yield positive result when u r wrong at the very beginning?"
"What do u mean?"
Vineet took Anju's hand and said" I meant that it was not Nisha whom I liked.It was you U mistook it to be her."
Anju said" But u said u wanted a beautiful girl whom u can admire for ur entire life"
Vineet said" Yes I did. And that one was u. U r Beautiful Anju. U r the one who loved me without any condition. Who wanted the best for me. Who helped me with everything. Who cared for me like anything. It was me who was stupid. Nisha is only beautiful from outside.. Her inside is very ugly.. U r the world's most beautiful girl becoz ur heart is very beautiful. That day I intended to mean this only but u couldnt understand. Who can help me in this matter other than u?"
Anju was in tears.. She couldnt believe what at she just heard.Vineet wiped her tears and said softly "I love u Anju..Will u marry me?"
Anju couldnt say anything only cried and nodded her head.

How safe is our Social Networking Sites

I was in my 1st year at college when I first heard of Social Networking sites. I never knew what was Social networking sites meant. I found it extremely interesting and was addicted to it like anything. I communicated with lots of my school friends and even those with whom I have never talked while at school.They gave me many good friends. So I immensely thank them for that.

But what to do if that little bliss is used as a curse? They are made to bring people closer. To enhance friendship , to make the world smaller. But what when someone misuses these things? Somebody hacked my account when I was in my 3rd year. I didnt know who and y? I restored it to normal though. Many of my friends got their fake profiles with their names on it. A few years later somebody used the pic of my best friend in a fake profile. Despite of repeatedly reporting  it resulted nil. I was going through the various help forums . I found many such similar cases with even more dangerous outcomes. Somebody used a girl's picture in a fake profile and has abused her,tried to do cyber crimes . Not only girls even boys were not spared. I guess  search engines are also full up with these type of questions. And they too were turned down .

I know it is not the fault of the internet nor the Social networking sites. It is the fault of the people who misuses the whole purpose of Social networking and thus abuses people.But there should be some corrective measures for that. Isnt it? If the big IT companies are responsible for their success y do they not take responsibility when somebody misuses? Is there nothing by which we can be helped? How many reports and how many complaints do they need to prove the truth of the innocent?Why is that the security is being questioned everytime? Why is that people are forced to take extreme steps? Why is that nowadays people refrain from Social Networking? 

I wish I could have got the answer and all the people who face these type of problems could have got their remedies..

Impact of the world cup

Its been a week now since India created a history. The impact of that is shown in every Indian in every parts of India. The excitement was tremendous on the day of the India vs Pakistan semifinal. With India's performance I half wished India to win. However that day was memorable. There was an official mail the day before ,to wear the Indian jersey or any business casual just to cheer India. The office was half empty as many had taken the day off. During the lunch many left for their home. When it was around 2 pm somebody shouted India's gonna bat first. I felt nervous. The match started with our cafeteria being a movie theatre as many gathered there. Many gathered in the conference room and watched the match on the projector..We started watching it on someone's system as he just connected via the internet. Our tech support team told us not to call them after 2 p.m. As Shehwag started hitting boundaries everyone started to shout. The office work,the training sesions, the onsite calls all were left aside.. People were not the employee of the company then they were just INDIANs rather cricket loving Indians.
With the first wicket  every one was back to desk losing hope. But the Master Blaster was still there. So the magic continues. I reached home early and of course missed the charm that was prevailing in the office. It was a wonderful game with the Indian teams superb performance. I switched off the television when Pakistan was hitting fours and sixes. But again the shouts of the neighbourhood told me that we have got a wicket. I hurriedly opoened the television to find out. And at last when India did win the madness of the people was just ...... There were fire crackers, music,everyone danced like anythng. Whatever they had with them whether its a plate and spoon or a drum ..they started playing them. Not to mention the lots of forwarded sms saying Jai Hind started coming in that very late hours of night.

The world cup final against Sri Lanka really was something which I need not say. The newspaper said it all. My doubt against the Indian ability was proved wrong. Though Sri Lanka did a marvellous job putting up a high score,bowling well yet the day was ours.I was cursing India when it was 32-2. It seemed India always loses at the end. But Dhoni ,Gautam Gambhir did a fantastic job. The roads were empty ,there was no traffic anywhere,everyone was  glued to the television. The last 10 overs was too much exciting and tension filled. And after the final six  I cant express the impact of the Indians. Every news channel showed it.oooooooooooooooooooooooo WE won. India created a history. Everyone updated their facebook status ,orkut satus and twitter. Lots of pictures were also uploaded.

Actally IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA...Jai Hind.

The Last Letter

It was almost the end of their relation. Nisha had given everything she could have to save it. She loves him so much and cant think of parting from him..But you cannot bind the relations. never... She waited for him to call. To say what he has to say finally. Nisha cried the whole day. "How could he do this? he too loves me a lot but why does he wants to go away from me? did I not love him enough? Had I been a bad girl friend?" .....endless questions keep filling her  mind and the answers were unknown..She was alone at home with nobody beside her to console,she felt like screaming but alas!

She has known him right from her school days. She adored him.He was a brilliant student. Very humble,down to earth ,quiet and a great friend.She could not help loving him and as the days passed by their friendship turned into a relation--a love relation. He too loves her and she is the only person in the whole world whom he loves so dearly. But there were other things too by which he was bound.

At around 2pm the calling bell rang. Nisha opened the door and found a postman. He gave him a letter. On it her name was written with blue ink. The handwriting seemed familiar. She wondered "who on this earth would send him the letter?"She opened the envelope. Inside was a letter written by her boyfriend.

"Dear Nisha

I know what you must be feeling right now. Trust me I am feeling much worse than you. I dont have the courage to say it over the phone so I am writing it. I know u love me much more than I could have loved u. You never asked anything in return. And I  have been  a very bad boy friend who has never lived upto ur expectation.

It is very painful for me to say that I have to end our relation here only. It was the most beautiful relation which has taught me to grow in life. I know I will never be happy again as my happiness lies in u. I know I will never be able to love anyone again as my only love is u. But I cant explain u the situation for which I am saying this. May be we were not destined to be together.

I might not survive long as it is utterly painful for me too to survive without u. I want the very best of u.I wish u a very happy life and I know whoever comes to ur life will keep u happy. Everyone is not like me.

I know u must be thinking that I am a coward. Yes I am a coward. I cant fight with my family. I cant see my mother committing suicide in front of me. No. I love u too much and cant bear to hear anything ugly spoken to u after our marriage. If possible dont misunderstand me. I am being forced to do this. I promise I will never be back in ur life. U will not see me again.

This is my last letter to u. I wish u all the very best for ur future. Be happy.Keep smilling my angel and forgive me.

I know God will never forgive me for what I have done and I deserve that. I deserve to die as its because of me all problems are being created.

I love u  always.

Bye

Raj"

Nisha laid  on the floor crying like anything with the letter clutching towards her heart. And uttered a little prayer "Oh God! Why?Why did u do this to me?"

There are some love stories in life which ends despite the two people loving each other madly. They end because of some unavoidable sequences that accompanies a person since their birth. The  question though still remains...."WHY IS IT SO?"..And the answer.....unknown.