SHELF TO SILVERSCREEN, VERSE TO VISION.
Ashleshaa Khurana.
‘Don’t judge a book by its movie’ reads a sign at India’s leading bookstore. It never fails to bring a knowing smirk to the lips of book lovers. Movie buffs however, couldn’t disagree more; if a picture speaks a thousand words, a movie, surely speaks millions.
Books trigger one’s imagination, build anticipation, stay with you for days and provide detailed nuances of its characters. Cinema breathes life into those characters, in a short span of time unveils the excitement of the story, giving visual and musical appeal that remains ingrained in our photographic memory forever.
Mario Puzo’s The Godfather, immediately brings to mind Marlon Brando’s best known work. The film gave us Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall to name a few. While lines of the book,’ leave the gun, take the cannoli’,’Im gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse’ are used worldwide as quotes to live by, it’s the scenes from the film that made viewers feel the chill of this ,Francis Ford Copolla’s’ Godfather of all gangster movies.’ For the dead horse in bed shot, they actually got a dead horse’s head from a dog house!
Other than the millions spent over it, cinema making brings along with it, a whole load of new, unknown challenges that book authors do not have to face. Like for Jaws. Based on the book by Peter Benchley, that Steven Spielberg converted into one of the scariest movies ever made. While Spielberg knew exactly how much to hide and reveal to scare viewers, the shark was never tested in water after being built. The beast with hydraulic innards sank straight to the bottom of the ocean’s floor when put in Martha’s Vineyard and it took a team of divers to get it back!
In spite of the plot already being revealed, it’s the magic of the movies that lures the audience to have a dekko at adaptation, predestined scenes of how the lovers will meet, how the hero will vanquish the villain. It is the brilliance of the script and direction along with talented actors that have watchers rolling in the aisles, laughing out loud and bawling their eyes out in public. On the first day of shoot for Alfred Hitchcock’s ace, Psycho, the entire crew was made to raise their right hand and take an oath of secrecy to not divulge the story and its end was withheld by Hitchcock till they needed to shoot it. The shower scene that went 'stabbity stab stab' was scary enough to make viewers wary of ever taking one alone.
Tom Hanks unbeatable, guffaw worthy sentimental drama in and as Forrest Gump,
Bridget Jones’s battle with her age, weight, job and love life in Helen Fielding’s, Diary can only be imagined and understood with the angst of Renée Zellweger.
What verse would be able to describe the then handsome Mickey Rourke’s sensuous seduction of the voluptuous Kim Bassinger, from 9 1/2 weeks?
Could a reader imagine the magnitude of BenHur and its spectacular chariot race, or how macho Rambo was without Sylvester Stallone’s projection; David Morrell’s books that James Cameron’s First Blood were based on had knives and guns on the cover!
Movies travel countries and speak one language, which books unfortunately cannot, being restricted to the language they are written in and often their soul gets lost in translation. It is Cinema that succeeds in transporting talent from verse to vision.
Writer Abhijat Joshi’s favourite pick is, "Pather Panchali because it’s sheer poetry. " Envisage the delight in the scene where Apu and Durga run through Kaash fields to catch a glimpse of the chugging train, from Satyajit Ray’s film on Bibutibhushan Bandhopadhyay’s Bengali novel, considered one of the greatest films of all times.
Culture of Cinema and literacy co-exists and lives off each other creating art from art. Writer Esther David’s choice is the Spanish film,’Like Water for chocolate ‘,based on Mexican writer Laura Esquivel’s novel its,’ Honest to the book’s story line, since the writer did the screenplay herself as well, the film is a celebration of traditions handed down by a generation of Mexican women. Both the book and the film have a mystical, fairytale like quality. Both compliment each other as the characters come alive on screen and fire your imagination with the use of literature and cinematic magic.’
Nothing can beat the sight of your precious cherubic charmers giggling to visuals of, William Steig’s, Shrek, or see them slurp while watching Willie Wonka’s chocolate factory, based on Roald Dahl’s book or watch their jaws drop on seeing ‘real’ Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park.
While teens are patient enough to page through the amazing J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series with its mystical pronunciations, men muster courage to complete the extensive and fabulous J.R Tolkiens, Lord of the Rings and women would give anything to make the Twilight series last forever, just like its lead characters Edward and Jacob, it’s the celluloid charm that lends life and brilliance to these fantasies that then last in the mind forever. Shut your eyes and you will know.
Who would know how suave and sexy Ian Flemings' Bond is, had not Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Daniel Craig and gang shown us. How we have loved the manipulative Scarlett-Vivien Leigh and roguish Rhett Butler-Clarke Gable from Gone With The Wind.How we have danced with Waheeda Rehman’s ambitions in ,’aaj phir jeene ki tamnna hai”that picturised the essence of Dev Anand’s soulful journey based on R.K.Narayan’s book, The Guide.
Shakespeare’s brilliant plots converted into pictorial presence in our very own laugh a minute riot ,Gulzar’s Angoor,in Vishal Bhardwaj’s rustic Maqbool, Omkara and legendary Akira Kurosawa‘s adaptations of Macbeth and King Lear amongst other greats.
Whether its classics like Wuthering heights or Jane Austen’s Pride and prejudice, or Actor Konkona Sen Sharma’s choice -Stanley Kubrick’s satirical science fiction,’A clockwork Orange’ from Anthony Burgess’s novel by the same name and according to her ‘Superb, both the book and film.”, Movies manage to make books memorable.
Books and Films are the world’s favourite pastime .They make us realize what love and life is when we are moist eyed as we read and watch ‘love means never having to say you’re sorry’ and our minds go 'dola rey dola.'
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Shut up and celebrate together,idiots!
Shut up and celebrate together, idiots!
The feel-good comedy 3 Idiots, which is turning out to be the most successful Bollywood blockbuster, has a new, sad, ugly twist to it.
Its hero, director, producer and scriptwriter are at a war of words with the writer on whose book the film is ‘loosely’ based.
The eight edition of India’s biggest selling book in the history of English novels says ‘Soon to be a major film’ on its cover; Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’. The book begins with acknowledgements he has given to ALL the people who mattered in his life and made it possible; from his guru, family, friends, colleagues, classmates, editor, publisher right down to Bill Gates and Microsoft Word!
Little wonder then, that this otherwise soft spoken, popular youth icon was hurt by the fact that he did not get the deserved credit.
The scriptwriter of ‘3 Idiots’, Ahmedabad’s Ace, whose genius penmanship gave us ‘ Lage Raho Munnabhai,has swept almost all awards in the year of its release,Abhijat Joshi, had worked on the story for three years to create a funny yet soul-stirring drama on screen that has many laughing and crying in public.
While Bhagat fans through the country related to the basic concept taken from the book, it were lesser known Abhijat’s childhood buddies who immediately related scenes and incidences to the work and real life incidences of this ex English professor, who has spent his life passionately scripting well acclaimed skits and plays since childhood.
Remember, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, it was Simon Beaufoy who deservedly got it for creating a script that went down so well with the viewers. Not as many would remember Vikram Swarup’s ‘Q & A’, the book on which the movie was based and given deserved credit.
On the other hand, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film gives Bhagat credit in the scroll at the end of the film - miss if you blink or are already headed towards the exit.
There is no doubt that the film is more exciting than the book. What is sad however is such great work of sheer collective genius is making the wrong kind of news, since the time it has turned from ‘ours’, into ‘yours’ and ‘mine.’
What’s adapted from the book-
-3 engineering students called idiots by their professor.
-Being ragged and rescued(salt water theory original from Abhijat's college days
-Chatur, (Abhijat's ace),lightly described as parrot reader Venkat with no major part in book but prominent in film.
-Tank-top drinking and bonding.
-Hero, who is scared to smooch, climbs up the heroine’s bedroom while friends wait below.
-Tyrannical, ugly prof with beautiful daughter and a son who committed suicide due to pressure of studies, leaving behind a suicide note.
-Stealing of exam paper from prof’s office, with keys procured from his daughter, and getting caught later.
-Entire family of one idiot, Raju Rastogi (Alok in book), his mother‘s five year old saree and mutter paneer, constantly crying about expenses, father’s ailment, ugly sister’s Maruti-800 dowry problem, Raju’s shifting to Venkat’s room, dying to get a decent job, suicide attempt at fear of rustication and hospitalization.
The feel-good comedy 3 Idiots, which is turning out to be the most successful Bollywood blockbuster, has a new, sad, ugly twist to it.
Its hero, director, producer and scriptwriter are at a war of words with the writer on whose book the film is ‘loosely’ based.
The eight edition of India’s biggest selling book in the history of English novels says ‘Soon to be a major film’ on its cover; Chetan Bhagat’s ‘Five Point Someone’. The book begins with acknowledgements he has given to ALL the people who mattered in his life and made it possible; from his guru, family, friends, colleagues, classmates, editor, publisher right down to Bill Gates and Microsoft Word!
Little wonder then, that this otherwise soft spoken, popular youth icon was hurt by the fact that he did not get the deserved credit.
The scriptwriter of ‘3 Idiots’, Ahmedabad’s Ace, whose genius penmanship gave us ‘ Lage Raho Munnabhai,has swept almost all awards in the year of its release,Abhijat Joshi, had worked on the story for three years to create a funny yet soul-stirring drama on screen that has many laughing and crying in public.
While Bhagat fans through the country related to the basic concept taken from the book, it were lesser known Abhijat’s childhood buddies who immediately related scenes and incidences to the work and real life incidences of this ex English professor, who has spent his life passionately scripting well acclaimed skits and plays since childhood.
Remember, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay, it was Simon Beaufoy who deservedly got it for creating a script that went down so well with the viewers. Not as many would remember Vikram Swarup’s ‘Q & A’, the book on which the movie was based and given deserved credit.
On the other hand, Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s film gives Bhagat credit in the scroll at the end of the film - miss if you blink or are already headed towards the exit.
There is no doubt that the film is more exciting than the book. What is sad however is such great work of sheer collective genius is making the wrong kind of news, since the time it has turned from ‘ours’, into ‘yours’ and ‘mine.’
What’s adapted from the book-
-3 engineering students called idiots by their professor.
-Being ragged and rescued(salt water theory original from Abhijat's college days
-Chatur, (Abhijat's ace),lightly described as parrot reader Venkat with no major part in book but prominent in film.
-Tank-top drinking and bonding.
-Hero, who is scared to smooch, climbs up the heroine’s bedroom while friends wait below.
-Tyrannical, ugly prof with beautiful daughter and a son who committed suicide due to pressure of studies, leaving behind a suicide note.
-Stealing of exam paper from prof’s office, with keys procured from his daughter, and getting caught later.
-Entire family of one idiot, Raju Rastogi (Alok in book), his mother‘s five year old saree and mutter paneer, constantly crying about expenses, father’s ailment, ugly sister’s Maruti-800 dowry problem, Raju’s shifting to Venkat’s room, dying to get a decent job, suicide attempt at fear of rustication and hospitalization.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
SURTI SCAPEGOATS-BULLY KE BAKRE…..
Mister Magan Batla, official Surti alcoholic who is not anonymous, is fuming this New Year. He has decided to hold a dharna right outside a Surti suburb’s fancy police station, below the shady green trees, where the cool breeze blows.
He is extremely upset and angry with the system; and has decided enough is enough,’maari maang poori karo!”(I want my demand met).
Since the system couldn’t handle him, or rather dint know how to, his wife, Ms.Aunty Batli requested me if I could convince him to give up and come home.
‘Shun thayu kaka? Chalo, gharbhega thay jao’ (what happened uncle? come, lets go home) I inquired.
He refused to budge, saying, ‘This is not fair, how can they do this? The entire world celebrates New Year’s Eve, in ‘high spirits’. Year after year, it has always been the same. I have spent my life party hopping on 31st December, hoping that I get some coverage, and what do I get in return? Nothing! This year was a once in a blue moon chance and look what they did; they went and caught some naïve young kids instead of a stalwart like me!
Most of these bachhas do not even know about the consequences and a PHD (properly high on daru) like me is shown no respect for seniority! Shame! While these children are splashed over in news, lashed out at by Surti morale makers and talked about by everyone who has a tongue. This is torture, I resolve to give up alcohol, it’s got me nothing!’
Mr.Magan Batla’s New Year resolution list for Tapi towners –
For tragedy queen mothers- Stop crying. It’s not the end of the world if some ‘well wishers’ come and accuse,’maa da ladla bigad gaya.’your child and his wife are adults now. Remember the time you were young, wild and fancyfree, try to bridge the gap; if under 18, though, they need counseling, pronto!
For little boys’ rich big daddies-Its no big deal if you sneakily tried to get your kid out with your clout, you just showed him a route to escape .Let him grow up the way his other less fortunate friends have, if you want him to learn how to handle himself in future.
For Surtis with double standards-Shut up! Don’t try and create a scandal where there is none. We do not need your wild imagination to add on to someone’s nightmare. Be fully aware, it could easily have been you instead of them.
For the scapegoats-Sorry kids, shit happens! You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take it in your stride, practice caution, remember to NEVER ever, drink and drive.
For the sahibs in the system-Why this biased treatment, with ‘smelt a brat’ testing system? Have you no respect for senior players like me -Magan Batla? Did you not notice all other places that I visited all around town on New Year’s Eve? Were we not fancy enough for you?
Bakra Ney budley tabbariya kem halaal karya? (why did you spare the goat and sacrifice the ‘kids’ instead)
Tapi town tattle-Aall iz well, even if it doesn’t end well, sometimes.
Mister Magan Batla, official Surti alcoholic who is not anonymous, is fuming this New Year. He has decided to hold a dharna right outside a Surti suburb’s fancy police station, below the shady green trees, where the cool breeze blows.
He is extremely upset and angry with the system; and has decided enough is enough,’maari maang poori karo!”(I want my demand met).
Since the system couldn’t handle him, or rather dint know how to, his wife, Ms.Aunty Batli requested me if I could convince him to give up and come home.
‘Shun thayu kaka? Chalo, gharbhega thay jao’ (what happened uncle? come, lets go home) I inquired.
He refused to budge, saying, ‘This is not fair, how can they do this? The entire world celebrates New Year’s Eve, in ‘high spirits’. Year after year, it has always been the same. I have spent my life party hopping on 31st December, hoping that I get some coverage, and what do I get in return? Nothing! This year was a once in a blue moon chance and look what they did; they went and caught some naïve young kids instead of a stalwart like me!
Most of these bachhas do not even know about the consequences and a PHD (properly high on daru) like me is shown no respect for seniority! Shame! While these children are splashed over in news, lashed out at by Surti morale makers and talked about by everyone who has a tongue. This is torture, I resolve to give up alcohol, it’s got me nothing!’
Mr.Magan Batla’s New Year resolution list for Tapi towners –
For tragedy queen mothers- Stop crying. It’s not the end of the world if some ‘well wishers’ come and accuse,’maa da ladla bigad gaya.’your child and his wife are adults now. Remember the time you were young, wild and fancyfree, try to bridge the gap; if under 18, though, they need counseling, pronto!
For little boys’ rich big daddies-Its no big deal if you sneakily tried to get your kid out with your clout, you just showed him a route to escape .Let him grow up the way his other less fortunate friends have, if you want him to learn how to handle himself in future.
For Surtis with double standards-Shut up! Don’t try and create a scandal where there is none. We do not need your wild imagination to add on to someone’s nightmare. Be fully aware, it could easily have been you instead of them.
For the scapegoats-Sorry kids, shit happens! You were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take it in your stride, practice caution, remember to NEVER ever, drink and drive.
For the sahibs in the system-Why this biased treatment, with ‘smelt a brat’ testing system? Have you no respect for senior players like me -Magan Batla? Did you not notice all other places that I visited all around town on New Year’s Eve? Were we not fancy enough for you?
Bakra Ney budley tabbariya kem halaal karya? (why did you spare the goat and sacrifice the ‘kids’ instead)
Tapi town tattle-Aall iz well, even if it doesn’t end well, sometimes.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
TAMING OF THE SHOE……………..
With due respect to the dear departed bard, this one has nothing to do with any classic work of literature.
Since New Year’s Eve is at the bend in the road, this winter tale is about how Surtis have prepared to party this year.
Now that we have qualified choreographers to turn our cream crowd into dancing kings and queens, it’s been a busy month of prancing preparations.
Lalas and lalarinas decided there would be no more free styling, hence; original Surti dance styles, like Salabatpura swing, Golwaad gyrations, and Parle Point’s pretence have been shown the backdoor.
Hip hop, Salsa and Waltz is what’s hot, in this chilly month.Whats more; we had some national level teachers to come show steps to the willing to spend brigade.
In Surat, most of the crowd that can afford expensive extravaganzas majorly consists of Richie rich aunties and uncles, so, lalarinas decided to tuck up their sarees and swoosh a bit. Unfortunately for them, their husbands are too ‘prim and propah’ to hang loose in public as a result of which all these ballroom dancing skills might never go public but just stay limited to the mirrors in front of which they have been sweated out.
Getting jiggy with it in Tapi town has never been so easy, along with tutors to show us groovy moves and the’ whats new on the block’ music mixes easily accessible, Surat now, also has unending options for trendy dresses, strappy stiletto’s and fashion accessories for dancers to don.
Nevertheless, for most Surti socialites, anything available locally is,’not good enough’ or ‘too tacky ‘for their taste.So, special trips to Mumbai, the Mecca of modern fashion have been made in preparation to greet the new year.
Along with clothes and footwear, haircuts too have been the reason for the crème ‘de la crème’ to take a ‘snip trip’ and look their best.I hear top in town hairstylists of Bollywood’s basti, are now so overwhelmed with enthusiastic Surti visitors, that they are proposing to set up hair cut workshops regularly in Diamond city to meet up the ‘dressed to demand’ hair stories. I personally think they should keep away, because once they become locally available, they will lose their ‘exclusive charm’ and esteemed clients too.
A word about the clothes here, never before have so many a kind, of well cut, short dresses been available in all colours under the sun. Small shops around the corners have geared up with Bangkok and Thailand apparels to please the lissome ladies, with bows and belts thrown in for good measure. Most dresses look more like gift paper wrapping, rather than clothing (methinks they are taking the concept of being ‘presentable ‘a tad too seriously).
Boys are sprucing up with glittery tee shirts and sleekly cut jackets as well as leather ones, men meanwhile are trying to fit into their rarely used, labeled formal attires, teaming them up with pointy toe shoes.
All in all, whether it’s Goa, Daman, Bombay or good old Tapi town, Surtis are set to usher in next new decade in high spirits, that they hold very dear. Here is wishing you all a very happy New Year.
Tapi town tattle-Pasti ki paathshala.
With due respect to the dear departed bard, this one has nothing to do with any classic work of literature.
Since New Year’s Eve is at the bend in the road, this winter tale is about how Surtis have prepared to party this year.
Now that we have qualified choreographers to turn our cream crowd into dancing kings and queens, it’s been a busy month of prancing preparations.
Lalas and lalarinas decided there would be no more free styling, hence; original Surti dance styles, like Salabatpura swing, Golwaad gyrations, and Parle Point’s pretence have been shown the backdoor.
Hip hop, Salsa and Waltz is what’s hot, in this chilly month.Whats more; we had some national level teachers to come show steps to the willing to spend brigade.
In Surat, most of the crowd that can afford expensive extravaganzas majorly consists of Richie rich aunties and uncles, so, lalarinas decided to tuck up their sarees and swoosh a bit. Unfortunately for them, their husbands are too ‘prim and propah’ to hang loose in public as a result of which all these ballroom dancing skills might never go public but just stay limited to the mirrors in front of which they have been sweated out.
Getting jiggy with it in Tapi town has never been so easy, along with tutors to show us groovy moves and the’ whats new on the block’ music mixes easily accessible, Surat now, also has unending options for trendy dresses, strappy stiletto’s and fashion accessories for dancers to don.
Nevertheless, for most Surti socialites, anything available locally is,’not good enough’ or ‘too tacky ‘for their taste.So, special trips to Mumbai, the Mecca of modern fashion have been made in preparation to greet the new year.
Along with clothes and footwear, haircuts too have been the reason for the crème ‘de la crème’ to take a ‘snip trip’ and look their best.I hear top in town hairstylists of Bollywood’s basti, are now so overwhelmed with enthusiastic Surti visitors, that they are proposing to set up hair cut workshops regularly in Diamond city to meet up the ‘dressed to demand’ hair stories. I personally think they should keep away, because once they become locally available, they will lose their ‘exclusive charm’ and esteemed clients too.
A word about the clothes here, never before have so many a kind, of well cut, short dresses been available in all colours under the sun. Small shops around the corners have geared up with Bangkok and Thailand apparels to please the lissome ladies, with bows and belts thrown in for good measure. Most dresses look more like gift paper wrapping, rather than clothing (methinks they are taking the concept of being ‘presentable ‘a tad too seriously).
Boys are sprucing up with glittery tee shirts and sleekly cut jackets as well as leather ones, men meanwhile are trying to fit into their rarely used, labeled formal attires, teaming them up with pointy toe shoes.
All in all, whether it’s Goa, Daman, Bombay or good old Tapi town, Surtis are set to usher in next new decade in high spirits, that they hold very dear. Here is wishing you all a very happy New Year.
Tapi town tattle-Pasti ki paathshala.
Monday, December 21, 2009
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS…………
In the birth month of the unconquered Holy son, the season of celebration is unending. Just as universal as Christmas, is its spirit of peace, love and family bonding time that is globally glorified.
A lot of traditions that are celebrated at this time of the year were actually adopted from different cultures in the ancient ages.
Like the lights on the Christmas tree are from the candles that were lit in the Norse tradition of lighting fire to help Woden and Thor battle the evil of winter.
The evergreen home décor stands for the early Celtic belief of plants that don’t lose their green colour could help wish away ill effects of the cold.
Exchanging presents comes from the Saturlanian practice. Even the colours of Christmas –Red and Green stand for Holly plants berries and leaves that the Romans used to hang around their homes to ward off evil eyes and witchcraft.
Christmas carols were sung with joy in wayside Inns and taverns in the light mood of enjoying music with lyrics that were not as serious as the Church hymns.
With most major roads in Surat dug up, Santa maybe in for a rough ride into Tapi town this year, but Surtis, who are basically a ‘khai pi ane jalsa’ [eat, drink and make merry] community are in a festive mood since December has commenced.
Beginning with the wedding frenzy for this calendar year, where glitzy glitterati were the theme. Lalas and lalarinas who themselves were dressed up enough to put Christmas trees to shame; with dazzling beads and baubles, foot stomped to popular wedding numbers like ‘yeh desh hai veer jawano ka’ [if you are wondering why a war song for a wedding, then you are probably not married yet.]
Tapi town retailers are in hope of things looking up in the New Year and have set up ‘Christmas special’ schemes on everything from soap to clothes to grains to toys.
Suburban senoritas are strapping on slinky halters and stilettos, as they take salsa lessons gearing up to swing in the New Year.
The ever hard working lalas too, are taking time out to party the nights and business blues away.
Surti Kid brigade has never had a busier hop scotching fortnight, with a host of X’mas parties to attend to, organized by tuition classes, friends and professionals.
Lest the true spirit of Christmas be lost in just the partying, here is a novel way to teach the children about it-
Organize a ‘bake it yourself’ party for the children and let them shape and decorate the X’mas cookies in the symbols that represent the festival:
Star-to fulfill promises, Santa-for generosity and happiness, Bells-for guidance to the ‘lost sheep’, Candy cane –that represents the Shepherd’s crook to show the way, Angels –Peace and goodwill, Wreaths- continuous love, Trees- everlasting hope.
Host a ‘Donate -a- toy’ day; at any of the various children’s institutions that we have or at a close by slum to bring a little’ joy to the world.’ Get kids to stuff stockings with gifts to give and play Santa Claus for a change because sharing and caring is what this festival is truly all about. A little happiness, is always welcome, the world around.
Tapi town tattle-SMC celebrates Thanksgiving.
In the birth month of the unconquered Holy son, the season of celebration is unending. Just as universal as Christmas, is its spirit of peace, love and family bonding time that is globally glorified.
A lot of traditions that are celebrated at this time of the year were actually adopted from different cultures in the ancient ages.
Like the lights on the Christmas tree are from the candles that were lit in the Norse tradition of lighting fire to help Woden and Thor battle the evil of winter.
The evergreen home décor stands for the early Celtic belief of plants that don’t lose their green colour could help wish away ill effects of the cold.
Exchanging presents comes from the Saturlanian practice. Even the colours of Christmas –Red and Green stand for Holly plants berries and leaves that the Romans used to hang around their homes to ward off evil eyes and witchcraft.
Christmas carols were sung with joy in wayside Inns and taverns in the light mood of enjoying music with lyrics that were not as serious as the Church hymns.
With most major roads in Surat dug up, Santa maybe in for a rough ride into Tapi town this year, but Surtis, who are basically a ‘khai pi ane jalsa’ [eat, drink and make merry] community are in a festive mood since December has commenced.
Beginning with the wedding frenzy for this calendar year, where glitzy glitterati were the theme. Lalas and lalarinas who themselves were dressed up enough to put Christmas trees to shame; with dazzling beads and baubles, foot stomped to popular wedding numbers like ‘yeh desh hai veer jawano ka’ [if you are wondering why a war song for a wedding, then you are probably not married yet.]
Tapi town retailers are in hope of things looking up in the New Year and have set up ‘Christmas special’ schemes on everything from soap to clothes to grains to toys.
Suburban senoritas are strapping on slinky halters and stilettos, as they take salsa lessons gearing up to swing in the New Year.
The ever hard working lalas too, are taking time out to party the nights and business blues away.
Surti Kid brigade has never had a busier hop scotching fortnight, with a host of X’mas parties to attend to, organized by tuition classes, friends and professionals.
Lest the true spirit of Christmas be lost in just the partying, here is a novel way to teach the children about it-
Organize a ‘bake it yourself’ party for the children and let them shape and decorate the X’mas cookies in the symbols that represent the festival:
Star-to fulfill promises, Santa-for generosity and happiness, Bells-for guidance to the ‘lost sheep’, Candy cane –that represents the Shepherd’s crook to show the way, Angels –Peace and goodwill, Wreaths- continuous love, Trees- everlasting hope.
Host a ‘Donate -a- toy’ day; at any of the various children’s institutions that we have or at a close by slum to bring a little’ joy to the world.’ Get kids to stuff stockings with gifts to give and play Santa Claus for a change because sharing and caring is what this festival is truly all about. A little happiness, is always welcome, the world around.
Tapi town tattle-SMC celebrates Thanksgiving.
ODE TO UNDHIYU.............. As winter spreads its blanket of chill across the western belt of our country, it brings with it different meaning to different cities.
Ahmedabad, 275 kms North of Surat is celebrating with cultural programmes in open air under starlit skies .Its people, are enriching themselves in the wealth of poetry, dance, drama and musical recitals.
Mumbai, 275 kms South of Surat is celebrating winter fashion in style, whilst by lanes within Bandra are warming up with pre Christmas marketing.
Surtis on the other hand, are celebrating winter with what they do the best-preparing Gujarati gourmet delights. Surtis are foodies and every season brings in with it a special menu for the trimester.
All roads leading in to Surat from Vapi onwards, see smoke billowing from roadside stalls .The farm labourers from the Tapi to Vapi belt prepare a little known dish called the ‘umbadiyu’ in winter. Even son of the soil Kailash Kher couldn’t resist it, on his recent visit to the town.
The umbadiyu is a darker, smoky cousin of undhiyu.Made with wild black papdi from village Bhata, along with yam, sweet potato, brinjal, it is marinated with ginger and chilli paste then baked in a clay pot which is sealed with aromatic leaves of Kaler and Camboi.
This pot is buried in a hole in the ground, covered with hay and cow dung cakes and burnt for about 40 minutes; a small portion of this delicacy is put in an earthen kullad at the mouth of the matka to check when it’s done. This sampler is fondly called a ‘daakan [witch]'Umbadiyu is served with green chutney and buttermilk.
The Parsis from Udavada add on eggs and pieces of chicken to the same and call it Adadiyu [not to be confused with ‘adadhiyu’ of Daman which would mean 375 mls of alcohol].
Special khadiya-mundi mutton is prepared in most Khatri homes their version of Undhiyu consists of ‘papdi ma mutton’. Sprigs of fresh garlic greens are chopped for' lasan nu kachu'; as an accompaniment.
But, over and above all these preparations, the meal that is considered as the ultimate meal in Surti communities is 'Malai, puri and undhiyu'.
Many homes in Surat traditionally invite family and friends in winter for the same; the preparation is often marinated overnight for all the flavours to sink in.
Here is a salute to the unbeatable, irresistible, exclusive Surti preparation that does not taste as good anywhere else, the world over
–Ode to Undhiyu –
'O sweet creatures of Katargaam's creeper vine. You, the green papdi, tender as one would ever find,
With fragrance that lingers on the fingers that string you,Surrounded in the richness of yam ,plantains ,potatoes,sakariyas,stuffed wild brinjals and what have you .
Enriched in flavour by sesame oil and green garlic, prepared on the sim, marinated in chilli ginger paste; with supple fenugreek dumplings that enhance your taste.
While asafetida and ajwain are tempered to tease, as taste buds tuck in desiccated coconut and corriander, thoughroughly pleased.The epitome of Tapti cooking, a gourmet's delight, an art to achieve, an exotic treat.
A taste impossible to beat..............here is to you,'O Surti Undhiyu!'
Ahmedabad, 275 kms North of Surat is celebrating with cultural programmes in open air under starlit skies .Its people, are enriching themselves in the wealth of poetry, dance, drama and musical recitals.
Mumbai, 275 kms South of Surat is celebrating winter fashion in style, whilst by lanes within Bandra are warming up with pre Christmas marketing.
Surtis on the other hand, are celebrating winter with what they do the best-preparing Gujarati gourmet delights. Surtis are foodies and every season brings in with it a special menu for the trimester.
All roads leading in to Surat from Vapi onwards, see smoke billowing from roadside stalls .The farm labourers from the Tapi to Vapi belt prepare a little known dish called the ‘umbadiyu’ in winter. Even son of the soil Kailash Kher couldn’t resist it, on his recent visit to the town.
The umbadiyu is a darker, smoky cousin of undhiyu.Made with wild black papdi from village Bhata, along with yam, sweet potato, brinjal, it is marinated with ginger and chilli paste then baked in a clay pot which is sealed with aromatic leaves of Kaler and Camboi.
This pot is buried in a hole in the ground, covered with hay and cow dung cakes and burnt for about 40 minutes; a small portion of this delicacy is put in an earthen kullad at the mouth of the matka to check when it’s done. This sampler is fondly called a ‘daakan [witch]'Umbadiyu is served with green chutney and buttermilk.
The Parsis from Udavada add on eggs and pieces of chicken to the same and call it Adadiyu [not to be confused with ‘adadhiyu’ of Daman which would mean 375 mls of alcohol].
Special khadiya-mundi mutton is prepared in most Khatri homes their version of Undhiyu consists of ‘papdi ma mutton’. Sprigs of fresh garlic greens are chopped for' lasan nu kachu'; as an accompaniment.
But, over and above all these preparations, the meal that is considered as the ultimate meal in Surti communities is 'Malai, puri and undhiyu'.
Many homes in Surat traditionally invite family and friends in winter for the same; the preparation is often marinated overnight for all the flavours to sink in.
Here is a salute to the unbeatable, irresistible, exclusive Surti preparation that does not taste as good anywhere else, the world over
–Ode to Undhiyu –
'O sweet creatures of Katargaam's creeper vine. You, the green papdi, tender as one would ever find,
With fragrance that lingers on the fingers that string you,Surrounded in the richness of yam ,plantains ,potatoes,sakariyas,stuffed wild brinjals and what have you .
Enriched in flavour by sesame oil and green garlic, prepared on the sim, marinated in chilli ginger paste; with supple fenugreek dumplings that enhance your taste.
While asafetida and ajwain are tempered to tease, as taste buds tuck in desiccated coconut and corriander, thoughroughly pleased.The epitome of Tapti cooking, a gourmet's delight, an art to achieve, an exotic treat.
A taste impossible to beat..............here is to you,'O Surti Undhiyu!'
Sunday, December 13, 2009
BAPU’S SURTI SON ………
A successful man is often said to be ‘as successful as his secretary’s efficiency is’. Going by the legend of Mahatma Gandhi, one can only but imagine what a vital role his chief secretary, Mahadev Desai played in his life.
Born in Surat’s Olpad area in a village called Saras, on January 1st, 1892, this son of a school teacher who stood first at Surat high school, went on to study at the Elphinstone College in Mumbai and later pursued an LLB course during which he also took up a part time job at The Oriental Translator’s office. His translation of John Morley’s ‘On Compromise’ into Gujarati won him the first prize for best translation by the Gujarat Forbes Society. Little did he know then, that he would one day, go on to translate Gandhiji's autobiography,
'The story of my experiments with the truth’which is considered one of the most spiritual reads of the 20th century, worldwide.
Mahadev Desai was amongst Bapu’s earliest follower along with Narhari Parikh. He joined the Ashram in 1917 and often walked up to twenty two miles in a single day to be in Bapu’s company. He could have become a great lawyer, journalist and littérateur but, he reduced himself to zero to serve Bapu.As Kishorelal Mashruwala described him ‘inspite of being a learned philosopher, poet, writer, singer, he would turn into a sweeper, cook, washerman, secretary, clerk, teacher, an ambassador who could accomplish delicate errands with skills, an arbitrator who would remove every misunderstanding his master had about you, a man of highest balance.
He always found the time to read, write and spin despite a never ending schedule. He vastly contributed articles to Navjivan, Young India, Harijan bandhu,Amrit Bazaar Patrika,The Independant,The Hindu.Translated works of Tagore and also Jawaharlal’s autobiography to Gujarati and many books, including ‘A righteous struggle-The story of Bardoli.’He created a sensation by bringing out a hand written cyclostyled newspaper after the British confiscated the printing press.
Called the bridge between man and Mahatma, it was Mahadev’s diary ‘Day to day with Gandhi’ that chronicled the most important years of the freedom struggle through which the world came to know Gandhi better and for the man he was.
Anthropologist Verrier Elwin, who wrote an essay on Mahadev called him Plato to Gandhi’s Socrates. ‘He was a home and foreign secretary combined who made all arrangements in the office, guest house and kitchen .He looked after many guests and must have saved 10 years of Gandhiji life by diverting him from unwanted visitors.Mahadev’s task was to make Gandhi real to millions. He made him, perhaps the best known man in the world, certainly the most loved, through his words describing the life of Mahatma.
Fondly called Hanuman to Gandhiji Ram, he died at a young age of 50 on 15th August 1942,of a heart attack at the Aga Khan palace. Breathing his last in Bapu’s lap, where they were imprisoned during the Quit India movement.
Narayan Desai his son, who wrote ‘The fire and the rosé ‘begins his book with this moving account of how Gandhi called out,’Mahadev Mahadev’even after he stopped breathing. Upon being asked later, Bapu said,’ "I felt that if Mahadev opened his eyes and looked at me, I would tell him to get up. He had never disobeyed me in his life. I was confident that had he heard those words, he would have defied even death and got up".
A successful man is often said to be ‘as successful as his secretary’s efficiency is’. Going by the legend of Mahatma Gandhi, one can only but imagine what a vital role his chief secretary, Mahadev Desai played in his life.
Born in Surat’s Olpad area in a village called Saras, on January 1st, 1892, this son of a school teacher who stood first at Surat high school, went on to study at the Elphinstone College in Mumbai and later pursued an LLB course during which he also took up a part time job at The Oriental Translator’s office. His translation of John Morley’s ‘On Compromise’ into Gujarati won him the first prize for best translation by the Gujarat Forbes Society. Little did he know then, that he would one day, go on to translate Gandhiji's autobiography,
'The story of my experiments with the truth’which is considered one of the most spiritual reads of the 20th century, worldwide.
Mahadev Desai was amongst Bapu’s earliest follower along with Narhari Parikh. He joined the Ashram in 1917 and often walked up to twenty two miles in a single day to be in Bapu’s company. He could have become a great lawyer, journalist and littérateur but, he reduced himself to zero to serve Bapu.As Kishorelal Mashruwala described him ‘inspite of being a learned philosopher, poet, writer, singer, he would turn into a sweeper, cook, washerman, secretary, clerk, teacher, an ambassador who could accomplish delicate errands with skills, an arbitrator who would remove every misunderstanding his master had about you, a man of highest balance.
He always found the time to read, write and spin despite a never ending schedule. He vastly contributed articles to Navjivan, Young India, Harijan bandhu,Amrit Bazaar Patrika,The Independant,The Hindu.Translated works of Tagore and also Jawaharlal’s autobiography to Gujarati and many books, including ‘A righteous struggle-The story of Bardoli.’He created a sensation by bringing out a hand written cyclostyled newspaper after the British confiscated the printing press.
Called the bridge between man and Mahatma, it was Mahadev’s diary ‘Day to day with Gandhi’ that chronicled the most important years of the freedom struggle through which the world came to know Gandhi better and for the man he was.
Anthropologist Verrier Elwin, who wrote an essay on Mahadev called him Plato to Gandhi’s Socrates. ‘He was a home and foreign secretary combined who made all arrangements in the office, guest house and kitchen .He looked after many guests and must have saved 10 years of Gandhiji life by diverting him from unwanted visitors.Mahadev’s task was to make Gandhi real to millions. He made him, perhaps the best known man in the world, certainly the most loved, through his words describing the life of Mahatma.
Fondly called Hanuman to Gandhiji Ram, he died at a young age of 50 on 15th August 1942,of a heart attack at the Aga Khan palace. Breathing his last in Bapu’s lap, where they were imprisoned during the Quit India movement.
Narayan Desai his son, who wrote ‘The fire and the rosé ‘begins his book with this moving account of how Gandhi called out,’Mahadev Mahadev’even after he stopped breathing. Upon being asked later, Bapu said,’ "I felt that if Mahadev opened his eyes and looked at me, I would tell him to get up. He had never disobeyed me in his life. I was confident that had he heard those words, he would have defied even death and got up".
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