The World Beyond

When my script, An Indian Ballad, based on my novel The World Beyond, recently made it to the top 7 finalists in an European competition, I was told that it is an Indian Romeo and Juliet with a happy ending. Yes, it sure is a love story between two people who inhabit two very different worlds, and are yet drawn to each other through a mutual love for music. But it is not just a love story. It is also the story of one of the most beautiful and prosperous cities in the world, which is annihilated in just 3 years and then forgotten.

I've received a lot of feedback and reviews ever since the book was published. Many have even said that it reads like a movie. But this piece which was written just a couple of days back, is unique in that the reader has not only visualised the book as a movie, but has even gone a step further and done the casting. 

Want to know which actors Helen Shan from Malaysia would like to cast as Salim or Ahmed or Chutki? ... Over to you Helen:

Here is something I would like to share about an experience I had … watching KKK’s next movie. The story also gave a major role to our Guru, Jijibua and a little of grown up Nanhi.

When I mean watch, it was a movie that was created in my mind, induced by a wonderful book written by our own Hansa T. Dasgupta “The World Beyond”. A book which gave immense satisfaction of watching what we have all been waiting for, but of course visualization…not real.

It was a book about the struggles of a young patriotic Indian prince and a gentle English girl, fighting for their love in the midst of the war that was going on between the local Indians and the British. It was a lovely story with so much intricate details that it was easy to imagine each and every scene in your mind while you read. Even the battle that was going on went through my brain with such clarity. The costumes, gestures, places, feelings, surrounding air, the moments of the lovers were all described so perfectly that one can’t fail to create a the scene in his or her mind.

There was falling in love at first sight, Kunal kind of romantic moments, Mohan Bhatnagar kind of protective and strong love, pain of separation and all things that lovers from different world would endure. Above all the battle that went on within the prince between his love and his loyalty to his people.

One quote that was said by the prince, which depicted Mohan Bhatnagar very well was when the prince's god mother suggested he had a row of girls waiting for him after he thought she deserted him, was -

“No. She was the love of my life. No one can love me like she did. What we shared was beyond this world.” It totally made me lost in the story.

Apart from the love affair that was going on, there was the painfully depressing battle that was going on. I being a foreigner know very little about what happened between the locals and invaders in India in the 19th century, so reading the minute details given by Hansa made me very disturbed that as I type this my eyes welled. The story did leave me troubled thinking how much sufferings that was felt.

The story has touched me and has also created a loss that I have newly come across. It may probably be due to my nature or otherwise, but it was a great experience for me.

Now, the reason I am writing it here, in our group!!! As I have mentioned earlier the story went on my mind with the people we knew, mainly Kunal Karan Kapoor and Dushyant Wagh. This story momentarily made me forget the wait for KKK’s return and more or less gave the satisfaction of watching him again. After watching KKK in so many expressive moments it was natural that I started seeing him in any emotional scene. Conceiving the scenes in my brain on how KKK would have portrayed that particular scene. Not only him, even Dushyant Wagh’s scenes were rooted in my mind.

Both these actors fell into place perfectly as a prince and his cousin. If only there was such a movie made, I am sure KKK would be the perfect fit for the role of the prince, with his touch of romantic moves and the look of royal blood. The courage we saw in Yudi and Vaasu would very well apprehend the patriotic part of the prince. The thought itself is so overwhelming, can’t imagine the effect if it became true.

A snippet, just imagine Kunal Karan Kapoor in this scene…

“We’ll call it Dooja Jahaan, the world beyond. A world beyond the reach of ordinary human existence. A world created out of love. And only lovers will be allowed in the garden,” Salim said.

Rachael laughed.

He watched her as though hypnotised. Subhaan Allah! Why was she so perfect? Even her laughter was so pleasant, like wind chimes.

“Why are you looking at me like this?” Rachael asked.

“Nothing. Just hoarding memories. They’ll be useful when you get engaged to someone." ...

Salim’s eyes held hers. He continued to look into her eyes as he lifted her hand and pressed it to his lips ...

Thank you so much Helen. I can imagine how much time it must have taken to pen this lovely write-up and I really appreciate it. 

You can order The World Beyond online from Flipkart or from Amazon. 

Hasta la vista guys. I'll be back... And so will Kunal ;) 

Keep smiling friends. Keep ROFLing. Life is Beautiful :)

They Killed It... Allah... Maar Daala

I love actors and have been fortunate to have worked with some of them.  What amazes me always is how they not only understand the scene but also grasp the sub-text and get under the skin of the character within minutes. I remember watching them emote and thinking - OMG, that's exactly how I had visualised this particular scene.

So how do they do that? How are these actors able to get the scene spot on? By giving it their damnedest. And more. As IMTIAZ ALI has rightly said - "It is not the time and effort that the actors give. They give it their heart."

So can you guys think of a scene where the actor killed it with a single look? Yupp, you got that right. A SINGLE look.

I closed my eyes to think of one and the following scenes flashed across my mind instantly:

1. SACHIN PILGAONKAR:

He was one of the most adorable child stars. He has done some fantastic movies over the years, each very different from the other. I have loved all the roles he has portrayed, my favourites being in Ankhiyon ke Jharoke Se, Nadiya ke Paar, Balika Vadhu, Satte pe Satta and Aisi Bhi Kya Jaldi Hai.

But there's this one scene in Ankhiyon ke Jharoke Se, that will remain implanted in my memory forever. It is the scene where Arun (Sachin) and his friends challenge Lily Fernandes (Ranjita), to represent the girls in a Hindi poetry competition. The moment Lily starts singing Bade Badhai Na Kare, the way Arun's expression shifts from one of over confidence to shock, to "wow, I'm impressed," to well and truly smitten, within a matter of seconds is commendable. Hats off to one of the most lovable actors of Bollywood.

2. SONU NIGAM:

Okay, this one is not reel but real. But I had to include it. For the simple reason that ever since I saw this video, I cannot get the look on Sonu's face, out of my head. The expression on his face when his son Neevan is singing, cannot be put into words. You have to watch the video to feel it. It is not just the mixture of immense happiness, pride and "I love you so much, I could squish you like a tube of toothpaste," but the intensity of his love, so evident from his face that leaves you staggered. And overwhelmed.

3. KUNAL KARAN KAPOOR:

Several scenes come to mind when I think of Mohan Bhatnagar. How can one choose a single scene for this man? After much deliberating, I decide to go for the cutest hug ever seen on Indian television. It is the scene right after the 'kis haq se' scene, when Mohan comes back to Junna Mohalla. He ruffles his hair self-consciously, then looks at Megha, pouts - "yeah yeah, I know I said I'm not coming back, but how could I leave without my heart?" Just a single look that says it all. And Hansa kow-tows to the undisputed king of expressions.

Mohan, Nanhi aur Megha

4. APURVA AGNIHOTRI:

Armaan Sir. Sigh!!! Wherefore art thou Armaan Sir? It's been twelve years since Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin was first aired, yet I can still recall this particular scene with absolute clarity. It was the scene when our Sheru is busy clobbering Nandu and Jassi slaps him. The look of incredulity on Armaan's face when Jassi slaps him - inimitable, unparalleled, priceless. Apurva and only Apurva could have nailed it with a single look. What more can I say other than - Jai Sir Armaan!

watch from 10:00

5. OSMAN KHALID BUTT:

I loved his acting in Aunn Zara. But it was as Wali in Diyar-e-Dil that he knocked my socks off. Totally. Charon khaane chit kar diya bandhe ne Hansa ko.

I have watched this scene from Diyar-e-Dil a million times. It's the one where Farah mistakes Wali's room for Agha Jaan's room and sleeps in his bed. The soft warm glow of the candlelight, the even softer ta na na of the background music and the way Wali's shocked expression gradually gives way to a slow smile filled with tender love is so exquisite, it makes your heart go mmm... One of the most romantic scenes ever. Allah... Osman ki mind-blowing acting ne... maar daala.

Mark my words, after Ali Zafar and Fawad Khan, this guy is going to be the next big import from Pakistan to Bollywood.  Osman Khalid Butt... aaahhh!!!

That's all for now folks. Khuda hafiz, Rab rakha, hasta la vista. Don't forget to share your favourite 'killer look' in the comments below. Can be any actor, not just the ones I've mentioned. And a big thank you to Mamta Kumari for uploading the scene from NBT.

Keep smiling friends. Keep ROFLing. Life is Beautiful :)