A guy named Justin James shared a post about the opportunity he missed and it is going viral on Facebook. The post talks about the girl he met online and how he fell in love with her. He writes what not expressing his love to the girl cost him. The touching post has received thousands of shares and comments on Facebook.

Here is the post.

I want to take a moment to talk about missed opportunities.

In mid November of last year I started talking online with a very beautiful Vietnamese girl. We spoke about music, and movies, and books, and her desire to one day move back to Sydney. Our conversation moved at exactly the same pace. She was intelligent, and kind, and witty and funny…and did I mention beautiful?

Now anyone that knows me, knows that I lose interest in women (and people in general) very quickly if I feel that we are not existing on the same plane… That was not the case with this girl. I knew immediately that I liked her.

So much so, that I did…nothing.

I ignored these feelings that I had because deep down I felt that if she met me in person that somehow she wouldn’t like the real “Justin” outside of my online persona.

She was too perfect, and I am not that lucky.

We would causally talk online from time to time, but never making real plans.

January 21st I mustered up the courage and asked her if she wanted to meet. She agreed and 2 days later we met for coffee. I arrived 15mins late and she was waiting, patiently, casually drinking a beer. It was 3pm. I thought this was hilarious and awesome. We were excited to finally meet and it was obvious. We sat and talked for hours with a sort of nervous excitement.

The whole time I was wearing my sunglasses, not to block the sunlight but instead to conceal my feelings. She asked to see my eyes and I jokingly said, “later”.

We made plans to hangout later that night, but decided to wait… We didn’t want to ruin the moment.

A few days later I went to China to play a few shows. When I came back she was leaving to the North for the Tet Holiday. When she came back I left again. Then she left again. Etc, etc.

Now even though we didn’t see each other physically during this time we would always watch each other’s IG stories, FB stories, etc. I would always look to see who watched my stories, just to see if she had. And she did.

Then one day she stopped watching.

I sent her a few FB messages and WhatsApp messages, but she didn’t respond. I called, but she didn’t answer. I thought that maybe she had met someone else or wasn’t interested anymore. This made me sad.

After not hearing from her for a few weeks I made the decision that I would contact her somehow and let her know how I really felt. No games, no bullshit.

But, unfortunately that chance will never come, because yesterday I found that she passed away in a motorbike crash 3 weeks ago…

I can’t help but feel that if I would have told her that maybe this could have been avoided.

If you care about someone let them know, now. Because tomorrow is never promised.

RIP Thanh Vu

[Photo courtesy: Justin James]

THIS WOMEN’S DAY
This women’s day lets teach our sons
Teach our sons to respect all genders equally
Teach our son’s to stand by women and men in their needs
Teach our sons that women are not toys they to are humans
Let son’s know they have equally number of hands and head as women
Let them know women are not superhumans to do their work
Teach them to share load and learn to help
Teach them to build morals rather then pointing someone’s character
Teach them to make mentality large rather then staring at length of cloths
Teach them that shame lies in eyes not in cloths
Don’t make your son count the sacrifice a women makes
Teach them to learn to take equal responsibility and sacrifice equally
Teach them women are not weak they will give back what ever u give them.
Let them know that being polite and friendly doesn’t mean welcoming them
This women’s day lets not force girls to be a great women
This women’s day pledge to make our boys a better men for tomorrow
This women’s day don’t empower women but empower the values in our son’s
This women’s day let is teach our son to use his strength in a positive way
This women’s day burden lies on mother to make a better and safe future for upcoming women….

Ranveer Singh knows how to stay in limelight 24×7. Be it wearing unique clothing or performing stunts in public place. One of his such recent stunts seems to have failed. He was on promotion of his upcoming film Gully Boy at Lakme fashion week in Mumbai.

He along with rapper Naezy and other artists sand Apna Time Aayega and then the actor decided to dive into the audience. But the dive didn’t go smoothly. The actor fell on members of the audience, leaving the audience sprawling on the ground.

Twitter is obviously pissed off.

.@RanveerOfficial jumps into a crowd of fans, hurts a fewhttps://t.co/AINLWHg49d pic.twitter.com/XXqQHJvH0h

— HT Entertainment (@htshowbiz) February 5, 2019

Twitter users are sharing photo of a new article in Mid Day newspaper’s 4th Feb edition titled “The Rough Landing” where Singh is seen jumping along with the members of the audience on ground.

No civil sense in the guy. A public personality shouldn't be this careless, no? Could have badly hurt the people. pic.twitter.com/qYFn3KZOBZ

— Hipster (@Hipsterrrific) February 4, 2019

The user further wrote,

Ranveer fans actually have the audacity to talk about random negative SRK incidents from the past. Being a fan of a person makes people so dumb. Why can’t you accept that the person you stan isn’t a God, he’s a mere human. Just accept his idiocy and hope he never repeats it.

Another user posted,

WTF! Grow up Ranveer Singh and stop your childish antics. pic.twitter.com/S7wZ7x7huL

— ہمالی (@Oxynom) February 5, 2019

One user also shared video from the event.

pic.twitter.com/Jx4Ib66DRX

— ಯದುನಂದನ್ (@yadunandan171) February 5, 2019

People are seemingly furious with the actor.

He is a 33 year old man not a child. He is responsible for his actions. He actually ended up hurting people in his hyper mode. What is the need for such unnecessary and dangerous stunts. Such a attention seeker. Not cool Mr. Ranveer Singh!

— RoseGold (@RoseGold0910) February 4, 2019

Don't know why people especially girls found him so adorable when he does such kind of things, thay says like I want to be self confidant like ranveer, he is so free with people n all.. man that much of thrill could spoil the enjoyment.

— Arnold Shivajinagar (@lamechemist) February 4, 2019

One user was also seen defending the actor.

You don't have to immediately be so critical cynical and nasty. This also happens in various rock shows. Yes misjudged jump or an unfortunate accident I can understand but doesn't mean he did it on purpose I am sure @RanveerOfficial was sorry and must have apologized

— Vaishali Monga (@VaishaliMonga3) February 5, 2019

We’d definitely suggest Ranveer Singh to inform audience in advance before performing such stunts in future.

[Photo Credits: Sayyed Sameer Abedi, Mid Day]

Holi is one of the most epic festivals India has had. It’s not just about people gathering together, but celebrating love with colors, and uniting people from everywhere.

The food, the festivities, the colors and the sheer vibrance in the air can be felt. And for some of us hopeless romantics, it is time to fantasize our own versions of popular Holi songs where you’re the leading couple and there’s romance, masti and background dancers around.

Okay, so we got a bit carried away there. Here are (just some of) the songs you can have a real special Holi with as they play in the background.

1. Holi Khele Raghuveera

Film – Baghban

A classic old school romance revived in this song, Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan are pure delight to watch here. This is one of the most popular songs of Holi that Baghban gave us.

What’s more, it’s an amazing song to dance to inn a group, and with a special someone.

2. Rang Barse

Film – Silsila

Well the film is most definitely a visual treat. Watching Amitabh and Rekha on screen is nothing but happiness.

In the plot of the film, this stirs quite some anger into the characters’ lives. However, the song brings nothing but some awesome memories of playing Holi for us.

3. Lahu Mu Lag Gaya

Film – Ram Leela

Uffff! The chemistry in this song is so intense we don’t even have words! Both Deepika and Ranveer are sizzing in this song. Plus, Ram Leela was the film during which the duo fell in love… So, who knows what awaits us as well!

This is a particularly amazeballs song because it combines our two, no wait… three most favorite things – Holi, Garba and romaaaaannncceee!

4. Balam Pichkari

Film – Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani

Not just the film, but the songs of Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani are also brilliant. Balam Pichkari will always be special because this film has given us all some great advice to live by, and epic songs too!

Balam Pichkari is the modern Holi anthem, and gives us major couple goals watching the chemistry between Deepika and Ranbir!

5. Soni Soni

Film – Mohabbatein

An ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan could not really save this film, but the songs sure did!

Soni soni still plays at a lot of Holi parties and will always be popular festival song. Watching Anupam Kher and Archana Puran Singh is a bonus!

6. Aye Gori

Film – Delhi Heights

The song is from a film called Delhi Heights, starring Neha Dhupia and Jimmy Shergill. This one’s our personal favourite.

With vocals from Kailash Kher, and some really cool rhythm, the song is has some flirtatious lyrics that will get you in a mood to play Holi asap.

7. Jaa Re Hat Natkhat

Film – Navrang

This is perhaps the oldest Holi songs any of us may have been dancing on.

It is one of the authentic Indian folk tunes, with some sweet, sweet lyrics that will really add more meaning to the colors around you.

8. Holi Re 

Film – Mumbai Se Aayaa Mera Dost

This Abhishek Bachchan and Lara Dutta starrer film gave us a gem of a song for the Holi festival.

The song has the perfect chhed-khani to brighten up your Holi. The beats, shehnai and traditional instruments make you instantly match a step with the group dancing on this!

9.  Chhan Ke Mohalla

Film – Action Replay

The song has Aishwarya Rai playing Holi with (wayyyy too many) background dancers, with Sunidhi Chauhan giving some really cool vocals.

The song is well shot, and is has really catchy rhythm. Go ahead ladies and conquer Holi with this number!

10. Holi Ke Din

Film – Sholay

Dreamgirl Hema Malini and our very own Dharam paaji rocking Holi since forever!

This has been playing on Holi since our parents’ time. It’s possible some of the love stories thrived on this song as well. Waise zyada baat karne ki aadat humein hai nahin, par ye gaana itna achha hai ke khud Thakur sahab bhi khush ho kar naachne lagein!

BONUS: Do Me A Favour Let’s Play Holi

Film – Waqt

Everytime someone says do me a favour, it HAS to be followed by let’s play Holi! How can any Holi playlist be complete without this Priyanka Chopra number!

We totally heart PeeCee (and know each step of this song by heart… so.. we’re off to practice! byyyeeee)

And because we are obsessed with Priyanka Chopra, we wish you a very happy Holi with her gif.

We are not old-fashioned nor do we repel technology. We are amongst those people who just don’t prefer shopping online because going to physical stores has so many positives than sitting on the laptop and ordering stuff. It only means more satisfaction and trust. Let me tell you about a few reasons we hate shopping online.

1.

You just cannot compromise on the real look, feel, and touch of products especially clothes

2.

God knows why but you have always found better deals in physical stores than online. Nevertheless, the quality too

3.

You have had more than 10 bad experiences of the products that arrive look nothing like the pictures you saw online

4.

With the advent of online shopping, socializing with your girlfriends or spending time with your better halves while shopping in a mall never happens

5.

There is a great chance of overbuying or buying unnecessary stuff when shopping online. Why adhere to product recommendations!!

6.

Too many choices are equal to too much confusion! You get completely lost while shopping online

7.

Buying footwear online is unimaginable for you! How can you purchase something that you are not sure is your size or comfortable to walk?

8.

You feel too vulnerable as an online shopper. You question the originality of products thanks to the number of scams that keep happening in the online world

9.

Have a curvy figure? Well, the online size chart is never ever going to work for you. Exchanges and returns become an inevitable part of your online shopping saga

10.

You cannot be sure if a new style looks good on you unless you try it out!

11.

Online shopping is as addictive as social media. You tend to keep browsing for things you don’t intend to buy

12.

You totally hate the tedious process of exchanges and refunds. You rather go to a store nearby and get your things sorted

13.

You don’t understand the logic of deciding your size based on a model online who is always wearing a small size with the perfect fit. Not enough to decide your size.

14.

Your near and dear ones know that you dislike online gift cards. They rather get you a gift card from your favorite store in town

15.

You are an advocate of physical stores because you appreciate human interaction, the physical activity that takes place, an environment, the hullabaloo on sale days, and going out with your best people to either shop or just have fun window shopping

The dull and cold winter, leaves not just our skin, but the nature also dry and lifeless.

Which is why spring is such an important part of cultures worldwide. In India, spring has been celebrated for ages, welcoming the warmth, colour and new beginnings with music, food, colour and love. Spring is the start of the harvesting season, most of the spring festivals welcome a new year of happiness and hopes of future prosperity.

1. Vasant Panchmi

Also called Basant Panchmi, this is a day that opens preparations for the arrival of spring. This also marks is an indicator of preparing for the ‘Holika Dahan’ and ‘Holi’ festival, which happens forty days after Vasant Panchmi. It is celebrated by Indians all over, their ways and rituals differring from region to region.

2. Holi

Holi is perhaps one of the grandest events in India. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, as all of us have heard the tale of Hiranyakashyap, Prahlad and Holika.

The festival is a colourful celebration that symbolizes togetherness, love and marks the beginning of spring and good harvests. It is celebrated with colours in most parts of the country, but there are variants as well – like Foolon ki Holi, played with flowers adn in Mathura and Vrindavan, Lath Maar Holi in Barsana, that literally means Holi by hitting someone with a stick. Google it! It’s fun trivia!

3. Baisakhi

This festival is of immense importance to Sikhs. They celebrate this as the birthday of their tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh

Baisakhi or Vaisakhi, harvest festival of Punjab. It is to give thanks to the deities for a good harvest, and marks the Punjabi New Year. The festival’s name is also derived from the month it is celebrated in –  Vaisakh, the month of April. People gather and celebrate while dancing on beats of Bhangra and Giddah wearing colourful traditional attires

4. Magh Bihu

This main harvest festival of Assam is also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghar Domahi. Magh Bihu is the representation end of harvesting season during the months of Magh that falls between January and Febuary, and celebrations of this last for an entire week.

During this event, there are several games played like bull fighting and pot breaking. There’s also special food – rice cakes and other sweets made of coconut.

5. Navroze

Celebrated on on March 21 each year, Navroze literally means ‘New Day’, and is the one of the main festivals of Parsi community.

Unlike other Indian festivals, Navroze is relatively silent, where the Parsis decorate their homes with flowers and garlands. They come together with their family and friends pray to their deity, following which there are lavish feasts of traditional Parsi dishes.

6. Ugadi

Ugadi is a new year festival that falls on the first day of Vasant Navami, (part of Vasant Navratri).

Mainly celebrated in the Deccan region – the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka, people get together for meals with family where there’s a specialty of neem buds, jaggery, green chili, salt, tamarind juice, and unripened mango – each ingredient that is added in the menu is a representation of each human emotion.

7. Chapchar Kut

This little-known festival is celebrated in Mizoram. The festival of Chapchar Kut happens in spring and marks completion of bamboo harvesting. The celebration takes place among locals with a bamboo dance performed by women called ‘Cheraw’ where they dance along the beats of bamboo sticks.

Several tribes get together in their traditional costumes for a fun food festival in a fair that also showcases local talents and handicrafts.

Lilly Singh is truly the queen we all look up to. The Superwoman has recently dropped a rap music video called ‘If Bollywood Songs We Rap’, and boy, oh boy are we OBSESSED!

In the video, she has chosen three of Bollywood’s popular songs, and turned them into empowering raps. The songs are about feminism, mental health issues and acceptance of sexuality respectively.

The Indian-Canadian comedian, known by her moniker IISuperWomanII, released the video on Thursday on her official YouTube channel, where she has performed on the songs – Choli Ke Peeche, All Izz Well and Aankh Maarey.

With rappers often offensively objectifying women and their bodies, Lilly had a fit reply for them as a young, empowered and successful brown woman.

These are a few of the rap lyrics that kick serious ass with some lyrics like ‘What position I like’ ‘The Head of the table’

“My sister got double DDs
Her ambition even bigger
I got phat stretch marks
yaar mainu koi nai fikar”

Next up she wows us with All izz, and talks about how each one of us sleep with anxiety as our companion at night, and well, mental health issues are more common than you think, and IT IS OKAY TO ASK FOR HELP!

So those who think ‘thinking positive thoughts’ will sort us out instead of talking, well here’s a lesson for ya!

“Man eff taboos
Take care of yourself
Everything means nothing
without mental health”

The third song-rap is Aankh Maarey, and LILLY. BLOODY. OWNS. THE. FLOOR

Lilly recently announced that she is bisexual. And what better way that to make a super empowering and amazeballs video about it. The lyrics say it all where she is trying to woo a man, but gets smitten by a woman…

“I’m trying to make you notice me
I’m wondering what you think of me
You really got me focusing
But then a queen winked at me”

We think, this video needs to be the youth anthem, and if you have not watched it yet, here it is:

Lilly, YOU. ARE. A GODDESS!

maa

aaj kaa ye ansh mere man ki gahraai se hai maa ke lia
kuchh baate aisi hai jo vo jaanti thi
jo main use hameshaa boltaa thaa
ki main use kitnaa pyaar kartaa hu
mujhe garv hai es baat par ki apne jajbaaton
ko jaahir karne me maine kabhi sharm nahi ki
kuchh baate aisi hai jo mujhe aashaa hai
duvaaan banakar us tak jarur pahuch jaayengi

kuchh ahsaan hai teraa mujhapar
jo tujhe bataanaa jaruri hai
tu mere aaspaas ho naa ho
par teraa mere dil ke paas honaa jaruri hai

jo dard sahe the tune mere lia
un dard par maraham lagaane jaruri hai
tujhse baat ho yaa naa ho
par baaton me teraa honaa jaruri hai

jo lori gaayi thi tune mere lia
un loriyon kaa saarthak honaa jaruri hai
chandaa yaa suraj rahu yaa naa rahu
teri aankh kaa mujhe taaraa honaa jaruri hai

maa hi  ek aisaa shakhsh hotaa hai hamaari jindgi me
jo hamaare lia ham se jyaadaa sochtaa
hamaare lia hamse jyaadaa duvaaan karti hai
aur hame hamse 9 mahinaa jyaadaa jaantaa hai
aage ki panktiyaa unhi par aadhaarit hai

jo sapne dekhe the tune mere lia
vo sapne sach hone jaruri hai
teri aankhon me aanshu kabhi n rahen
mere har aanshu me teri parchhaai honaa jaruri hai

jo praathnaaa ki thi tune prabhu se
vo praarthnaaan svikaar honaa jaruri hai
teri aavaaj mujhatak pahuche naa pahuche
meri duaaan tujhatak pahunchni jaruri hai

hai mai apne bachche kaa pahlaa adhyaapak hoti hai
aur bachche apni maan se hi bahut kuchh sikhte hai
main bhi apni maan se bahut kuchh sikhaa hai
jin par main abhi bhi kaayam hu
aage ki panktiyaa unhi par aadhaarit hai

jo baaten sikhaa gayi thi tu
vo baate yaad rakhnaa jaruri hai
bas ek baar tujhe phir dekhalu
teraa phir jamin par aanaa jaruri hai

kahte hai naa ki upar vaalaa sabko dekhtaa hai
aage ki panktiyaa upar vaale par hai

uparvaalaa gar sabko dekhtaa hai
use dekhne vaalaa bhi koi honaa jaruri hai
aur agar uske paas bhi maa hai
to mere dard kaa use ahsaas hone jaruri hai
mere dard kaa use ahsaas hone jaruri hai

shaayad mere dard kaa ahsaas hi huaa hogaa
ki isvar ne maa samaan bhaabhi bhej di
aakhri chaar panktiyaa meri usi bhaabhi ke lia

har pharj nibhaayaa hai mann se tune
teraa ye karj chukaanaa jaruri hai
tu chaahe mujhe bhaiyaa bulaaye
par meraa tujhe maa bulaanaa jaruri hai

happy mothers day
sabhi maao ko aur unhen bhi jo maan ban ne jaa rahe hai ।

Aashish Vyas

https://youtu.be/R9Ixy-2oVOI

To all those who fear, hate, or are discomforted by the people belonging to the LGBTQ+ community, to all those who are homophobic, to all those who do not believe in non-binary gender equality, here are some facts that you should know.

Firstly, let’s get familiar with some terms.

L: Lesbian

G: Gay

B: Bisexual

T: Transgender

Q: Queer

I: Intersexual

A: Asexual

P: Pansexual

So, from now on you will not use the words ‘faggot’, ‘pansy’, ‘dyke’ ‘chhaka/chhaki’, etc. or insult the way they choose to be (or choose not to be).

Don’t exactly know if you’re homophobic? Simple test, if two girls or two guys kissing give you more discomfort than a girl and a guy kissing, then you need a broader mind. Those people are not entitled to your opinion.

Your ‘dislike’, ‘fear’, or ‘hatred’ may be expressed through name-calling, shunning, mocking, intimidation, verbal or physical harassment or acts of discrimination. Being homophobic is as bad as being anti-feminist, or being racist. Homophobia is technically sexism. If you cannot accept a person’s gender preference (or non-preference) and don’t behave justly with them, you disturb the spirit of equality amongst all living beings. The number of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ community in various countries shows the intolerance faced by the people.

For those of you thinking ‘if I keep my opinions to myself, then why is me being homophobic so bad?’ If you did keep your opinions to yourself, you would not have to ask that question in the first place. Perhaps it wasn’t through stating your views but showing by your behavior how you feel. Your biased reactions, comments, or expressions might make a homosexual person uneasy. You need to know that coming out for a homosexual person is not a simple task. Their parents might kick them out, they might lose their job, they get teased and laughed at, and they might not be accepted by their friends and family.

Be good to people. Don’t make world a living hell for them. God loves us all. He’ll accept us all. You don’t need to worry about it. They are all your fellow beings. Their sexual orientation does not make them non-human or incapable of their work and jobs. If a friend, relative, co-worker, classmate, or any other acquaintance comes out you, support them. Don’t cringe or walk away. Don’t tell them that it’s just a phase. Don’t make them feel unwanted or any less human. They deserve to be treated nicely and equally.

If there is one thing Harry Potter taught us, it is that no one deserves to live in a closet.

Love,
Witherwings47

PS: To all the LGBTQ+s out there, don’t you tolerate this discrimination. Don’t you ever think that it was your fault. If you are picked on, inform a senior, trustworthy authority. Defend yourself. Remember, love is love. You deserve to be happy. And you are needed.

There’s this interesting word that has gotten excessively popular in the recent times. It all began with demonetization. While everyone was busy critiquing the gargantuan step by NDA Government, there were people who were busy advertising the party’s, wait for it, *INTENT*. Since then, we have become obsessed with this word. From BJP advertising its INTENT behind demonetization to Akash Chopra questioning Dhoni’s in the world cup, the word has become exceptionally popular. If it is indeed such an important word, let us look at the recent Triple Talaq bill passed by the Parliament Houses through the prism of INTENT. Especially since the Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has asked us NOT to look at it through a political prism. *wink*

To begin with, let us understand what exactly “Triple Talaq Bill” stands for!

The Triple Talaq Bill or The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill makes declaration of instant divorce (talaq-e-biddat) in spoken, written or any electronic chat illegal. In fact, the bill has made it a cognizable offence that gives a police officer powers to arrest the offender without requiring a warrant.

A Muslim man pronouncing instant triple talaq attracts a jail term of three years under the triple talaq bill. The accused under the triple talaq bill is entitled to bail, which can be granted by a magistrate only after the said magistrate has heard the aggrieved woman.

Also, a woman divorced through talaq-e-biddat is entitled to demand maintenance for her and her dependent children under the triple talaq bill. (But wait, isn’t the husband in jail?)

And Cognizable Offense? What’s that?

Generally, these are the offences of serious nature like murder, kidnapping, offences of waging or attempting to wage war, abetting the waging of war against the government of India, and rioting etc.

Yeah that doesn’t make any sense but don’t worry. It is not some draconian law after all! (Or is it?) To check misuse of cognizable nature of the offence, the triple talaq bill makes an arrest possible ONLY if the complaint is filed by the aggrieved woman or any of her relation by blood or marriage. (There is no provision for a relative to seek the consent of an aggrieved woman before filing a complaint. Thus, in an attempt to empower the wife, the law actually leaves her susceptible to her relative’s wish.)

Think about the information you just consumed for 30 seconds and then read on!

The prism of Intent emits a rainbow of deception

The government has been obsessively advertising their GODLY intent with every step they have taken. With this Bill too, as per the government, the advertised intent is to ensure gender equality and justice. It is to give Muslim women a way out of the historic oppression they have been subjected to. The intent, according to them, has nothing to do with politics. Okay. But how much of that is true?

First of all, The Supreme Court in Shayara Bano’s case held that the practice of ‘Talaq-e-biddat’ or ‘Triple Talaq’ is unconstitutional. A reading of the judgment clearly indicates that mere pronouncing of triple talaq does not dissolve the marriage and there is no legal implication on pronouncing talaq. So, why an act that has no legal consequences been made a criminal, cognizable and non-bailable offense? This is clearly needless and arbitrary. It only makes sense when you think of it as a politically motivated step. The NDA has obviously won many political points with the passing of this bill, but the Muslim women are far from winners here.

Moreover, the Bill has scope for both 3 years jail term and the liability to pay maintenance.  That’s a contradiction yet to be solved, especially when “Triple talaq” is largely prevalent amongst the lower strata of Muslim society who earn their livelihood by earning daily wages.

The Bill conveniently ignores two of the most important objectives of an ideal Bill to protect abandoned Muslim women- reconciliation and maintenance. While the Bill lays down scope and steps for both, the criminalization aspect of it makes everything contradictory.

So there shouldn’t be a law at all?

We are all against Triple Talaq and thus, the Supreme Court judgment pronouncing it unconstitutional was met with huge relief and appreciation. But, the judgment itself wasn’t enough. A law related to Triple Talaq was definitely required in order to safeguard the rights of Muslim women and protect them in case of abandonment. The issues like custody, maintenance, reconciliation etc needed to be addressed through a well-written law.

But, here’s the catch- Muslim marriage is a civil contract between two adult persons. Hence, the procedures to be followed on its breakdown should have also been of civil nature. A CIVIL LAW could have allowed the issues of economic and social security of women to take the centre stage. Instead, by drafting a criminal legislation, the law has now become all about the man and his *crime*.  In fact, a penal provision makes Muslim women more vulnerable to violence from their matrimonial household.

Moreover, the bill has been drafted in such a haphazard and absurd manner that there is no mental element prescribed expressly or by implication. Thus, by deemed interpretation, the crime would include even those pronouncements which are made without the intention of divorcing the wife. Most of the “Triple Talaq” instances happen out of extreme rage and anger wherein the husband is not seriously considering a divorce with his partner.

Right now, the provisions within the bill are not only contradictory but also counterproductive. In order to meet the primary objectives of women safety and empowerment and to prevent a misuse of the bill, certain safeguards and amendments need to be incorporated in the Bill, the absence of which would make the procedure under the Bill unfair, unreasonable, and unserviceable.

Second season of Sacred Games revolved around Pankaj Tripathi’s character, Guruji. While you are still trying to decode the climax, we bring you the story of a real-life cult with a real life Guruji preaching his version of ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ in his own ashram; which led to mass suicide (read murder) of a total of 918 people in the settlement of Jonestown, Guyana (a country in South America).

Jim Jones was a strong believer of socialist ideologies. His façade was to “bring people out of religious opium to the enlightenment – socialism.” He started his own church named People’s Temple Full Gospel Church in 1956 at Indianapolis, Indiana. Fueled with fake healings and his integrationist views; his ‘Church,’ garnered a major following between the spiritualists and Afro-American population. From making people to give everything they own to the church to proclaiming visions of annihilation of cities like Chicago; by late 1960s Jones had already established himself as a Christ like figure (Aham Brahmasmi, anyone?).

It was only until 1972 that the insides of People’s Temple started showing up. The exposure of the fake healings and then defection by some members brought a havoc on the group. It was only then that questions against their practices were raised. In-spite of suspicion and investigations, his strong political support made more people actively participate in the communal events. Fueled by various testimonies of defectors; and a final article against their means, Jones fled to Jonestown, Guyana overnight in 1977.

After fleeing, he promised Jonestown as a tropical paradise, free from the supposed wickedness of the world due to which as much as 900 people moved to the town by 1978.

But in reality, Jonestown was far from Paradise. When reports of human rights violation surfaced, Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown for investigation on November 17, 1978. But when some of the members desired to leave with Ryan on November 18, the defectors along with Ryan and journalists were intercepted on the airstrip by the Temple guards. Ryan with three journalists and one defector were murdered at the moment. It was later in the night that 914 people (including 276 children) at the Jonestown Temple committed suicide by drinking a concoction of cyanide-laced, Kool Aid (Remember Gochi?)

Jim Jones was a monster. He had raped many men and women in Jonestown (and much before it). A true sadist, his bent ideologies on socialism were flawed. It is said that his policy for his followers was to work for eight hours and then study for eight hours and in the end he brainwashed people to death, making Jonestown Massacre one of the most harrowing incidents in the history.

By Sahil Shahi

Believe it or not, India’s Gaming Industry is the next big thing in the country. It is already minting money internationally, and the industry now enjoys more than 250 million players within India itself. In fact, the online gaming industry in India is expected to generate a revenue of INR 11,900 crores by financial year 2023, according to a report by KPMG.

When it comes to the Indian Gaming industry, whether you are a Poker fan or an online gaming enthusiast, you must have heard the name of Spartan Poker- India’s leading digital gaming platform. Spartan Poker means business and is here to prove it, which is why they are coming up with the country’s most prestigious Live tournament series called India Poker Championship (IPC). The series will be held from 11th September to 15th September 2019 at Goa.

Only Poker enthusiasts can understand what IPC means to them. The previous editions of this tournament series have witnessed record-breaking participation and this time too it is expected to be a hot-seller! And it is because of such promising editions that IPC has become one of the largest and the highest paying GTD Live Poker Championships in India.

“A poker tournament with a GTD is when the the prize pool is guaranteed to have a certain minimum amount Online poker sites and give this incentive in order to attract more players.”

Guess what?! This year’s IPC is all set to give 3 crore GTD to the attending players. The tournament will take place in the Big Daddy Casino in Panjim, Goa and will host participants from ALL OVER INDIA. It’s going to be a 5-day series featuring terrific events like Kick-Off, Highroller, Headhunter and the highlight feature in the Main Event.

The marketing team of Spartan Poker is doing a great job with powerful and dynamic hashtags like #GetlnTheGame and #Raiselt in order to invite and motivate players to participate in huge numbers.

And wait, there’s more!You can also win tickets for a fraction of their original buy-ins via live satellite qualifiers at the IPC. A satellites is a smaller tournament with a reduced buy-in into a feature tournament. From 11-13 September, you can play in the Highroller and Main Event satellites and score yourself a cheap seat.

This year’s IPC is going to be on a whole new level with it’s luxurious venue, super value tournaments, and the ever-increasing admiration of the poker enthusiasts from across the country.

Do you think you can be the next big name of the film industry? If yes, you shouldn’t miss Asia’s biggest content creation festival, India Film Project which is back in its 9th season.

India Film Project is a unique content creation festival which celebrates content in any form, shape, and size. Started back in 2011, IFP provides a platform to each and every kind of content creator, whether professional or amateur.

With an increasing community of 6.5 million filmmakers and content creators coming together on 12th and 13th of October 2019 in Mumbai; this year more than 35000+ filmmakers from 300+ cities across 22+ countries are expected to make more than 1500 short films in 50 hours.

Being said that, here are the top ten reasons of why you should not miss IFP-2019.

1. The 50 Hours Filmmaking Challenge

The flagship challenge of IFP is grander than ever. Make a film from scratch i.e. Script, Shoot, Edit and Submit a film in the duration of fifty hours and stand a chance to screen your work all over the country.

2. Are you a storyteller, scriptwriter or designer?

IFP is inviting verbal and visual storytellers on its platform to showcase their talent of scriptwriting, spoken word storytelling/ poetry and poster making to the best of each forte. Submit your compelling script on the theme, ‘Old school Love in the time of Technology’ or your spoken word story on the theme, ‘Not So Superhero’ or your contemporary rendition of poster of any film released between 1970-1999 before September 15 and stand a chance to get recognized on a global platform.

3. The best in the business will judge your content

This edition of IFP has got the acclaimed jury consisting of Abhishek Chaubey (Sonchiraiya), Anjali Menon (Manjadikuru), Pan Nalin (Angry Indian Goddess) and Pradip Sarkar (Parineeta) for the 50 Hours Filmmaking Challenge.

4. Discussions, AMAs and many more events

Challenge will be followed by a two day long festival where along with the screening of all winning films, many discussion panels, AMA sessions & workshops in various music, entertainment, literature and arts categories are scheduled. With a spectrum of spokespersons and a really appreciative crowd, IFP is the place to be if you are starting in content creation.

5. Categories of Amateur, Mobile and Professional

The 50 hours Filmmaking Challenge comes into three categories of Amateur, Mobile and Professional. So if you are worried that you have no chance in front of the bigwigs, challenge yourself in category specific competitions.

6. Mentoring Program

Winners of IFP will have the golden opportunity to learn from the jury of their own choice. This can become the catalyst of your career as it can bring you the industry exposure which most people learn through a tough path.

7. Premiere your work on platforms like PVR & MTV

This year’s edition of IFP is much more exciting as the winners get a chance to screen their work all over the country through PVR Cinemas and get their work aired on MTV.

8. Prizes worth 12 lac!

With five awards in each category, the winners of IFP-2019 will have the chance to bag exciting prizes, courtesy to a plethora of excited sponsors!

9. Branded Content Creation

IFP also invites pro filmmakers from their community to create content with brands.

Brownie Reason: Stream your work on BuddyBits!

This year, BuddyBits has partnered with IFP to stream some of the best films on its platform.

Convinced? Head over to IFP’s website and start enrolling in the challenges of your choice.

“I don’t dream at night, I dream at day, I dream all day; I’m dreaming for a living.”

– Steven Spielberg

There is not a single on earth who hasn’t watched a film. Films have changed lives; brought dreams to reality. They are the portal to our past, the future or a completely unknown times. They have been giving us chills, breaking our hearts and taking our breaths away, all through the way they are told, frame by frame.

In this changing world of 0s and 1s, film-making is available to everyone and India Film Project is on a quest to find the best of filmmakers and content creators. Since its inception in 2011, IFP has become the biggest platform for upcoming filmmakers to compete, collaborate, create, and most importantly, to learn.

The major attraction of India Film Festival is their flagship, 50 Hours Filmmaking Challenge. Over the years, 50 Hours Filmmaking Challange has become an Olympics for filmmakers and content creators. The challenge runs for exactly 50 hours and it invites teams from India and around the globe to script, shoot and create a film on a theme given right before the contest.

50 Hours Filmmaking Challange can be competed in three categories of Mobile, Amateur and Professional. Mobile category is open for everyone and the films are to be shot on mobile phones with a camera resolution of minimum 1080p. Amateur categories is for teams whose team leader has made less than three films. Any team with three or more films should register for Professional category. Professional category teams are required to submit their portfolio and links to their previous works.

Upon registration, teams will make their films on the theme which will be revealed at 8 pm on 27th September. They will be required to script, shoot and submit their films on or before 10 pm of 29th September. The films will then be watched by the jury members consisting renowned filmmakers Abhishek Chaubey, Anjali Menon, Pan Nalin and Pradeep Sarkar.

The winners will be announced during the weekend long India Film Project Festival starting on 13th October. Winning films will get theatrical release at PVR multiplexes. The top 50 films will be released on MTV over a period of six months. The winners also get a one-to-one jury mentorship. Prizes worth a total of 12 lac are also a major attraction of the 50 hours challenge. This year, BuddyBits has partnered with IFP to share some of the best films on its platform.

So what are you waiting for? Register yourself on IFP’s website before 26th September and showcase your talent to the largest content creation gathering happening in Asia.

Check out highlight of IFP 2018

(Photos: IFP)

First ever Gujarati film, ‘Narsinh Mehta’, was released in 1932. Most Gujarati films were set in rural parts of Gujarat and were made for the rural audience until 2012. First ever urban Gujarati film ‘Kevi Rite Jaish’ came to screens in 2012 and then the landscape of Gujarati cinema changed. After ‘Kevi Rite Jaish’, many filmmakers joined the bandwagon and made hundreds of Gujarati films for the urban audience. Last year, for the first time, a Gujarati film ‘Wrong Side Raju’ won National Award for the best feature film in Gujarati language. It was indeed a proud moment for the Gujarati cinema.

This year, while entire Hindi film industry and other regional cinema had their eyes on the National award for the best feature film across all languages, a small team of new filmmakers had their fingers crossed for their film. First time in the history of National awards and Gujarati cinema, a Gujarati film, ‘Hellaro’, was declared Best Film across all languages. Along with the National Award for Best Feature Film, ‘Hellaro’ also won special jury award at 66th National Film Awards for performance of 13 actresses in the film.

Reaction of the team on winning National Award is priceless. 

Based on Gujarat’s folk dance form, Garba, Hellaro focuses on self-expression of women with more than 13 actresses in the story. The set of “Hellaro” was created in the middle of the vast desert in the Kutch region of Gujarat. More than 450 costumes were prepared to give the traditional feel of life at Kutch and the shoot of the film lasted for 35 days in the scorching summer heat of Kutch’s desert.

Hellaro is directed by Abhishek Shah who has been working in Gujarati theatre since the past 17 years as a writer, director and actor and has received numerous awards for his plays. He has also worked as a casting director for 12 films. He shared his view on his film winning National Awards,

“When I was thinking about the story of the film, Sharad Poonam was going on and the background of the story was our folk dance Garba and therefore the idea of making this film turned out to be a reality,”.

Saumya Joshi who is a well-known poet-writer-playwright and author of the Hindi film “102 Not Out” and is also famous in the Gujarati theatre and poetry world, is the lyricist and dialogue writer of the film. The music of the film is composed by Mehul Surti.

Watch trailer of Hellaro

We can’t wait to catch the film on the big screen now!

35000 filmmakers from 325 cities across 14 countries came together to make 1700 short-films within 50 hours at 9th season of Asia’s largest content festival, India Film Project. 1700 teams participated in IFP’s flagship 50 Hour Filmmaking challenge in the last week of September. Jury consisting of renowned filmmakers like Abhishek Chaubey, Anjali Menon, Pan Nalin and Pradeep Sarkar picked 16 best short films from the 1700 films that were made during the challenge.

Here are 16 winning films from IFP 9’s 50 Hour Filmmaking Challenge that you can binge-watch right now.

Professional Category

Paul (Platinum Film of the year)

Story of a man who overcame his obstacle of stuttering in an unconventional way to become a pioneer of nootropics.

Gaura (Gold Film of the year)

A story that talks about how a girl found her inspiration to take action against cutting down of forests on large scale from an event called the Chipko movement. The passion and grit of Gaura Devi to save the trees of her village drove her actions.

Perfect Gods (Silver Film of the year)

This film shows the plight of sculptors from Mahabalipuram who command respect for their passion. Expect a dramatic twist that sheds light on their passion.

Inside (Bronze Film of the year)

Passion is not all about winning or losing if you truly lives the art it leads to you towards the more creative ideas n that ideas leads leads your passion in a infinite journey the film is all about the infinite journey of learning the art, how and where it leads to is all in the film.

Tales of Passion – A biopic of an environmentalist (#5 Film of the year)

A day in the life of a passionate environmentalist.

Mere Papa Google Par (My Signature Award)

A father realizes he needs to follow his passion when his daughter asks him one question that stirs all emotions.

Amateur Category

Janu (Platinum Film of the year)

A nostalgic lyrical narrative of a guy who is love with his bike inculcated by passion for his bike by his father.

Thanthooni Thuruthu (Gold Film of the year)

A guy remembers his past, from a journey in his life, through the roads he travelled. The past is his reason to road.

Mehsoos (Silver Film of the year + Best use of Adobe Premiere Pro for Editing)

Some people are with you when you can feel everything. But some people stay even when you can’t feel anything and these are the people that become your reason to hit the road and take on the journey called life.

Inside (Bronze Film of the year)

Anjaan tells the story of a grandson experiencing his reason to road on a road trip on which he his reluctant to go but is forced to go due his grand father who was an ex-biker and want him to go on a road trip just like him so that he can learn and experience the beautiful things nature has to offer.

Bandish (#5 Film of the year + Best use of Mirrorless Camera for Cinematography)

“Bandish” is a story of a common man who is stuck between his constant routine to achieve his gateway for a ‘Get Away.’

Mobile Category

Kheer (Platinum Film of the year)

Kheer is the story of how women even in simple everyday lives, have to face patriarchy and that protest against it can be the subtlest show of determination.

Itwar (Gold Film of the year)

How little things can stop us from leading a normal life and how much of courage it takes to even address them.

Flawed (Silver Film of the year)

This film is about an unusual love story. It covers all the aspects that what really stops us from taking one step towards our happiness.

Shot Down (Bronze Film of the year)

An aspiring writer is navigating her way through toxic relationships, lack of self worth and a writer’s block. It’s her journey of finding her voice, bringing her characters to life and letting them help her write her story. She learns that opinions will always exist, but how much do they control you is in your hands. Either they will shoot you down, or you will shoot them down but it’s always your choice.

The Dream Project (#5 Film of the year)

Tisham Sinha an independent working woman finds what worth feminism is.

“Brilliant movie!”

“I literally had Goosebumps at one point!”

“Awesome movie after such a long time!”

These were some of the snippets of conversations I overheard, as I exited the theatre after watching Hellaro. My reaction? I left the place and did not speak to anyone for a while, allowing this movie to sink in. For a one-line review on Hellaro, here it is

After the movie screening, the entire theatre stood up and started applauding for several minutes, not stopping for the longest time until we were told to.

Curious ki aisa toh kya hai is movie mein? Here are my views on Hellaro. Here are 5 reasons that make Hellaro a must watch film:

1. Hellaro won two National Awards including Best Feature Film across all languages this year!

A much talked about film, Hellaro is originally a 2018 film, and is also the first Gujarati film to win the National Film Award for “Best Feature Film” (Go Dholiwood!). Not just that, the thirteen female actresses also won the Special Jury Award for their performances, and it is officially selected to be opening film at IFFI Goa. Coming in with such high recommendations, even if you go in with high expectations, the movie will serve you beyond your expectations.

2. Garba!

In the words of the director Abhishek Shah, the hero of the story is Garba. In the words of a friend I discussed this movie with, Garba is not just a dance, it is an emotion. You can feel a plethora of emotions and still play Garba – it is freedom for us. Watch the trailer to see some beautiful choreography, and watch how a movie with the lead as Garba and how it can astonish you.

3. Cinematography

With some beautiful scenes shot, Hellaro is a treat to watch. Filled with colours and music, some shots may stay with you even after you have exited the cinema hall. Good angles and attention to details is given, so your OCD might get satisfied while watching this movie!

4. The Drop

No spoilers, but the movie manages to surprise you. It will not only allow, but also make you think about the situation that their lead protagonists are facing. A story based on a folklore, it talks about patriarchy and its deep-rooted “traditions” that one has to follow according to the gender you occupy.

5. Raw, Vivid Portrayals and storytelling

Absolutely wonderful dialogues, delivery, and characters played by the actors in the film, it is not a happy-happy movie. It is instead romanticising the history and makes you think of a “what if?” scenario quite often. The storyline is remnant of a time before you and I were born, and gets the details right. The storytelling is fluid with no sudden breaks, and gets you comfortable with the pace of the film. You won’t feel that it is rushed or half cooked, it is 2 hours of a visual delight.

Go watch Hellaro in theatres near you soon!

Who would have thought that the Kedias gleefully dumped by the ‘Urban Gujarati Film’ revolution would eventually revive Gujarati cinema? Director Abhishek Shah’s film, Hellaro, which means ‘a strong gust of wind’, is indeed a breath of fresh air in Gujarati cinema. The film attracted audience primarily due to its recent accolade of bagging the National Film Award for Best Feature Film at the 66th National Film Awards.

Attracting audience with such coveted accolade is one thing and holding the audience’s attention for 121 minutes is a much tougher feat, given the kind of shrinking attention span of our 4G Generation. Hellaro goes on to achieve that as well, and how! Not a single sound was to be heard all throughout the film’s screening, which goes on to prove how well the film resonated, as well as connected with the audience. Even a kid sitting with wide eyes on the aisle seat before us was all hooked to what transpired on screen, with frequent comments like, ‘Aa badha logo kharaab chhe?’ (Are these bad people), while watching the men of Hellaro, except Maulik Nayak and the dholi Mulji, Jayesh More.

We shot the film in approximately 35 days at a nondescript village of Kutch and stayed over at a dilapidated closed resort’s Bhungas (Mud house of Kutch), but it was all worth it!

States actor Jayesh More in a telephonic conversation with BuddyBits. The actor went the extra mile of learning to play the Dhol. Ask him what made him do that, when he could have easily mimicked the act of playing a dhol, he states,

There’s always a connection between the musician and the music instrument. This connection is manifested, both at a physical, as well as mental level. I wanted to bring this connection to the fore, through my performance.

The dedication of Jayesh More pays off in every frame he features in, making his character, Mulji more relatable. Right from his first scene, you can see the pain and yearning in his eyes and are sure to stumble upon a touching back story along your way towards the film’s end. Thankfully, you aren’t disappointed there. The other character that gradually grows on you is of Maulik Nayak as Bhaglo, a guy who is the only connection between the village and city, Bhuj. Maulik’s comic timing, as witnessed in his previous outings, is spot-on, but he equally shines in the film’s climax at a pivotal moment.

Shraddha Dangar is quite a find and makes the most of this opportunity to breathe life into her character of Manjhri, a girl who has studied till seventh grade (Which is a bit more, according to her husband Arjan ably played by Aarav Trivedi). Shraddha Dangar delivers a completely restrained performance, even when she has to vent out her pent up anger towards the film’s end.

The actor surely has a bright future ahead in not only Gujarati cinema, but also in the Hindi mainstream, given her strong screen presence and impeccable dialogue delivery. If only the writer-director would have chosen to invest more in her character. The audience would have loved to know more about her character, her life back home in Bhuj and what made her choose a frown-faced husband like Arjan.

Denisha Ghumra as Radha, Kaushambi Bhatt as Champa, Brinda Trivedi as Kesar, Nilam Paanchal as Leela, Tarjanee Bhadla as Gauri, Tejal Panchasara as Gomti, Jagruti Thakore as Rudi, Ekta Bachwani as Hansa, Shachi Joshi as Ganga, Kamini Panchal as Mena, Riddhi Yadav as Kanchan, and Prapti Mehta as the lil girl Sita make for an excellent ensemble of female actors and come across convincingly as rural womenfolk. As mentioned earlier, we would have loved to know what makes Denisha’s Radha the way she is, what’s the story of Champa? What dreams does Sita’s mother nurture for her daughter while raising her amid such a patriarchal community? In fact, do the people of this village have any dream?

In such scenario, Garba proves to be the only solace for the womenfolk of this village. The men, comprising Aakash Zala as Joraavar, Rajan Thakar as Ranmal, Kishan Gadhavi as Ravji, Kamlesh Parmar as Savji , Nilesh Parmar as Kanji, and Shailesh Prajapati as the Mukhi of the village mostly idle away their time discussing the roster of women who would carry water from the distant lake.

Here, too, we know little about the male characters or what they do for a living. Writers Abhishek Shah, Prateek Gupta (Also the editor of the film who deftly cuts Hellaro to perfect duration), and Saumya Joshi, who has also penned the film’s dialogues and lyrics, transport you into the remote areas of Kutch and make you part of their world.

Saumya Joshi shines bright when it comes to lyrics, especially in the opening song where the men are playing Garba while the song being played is melancholic. This contrast is beautifully set by his words and beats of music director Mehul Surti. The music is woven into the film’s narrative so seamlessly that it becomes a character of Hellaro, from the opening frame to the closing credits.

The film is set in 1978 and which film has ever chronicled this era without the mandatory ‘Emergency’? Here, too, emergency finds frequent mention as ‘Katokati’, only to be later replaced by films like ‘Bobby’ and ‘Sholay’. The men perform Garba (Excellently choreographed Talvaar Garba), while women are forbidden to indulge in such revelries.

The only question that lingers on one’s mind is why such prohibition exists in the village, especially in a land where Garba has been enthusiastically played by women, or at least the general perception says so. Maybe a narration in the film’s beginning could have set the context and tonality right so that the audience wouldn’t have been bothered by such questions.

All said and done, Hellaro is a film that deserves your time and money for a big screen viewing, especially in Gujarat, where people generally don’t watch Gujarati films in the multiplexes and rather wait for its online release. Nevertheless, it’s high time we support such quality cinema and as Jayesh More aptly puts it,

The change that Hellaro might usher in, would be that the producers invest in quality cinema rather than just zero-brainer entertainers.

Fingers crossed!

Thousands of Indians, mostly students, have come out on roads to protest against Indian Government’s latest Citizenship Amendment Act and upcoming Pan-India NRC (National Register of Citizens) as both are discriminatory against Indian Muslims. Apart from on ground protests, social media is also on fire! Many celebrities, influencers, leaders from the opposition, and even BJP supporters are protesting against this act.

Unlike protests in past, on-going protests have some of the most creative and witty posters. Thanks to the students, who have taken the lead this time. Here are some of the best posters from the protests across India against CAA & NRC.

1.

I really want to know Pooja’s story.#CAAProtest pic.twitter.com/LM8IEIzjai

— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) December 19, 2019

2.

"Identify me by my dress"
In a country where even @PMOIndia discriminates people based on the dress they wear, your attire is enough to declare your stand!
Com. Indulekha Parthan during #CAAProtest in Kochi, Kerala
മലയാളി പൊളിയാണ് pic.twitter.com/3x7ms8XUyn

— Suvarna Haridas (@Suvarna_haridas) December 19, 2019

3.

#IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/cTvmiwfFC0

— Gracie (@Crabcountess) December 19, 2019

4.

The best thing about #CAAProtest is that women and students are leading it from the front. More power to girls like these who exposed #BJPLiesOnCAA have shown Modi and Shah that the end to their tyranny is near.

WHAT OFFENDS YOU MORE.. THE HIJAB OR THE BINDI WITH THE HIJAB?? pic.twitter.com/OwwcYv7ijn

— Dr. Vidhi Puri (@VidhiPuri2) December 18, 2019

5.

Dedicated to Bhakts….#IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/USaveXQFQ4

— Prashant Kanojia (@PJkanojia) December 19, 2019

6.

The details in this pic are epic #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/3Od2eTie7s

— bk. (@NotBobbey) December 19, 2019

my dad thinks i am stuying history.he doesn't know i am busy making one.#IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/UnxO3Ot6Ci

— Mohd Usama Idrisi (@IdrisiUsama) December 19, 2019

7.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/j5XYM4ydn7

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

8.

This is so bad, even psychotherapists are becoming political.#CAAProtest #MumbaiAgainstCAA #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/ugm7qCNnTv

— The Solitary Shrink (@Lakshmi_Sreeni) December 19, 2019

9.

Pune protests against CAA #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/fEFv4idrsT

— Emina Arkhipov (@ArkhipovEmina) December 19, 2019

10.

Humor is the best medicine for every problem…

While #BJPburningIndia to stop the peaceful protests against #CAA_NRC coz entire india feels #CAAAgainstConstitution, some people have their sarcasm to lighten things up even when#HumaraDeshJalRahaHai & there is tension all over. pic.twitter.com/wCEdMqRsmu

— Vinay Kumar Dokania | विनय कुमार डोकानिया (@VinayDokania) December 17, 2019

11.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/dIShukvj58

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

12.

Dear Modi ,
I Jawaharlal Nehru, today confess that I have stolen the Rafale Files as well the documents which are needed to prove the citizenship. Now please stop harassing common man and start blaming me.

Yours,
defence Nehru pic.twitter.com/uhyKFJmwsJ

— Nehru Ji (@nehrujiParody) December 19, 2019

13.

#MumbaikarsAgainstCAB #IndiaAgainstCAA #CAAProtest #CAA_NRC pic.twitter.com/60c5i15jPs

— Neha Bhujang (@nehabhujang) December 19, 2019

14.

Those who are creating violence can be identified by their cloths itself

Sabarmati Ashram,Ahmedabad #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/VnjoD2OonR

— Dr. Safin (@HasanSafin) December 17, 2019

15.

#IndiaAgainstCAA
अब ये किसने किया ईमानदारी का नोबेल ले जाएगा ये तो!#internetshutdown #bangaloreprotest #IndiaAgainstCAA #Emergency2019 #Delhiprotests #DelhiMetro pic.twitter.com/bbcg6hlkN1

— चौ0 नवीन राज#हिन्दू हूँ , NRC और CAB के खिलाफ हूँ (@naveenraaz2020) December 19, 2019

16.

Beta tumse naa ho payega.. #Section144 #bangaloreprotest #IndiaAgainstCAA #internetshutdown pic.twitter.com/br6eoP7GWy

— Saurav Shrivastava (@SaySaurav) December 19, 2019

17.

#bangaloreprotest #internetshutdown #IndiaAgainstCAA #lucknowprotest #Delhiprotests #CAAProtestPlacards #Emergency2019 pic.twitter.com/q2aRvZoE4K

— abuzar (@abuzarkhan553) December 19, 2019

18.

Kuch Likhne ki jarurat hai to Aap likhdo. #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/6dUrPpi7FG

— Suhana_trend (@SuhanaTrend) December 19, 2019

19.

जब हिन्दू-मुस्लिम राजी तो क्या करेगा काजी… #Section144 #CAA_NRC #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/c3Svkp4gMP

— Saurav Shrivastava (@SaySaurav) December 19, 2019

20.

#MumbaiAgainstCAA #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/oNDp2MnBLR

— Vivek Sakpal (@viveksakpal) December 19, 2019

21.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/LbJD9v0wao

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

22.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/NgdaJbOyp6

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

23.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/DjDC7TAijC

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

24.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/erYBKPvgXt

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

25.

Posters of #IndiaAgainstCAA pic.twitter.com/FCL8VdM7vU

— Karthik (@beastoftraal) December 19, 2019

What makes CAA & NRC problematic? Why thousands of Indians are protesting against it? Watch this video.

The promos of Dabangg 3 asked us: “Swagat nahin karoge hamaara?” We, the Chulbul Pandey fans (Not the same as the Bhai fans, mind you), enthusiastically rushed to the theatre, braving the enormously priced tickets, ‘almost full’ tabs of the booking apps, a marathon of ‘Nandu yahaan hospital ke baahar fu-fu kya kar raha hai’, ‘Shaadi hai taiyaar hoke aayiye’ ads, finally settling down for a whopping 2.43 hrs. ordeal, hoping against the hopes that this ‘prequel’ just might delight the Chulbul Pandey fan in us.

Twenty minutes into the film (The Roger Ebert 20-minute litmus test always proves to be so right – If a film doesn’t appeal to you in its first 20 minutes, it will never work for you till its last frame), and Dabangg 3 already begins to feel like a drivel of a fading superstar desperately trying to find his mojo, right after charting the ‘Prem wala Bhai route’ with Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, ‘Action wala Bhai route’ with Race 3, ‘Heart-with-gold Bhai route’ with Tubelight, to the recent ‘Patriotism wala Bhai’ with Bharat. They all just don’t seem to work. And now comes the tried-and-tested ‘Robinhood wala Bhai’, which ends up being a parody of the original, instead of an ambitious prequel.

Prabhudeva, as the Director of Dabangg 3 throws the slick action of Wanted along with dance sequences of R…Rajkumar at us, but the screenplay falls flat, making the audience kick themselves for not streaming the first two films instead. Seriously folks, it makes much more sense to revisit the first two Dabanggs, perhaps back-to-back binge watch sessions, rather than indulging yourself with this failed attempt of cashing in on the fading hype and hoopla of a character we loved so much.

Debutant Saiee Manjrekar, though looks promising, is a complete mismatch with an aging superstar trying to look younger. She is given 2 songs and a super slow-motion scene that focusses on her face for eternity, so much so that you just might check out the restroom mirror during the interval to know if you have aged a year while watching the first half of Dabangg 3. Sonakshi Sinha does a Sonakshi Sinha here. And make no mistake, nobody plays Sonakshi Sinha better than Sonakshi Sinha – Got the drift, right? Sudeep plays the shoddily-written villain with conviction but the bad writing by Dilip Shukla and Aloke Upadhyaya leave no room for him to improvise or make the audience understand his character, if not hate him.

Dabangg 3 tries to tell us how Chulbul Pandey came into being, from where he found those seeti-worthy lines, who taught him to wear his sunglasses on the back of his shirt, how he became a ‘police wala goonda’ – An exercise as redundant as driving all your way to watch Dabangg 3 on big screen, when you could have easily waited for the online streaming release, at least you’d have the luxury of fast-forwarding what transpires on screen and finish this ‘yawnathon’ in just few minutes (or seconds?).

The film’s biggest warning is ‘Story by Salman Khan’, which in a way, prepares you not to expect much (Remember Suryavanshi and Veer previously written by Bhai?). As audience, you never expect much from a zero-brainer like Dabangg series anyway – The formula is set – The swagger of a ‘Police wala goonda’ mouthing whistle-worthy lines, romances the beautiful Sonakshi Sinha, a muscle-wala villain who is sure to bare his torso in the end and ensure that Bhai also does that, an Arbaaz Khan character of Makkhi who either plays comic role, goes rogue or does both, and the end promises a sequel (Thankfully this one doesn’t, but then you never know!).

Even the songs look like a rehashed version of the previous installments. So, you aren’t expecting any insights into Police Department or study of a criminal’s mindset anyway, but just pure popcorn entertainment (Heck, the popcorns are costlier than the tickets these days, but unlike Bhai films, popcorns don’t disappoint you). But Dabangg 3 denies you the luxury of entertainment and is a bore to the core.

Towards the film’s end, Chulbul Pandey buries the villain Sudeep, saying ‘Tere jaison ki jagah dharti par nahin, dharti ke andar hai’. Wish the makers of Dabangg 3 shared the same sentiment with the film’s script, jiski jagah dharti par nahin, dharti ke neeche hai. ‘Milord, is film ke script ko ba-izzat ‘burry’ kiya jaaye!’

BuddyBits Rating: 1/5 Bits