Alia Bhatt- smartest and bravest chick of the year!

No, the chief minister of Maharashtra was never Prithiviraj Chauhan. Not even in the wildest dream of people with the same name. Yet, a budding bubbly actress made one of the major laugh-inducing blunders in the chat show of Karan Johar called Koffee with Karan. Alia Bhatt–riding high on her back to back success of 2 States and Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya–could not answer who was the CM of Maharashtra accurately a couple of months back.

What followed was an apparently mortifying ride wherein the Twitter and Google was flooded with stuffs like “Alia Bhatt memes”, “Alia Bhatt Jokes” and “Alia Bhatt dumb”. Embarrassing indeed for any person, let alone a popular A grade actress. This went on for many months, and the discovery of new memes and mockery of her IQ just wouldn’t stop. It was a laugh riot on different social networking sites. And going by the obsession of general public with celebrity humour, it wouldn’t have ceased at least for couple of decades more.

It is said that the most loved comedian is one who can start with making fun of himself, technically known as self-deprecating humour. Alia Bhatt is not a comedian; she is an actress, but somewhere it appears she took this funda of self-deprecating humour seriously. She knew that if she can come up with the most hilarious parody on her alleged dumbness then at least she can reach an outlet if not stopping it entirely. Instead of blowing fuse on all her dumbness-celebrating jokes, she decided to collaborate with All India Bakchod (AIB) and came up with a hysterically entertaining 10 minutes Youtube video that shows how Alia develops her brain muscles by taking membership of ‘Dumb Bells Gym’. In the video she is shown to be an ‘acute case of Darsheel Safary’ and how! You will find many more uproarious references in this video that also includes the special appearances of Mahesh Bhatt (her father), Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra.

I would call it a smart decision. You can’t refer Alia Bhatt dumb after this because I feel only a sharp and mature mind can have the guts to take potshots at oneself, especially on the same medium that once could not get enough of her memes. This video transported me 2-3 years back when I was known for taking dig at everyone including me. However, an incident engulfed me into vortex of misgiving when a girl called me “Joker” for having the potential to make anyone laugh at the drop of a hat. I just couldn’t take it at that instant and refrained from letting my witty side out after that.

Few weeks down I knew that I was not doing right in suppressing myself. I am a quintessential happy-go-lucky girl and my loved ones admire me for that. There is no way a mere “Joker” remark can penetrate me and initiate a barrage of rage. I thought of walking up to that girl and saying, “Yes I am a Joker, and I am content as I am involved in a noble job of bringing smile on people surrounding me.” But, then explaining it to my inner self was far more important than to someone else. I liberated myself from those negative thoughts at that very instant and realized that there is no harm if I can laugh at my weakness and have a good time with others.

I completely adore and respect this attempt of Alia Bhatt and AIB group called ‘Alia Bhatt – Genius of the Year’ because it takes lot of guts to ridicule yourself in a healthy way. Please do watch it guys for it may leave u giggling even when the documentary is over. Way to go Alia!!!!!!!

 

P.S: All pictures and video link used are a result of Google search and I have no copyright over them.

Meeting with a courageous man called Pappu

“Madam mera photo leke kya karoge?” (Madam, what will you do with my photograph?) His eyes were gleaming with self-worth but still he was mouthing words of uncertainty as I took out my phone to click one photograph. He ruffled through his hair and posed quickly for it………………………………

My recent visit to Jagannath temple, Puri was supposed to be a spiritual journey with my parents wherein we wanted to thank God for all the ups and downs we saw in the past one year…for it brought only the best out of us. What I didn’t know was that during this trip my encounter with a less fortunate man named Pappu will open new doors of gratitude for me. Pappu, a 23 years old hard working man from Baleshwar, was a room service staff in the hotel where we stayed.

In our first day of meeting, I took him as yet another guest-pleaser staff who is seeking some gratuity from his guests. But, he was different from others; he proved me this during lunch when I was just listening to my starved stomach and ordering sloppily. This is when he jumped to my wallet’s rescue and suggested me to order half of what I was actually ordering.

“Itna nahi lagega madam. Kyu paisa aur khana barbaad karna. Main aapko batata hu utna hi krna aur please kisi ko mat bolna ke maine aapko bola tha. Woh kya hai na ke paise barbaad ho na to acha nahi lgta. Aap bura mat manna madam.”

(You won’t need this much madam. Why are you wasting both your time and money? I will suggest you the quantity but please don’t tell anyone about this. Actually I don’t like to see wastage of money. You please don’t mind madam.)

I was awestruck. A hotel staff paying more attention to curbing your expenses instead of manipulating to get more on table is completely far-fetched. Either he had something against his supervisor or he was oblivious of basic marketing tricks. Anyway, unable to think of anything else, I preferred to go by his suggestions at that moment.

After the lunch while he was clearing the table I asked him about his basic whereabouts. He politely replied, “Mera ghar Baleshwar me hai. Yaha pichle teen saal se kaam krta hu. Shayad apko yaad nahi aap pichle saal bhi aaye the. Tab main hi tha yaha. Aapko koi bhi problem ho bas ek baar room service me phone karke bolna ke Pappu ko bhej do. Main sab sambhal lunga. Aap tension mat lo.”

(My home is at Baleshwar. I work here from last three years. I think you don’t remember but last year when you came at that also I was here. If you face any kind of problem just call room service and ask them to send Pappu. I will handle everything. You don’t worry.)

Revering in my vacation thoughts, I did not bother to inquire any further. I smiled and went away. Next day we came back to hotel in evening after a pleasant boat ride at Chilka Lake.

We badly wanted something to eat, but the hotel restaurant was closed and none of us had the energy to go out to eat something. As expected, Pappu was the only person who could help us. We called him and in less than 15 minutes he arranged sandwich. Although the sandwiches were more like what your roommate would make on a lazy Sunday morning, it was filling. The restaurant was closed so I am still not sure from where did he manage. As a gesture of gratefulness we asked him to stay back for some time and offered him a sandwich and water. He denied that, but then he started talking with tenderness in his eyes. My mother asked him at what time he usually eats.

“Aapne pucha mujhe bahut acha laga. Koi aise puchta nahi hai. Yeh log bahut kaam karate hai. Raat 12 baje tak jage rehna padhta hai aur 4 baje uthna padhta hai. Khana ka koi fixed time nahi hai. Sab guests ke khane ke baad hi khate hai.” He replied.

(I appreciated that you inquired about this because no one asks this to me. These people make me work a lot. I have to stay awake till 12 and then wake up at 4 in the morning. There is no fixed time to eat. I eat only after all the guests are done.)

My mother became highly compassionate and asked him further, “tumhare mummy papa kya kaam karte hai? Aakhiri baar ghar kab gaye the?” (What does your parent do for living? When was the last time you went home?)

“Actually mere papa bimar rehte hai. Mummy kuch nahi karti. Didi ki shaadi karani thi isi wajah se mujhe padhai beech me chodna padha. 12 pass karne ke baad engineering karna chahta tha. Lekin koi baat nahi mera chota bhai abhi school me hai aur mera plan hai ki main usko padhaunga chahe jaise bhi ho. Mera rehna aur khana to yaha free hai. Yaha se jo mujhe milta hai who main sab ghar pe bhej deta hu. Ek din bhi chutti nahi leta. Pichle saal gaya tha ghar aur abhi jab tak kuch aur paisa nahi hoga ghar nahi ja sakta.”

(Actually my father is unwell and mother doesn’t work anywhere. We had to get my elder sister married so I left my studies midway. I wanted to pursue engineering after 12^th, but that’s fine as my little brother is still in school and I will take care of his studies irrespective of all situations. I don’t have to pay anything for food and lodging here so I send all my salary back home. I never take any holiday. Last year I went home, but this time I can’t go unless and until I save a good amount of money again.)

We all must have heard numerous stories similar to Pappu in our lives from many people. But, listening to all this from the mouth of the sufferer himself got me choked for a second. Howbeit, I found it surprising that he was not wallowing in sadness and neither was he feeling sorry for himself. On the contrary, he showed all of us a path of optimism and a path to harness the goodness amidst all the menacing stages of life. Before we could say anything, in a flash of second, he uprooted the feeling of misery we started having for him.

“Mujhe pata hai aap logo ko mere pe daya aa rhi hogi. Lekin Madam sach batau to aisa kuch mat sochna. Kyunki yeh bas kuch saloon ki baat hai. Main aur mehnat karunga aur dekhna ek ache engineering college me admission lunga kabhi. Mujhe daya nahi value chahiye. Aur aapne mujhe yeh pucha ke maine khaya ya nahi yahi mere liye bahut badi baat hai. “

(I know you all are feeling pity on me, but madam to tell you the truth, it is not like that. Because it is just a matter of few years. I will work harder and one day I will take admission in a good engineering college. I don’t want pity, but Value. And you asked me whether I ate or not this is more than enough for me.)

His thoughts kept striking my mind like a sledgehammer; I kept thinking that we usually fall apart like a house of cards on slightest of dilemma, and here was a man standing in front of me with so much sanguinity and courage that can put anyone to shame. Even if there is one moment to spare, we start thinking of our impending struggles and start getting apprehensive. There is something to learn from everyone and Pappu’s courage taught me not only to be optimistic, but also to be considerate to people even for the smallest smidgen. He proved the saying right that it’s always better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Whether it was his honesty on first day, his gentleness towards his guests or his self-esteem while talking about his situation, I don’t think it’s every day we come across someone who can establish a strong ground with so much conviction. He was right in saying that there was nothing that we could give him. On the contrary, he gave me lot of wisdom and insight to take back home after the trip.

On the last day when he came to pick our luggage I asked him, “Pappu aapka ek photo le skte hai kya?” (Pappu can I take your photograph?)

“Madam mera photo leke kya karoge?” (Madam, what will you do with my photograph?) His eyes were gleaming with self-worth but still he was mouthing words of uncertainty as I took out my phone to click one photograph. He ruffled through his hair and posed quickly for it.

“Kyunki Pappu aap jab engineering college me jayenge to hum sab aapse nahi mil payenge.”

(Because we won’t be able to meet you when you will get admission in engineering college)

I replied him back while I took his last memory with us in my phone.

P.S: All photographs belong to me and I have full copyright over them.

Role Reversal

28 August, 8:30 AM. Its Trisha’s birthday. Should I call her and wish her this time like I always did all these years or just drop an impassive Facebook birthday wish. Wait a minute. Why I am even thinking about her. I have moved on; having a stable family, a rewarding job and of course happily married for last 6 months. If there was even an iota of contemplation in her then she would have called me at least once, let alone sending me a birthday card like college days.

It was Riya- a student of commerce and now an accounts executive in a leading private bank. Perhaps she took her career choice very seriously because everything about her was calculative. Case in point, the way she was mumbling regarding a birthday wish. Today was Trisha’s birthday. Her best friend from school, but from the past couple of years things were far away from hunky dory between them. There was no particular reason that could be attributed to it. However, one thing led to another in a complicated fashion. Riya was never good at maintaining relationships thanks to her ever-growing ego. Still there was a considerate side to her that only Trisha knew and that’s why she never left her side come what may! The bond between Trisha and Riya was beyond any words of affection and trust.

However, few years ago, when Riya lost her sister in an accident things started souring between both of them. Riya reacted sharply to the commiseration support provided by Trisha during those days. Riya strongly claimed that she need not be presented with redundant empathy and the only favour she wanted was leaving her alone. Contrary to what most people would feel during those moments of upfront apathy, Trisha did not take into account those remarks at all; instead she stood like a solid rock for Riya, and the only thing she kept repeating to her mind was “If I leave her hand now, I may lose her forever.”

Things started changing when Trisha moved into another city and stopped calling her like she used to before. Ego commenced its game of supremacy and even Riya refused to communicate further with Trisha. Alas, nothing could be heard about her now apart from occasional Facebook statuses. It’s been a year there is no concrete communication between then. And yes it’s 28 August, 8:30 AM.

I still remember when I got a compartment in Mathematics she followed a votive offering to her favourite god so that I clear the exam with flying colours. And sending me a box full of dry fruits when I told her that my blood pressure was below normal range was something out of the world. She also…..uhhh……there are so many memories. Why she ceased the communication between us suddenly? Let it be. Let her through attitude, I won’t call her too…….No, I will call her today. Let’s see what she is up to.

“Arvind you please find your lucky pair of socks yourself. I have a call to make.” Riya answered back to her husband who was apparently searching something beneath the bed. She quickly took out her phone, logged into Facebook and searched for the latest phone number of Trisha.

There it is. Finally. Today she will get a bashing from me. And here goes the call.

“Hello. May I know who is calling?” A voice from the other end of the phone asked in a very frail tone.

Riya answered, “I knew you would not recognize. But, anyway, wish you a very Happy Birthday stupid. You are out of touch for many months now. No mercy for you.”

“Oh my god It’s you Riya. Thanks so much buddy.” Then there was an awkward pause.

Riya sensed a certain level of detachment in her tone, but gathered courage to continue. “Where have you been? I was just bit lost in certain things but at least you could have tried to contact me. You snuffed everything at the snap of fingers. “

“Well, Riya I hope you remember that once I told you that the earth does not revolve around you. If you are lost in your life then even I am allowed to be busy with mine.”

Trisha got a very unsettling feeling with this reply; however, she was not willing to let her go this time. “Why are talking so crudely? What’s wrong? I have never seen you talking like this ever. Is everything alright? You can share with me.”

Trisha replied, “Nopes. I just want to be alone for some time. Please don’t ask further questions. Anyway, thanks for your call. Can I put down the phone now? I hope I am not asking enough”

“Are you telling me what the fuck is wrong with you or shall I call your parents and ask. You know me well if you try to fool around me, I will keep poking. Is that clear?” Riya moderately raised her voice.

“I am sorry if I am causing any kind of umbrage right now. All I can say is that it seems everything is on the ebb for me. I am not having a stable mental bandwidth ever since my engagement broke. I didn’t share on any social networking sites but I got engaged to a boy of my parent’s choice eight months back. They just backed out at the last moment. Methinks the exuberance of so-called life is completely lost because the societal wrath is constantly coming on me. I just want to be alone buddy. Please let me understand my existence in a better way with aloofness.” Trisha finally opened about herself though in a reluctant way.

Riya had only two things to ask. “You still live in Pune? And what about your job?”

“Yes. I am in Pune. But, there is no job since I left my previous one for getting married to that jerk. And considering the current situation of sitting idle at home for nearly a year no company is enthusiastic about my resume.” Trish replied very meekly.

“Okay. You are on Skype I know. Come online. We need to talk. Plus, I have some job considerations for you as well. My bank needs dedicated people like you. Come out of the self-centred communal trap.” Riya said.

Trisha now started sounding worried. “But, I don’t think I have that thing in me anymore. I can’t do it.”

“Imagine I am taking your Skype interview. Now can you come online please? There are lots to talk and I want to see you.” Riya asserted.

“Okay. Thanks. Coming.” Trisha agreed half-heartedly.

A feeling of appeasement was visible on Riya’s face after the phone call. She sent an official mail and sent straight to her husband.

“Arvind I am not going to office today. Need to talk to my friend Trisha. You remember I told you about her.”

Arvind was not so convinced about the idea. “What’s the need? I mean, you can talk to her even in evening as well sweetheart. Save the holidays we might need for our next trip.”

“It’s urgent.” Riya gave a firm look.

Arvind smiled and asked “May I know why”?

While logging into her Skype account she looked at him and replied, “Because if I leave her hand now I may lose her forever.”

“You know something…That’s why I love you so much. “ Arvind waved hands and walked out of the room.

Riya knew that the time for Role Reversal had come. All her life she got the unconditional support from her dearest buddy; this time it was her turn to switch roles and amputate the melancholy attached to that person who has always stood next to her regardless of the gravity of the situation.

In everyone’s life, at some stage, there comes a situation that demands role reversal. When your mother grows old and falls sick she becomes your daughter. When your big brother undergoes a difficult situation, you act elder and become his guiding force. When you get betrayed from your love, your friend uproots your mind from that toxic time. When your wife feels unsheltered, you do everything in your capacity to give her the warmth of a caring father. When your mentor gets stuck in the middle of something, you try your best to show him/her the correct path.

Yes! Life on many occasions demand a role reversal to propagate a complacent feeling to all the irrevocable situations. We just need to know the ropes to understand the demarcation.

P.S: All pictures are a result of Google search and I have no copyright over them.