Gharonda ~ "The Nest" (1977)

This story unfolds in Bombay, the land that draws people to it like a magnet. And our protagonists are this couple, Sudip (Amol Palekar ) and Chhaya (Zareena Wahab). Both come from middle-class families and make their acquaintance at the private firm where they work. After a brief courtship, Sudip and Chhaya hope to get married. However with Sudip living in a lodge with friends and Chhaya in a little tenement with two brothers and one of whom is married, the possibility seems distant. Her younger brother hopes to pursue his education in America someday, a wish that Chhaya aims to fulfil. Despite their responsibilities, their plans to settle down soon makes getting a home of their own a priority. Their dream seems a reality when Sudip hears of a friend who has booked an affordable flat which is still work-in-progress. In all hopes and throwing caution to the wind, the couple go to great lengths and gather the asking amount for a down payment. With stars in their eyes, they eagerly await the completion of their home. Unfortunately, Sudip gets the news that the owner has made off with the money, in the process crushing the hopes of many. With mounting frustration and during an argument Sudeep recommends Chhaya marries the aged but rich Mr. Modi, the owner of the firm they work in. Mr. Modi, a widower, has a sweet spot for Chhaya and she decides to take Sudip's advice and move on with her life. Can Bombay stand by it's reputation of being a place that fulfills dreams? Or could it be the opposite here!
A beautiful story of life as a middle-class citizen and it's struggles. The film is so rustic and real; and the songs ... great 👌! 

Butterflies are free (1972)

Gorgeous, vivacious and free-spirited Jill Tanner (Goldie Hawn) has just moved to San Francisco hoping to make it as an actress in the theatre. She is pleasantly surprised to see she has a good looking neighbor at her new apartment. So Jill invites herself over for coffee and makes her aquatintance. As Don Baker's (Edward Albert) story goes, he is a song writer and guitarist in search of prospects and is new to the city like Jill. He has lived a privileged and protected life thus far being the only son of authoress Florence Baker and hopes to make a place for himself in the world. He has one condition for his overly protective mother that she is not to pay her son a visit for a couple of months. Doesn't that seen odd? Well it is, but not once you are privy to the fact that Don is blind. This is an eye-opener for Jill who had never before encountered a blind person. She is charmed with how happy, independent and smart Don comes across despite all odds.
All is well till Florence drops in for a surprise visit to find both Don and Jill in their underwear. Soon Jill takes immense pleasure in shocking the condescending Florence and spills scandalous facts about herself, like for one how she was married and divorced after only 6 days at 19. Horrified and even more determined to lookout for her son's best interests, Florence is convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that Don would be safer back home with her. Will he ever be free to spread his wings like the butterflies he sings about? Let's hope so.
Goldie Hawn has delivered a witty performance. This fun movie is engaging and screams brilliant. A cast of three has brilliantly carried this film, leaving you delighted without a single bored moment. A new favorite.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow 🌈 you gotta put up with the rain ⛈ ~ Dolly Parton

India is known for its monsoons and the pre-monsoons are a sight to behold. For most it could be intimidating, but if you take a step back and grab some seats, I can guarantee you the show is epic. It's one you wouldn't want to miss and this is Nature at it's very best. You'll just have to take my word for it.

So the summer has been surprisingly bearable, the temperature always hovering in the high 30 degree celcius (and that is bearable by Indian standards). I've been observing the varying angles of the sun's rays and you know earth is most assuredly spinning. Here we, the minions, are praying for a respite from the heat (Justin Beiber, who was performing in India last week, found it all too much and wrapped up ahead of schedule). As the time draws close for the seasons to change from the hot to the wet, nature must pass the baton. 

It's late in the evening and the clouds begin to roll in. At first it's a little inconspicuous, till you notice the strange orange hue to the sky. Then comes the strong winds, more like a dust storm that bathes everyone and everything in it's path. The trees are bent over and swaying, as though paying homage. All the while it's getting darker and I might add it' s a tad bit scary. As the sun sets, the sky is soon raven black, with no sign of the moon and not even a tiny bit of sparkle from the stars. But the darkness is soon broken by lightning streaking it's way across the dark canvas bringing along with it the rumble and tumble of thunder. The omnious growl which is distant at first is soon crashing and shaking the Earth in a ear splitting and teeth chattering symphony. The lighting is as bright as day and with the thunder together, it's mesmerizing. I would like to imagine, the Gods are in Vegas, rolling their dice and laughing at a private joke. And finally the rain drops fall, humongous drops, washing the earth. This sound and light show lasts for a good couple of hours. Then the lightning drops in it's intensity and the thunder begins to recede as both take a bow holding hands and make their backstage exit.

Just to reiterate, the show is free and worth every bone quaking moment. I'm actually holding my breath and praying, ''Oh God have mercy" and "Boy this is good!" But do I want an encore? 

The Hills and the rain - clicked on one of my holidays

Wild (2004)

For a change I have the video playing in the beginning. It's one of the sweetest songs in the film and I am playing a rendition of the one in the movie.

'Wild' and that is how one would describe Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon). When Cheryl loses her mother to cancer she is shoved down a deep spiral of naked depression. She rebelled and took drugs, had sex with numerous partners and when Cheryl finds out she is pregnant she makes the decision to abort her baby. And in this way a married Cheryl jeopardizes her marriage and she finds herself divorced. Knowing that things have gotten out of hand she must confront her issues to right the wrong. So an emotionally battered Cheryl takes on a massive challenge in a search for redemption, self-discovery​ and healing. She undertakes the project of hiking a daunting 1100 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Mojave desert. For a tenderfoot that's a huge learning experience and the journey that took her 94 days was one of self-introspection, inner healing and forgiveness.
The movie is based on the life of Cheryl Strayed and it's a journey that opened up a beautiful life for her. She went on to get married and have children and find the road to happiness and self fulfilment. The hike Cheryl undertook was a means of catharsis for her. This movie is a huge hit with me and when I first watched it I cried buckets. I laud Cheryl who bravely embarked on a journey that would have deterred most. She succeeded in her search for the key that unlocked the shackles that had enslaved her, setting her free to live the life she was meant to live.

"Her Smile was like armor & everyday she went to war ..." - r.h. Sin

And this makes me smile and I hope you do too

Chet Baker Quartet - Polka Dots and Moonbeams

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 (2017)

The weekend at the cinemas had a dismal selection of movies to choose from. So hubby decided to book tickets for, drum rolls please, Guardians of the Galaxy - Volume 2. A fair warning to the male population of my readers that you may not like my version of the movie. In fact, I can guarantee you that. So here is the movie as seen from my eyes ...

Let's begin with the good. The 3D and special effects are awesome and the soundtracks beautiful. However, for me, it ends right there .... ✋. That was a short list eh 😕. As you're catapulted through the galaxies, there is an interesting parade of golden colored people, blue men and a green woman, a 'triangle faced monkey' and what not. However, I found baby Groot (a walking, talking, dancing sapling) cute. Let me correct that, Super cute. In a room full of testosterone, I was so lost. Guys somehow get the weird stuff unlike us romance seekers. But in all fairness the movie did have romance, mixed in with humor and topped with a generous dollop of sci-fi. 😂
I couldn't help my yawning which began quietly at first to only get progressively noisy (you would think I was sleep deprived). But I was wide awake munching caramel popcorn after the interval... Was that a ploy on hubby's behalf? Guess I'll never know. Towards the end of the movie, in the midst of all the tear shedding, I was scratching my head trying to figure out if I was meant to shed a tear or two myself.
A pat on my back for pulling on my game face and 'kind' of being on my best behavior, since hubby was so into his film. It was a little too much when after the movie I was asked if I was going to write about it.
Say what again 🙇 ... Really now??!!!🙅
Anyways, that's that on that ... Ta da ... 

Stolen moments

As you must already know, I am not a fan of the proverbial Indian SUMMER!!!

I am never without my trusted and 'ugly' Tweety fan

😭 I decided a haircut was the need of the hour. I promptly arrived at my hairdressers and waited patiently to be called while flipping through a magazine. To many of us, our hairdresser is a confidant and friend, someone who will listen, mostly impassively, as you download .... And as I waited I couldn't help but eavesdrop on a telephone conversation. Oops 😮 ... But in my defense, it was a little loud, on the other side i.e. After the conversation was over I snuck a glance and knew straight away that this time around I had to don the 'listener hat' for a change.
So the problem here was the lack of any personal space. My friend here had to be home on time and account for every minute spent. Oh God how I felt! My empathy stemmed from the fact that I grew up in a matriachal household - I rebelled in my own way and this was creating unhappiness deep within me. I longed for the freedom my friends took for granted, like catching​ a movie at will, going out shopping​ or for a meal, visiting friends.... all of this without being made to feel guilty. It's just emotionally exhausting and overwhelming. And in a marriage, a relationship that defines your future, this is unacceptable. Bottom line - it's the product of a deep-rooted insecurity, of an emotionally handicapped person and to me this person is nothing short of a bully. There is an inhererent need to control and trying to live life through those of others. This in my book, my friends, is unhealthy!!!!

One needs to understand and respect the fact that we all need our personal space and the excuses for this sickness may be varied but it boils down to a personal issue, and again, excuses notwithstanding.
I liken this situation to a bird trapped in a gilded cage, fluttering and just waiting to spread it's wings and soar into the blue skies .. to freedom.

I feel for my poor Tweety bird

I hope this is not the reason for a marriage to bite the dust, a relationship so sacred! I hope not ....

Thank you for listening/reading 🙏