ONLY SHAH RUKH KHAN CAN MAKE DD’S SO SEXY
Movies- a reflection of our environment, characteristic of society’s new trends, steeped in the coolest words of the month, Director Gauri Shinde masterfully brings all 3 components together in her latest ‘ Dear Zindagi’
How else would a psychologist become a DD- Dimaag ka doctor and the pursuit of THE partner be explained as the journey of finding the right chair.
Mental illness has always been a taboo, sometimes I think even more than HIV. In true Indian fashion, it took a Deepika Padukone recently to bring the matter to the forefront, and now its SRK and Alia Bhatt who are helping add style and cool quotient to the otherwise stigma.
The funny thing about the Dimaag ka Doctor is that in life, we all ‘need’ and actually should ‘visit’ every once in a while. Like the customary eye test, the standard blood tests etc why should our dimaag not get the routine makeover?
The brain- a reservoir of feelings, emotions, thoughts, wishes is well guarded by our personal watchman- the Ego and while we think we can handle it all, there are many hints our bodies give us to tell us otherwise… And that’s what I love about Dear Zindagi. It takes a bout of sleepless nights, a physical symptom, for Alia Bhatt aka ‘Kaira’, to gather the courage to go to SRK aka Jehangir Khan, a therapist.
The setting of the film is perfect- a young woman cinematographer trying to make her way in the big bad world of movies, constantly in and out of relationships topped with a strained relationship with the parents having to move out of her Mumbai apartment because she is ‘single’.
Reality depicted in reel did you say? Yes.
As Kaira, moves to Goa for a break, the director takes a leaf from every parent’s book and so start the interrogations
‘Are you Lebanese ?’ asks Uncle
‘Oho! Lebanese nahi Lesbian !’ chides the Aunty followed by the usual suspect
‘Why don’t you settle down ? ‘
The interrogation dinner is enough to send Kaira running off to stay with her friend away from the family madness.
Cut to sleepless nights and the entry of the DD ( Dimmag ka Doctor) SRK.
ShahRukh’s casual demeanor , cool clothing, super hot beard and most importantly toned down over-acting makes him not only a delight to watch, but also makes one wish for a therapist like him who can help you with the small things in life.
As the film continues to dwell into Kaira’s past, her innermost fears and how it has affected her life, Dr Khan not only helps her de-clutter her life, but also makes her fall in love.
In my personal case, over the last couple of years my partner and I seem to have automatically become each other’s therapist. Long drives that started as exactly that, long drives, have now become our dimmag ka doctor sessions- a space where neither judges, scolds or tries to offer solutions to the other on problems or those ‘life’ questions that keep popping up. It’s a time that we use to bare our soul, not to the other but actually to ourself. And the fact that it’s done out of the house, actually makes us more vulnerable to open up but less vulnerable to feeling hurt.
In the end, the film reminds us yet again, if we don’t learn to ‘ Love you Zindagi’ it’s going to be the most miserable journey you have ever been on!
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ARE YOU LISTENING TO WHAT THE UNIVERSE IS TRYING TO TEACH US?
2016: It’s been a great year. I quit my job to follow my passion, travelled around the world, and attended the mind blowing Coldplay concert in London. Just kidding!
2016, has been a path breaking year for many countries. We saw UK vote to opt out of the European Union. We saw President Elect Donald Trump cross the required 270 votes by a mile.
What does this tell us ? There can be a few explanations-
a) Aliens are on the planet and are playing havoc with our mind
b) The world’s a stage and Karan Johar’s the director.
c) People are fed up of false government promises and can’t be fooled anymore.
I was in London when the Brexit results were announced mid this year, everyone around was shocked, hate mails were flying around, social media was overflowing with rants, arguments and jokes. Yes it was a shock, but for those professionals, businessmen and new white collars who chose to ignore a whole other segment of fellow residents who were voting to safeguard their present. My personal view, it was a risky step, after all haven’t folk stories told us 5 fingers are stronger than one, but like 2 sides of a coin, neither is fully right or fully wrong.
And that’s what gets me to the point of worry, are we as people slowly forgetting to be tolerant? Tolerant of another man’s view, another man’s policy, another man’s vision. Yes, we have found our voice, yes we choose to exercise it, yes we think we are right, but that doesn’t mean the other person is wrong. They are just different. And that’s what we do not celebrate anymore, the diversity of voice.
Take this week’s examples- Donald Trump won the elections fair and square, people came out and voted for a change. Are we turning a blind eye to the millions of non-metro Americans who are making their voice felt and voting for the better life, better employment that Trump offers, only because we don’t support Trump?
Could this be a fatal decision in world economics -Maybe.
Could this be the end of a peaceful world – Maybe.
Could this be the lowest moment in world politics – Maybe.
But it’s what some Americans have chosen, and the others have to respect it.
I, for one, am not a Trump fan- I think he lacks many things that are crucial to be a leader, but I also think with great power comes great responsibility
This is Trump’s hour of learning . Let’s give him that.
Or before we know it, this growing polarisation Tsunami will divide our homes and lives.
HOW TO YOU TURN #SUNDAY INTO #FUNDAY
Who doesn’t like a Sunday ? The after party lazy morning that promises to be everything the week wasn’t. But from my close to 2000 Sundays spent on Mother Earth, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to avoid Monday Blues, is to make the most of your Sunday.
So choose one or all of the below and I promise you Sundays will never be the same again!
PICK A CULINARY DISH YOU HAVE BEEN LONGING TO RECREATE
For the chefs-in-making, decide on Friday on the dish you want to make on Sunday. This gives you enough time to get all the ingredients together, more importantly, you end up looking forward to the kitchen time.
ZERO IN ON A JOINT YOU HAVE NOT TRIED
If you are only a connoisseur of food not a creator, how about researching and trying out a new place every Sunday.You could work on diff themes like cuisines or the kind of places you want to discover-street side, bhawans, start ups , food trucks or fancy or even breakfast/lunch/dinner or even mid meal speciality places. Once you pick a course of action, I can promise you the journey is delectable!
PREBOOK A PLAY/ MUSIC RECITAL/DANCE PERFORMANCE
For the Arts inclined, make a calendar of the performances you want to attend. I find, Pre booking is key to this , as it makes sure your intent doesn’t dwindle and you are mentally looking forward to the experience( helping you get through the week!)
DISCOVER THE 5 TOURISTY AND NON TOURISTY PLACES IN YOUR CIYY
You will gawk if I tell you, I have never been to Red Fort or Qutub Minar in Delhi. I have only lived here 35 years and still just managed to not make it there. I am sure though there are such popular and some hidden gems in your city, that you too take for granted. I recommend taking time out for a heritage walk or guided tour. I can guarantee it will change the way you think of your city.
PROJECT PARTY IN THE PARK
Now this is my all time favorite- Do you know Delhi has 18000 parks? How many have you been to ? This works great for people with kids, groups who like to get together to play music, fitness enthusiasts and specially the ones who love picnics! Go on and discover the Park Adventures
I am sure most of you have noticed, our best friend TV does not feature in this list. After all the time we spend with it during the week, don’t you think your TV deserves a Sunday?
-Mansi Mehta
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A CITY GIRL 