Memories Of Egypt

"The thing about travelling as unaccompanied pre-teens is that you get all the importance. The good thing about travelling by Egypt Air is that between India and Nigeria, you have a two day halt in Cairo. I wasn't surprised to know, albeit much later, that a lot of people travelled that route only because you got 48 hours to soak in one of the oldest civilizations of mankind."

Marhaban to Cairo

When my brother and I were packed off on Egypt Air, we had no idea what was in store for us. Arriving at an unearthly hour in Cairo, the two of us were the last in the line of transit passengers waiting to get booked into the airport hotel. By the time the two of us got to the counter, the goddess of transit booking exclaimed that they were completely booked. Our eyes that were pretty much shut tight up until that moment snapped open! Well, now what do we do. One look at our tired but sweet faces must have done it. In the next minute,we were whisked away to the 7-star Movenpick hotel and tucked into heavenly white sheets. Marhaban to Cairo! At some point between the whisking and the tucking, the attendant must have mentioned that we needed to be ready at 7:00 a.m. to start the tour-de-Cairo but needless to say, that was conveniently forgotten. 7:00 a.m. came and blissfully went, only for us to wake up at 10:00 a.m. to find out that we had been blissfully forgotten! So much for heavenly white sheets, eh!

At 12:00 p.m., there is a knock on our door. All readied and fed by then, I jumped up to open. A hotel attendant asked us to get down to the lobby as there was someone waiting for us. Waiting in the lobby was an airline attendant and a tour guide. Pleasantly astounded, our feet gleefully moved towards a 35 seater bus waiting outside just for the two of us! And thus, began the grand tour-de-Cairo.

Pyramids of the Pharaohs

You study it in history class but seeing it is something else altogether. While arriving at the majestic pyramids with the sun right above your head may not be the best idea, these unbelievably grand structures are a sight to behold. The pyramids of Giza are built on a plateau. The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the largest pyramid ever built at 147 meters by Pharaoh Khufu, a ruler of the 4th dynasty. Next to that is Khufu’s son Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid at 144 meters and the third is the Pyramid of Pharaoh Menkaure at 65 metres. At the entrance of the Great Pyramid of Khufu was a staircase made of wooden planks nailed together. There was two way traffic making its way either up or down. As we began to descend into the pyramid, we realised what a mystery it was inside. Burial chambers, narrow hallways, sealed air shafts, storage chambers; all created a maze of sorts. The Egyptians truly took death or rather life after death very seriously and these pyramids are testimony to that ideology. At the necropolis of Khafru’s pyramid is the Great Sphinx. Truly great, the Sphinx, as our guide told us, portrays the pharaoh as a human headed lion with the head dress of the pharaohs. The stories regarding the missing nose are rife. Some say that Napoleon’s troops blew off the nose in the 18th century while historians from the 15th century claim that it disappeared in their time.

From Papyrus to Paper

After the pyramids, education on how paper was first made awaited us at a papyrus store. We were taken through the entire process of how paper is made from the papyrus plant. The green skin on the stalk of the papyrus plant is removed, cut into long strips, pounded and soaked in water for three days until stretchy. These strips are then cut horizontally and vertically and laid on top of each other. This is what gives papyrus paper the criss-cross pattern. Covered by a cotton sheet, all strips are pressed together to form a single sheet of papyrus paper. We walked out armed with a bookmark each having our names written in hieroglyph. Next on our special agenda was one of the largest perfume galleries in Cairo where we were shown how perfumes or attar is made, bottled, named and sold. Of course, here too we walked out with a tester each of any scent we fancied!

Cruisin’ on the River Nile

Yet unable to believe how lucky we got, we thought this was it. But upon being dropped off at the hotel, we were told loud and clear that at 8:00 p.m., we will be picked up again. Showered and readied, we waited patiently wondering what was to come. I’ll tell you what was to come – an unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime(unless you fly this route often) cruise on river Nile. Dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, we entered only to realise that this was a tie and gown affair. More so, it was a sit down dinner with a seven course meal. But who cares when you have a belly dancer who takes away all the attention with moves to kill! And who cares when you have a man dressed as a horse galloping around. And who cares when you have seven different types of dessert on board. And who cares when you are cruising on the longest river in the world…

-Shruti Kothari, Director, Bespoken Words

A History Forgotten Is A Future Lost

"If someone had told me that any country in Africa resembled Europe or;America, I would have laughed it off. Not because it can’t (so many of;them are on their way to) but because it shouldn’t. This is Africa. The indomitable Sahara, the unbelievable safari, the eons of history and veritably, the cradle of civilization."

Early last year, when I realised I had time and joblessness on my side, I decided that I would finally take;the long overdue trip to Nigeria — my original desh. And 2 months later, when I landed at the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa; I knew I was in for a surprise.

Jo’ Burg-ing our way

South Africa has heartbreaking history and it is palpable in every corner, every eye that you look into and on every street. Jo’burg or Jozi as Johannesburg is popularly known is the big throbbing heart of South Africa.As soon as we checked in, I was raring to go. A nice nip in the air, I set out to get to know this city that has been the stage on which the epic of this spectacular country has been played out. Busy streets, packed restaurants, construction in full swing to welcome the FIFA World Cup 2010, Jo’burg is a fascinating city. A multitude of restaurants to eat at, malls, China towns, parks, skyscrapers, Jozi tosses up a lot for the African enthusiast. While one night we were clinking our glasses to ice cold South African wine, the next we were relishing an array of South African titbits; samosas, boerewors and bobotie spring rolls. Our host told us that the entire country was gearing up for the World Cup. The government was encouraging citizens to welcome visitors with characteristic South African hospitality; welcome them into your homes with some nice South African curry bunny!

History was written here

Our next stop was Soweto, southwest of Johannesburg. These South Western Townships, much like suburbia, had its pockets of poor localities and the not so poor ones. Founded in the early 1900s, Soweto was for the black African gold labourers. Post World War II, this township grew significantly. An interesting fact about Soweto is that until the 1930s, Soweto’s population was nearly all male. Workers were not allowed to bring their wives. Finally, we reached the Mandela House. The legacy that is Nelson Mandela resided in this house that was made completely out of red bricks. The history, the heritage and the struggle was vivid in the house. I would like to quote Nelson Mandela from The Long Walk to Freedom since I had read it just before I went to South Africa. It sums up what the Mandela House stood for. Here goes - The house itself was identical to hundreds of others built on postage-stamp-size plots on dirt roads. It had the same standard tin roof, the same cement floor, a narrow kitchen, and a bucket toilet at the back. Although there were street lamps outside, we used paraffin lamps as the homes were not yet electrified. The bedroom was so small that a double bed took up almost the entire floor space. It was the opposite of grand, but it was my first true home of my own and I was mightily proud. A man is not a man until he has a house of his own.That night I returned with Winnie to No. 8115 in Orlando West. It was only then that I knew in my heart I had left prison. For me No. 8115 was the centre point of my world, the place marked with an X in my mental geography.’

Are you black or white?

While the scars of 20th century South Africa are apparent in Johannesburg, it is obvious that the healing has begun. What hit me instantly were the stark inequalities but the amazing confidence in the South Africans. The trip to the Apartheid Museum was an eye opener as was visiting Hector Pieterson’s museum. At the entrance of the Apartheid Museum, we were given cards stating ‘Non-white’ or ‘White’. Walking around the museum, one feels like they are thrown back into the 70s and 80s. Police bullets, teargas canisters, the marches, scores of school children, metal cafes, newspaper snippets, film footage; all tell you a traumatic story of what this nation has endured.

South African has come a long way from those days. The young are singing and dancing to groovy marabi beats and KFC is round the corner. The old are telling stories of a time that is gone and the corporates are banking their millions on the impending World Cup. South Africa truly has come a long way. Ask an American about his/her heritage and they will say they are Irish, Swedish, German, Italian, Korean etc. Ask a South African, black or white notwithstanding, and they will simply state – Africa. And that is the difference.

-Shruti Kothari, Director, Bespoken Words

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