Movie Magic

   Movies or moving images have fascinated each one of us for ages. Whether it was the silent era, the black and white movies, or the colour movies they have entertained, created interest, and are alluring. As children of the 70s and around we too were thrilled to see movies that were mostly woven around family sagas and love. Few movies have left an impeccable print on our hearts and mind that cannot be erased, of course, these are sweet memories that can be carried for a few more years. Children tend to perceive movies in a different way whereas adults and above see them from a different angle altogether. I recall my paternal grandmother watching the movie Avatar enacted by the greatest and the first superstar of Hindi movie Rajesh Khanna where he is Ill treated by his own sons who later on try to mend ways because he becomes famous and rich, she indirectly used to quote the scenes from the movie to target her daughter in law's ( my mother was one among them). Of course, we never understood what she was saying at that time. Similarly, Gabbar Singh of Sholay used to send chills down the spine to young kids of that time. The list is very long we can go on referring. All said and done Movies can inspire they can make you think out of the box. Sometimes they can make you question yourself and look back at your life or perhaps even see your future. There is a kid inside each of us. When we grow older, often we get so serious that we forget the wonders of life. That is where movies come into the picture. They often help us look for the bright side of things irrespective of what is happening in our lives. They take us to a fantasy world where for a few hours we can forget our miseries and go into a make-believe world to get rejuvenated and brisk. Movies have influenced people to become freedom fighters ( I have heard about my grandfather getting influenced by watching the movie Saat Hindustani), and I have heard about movies prompting my neighbour to elope from home and get married to a boy whom her parents disapproved (credit Ek Tujhe ke liye). These were the times when we did not have technology invasion into our lives fully. We believed that the hero and heroines were true. The villain was so scary and cruel. I remember getting under seats in the theatre watching the movie Sholay when Gabbar Singh uttered the dialogue kitne aadmi the? and the gunshots that follows that dialogue. It was a famous reference that was uttered by many mothers to keep their kids in place. Now, with internet services may be present-day kids are not so naive, but that is a different story altogether. Scam 1982 the recent super hit movie based on Mehta's life has taught very useful lessons to many aspiring share traders. No, trading. Shares are good but if the risks are not taken into consideration life becomes hell. This is the lesson the movie taught. Similarly, many movies based on real-life winners are giving very good motivation to budding entrepreneurs and youngsters. But, sometimes unfortunately movies lead men and women into committing crimes that are horrific which is a matter of real concern. Let us get into a short story that has been inspired by a movie of recent times.             

Asmita are you ready? Questioned Shubham. He had to drop her at the School Navrachna international en route to his Office, and then go to his place of work. This was their usual routine. Yes, coming shouted Asmita from inside her room. She had to attend a parent-teacher meeting that day. She was the teacher of standard fourth and had to meet the parents which was a routine meeting conducted after the first term exams. Yes, I am ready said Asmita and they started School after locking her home. It was a chilly winter morning. She reached School on time as Shubham dropped her off on time. Hurriedly she kept her belongings in the Staff room and with a bundle of test papers and report cards she entered the classroom and made all the required arrangements for the PTM. It would commence in another fifteen minutes. Her concern was mounting as to how to talk to the parents of one student Siddharth who had failed in all subjects except drawing and painting. He had made drawings that were extraordinary. But, which parents would feel elated at this?    As per schedule, Siddharth came into the classroom along with a young man and there was no lady along with him. Asmita was wondering why his mother did not come to attend the meeting. Just then the young man introduced himself as Nishanth and he went on to clarify that he was Siddharth's maternal uncle. Asmita was perplexed. And when she learned the real reason behind his uncle attending the meeting she felt so bad. The reason was Siddharth's parents had gotten separated very early into marriage leaving Siddarth at her maternal house his mother had got remarried. This was a reason for Siddharth to become dull and introverted. He neither had the love of his mother nor his father. His grandparents were quite old and had their own limitations. As his maternal uncle was still unmarried he did not know the nuances of bringing up a child of a broken marriage. All these factors made Siddarth more and more vulnerable to learning disabilities that are termed dyslexia. Asmita comforted both Siddarth and his uncle with her reassuring words as she had studied child psychology in her college and she knew how to handle such situations with care lest they tear.     

  She went home with a heavy heart after completing the meeting with all the parents as per the schedule. She tried to gather information about dyslexia and was wondering how to go about it. As a coincidence when she switched on the television on Sunday that is the next day the Movie 'Taare Zameen pe" was being telecast. It was so surprising to Asmita. She felt as if it was God-sent. She watched the movie bit by bit again as she had already seen some time ago. But, this time her intention of watching the movie was different. She got an idea of how to resolve Siddharth's problem at least to some extent and help the young boy who was in turmoil to lead a better life. With this idea in mind, she started observing his behavior and activities in Classroom as and when she got an opportunity. She even used to gather information from his classmates with utmost care lest it would lead to confusion in their young minds as to why she was inquiring. With that feedback she came up with a plan. ...   She observed that Siddarth was very good at writing. His handwriting was excellent. She guessed he might be good at painting too. When she enquired with his uncle it was confirmed by him that she was right in her guess. By chance, she changed upon finding a small message in the leading newspaper at her home. It was published that A very successful business family was conducting a mega drawing competition that would give very good prize money to the top ten participants along with a trophy and a certificate of merit. The winner would even get to meet the head of the business family. Asmita understood this was going to be very big if Siddharth succeeded in making a good painting. She guided him to select a good theme and encouraged him to practice well of course after school hours only. Since Siddharth was an avid painter as he had chosen this to express his hidden pain, he too gave his maximum time for practice and perfection......   The result was fabulous as expected and planned. Siddharth got an opportunity to meet the head of the business family who was a big philanthropist. He liked the paintings of all the winners but the one made by Siddharth stood on top. The painting depicted the image of a young mother cuddling her little bundle of joy. The mother's face seemed like the face of Monalisa who looked so genuine and true. The businessman too had a childhood that was disturbed due to the separation of his parents just like Siddharth. He assured me that Siddharth would be supported in the best possible way. This way the chance watching of the movie worked wonders for a young boy. Movies are good and movies are magical, provided we pick up the right aspects watch them, and put them to use in the best manner that enriches our lives and if possible the life of others too.