Sleepless Nights (Sad Version)

For how many nights,
you want me to shed tears silently.
Imagine one sleepless night,
how it feels?
Answer me honestly

Eyes have swollen,
tears have frozen.
I wonder if you could
imagine one sleepless night
how it feels?...

How it feels
to be hopeless
how it feels
when life seems meaningless
how it feels...
When you cry yet
The world cannot imagine...

Yet...
the world cannot imagine
the sound of my silence
the visions of my blindness
as this was the world,
That you had created
While filling my empty void
During those days when we dated

Now those days are gone,
like a flower it is wilted
now it is me and a sleepless night,
crying in the dark all alone,
all I had was a candle...
Now even that is melted.

All I can do now
is do nothing...
except waiting
for a ray of hope
for a new dawn from rising!

Waiting to see if ever
This sleepless night will be over....

BY: BHAVIN SHAH & GORAN RAHIM
(This poem was written during a half hour of word exchange by BHAVIN & GORAN

Back To Monday Blues!

Hello to my readers and non-readers,

It's around midnight and I am busy cherishing the best day of my life. Honestly, I ain't getting engaged or married. I am not giving you guys any hint of shedding my bachelor's tag. Because that's the most precious thing I care about. People think the 'bachelor' tag is a sin. It's a taboo in a conservative society like ours. And you encounter loads of people whose minds run like bullet trains. "Maybe, this xyz is having an affair with someone. Maybe, this abc has some medical history. Maybe this lmn cannot consummate with anyone." Lol! Search for such kind of people and you shall get loads of gossip mongers. Anyways, that's not the topic I want to discuss about. I wish to discuss with you about this best day of my life...

Sunday. 25th October, 2009
It's not always when you get a holiday from your work, may it be a weekday or a Sunday. And it's not always when you don't plan out your schedule on a holiday. This similar stance has happened today. No waking up early, no to-do lists, no file checking, no assessments, no tasks to be fulfilled, no targets to achieve, no person to entertain... Ah! What a life! It's a fairytale. But... A twist in the story... Does a person (who's not regular in taking breaks and holidays) really like such fairytale life? Tough question. These 24 hours were the most difficult hours of my life. And that's the reason why I rate it as the best. (Because the worst of rains bring out the best of rainbows.) I had nothing planned in my mind. This particular day, I never showed way to my life. Instead, life showed me a way to myself.

Picture this:
There's never a single day in life, when a person stops planning. Planning has always been a part of a person's life. May it be a housemaker (scheduling daily chores), students (planning to achieve targets), employees (planning to fulfill tasks), employers (planning to increase their net worth) or say beggars (collect more money in particular area), policemen (solving cases) or white-collared bureaucrats (bribe... Hehehe)... Simple is the funda, working styles are different but planning is the core of it.

But today, rules get broken and suddenly you don't have anything to plan about. You just don't want to be a dam to divert the flow... All you want is to go with the flow... You don't have a boss to report to. You don't have a spouse to help with chores. You don't have files to assess. You don't have a girl friend to impress by scratching heads and finding a new place to spend cosy moments. You don't have 'roz ka khit-pit' (everyday tension). You don't have an active mind that works like a ticking time bomb even while sleeping. Wow! It's just so wonderful to live a life without worrying.

Hey, you guys must be wondering, why am I discussing all crap in this blog. To be honest, I don't have a solidproof answer for this. I really don't know the answer. All I know is that this is what I have experienced today. Tension free, care free life... What a day!

Somebody asked me, "What did you learn today?" I cheekily answered, "I learnt to live!"

So guys! Stop showing way to your life for a whole lifetime. Taking a break and letting your life show the way to yourself is always a great option. Now that's what needs to be added in a Sunday to-do list or a Sunday task manager.

You must be wondering what about tomorrow... Well, what about tomorrow? Cherish your Sundays for yourself... And then it's Back To Monday Blues!

Hanuman Chalisa with Meaning (Courtesy: Shailesh Nandu)

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj, Nij Man Mukar Sudhari, Barnau Raghuvar Bimal Jasu, Jo dayaku Phal Chari
With the dust of Guru's Lotus feet, I clean the mirror of my mind and then narrate the sacred glory of Sri Ram Chandra, The Supereme among the Raghu dynasty. The giver of the four attainments of life.

Budhi heen Tanu Janike, Sumirow, Pavan Kumar, Bal Buddhi Vidya Dehu Mohi, Harahu Kalesh Bikaar
Knowing myself to be ignorent, I urge you, O Hanuman, The son of Pavan! O Lord! kindly Bestow on me strength, wisdom and knowledge, removing all my miseries and blemishes.

Jai Hanuman Gyan Guna Sagar Jai Kipis Tihun Lok Ujgaar
Victory of Thee, O Hanuman, Ocean of wisdom and virtue, victory to the Lord of monkeys who is well known in all the three worlds.

Ramdoot Atulit Bal Dhamaa, Anjani Putra Pavansut naamaa.
You, the Divine messager of Ram and repository of immeasurable strength, are also known as Anjaniputra and known as the son of the wind - Pavanputra.

Mahebeer Bikram Bajrangi, Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi.
Oh Hanumanji! You are valiant and brave, with a body like lightening. You are the dispeller of darkness of evil thoughts and companion of good sense and wisdom.

Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesaa, Kanan kundal kunchit kesa.
Shri Hanumanji's physique is golden coloured. His dress is pretty, wearing 'Kundals' ear-rings and his hairs are long and curly.

Hath Bajra Aur Dhvaja Birjai, Kandhe Moonj Janeu saage.
Shri Hanumanji is holding in one hand a lighting bolt and in the other a banner with sacred thread across his shoulder.

Shankar Suvna Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Maha Jag Vandan.
Oh Hanumanji! You are the emanation of 'SHIVA' and you delight Shri Keshri. Being ever effulgent, you and hold vast sway over the universe. The entire world proptiates. You are adorable of all.

Vidyavaan Guni Ati Chatur, Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Atur
Oh! Shri Hanumanji! You are the repository learning, virtuous, very wise and highly keen to do the work of Shri Ram,

Prabhu Charittra Sunibe Ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita man basiya.
You are intensely greedy for listening to the naration of Lord Ram's lifestory and revel on its enjoyment. You ever dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram-Sita and Shri Lakshman.

Sukshma roop Dhari Siyahi Dikhwana, Bikat roop Dhari Lank Jarawa
You appeared beofre Sita in a diminutive form and spoke to her, while you assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

Bhim roop Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke kaaj Savare.
He, with his terrible form, killed demons in Lanka and performed all acts of Shri Ram.

Laye Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shri Raghubir harashi ur laye.
When Hanumanji made Lakshman alive after bringing 'Sanjivni herb' Shri Ram took him in his deep embrace, his heart full of joy.

Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum Mama Priya Bharat Sam Bahi.
Shri Ram lustily extolled Hanumanji's excellence and remarked, "you are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat"

Sahastra Badan Tumharo Jas Gaave, Asa kahi Shripati Kanth Laagave.
Shri Ram embraced Hanumanji saying: "Let the thousand - tongued sheshnaag sing your glories"

Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa, Narad Sarad Sahit Aheesa
Sanak and the sages, saints.
Lord Brahma, the great hermits
Narad and Goddess Saraswati along with Sheshnag the cosmic serpent, fail to sing the glories of Hanumanji exactly

Jam Kuber Digpal Jahan Te, Kabi Kabid Kahin Sake Kahan Te
What to talk of denizens of the earth like poets and scholars ones etc even Gods like Yamraj, Kuber, and Digpal fail to narrate Hanman's greatness in toto.

Tum Upkar Sugrivahi Keenha, Ram Miali Rajpad Deenha
Hanumanji! You rendered a great service for Sugriva, It were you who united him with SHRI RAM and installed him on the Royal Throne.

Tumharo Mantro Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana.
By heeding your advice. Vibhushan became Lord of Lanka, which is known all over the universe.

Juug Sahastra Jojan Par Bhaanu, Leelyo Taahi Madhur Phal Jaanu
Hanumanji gulped, the SUN at distance of sixteen thousand miles considering it to be a sweet fruit.

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maaheen, Jaladhi Langhi Gaye Acharaj Naheen.
Carrying the Lord's ring in his mouth, he went across the ocean. There is no wonder in that.

Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jeete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Te Te.
Oh Hanumanji! all the difficult tasks in the world are rendered easiest by your grace.

Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot Na Aagya Bin Paisare.
Oh Hanumanji! You are the sentinel at the door of Ram's mercy mansion or His divine abode. No one may enter without your permission.

Sab Sukh Lahen Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kaahu Ko Darnaa.
By your grace one can enjoy all happiness and one need not have any fear under your protection.

Aapan Tej Samharo Aapei, Tanau Lok Hank Te Kanpei
When you roar all the three worlds tremble and only you can control your might.

Bhoot Pisaach Nikat Nahi Avei, Mahabir Jab Naam Sunavei.
Great Brave on. Hanumanji's name keeps all the Ghosts, Demons & evils spirits away from his devotees.

Nasei Rog Hare Sab Peera, Japat Niranter Hanumant Beera
On reciting Hanumanji's holy name regularly all the maladies perish the entire pain disappears.

Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudavei, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lavei.
Those who rembember Hanumanji in thought, word and deed are well guarded against their odds in life.

Sub Par Ram Tapasvee Raaja, Tinke Kaaj Sakal Tum Saaja
Oh Hanumanji! You are the caretaker of even Lord Rama, who has been hailed as the Supreme Lord and the Monarch of all those devoted in penances.

Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Phal Pave.
Oh Hanumanji! You fulfill the desires of those who come to you and bestow the eternal nectar the highest fruit of life.

Charo Juung Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsiddha Jagat Ujiyara.
Oh Hanumanji! You magnificent glory is acclaimed far and wide all through the four ages and your fame is radianlty noted all over the cosmos.

Sadho Sant Ke Tum Rakhvare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare.
Oh Hanumanji! You are the saviour and the guardian angel of saints and sages and destroy all the Demons, you are the seraphic darling of Shri Ram.

Ashta Siddhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata.
Hanumanji has been blessed with mother Janki to grant to any one any YOGIC power of eight Sidhis and Nava Nidhis as per choice.

Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sadaa Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa.
Oh Hanumanji! You hold the essence of devotion to RAM, always remaining His Servant.

Tumhare Bhajan Ramko Pavei. Janam Janam Ke Dukh Bisravei.
Oh Hanumanji! through devotion to you, one comes to RAM and becames free from suffering of several lives.

Anta Kaal Raghubar Pur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakta Kahai.
After death he enters the eternal abode of Sri Ram and remains a devotee of him, whenever, taking new birth on earth.

Aur Devata Chitt Na Dharai, Hanumant Sei Sarva Sukh Karai
You need not hold any other demigod in mind. Hanumanji alone will give all happiness.

Sankat Kate Mitey Sab Peera, Jo Sumirei Hanumant Balbeera
Oh Powerful Hanumanji! You end the sufferings and remove all the pain from those who remember you.

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karahu Gurudev Ki Naiee
Hail-Hail-Hail-Lord Hanumanji! I beseech you Honour to bless me in the capacity of my supreme 'GURU' (teacher).

Jo Sat Baar Paath Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi.
One who recites this Hanuman Chalisa one hundred times daily for one hundred days becames free from the bondage of life and death and enjoys the highest bliss at last.

Jo Yah Padhe Hanuman Chalisa, Hoy Siddhi Sakhi Gaurisa
As Lord Shankar witnesses, all those who recite Hanuman Chalisa regularly are sure to be benedicted

Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Keeje Nath Hriday Mah Dera.
Tulsidas always the servant of Lord prays. "Oh my Lord! You enshrine within my heart.!

Chopai:

Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran , Mangal Murti Roop. Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, Hriday Basahu Sur Bhoop.
O Shri Hanuman, the Son of Pavan, Saviour the Embodiment of blessings, reside in my heart together with Shri Ram, Laxman and Sita ...

Breaking The Barriers

Before I begin to write something, I would like to highlight this particular thought that ran across my mind, "A man is no different than a beast unless he's honest with himself."

I have something to be honest about. I have been suffering from a writer's bloc since quite a sometime. And this has been a reason for leaving my blog stale. Technically speaking, I do not expect a common man to understand the meaning of writer's bloc. But an avid reader or a compulsive writer can understand what it really means. It is basically known as a writer's cancer, simply because the thoughts, the feelings, the ideas inside a writer's mind turn dead. There are thousands of symptoms of cancer. Similarly, the writer's bloc has many symptoms. The most common symptoms are lack of interest, negative feedback, same ideas to write about, monotonuous reading or writing and over-experimentation with something that you are not good at.

But now, I plan to fight my writer's bloc state and decide to concentrate on breaking the barriers that are hampering me to serve my wellwishers with something good to read about. There may be hundreds of writers with better potential than mine who could be suffering from writer's bloc. I just wish to convey that it isn't the end of the road. This particular lesson was taught by my online mentors:

"Writer's bloc is inevitable. No body can stop it. Shakespeare, Wordsworth, Austen, Dumas and all other renowned writers have passed through this phase in their lives. If they couldn't stop it, who are you to do so? Instead of cursing yourself for suffering this condition, take it as a blessing. It's not a disease to be ashamed of. It is not a permanent condition. It is just a passing stage of life. It is your mind's way of saying that you need a break from your thoughts. If you need a break, take it! But do not over-stress or force yourself to write if you cannot. Do not compromise with the quality of your works. Catch up doing things that you missed. Listen to the music of your favourite genre. Concentrate on other stuffs. Get inspiration from the surroundings, may it be nature, people or lifeless figures. Most important thing, do not lose hope... Because at the end of a dark tunnel, there's always a ray of light. Last but not the least, you do not need to have superpowers to become a hero... because in some or the other way, You Are A Hero."

So today, I stand up... to rejuvenate my thoughts... to fight against this writer's cancer and most importantly... for "Breaking The Barriers".

Wanted

Ok... There are actors. There are stars. And there are superstars. There are comic actors. There are romantic actors. There are dancing actors. There are intense actors. And there are all-rounders. And Salman comes in the last category.


I don't fancy South Indian movies, neither dubbed nor remakes. Especially after having a life-threatening experience by watching Sirf Tum. It could have easily made me commit suicide. Such was the experience! But my fears got shed after watching Tamil version of Ghajini. It wouldn't have been possible for me to understand the movie without English subtitles.


Now this made me watch Pokkiri... Awesome fun it was to watch the action movie. But I wondered if Wanted lived upto the original movies expectations. Because the Hindi version of Ghajini was a dud versus the Tamil version. Luckily for me, Wanted exceeds above expectations. It's a must watch for action lovers, Sallu lovers and masala lovers.


The movie stars with the mafia don enjoying ladies wrestling. He gets a phone call and he needs to come to India. The movie flashbacks 3 months earlier. It showcases the underworld-politics-police-builders-blah-blah-blah nexus. In comes a commissioner who wants to eradicate the menace. Enters a goon, who doesn't work for anyone or anything except money. And then starts dishum-dishum, dhichkau-dhichkau. The stunts go above the viewers' heads but it's great fun. Then there is a heroine who's head over heels in love with the goon. There's a bribe taking cop too. Then there's a good for nothing landlord.


I have no intention to write the synopsis or plot of this movie simply because I don't wish to spoil the fun.


This movie lies on the shoulders of almost all the actors, may it be Prakash Raj as the don, Ayesha Takia as the girl next door, Mahesh Manjrekar as the bad cop. But the one who stands out the most is apna Sallubhai.


Last but not the least, only a fool will criticise this movie. Because Salman delivers a genuine super duper hit this time! Hail the hero!