H : Haruki Murakami & Other Escapes (Book Reviews) #AtoZChallenge2020

The post "Books in Lockdown" was about the three books, that I get reminded of in current dystopian situation we are facing. But they are dark or thought provoking books which might trouble your minds. I won't recommend them for reading during the lockdown. So in today's post, I am going to suggest four books, I read last year, that can help you relax your mind or provide you an escape from dreary thoughts you might be having. 

The Wind-up Bird Chronicle By Haruki Murakami

Why is it a great escape? 

Because Haruki Murakami has created such an elaborate, screwed up world, that you would be so immersed in it, to notice what is happening in the real world. 

Views on the book: Haruki Murakami, yet again creates a world, that is real and surreal at the same time. As a reader, you will be confounded with the on-goings, but will still get a strange satisfaction which is difficult to describe. It is a 600 page epic and can accompany you for the whole lockdown period. 

It is the story of Toru Okada and his search for his cat. He encounters strange people, stranger dreams and weird, other-world, experiences on this journey. Meanwhile, his wife also vanishes and then he is searching for his cat and his wife. But it is his search for the answers to his yet unformed questions, and the search for his mental balance / peace that forms the crux of the story. Toru is both the lead protagonist and the narrator of the tale. 

While, at the level of each chapter and sub-plot I found the book interesting and within the realm of my understanding, but in certain portions where things get into mystic and surreal zone, I lost grasp of things. I didn't get all metaphors. Some sub-plots are really juicy and interesting, especially the ones that dive deep into Japanese war stories from World War II and the associated Japanese guilt with them. 

As it often happens with Haruki's stories, the protagonists are mostly passive, and they are just the medium or the vantage point through which stories are narrated. Toru is that passive protagonist in this book. The real action lies with other characters - both real and imagined. Their plots find closure and are cool. Toru's plot remains open and several things unexplained even at the end. I really liked the story of Creta Kano and her journey from a person who feels pain all the time and then transforms into a person who has no feeling at all and eventually becomes normal. Or the story of Lt. Mamiya who is cursed to live long but has no desire to live. Desire being the key metaphor here, appears as the root of all evil, motif for all sin and cause of all suffering throughout the book. And that is my key takeaway of the book too.

If you once read a Murakami, even if you don't get it, you read him again. That's the power of his writing. 

Raavan ~Enemy of Aryavarta By Amish

Why is it a great escape?

Because Amish's modern take on our mythological tales is beautiful and he creates a world, where even villains are not necessarily pure evil. There is no better escape than mythology.

Views on the book:  It is a quintessential Amish book - interesting and fast paced. Over the years, I have come to appreciate three things about his writing - his description of battle scenes, his modern interpretation of mythology (even if it means choosing lesser known threads of the epic like Ramayana, the themes of which are related to today's politics and feminism) and the scientific logic  (sometimes far-fetched) he uses to make things grounded as there is no place for convenient miracles in his re-telling of these epics. 

Raavan, third book in Ram Chandra series, shows Raavan and Kumbhkarna in a humane way and still manages to set them up as formidable villains. That is a great achievement. The back story of Raavan and his childhood love is interesting and so is the tale of Raavan's ascent against all odds. 

A better way to read this series is to read it at one go when all 5 parts are out. I have forgotten few things from the earlier parts already. 

India Positive - simple takes on India's burning issues (A compilation of new essays and selected columns) By Chetan Bhagat

Why is it a great escape?

Because Chetan Bhagat lives in a bubble and it is a good time to get into that. This book looks at India's future optimistically. 

Views on the book:  Chetan Bhagat is a master story-teller, irrespective of his command over the language. His detractors, who keep dissing him, still go ahead and read all his books, to diss him again. These are those virtue signalers, who share their opinions on Twitter. At the same time, I would like to admit that his non-fiction work has always been too safe, too middle of the road. And this book also largely remains that. Chetan tries to play to the gallery and keeps the balance in his views keeping both sides on any issue guessing!  Though on certain subjects, like Kashmir and OROP, he takes a definite stand. I must appreciate that the simplicity with which he writes on these subjects, can come only after doing a certain amount of research.

Then there are certain essays, where he becomes patronizing or sounds biased or repeats already known facts. May be these newspaper columns, had a deadline. But for a large number of Indians, who don't read anything, and who have limited knowledge of key issues in our country, and still have a lot to say on social media, this book is a good place to start. 

The book doesn't enlighten you, but it does make you aware. And I think after his two previous non-fiction compilations, which I didn't like much, this one is a winner, relatively. 

Oh, Mind Relax Please! By Swami Sukhabodhananda

Why is it a great escape?

Because throughout my reading of this middling book, I kept wondering that the comma in the book title should have come after the word 'Mind' and not after the word 'Oh'. 

Views on the book:  I picked this book, because I had heard Swami Ji at few forums and he is a great orator and story-teller. He has his audience captivated and makes them laugh. His oration is energetic and his talks are engaging. But I am sorry to report that the same can't be said about this book though. The heart of the book is in the right place, but it had anecdotes similar to what we get as WhatsApp forwards. The book relies on cliches, that are thrown around by so called 'Life Coaches', who are spreading on Linkedin faster than the the Coronavirus. There are few anecdotes that do stay back though, as they are powerful moral allegories

This book about spiritual lessons narrated through parables, mentions things which are definitely true and meaningful. But my mind feels more relaxed, listening to the chirping of birds, while having a cup of tea. May be I am already the Zen Monk or may be I read the book at a superficial level, as the author had warned me not to in the foreword of this book. 

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What are your recommendations for the light / escapist reads, in this lockdown?

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My theme for this year's #AtoZchallenge is Lock-down Blues. I intend to write and talk about how I deal with it, what it inspires me to read or watch or any aspect of it which fascinates me. You can read the theme reveal post here. 

Previous Challenges : Letter H

2017: Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai

2018: Holidays that were memorable

2019: Henchmen & Policemen in Hindi Films / Bollywood

H : Henchmen & Policemen in Hindi Films / Bollywood #AtoZChallenge 2019

Gangs of Wasseypur (GOW), is the first Hindi film I remember, where casting director played a huge role. I don't think casting of films was taken seriously before this in India. In this two-part movie, each and every character had his or her unique personality. No one else could have played Faisal better than Nawazuddin Siddiqui or Ramadhir Singh better than Tigmanshu Dhulia. It felt like that these faces and body types were meant to play these roles. A crime film about mafia, goons and dons had Faisal play this much feared gangster. A gangster who looked not like one. He looked starved. Before this, Hindi Films always had these goons who were bulky and looked fearsome. I think the casting of GOW was a winner. 

Another interesting aspect here was the character arc, each goon had. Each of them had their own back story and own motive. This was new. Before this an actor playing a henchman / goon / policeman (until and unless the main plot revolves around him) was easily replaceable with any other actor. These goondas (henchmen) didn't really have a voice. Their loyalties always lied with the main villain. There was no existential crisis ever. Their job was to bash lesser characters and get bashed by the heroes. Sometimes they will get extended roles, where they will get to do a little more, like a dialogue or two. Or kidnap hero's girl friend. But mostly you wouldn't care much about these henchmen. Similarly policemen in Hindi films were almost always shown as these undisciplined  officers who don't have a real voice. They just bark orders they receive from some one senior. And they reach late on crime scenes. Only when hero is the policeman, they are better off. 

This led to a situation where stereotyped characters were played by stereotyped actors. So in umpteen Hindi films we saw M.B. Shetty (Yes, he is director Rohit Shetty's father) playing a nameless goon or a henchman named Shetty. So imaginative! He rarely spoke in his films. So I don't remember him for his histrionics. I remember him because he was such a cliche about how a goon should look like that he appeared in every goon role possible. Here is the list of his filmography  

Shetty

There are few more actors, whom you will remember seeing playing henchmen, in several Hindi movies from 70's to 90's but most probably won't know their names. They had their time under the sun when cliches ruled the roost. They might have even got one or two bigger roles. But they remained henchmen till the end. Sudhir, Mac Mohan and Mahesh Anand are some names that come to the mind. They are better known because they played the same role so many times, that some one had to ask. Who is he? 

Iftekhar

Policemen and Law enforcers didn't do any better in this aspect. Iftekhar almost always played a policeman (of course of varying ranks and orders). Yes, he had played leading roles in his prime and had also played other characters too. But he has played the highly stereotyped, nice but ineffective policeman, so many times on screen that you won't remember him for anything else. Then there was Manmohan Krishna who was quintessential Seth ji, the man with the money and silken robe and a cigar. Sometimes, heroine's father too. But essentially another nice guy stereotype. There is a scene from the movie Trishul, where Shetty had a little bigger role with dialogues. And he had a character name too. Madhav Singh. Incidentally, this film also had Iftekhar and Manmohan Krishna playing some characters, cast against type. (Click here to view the video.)

Clearly, a casting director's job (if there was any) in Hindi films from 60's to 90's was relatively easy. "Take two Shetties, one Sudhir, one Iftekhaar and lets take Dharmendra as the hero. Heroine? Anyone who is willing to dance in front of these henchmen."

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My theme for this year's #AtoZchallenge is Hindi Film Industry / Bollywood cliches. You can read the theme reveal post here. 

2017 Challenge Post from Letter H: Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai - A post about a film I never watched but still is memorable. Click here to read.

2018 Challenge Post from Letter H: Holidays that were memorable - A post listing some really cool holidays I have had in the past. Click here to read.

H : Holidays that were memorable #AtoZchallenge

The word "Holiday" conjures up memories, smells, sights and sounds of different places we have been to. Mostly, all these memories are happy and exciting. Relaxation and rejuvenation are key reasons, why we all take holidays. But I feel they also add to our experiences, thus making us better in many other ways. We learn so much about other places, become more accepting of diverse cultures and develop a well rounded personality. And yes, when we travel outside the country, that stamp on our passport is a dopamine hit.

There are many memorable holidays to talk about. But I will limit this post to five such holidays outside India, each of which was unique on its own.

1. My first foreign trip - Mauritius 2007 :

It was the first time I was outside India. I was 26 years old then. But, I must be like that wide eyed child who is seeing things for the first time. And then Mauritius turned out to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. Everything was so green and blue. True HD colors.

The trip is memorable (apart from the fact that I was in an international destination for the first time) because :

• We Indians tend to pack our itineraries. We have to see everything there on the map and try everything on menu in limited time. The holiday itself can become rushed and a tiring affair if one does that. But thankfully, this trip was designed very thoughtfully. There was a free day after each day of the paid tours. We used the free days to do things at our own pace - have scrumptious breakfast, stroll on the beach, take a swim (I don't know swimming, but shallow pools being the norm, I am always inside), go cycling by the country-side, read a book, play card games - and did whatever we felt like.
• I have realized over the years that I am a beach person. And my idea of a holiday is not always sight seeing. I just like to be on the beach and drink beer and try local cuisine. In Mauritius, I had lot of opportunities to do that. Plus we did water sports on one of the days. It was wild, wild fun. Especially the under water sea walk was the most unique experience.
• On this trip, I was accompanied by a batch-mate from my MBA, who is a close friend. Also there along with us was a recently wedded couple, who were friends with my friend. I met them at the airport for the first time. They made me feel very welcome and comfortable. I think one of the key reasons I enjoyed this trip was that they were a great company.  Every night we used to drink and talk till late and enjoy the dance performances arranged in the foyer of the resort. Unlike me, these three were well traveled and that helped the trip to be hiccup free.
• This was the time, when social media wasn't a big deal. I don't have many good pictures from this trip. But do have really good memories.

Mauritius is so beautiful, I wish I had my own beach side villa there.

2. Freezing Cold - London 2011: 

It was not actually a holiday. I had gone for some office work and then extended my stay by a few days. Of course I had to take a leave. So I only had 3 days to spare. And there was a glitch too. I had gone to London in December. For a first time tourist, it is not a great time to go there. Here's what made the trip memorable:

• The biting cold. I was ill prepared for that. And then one night - I think the last one, my eccentric host, made me stand outside his house in freezing temperatures with rain pouring, for few extra minutes, as he was upset I didn't come back at promised time. The length of days were smaller. Sun used to vanish around 3 to 4 pm. So I couldn't visit a lot of places. And when my plane was taking-off for India, it started snowing outside. I missed my first snowfall by a whisker. I am yet to get my share of snowfall in life.
• Efficiency, cleanliness and central heating at most places amazed me. Underground and that classic Red Bus were excellent and convenient experiences. People there have a great civic sense. London was beautifully decked as Christmas was around the corner. 
• The day at Windsor Castle, is the best memory of the trip. It is a beautiful and sunny place. I was with someone with whom I shared a great rapport then. We ate at the Nandos near the lake and spent great time talking and feeding the birds at the lake. That picturesque moment at the lake is frozen in my mind.
• People in London, are winners of the genetic lottery. Everyone is tall and good looking and it seems no one has a bad hair day there. Whether they were shoppers on Oxford Street or sales people at Harrods I was just dumbstruck by their drop dead gorgeous looks.

One day I was having my breakfast alone. One of my classmates from MBA (not the Mauritius one) was there too. Serendipity. It was a pleasant coincidence to meet someone like that.

3. Hedonistic trip - Shenzen, Hong Kong and Macau 2012: 

On this trip, my wife accompanied me. It was not our first one together. But I believe this one was our best one together, and that is why it is memorable. Hong Kong is like any expansive metropolis in India, but a lot more cleaner and less chaotic. And Macau is a destination designed on lines of Las Vegas, catering to hedonistic desires. The things I enjoyed here the most were:

• Disneyland, Hong Kong - Do I need to say anymore? The theme park is inclusive and everyone will come back with beautiful memories. It was one of the most amazing days of our trip. There is so much to do there that even one day is not enough.
• Venetian Macau - It is a beautiful property and a place which can just suck you in with its attractions and grandeur. But greed plays a big role as well. This was the first time in our lives when we went to a casino. On day 1 we won big and lost big on Day 2. Lesson learnt. The suite we lived in was luxurious and I haven't stayed in a better hotel room ever.
• Macau Tower - The observation deck high in the sky is thrilling and scary at the same time. We also did Sky Walking. For my daredevil wife it was a smooth experience. I got the real thrills because I am scared of heights. I discovered this that day. She wanted to do a bungee jump too. Thankfully she didn't go through that mission.

Shenzen part of the trip could have been avoided. There is nothing much to do there.

4. The best office trip - Singapore 2014:

I had been to Singapore a few times before. But this trip was awesome because of two reasons:

• The Transformers ride at Universal Studios took my breath away.
• One of the office gala parties was arranged in a restaurant by the side of the F1 track in Singapore. We dined, danced and drank like crazy people and then best of the cars in the world lined up on the track. It was a wow moment.

Of all the places in Singapore the bridge on the river at Clarke Quay is my most favorite spot. Each time I have gone to Singapore, I have gone there. But in this 2014 trip, I went there almost every night, bought beers from 7/11 store nearby and stood with my colleagues just soaking in the local sights and sounds. I found a strange kind of peace there despite the buzz around.

5. My first solo trip - Koh Samui 2016:

This trip had many firsts. Koh Samui is a really really beautiful island, especially when seen from the airplane. The airport itself, though quaint, stands out for its scenic beauty. I stayed at Nora Beach Resort. A property that has a mesmerizing and really long beach. The sunsets were amazing there. This was my first and only solo trip and here are some great memories from there.

• Partly inspired by Mauritius trip, I didn't plan any activity or sight seeing for this trip and just didn't have any agenda. I used to wake up every day, get my breakfast and then decided what to do. I wanted to be a local for the days I was there. 
• Like one day, I went for a city tour along with some people. One guy from Germany was past his prime and had been travelling across South East Asia for months. Another old chap from UK was there too. There was a grandmother from Germany doing here solo vacation. I was surprised with their joie-de-vivre. These guys were surprised that I was there for less than a week. For them mine was not even a holiday. 
• Another day, I got acquainted with a group of younger people and went on a jungle trek. It was fun day. Meeting new people from different nationalities was a great experience. On the trek there was this girl from Philippines who worked with UN and had been to Bihar in India on a project in past. I think she knew more about India than many of us. 
• One of the days, it started raining, when I was reading a book by the pool. I decided to go for a jog on the beach on a whim. There was no one there on the beach. I didn't see any human being in sight. How rare are such moments! Then I came back and sat at the bar in the pool. Two women from New Zealand were there too. We all were having several rounds of Mai Tai, with great music playing and the bartender regaling us with his stories. It was the last time, when I spent a day, without thinking of what I am going to do next. I was completely in the present, living that moment.

I lived everyday there like a local, walking the local markets and streets, sampling the native cuisine. I even went to watch a Tom Cruise movie one night. There was no rush to do anything. And I could do anything. What a holiday!

Do you have any memorable holiday moments? Do share.

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My last year's challenge post from letter H was about a film I never watched, but still is memorable. The film was Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya. Read it here.

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My theme for this year's #AtoZchallenge is all about writing stories, anecdotes and observations from my life in form of easy to read listicles. You can read the theme reveal post here.

H : Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai

I love Hindi films. I am crazy about them. Most memorable are those films, which have great content and the ones that touch your heart, head or at least some damn emotion inside you. Memorable films needn't necessarily be good though. Many times, I like bad films (bad as per others or critics), because they have content I identify with.

Then there are films that become memorable, not because of the film per se, but because of association of some happy / sad event, with that film or because of the company you watched that film with. For example, Welcome was a special film because that was the first film I watched with my wife (then fiancé). Or Dostana, the first film we went to after our marriage. I remember us college friends actually dancing in Malhar Cinema Ludhiana during screening of Dil Chahta Hai. Then there was Aitraz, which I went to watch with my girl friend at that time and I discovered I was sitting right behind an aunt of mine. In small towns, going out for movies with girls can snowball into a scandal soon. So I remained slouched on my seat, much to the disappointment of my girl friend and didn't even get her customary popcorn in the interval to avoid being noticed. I compensated her with a costly restaurant lunch later. There are many such films which are associated with lots of memories. Films we saw on my birthdays like Khamoshi or films for which tickets were bought in black like Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge or films for which we couldn't get tickets for weeks like Hum Aapke Hain Kaun. I watched James alone during first trimester exams of MBA while everyone was busy studying. I got a beating from theater watchman while breaking queue for buying tickets of a big flop film Trimurti.

The stories are many and endless. But there is this one film, which I never watched and it still became a memorable event. The film was Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai. One of my close friends and I planned to watch a film in the evening. Our lectures finished earlier than expected. So before watching the film, we decided to drink. We drank to fill in the few hours before the film. By the time, we moved out of our watering hole, we were like really sloshed. I drove my scooter with him riding pillion to the cinema hall and we bought tickets. I went to the rest room to wash my face. Upon my return, I was shocked to see my friend spread across the lounger in the waiting area, in deep sleep. I shouted at him, physically moved him. It took few minutes to wake him up. We both decided not to watch the film and go sleep in the hostel. But we needed to sell those tickets. In that drunk condition, we managed to sell those tickets. We must be looking funny to others. Then he rode the scooter on return to hostel. Sitting at the back, I was singing at top of my voice the title song of the film, Haan... Maine Bhi Pyaar Kiya Hai!!! (Yes, I have loved too).

I haven't watched this film since then. I don't think I ever will.