Luck By Chance

I nearly despise Bollywood. I usually hate song and dance sequences (don’t even get me started on item numbers!!) unless they fit the context of the story (which they rarely do). I dislike most of the comedy thrown out by the industry because it’s pointless and meant for an audience of brainless apes. The drama is almost always overdone and nearly all the big stars are uptight, self-obsessed sell outs.


Zoya Akhtar has, in a very profound way, renewed my faith in Bolywood.


‘Luck By Chance’ is a gem of cinema and head and shoulders above most of the other Hindi movies out in recent times. First, the acting. It’s subtle and dignified, from each individual actor. Arjun Mathur, who plays the role of a friend to Farhan Akhtar’s character, is especially brilliant. Hrithik Roshan proves that he is in the industry for a reason, because he can act, AND HOW! The cameos and special appearances in the movie (almost all of them) are complementary to the story and the movie. Farhan Akhtar is understated, which works excellently. Konkana Sen Sharma, however, for me, is the best, though still subtle enough so as to not overshadow the others.


The two major songs (baawre and pyaar ki daastaan) I don’t hate because they’re sung in order to represent typical bollywood. Also, they’re really nice songs that I like. But, ‘Sapno se bhare naina’ is my personal favourite, sung in Shankar Mahadevan’s deep voice, with beautiful music and is extremely well suited to the context of the story. The other songs too, are good in my books primarily because of Shankar–Ehsaan-Loy involvement, who I believe are one of the two music directors in Bollywood I have genuine respect and admiration for (the other being A.R. Rahman).


But, what really binds the movie together and makes it what it is, are the direction and the screenplay. The credit for both goes to Zoya Akhtar. The story is engaging and entertaining. The comedy is just right, it’s actually funny. But, it is the depth in the drama that keeps me thinking of the movie long after it’s over. As for the direction, the camera lingers on the actors’ faces (this is where Konkana, Hrithik and Arjun come in) not too long (so the movie is light hearted) but just long enough to soak in the moment. Some of the powerful, hard-hitting dialogues are seemingly said in the passing and yet manage to echo in your head over and over. The end especially works for me because it’s realistic and at the same time just what you need. Everything is fine and yet the end is bittersweet.


In a manner rarely found in recent hindi films, the movie could be a light hearted comedy about Bollywood and all that goes with it, or it could be a deep thought provoking masterpiece that is skillfully put together to hit just the right notes in emotion. Either way, I’m sure everyone will enjoy it.

Why I shaved my head

For those who haven't heard, I shaved my head.
For those in disbelief, you're not alone. I myself am still amazed!
For those who don't understand why I would ever do such a thing, maybe this will help.


Heat.
Its just so damn hot now-a-days and frizzy waist length hair really does not help.


Hygiene.
All those problems that accompany long hair; dandruff, dryness, itching, etc magically disappear in its absence.


Ease.
It is not easy to maintain long hair. Also, no matter how much you try you have only three hair styles; pony tail (bored), braid (bored) and open hair (an impossibility)


Just short hair.
People said cutting my hair short would’ve solved all my problems, but I figured if I’m going so far, might as well go all the way. It’ll grow to ‘short hair’ in less than a month and meanwhile, I’ll get to experience something that very few people of my sex and age have the courage to experience.


Perfect Timing.
I don’t have college for about four months now which is enough time for me to enjoy the new cut. And by the time I graduate, it’ll probably be really long once again. (My grandma will be happy)


People saying I shouldn’t do this because I’m a girl.
Whatever you say, that’s being a sexist. I’m not a feminist and I do believe that there are many traits that epitomize the difference between a girl and a boy, but the length of the hair, especially in today’s day and age, is not one of them. Guys can have no hair, little hair or long hair but, God forbid if a girl should ever go bald!


Its not why I did it but it certainly added fuel to the fire.


One less thing to worry about.
Without all the discomforts and problems, I have such unimaginable peace of mind.


I’ve always wanted to do this.
Why does it always take near death experiences for people to realize that they should appreciate every second of life? That you’ve got to do what you really want to? That you’ve got to live life fearlessly and fully?


Courage.
Cutting hair is a really, really huge deal in my family, and for me too. I’ve been terrified of cutting my long locks despite the torture. But ironically, (with a little inspiration from my twice-gone-bald brother and my well thought out argument that won my mom’s approval) I felt like I had the courage to do this.


Invincibility.
It is a bit of an exaggeration, yes, but if I can do this, (one of the most difficult things in my book) I honestly feel like I can do anything.


Pick the one thing that you're shit scared to do and grit your teeth and do it anyway. It's an unbelievable exhilarating feeling.


And last but, not the least.....


Its on my list of things to do before I die. ‘nuff said.