This week, the news of an Iranian boy pleading to the world to help him stop the stoning of his mother flashed everywhere. Iran is denying the news. But to tell the truth, we really don't know what is happening or has been happening there or in any other Islamic nations where adultery is punishable to the extreme. A few years back, I would have not even imagined how cruel the punishment maybe. The news of the stoning reminded me of a film I saw a few months back and I got back the shivers and sleepless nights. The name of the film is "The stoning of Soraya M."
The film is set in 1986 Iran. It starts with a group of burkha clad women trying to shoo away a dog whose trying to eat something buried near the stream. Simultaneously a French-Iranian journalist is shown around the area getting his car repaired. A lady named Zahra tries to talk to him, but the men who see that ask the journalist to ignore her as a crazy woman. Zahra tries a few times and succeeds in throwing a note at him saying that she wants to talk to him about a terrible incident that took place there yesterday.
The Frenchman meets Zahra in her house. She is there with 2 small girls who seemed pretty scared on the arrival of an unknown person in the house. The man knowing the Iranian customs, asks Zahra to talk her mind soon. She offers him tea and pleads him to record whatever she will be saying. After denying the request a few times, he finally agrees.
Zahra starts with "the devil himself came her last evening", and she started telling the story of her niece Soraya who was stoned to death the previous day.
Soraya was a woman who lived with her husband, 2 daughters and 2 sons. Her husband was working in the jail. He disliked his wife and daughters and taught his sons the same. He was beginning to get bored of his wife, as he had eyes on a 14-year old girl of a prisoner whom he wished to marry. Tortured by the husbands cruel talks and beatings, Soraya leaves her house with her daughters and goes to live with her aunt Zahra. Zahra is a respectable woman in the area and is often called upon by the villagers to help them out whenever in need.
One day a neighbors ill wife dies and Zahra and Soraya help the man, who is a mechanic, and his retarded son get through with the rituals. Meanwhile Soraya had been deciding on divorcing her husband. But she didn't have enough money to support herself and her daughters. So Zahra requests the village mayor if Soraya could cook and look after the mechanic's son. This way Soraya could earn a living and the mechanic's son would also be taken care of.
Soraya's husband didn't like the thought of his wife divorcing him and making a living. So he started thinking of ways to get rid of her. He kept a keen watch on her. A slightest sign of Soraya being not loyal to her work would be enough of a reason to complain her to the authorities.
Soraya was an honorable woman and her only aim in life now was a good life for herzself and her daughters. But her husband along with the village priest plotted a plan to permanently get rid of her by charging her with false allegations of infidelity and adultery. The punishment will be death.
It was Soraya's hard luck that day. She was accused of having a relationship with the mechanic, though she was a married woman. This was totally false, as Soraya was just doing her job. Somehow the allegations were ruled true and only one punishment was considered - stoning her to death by the end of the day. Soraya and Zahra's pleads went unheard.
After a couple of hours, she was handcuffed and told to kneel down in waist-deep dug hole. She was then covered with mud waist down. The stoning started and among the stoners were he own sons and husband, who took joy in doing the job. (I forwarded the whole sequence. I couldn't continue watching.)
Next day after the torturous incident, does the mayor comes to know the facts and the false allegations. But it was too late.
Zahra was now telling the journalist that the story needs to be told to the whole world and she needs his help in doing so. The French journalist already shaken with Zahra's story does help her and thus we get to know how it happened.
To watch the film, you need tons of courage. It is not for the weak at heart. I was completely aware of what I was going to get to see, but still I saw it with continuously wiping off my tears. My brain became numb and I couldn't stop thinking about Soraya. For the next few days, I couldn't drive nor cook properly. I was getting cramps in my head, as if thousands of ants trying to chew off my brain. I didn't sleep well the next few days.
But then I prayed for the countless innocent souls like Soraya and also prayed that I was happy to be born in a great country where I am anytime able to speak for myself. Whenever we feel low, always remember the less fortunate and thank God for giving us a chance to live our life to the fullest.
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freidoune_Sahebjam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stoning_of_Soraya_M.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Crushed....
When I came to the place where I'm currently living, two years ago, I felt like I'm staying in a true country side part of US. Though I wasn't fond of the place in the beginning, as you start staying longer, you automatically generate a liking for the place. More greenery, lots of cattle, barns, horse farms. This is the sight while the airplane is landing at the local airport and while driving towards the main city.
But in the past 2 years I'm seeing more and more changes around. Increasing number of housing projects, apartment complexes, housing complexes. And all of this on the sides of a two-way road. When you think of other big cities in US, you can at least think of a 2 lane road on each direction, of a road that connects the airport. This is surely not a big city, but it has one of the worlds largest companies situated here. Did the Government never ever think the city would start growing someday and for that we need good, spacious roads? Maybe not.
Everyday while driving to school or office, you have to come across some small animal or reptile or bird crushed under a vehicle. When all cars, trucks are on a speedlimit of 45 mph and more, no one will stop for a small animal who is trying to go across the road. The other day while I was driving, a turtle was crossing the road. I did avoid it. While driving back, I was thinking and praying that I don't get to see the turtle again. But instead I had to drive over the crushed corpse of it. :(
We are in so much hurry of reaching or destination that we don't bother about the small living creatures around us. They too are a part of our world. Armadillos, robins, snakes, turtles, rabbits, opossums, badgers, raccoons are the few whose fate are destined on this road. Just like us they too may have a feeling "a safe life on other side of the road". Out of curiosity also some animals maybe wanting to cross the road.
The Government is allowing new businesses to start on this road. Now even a few new roads are being constructed connecting the main (2 way) road. Because of this, the small animals are forced to move out of their homes, where they have lived peacefully for years and now they have no where to go, but in search of a new place where they can "live".
Here I'm not suggesting to provide the animals with shelter, but to atleast plan a developing city properly. Its very sad to drive over the dead bodies of the animals. At least build a small wall near the shoulder, on each side of the road. This may prevent atleast a few number of animals to avoid getting killed.
The city should develop, no doubt. But a little consideration for the little creatures for whom we don't have much time to stop and let them cross the road. We'll get to see less bloodshed on the road.
But in the past 2 years I'm seeing more and more changes around. Increasing number of housing projects, apartment complexes, housing complexes. And all of this on the sides of a two-way road. When you think of other big cities in US, you can at least think of a 2 lane road on each direction, of a road that connects the airport. This is surely not a big city, but it has one of the worlds largest companies situated here. Did the Government never ever think the city would start growing someday and for that we need good, spacious roads? Maybe not.
Everyday while driving to school or office, you have to come across some small animal or reptile or bird crushed under a vehicle. When all cars, trucks are on a speedlimit of 45 mph and more, no one will stop for a small animal who is trying to go across the road. The other day while I was driving, a turtle was crossing the road. I did avoid it. While driving back, I was thinking and praying that I don't get to see the turtle again. But instead I had to drive over the crushed corpse of it. :(
We are in so much hurry of reaching or destination that we don't bother about the small living creatures around us. They too are a part of our world. Armadillos, robins, snakes, turtles, rabbits, opossums, badgers, raccoons are the few whose fate are destined on this road. Just like us they too may have a feeling "a safe life on other side of the road". Out of curiosity also some animals maybe wanting to cross the road.
The Government is allowing new businesses to start on this road. Now even a few new roads are being constructed connecting the main (2 way) road. Because of this, the small animals are forced to move out of their homes, where they have lived peacefully for years and now they have no where to go, but in search of a new place where they can "live".
Here I'm not suggesting to provide the animals with shelter, but to atleast plan a developing city properly. Its very sad to drive over the dead bodies of the animals. At least build a small wall near the shoulder, on each side of the road. This may prevent atleast a few number of animals to avoid getting killed.
The city should develop, no doubt. But a little consideration for the little creatures for whom we don't have much time to stop and let them cross the road. We'll get to see less bloodshed on the road.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sakura
The Cherry Blossom in Japan has always fascinated me. Though I don't know when will I get to go to Japan to see the "original, real" Sakura, but I did get to see a part of the blossoms here in US. Thanks to the Japanese Government who gave 3,020 cherry blossom trees as a gift to the United States in 1912 to celebrate the nations' then-growing friendship. These trees were planted in "Sakura Park" in Manhattan and famously line the shore of "Tidal Basin" in Washington D C. The gift was renewed with another 3,800 trees in 1965. (more info)
There are a few cherry trees around the place where I now live. Here are some of the wonderful cherry blossom pictures, along with some more spring relief flowers.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Interview of Guru Thakur - Lyricist
Interview of Guru Thakur, the Lyricist of "Natarang" and many more marathi films, taken by me:
http://maayboli.com/node/14137
Hope you enjoy it!
http://maayboli.com/node/14137
Hope you enjoy it!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
3 Idiots
Though the film has received loads of accolades (no issues), but I feel some points should have been taken care of.
Maybe I'm too nosey, but some technological issues really bothered me. By technological issues, i don't mean technical as in the films editing, direction, lighting, etc. This is what really bothered me and to be frank, right from the first few minutes:
- Farhan was born in 1978. And then I guess so where Rancho, Raju and all other 1st year students. During the 1st year of engineering (that should be somewhere in the mid-90's and after), when Joy tries to talk to Virus about date extension, Virus hands him a cell phone and calls his dad on the cellphone, which I presume were not very popular then. And did I mention the cellphones where sleek and not bulky as it should have been during the early cellphone days.
- Taking dates into consideration, Youtube was founded in 2005! During the "delivery" at the end, Pia shows video on Youtube. Just hows it possible?
So which leads to my question, is the film Futuristic??
- Pia rides the latest bike. Here I feel, she should have rode a Kinetic Honda or something more popular in the mid and late-90's.
- Popularity of webcams and laptops - out of question!
- The only period items were Farhan's camera in the 1st year and Virus's opera playing player.
Now moving on to dressing:
- Amir's Tee's, bag, Kareena's glasses, spaghetti tops, bike - all so very hep and 2000.
Probably the director, producer and technicians didn't even think of all these issues as cellphones, laptops, wireless devices are so very much a part of our life for the last couple of years (only). I perhaps noticed this because I was born in 1977 and started thinking about the time during my college days and the technology then in 90's.
Some other issues with the story:
- Joy dies toooooo soon.
- Is there anything like Airport security? For the fun part its totally fine to ignore it. But can't just ignore it in 2009-2010. What about his baggage? Dear Camera?
- Online, 'vacuum' delivery!!
I know I've pointed out so many mistakes, what will I do when I make a movie? It will be so perfect that no one will be able to criticize it, point out mistakes and no one will be able to relate to it! Viewers in India (including me) still want the masala. To hell with the technicalities and technology!
Good points of the film:
- Chatur's character.
- Millimeter
- Some scenes like mixing up the answer papers.
- Potrayal of Raju Rastogi's family.
At the end of the day, I was happy on having got to see "3 Idiots" in a movie theatre, rather than everyday google-ing and waiting for a "3 Idiots good DVD print online" version or waiting for a Netflix DVD.
At last, thanks to Raju Hirani and the team for thinking about making a movie about the pathetic rat race in the country.
Maybe I'm too nosey, but some technological issues really bothered me. By technological issues, i don't mean technical as in the films editing, direction, lighting, etc. This is what really bothered me and to be frank, right from the first few minutes:
- Farhan was born in 1978. And then I guess so where Rancho, Raju and all other 1st year students. During the 1st year of engineering (that should be somewhere in the mid-90's and after), when Joy tries to talk to Virus about date extension, Virus hands him a cell phone and calls his dad on the cellphone, which I presume were not very popular then. And did I mention the cellphones where sleek and not bulky as it should have been during the early cellphone days.
- Taking dates into consideration, Youtube was founded in 2005! During the "delivery" at the end, Pia shows video on Youtube. Just hows it possible?
So which leads to my question, is the film Futuristic??
- Pia rides the latest bike. Here I feel, she should have rode a Kinetic Honda or something more popular in the mid and late-90's.
- Popularity of webcams and laptops - out of question!
- The only period items were Farhan's camera in the 1st year and Virus's opera playing player.
Now moving on to dressing:
- Amir's Tee's, bag, Kareena's glasses, spaghetti tops, bike - all so very hep and 2000.
Probably the director, producer and technicians didn't even think of all these issues as cellphones, laptops, wireless devices are so very much a part of our life for the last couple of years (only). I perhaps noticed this because I was born in 1977 and started thinking about the time during my college days and the technology then in 90's.
Some other issues with the story:
- Joy dies toooooo soon.
- Is there anything like Airport security? For the fun part its totally fine to ignore it. But can't just ignore it in 2009-2010. What about his baggage? Dear Camera?
- Online, 'vacuum' delivery!!
I know I've pointed out so many mistakes, what will I do when I make a movie? It will be so perfect that no one will be able to criticize it, point out mistakes and no one will be able to relate to it! Viewers in India (including me) still want the masala. To hell with the technicalities and technology!
Good points of the film:
- Chatur's character.
- Millimeter
- Some scenes like mixing up the answer papers.
- Potrayal of Raju Rastogi's family.
At the end of the day, I was happy on having got to see "3 Idiots" in a movie theatre, rather than everyday google-ing and waiting for a "3 Idiots good DVD print online" version or waiting for a Netflix DVD.
At last, thanks to Raju Hirani and the team for thinking about making a movie about the pathetic rat race in the country.
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