Kapoor & Sons (Since 1921): Refreshingly Real

Director: Shakun Batra
Cast: Rishi Kapoor, Ratna Pathak, Rajat Kapoor, Fawad Khan, Siddharth Malhotra, Alia Bhatt
Rating: 4/5

Kapoor & Sons is refreshingly real. After all the glitz and glamour that Bollywood is known for, comes a movie that is outright simple and yet extremely engaging.

Well-written characters combined with powerful acting by some of the most seasoned actors of industry and the beautiful chemistry shared by the terrific trio of Fawad, Alia and Siddharth, just makes it all the more interesting.

The plot is relatively simple. Estranged brothers Arjun (Siddharth Malhotra) and Rahul (Fawad Khan), both writers, are forced to return to their childhood home in Coonor when they get news about their grandfather’s (Rishi Kapoor) heart attack.

While in the hospital, Kapoor reveals his last wish of getting a family photograph. As the entire family gathers under one roof, secrets unveil and misunderstandings turn into tragedy.

Rishi Kapoor as the 90-year old grandfather is absolutely adorable and charming. He’s the lively Bollywood ‘dadu’ who smokes up and loves girls.

Siddharth and Fawad as siblings are perfect. While Fawad plays the character of the mature elder son who is always expected to the right thing, Siddharth is the younger sibling who feels deprived of his parents’ love.

Rajat Kapoor and Ratna Pathak in their role as the parents show are flawless.

Alia is the bubbly girl who lost her parents at a young age.

The beauty of the movie lies in the depth of each character and its astounding connection with the reality.

Unlike most Bollywood movies that are unrealistic and superficial, K&S has taken a page from the lives of ordinary people and turned it into something that most people can relate with.

On one hand, K&S is full of punches that will make you laugh out loud; on the other hand, it is full of moments that will make you cry.

Kudos to director Shakun Batra for turning something really ordinary into something so beautiful!

The cavalcade of colors: Holi

O Rang barse, bhige, chunar wali rang barse…

The festival of colors is around the corner and we can already hear people crooning to the popular Bollywood melodies. Owing to the courtesy of the lively tracks like ‘Balam Pichkari..’, Holi has become the next big event of the year.

Known not just for its vibrant colors and zeal but also for its mouth-watering dishes, Holi is one festival you just don’t want to miss. With Gujiyas, Phirni, Chat and Thandai being served from all directions, this festival is a treat for all the food lovers where they get to savor all their favorite delicacies without a shred of regret!

As vivacious as it gets, Holi is one festival, which is equally famous and accepted everywhere. The striking display of colors is not only intriguing but also alluring in a way that it naturally helps people to bond and connect over a simple statement of ‘Bura na mano, Holi hai!’. The spirit and energy are simply contagious, as you cannot help yourself from jumping into what otherwise looks like a complete ruckus.

What the world says is the ‘Indian Tomatina’, is not only celebrated in various parts of India but also has its influence in several parts of the world. The Color Run in the United States is one of the many examples where Holi has been modified for a greater cause. This Indian festival is also organized as a partying event across the globe, highlighting its role not only as a source of merriment but also in establishing communal harmony.

Colorful splash of water balloons, playing with water pistol known as ‘Pichkari’ and applying color to your friends and family, could it get any better? Holi sets a celebratory mood unlike no other festival throughout the year and it doesn’t matter whether you live in Barsana or Bangaluru or whether you live in Maharashtra or Manipur, Holi is one festival people celebrate with equal enthusiasm everywhere.

India is a culturally diverse land and everything comes in versions. This is true for Holi as well. Being celebrated across the country within different cultures, every state has its own story explaining the significance of this zealous festival. For Gujarat, Holi is a two-day affair, where on the first day bon-fire is lit and on the second day called “Dhuleti”, colors are applied.

Barsana, a small town near Mathura celebrates “Lath Mar Holi” wherein the women use sticks to beat up the men in the Radha Rani temple. Holi in Bihar is known as “Phaguwa” and is celebrated in form of a two-day festival, where bon-fire is lit on the first day and colors are applied on the second day.

Bengal observes a slightly different tradition. Holi in the state is called “Dol Jatra” and is celebrated by placing idols of Lord Krishna and Radha on an exquisitely decorated palanquin, which is then taken around the main streets of the city. In Manipuri people celebrate Holi for 6-days, and the celebration merges with the festival of Yaosang.

In Andhra Pradesh, Holi is celebrated along with Basant Panchami, where as in Punjab Holi is preceded by Holika Dahan.

From North to South, from East to West, Holi is one festival, which unites us like no other festival does.

No matter how diverse our cultures might be and however different we might be in celebrating our festivities, the underlying feeling always remains unchanged. While connecting us to our roots, these festivals permeate the feeling of brotherhood and tolerance. Thus, weaving us closer together as a country and as fellow humans.

After Delhi, AAP to party in Goa

After sweeping the streets of Delhi, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is ready to rock-and-roll and this time its taking the party to Goa.

Though AAP has made no official announcement in this regard, word is that the party is eyeing to contest in all 40 constituencies of Goa and is likely to make a formal announcement in next two months.

If AAP poster boy Arvind Kejriwal is preparing to clean Goa off all its 'corrupt officials' using his famous 'Jhaadu', then we are surely up for some fun and DRAMA!

After all who would want to miss the most happening party of the year, specially when its in Goa?

However, the real fun will begin if AAP comes into power. With no Congress to blame and no power tussle with BJP to complain about, how will AAP work? Against whom will AAP demonstrate and waste crores in putting up banners, if they are sole entity in power?

If tables turn, how will AAP cope with the waxing and waning tides of Goa, which happens to be an international tourist destination?

It will be interesting to see how Bikinis, Babes and Booze live with the Broomstick.

Fingers crossed folks, coz this party is just getting started!!!