Ragini MMS 2: Watch it for Dirty Sex and not Horror!!!

1056th BLOG POST -->>

       

   I don't know what made me decide watching Ragini MMS 2 at 12 PM tonight. It has finally ended at 2 AM and I'm little scared just because I am into horror movies. The last I saw was Urmila Matondkar's Bhoot which I hardly remember anymore. I just don't find it a right idea to watch something not to entertain you but scare. :-) Talking about Ragini MMS 2, no one is concerned regarding deliverables in terms of it being a sequel to Ragini MMS, which at least got good business to get noticed. Ekta Kapoor started something new with this trend of Sex+Horror. What could have been better than casting Sunny Leone in the lead? But the main problem that Ekta Kapoor does with this movie is:- Considering Sunny Leone in the leagues of Salman Khan where people will come running to get into the theaters just to witness Sunny Leone. This is impossible even if you say that Sunny Leone is acting nude for whole 2 hours. 

          Because I am not much into horror movies, I got scared for some times but seriously speaking, there's nothing new in this movie for horror lovers. Movie starts well showing how it is an exact sequel of its first part. It shows Ragini of Part 1 in a mental asylum where Sunny Leone reaches to talk to her as she is portraying Ragini in an upcoming movie as a part of research. After that, the same scenes are being shot the way Ragini's case happened. But as the writer of the story decides of shooting the whole movie in the same place where the case took place, the Maharashtrian chudail is back, the scary voices are back and the spirit of her enters Sunny Leone after a while where she kills people even while making out with then. 

           After 20 minutes or so, you realize that you are watching more than a B-Grade movie where there are make-up done artists trying to be a scary ghost but looks nothing other than someone wearing a mask and trying his best to scare us. Just because there's a scary music in background does not mean you have made a good horror tale. There are some filthy and deceitful jokes in the movie that will shame you enough for your taste of movies. More than the skin show and sex on the screen, you will find raunchy and naughty people with dirty and foul languages all around you (in halls). Coming to USP of the movie- Sunny Leone- you will find her having sex in bathroom with her boobs blurred opposite an actor whom you have never seen before. You will find her having sex in pool, lake, bed, bathroom etc. You will also see her playing with herself making sounds like oooooohhh aaaaah and similar sort of things. The only time she looks convincing is in the climax when she is tied to a chair. Divya Dutta also plays her part very well but there's not much for her to do in a movie that has nothing into it.

            You also find other male actors in the movie dying to have Sunny on bed. There are dialogues like "Ye Porno se Rituporno kab se ban gayi". You will see another actor masturbating and saying that its better to imagine Sunny Leone than Katrina and Kareena. What a cheap show the whole movie is! I just can not believe that Ekta Kapoor can go up to these levels to earn few crores. If there's something really that I remember about the movie now, its Baby Doll in the beginning and Chaar Bottle Vodka in the end of the movie. Just! In short, watch this movie only if you love and lust Sunny Leone like anything otherwise wait for some other horror movie to release. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!
            

An Interview with Vijay Mane, author of "All I Need is, Just You!"!!!

1055th BLOG POST -->>

I had an opportunity to interview Vijay Mane, author of "All I Need is, Just You!". Do read the interview:-

1.  Hello Mr. Vijay, what is your feeling after being an author? What’s your perspective about life now after achieving a rare flagship in your life?

Vijay : Well, it feels great when we achieve something new, which we thought impossible or out of our reach. I am of the opinion that we should always be engaged in the progress of ourselves without considering the circumstances. They always test us and tempt us to leave the task, especially when you suffer from the toil and nothing goes right. However, no matter how difficult it is, we should give ourselves into our passion, only then we can achieve anything we want.

2. When you saw your first novel for sale on E-commerce websites and placed at a bookstore for the first time, what kind of thoughts dominated your mind?

Vijay : I was excited to see my novel on amazon. I cannot express that feeling. Even the shiver of anxiety cannot be captured in words. And speaking about the hardcopy, I have not seen it in any bookstores as these would be available with very few bookstores like Oxford and Odyssey. I would like to see the photos of my novel from my readers.

3. Before we head towards discussing your book, we would like to know in spite of being an author, what do you exactly do? And do you wish to continue with the job or come into full-time writing?

Vijay : I am a deputy manager in one of the biggest companies of India. And I am proud of my organization. Apart from our financial goals, we are engaged in many social and environmental activities. I am always among the bunch of top performers and I enjoy working with loads of work. When you are in such a position where you have the power to get the work done, it always feels good, even if you are under a lot of pressure. Honestly. I enjoy it. It keeps me moving.

This is my first novel in English. And speaking the truth at this moment, I would prefer to continue with my job.

4. What is your latest book all about? And from where did this idea occur to you?

Vijay : This is the true love story of one of my friends. When I thought of writing a novel, this very story came in front of my eyes. It was one of the reasons, I have seen him changed. It was very tough for him to accept reality but he took it as a challenge. When I asked his permission to pen down the story, initially he was a bit hesitant but finally he agreed to the idea and opened up quite frankly.

5. How much long did it take to write this book from the moment you started developing the story to start writing it till completing it finally with editing and all?

Vijay : It took me around three months to write the details and then a month for editing it.

6. Indian Publishing is too hard to deal with, was it easy for you to get a Publisher or did u wait for a long time to get your work published?

Vijay : After editing the manuscript and all, I had sent it to a few publishers. However, as it happens with most freshers entering this field, I too got refusals. The publishers are also correct from their point of view. Why would they risk on some new entrant’s manuscript? Then I decided to try my luck and self published the book.

7. What are the Promotional strategies that you and your publisher have applied to  promote / market your book?

Vijay : I have made the video trailer of the book and it is on youtube, the facebook page is already there. There are exciting updates being uploaded regularly on it. Few giveaways for readers. The book is made available on major online retailers like amazon, flipkart, infibeam etc. We are working on few more strategies for the book to reach maximum readers.

8. What exactly is your target from your Books- 1. Getting most copies sold out, 2. Getting the love of readers or 3. You just wrote it because you wanted to write a book once in your life, hence you have no targets?

Vijay : I am already a writer in Marathi with two books to my credit. One of it had won the prestigious literary award for best comedy book of the year 2008. However, due to limited readership, I decided to switch to English.

If you ask me about target, there is the combination of both. I want my book to appear in the bestsellers list and of course, who wouldn’t want a lot of love from his readers?

9. By when are you coming up with your next novel? And if possible, do give us an idea about what it would be.

Vijay : I am busy promoting this book. The exact details about the next novel would be difficult as of now but it would definitely be the second part of Sameer’s life. That’s for sure!

10. In the end, tell us in 5-7 lines, what speech will you give if you win a Major Award for the Best Indian Author for your books?

Vijay : Dream wild. When your dream becomes your obsession, everything comes to you, to fulfill your dream. There is a big problem while dreaming big – we enormously limit ourselves. However, you will be surprised with the results when self-limits are thrown away. Nobody can stop you from reaching the summit of success, if you work honestly. The process could be slow, but you will definitely get there. And more importantly, when it comes to success, there are no shortcuts.

…

QUEEN: Watch it for its Purity, Kindness and Loveliness!!!

1054th BLOG POST -->>

       

   After hearing a lot about this movie, I went to watch Queen yesterday. This year has already given us some mind-blowing movies and its not even quarterly completed yet. Queen is one of those rare movies that leaves a mark upon your personality for a long time. Not every movie has an effect over you such that it changes your life. After watching Queen, I remembered another movie that had similar impact upon me- Udaan. If you liked Udaan, you should definitely go and watch Queen without any second thought. Kangana Ranaut plays the character of Queen so delicately, kindly and truly that you wish film to continue and never stop. It seems as if every character in the movie understands Rani's pain just like us, the audience sitting in the theater, and treats the movie similarly. It's not only Kangana but every character in the movie which makes it one of the special movies ever made.

            Vikas Bahl is the creator of this movie and it seems as directors and writers of new generation have understood what kind of movies Indians expect this day. He makes a wonderful piece of cinema without adding any kind of raunchy, formulaic and aggressive stuff to make his movie look above other releases. In fact, Queen is already declared Super Hit and this fate was achieved only towards the end of second week when movie started doing well because of word-of-mouth. Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane has produced the movie very well. The screenplay and editing is also perfectly done. The music by Amit Trivedi is what makes the soul of the movie touch our heart and makes both of them fall in love with each other. 

     

      Movie starts showing the preparation for marriage. The description about her excitement and present situation by Rani in a back ground voice makes you smile cheekily and wait for the movie to unfold itself. As soon as the tragedy strikes, the way she takes the whole thing after crying and locking herself in her bedroom for 2 days is exciting. Though movie is predictable since then but the way its made makes it look enormously beautiful and fresh. Her meeting with Vijay Lakshmi in Paris is another beautiful amalgamation of two characters. Rani's disco surprise and the later when she remembers how she was been asked not to dance by the person who left her, the way she opposes it through anger and fury on her face and hotness in her dance proves what an excellent actress Kangana Ranaut is. The kind of expression that Kangana carries through out the movie- the one of sadness, the other of kindness and the one of exploration- all at the same time blows the minds of audience in awe. :-)

          Later on, when she reaches Amsterdam and finds three male room-mates and the way she gets connected to them is why this movie shall remain a piece of excellence for me. Since that moment, I started feeling as if I am reading a novel instead of watching a movie. Those three characters played by three boys of different countries is another beautiful example of acting. When she meets her fiancee, Vijay, in Amsterdam, the way she behaves with him at an Outside Restaurant, was another beautiful movie along with the climax where she takes a wonderful decision and that HUG and THANK from her steals the show in the end. In all, I wouldn't like to forget the work of Rajkummar Rao as Vijay Dhingra. He makes it sure that you hate him throughout the movie. 

           Queen says all that the women in India wants to speak to us. It shows how a girl isn't dependent on a man to fulfill her dreams and be happy. She can carve a way out for herself and surprise all who thought she can be nothing other than being just a housewife, which is a big role in itself but unfortunately, not respected in our country. I loved whenever Kangana used to bang into an incident and remembered those that she had with her boyfriend during her relationship in Delhi when he used to stop her from doing whatever she wanted to. Every time, the movie gets into flashback and comes back to presence, it shows how the same girl, keeping her kindness, softness and soberness intact, fulfills all that she wished to do in Delhi itself. Do watch Queen for its purity, loveliness and kindness. And yes, for Kangana Ranaut's excellence.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Bewakoofiyaan: Watch it if you are a Bewakoof!!!

1053rd BLOG POST -->>

     

    Last night after I got my mind heavy reading a mythological fiction novel, I thought of watching a light movie and ended up doing Bewakoofiyaan of watching Bewakoofiyaan. Film stars Ayushmann Khurana (last seen in Nautanki Saala which was a disaster) and Sonam Kapoor(last seen in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag- a Superhit). It also stars Rishi Kapoor playing father of Sonam Kapoor in the movie. In one of the press report, I found them promoting the movie saying that it will be interesting for audience to see Rishi and Sonam together after their comments on each other during that one episode of Kofee with Karan. I don't think that someone gives damn to such issues while spending their hard-earned money on a movie ticket. I didn't check out the chemistry of both the actors even once while watching the movie. 

          Film is produced by Aditya Chopra who is producing any kind of movies these days losing the integrity that Yash Raj Banners once had. Film is written by Habib Faisal who also wrote Ishaqzaade before this. His last attempt had a good plot but this one seems to be a meaningless script. I would have loved to see some wonderful heart touching pieces in the movie related to joblessness and recession but I got to watch nothing except something that can be called as "the lowest quality in the level of mediocrity". Movie is directed by Nupur Asthana who directed Mujhse Fraandship Karoge before this. There's a big problem in direction department too as nothing amazes you right from start to the end. Not even a single scene from this movie is going to stay in my mind for life. Even the music and songs of the movie are as forgettable as God, Allah aur Bhagwan from Krrish 3. 

          The concept of recession and how it affects an individual's life is clearly depicted in the movie but there's no solution provided to it throughout. Film deliver a message that if there's love between two people, money does not matter and they can survive with each other's support. Bull Shit! In which century is writer writing? In each scene, he shows how Ayushmann gets frustrated because of several taunts, insult and humiliation he has to face without money. He even breaks up with his partner, Sonam Kapoor, on the matter of money still in the end of the movie, we are given this message and exited out. And what review does director and writer expect from me after this? The only thing worth shown in the movie is how Sonam Kapoor starts taking big assignments for Dubai in her Corporate life, gets promotion and rather than crying over the broken relationship, she improvises herself.

           Ayushmann does powerful acting in the section where the defeats are been shown one after the another because of joblessness. His helplessness every time he goes to impress Rishi Kapoor is also funny to see. But talking about Sonam Kapoor, her acting looks good when she is shown from a farther frame. As soon as a close up is given at her, you can find an expression of North and situation talking about South. Her facial expressions have nothing to do with the situation she is playing. Talking about Rishi Kapoor, last time I saw him was in D-Day where he looks a cartoon playing Dawood Ibrahim. This time he disappointed more by playing a character who seems to overact almost every point of time. Not even a single scene where father-daughter relationship is emotionally shown or Indian things like that. This movie is actually what its title suggests. If you want to be one of the Bewakoofs watching it, go for it. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Acting Smart by Tisca Chopra (Book Review: 3*/5)!!!

1052nd BLOG POST -->>

It's me with Tisca Chopra handing her book to me.

        Reading a Non-fiction book always gives you some or the other knowledge even if its related to you or not. Except Biography, I can never imagine an actor/actress writing any kind of Non-fictional piece for almost 200 pages. Tisca Chopra does this rarity with her recent novel,"Acting Smart" which also has the tagline of "Your Ticket to Showbiz". This 202-pages novel is published by HarperCollins, one of the leading publications in India. The cover page of the book has Tisca Chopra laden with beautiful green dress smiling back. :-) The back cover page has comments of people like Shabana Azmi, Anil Kapoor, Raju Hirani, Imtiaz Ali, Farah Khan and Manish Malhotra on her book. You can not ignore this book even if you have nothing to do with acting and Bollywood. It has some kind of a feel that you'll surely pick it up. Though Rs. 350, the cost of the book, is too high for anyone to pick. It should have been around Rs. 150 or so. 

 

 SYNOPSIS:- 

Thousands of young people arrive every day at the Mecca of entertainment, Mumbai, to become an actor. Most of them come with hope in the heart and starry dreams in their eyes. In the absence of proper guidance, it does not take long for most of these dreams to turn to dust, in what is essentially a dog-eat-dog world of cut-throat competition. Tisca Chopra provides great advice on how to build a career as an actor. How do you go about preparing an impressive portfolio and showreel, what does it take to audition well,what are the avenues for training, and how does one avoid the casting couch? Written in an informal, conversational tone, and brimming with insightful insights gleaned from the author’s vantage point of being a true-blue insider, this is an essential handbook for every aspirant in the crazy world of showbiz.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:-

One of Hindi cinema’s most beautiful and stylish actresses, Tisca Chopra has trained with theatre greats like Naseeruddin Shah and Ferozi Abbas Khan. She got her big break with Aamir Khan’s Taare Zameen Par for which she won several national and international awards. Apart from being a regular on stage, she is also a favourite with advertisers, endorsing brands like Tanishq,Titan Eyewear, Olay, Horlicks and Kellogg’s. She is currently starring in the Indian franchise of the hit American series 24,being produced by Anil Kapoor. She is also developing a number of film scripts with her pilot-author husband, Sanjay Chopra.

          After reading the whole book, I came to the conclusion that if you are an aspiring actor, you could not believe that there's a book full of mantras for you. It's not about what you'll do after becoming an actor, it's all about what you have to be while you are on your way to search for that small role to make into the thing called Bollywood. For those who do not have anything to do with this field can read it and know the amount of hard work every face that you see daily on television and theaters does to get there. A wonderful eye-opener written chapter-by-chapter by Tisca Chopra making one realize that it's only easy if you have decided to be of stone with no emotions and only work. 

           Before reading the book, I presumed that Tisca would have talked about her own journey in Bollywood and hence I was skeptic that who would like to read her story because she's not one of those starring in Big budget movies as a single lead actress. But after reading it, I am in awe the way she has carried the whole book talking less about others and more about them who matters and she herself idolizes. She gives example initially on how to be in Mumbai on your own rather than being with someone's support. The example she gave of a girl having no accomodation hence she made a railway pass of Mumbai-Nashik train, used to sleep in it and get ready for next auditions in train itself is quite motivational and moving.

           I liked all the guidance she gave in the end of each chapter as a summary and something to write it in your diary, repeat it daily to remember your right way. Again she says that as an actor you just couldn't stop training. Because even if you have toned yourself as an actor and dancer, you never know when you might have to become an Olympic athlete like Farhan Akhtar. Another amazing piece. In her book launch, she specifically talked about The Casting Couch and hence I was waiting for this chapter to come. Finally it came. It is the best chapter of the book. Clearly and respectfully, she states how Casting couch works and how one can save him/herself from it. She also gave some examples on how she saved herself from a director once. Its my recommendation to everyone to at least read this chapter if not the whole book. 

          I also liked her take on money. How money is important in this industry is what she speaks about. Later on, she also tells that its our back ground that shall always be lucky and supportive when everyone else shall leave. She tells how people start changing themselves after coming to Mumbai but the ones who keep their originality gets work for the character they are themselves in real life. She tells how Ratan Rajput didn't lose her originality and bagged the leading role in a serial on Zee TV. She tells why Nawazuddin Siddique keeps getting work and such roles because he's the same that he always was. I liked how she also gave importance to TV actors in one of her chapters. An incident when she tells how she got to see a yesteryear's great actor in a queue of junior artist to get work shocked her. There are many such shocking elements in the book that I loved reading.

         Coming to the drawbacks now: I felt as if Tisca Chopra didn't cover many other aspects required for coming in Bollywood. She should also have suggested few names that one should try to contact once in Mumbai who are genuine and love to work with debutante. Tisca keeps giving examples and statements by few selective people as Imtiaz Ali, Boman Irani, Shabana Azmi, Anurag Kashyap etc. It would have been better if she would have brought comments by many more actors in her book. Most of the times, Tisca have given example by not writing names of the directors, actors and casting teams. I know its purposely done to avoid controversies but it would have been wonderful if she would have named few of them. I needed some masala actually. Haha! In all, I would say a fine attempt for all the struggling and aspiring actors. I give the book 3 out of 5. 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Planet B 2 by M C Raj (Book Review- 4*/5)!!!

1051st BLOG POST -->>

      If you ask me, what books make me read them in a go and what make me read them 50 pages/day, I would say a book that's wonderful but written in a slow pace is read by me part by part. I did the same with this amazing book called "Planet B2". It also has the tagline "Human War against Nature". It's written by M. C. Raj, an experienced personality and a prominent writer. This 433-pages novel is published by Partridge publishers, a Penguin Random House company. I am amazed at the quality of books Partridge are publishing these days. Though they are available for big prices at Flipkart and other websites but still they are worth it. Every book that I am reading by them, I am looking forward for more books. Planet B2 is again one more name that I will add in the awesome books list of Partridge Publishers. 

     

INTRODUCTION:-

M C Raj creates a new planet with life. No wonder that Americans want to occupy it. The hitch is that the beings in PlanetB2 are cosmic formed out of the entropy of life giving waves. Not only they but also many human beings oppose the over ambitious project of Rustler, the US President who decides to destroy the planet if his plans failed. All the missions of Rustler's to PlanetB2 fail and in total frustration he turns his ire towards all those who oppose him on earth. He forms Earth Alliance. Those who oppose him under the leadership of the German Chancellor form the Cosmic Alliance. Plumbel, the close friend of Rustler's is the kingpin of the formation of Cosmic Alliance. Another world war becomes inevitable. Humanity is destroyed in the NBC (Nuclear, Biological & Chemical) war that ensues. What happens to Rustler, what happens to the cosmic beings, what happens to world leaders and Plumbel etc. are brought out in many plots by weaving by the author. War strategies, information galore, creation of a new planet and a new way of life for peace and non-violence are bound to enthrall the readers and compel them to extricate the many plots. A festive time is ahead

            M. C. Raj has attempted a Sci-fi book which is very rarely attempted by authors of India and even if they do it, the book doesn't get better responses. But the way Raj has written with great insights, I felt as if I was watching a Hollywood flick throughout the duration of 10 days for which I read this book part by part because it had too many pages to consume all in a go. :-) Raj hasn't used great technical languages, usually which the authors use in such kind of books. He has kept the book straight and less confusing which makes it easy for you to remember the incidents and chapters even when you pick book again after reading half of it. I only felt that the book was written quite in slow pace but still, it manages to hold you back because you want to know what happened at the last in the fight of human vs alien and human vs human. 

             Book tells it clearly how America, the superpower, wants to conquer not only the world but universe too. The state of mind of its President is shown bluntly and truthfully without hiding any fact. You will feel that you are reading a true tale of USA because that's what we have kept hearing and seeing in all these years. The character of Rustler is wonderfully described and maintained throughout the book. His bad attitude pays off and that's what I was waiting to read. The book really starts when Carolina is introduced to the new planet and its logic about cosmic. The whole Science described is an amazing read. The launch of Big Belly4 is stated anxiously and I liked reading the emotions of Rustler, Plumbel and other people engaged with the project. Later on, I loved the short-time chemistry between Plumbel and Marissa. The Native America's description by the author through the character Marissa is described passionately which makes you love the place and its people. 

            The second part of the book becomes a thriller-kind-of-a-thing when all countries starts protesting against Rustler's theory. I also liked the concept of World War been brought up in the story. It was much needed. I loved the way Carolina and Marissa's transformations happen in another planet. It is very exciting to read the changes in their life because of being in another planet among another people. I loved the concept that the aliens aren't shown as villains but genuine beings. The anti-climax and climax will just take you off your seat. I recommend this book to all the Hollywood movie lovers especially the one which has fight between aliens and humans involved. I give this novel- 4 out of 5.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Burning Sapphires by Suresh K Goswami (Book Review: 4.75*/5)!!!

1050th BLOG POST -->>

       There are few books which makes me passionate for them. But don't presume that these are only the books whom I rate 4 or more. Some times there are books which I rate 2.5 but still they keep me attracted for a day or two. Today, the book I have finished was started by me last evening. I read 1/3rd part of it. I specially woke up early to read it at 5 AM today and then went to college. I returned back home early than usual and read it till now. This is what a good writer does to his readers- Makes them love his writing passionately. "Burning Sapphires" is the novel I am talking about today. It's written by Suresh K Goswami. The 259 pages novel is published by Partridge- A Penguin Company, a publisher whom I am reading a lot these days. If you'll ask me to express this book in the shortest way possible, my reply would be- SALUTE! Yes, this book deserves respect. 

 

Subject / Content

The “Burning Sapphires “, though a fiction, is a story which drives you through the reality of infestation of terrorism, violence and atrocities that resulted in Exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from their Home Land on one hand and the other hand continued turmoil which never paused in the valley disrupting and destroying the life of each common man, The Kashmiri.

Part of Innocent Kashmiris who fled from the valley have been struggling to survive for the last 24 years in refugee camps around Jammu, Nagrota, Udhampur in J& K State, and some other locations across India.

And the others who were left behind are continuously humiliated, their esteems destructed, their women raped, and their young ones murdered leaving countless homes devoid of life . . .

. . . for what purpose?

The purpose may be ANY but the fact remains that The Paradise, its people and their stories are getting lost as they go through a merciless genocide.

About the Author:-

During my long standing career as a professional Chief Executive and Managing Director of many multinationals in Africa and Middle East I had this passionate urge to write, especially about my experiences highlighting sensitive social issues that are manifested in the lives of millions of fellow human beings. But it took me to cross 60 years of my life to listen my inner self and it was at this point that I left whatever I was doing and took to creative writing. I wrote a couple of scripts and two years back I made my first independent film, converting one of my favorite scripts into an award winning feature film “Ziyarat” that earned ample awards and recognition across the globe. I made another award winning documentary “My Heroes” andI continued to write few other stories but concentrated on my book Burning Sapphires which was completed recently and published by Partridge, a Penguin company. In my mind I look forward to pen down many stories from the terror ridden Valley of Kashmir-a paradise lost, which happens to be my mother land.

     

      Suresh Goswami has a wonderful writing style which makes you sit down at one place, imagine beautiful locations, terrifying moments, beautiful girl and many other scenarios and get up only after you are done reading the last word of his story. There are very few writers who can really write a perfect page-turner and my first experience of this writer has made him enter in my Good Books. I am a die-hard fan now. Very few writers manage to make their protagonist part of our lives and Suresh Goswami does the same with Ghulab's impact on us. Every character that he portrays in his book except the last few who comes to help Ghulab are beautiful, well-described and revolutionary- either in positive or negative way according to their personalities. :-) Even when I have closed the book an hour ago, I am into the story and thinking about each and every character. That's the power of this book. 

            Coming to the story, I liked how it started describing all about Udana, her 2 husbands and 2 daughters. Suddenly, the description and introduction of Ghulab gives light to the book. The best part about the book has been its skill to make us feel that we are in Kashmir; a wonderful description of the state and its beautiful area makes the first half an exploring read. I just wanted to visit the heaven after reading few beautiful lines. Ali Murtaza's inclination towards Ghulab and being a saviour to her gives story a twist that makes this book a wonderful thriller for a time being. The scene when his men attacks Ghulab's school and kills her stepfather are two terrific chapters in the book that frightened me but still, it made me feel happy reading it. :-) Khalid's view in the story is also perfectly driven time to time which makes us believe in his spirit too. 

             Later on, the final turning point of the story when Ghulab decides to take an action against these men is wonderfully written. The great thing about the whole book has been its realistic plot even when a girl is shown as a victim and then turning into a revolutionist. If you'll ask me, I would say that for the whole time I kept presuming Ghulab's character based on Malala Yousafzai. I would love to know by the author if he wrote the character keeping her in mind. The whole take on the sufferings of Kashmiri Pandits and Kashmiri Muslims is shared in a very easy and interesting way. After reading this book, I feel like knowing more about the politics of Kashmir and the sufferings of this particular class. The entry of Dolores brings charm in the story again during the anti-climax phase. The magic that she does in a very short period of time makes her as much favorite as Ghulab. 

          In short, I would say a perfect read and if you miss it, you are really missing out something. Suresh K Goswami should be applauded as much as possible for this great novel that he has brought at a very perfect time when we need to understand the situation of Kashmir. There are few drawbacks too: The biggest is the worst cover page for a terrific book like Burning Sapphires. I would seriously ask author to change the cover page with the next edition itself. Then, writing after each chapter that it has ended isn't a good thing to do in a novel. It's perfect only up to the drafting and editing phase. And a very special drawback in the end:- He should have written it little more. I was loving it, man. :-) Haha! I give it 4.75* out of 5 undoubtedly. 

 Thanks a lot.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

An Interview with debutante author, Satyendra Dhariwal!!!

1049th BLOG POST -->>

I got a wonderful opportunity to interview a first time author, Satyendra Dhariwal who is coming out with his book- An Immortal Story in April, 2014. Do read the interview and enjoy.

1. Hello Mr. Satyendra, what is your feeling after being an author? What’s your perspective about life now after achieving a rare flagship in your life?

Ans. It’s awesome. I am too much excited and nervous too. Excited because seeing your book in print first time is like seeing your new born baby. And worried because the book is yet to be released. Like everyone, I also want my baby to be praised.

As far as perspective about life is concerned it’s been changed to a large extent since I finished writing this story to until now. I have completed this story almost 1 ½ years ago. Now I want to establish myself as a full-time writer. 

2. When you saw your first novel for sale on E-commerce websites and placed at a bookstore for the first time, what kind of thoughts dominated your mind?

Ans. Since ‘An Immortal Story’ has not been released yet but it’s available for pre-ordering on E-commerce website(s). So yeah, it’s something beyond words when people comment that they are pre-ordering my book.

3. Before we head towards discussing your book, we would like to know in spite of being an author, what do you exactly do? And do you wish to continue with the job or come into full-time writing?

Ans. Nothing, seriously. I want to become a full-time writer.

4. What is your latest book- An Immortal Story all about? And from where did this idea occur to you? 

Ans. You can read all about the book here  http://authorsatyendra.com/Store.aspx  . The Idea of the story came to my mind while travelling to Nainital with my wife Vanita. I wanted to write a novel and we are discussing everything about life. The plot of this story was created in a bus, from Delhi to Haldwaani.

5. How much long did it take to write this book from the moment you started developing the story to start writing it till completing it finally with editing and all?

Ans. It took me five months. But 60% of it was finished in the last 25 days. Because in those five months there were days when I wrote nothing or just a single line or half of the page. Many times I thought that I could never finish it. But after completing it 40% I suddenly got momentum. After that I started sending this to publishers and in between whenever I felt, I edited.

6. Indian Publishing is too hard to deal with, was it easy for you to get a Publisher or did u wait for a long time to get your work published?

Ans. Yes, it is very hard to deal with. It took me almost 13 months to find a publisher. I was rejected by more than 20 publishers and literary agents/agencies and even waiting for a few to reply, till now. One thing I want to say is that it would be more beneficial to authors if there should be more literary agents/agencies in India. Initially I thought that it is good that here we can send our manuscripts directly to the publishers but that is not good enough. Almost every agent/agency replied me but not all publishers.

7. What are the Promotional strategies that you and your publisher have applied to promote/market your book?

Ans.  Several, including both online and offline. Like, Facebook, videos, free samples etc.

You can download first three chapters from here  http://authorsatyendra.com/index.html 

8. What exactly is your target from your Books- 1. Getting most copies sold out, 2. Getting the love of readers or 3. You just wrote it because you wanted to write a book once in your life, hence you have no targets?

Ans. Everything, but of course every other thing like money etc. is meaningless without the love of readers. This is what an author aspires most.

9. By when are you coming up with your next novel? And if possible, do give us an idea about what it would be.

Ans. May be at the end of this year or maybe next year. I can’t tell exactly when but it is sure that I will write another and then another and so on . At the moment I have few plots in my mind like a historical fiction based on invasion(s) on India. Other one is a story of six friends based on corruption and terrorism, one is a humorous story and a few other ideas are also there. But I am not sure which one would be picked up by my mind.

10. In the end, tell us in 5-7 lines, what speech will you give if you win a Major Award for the Best Indian Author for your books?

Ans. If ever that happens, I will definitely become speechless. And what one could say after winning an award like this other than thanking the people who supported him/her, the readers who loved him/her and the jury who selected him.

How dignified is your Group of Friends?

1048th BLOG POST -->>  

 

     To survive in life, we all need a group. A group of friends who will always remain by our side in no matter what the situation would be. Even if we get stuck in something that's illegal and unappreciative, even then we want them to come and stand by our side though they might hit us after we are released from that specific problem. I have found many people feeling loneliness and pain when they find that they have no one around who will be with them in the moments of challenges and attacks. You get more pain when the group dejects you and says that you are no one to be with them anymore. All the moments flashes in front of our eyes as if it was just yesterday that we became a pat of this group and all the happiness has been shared within the time zone of 24 hours. That's hoe fresh the memories with group of friends are. 

            When we talk about the group, do we consider that we need a leader to initiate things and guide everyone out of the problem whenever there is any? If a group does not have a leader, that group couldn't survive for long. That's for sure. Any organization, school or college, if you consider this in a formal approach, couldn't run if it does not have the right leader. Even a whole country falls just because of bad attitude of its minister/s. But it comes upon the ego of the youngsters when they are told that someone of their own age would be leading them in spite of having the same eligibility and status as of him/her. And hence, this never gets initiated and the group keeps maligning their name and performance day by day. There should be someone in every team who should tell if everyone is doing right or wrong. 

            I remember I was sitting in Inorbit Mall with my friends when a big group of boys and girls came and sat besides us. They were here to celebrate someone's birthday among them. My head started aching just seeing such a large group as I knew that they are going to make high decibels of noise by laughing, shouting, screaming and clapping. To my surprise, they were quiet and one among them was regularly making them decrease their voices whenever they got carried away with the entertainment they were having. I liked the attitude of that guy as he managed the whole thing so well that I couldn't believe a group of 15 people who came to celebrate someone's birthday can do the whole process so silently and within the rules of etiquette. 

           Last week, I was in train and suddenly a group comprising of boys and girls came in my coach and sat in the last seats of it. Half of their group stood at the door of the train. Now they started shouting and referring each other disturbing the whole coach by their activities. It became so irritating at a moment that an uncle and aunty sitting in front of me changed their coach after 2 stations making faces at them. Still, idiots remain idiots. Later on, a girl from the group had to get down at Kharghar station and her friend, a boy, blocked her way. She started pushing him and hurling abuses in fun. Though it was in fun but it looked so cheap and disgusting in the coach that everyone was looking at them and then towards each other and speaking something very low about them. Later on, the boy held her thighs when she was about to cross him and girl, rather than reciprocating strongly enjoyed it and kept shouting and screaming while others from their group kept shouting. This was so shameless and dirty that I wanted to slap each one of them. 

          Similarly, I and my friends met for a Reunion last month. Later on, we went to a restaurant to have a light dinner. As soon as we entered the restaurant and settled ourselves, these friends of mine started making idiotic comments on almost everything in the restaurant. The waiters were standing at our table. They started looking at us weirdly and angrily. I tried to control my friends a lot but as it is said, you cannot straighten a dog's tail. They continued doing the same and I kept praying that the food gets over soon so that I am out of this restaurant never to come back for a Re-union with these people again. 

          Whenever you are with your group of friends, anywhere in public, you should make it sure that you aren't making any noises that's disturbing others. I remember I was going with my parents to North. There was this group of 7-8 boys and 2 girls. They were in our section itself. The kind of attitude and behavior they showed throughout the journey assured me and my parents that there are some good children still in the world. They were playing Antakshari in soft voice so that it doesn't disturb anyone else. They were laughing and fighting in a tone that doesn't affect others. Whenever they were having tea, they kept ordering it for me and my parents too because we were in the same section. Later on, even we purchased lots of fruits and ate with that group. This is how they earned our respect and I still remember that journey as one of my best and entertaining journeys. 

           Next time you go out with your friends, remember, others shouldn't look at your group with disgrace and anger. In fact, they should be so happy that even they laugh on your jokes and enjoy whatever your group is functioning at that point of time. Its only upon you to earn respect or lose it just for showing others how cool your team is. Be cool, be stylish, be happening but don't be loud, aggressive, abusive and mischievous in public. All can be done in certain limits and respectable compositions. Maintain the dignity and make sure that next time when you face the same people, you can expect a wide smile from them rather than dirty faces. 

 Thanks a lot.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

1st Anniversary Issue of BRANWYN Lit-Mag by Sneha Gupta!!!

1047th BLOG POST -->>

            BRANWYN is a famous Indian literature magazine founded and edited by author, Sneha Gupta. The magazine claims to have almost 10,00,000 readers till date which is very high as it is published only on Online medium. This month, the magazine completes its first year and proudly publishes its Anniversary edition with lots of accolades from Shailesh Kumar, Dr. Meera Singh (Principal) and others. The Anniversary edition starts with sharing of all the Cover Pages of BRANWYN till date. It was an amazing nostalgic moment to revive the memories of each and every issue of the magazine. My hearty Congratulations goes to Miss Sneha Gupta for building such a nice platform for Indian authors and budding writers. It is one of the rare magazines which has come this far because in my personal knowledge, no other magazine has been read so widely and covering so much of talents in its single issue itself.

         The three questions' interview with Faraaz Kazi is wonderfully done. Faraaz has made no point left in just 2-3 liners answers by him. Rajeshwari Chauhan's new book- Daniel's Diary is widely featured in the book describing it the way I have never ever seen any other magazine/newspaper describing any novel. Colonel Mahip Chadha, author of "Grit Gut and Gallantry" is also featured in a page giving insights into his latest work. Lavkesh Singh writes a wonderful piece in the times of Ramayana. Nitin Singh also writes a contemporary tale which is quite emotional and realistic. Another amazing write-up, one of my favorites from this issue is written by Kaushik Gangopadhyay on his Golden Moments. 

          Another authors like Moeedul Hussain, Siddhartha Yadav, Udita Pal are also introduced. 100 Happy Lives is a sweet short post written by Mr. YouKnowMe. In the end, there are many poems published by the amateur authors. It's good to read short poems by them defining their emotions and observations. I wish all the success to Sneha Gupta for completing one year with this venture of her. I hope it continues for years and builds a great platform for budding writers. You can read the issue here- 

http://www.scribd.com/doc/209833255/Branwyn-Feb-2014-Anniversary-Edition

http://issuu.com/snehabranwyn/docs/branwyn_feb_2014 

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Happy Women's Day to all the Men!!! Yes!!!

1046th BLOG POST -->>

       

  A very Happy International Women's Day to all the men out there. Yes, you read it right. It's our privilege to have women in our life. Without them, we can not imagine ourselves doing or planning anything. I remember how I start planning whenever I realize that my mother's birthday is about to arrive. I raised this point in the 2nd line itself because she is going to celebrate it exactly after a month and I am already earning and saving for her. Why do we, boys, make so much effort to celebrate or impress our mothers, sisters, girlfriends, lovers and daughters? Why don't we find ourselves this nervous when another male friend of ours is about to celebrate his birthday? Because these ladies do so much for us that we know, anything that we will do can never touch the amount of hospitality and care they show for us.

         Women brings colors to a man's life with all her charms and childishness. Men are always serious about their career, money, children etc. If women will not try to make them smile or laugh, no men will ever celebrate happiness the way he does. I remember when I was having my Driving course some weeks before. Whenever I used to drive the Honda City of my Driving school for around 6 kilometers every day, the only thing after which gear to hit I used to think was- When will I get an opportunity to have my mother sitting besides me with pride on her face when I'll be taking her a long drive in my own car? I used to become more conscious and serious about my driving then as I didn't want to let my mother feel down because of my inabilities of driving properly. Last time, I gave her Microwave oven as gift and every time she turns it on, she smiles looking at me. That's all we, men, want in life. Our favorite women smiling and reason being us.

        Whenever I feel down, I always have my mother on my side. She understands as soon as I enter home after wasting whole day in college that he is unhappy about something. After changing, when I sit on the couch, she comes and asks me sweetly if I am facing some trauma which is disturbing me. If I deny, she makes it sure that she will insist me till the time I do not reveal the issue to her. Similarly, when I am in college and I am not very happy or satisfied about something, my friend, Vandana, is the first person to come to me and ask why am I behaving weirdly. She asks me the issue and after I am completed, she tries to justify me that I should not get worried about small things in life. I just can not imagine my life heading towards success if these women would not support me emotionally. 

         A man does so much for a smile on his woman's face that when a rapist harms her, he burns into fire and wants to fight against system and government single-handed. A father or brother beats up a boy only when they find that their daughter or sister is been harassed by some stupid idiot guy. There are incidences when a boy sees right from his childhood that his mother is been physically assaulted by the father, and after he is physically strong, he either hits father or kills him. This is crime according to the law but emotionally, it's a justice given to his mother who gave all her life to him even after being continuously snubbed by the child's father. Today, more than women, men are frustrated and sad seeing the amount of rapes happening and how insecure their women are. Women make a generalized statement against men every time a rape happens but they do not realize it how much it hurts. On this Women's Day, the only request I have for the women is to understand that rapists and men are two different species. Please do not associate us with those ***holes. My love and respect goes to each and every girl reading this post. Happy Women's Day to you.

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!

Shaadi ke Side Effects: An Absolute Entertainer!!!

1045th BLOG POST -->>

   

   Shaadi Ke Side Effects (English: The Side Effects of Marriage) is a 2014 Bollywood romantic comedy film directed by Saket Chaudhary and starring Farhan Akhtar alongside Vidya Balan in lead roles. It was released on 28 February 2014. The film is produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and Pritish Nandy Communications. The film is about a young couple who experience many comic events after their marriage. At the box office, the film started off slow, then jumped over the weekend before slumping on Monday.

          I have seen Pyaar ke Side Effects in bits and whatever I have seen of it, I must say it's quite entertaining. When you come to know that a movie is about to release in the same franchisee that entertained and didn't disappoint you the last time, you start expecting lot from it. Shaadi ke Side Effects won my heart in the promo itself especially with the song, Oh Pappe Shaadi kar ke pachtaya. Finally, I watched the movie and my final verdict is that I enjoyed it a lot. Saket Chaudhary, not being from a very elite director's list, manages to make a movie which looks flawless and entertains you till the end. The work that he has done through this movie makes us wait for more comical errors kind of movie from him. :-)

           Farhan Akhtar does wonderfully well as a frustrated husband who wants his marriage to work but is continuously disappointed with his wife's engagement with the newly born daughter. He does not overdoes anything in the movie and makes everything look natural. It's very hard to act these roles in a balanced way without making it look like a piece of over-acting. Vidya Balan also plays her part naturally and makes a good mother on screen. I loved watching her in a movie as of such because whenever we see her, it's about serious women-oriented movies. This time she does well with this genre. The chemistry between Farhan and Vidya is as amazing as it could have been.

          The first 20 minutes of the movie is too laughable. It comes with a good start. Because it comes with such a great start, in the middle of it, you start feeling as if you are lost because there's less comedy and more of frustration between characters. The most funny part in the beginning in when Farhan keeps on changing the instrument which shows pregnancy results. Another great moment is when he comes with a balloon tied on his belly to feel the fatherhood. When it bursts, the emotion that Farhan displays is more funnier than anything in the movie. His venturing out in a Paying Guest House is another add-on in the movie. Every interaction of Farhan with Ram Kapoor is entertaining and worth listening. Vir Das has also done his part perfectly. I loved when Vidya gets pregnant for the 2nd time and shocks Farhan with it. But the way, the last minute of the movie is shown made me smile even after the movie ended. Vidya pulled off that scene quite well. I would ask everyone to watch it for once. It's in the lines of Heyy Babyy!!!

 Thanks.

 ABHILASH RUHELA - VEERU!!!