The Last Romance

Let me tell you about jab we met! Our first heady—or steamy, if I may—encounter: 'Unstoppable Double-Fudge Chocolate Avalanche'… yeah, that's his name, came calling. My first bite. A small but audible moan escapes my lips. My eyes, previously perfectly aligned, first cross slightly, and then glaze completely, pupils dilating into pure chocolate pleasure… just before my eyelids close in ecstasy. Sigh! I could live in that transcendental sphere forever!

Chocolate does something beyond description for me. The gooey brown swirls (or sometimes slabs!) of unadulterated happiness elevate me from the see-saw that life is and introduce me to this whole other realm of choco-nsciousness! I am not saying that chocolate is a substitute for love.Aû contraîre, love is a substitute for chocolate. Call it therapeutic, cathartic, aphrodisiacal, what you will. I have been told that if there was rehab or Chocoholics Anonymous for those of us who OD on it, I should be the first to enroll. But here's the thing. I don't want to quit… loving chocolates!

You see, as a certified chocoholic, I am entitled to compassion and understanding from the human race if I do not share my ambrosial delight with any one, an extra helping of chocolate in all its godly variety whenever and wherever, chocolate-flavored food including condiments, chocolate syrup, frosting, sprinkles, or any other form yet to be invented; and the indisputable right to use chocolate as a source of solace, placation, or bribery for personal and professional purposes of any kind. Wow! If this isn't unconditional love, then what is…?

I think the best a man (a presumed partner in all things ecstatic!) can do is supply the chocolates and hope that he will be considered somewhere between the Mmmmmmmm (yeah, there is a sinful chocolate by that sound!) and Hershey's kisses! Clarifying further… ambling along the beaches of Temptation Islands; a man finds a bottle that has been washed ashore. Curious of course, he opens it… and out pops a genie. She grants him three wishes. He first wishes for gazillion dollars,et voila! There were the gazillion dollars! Second wish… yeah, the Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe… and voila! There it was... finally, the third one… to be irresistible to all womankind, and whadayaknow! He turned into a box of chocolates! Need I say more…?

-Shruti Kothari, Director, Bespoken Words

From Pauper To Princess

Money, money, money! There must be more synonyms in the Thesaurus for money than any other word. Time, love, happiness to mention a few. But hey! How did this happen -- I have no money but time, love and happiness!

I always believed that love made the world go round. But unfortunately, I grew up, education ruined me and I realized it isn’t love; it is MONEY that makes this world that we live in go round and round and round! To quote my doctor mother, “Vitamin ‘M’ is more crucial to everyone’s health these days than any other vitamin.”

Sad but true. A new haircut, a revamped wardrobe or a dozen self-help books can’t do what some crisp moolah can to boost your confidence, straighten your back, puff your chest out and hold your head high. And as this realization grew on me with every job and every pay cheque that came my way, what also became clear was that the rat race that all of us so desperately run is against ourselves and more often than not also against any basic principles that we may stand for. So, after five years of making money and no love, I decided to quit! And I can tell you this – it never felt better! From a sweet thirty G’s a month to sweet nothings…It should have felt like falling off a cliff but it felt like I was being elevated by angels into this place where they sit and lay wagers on the rat racers below. Not a bad way to earn money and still be on cloud nine!

What helps is that my aim was and is to master the art of doing nothing! Or sometimes, something for some time. Yes, you suffer from bank account blues and you think liquidity is better than still waters. But a reflection on still waters is far clearer than on rippling ones. And most of us don’t even stop to catch a glimpse of ourselves, leave alone contemplate on our reflection.

Finally, I am living life queen-size and will continue to do so. Because of all the things that cost in this world, money often costs us the most!

- Shruti Kothari, Director, Bespoken Words

Life Is A Journey...

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes the pages turn too quickly
Sometimes the verses don’t rhyme

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes the past comes hurling
Sometimes the future seems like a tough climb

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes the tequila is done neat
Sometimes with a dash of lime

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes you get thrown a dollar
Sometimes a dime

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes it gives you a warm hug
Sometimes it sends a chill down your spine

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes you smile
Sometimes you whine

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
Sometimes there is silence
Sometimes full of chimes

Life is a journey
Taken one shot at a time
There may be tears
But amidst all that, there will always be a reason to smile

-Shruti Kothari, Director, Bespoken Words

Living Life 30mm!!!

Does anyone remember the golden period of the idiot box, when it wasn’t touted to be an idiot discovery? That was one era and today is another. But what hasn’t changed is people’s obsession with the 30mm screen. Be it the daily soaps or the weekly family sagas, television has come a long way. If the big screen is dominated by the patriarch segment then the small screen is unquestionably ruled by power puff women.

There was a time when people used to switch off their television sets after 10pm. But Ekta Kapoor, the czarina of small screen changed all that when she launched ace family drama ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’ in the 10:30 p.m. slot. Based on a Gujarati family, this maha saga not only created history by becoming the longest running daily soap in India but it also recorded mounting TRPs that left many rival channels baffled. The serial not only managed to strike a chord by uniting the country but also gave the nation a reason to talk. People laughed, cried and even connected emotionally with the characters. The saas-bahu formula became an instant hit. Heavy makeup, bridal saris, a big mansion, a scheming vamp and a timid protagonist are the mandatory ingredients to churn out your perfect serial.

Today, the time, location and treatment might have changed but women continue the legacy of dominating the small screen. From Miss Goody two shoes, the ugly duckling ‘Jassi’ to a humpty dumpty overweight ‘Mahi’ and from rigid women hating the village sarpanch ‘Ammaji’ to a sensible and ambitious ‘Balika Vadhu’, the small screen has experimented with all kinds of genre. The prejudice and the fetish of Indians with ‘fair’ skin were portrayed very well in the serial ‘Bidaai’ where the fairer ‘Saadhna’ always overshadowed her cousin ‘Ragini.’

These family serials continue to give their audiences a satisfying emotional catharsis and a relaxing space, where there’s tension, confrontation, an emotional turning point and a resolution, all at once. Through these serials, audiences escape and drain their ‘excessive’ emotional build up. For the older generation too, these serials slowly have become sort of a window to the world today. Television, an integral part of our social fabric, is known to reflect society. Today, this box has reached a state of hubris where it boldly screams - love me or hate me but you can’t ignore me!

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

A Foodie's Expedition

Gone are the days when television shows about food were limited to cookery shows, which had chefs showing us how to whip up delectable recipes. People would sit, armed with notepads and pens, feverishly jotting down ingredients and methods involved in the process.

There is a refreshingly entertaining trend on Indian television these days with food shows which are not just about cooking. They involve travelling to destinations far and beyond and experiencing local cuisines and flavours. ‘TIMES NOW’ has ‘The Foodie’ which is extremely popular. Then there is ‘Secret Kitchen’ on ‘CNN-IBN’. ‘NDTV GOOD TIMES’ also has some interesting shows on offer like ‘Chakh Le India’. For global travels and a taste of international culinary flavours, ‘Travel and Living’ serves up some pretty fun presentations on its platter.

This genre, that involves both travel and gastronomy are a food lover’s delight. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone: getting acquainted with diverse destinations and cultures while travelling in a quest towards discovering incredible culinary delights. Whether it’s visiting the royalty of Rajasthan and sampling some of their exotic gastronomic preparations or making a trip to the Parathewali Galli in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to gorging at roadside ‘dhabas’ to the dining at five star hotels, one can experience it all!

For such a show to be able to hold the interest of viewers, the host needs to be very competent. It’s a real letdown when one has to endure rather average anchoring skills on display. When the show is about food, the host needs to be one who clearly enjoys the whole experience of eating. An anchor with a witty sense of humour can be an icing on the cake!

Culinary shows sure know how to titillate the taste buds of viewers. Watching various ingredients, spices and flavours coming together to create a mouthwatering mélange is an invigorating experience. At times, it’s like one can actually smell the aroma emanating through the television sets! Now that is visual stimulation at its best!

- Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

Happy Father's Day...

Dear Father,
I ain't the ideal offspring you would've envisaged
But I am glad that you haven't explicitly disparaged
You probably despise my casual and procrastinated life
and my lethargic demeanor, the sight of which is rife
I am the kind of person who would take time to settle
I am blessed, I have your support to prove my mettle

-Sonesh Prakash, Guest Writer, Bespoken Words

A Lyrical Stage

I guess I must have been 12 years old. Sitting in my school auditorium and watching the ‘Wizard of the Oz’. I got transported into a whole new world of storybook characters that completely intrigued me and left me mesmerized. The impact was such that when I came out of the hall, a few lines of the song sung by one of the characters got stuck in my mind and I still remember it.

Musical theatre, a larger than life genre, is full of theatrics, songs, costumes, multi-sensory props and dance. In the last century, it was seen as a great way of developing one’s imagination, creativity and communication skills. Nowadays, this form is popularly known as ‘musicals’. Theatre is believed to enhance one’s physical expressiveness, flexibility, co-ordination and musicality. Musicals were initially performed with the aim to highlight the troubles of the society and to boost the spirit of the youth during times of war.

Through music, movement and mime, passionate performers become imaginary characters enacting scenes from different fairy tale books and literature scripts. It’s a magical fusion of action, romance, melodrama, comedy and tragedy. This mode of the entertainment originated in North America and Britain and in time spread throughout the world. Creative heads like choreographer, music director and the director are mainly responsible for deciding the fate of a performance. Musical theatre involves a great deal of technical perfection. From lighting arrangement to costumes to stage properties to special effects, all enhance the impact of a performance.

The first portion of a musical tends to be longer than the second half where dialogues are generally exchanged through recitation of songs. Musicals are a very intricate art form. The performance involves more music and less verbal dialogue. Thus, it becomes a challenge for the lyricist to compress the emotions of verbal dialogue into an artistic song to be sung by an actor.

Through role playing and improvisation this art gives its performers an opportunity to display their spontaneity and on stage confidence. It’s one such art form where the actor concentrates not only on improving voice and rhythm, but also character development and movement. Musical theatre gives its followers an opportunity to explore the realm of the unknown that stimulates the mind and contributes to the overall development of a person.

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

‘Play’ Along

Just the idea of acting in front of a live audience gives me the jitters. I always wonder how people gather the courage to go up on stage and spout lines with such confidence! Commendable. Really.

Professional theatre artists are magical on stage. The grace and self assurance with which they perform is a treat to watch. So, what is it about theatre that attracts artists? There are a horde of actors who dabble in both films and theatre. It’s a known fact that films are more lucrative monetarily. The fame is instant in films and so is the celebrity status. But something makes actors, who are successful on the silver screen, keep going back to theatre…Really.

Shabana Azmi, a renowned film actress, is known for her powerhouse performances. She has managed to strike a good balance between films and theatre having acted in several well known plays both in Hindi and English. ‘Tumhari Amrita’, ‘Betrayal’, ‘The Waiting Room’, ‘A Doll’s House’ and her current project, ‘Broken Images’ are some of her popular plays. I read an interview of hers in which she described facing live audience on stage as a completely different challenge.

I think that the rush experienced by acting on stage is unparalleled. In films, one can take several retakes till they get that perfect shot. On stage, there are no retakes which is thrilling and terrifying all at once. Acting on stage requires a lot of improvisation and spontaneity. Ardent theatre enthusiasts find acting, while reacting to the response of a live audience, an extremely satisfying experience.

I guess it is this thrill, challenge and immense creative satisfaction that keeps drawing artists to this enriching medium.

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

Believe in Yourself

In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.” – Michael Jackson.

And that is exactly what he did. Michael Jackson’s life is an inspiration to many. Each one of us goes through bad phases. But it is all about fighting the bad times and emerging as a winner.

As a teenager, I always looked up to MJ. He was, undoubtedly, one of the best musicians in the world. And when it came to dance, he was and remains a legend. The famous ‘moon walk dance’ was and continues to be a part of all dance functions in schools and family get togethers. He was definitely an idol to many upcoming dancers. Every kid would want to dance just like him, showcasing just the perfect movements.

Are you someone who sways in just about any place, with no audible music but a tune in the head…or, are you the kind who loves to dance, but only behind closed doors? Many of us fear being laughed at or to be known as the Pappu who can’t dance or the one with two left feet.

Dancing is for all. There is no age limit. You do not have to be a professional dancer. It is all about letting your soul take over you. Even the little movements bring immense pleasure. It is all about letting it out and having fun.

So, if you have always wanted to dance, follow MJ’s words; believe in yourself and nothing is impossible. Shed away all inhibitions, and show the world those moves!!!

-Sapna Krishnan, Social Media Head, Bespoken Words

When Dancing got a Whole New Meaning!

I, as a teenage kid, was boisterous, energetic, impulsive, and full of enthusiasm. I needed some constructive means to let out all that energy. “Why don’t you join dance classes, it helps!” Tapoo, my childhood pal suggested.

That day it made me think for a while until I gave a nod to the option. And today, when I look back I can proudly say I’m thankful to my friend for making me look through the wind shield. I took up Kuchipudi, the Orissa form of dancing at school and at a neighbourhood area, made new friends and lived some of the most precious moments of my life performing live at different venues.

When you dance freely not only your mind but also your body, heart and soul get merged giving you an instant high. Dancing involves a great amount of energy and is also a great form of workout that tones the entire body. India, since decades has preserved its classical form of dances that are a integral part of its rich culture and heritage. Zeal, dedication and practice are the basic and constant requirements that make one a good classical dancer.

India has 7 forms of classical dance; Bharatanayam, Kathak, Kathakali, Odissi, Mohinyattam, Manipuri and Kuchipudi. These dance forms were originally performed in the temples to entertain various gods and goddesses.

What is common to all is the ‘Abinaya’ or Expression. Gestures are a treasured aspect of Indian form of dancing. No other form of dancing in the world has ever laid importance on that aspect. The description of bodily expressivity is important in understanding how it has helped Indian classical dance survive through history and shaped it in the process.

A very important feature of Indian classical dances is the use of the ‘Mudra’ or hand gestures by the artists as sign language to narrate a story and to demonstrate certain concepts such as objects, weather, nature and emotion.Traditional Indian dance has not remained the same through the centuries. One can say ‘evolution’ is the key of its survival. In India, dance is expressed through poetry, sculpture, architecture, literature, music and theatre.

Thus, it won’t be wrong if I conclude by quoting a famous line from Natya Shastra that says “There is no other knowledge, no other learning, no other art, not even yoga or action that is not found in dance."

- Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

Dance your way to Fame...

All of us nurture a hidden dream. A passion to achieve that distant goal. Unfortunately most of us settle for mundane routines, and let the dream remain - just that - a dream!

Dancing is a passion for many, but how many of us actually have the freedom to consider building a career around it? With pressure from family, friends and society at large, a lot of these dancing dreams get nipped in the bud to make way for safer career options. Dancing is put aside as a mere hobby. But all that is changing. Thanks to the influx of dance reality shows over the past few years, that distant dream is fast taking shape and turning into an existent possibility.

Dance competitions and reality shows like ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, ‘Dance India Dance’, ‘Superstars of Dance’ and many more, have changed the fortune of many a young dancer. These dance based competitions allow talented dancers from all walks of life to come and exhibit their dancing prowess on these coveted platforms. These shows give contestants instant fame, recognition and a direct connection with the audiences.

Sometimes, individuals get a new lease of life thanks to these dancing shows. Dancers from modest backgrounds, without any formal training get selected on the basis of their talent and willingness to learn. Through the course of the show, they are exposed to various dance forms and styles which they grasp quickly. The experience contestants’ gain through these shows helps them turn into well rounded performers.

An entry into a dance based reality show at most times opens up a plethora of options for those, who wish to pursue dancing professionally. A lot of the dancers become professional choreographers, start working in films and T.V shows, perform in shows all over the world or get affiliated to dancing schools. If the contestants of dance competitions and reality shows are smart enough to cash in on the fame and success they receive through the shows, they can surely make successful careers out of it.

So, if you think you’ve got it and you dream big, bring out your dancing shoes and turn that dormant dream into a living reality!

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

The Dance Poem

it is all about me,
the movements that set me free.
the song of my body,
surrendering to the tunes so god-ly.
the wave of emotion,
the naav raasas with the healing motions.
the coordination so smooth,
an alignment that inspires my youth.
a touch so inspiring,
like pure love rising.
a no-judgment expression,
relieving me of all the stress and tension.
a commitment to elegant trail,
a road that promises never to fail.
being in the moment so divine,
diving in the sea of no- time.
an indulgence untold,
watches my story that slowly unfolds.
revives an artist from within,
a struggle defeating the deadly sins.
the rhythm of my soul,
reminding me to be whole.
it’s all about me,
The creation that completes the ‘we’

- Bhavini Gandhi, Director, Bespoken Words

The Rising ‘Sitar’

Everyone has this fantasy while growing up - to be a rock star! I often spent hours in the bathroom pretending to take a shower, while I was being a rock star to the audience in my mirror. Signing autographs to the numerous ‘imaginary’ fans was almost always interrupted by my mother's raps on the door. "Have you finished your shower? What’s taking you so long?” she'd ask.

This memory comes up again as I read about Purbayan. Browsing through the internet recently, I came across an artist who is ranked amongst the top in the new artist brigade - Purbayan Chatterjee. At the tender age of 5 years, he gave his first performance at the India Festival in Basel. He was rightly recognized as ‘the most gifted torch bearer of the Senia-Maihar Gharana’, Baba Alauddin Khan’s school of music. He had an extraordinary ability to annotate every song that he heard at that age. For some reason, I still can't remember any of the songs that I learnt by heart. Purbayan had music in his blood as his father Shri Parthapratim Chatterjee himself was a well known sitar player in his own right. Shri Parthapratim Chatterjee was a disciple of Pt. Nikhil Bannerjee and Ustad Ali Akbar.

Along with the eminent polishing of his talent by his father, Purbayan remained an excellent student at school and in music. Purbayan spent his college years at the prestigious Presidency College, Kolkata. He decided to take up music as his career at the age of 14; that was when he had just received the most distinguished honor for being the best instrumentalist of the country - The President of India Award.

Reading about Purbayan amazed me no end. Everyone should learn to develop their talents. Purbayan has proved his talent and represented India in all major India Festivals organized by the Government of India and other organizations in Bangladesh, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, United States, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, France, Greece, Israel, Egypt, Jordan, Croatia, Malta, Seychelles, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Dubai, Singapore, Belgium etc.

Purbayan's achievements ever since he was a child are truly remarkable. His life's journey would inspire any aspiring musician. It surely has inspired me or at least the rock star in me!

-Veena Shyam Krishna, Bespoken Words Team

Back with a BANG !!!

The LADAKH CONFULENCE is a product of a group of music enthusiasts who dared to dream lofty. At 11,500 feet, on the banks of the Indus, this festival offers music on a celestial platter. It merges and celebrates music, art, heritage, culture and nature in a place whose beauty can only be seen to be believed.

According to the event's website, ‘The Confluence is aimed at finding new solutions to old issues, and to help Ladakh develop a sustainable future while preserving its ancient culture and traditions. With the Ladakhi Government, the Confluence intends to implement systems to reduce emissions and noise pollution at the festival site’. The event is managed with the support of Jammu and Kashmir ministry. Inaugurated in 2009, the Ladakh Confluence is creating a flutter across the globe. With a remarkable line up of global musicians playing percussion, folk, fusion, acoustic and experimental styles, as well as workshops and cultural events. With activities by children along with a strong focus on environmental awareness and sustainability; this is the place to be at.

The eagerly awaited, second edition of India’s first music festival amidst the mountains, The Ladakh Confluence, has been announced to take place from July 15 - 18, 2010. The theme of the festival remains the same as last year - ‘Percussion’. A four day affair, this scenic festival promises to be bigger and better. Uniting musicians and artists from all over the world in this stunning mountain kingdom promises an incredible cultural experience. The event will showcase live music and performances by Manu Delago, Christoph Pepe Auer, Karsh Kale, Vikku Vinayakram, Rajasthan Roots, and Young Musicians of the World, Something Relevant, Jamie Catto and The Supersonics. The organisers will be adding more artists to this impressive line-up. Workshops, films and conversations with a focus on nature and local ecology are also scheduled during the event.

So, mark your dates, pack your bags, tune your musical ear and immerse in this exuberant affair.

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

The Kite Bites...

THIS KITE DID NOT FLY TOO HIGH....A scoop of vanilla sprinkled with almonds, nuts, chocolate flakes, hot whipped cream and served with a cherry on top – and you have Anurag Basu’s ‘Kites’.

The marvellous cinematography by Ayananka Bose to the chemistry between Hrithik Roshan and Barbara Mori beautifies this clichéd love story. Furthermore, it is sprinkled with the colour of three different languages - Hindi, English and Spanish. But unfortunately, what you get is a desperate attempt to make a slick, international movie that flutters onscreen in spite of its ‘it’ moments. If seen meticulously, one can find a strong impression of Basu’s fetish with wild chasing sequences; highlighting key moments in a deep-red hue and the lead pair reuniting after death in fields (Gangster) or in this case, under the sea!

At the onset, you have Hrithik explaining the reasoning behind Kites. In the end, you see the allegory. ‘J’ (Hrithik), a dance teacher who is free of all virtues marries immigrant women to help them procure green cards. He sweeps ‘Gina’ (Kangana Ranaut) off her feet and plays the love game to lay his hands on her fortune. Kangana belongs to a super rich family with dad, a casino owner (Kabir Bedi), mom and a snooty, vicious brother Tony (Nick Brown). Coincidentally, Natasha (Barbara Mori), an illegal, Mexican immigrant in Vegas plays the same love game with Tony. Its only when the Indian hustler J falls for the Mexican Natasha, the plot thickens. We are asked to believe that theirs is a true love story where we are not even shown the falling-in-love part (all we get is an unconvincing initial attraction and lovey-dovey glances.) Despite being unfamiliar with each other’s languages, they communicate through symbols establishing that love has no language. The movie asks us to revel in the amoral adventures of J and Natasha, but when it comes to their love, the film turns utterly moral. The film keeps shifting between the past and the present. Then, a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase between the protagonist and antagonist ensues.

‘Kites’ does have an international appeal but it is unsteady at places hinting at an untidy script. Rajesh Roshan’s music isn’t mesmerizing and lacks the magic of his ‘Kaho Na Pyaar Hai’ days. The track ‘kites in the sky’ sung by untrained Hrithik is an emotional number. The exotic, oomph of Mexican Barbara Mori isn’t phenomenal, though her broken English dialogues, flashy smile and bubbly charm do the trick. Kangana does a mere cameo and is wasted. Kabir Bedi does what he is best at; playing the rich sophisticated daddy. Nick Brown seems lukewarm and gets marred by a conventional characterization.

In spite of the exotic locales, superb stunts and heart wrenching climax, this cross culture romance is no ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ nor is it ‘Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak’. You leave feeling something was missing. While the plot of the movie is delicious, the manufacturing certainly errs. Don’t expect this kite to fly too high ‘cause it certainly has a mediocre MANJHA (string) pulled by Anurag Basu.

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

Musical ‘Effects’

Allow me to paint a picture for you. You are down in the dumps. Your friends drag you to a happening party at a cool, new lounge in the city. You don’t really feel up to it. Surprisingly, once you are there, the rocking music uplifts your spirits a wee bit. Before you know it, you are head banging to the music with your friends.

Can’t quite relate to the situation? Err… How about this? You go to a spa to get yourself pampered. There is soft, soothing music playing in the background. You feel your tense muscles slowly relaxing, even before your massage session begins! Well, that’s the effect of music on your body, mind and soul! There are innumerable situations in which music affects us and our moods.

A change in mood however, is not the only dimension to the effects of music. It has a healing and therapeutic impact on the human mind as well. Music therapy is popular in the field of health care these days. It is practiced in order to heal people with varied health problems. Music with strong beats stimulates the brain to react faster and increases alertness. Similarly, music can induce a positive state of mind in people suffering from depression, stress or anxiety. Music therapy is also useful in reducing blood pressure and boosting levels of immunity. With so many benefits associated with it, it comes as no surprise that this form of therapy is gaining popularity each day.

The best thing about using music as a tool for healing is that one can do away with drugs and medication and replace it with music for treatment. That’s what you call the positive effects of music without the unpleasant side effects! Great, isn’t it?

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

Did you know that Music…

‘After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.’– Aldous Huxley.

Rightly said. How many of you can relate to music in a similar manner? Many people relate songs to the situations in their life. Just when you are engrossed in work, suddenly the radio plays this song that you absolutely love. Gliding down memory lane, you turn towards the radio. Then you are back to work humming that song the entire day. Even the next morning.

Music is not defined for a particular generation. It is appealing to everyone...from kids to grannies and grandpas.

Let’s check out some interesting facts about music…

• In 220 B.C, Archimedes made the first pipe organ.
• Leon Scott was the first to discover recording of sound on to paper. This was known as a phonoautograph.
• The Boston World Peace saw the largest drum ever made. It was about 12 feet in diameter and 600 pounds in weight.
• Philips was the first company to introduce cassettes. These cassettes were initially used to record office dictations. Later on, in 1963, they were used for recording music.
• For 33 amazing years, between 1964-1996, Diana Ross appeared on a hit single, every year.
• Since 1963, Penny Lane's Strawberry Fields Forever was the only song that brought the Beatles to #2 on the UK charts, in 1967.
• Music was available on Compact Discs – CDs since 1983.
• Jon Bon Jovi was only 17 when he recorded his first song for the album ‘Star Wars Christmas’ album. The song was called R2-D2 - ‘We wish you a merry Christmas.’
• Franz Liszt, a Hungarian musician received a large number of requests for locks of his hair. He bought a dog and sent its fur to his fans.
• ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen is the only song to be at the #1 position on the UK charts for four different years.

Do you know of any interesting musical facts? Tell us.

-Sapna Krishnan, Social Media Head, Bespoken Words

Rhythm of Life

Ever stopped for a moment to listen to your heart beat… feel your breath…observe your hands move… watch your footsteps… simply be with your body that sways even as you walk? Take a moment and observe NOW!

… And you have just experienced your rhythm- the rhythm of life itself. Take another moment…look around – everything has a rhythm … starting with the first heart beat you felt in your mother’s womb – your very first communication. It affects everything around us…day and night, seasons, work and rest, sleep and wake cycles, the rise and fall of stock market???

The word rhythm is derived from a Greek word ‘rhein’ which means flow or stream. Rhythm - the very essence of all creative outlets – music, dance, writing, speech … even our fights and interactions have a rhythm… Don’t they? Rhythm gives us the steady pulse we seek all the time – the balance that stabilizes us. Composing, improvising and tuning with others are automatically taken care of once we find our pulse.

We emit vibrations all the time. We create our rhythm from moment to moment. Finding your rhythm heals… being out of rhythm dampens... Different rhythms create different moods.Think about this... You are working (work life is another rhythm), come home… your family is drumming on the table…there is drama... and then, there is a fight (again, a rhythm...) Watch your self here – your heart beat, breath, voice, body and thoughts. You will notice a rhythm …

Now, another scene…You come home and at the dinner table, everyone is drumming on the table... you join in…Again... watch your self... another rhythm?

So what rhythm do you choose?

-Bhavini Gandhi, Director, Bespoken Words

Revolution of creative writing

Where does creative writing stem from? What are the ingredients for a good article? What does an inspiring writer need to be equipped with when deciding to write a creative article? All these questions are asked by one who is about to enter the portals of WRITING.

Creative writing is the written form of how one tells a story. Of course to tell a story one requires a vivid sense of imagination, such that while narrating it to the listener, he/she begins to visualize it. Along with narrating came the need to preserve the story and hence, recording them in written form on various surfaces like wood, bamboo pottery, so on and so forth. As time flew by, the world witnessed various eras in the literary field bringing out different styles and genres of writing. More often there are guidelines to the whole writing sphere i.e. storyline, script, dialogue, plot etc. But it takes more than just theoretical points. A writer needs to have an imagination that runs ahead of wild horses, language that paints a story and the ability to captivate.

Days long before, when women were not given as much importance or equal rights as today, authors changed their names to ensure that editors read with an open mind and without bias. A necessity back then for the female writers/authors. Many female authors were not allowed the freedom their male counterparts enjoyed and so, were not allowed the liberty to conduct their research openly. Apart from such restrictions and stigma came a well written thread of fiction such as Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Emma and so on.

Few centuries ago, new authors (usually young amateurs) tried to make their talent visible to a larger audience by getting their creations published. There has been a transition of the writing medium from feathered ink pens to typewriter to the current trend of personal computers and laptops. The best medium is the INTERNET where creative writing has reached a whole new level. Thereby, encouraging and inspiring writers to go public with their work.

It is a common practice for upcoming writers to send their manuscripts to various publishing houses/agents with the hope of being able to capture their audience or at least, the attention of the agent! Youngsters prefer to start off small and steady by publishing on websites where they receive comments and feedback. This in turn helps them correct their mistakes and write better.

Today, talent is given as much importance as education and everyone has the liberty to say what they want on public forums via a worldwide medium like the internet and social networking sites. Writing is more or less a choice that many people turn to for extra income. Youngsters and grownups turn to writing as a way of therapy as well as a way of venting out their anger, wild imagination and what lies beneath.

-Renu Eapen, Bespoken Words Team

That Thing Called "Writing"!!!!

Sitting on my bed with sluggishness and frenzy oozing out like never before (due to terrible Delhi heat) and my eyes like a metal detector scanned the room for something significant to commence with my day with. Clothes, clothes and more clothes were strewn all over the place like a massacred crowd along with my mobile, jewelry boxes and handbags and what not!! Wait a minute! A piece of A4 sized blank paper lying unclaimed at one corner arrested my attention.

It really made me marvel how the very thought of writing filled my heart with such happiness! ‘Why do we write?’ Well...writing has been one of the oldest forms of communicating, learning, informing and entertaining people since the medieval ages. With constant evolution knocking at the door, writing too has undergone face lifts and its function has broadened. The catalysts may have been altered but the basic ingredient has remained the same. There is something about the act of writing which blends the soul and mind together. It’s one of the best tools that can help you lift your spirits when suffering from stress or confusion. For a carefree person like me, creative writing comes as a means to elope into a vast intellectual world untouched and waiting to be colonized and no physical activity can match up to it. Be it a diary page, some random poem or even an article, one is always spoiled for choices.

If you are facing any emotional turmoil, emptiness or want to jump out of the doldrums, this might be the tonic that you are searching for! Writing gives you the freedom to put your dark memories into black and white so that you have a better chance of getting in touch with and then moving past those events that troubled you.By choosing to turn a negative experience into an opportunity to write some of the most innovative, inspired pieces of your life shall be penned. You'll be able to get beyond those difficult moments when it feels as though life isn't fair or has become "too difficult" without fearing any criticism or restriction. Each and every time you exert yourself and write creatively, you are not only learning something about writing; you're learning something about yourself, and most importantly, you are producing.

Writing doesn’t involve any age limit or any legal qualification. You just need to believe in yourself and let your wings reach for the sky. It makes one grow as a person and perhaps helps you understand yourself better in the long run. ;)

-Priyanka Wali, Bespoken Words Team

Creative writing comes from the heart!!!

"Writing is a form of personal freedom. It frees us from the mass identity we see all around us. In the end, writers will write not to be outlaw heroes of some underculture but mainly to save themselves, to survive as individuals."-Don DeLillo

Rightly said by Mr. DeLillo. Writing for me sure is a form of personal freedom. I began writing when I had to pour out my emotions or to organize my thoughts when they were all running around in my mind in a crazy frenzy. I sit down to write when I have these sudden urges to write something huge. I start thinking about a topic and go into this world of fantasy where words just start falling into sentences and forming paragraphs of literature that just fail to explain what I need to convey and I'm suddenly out of that urge to write. Fail? You ask "Why fail?" I can never think and plan to write something. I write when I need to pour out my casual thoughts. Once I start to write, it ends up like a journal. Everything sounds like it came from a diary. I've had friends and cousins who write well. Their articles never fail to amaze me. I wonder "How can they think this way? Wow!" There was something that I was missing.

I began writing when I was younger. The very thought of having a ‘secret diary’ enticed me no end. I just wanted to fill my diary with every single moment of my day. Later when I started re-reading those diary entries, I found them really redundant and boring. Is there absolutely no spice in my life? Or is it that I didn't know to write? Well, I figured I had to start writing about my special moments and not just about any moments. Then I began writing and continued till I developed closeness with my diary. Like it was a silent listener who wanted to hear everything I had to say.

And slowly, I started writing down my thoughts, small stories that I liked to cook up, small discoveries that I made about life and the world. Without realizing, I was being creative. Creative about my writing, thoughts, stories. Somehow, the words that I wrote seemed to sound more interesting to read. That’s when I learnt - Creative writing doesn't come from practice or planning. It comes from the heart.

-Veena Shyam Krishna, Bespoken Words Team

Writing as a means of Emotional ‘Catharsis’

Imagine for a minute an individual encountering an extremely frustrating situation at work, a person suffering a personal loss, or someone dealing with financial or health problems. A human being goes through a gamut of emotions at a given time, a lot of which are usually negative, owing to the fast paced lives people usually lead in this day and age. When a person builds up pent up emotions, like anger, frustration, guilt, helplessness and other such negative feelings and emotions, they need an outlet for them. Psychologically speaking, ‘catharsis’ refers to the process of emotional release.

Rather than releasing these emotions through unhealthy or inappropriate means like yelling at someone, getting into a fight, or displaying aggressive behavior, people can look for healthier options to achieve catharsis, like working out, dancing or going for a run. An excellent way of cleansing out pent up negative emotions is through the medium of writing.

Writing in a diary; writing articles or letters; or filling in a daily journal are some options that prove useful in such cases. Writing down and describing the situation as perceived by the individuals themselves, or expressing their feelings about it can work wonders for people feeling burdened by their negative emotions. Writing can help one to creatively express oneself. Another advantage of using writing as a tool for ‘catharsis’ is that, often, reading one’s thoughts and feelings on paper can really help in rationalizing one’s thoughts and finding possible solutions to the problematic situations as well. It also helps immensely in gaining a different perspective about the situation since writing involves deliberation and thought. Writing sometimes literally means transferring your feelings to the paper. It helps an individual feel much lighter emotionally, less stressed out and more positive.

Feeling frustrated, stressed out, angry? Go pick up that pen and paper or get that laptop out and start writing your emotions away. It really works. Don’t believe me? Give it a shot.

-Ruchika Mathur, Bespoken Words Team

I want to break free!

“You can’t write about something, unless you know it or have experienced it. No matter what you write, it will bear resemblance to your life,” a friend once said. I couldn’t agree more. But that’s also the reason why I shy away from making my writing public: people have this absolutely annoying and an uncanny affinity to connect every bit and relate it back to the writer’s life. I mean, really, going by this logic, writers would be the most interesting people ever, which, all of us know, doesn’t quite hold true!

I also know that no matter how many disclaimers I write, every note will be viewed as “autobiographical!” So, I stopped caring. I would write, what I like, without worrying about, which friend might read too much into it and relate it to some random conversation we had over coffee, a million light-years ago! This freedom I have ordered for myself. Freedom to write, without mincing words or altering thoughts. This means a lot to me, probably even more than how free I am in my own house, region, state and country. Have you asserted your freedom for that one thing you value the most?

Everyday I read about wars to fight for freedom; countries fight for land, fanatics fight for religion, feminists for equality of sexes, and gays for homosexuality. Why do we need a broad spectrum, a magnanimous cause to fight for? Do we ever ask to be free for those relatively miniscule matters, which, in actuality, are of graver importance to us? We want to be attached to working towards big issues, it sounds way cooler. But we seldom take time out to understand, that these so-called-crucial-issues are in fact a result of us neglecting those infinite small occurrences, when we don’t put our foot down and assert our freedom.

When I started writing, I thought of stopping mid-way, thinking this wouldn’t make any difference. It would just be another note, either lost in virtual space, or being dissected and analysed by friends and strangers alike, to find a link to my life, or a link to another writer’s writing, condemning it as a cheap, plagiaristic attempt. But I went on writing, even at the risk of sounding preachy and oh-so-boring. Because this is one freedom I choose for myself!

What is that one freedom that you would fight for?

-Heta Shah,Guest Writer, Bespoken Words Team

An incoherent writer and her muse!

“Let them into your head. Let them see what goes into a writer’s mind”, a friend (rather my muse) told me. I cringed at the word “writer”. I am not a writer just because I write. A writer, almost always makes some sense, even through his ramblings. And strikes a chord, just about every time. I fail miserably at both.

But I will let you in, in my dysfunctional, disarrayed, discombobulated head, lacking every bit of coherence. A maze of absolute chaos.Armed with new motivation, I switched my laptop back to life. (Yes, although I love using a pen and paper, but Thesaurus has spoilt me rotten!)
File-->Open---> NewBlank Document
Staring at the Blank page.
Fingers on the key board, alert and fidgety.
Trying vigorously to think.
Mind absolutely blank.
Close--->Do you want to save changes on document 25?---> No.

I have been doing this for the past one hour. Unnaturally restless and yet completely impassive. Normally I like the antithesis that I dwell in, always oscillating between contrasting thoughts, moods and emotions. There are just so many stray thoughts running amok, but when I try to pen them down, string them into words, they pull a Houdini on me. An oasis in the desert. I just hate these tricks the mind plays. Mind games are for teenagers, in their post-puberty days, unleashing their dark, manipulating side.

Mind games, oh, how we just love to hate them! But then mind games were fun too! Or as Reese Witherspoon says in Legally Blonde, “Bend and snap!” And yes, it does work!The ‘hot and cold’ approach is undoubtedly the most foolproof approach! Many a hearts have hopped onto this trampoline, soaring high, and then hitting rock bottom, just to fly high again! What an adrenaline rush, and what an ebbing damper.

We used it the most in college, those teething days! Nostalgia sets in, oh those (in)glorious college days! Cutting lectures, college canteens, ogling at seniors, (hoping) to get noticed, the special college days, excruciatingly annoying Profs ---Those were the best days of our lives!

And then just as Bryan Adams wrote in the song, we graduate to then find jobs, make our career and find true love (or should it be the other way round—‘find our careers, and ‘make’ true love??!!)! With marriage, kids and a perfect family, close at heels! It’s so sappy, I am sure my muse will be choking by now. Oh no, I have derailed from my ‘soul searching journey’.

Ok, back on track. Lost the thought.This is exactly how life is: hot and cold! Bend and snap! An array of conflicting emotions, disjoint episodes and random thoughts. A complete lack of coherence! Just the way I love it!
Signing off for now…
Yours incoherently,
The writer (cringe!)

-Heta Shah,Guest Writer, Bespoken Words Team

Creative Writing for Beginners

Are you a beginner, with a passion for the written word but not sure where to begin? Let me help you out with a few tips on creative writing.
Everyone has a comfort zone. Some people prefer to work in a silent atmosphere while some are able to deliver with all the chatter and loud music happening. It could be your home, a library or even a coffee shop. Look out for that one place you think will unleash the creativity in you!

Every professional writer has an inspiration. It does not really have to be a person… could be music, movies, books or even your favorite television program. Remember, creativity does not develop by copying from another. You must use their work as an inspiration, for the required moral boost and create the magic yourself. Bring out that unique idea.

How far do you trust your memory? Well, it would be wise to begin by making a note of the main points to be covered. And you can slowly work on elaborating those points. Jotting down points helps you come up with different ideas more quickly as compared to waiting for the “right idea” to cross your mind. And as the writing continues, your creativity develops as you decide the beginning, the in-between and the end.

Do not stress yourself too much. On a given day, you might be able to write more as compared to another day. When it happens, do not stop yourself thinking you have done enough for the day. Keep writing till you are exhausted of ideas and words. If on a particular day, you can’t seem to go beyond a line or two, call it a day. Forcing yourself to continue writing will not only stress you out but would not bring out the creativity in you either.

Go through what you have written, as it does not necessarily need to be perfect the first time. Multiple revisions will help you fix the errors. There is no limit for the number of revisions. All that matters is your satisfaction with the end product.So, what you waiting for? Pick up that pen and start writing… Let your creativity come out in the form of words… Express yourself!!!

-Sapna Krishnan,Social Media Head, Bespoken Words

Welcome to Bespoken Words

Creativity – an expedition to discover ideas, concepts, associations...inventions, innovations, spontaneity, inspiration… and the list is endless. This daily trait (Yeah! Definitely not a skill or talent… but is inborn.. often untapped) fueled completely by intuition, it is an exploration of your psyche … your self or maybe your life. Reconnecting with your thoughts, feelings, fears, strength, body, soul is the call of the hour.
But what about this re-connection? What next… Ah! Of course expression. It is not just about getting in touch with the ‘creator’ inside but also about being able to expressively transfer the ‘creation’ outside.

Creatively express? Ouch! … and the grand entry of the expressive blocks.. Sigh! But do these blocks really exist? Or are they so-called ‘blocks’ created out of imagination, perceptions or a ‘Oh! But I was told by an expert… Blah! Blah!“ ? There … we are already creative. Excuses (familiar huh?)- a superlative creative expression.

Look at your day to day life… you express all the time... modes may differ… speech… dance… paint… music… images .. songs…write … and many more. Explore your medium… become the content… and watch your copy as it mystically flows. So scratch your head… awaken your mind … pick up your pens .. and set your self free on this path so divine… Feel, smile, cry, cringe, retreat, respond; written words can do so much to you and then some more.

Bespoken words welcomes your mind. Make your words come alive. Give them the space, lend them an ear, show them an audience and beckon them to go amok.
Unleash your expression,
Reconcile with your mission,
Collate your experience,
Create your nuance.
Relive your moments,
Let loose your vents,
Watch your potential unfold,
As you participate in this journey untold.

Signing off…
The Baaps… err… partners in mind-crime ;)
Bhavini Gandhi & Shruti Kothari
Bespoken Words