It is also challenging, tiring and frustrating. Obviously, homesickness is a big part of the challenge.
Not only do I miss my family, friends and comfort zone but also my city.I have always believed that who we are today is mostly dependent on how we are raised.Mom and dad raised me, my sister helped and teachers did a lot. But my environment raised me too.
Living in Bombay raised me. We have riots, bomb attacks, bandhs and hartals every so often.But when you see your parents go to work even on those days, you know how to persevere.
You walk home when it rains so much that everything stops. You go to work/college after the day they blow up our trains and buses.It becomes a part of your attitude. You cannot stop us. Ever!
Anybody who knows me knows that I am not a big fan of Bollywood movies. The incessant singing, the nonsensical story lines and bad acting is something I can do without.So it is not very often that I watch a hindi movie. I watched "Wake up Sid" recently and absolutely loved it.I really liked the movie for several reasons which I will talk about below, but the major reason was because it reminded me of my life growing up in Bombay and leaving home.
"Wake up Sid" showcases Bombay really well. I love the fact that they say Bombay and not Mumbai. I am aware there were a few issues because of that.But anybody who grew up when it was Bombay should call it B not M. I will, the Shiv Sena and Raj can yell all they want. The actors talk about how the city is really beautiful at night and really really pretty in the rains, I share the same sentiment.The city is really showcased well. Queens necklace/Marine drive at night. Juhu near cooper is very close to my parents home.
The actors are excellent, there is no overacting or drama usually associated with Bollywood. The characters are really believable. All of us know a kid we studied with who was rich and spoilt.All of us knew a nice, simple Maharastrian aunty. The situations are also very real, I cannot remember how many times me and my friends went out to eat on the streets after midnight and ate on the hood of a car and drank coffee in plastic cups.The boss who is interested in Jazz talks about Jazz by the bay. Its "Not" Just Jazz by the bay as my roomate reminded me and it is a Bombay landmark.
The situations are also really like what we grew up with. Checking exams scores was exactly like in the movie.It was great to see stories where people are coming to Bombay for reasons apart from trying to become a movie star. Konkona Sen is excellent and pretty in a very believable way.The supporting cast was great too.The music is excellent, Iktara is beautiful but the other songs are pretty good.
This is the first movie I have seen after Dil Chahta Hai, that was targetted at a younger, educated audience.
They usually dont make movies for people like me.The subtle nuances which made me like the movie are too many to list.The director is 26 years old and the movie felt very much like Indie Bollywood.
Please keep it coming!
Photo Credit: Vikas Munipalle
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vikas_munipalle/2839868435/
Super Talented.Seen @ India Daily Photo
