A town called Dehra – Memories of Ruskin Bond’s Hometown

‘The past is always with us, for it feeds the present’ – Quote from the memoir

‘A town called Dehra’ is reminiscence of a sleepy town called Dehradun where author Ruskin Bond spent his boyhood as well as adolescent days. The characters in this memoir are Ruskin Bond’s relatives, his friends, love interest and the common masses residing in Dehra. From penning the memories of his father & granny to describing the scenic beauty of Dehra, Ruskin Bond has breathed life in the sleepy town called Dehra. What is so special about this book? The pages of this memoir are filled with the rare yester year photos of Ruskin Bond’s family (granny, siblings, friends and his mother). Sadly, there is no photograph of Ruskin Bond’s father in this memoir. In every book of Ruskin, his father has been mentioned in one or other short story. Even in this book, Ruskin reminiscences his long lost father in the first chapter. 

As you gaze at these photos, you will feel a personal connect to them. The pre-independent Dehra was different from the present times. Filled with flower gardens, litchi trees, ponds, valleys, Dehra was a town of the ordinary people. Very few books mention about the struggles of common people and Ruskin Bond’s books highlights the pathos of these ordinary masses. His popular short story ‘Garlands on his brow’ depicts the pain of a forgotten wrestler called Hassan. A popular wrestler Hassan succumbs to the charm of a flirtatious Maharani and what follows later is his fading charisma as a wrestler in the arena. Hassan is forgotten, ignored by his admirers and this ignorance claims the life of this unsung wrestler of Dehra. Ruskin Bond has even penned his fondness for cinema halls of Dehra in this memoir. He recounts his best days of watching movies in Odeon theatre at Dehra. Through this memoir, Ruskin Bond takes you on a trip to Dehra where you will see Dilaram Bazaar, the famous market place where Rusty and his friends relished on road side snacks. If you have read ‘The room on the roof’ and ‘Rusty Runs away’, you will be familiar with Somi and Daljit. In this memoir, Ruskin Bond has personally shared the actual photos of his friends. What captivated me to read this book was the short story ‘The last Tonga ride’ which recounts Ruskin’s fondness for Tonga rides and his friendly bonding with the Tonga driver Bansi lal.

A single reading session is not enough to savor on the nostalgic treat offered by Ruskin Bond in this memoir. This memoir is especially been written for those people who have fondness for past. If you are away from your hometown, you are sure to break in tears of joy and sadness when you read the chapters. When I was reading the chapters in this memoir, it reminded me of own hometown, my uncle’s little room, cousin brothers who pampered me with their unconditional affection. Sadly the hometown is more of a ghost town as all my relatives have departed. What remained in my mind are the sweet memories that keep playing like a re-run of a TV serial.

No matter how far and high a bird may fly, it has to return to its nest. Same is about us. We can never forget our roots, upbringing, heritage and our home. ‘A town called Dehra’ is a classic memoir that one will keep relishing with years to come.

R.K.Narayan – The author who created the world called ‘Malgudi’

R.K.Narayan (Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer) 10^th October 1906-13^th May 2001
Notable Works – Malgudi days, Swami and friends, The Guide

The only thing that reminds people of R.K.Narayan is the 80’s television show – Malgudi days directed by actor Shankar Nag. People loved the illustrations that appeared in the opening credits. These illustrations were sketched by none other than R.K.Laxman, the other genius in world of cartoons and journalism. As a child, I only recollect the episodes of Swami and friends penned by R.K.Narayan. Swami was my favorite ones as I could identify with him as a kid who was scared to school and loved to play and enjoy every moment of his boyhood. The legacy of R.K.Narayan is not just limited to the television adaptation of his books – Malgudi days and Swami and friends. He was a genius, a simpleton at heart and the simplicity always reflected in his short stories and full length novels.

I have read the full collection of short stories – Malgudi days written by R.K.Narayan and every short story in the book is close to reality. The hero of his short stories are the common masses we see in our day to day life – an office clerk, a teacher, student, mother, astrologer, pick pocket, servant, labour, merchant and shopkeeper. Through his short stories, he highlighted the heart breaking struggle of a common person, striving to make his best fortune in his life or adjusting himself to the rigorous situations of life. Especially the short story ‘Forty five a month’ in his book – Malgudi days is a clear representation of common man’s helplessness to choose between his job and his family. There are several stories in R.K. Narayan’s book which are a fine blend of light humor and bitter realities.

A recipient of Sahitya Academy award, R.K.Narayan was very different from other contemporary authors and what separated him from others was his knack to narrate even a complex story in a light hearted and simple way. This is what still appeals to readers even for today. His full length novel – Guide was adapted for major Hindi motion picture starring Dev anand and Waheeda Rehman. Though today’s contemporary authors write on love story, call centers, breakups, campus and sensational thrillers, they are nowhere closer to the legend called R.K.Narayan.

Though Malgudi was a fictional city created by R.K.Narayan, people still search it on maps and search engines to visit that people. Such was the charisma of R.K.Narayan’s writings which was believable. The place ‘Malgudi’ is the spirit of our India’s rural places and reflects the simplicity, culture, custom and traditions that we still preserve, respect and practice. In every small town or village, you will find a talkative man who keeps bragging about his courage through his stories or a kid like Swami who wishes to enjoy his childhood moments for eternity.

My bookshelf is adorned with the bestselling titles of R.K.Narayan – Malgudi days, Swami and Friends & under the banyan tree & other stories. Every time I feel nostalgic about my hometown, I definitely pick his books to visit the enchanting place called Malgudi. Through this article, I have taken a small effort to showcase my thoughts on the great genius – R.K.Narayan who wrote about the common people and was loved by the common people all over the world.

A face in the dark and other hauntings – An anthology of ghost stories by Ruskin Bond

‘I see dead people’ – lines from Hollywood movie ‘Sixth Sense’ 

Did you ever experience paranormal visions of seeing departed people? Have you witnessed seeing your long lost loved ones in your dreams? Dreams are route to connect with departed people. Whether ghosts, spirits or apparitions really exist is a matter of debate. Ruskin Bond’s anthology of short story on ghosts in this book is not just scary, but also has a nostalgic and romantic touch to it.

‘That night there was a thunderstorm. My bedroom window kept banging in the wind. I got up to close it and as I looked out, there was a flash of lightning and I saw that frail body again, swinging from the oak tree’ – excerpt from short story Topaz from this anthology

The ghosts in Ruskin Bond’s stories are frightening, but not disturbing. The stories are memorable, hilarious and sometimes heart breaking. Especially the short story – A face in the dark is the first chapter in this anthology recounts the story of an English teacher witnessing paranormal encounter with a faceless ghost. This story has been beautifully crafted with a touch of humour that will make you read these stories again and again. Some stories in Ruskin Bond’s collections are really spooky – especially the stories ‘The Monkeys’ and ‘The Topaz’. Ruskin Bond has written one ghost story in this collection which is dedicated to his father.

‘There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio.
 Than are dreamt of in your philosophy’ – lines from Shakespeare’s Hamlet

In this nostalgic chapter, Ruskin Bond recounts the supernatural event of seeing his dead father coming back to meet him. The ghostly form of his dead father not only guides him, but also protects him at several instances. Ruskin Bond has included this nostalgic episode in several of his short story collection. The 1998 Hollywood movie – Jack Frost is also based on such a premise where a dead father returns as a snowman to reunite with his little son and fulfill the wishes of his child and wife. The role of the ghost father was played by Michael Keaton in this family movie.

Even the 90’s movie – The Ghost had a similar plot where a dead man returns as a ghost to establish contact with his soulmate and make her aware of upcoming dangers. The Kevin Costner Starrer movie – Dragon Fly was more gripping on topic of afterlife and how a deceased wife tries to contact with her husband through paranormal signals.

Dreams are also a way to connect with your long lost loved ones. In my dreams, I had nostalgic experience of seeing my long lost maternal uncle who is no more with me. Whenever I was sad or depressed, I always saw my uncle in my dream, assuring that everything will be all right. The bond that I shared with my uncle in my childhood days is really memorable, especially accompanying him to buy comic books. I miss his presence really in these difficult times. Ruskin Bond also has also written a short story, describing his experience, meeting a long lost friend who is happened to be dead years back. 

All the 28 ghost stories in this anthology are unique. Whether it is connecting with ghost of Rudyard Kipling or meeting the mysterious Madam Sussanna who has killed all her seven husbands under mysterious circumstances, the stories gives you a glimpse at the supernatural elements in a very entertaining way. The most entertaining chapter in this anthology was the surprise entry of Detective Sherlock Holmes in the story ‘The Daffodil Case’. In this story, Sherlock Holmes teams up with Ruskin Bond to solve a case involving stealing of Daffodil flowers. The short story ‘Something in the water’ and ‘Night in the millennium’ are really creepy.

The ghostly settings in these stories send scary goosebumps, giving a feel of ghostly presence around you.  The recently released Bollywood movie – Phillauri draws inspiration from a spooky story ‘The Topaz’ in this anthology. Science may have denied the supernatural existence, but paranormal activities do keep happening in some corners of the world. If you love reading ghost stories, this anthology by Ruskin Bond is definitely a treat.

Visiting cinema halls – The best days of my life

‘The past is always with us, for it feeds the present’ – Ruskin Bond

For me, exiting from the cinema hall is the most emotional moment of my life. As the end credits roll, movie audiences are back to their life’s troubles. In his memoir ‘A town called Dehra’ Ruskin Bond had expressed his love for cinemas in his hometown Dehra. His visits to the yester year cinema hall – Odeon in Dehra were the best times of his youthful days. By coincidence, there was also a talkies called Odeon in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. My childhood was blessed with watching some memorable movies in movie theatres. Mard, Mr.India, Dance Dance, Andha Kanoon were some of the blockbusters I enjoyed with my family. School boys used to bunk their classes to watch the 90’s blockbusters like Baazigar, Darr, Raju Ban Gaya gentleman etc. Since I had a video player, I relished on movies from the comforts of my home. Like my classmates, I couldn’t never muster up the courage to bunk the classes and watch movies. In later years, I did catch up on some blockbusters at Malhar Cinema in Thane. I recollect watching Salman’s movie – Biwi No 1 at Malhar by purchasing tickets in black for 100 bucks. Such was my madness for movies. Though I stopped visiting Malhar cinema, I did enjoy some of the best and worst movies. Anand Cinema in Thane East is one destination which has a nostalgic feel to it. The Kopri area in Thane East is a sleepy town which is blessed with only one single screen theatre – Anand cinema. I enjoyed a forgettable romantic flick – Sirf Tum and Salman’s comedy movie – God Tussi great ho at Anand. Cinema halls have that ambience to make you fall in love with movies. Satellite channels and Movie apps can never give you the enjoyment that you relish in movie theatres.

Due to arrival of Multiplexes, several single cinema halls faced loss in their businesses and got closed down. I watched only one movie – The legend of Bhagat Singh in Aradhna cinema hall, Thane. Sadly, the cinema hall had to shut down in 2002. Among all the multiplexes, PVR cinemas are my favorite destination to catch up on movies. I remember watching ‘Jaane tu ya Jaane na’ for the first time at PVR cinemas, Mulund. I had specially taken a leave from office to watch this youthful flick. The big, wide screen, recliner seats, exclusive trailers make PVR cinemas a desirable destination. I lost the count of movies I enjoyed at PVR. Big Cinemas is one more favorite theatre which I occasionally visit. Bachna Ae Haseeno was one movie I immensely enjoyed at Big Cinemas. It had the typical Yashraj stuff – Foreign locations, romantic tracks, foot tapping music and beautiful chicks. I fell head over heels in love with Minissha lamba, one of the lead actresses in the movie. She played a typical Punbabi girl next door whom Ranbir Kapoor woos and dumps her. I still regret missing Rab Ne Bana di Jodi at cinema halls. I fell in love with Anushka Sharma in Rab Ne Bana di Jodi. Wish I could become like Raj and woo her. The movies are larger than life as their characters.

Off lately, I watched Anushka Sharma’s movie – Phillauri at PVR cinemas. Every movie brings lots of memories with it. Whether it is watching Dostana at Malhar cinemas or Quantum of Solace at PVR, each movie is stuffed with timeless entertainment. If you watch a good movie, watch it only at a cinema hall. Nothing beats the excitement of a silver screen better than a movie theatre. I consider that days of watching movies at cinema halls as the best days of my life.

Let me know about your favorite cinema hall and the movies you enjoyed in a single screen or multiplex theatre. 

Remembering Robin Williams

Actor Robin Williams (July 21, 1951 – August 11, 2014)
Memorable Performances – Mrs Doubtfire, Good Morning Vietnam, Patch Adams, Hook, Dead Poet's Society, Jack

A still from movie Dead Poets Society 

I regard “Mrs Doubtfire” as one of the memorable roles ever written for any Hollywood actor in the world of cinema. No actor would have made it as lively and witty as Robin Williams did. “Mrs Doubtfire” and “Jumanji” are the two movies of Robin Williams that I thoroughly enjoyed. I always had a desire to write one post on “Mrs Doubtfire” movie praising the performance of Robin Williams. His untimely demise on 11^th Aug 2014 left me in a state of shock as his lively movies always succeeded to bring smile of faces of countless people in the world. What an irony that Robin who entertained the world with his humor was in fact the unhappiest person battling depression for a long time. He was a great actor, stand up comedian, a loving husband and above all a adorable father to his kids. I still remember the joy of watching “Mrs Doubtfire” on Star Movies where Robin Williams transforms himself into an old nanny to look after his kids. What a memorable movie indeed!! 

Even his movies were a source of remake for several Bollywood filmmakers. Shahrukh Khan's role in “Mohabattein” was highly inspired by Robin Williams’s role in “Dead poet's society” while his other movie “Patch Adams” was a source of inspiration for “Munnabhai MBBS”. Robin Williams’ role as the Robot falling in love with a woman in Bicentennial Man was emotional. Whether it was Hook, Good Will Hunting, Good morning Vietnam, One Hour Photo or Insomnia, Robin Williams breathed life in every role. 

Robin has left behind a great wealth of laughter, smiles and cheerfulness through his movies. Though he failed to battle depression, he succeeded to bring a smile on everyone's face. His legacy will live on. Rest in peace Robin Williams.

The sword of Tanaji Malusare

‘Every man dies, but not everyone really lives’ – lines from movie ‘Braveheart’

Our today’s generation is fascinated with fictional characters from Game of thrones and Bahubali. Kids know about Spartan King Leonidas but have hardly heard about the unsung Maratha warriors like Tanaji Malusare whose ballads are still sung in India. Should we blame the history textbooks or the growing influence of Western culture on our kids? A lot is written, sung on the great warrior Tanaji Malusare but his courageous feat is slowly fading from the minds of younger generations. It is high time that we continue to pass on the stories of our Indian history to our coming generation and this article on Tanaji is a small effort to remember his courageous feats.

The ‘Povadas’ (Marathi ballads) sung by the folk singers inspired the young men of Maratha Empire to fight for Swarajya and resist the barbaric Mughal empire. Among the trusted comrades, Tanaji Malusare was the most trusted military leader who taken oath along with Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj to fight for Swarajya in Raireshwar temple (Raireshwar is Lord Shiva’s name). Shivaji and Tanaji were close friends during their childhood times and often they planned strategies to capture the forts. With coming times, Shivaji collected a band of brave Mawlas and declared a war on the Mughal Empire.  With the help of Tanaji, Baji Prabhu and countless Maratha warriors, Shivaji won many battles. Though Tanaji had fought many battles for Swarajya, it was the battle for Kondana that was going to make him immortal in pages of history.

For Tanaji, his call of duty mattered more than his personal things. Such was his devotion to his nation that he left his son’s wedding preparations in middle to march for the battle of Kondana. He cared for Swarajya more than his son’s wedding.   

Statue of Tanaji Malusare 

 By tying the rope on his pet lizard Yashwanti, Tanaji and his troops scaled the fort in the dark of night. The Kondana fort was under the control of corrupt Mughal officials Jai Singh and Udaybhan. Tanaji and his handful of men gave a tough fight to the mighty and large numbered enemy soldiers. Tanaji’s sword struck like a thunder bolt, claiming the lives of several enemy soldiers. The battle was bloodied, fierce and fatiguing for Tanaji and his band of brave soldiers. Though Tanaji gave a tough fight to Udaybhan, he was fatally wounded by the sword attacks. The fierce battle marked the end of Tanaji. In the sword fights, the cruel Udaybhan was also killed by Tanaji. Tanaji breathed his last, mortally wounded. He died, but kept his promise of recapturing the Kondana fort from the enemies.

Shivaji Maharaj was deeply saddened hearing about the death of his friend Tanaji. He had not only lost a great soldier, but also a close friend.

‘Gad ala pan sinh gela’ were the words uttered by Shivaji Maharaj in remembrance of his brave martyr friend Tanaji. The fort was captured but the lion was dead.

Tanaji’s ballads are still sung today by folk singers in his honor, remembering his courageous deeds and his ultimate sacrifice for Swarajya.

The sad irony about school history textbooks is that it doesn’t describe about the courageous heroes like Tanaji in detail. Kids do study history but only to score marks in exams. I had read about Tanaji Malusare in detail in Amar Chitra Katha books. It had a given a detailed history on Tanaji through illustrations. 

Biopic on Tanaji – Viacom 18 is making a biopic on Tanaji Malusare which will have actor Ajay Devgan playing the title role of the great Maratha warrior. The movie is scheduled to release in 2019. I am very sad to see that it took so long time to make a biopic on this brave Maratha warrior. Thankfully, the young masses will be able to see Tanaji on the silver screen soon.

When you visit Sinhagad, you can see a bust of the great Maratha Warrior at the fort. Tanaji’s valor won’t be forgotten in the pages of history as long as we continue to carry forward his legacy of courage and patriotism.

My list of best Bollywood movies that were remake of Hollywood blockbusters

Bollywood is never short of inspiration. For Bollywood, inspiration means ctrl c +ctrl v. Dozens of Bollywood movies were unofficial copies of Hollywood flicks. From Dil Diya Dard liya (remake of Wuthering heights) to Sholay (Seven Samurais), Bollywood has presented the stories with their desi copyrights. Here is my list of the Hollywood movies that were remade into Bollywood flicks.

10) Dil Diya Dard Liya – This classic movie starring Dilip Kumar and Waheeda Rehman was desi adaptation of Emily Bronte’s classic novel – Wuthering heights. Dilip Kumar played the role of Heathcliffe while Waheeda Rehman played the role of Catherine. The movie climax had a happy ending while the original novel had a tragic climax. Dil Diya Dard Liya was one of the best movies in the career of Dilip Kumar.

9) Sholay – The most successful remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic – The Seven Samurais, G.P.Sippy’s Sholay became a milestone in filmmaking. Directed by Ramesh Sippy, Sholay was epic in every department. Amjad Khan’s epic role as dacoit Gabbar Singh made him a star overnight. From Sambha, Kaalia to Basanti, Thakur and Jai-Veeru, every role was a legend in itself. What stayed in my mind was the role of Jai played by Amitabh who takes a bullet on himself to save his buddy Veeru played by Dharmendra. Akira Kurosawa’s classic was again remade into China Gate which featured a bunch of war veterans pitted against a dread dacoit – Jagira played by Mukesh Tiwari. In my opinion, Jagira was scarier than Gabbar.

8) Karz – Karz was an unofficial remake of Hollywood classic – The Reincarnation of Peter Proud. Rishi Kapoor played the role of Monty, a pop singer who sees visuals of a man getting thrashed to death by a woman. Monty later discovers he was Ravi Verma in his previous birth who was killed by his own wife. Thus begins the vengeance of Monty to avenge his death and search for his long lost mother and sister. Karz was the movie that introduced me to the concept of reincarnation. It was one of my favorite movies that I watched countless times.

7) Ghulam – The 1998 Aamir Khan starrer - Ghulam was remake of Marlon Brando’s movie – On the waterfront. I count this movie as Aamir Khan’s best role of his career. A good for nothing boxer Sidhu decides to rebel against a gang lord Ronnie and seeks justice for an honest union leader who is killed by Ronnie’s henchmen. This movie re-launched Rani Mukherjee and made her an overnight star. ‘Aati Kya Khandala’ was a huge blockbuster song that was top in every music chart.Even the 80’s movie – Kabzaa starring Sanjay Dutt was inspired by On the waterfront.

6) Dharmatma – If Hollywood had Don Vito Corleone, Bollywood had its own desi Godfather Dharmatma. Dharmatma was the Hollywood remake of Francis Ford Coppola’s gangster movie – The Godfather. Actor Premnath played the role of desi Godfather – Dharmatma while Feroz Khan played the role of Michael Corleone portrayed by Al Pacino. Filled with typical Bollywood songs, emotions and drama, Dharmatma was a huge blockbuster in career of Feroz Khan. Even the Aamir’s delayed movie – Aatank hi Aatank was a scene to scene remake of Godfather.

7) Baazigar – Baazigar changed the typical conventions of Bollywood filmy formula and introduced an anti-hero Shahrukh Khan who throws his heroine from a building. Such plot was really unacceptable for Indian audiences. Never before had a hero killed his own love interest. A remake of ‘A Kiss before dying’, Baazigar established Shahrukh Khan as the biggest star in Bollywood. A vengeance thriller packed with drama, action and chilling suspense, Baazigar is undoubtedly the best remake that surpasses even the original.

6) Fitoor – The 2016 Bollywood romantic flick was a weak adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic book – Great Expectations. Featuring Aditya Roy Kapur and Katrina Kaif in the lead role, Fitoor was story of love and expectations. The backdrop of story was set in Kashmir. Ajay Devgan played the role of a secret benefactor of Aditya Roy Kapur. The movie didn’t succeed as our Indian audiences were too immature to understand the literary ideas of Charles Dickens.

5) Daraar – The 1996 thriller was remake of Julia Robert’s movie – Sleeping with the enemy. Juhi Chawla played the role of oppressed wife who is tormented by her psychotic and highly possessive husband played by Arbaaz Khan.  She escapes from her horrible marital life and starts a new life. Little does she realize that her past is chasing her in form of her husband who has returned to haunt her for worse. Agnisakshi and Daraar were based on ‘Sleeping with the enemy’. Among these two movies, Daraar captures the thrill of the original. Arbaaz’s performance as the psychotic and over caring husband was award winning. Nevertheless this is the best remake of Sleeping with the enemy.

4) Gumnaam – This late 60’s Bollywood suspense flick was a huge blockbuster in its time. Based on Agatha Christie’s mystery novel – And there were none, this was a gripping suspense where a group of unknown strangers start getting killed on an isolated island. The Bollywood remake was nowhere closer to the psychological thriller novel. It was stuffed with all the nonsense item numbers, silly comedies, romantic tracks and predictable climax. Though it was a successful suspense flick, it couldn’t capture the thrilling spirit of Agatha’s writings.

3) Ek Ajnabee – This 2005 action movie starring Amitabh Bachchan was a scene to scene remake of 2004 Hollywood movie – Man on fire starring the talented Denzel Washington. There was no originality in this movie as the writers copied all the scenes from ‘Man on fire’. Though Ek Ajnabee was a decent action drama, it lacked the edge that Denzel Washington brought on screen. Based on Kidnappings, Man on fire was an intense emotional drama that revolves around a hired bodyguard who decides to track down all the kidnappers who have kidnapped his master’s daughter.

2) Naina – When Bollywood directors are jobless, they either watch Korean horror movies or a south Indian movie to get them back to work. The 2005 supernatural movie – Naina is an unofficial remake of Hongkong-Singaporean movie ‘The Eye’.
A visually impaired girl Naina undergoes corneal transplant only to see ghostly visions and horrifying future incidents. Why is Naina seeing ghostly visions? Who is the mysterious eye donor? How is the mysterious eye donor connected to Naina?
Naina was equally scary as the original. Though the Hollywood movie – The Eye also based on the same movie was less scary, Jessica Alba’s performance was sincere as the visually impaired girl. Urmila Matondkar played the role of visually impaired girl in the Bollywood remake – Naina.

1) Aashiqui 2 – This 2013 musical romantic blockbuster was remake of 1937 Hollywood classic movie – A star is born. An alcoholic, fading singer Rahul Jaykar mentors a struggling singer Aarohi and falls in love with her. Though Aarohi becomes a successful singer, Rahul starts losing his stardom due to excessive alcoholism. The movie ends on a tragic note. One of the best tragic romances, Aashiqui 2 was equally successful as its first part. Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper is working on the new remake of ‘A star is born’ along with Lady Gaga in the lead role. This new remake is scheduled for a 2018 release.   

Hope you all will like my list of these Bollywood flicks that were remakes of the Hollywood movies. I will soon be coming up with my next list of Bollywood movies that were remakes of Hollywood flicks.