अक्स

ढूंढने की ज़रुरत थी नहीं मुझे 
मालूम जो था, आप हो साथ हमारे 
आप मेरे बाहर का साया नहीं 
रूह में सिमटी हुई अक्स है हमारे 

क्या करू

हमारा हर एक धड़कन आपका ही नाम लेता है 

हर साँस आपकी तारीफ़ में गुज़र जाता है 

हर पल आपकी आहटें याद आती है 

क्या करू मैं, हर जनम ये दिल आपको ही चाहता है 

अपनी मौत

अगर तुम्हारी चाहत में ताकत है, तो मिलन को रोक नहीं सकता कोई मौत 
अगर तुम्हे मौत भी आजाये, तो हम है यहाँ अपनाने तुम्हारी मौत 
पर हा मरेंगे तुमसे मिलने के बाद ही, और हस्ते हुए गले लगायेंगे अपनी मौत 

यादों की मोतिया

अमीर है हम भी, अगर तेरे पास सोना है सोने के लिए 
मेरे पास आपकी यादों की मोतिया है, सपनो मैं डुबोने के लिए

न किया होता

कुर्बान न किया होता ज़िन्दगी 
मेहमान से बेवजह न रखता बन्दगी 
अगर पहचान ज़रा पेहले कर लिया होता 
तो मेहमान को अरमान न बनाया होता 

मेरे पैग़ाम

रेहते होंगे मेरे पैग़ाम से ना खुश 

सेहते होंगे हर लफ्ज़ को, बेज़ार हो कर 

नाम देखते ही ठुकरा देती उसे शायद 

पर हम वही खड़े है, इन्तेज़ार हो कर 

दिल का कमरा

दिल का कमरा खाली है 
न जाने कौन इस में रेहने वाली है 
तमन्ना तो है यही 
की वो अति सुन्दर और थोड़ी निराली है  

तुम

सुरमई नग़मा, लियाक़त-ए-ग़ज़ल 
मतलबी कलमा, रागिनी धुन हो तुम 

प्यार की प्यास

सब कुछ पाकर भी हूँ उदास 
तुम जो नहीं हो मेरे पास 
पूरा न हो सका कभी वो आस 
की तुम भुजाओ मेरी प्यार की प्यास 

आस न खोने देना

उदासीपन का एहसास न होने देना 

दूरी कभी मेहसूस न होने देना 

पास न हो हम तुम्हारे 

पर कभी मिलने की आस न खोने देना 

पेहला नाम

देखा जब मैंने जहाँ को करीब से, तो कुछ अलग ही पाया 
जिस तरह के लोग थे वैसा नहीं था उनका साया 
हैरान था जानकार की बहुत काम है जिन्होंने मोहब्बत निभाया 
और जब कुछ गौर से देखा, तो पेहला नाम आपका पाया 

पागल खाना

दीवाने परवाने का मतलब तक हम जानते नहीं 
मैखाने में ही शराब मिलता है, ऐसा हम मानते नहीं 
पर यु सोचता हूँ कि जहाँ है पागल खाना मोहब्बत का 
फिर भी मोहब्बत हर किसी को मिलती नहीं 

संजोग

कुछ न कुछ तो कहते है लोग 
क्यों की केहना है उनका रोग 
अगर हम भी जाते उनकी बातों में 
तो शायद आपसे नहीं हो पाती संजोग 

दिल से सच्चे

दोस्त तो हम बुरे है नहीं, पर है नहीं हम सबसे अच्छे 
अपने बारे में इतना केह सकता हूँ की हम है दिल से सच्चे

आपके लिये

शायर एक बड़ा नाम है मेरे लिये 
पर बहुत छोटा नाम है आपके लिये 
मैं तो कुछ यूँही लिखता हूँ 
वही शायरी है आपके लिये 

ऐसे ही है सही

उसूलों पे अड़े रहे हम, इसलिये शायद कोई हमे चाहता नहीं 
फिर भी बदले नहीं, क्यों की यु मानते है की हम ऐसे ही है सही 

चाहा नहीं

अमानत तुझसे अच्छा चाहा नहीं 
क़यामत तेरे बगैर चाहा नहीं 
सलामत, सिवाए तेरी माँगा नहीं 
जन्नत इस से सच्चा चाहा नहीं

अजीब नौबत

आपने नींद वापस किया नहीं 
हमने रात भर सोया नहीं 
अजीब नौबत है हमारी 
खोया है दिल और बदले में कुछ पाया नहीं 

एक ही अरमान

इस दुनिया में हम भी है मेहमान 
और हम ही है अपना सामान 
अपनी तो है, एक ही अरमान 
गुज़र जाये ज़िन्दगी, बिना करे किसी का नुक्सान 

बातों के वास्ते

उभर चुके है ग़म से, आपकी बातों के वास्ते 
अदाएं आपके ही शामिल हो, हसीन बनाये मेरे रास्ते 

क्यों न देखू

कशिश-ए-मोहब्बत के वास्ते जलते है चराग कई 
दुनिया-ए-इश्क़ में मचलते है राग कई 
नशा-ए-हुस्न में पीने है शराब कई 
जब आपसे हसीन कोई नहीं, तो क्यों न देखू आपके ख्वाब कई 

आपका दिल

आप जैसा बहुत खूब है आपकी बातों की मेहफिल  
कितना भी तारीफ़ करू कम है, यही तो है मुश्किल 
पर आपकी बाते याद आते है, आप जो है इस दिल में शामिल 
ए दोस्त फ़िक्र न करना हमारे बारे में, हम ही तो है आपका दिल 

आया मौसम सावन का

आया मौसम सावन का, दिल तेज़ धड़के मेरा 
कोयल के साथ साथ अब गाये दिल मेरा 
गाता है बस तेरे लिये, पागल दिल मेरा 
अब कोई भी नहीं मेरा, सिर्फ संग है तेरा 

आओ हम तुम मिलके झूमे सावन में 
मिलके हम साथ लाये खुशिया आँगन में 
मेहकाके, बेहलाके, तन थोड़ा देहकाके 
ऐसे झूमे जैसे कोई नहीं है जग में 
पाया है हमने सब कुछ, तेरे ही संग में 
अब तो मिलके झूमे सावन की भांग में 

तुझे मिलने से

आसमान को छू आया हूँ 
गहरी सागर में डूबकर भी जी रहा हूँ 
ऐसा लगता है तुझे मिलने से 
जहाँ को भूल जाता हूँ 
तेरे आने का इंतज़ार करता हूँ 
कोई भी कली खिलने से 

न जाने किसकी राहत में

खोगये है सभी राहें 

टूटगये है सारी ज़ंजीरें 

फिर भी धड़क रहा है दिल, न जाने किसकी चाहत में 

थकगया हूँ बहुत, 

फिर भी सुकून हूँ यहाँ न जाने किसकी राहत में 

SIDE EFFECTS (2013) - ENGLISH

A good psychological thriller that should be watched for terrific directing.

Steven Soderbergh has yet again proved that he is indeed a straightforward director and shows the issues as they exist. No camouflage, no melodrama that is basically no nonsense. He is best in such scripts and not the remakes like he did for Ocean's Eleven. Thankfully, this is such a script where he can handle things and show them in a real way. There is no surrealism, no hallucinations or no drugs here. It's a story of a girl who is psychologically fine but is actually under medication due to reasons of her own.

For nearly three fourth of the film, I thought this film is about the corruption in the medical industry, the nexus between pharmaceutical companies and doctors. Also, I thought that this film is about murder too. But in reality, it is something else.

Rooney Mara has done a terrific job. Her best is still "The girl with the dragon tattoo" but "Side Effects" stands as one of her top performances.

The cinematography is wonderful and the sound design is in tune with the visuals. The sound gave a spine-chilling feel for me. But I wish so, there was fine-tuning in the edit to cut few scenes to make it racier.

Above all, it's a straight script that is superbly directed. I am going with 3/5  for this. Definitely a good one, but falls a tad below in greatness.

HANDLING WITH CARE

Care of father, simply put. Taken at Ngong Ping, Hong Kong.

MONASTERY IN A JUNGLE

Away from the skyscrapers, there are green mountains and there lies peace. Taken at Ngong Ping, Hong Kong.

TRAFFIC STREAM

Traffic movement in Hong Kong. Taken from Wan Chai, Immigration Tower Bridge, Hong Kong. 

HONG KONG NIGHT TRAFFIC

Traffic at Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Things move at quick pace in Hong Kong. 

LIT UP SKYSCRAPERS

Glimpse of the skyscrapers at night in Hong Kong. Taken at Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.

BOTTLED LAMPS

Taken at K-11 mall,  Hong Kong. These are bottles cut to become lamp shades.

COLOURFUL CASINO

Casino Liboa at Macau. Macau is also called, Vegas of the East. Amazing Casinos here.

मेहरबान शैतान

मेहरबान हूँ आपका शैतान जो कहा मुझे 
मेहमान बनाया आपकी ज़ुबान का शैतान केह कर मुझे 

शबाब जो पीया है

होश में बेहोशी तेरी हुस्न ने किया है 
झूमते यु नशे में, तेरी शबाब जो पिया है 
तेरी नज़ाकत पे हमने नींद खोगया 
इश्क़ की ख़्वाबों में चैन खोगया 
होश में बेहोशी तेरी हुस्न ने किया है 
फूलों में खुमार तेरी आहट से आगया 
गुलशन में निखार तेरी मुस्कान से आगया 
झूमते यु नशे में, तेरी शबाब जो पीया है 

आपकी धड़कन - मेरा दिल

क्या नसीब है उस मूरत की, जिसपे आपकी निगाहें पड़ती है 
क्या किस्मत है वो आईने की, जिसके सामने आप रोज़ सजती होगी 
क्या समा होगा आपका पंखा का, जो आपको ठंडी हवा देने को वो मचलती है 
क्या हुआ इस दिल को पता नहीं, शायद आपकी धड़कन से ही ये बजती होगी 

MOON AS A GIFT

May the night be held in our arms

May the moon be taken in our palms

As I present moon as a gift

Before day breaks in and sets us adrift

LEARNING TO FLY

An earthbound misfit seeks the skies
And thus, tries till he just flies
To fly away from the cauldron of hate
And the melancholy, seeking respite
With the winds blowing hard
How shall, one stand strong

(*Inspired from lyrics of "Learning to Fly" and "Lost Words" of Pink Floyd)

खोगया

लिखने की गूँज तो है पर लफ़्ज़ों का किताब खोगया 
दर्द पे लिखने के लिए ग़म का सैलाब खोगया 
ख़ुशी पे लिखने के लिए हसीं ख्वाब खोगया 
पेश करू तो क्या, जब इस सवाल का जवाब खोगया 

तेरा आशियाना

तेरा आशियाना में सजता सारा आलम है 
तेरी तारीफ करने बजता हर शेहनाई है 
तेरी मुस्कान से निखरता हर मौसम है 
तेरी आहट से दूर होती मेरी तन्हाई है 

AMERICAN SNIPER (2015) - ENGLISH

A terrific war film, that is more about the inner war than the external one.

Based on the 2003 Iraq war, the movie is about Chris Kyle, the sniper who recorded 160 deaths from his own shoots officially. It's tough to kill someone, but when you are paid to kill, it becomes a profession, a duty. War involves a lot of killing and it does show up. Every soldier who killed someone perhaps goes through a lot of emotion after he the killing. It's because soldiers learn how to value a life.

In this story, we have a protagonist whose conflict within keeps him going and makes him stronger. Seldom have I seen a protagonist with such integrity and who is true to his profession. Vulnerability is something he innately possesses but he does not succumb. This protagonist has almost all the qualities of an ideal man. If the real person, Chris Kyle, on whose life the movie was based was someone as tough as shown in film, I salute his spirit and courage.

Bradley Cooper, who played the role of Chris Kyle, gave a poised and a nuanced performance. Though he shoots most of the time, he pierces any sensitive heart through his expression. To be ruthless is hard but to act being ruthless and yet empathizing is tough. I sincerely believe only few actors can pull off a role as tight as this one. Thankfully, Bradley pulls it off with aplomb.

Above all, I appreciate Clint Eastwood. I hardly know any director, who is not only maniacal but also rolls out a film almost every year.  

Watch it for real action, no nonsense stuff and for the spirit of Chris Kyle. Above all, watch it for Clint Eastwood's vision.

A 4/5 for this.

न चाहत है, न आदत है

न चाहत है आपको बातों का, न फुर्सत भी 
न आदत है आपको बातों का, न फितरत भी 

जलाल को जोधा

एहसानमंद हूँ उसका जो इस जलाल को जोधा दिखाये 
तारीफ़ खूब करूँगा उनका,  जो इस ज़िन्दगी को मुकम्मल बनाये 

*Referred Akbar as Jalaal as his full name is Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar

प्यार की लेहर

खुश हुआ दिल आज, लौट जो आये है इस शहर में 
आस है यही, कभी तो मिलेगी आपकी नेहर मेरी प्यार की लेहर में  

मन की भावना

अजीब है मन की भावना 
व्याकुल नयन से नीर बेहते नहीं 
थके कदम आज रुकते नहीं 
केह दो समय से धीरे चले 
ऐसे पल हर बार आते नहीं 

मिलने की आस

आप ही खुदा हमारे आप से मिलने की आस है 
दूर हो कर भी आप, दिल के बहुत पास है 

क्या बुरा, क्या अच्छा

मालूम नहीं मुझे और समझ में भी नहीं आता क्या बुरा है और क्या है अच्छा 
अपने लिए तो बुराई है ही नहीं और जो अच्छा है, वो है जो दिल से है सच्चा 

PIKU (2015) - HINDI

A wonderful film that shows and speaks about the shit in our lives, quite literally.

I am not sure what director Shoojit Sircar might have been thinking while conceiving and visualising the script of this film. But this much I am sure, he would have moments of burst out laughter while shooting this film. It's a fun film to watch and a funnier one to make.

"Hilarious" even this word would undermine this film, That's how good it is. I laughed out loud and was happy right every moment. There is not even a dull moment I must say and as per me, this is simply one of the finest films out in Hindi this year. 

Deepika Padukone, who used to be a model few years ago, seems to have come of age and has done some great acting here. I loved here in the other film "Finding Fanny" and with this one, she has set her own bar high. 

Irfan Khan, needless to say has done a terrific job. He has maintained the low-key and reserved acting well. He does his job without much ado and also takes credit for it. This film is no different and he is just too good again.

Now, the stealer of the show as in most cases is Amitabh Bachchan. He is terrific I must say. every emotion, every tiny utterance of a word, every sigh, every smile, every look, he has something to say and do. Even the way he talks to his maid is funny, I just can't simply get enough of his acting and I am proud to be loving him, Also, very happy that he has emerged as one of the most diverse actors in his choice of scripts. 

Shoojit Sircar and the writers have done a job so very well that it's rare to see such good writing in Hindi films, Here is one, and I will take it. There is no camouflaging, no nonsense. It's out there as if it were in real life of real people. So loved the depiction of it.

All other aspects are just fine, and even they are flawed, I would give a 4/5 for this film simply for acting and writing.

JURASSIC WORLD (2015) - ENGLISH

Strictly a one time watch and even if avoided or missed out then no big deal.

Let me begin by talking about the theater where we watched this film. It’s Grand Cinema in Hong Kong, where the seats vibrate in sync with the surround effect. This experience was new for me and it was certainly immersive. This film certainly had great sound effects so the vibration of seats was a good one to experience.

Coming to the film, there is no value add I got, apart from better visual and sound effects than the classic and original Jurassic Park made in 1993. I simply think that this film was over rated by my friends who went gaga over this and recommended this.

Irfan Khan surprised me in this with the role he had played. Apart from that there anything much impressive about this film. There is that oomph factor for sure but not not to my satisfaction.

Technically, yes this all the ingredients of a superbly designed film with adequate effects. I wish there was some soul too and not just a body that was camouflaged.

An average 2/5 for this.

HOW TO RETIRE AT 45?

My plan and vision is that I want to stop doing a job or anything to earn money at the age of 45 and that’s precisely 14 years from now. What do I need to do to achieve that depends on what am I doing now and how far can I go with this. Ok, let me some things to do which will help me achieve my goal.

I need to build assets which will yield considerable returns and help me facilitate me and my family without thinking much financially. I want to travel a lot and it means a lot of money so how much would be good, I need to look at the logistics of financials and plan accordingly.

A simpler solution is that start saving and investing early and that is beginning of employment. Though, it looks simple, my experience says that's the toughest thing to do. New job, new responsibilities, new power to spend and much more. To hold on and focus on the retirement at early stage of employment is really hard.

So, then lets spend but spend purposefully. Buy things that help you either professionally to grow and yield finances quicker. Say, you invest in management studies that will help you grow quickly. Else, spend in things that are having huge probability of turning into assets many years later. Land, stocks, gold, a flat etc. can be termed as a few.

So better buy a flat, clear of the loan quickly say by 35 (assuming you start your career at 24) and for next years upto 45 buy another flat and clear off the new emi by 45. So by 45 you will have 2 flats, loan free and from one flt, you can earn a rent that may help you as pension and also you have your own flat to stay. You can trade the old flat for an appreciation and convert that into fixed deposit too on which you may seek a monthly interest. Logically, which ever option yields higher, one would opt that.

So, to reach the goal there are many paths, but there are hardships in each and be ready to face for a greater peace then. Do not forget to have a health insurance and life insurance policies for you and family as they help you deal with adversities if any.

Nothing that is said above is unknown. Everybody says that and many follow too. But I just wanted to put my views across. Thanks for reading.

INSIDE OUT (2015) - ENGLISH

I loved this movie and cried like crazy.

Happy to have seen this in theaters, and happy to have found my sleeping kid. The kid that sleeps within me and always jumps awake at the opportune moment, was so happy seeing this. Ok, now cut the kid and let the sane adult talk, as this is a review by an adult and not a kid.

This adult has a story, a teenage story of changing school, being a rebel at home, and fighting with parents and teachers all through the years that he was at a new school. I changed my school when I was thirteen and the next couple of years were hell for my parents and teachers. A student with supreme conduct, suddenly turned into a disinterested rowdy with the change of school. The new school I was put in did not have good teachers, who could sing or play. They always used to teach in the most uninteresting way, and I hated all of it.

OK, that’s a little insight into my teenage years, but above all, this is a film that has much more than insight. I connected with this film on a deeper level, perhaps I too love reading minds. This movie is something that explores the feelings of emotions, how we react when we feel, how do we emote that feeling, it’s so much more about us within than many other films, that are all about characters, plot, themes etc. This movie, could possibly be about you, check this to find that out. I found something for me and was extremely happy.

The director has a daughter and she is nearly the same age as the film’s protagonist Riley. Now, what’s her age? Go watch the film, or as some lazy bugs do, just do some Wikipedia about director, the film, his daughter etc. I am unapologetic and actually unhappy with those who read this review and do not end up watching this.

Technically, PIXAR has achieved more than any other animation studio in the world in terms of animation, story-telling and development of characters and trust me, this film is on par with any PIXAR film you have liked, be it FINDING NEMO or MONSTERS INC or TOY STORY or many more including WALL-E and UP.

Having said all that, do I still need to rate this? I will do, just for the takers, it’s a 5/5. I love this and I need not say more.

THE USUAL SUSPECTS (1995) - ENGLISH

A one time watch is enough to remember this for a life time. 

It’s an impacting film is what I can definitely say. As this is a suspense-thriller, I cannot reveal the suspense or anything. Yet, I just want to say that the cold-bloodedness of a character makes it way too obvious and provides an indication of what is going to come across.

Acting is masterful by all, especially by Kevin Spacey who alone rallies the ensemble cast by his stoned face and supreme voice narration.

This is not only a well-acted film but also a well written one. The writing is sharp and straight. Undoubtedly it deserves the accolades it received for writing and also Kevin Spacey’s acting.

Overall, a must watch for the lovers of cinema, but if you predict the twist, then I am not sure whether you will like this film.

It’s a good one still and not a great one for me as other aspects of the film technicalities might have been much better. A 3/5 for this.