Kuldeep Nayyar: The Journalist who symbolised Truth!

Veteran journalist Kuldeep Nayyar sahab passed away last night at a Delhi hospital. He was 95. A Journalist who fought for freedom of expression and never hesitated in showing the mirror to the unscrupulous politicians. A journalist who was jailed during Emergency and resisted crumbs from the establishment all his life. 

I read his autobiography 'Beyond the Lines' with great interest. Born in Sialkot, he wrote a heartwarming account of Partition. He wrote about an unverified incident when Jinnah broke down during an aerial survey. When he saw the qatl-e-aam on the border post partition, he exclaimed with a sigh, "Yeh maine kya kar diya." 

Kuldeep sahab was critical of Indira Gandhi, Sanjay Gandhi and he was critical of Modi. He knew about Emergency better than most. Advani had famously said during Emergency, "Media was asked to bend, they crawled." Kuldeep sahab didn't bend, forget crawling. He stood erect  with pride till his last days.

 Rest in peace Sir!

What makes Gulzar sahab a Legend!

I've had the good fortune of interacting quite closely with Gulzar sahab as the D Day approached for Abba to be awarded the prestigious Jnanpith Award on September 18, 2011. Gulzar sahab edited the anthology 'Shahryar Suno' which was a collection of Ghazals and Nazmz of Abba. These Ghazals and Nazmz were selected by Gulzar sahab. It was launched by Mr Amitabh Bachchan after he handed over the momentous trophy to Abba. 

I used to interact with Gulzar sahab quite often on phone in those days as Abba was unwell and I was the contact point for their communication. What appealed to me the most was Gulzar sahabs passion. Someone who had achieved so much in life and was still so enthusiastic about editing anthology of a great Poet. I think it's this passion that has resulted in his longevity both in years as well as a relevant creative person. 

I have interviewed Gulzar sahab two times and the best way to define him is 'Intoxicating'. He's addictive. And the child like eagerness to be a student is very inspiring!

Happy Birthday Gulzar sahab. May you keep playing Tennis and may you continue inspiring!

Qurbani: The true and practical essence of humanity

I've been writing on the day of Eid Ul Zuha for the last two years that why it's important to make some changes, to help the poor instead of merely gorging on delicious feasts. This time I am writing this well in advance. I shall be donating a sum of money to help the poor and needy Muslims instead of the traditional qurbani of the goat. And I urge people to do the same. Just imagine the amount of money that can be generated if they-who-can-afford decide to donate the money in helping the poor Muslims. Clothes, books for children's education, food, basic commodities etc. The Savaab will surely be there. And most importantly you know that you've done something concrete that Allah will approve of. 

There are so many practises that we follow just out of societal pressures, to please others and may be to prove that we have loads of money. Anyone who understands the true meaning of Qurbani would approve the step to part ways with something that's dear to you. And that includes pride, ego and a false sense of self importance. Ammi Najma Mahmood always says that it's the idea of Qurbani that's far more important than sacrificing the animal.

Followers of any religion, sect or caste must update themselves. It's our responsibility that we help others and to ensure that through our actions, our religion must get acceptance Dil se. 

Debate and discussion is welcome but any sort of badtameezi won't be tolerated.

Relishing the royal treatment at Hotel Sacher, Vienna, Austria

Thanks to the Sacher management for a warm welcome. It is one of the finest hotels in the world. Established in 1875, Hotel Sacher has hosted some of the biggest politicians, movie and music stars. John F Kennedy, Indira Gandhi, Queen of England, Elizabeth Taylor to just name a few. Bulleya from Ae DilHai Mushkil was partly shot in and around this hotel. People still talk about Ranbir Kapoor and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Insha is enjoying the royal hospitality. 

#Vienna

#ViennaNow

#FaridoonInAustria

Helpless Smoke (Asifa)

Helpless Smoke 

A Poem by Faridoon Shahryar

On the cobbled road

She walked alone 

Blood dripped 

The breathing 

Heaved and echoed 

Flowers fell voluntarily 

Even the thought of comfort 

Isn't comforting any more

One last time she 

Looked up 

The vulgar roar of hyenas 

Blew the candle of life off

Helpless smoke wafts away...

#Asifa

Lamp Posts of Tears

Lamp Posts of Tears

A poem by Faridoon Shahryar

As I hear the 

Echo of expectations, 

I stand still 

For a while 

And admonish myself 

On the worldly vice.

'It's a sin to expect,'

I'd written long back;

Maybe it's time to write,

'Invest in emotions 

Only in those 

Who deserve

 Your attention and time.'

Wisdom is an 

Ongoing process,

The lamp posts of tears 

Shall guide you.

Sanjay Dutt's Biography is Unputdownable!

#SanjayDuttTheCrazyUntoldStoryOfBollywoodsBadBoy by Yasser Usman is a thrilling account of 1 of the most controversial movie stars in the world. Yasser dispels sentiments and states things as they are. When he praises it seems genuine,but clearly Sanjay is more a Khalnayak than a Nayak. 

Yasser traces Sanjay's life from childhood. He was a wayward boy who started smoking at10, boarding school, many trysts with dangerous activities that led to serious drug addiction, the many affairs, the many lies and embarrassments. Tragic demise of Nargis ji,how Sanjay got rid of drugs (overuse impacted brain cells forever), bomb blast case and the unconvincing reason why he needed another weapon when he already had 3 licensed guns, Yasser dissects it all. 

Yasser quotes from many of Sanjay's interviews. Mahesh Bhatt sahab said, "Sanjay is a disaster when he opens his mouth." In spite of the bomb blast case he was caught on tape talking on phone to gangster Chota Shakeel. The author analsyses how Munna Bhai films were the best works of Sanjay and changed his image forever. Jail brought the best out of him and the time spent there was the most spiritual learning experience for Sanjay Dutt. 

In spite of all the propoganda and genuine do-gooder image, Sanjay Dutt clearly has himself to blame for many of his misdemeanors and Controversies. Fate played traunt with illness of his mom and wife Richa as well. 

.#SanjayDuttTheCrazyUntoldStoryOfBollywoodsBadBoy by Yasser Usman is an unputdownable account of a unique tragic hero who's relentlessly pursued by controversies or maybe he courts controversies due to his personality. Do get a copy today!