This is a picture I clicked of a Romanian Gypsy child. I found it heart breaking... look into those sad eyes. Look at the plastic begging bowl. There she was at the palace gates in Krakow on a cold evening, playing a single tune over and over again on that little accordian. I placed a few coins in the bowl.... but couldn't walk away. Our guide obviously didn't like the sight of a beggar girl at the busy tourist spot. He snorted, " These people are no good. They send their children and women to beg, while the men steal and get drunk. We don't like Gypsies... they are a menace to society." Poor child. She hadn't asked to be born to Gypsy parents!
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I am not in the best of moods... I have just come home after enduring two hours of unadulterated tedium in the form of 'Love Aaj Kal.' Right now, I'm in no mood to feel sorry for Saif... I'm feeling sorrier for myself. I haven't been this bored for a long, long time. Much as I like Saif, there is something called too much of a good thing . Saif is in every damn frame! His monologues are embarrassing, and I got the distinct feeling if he could have played Deepika's role as well, he probably would have! He plays the jawan Rishi Kapoor ( the best moments in the film), and he pretty much plays himself for 120 minutes. There is no story as such, no fun stuff either. The item numbers are stale and borrowed. Plus, there is a truly ghastly New Year's eve sequence which redefines 'tacky'. What else??? Rishi Kapoor is the sole saving grace in an otherwise pointless movie. The anonymous young girl who plays the young Neetu Singh is refreshingly natural, likeable and way better than Deepika, whose make up is most unfortunate! Howcome the film has received a four star rating?? What's there to like??? If it's a hit, Saif will have the last laugh, of course. But come on, Imtiaz Ali - much more was expected from you after the sizzle, crackle and zing of 'Jab We Met.'
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I am leaving for a 2-day break in my favourite getaway city - Pune. I could do with some serious R and R, but I doubt my daughters will spare me. ' Stone Water Grill' here I come !
44 comments:
its not true always that parents drink and ask their kids to beg. its life. i never care who the person & under what circumstances asking me to help him or her. i never see if he s young ,old, handicap or ok, i just help. i cannot walk just like that even if my tourist has something special indepth info like that.mam, hwat i want to tell here is, pls help with open hands & closed eyes. Just see, even if her parents might have sent her, but your money is going to help some human being .
I believe u wud be agreed that even if someone drink wine, we must not bother for that but we must be aware that a part of ur money wud go to that lil kid too.
if u might have given 5 INR to that girl, now only 50paise wud go in her favor atleast as per that guide. if u wud have given 50 bucks, may be 10 rs wud have gone to her.
I had seen some very rich people giving tip to waiters, or 100 bucks to a doorman who just favored to open the door for him, but while giving money to begger, they will evaluate if that begger really need money, is he physically ill? or what....
best smiles. Prasn
i was dying to see the moive specially after the 4 star by the newspaper
and my son also liked it
now i am having second thoughts
I was dying to see this movie. Having just finished my exams I needed to wait for my younger sister to finish her exams as well...
But now...I'm having doubts. Even my friend said that the others were cast in vain. Saif could have pretty much done all the roles!
I really wanted to watch this movie! :( :(
So, there are banjaras everywhere and the elite of the society doesnt like their begging, drinking and stealing. Are they different from Indian Lambadas or Pardis......but they dont evoke the same pity and sympathy!!!!!! Isnt it strange???
Mam,
Have a nice time with your daughters. Your photograph of the young girl was nice. Such photographs do not need an explanation. I only wish it was shot with a better camera.Brilliant composition and priceless emotions.
Cheers,
Jayant.
Thanks i thought i will take my daddy tomo for this movie...hee hee now need to find!
I also feel very sad for such children. I just wanted to share this, sometimes back I saw some children pulling coins out of a canal, using magnets tied to a rope. These coins were thrown by people for various rituals. The worst thing, the cop guarding the flood gates had a share in it. What could be a better ritual than donation ??
we can't help those people!!!
they are left on their own fate and are expected to survive their pathetic conditions.
but among those may emerge a human with courage to battle all odds and emerge a winner.This great feat will be then regarded as "rags to riches story"
"Every search begins with beginner's luck and every search ends with victor's being severely tested"-Paulo Coelho.
Prasun Kulshrestha's comment is a great one! We dont bother giving tips for a well salaries hotel staff but when it comes to beggers we do rationalize a lot! Blame it on our own emotional poverty ! Nice empathetic click SD !
With warm regards
Osai Chella
Founder: BlogChai.com
Prasun Kulshrestha, I agree with you totally. If we can, we cant but give something because it is too rude to walk away. Why judge when giving alms when we spend and waste so much without thinking?
Love Aaj Kal is a waste of money. That 4 star means nothing. Your review was more on the spot. Why dont you write reviews? You are better than Khaled or Nikhat at it.
eeks gad! love aaj kal is a flop!! i had hoped for a good beginning to this august month.. Lets hope fr so good movies ahead.
That pic of the gypsy girl is moving, but don't we have tooo many here in india too. what do we do fr them?
@ OSAI CHELLA...
Thanx. I am honestly saying, being not rich or etc , i had personally stopped thinking before helping poor or needful people. Its a tremendous pleasure to be a part of someone's happiness. Thanx OSAI
@ KALA
True, Its too rude to walk away.
Poverty is the curse all over the world and it does not know any religion and and there is choice to the children to choose their parents.
The situation in India is worse and still we need a foreign location to shed our tears.
People who matter like Shobha De can take causes of poverty eradication in India.
Why waste your talents and huge influence in the top echelon of the Public administration and Ministries?
Rather work for employment generation and other real and more prioritised social issue than show your skin in page 3 of a national daily.
Itis sad to see children beg , most u can do is to help as much as u can.
I have not seen saifs movie but from trailers it is very clear he looks old even the jackets and other fashionable stuff he wears dont help age is showing as for as deepika she is ok.
I did watch New york it was different,I liked it.
Sorry to write on something else. The new TOI online is a torture. Is it necessary to change a beautiful thing just for the sake of it? Many stopped going to that page.
Sach Ka Saamna has become too silly and predictable. Washing dirty linen in public and the public may soon find it too smelly. Siddhartha Basu should go to sunderbans and meditate if those maneaters allow him to.
first of all WELCOME TO PUNE ....!!!
Abt movie ....i m going to see at 8PM ....let see how much expectation it will cross
It's said that because poverty does not have one definite reason, we cannot therefore manage to find one definite solution to the problem.
Also, a common perception is that lack of education is the reason why women & children tend to bear the brunt of all that is not fruitful.
Our biggest loss is a result of us believing that we need something profound like education to solve our problems.
Frankly, it's the biggest excuse we can give, because it's the only excuse that is not debatable.
I strongly disregard the notion that money could save beggars from starvation.
It's not a survival tactic, but an utterly outrageous way of assuring them that luck will favor them in phases. It's this assurance that will keep them where there are, placed firmly without the need to think beyond the footpath. It's not a dog duty where you feed them one day, & then you remember you have to leave the very next day. I guess, even dogs are treated better.
I could only feel sorry for those children who are a major part of vicious trade. They do not have a voice & so can be made to be a part of it with or without coercion.
I have no damn sympathy for men & women, physically able, but would nevertheless resort to begging, not necessarily out of a need to do so but as a matter of plain convenience.
I will also never put my money to institutions like old-age homes. I just hate the fact that families cannot provide for their elders when the time comes. We have to blame our Indian upbringing for this.
Atleast, in a democratic setup like ours, people can create opportunities for themselves if they have the will to do so.
By providing for the old-age homes, and the physically able, we are only encouraging this menace to flourish.
We cannot trust our hearts in matters that will never bring about a change for the better. We need to put our minds into it.
If I were to be blessed with the virtue of helping the needy, I would find some hope in saving those numerous children, & the physically & mentally disabled.
@ NANDINI.
M pleased to see ur views.
Few additions to ur views though fom me, i hope u wnt mind.
1) said " lack of education is the reason why women & children tend to bear the brunt of all that is not fruitful. ":-
I ask why we say its education, i believe its nothing to do with education. DO u think that these beggers or poors really even care or think about study????? DO you want to imagine a nation with 100 % litrecy? literacy in kerala is literacy in" Kerala is 94.59 per cent" Pls refer http://www.kerala.gov.in/ DO you still expect that Kerela isindia's RICHEST STATE, answer from me is NO.
2)You said, "By providing for the old-age homes, and the physically able, we are only encouraging this menace to flourish."
Yes nandini , you are true. I am strictly agree, but y OLD -AGE HOMES????
3) You said" We cannot trust our hearts in matters that will never bring about a change for the better. We need to put our minds into it."
True. But i opt the either way.
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Wonderful subject initiated by shobha ji on her blog..i loved it.
Best Smiles Prasun
With all due respect, I think you are much too old to appreciate Love Aaj Kal. Or perhaps something like this has never happened to you. The continued engagement with an estranged soulmate, is real, difficult to express and Imtiaz Ali has done a decent job.
We can help. I just want to point out that as shown in 'Slumdog millionaire', children are used as forces of production, owned by a few. Giving money, only promotes such things, I think a much better way is to provide them food instead of money, something like 'community kitchens'(langar is the word we use in Punjab) can really help. Donating money and helping at such 'community kitchens' is a very practical approach to help the needy.
Hey, thanks for saving me from a fate worse than death (watching the movie, that is). Them 4 stars and all made me think the movie is good. Now that I am disabused of the notion, let kme tell you that that photograph and the little paragraph you wrote moved me. Life! What a downer!
Thank YOU for the review and saving me from watching the movie...everyone else has been raving about it here in the US - wonder why???
@ Prasun...
???????????????? ...seriously???????????...
I said lack of education is the biggest excuse that we can give to hide our shortcomings!
Now, I really don't know what u made out of that statement.
Old age homes because family system is the basis of the Indian culture.
If people cannot appreciate the numerous sacrifices made by parents, and display their gratitude by sending them to old age homes, I think it's disgusting!
What if I myself want to spend my days in an old age home so that my children are not burdened?
What if I dont have children?
What if I lost my children?
What if I am single and the old age home is the only option?
It is we brought our children into this world for our pleasure and then what right do we have to blame them for our miseries?
And do our country has employment opportunities for every hatta katta aadmi amnd and aurat? Is not begging better than stealing or cheating or greed?
Is it easy to beg? For that you should cease to be a human being and become a dog.
How many dresses we buy and not wear them at all for one reason or another?
How much food we cook and then throw away?
How much money we spend just like that.
Even if it is our money, it is still criminal.
It is not a question of encouraging beggars. It is a question of sparing some change without judgment.
@ Kala
Begging better than stealing? That is a horrible way to analyze things.
Well, I may agree with you on the fact that not all people are blessed with the perfect family, but I guess any self-respecting adult would want to provide for themselves than resort to an old-age home. It is called planning.
And I don't think, you, me or anyone else for that matter should be apologetic about the way we spend our money if it is earned lawfully & with a lot of hardwork.
I think the guilt is only felt from within if the money spent is earned unlawfully.
@ Nandini...
M extreamly sorry, may b i took in different way...Sorry soory smile now???? thnx nandini
I feel sorry for Deepika.
Saif existence is above 15 years if I am correct.
People with ill gotten wealth do not have a conscience to trouble them. Mahatma Gandhi said that those who have wealth more than to satisfy the basic needs are like thieves. At least we can spend judiciously if we cant help accumulating wealth because we are capable and given lots of opportunities.
There is nothing wrong with old age homes paid or unpaid just like orphanages.
The beggars, if they have guts, may turn out to be thieves and murderers if employed as domestic servants as is happening on a daily basis. So begging is a lesser evil.
shobha , i want you to answer this?? i have come across an eve teaser who look very deangerous & cunning , he is very popular among his peer group , they take pride in teasing girls , we have informed police but nothing happened , he is a powerful persona , local media know him , he is kinda local don / mafia , & now they are trying to ruin my fathers educational institution . what to do?? plzz reply
Not sure if you guys know but this movie just broke the opening day record of Ghazini.. Not that Ghazini was any better. Guess Ghazini would have broken a similar record.. Bollywood treats us to such inane stuff, no wonder people look to our netas for some serious fun...
Saif is my fav ,one of my favs for sure..but I'm a fan of Shobha de..so anythin the divine lady says...gonna pay heed to it....
now if i still cant resist..and watch d movie..at least i ve myself to blame....
thank yu..
God bless yu....
Stone Water Grill, your favourite, eh?
Ah! Thank you! thank you!thank you for the post...my hubby wanted to go for this movie and I did not...now I can direct him to this post and TELL HIM WHY!!! Thanks a zillion!
Hiee....
Pverty is really a curse....the pic speaks volumes......
Agree love aaj kal was nothg great to take away.....the other chick is beautifull....and deepika needs help........
enjoy pune and get bk soon ........miss u
tak Care
Kris
The beggar girl looks so sad! This brings me to another issue... How i wish we did something against the beggar syndicate at least NOW, post Slumdog Millionare, rather than criticizing danny boyle for showing the gory truth of Bombay. We did NOTHING! NOTHING after slumdog... But we did expect Danny Boyle to do social welfare??? why?? we don't care for our blind children with the begging bowl? and we expect a firang to do that? has anyone ever wondered how are so many beggar children without limbs and blind?
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Regarding love Aaj Kal.. This deepika is so sexless. No oomph, nothing! she is like achaar with no namak. And acting. I wonder if she knows the "A" of it. Kissing?? she needs some serious lessons in kissing. So lack lusture! So So lack lusture. On the contrary, My chokri friend with whom i watched the movie said that Saif has very sexy rears... so that kinda compensates for what the heroines dont.
I kind of liked SAif. In the sardar role. But yes, there was so much of saif, that it diluted the mazaa. Rahul Khanna is so wasted. The scenes were so Jab We Met.. the train sequence, the taxi sequence... some bits of DDLJ too ... like that dukaan on old delhi.. of the Saif ali (rishi kapoor)seems exactly where Kajol had a shop in DDLJ.
Over all i liked the movie. But it is only a one time watch.. not like a mood uplifter that Jab We Met was...
I like imtiaz ali. But guess, he himself cant surpass the standards he has set with Jab We Met. WOW! thats a movie I recommend to anyone who is feeling lowly.
A similar character... Geet (kareena) was so much better than the chapar-chapar of Basanti. Hai na? (O M G! ID GET BEATEN UP In India you have to Love Sholay )
I loved Neetu Singh, she stole my heart even with the blink and miss role. What elegance!
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wish you mast majja in pune. :)
BlogDosts of De....
... regarding begging.. i have a diffrent take. I do have a lot of beggar friends. I speak to them when i train my way to work. I buy them chocolates... and if I spot someone around while I am eating something.. i insist that they join me. No matter where I am dining.. in a tapri or a restaurant. Some people find it showy, some shower their love and blessings... but its alright.. i do it because I like it... and feel a deep sense of satisfaction... and I share shamelessly, because i believe that sharing is caring.. if I could be a flintstone and could collide with other flintstones... we could brighten the world with the flame that estinguishes ignorance.
I admit at times social welfare could become very boring for some... so we need to be topical and creative and get people involved.
http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/postoscar-resolution-take-kids-to-a-free-show/427386/
Dear Ms. De
OMG.. jsu gotto see d vogue India cover frm HHC.. and boy,, u look absolutely smashin.. Classy is d word.. And sexiness- jus loadsof it.. tat spring 09 Giorgio Armani s a gr8 choice.. Enhances d subtlety and grace.. all the R & R shows on ya'r face.. keep rockin.. must show dis to my mom who feels half dead at just 50!!!!! :-) Cheers!!!
p.s: pics in d inside as well?? cud u post dem pls!!
looking great on the new Vogue cover... congrats :) u should have a post talking about the secret of looking so young :)
Also... I am surprised ...u r not on twitter...
Yes it was mighty boring and yes only the rishi kapoor sequences were the saving graces and Deepika Padukone can do with some voice modulation lessons I guess! Enjoy Pune....
There are 2 blogs in Asian Age by Shobhaa. Something interesting and controversial. About gays, giggling, savitabhabhi, Rakhi's hunting spree, sks etc. etc.
Aham, your helping out is innovative.
Hey, I watched the movie and I really liked it! Folks u've got to see it and decide for yourself. Yeah may be Saif was used a bit too much but hes been great in the film.
Oh and De! I have no clue what Deepika has ever done to piss you off - but common! Give the girl a break. I found her make up - seamless - almost non existent and her expressions can light up anyones day. Not since Aishwarya Rai have I seen a face so beautiful in its features and range of expression. Given that its just the start of her career, I see her to be very very successful in Bollywood. And lets not forget Ash herself used to act horribly when she first came on the scene. Deepika is so much more refreshing and does a much better job at acting. So Kudos!!
Jst try to remember the fun of movie watching in college days - and sit back and enjoy the film instead of overanalyzing it. Its fun - its why we make larger than life - Oh common thats not possible - kind of films.
I've been told that the goulash that the Gypsies eat tastes a lot like food from the Indian sub-continent.
Madam, it does seem like Imtiaz and Saif are having the last laugh.
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