Hi All,
This is a concept that was lingering in my head for a while. It started out as a small write-up but then I thought that a short video would apt to convey it. Do share your thoughts on it.
Love,
Sid
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.
All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com
Hi All,
The above video is a reading of an extract from the short story “Meeting Rosanna” from my book “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories”. The story is about two septuagenarians who meet unexpectedly after 40 long years. The inspiration for the story came from observing my parents. I have often wondered, what it would be like, for them, to meet an old and dear friend in a serendipitous encounter. What would be their reaction? What would they be reliving?
The extract has been read by my sister-in-law, Garima Joshi Tewari, who was kind enough to lend her mellifluous voice to my story. She is a former radio jockey with FM Rainbow (All India Radio) and I believe she has done a fabulous job of helping the reader visualize the scenes unfolding in this short extract from the story. Hope you all like it!
This will be the first among a series of story reading videos which will be uploaded in the coming weeks. So do watch out for this space and do like, share and subscribe to my channel if you have liked what you have seen!
You can grab a copy of my book from the links below:
Amazon India:
Amazon customers outside India:
(Available in Paperback and Kindle)
Also, available on Flipkart & Notion Press Store. Ebook available on google books, kobo.com
Warm Regards,
Sid
Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 1 Min Read
(A thought came to mind yesterday night while trying to write something substantial. Thought of sharing it)
Have you ever observed a child telling a story? It is a different kind of storytelling isn’t it?
It has the power, imagination and most importantly, the innocence that we may have lost.
Their words may not match ours, but there is truth in it.
For what they are saying is raw and dramatic. Just like life is!
And, don’t be fooled, their stories aren’t bereft of precision either,
For their description of even the insignificant,
Feels like an ode to wonderment!
And, their morals are superior,
Because they aren’t telling you a story,
To please, shock, or win your trust,
They are telling it,
Because what they have just experienced,
Is wonderful enough to be told.
Isn’t that enough for a story?
And, isn’t that a good place to be as a storyteller?
In the words of the great Margaret Atwood,
“Perhaps I write for no one.
Perhaps for the same person children are writing for when they scrawl their names in the snow.”
Pic credits: pinterest
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories.
He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.
All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com
Dear All,
This is a question that was asked quite often in the last 4 months, either by people who have read the book or those who have contemplated reading it. I thought that this is the right time to answer. Do watch the video and let me know your thoughts.
Warm Regards,
Sid
*******************************************************************************************************************
Grab your copy of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories’ from the link below (Available in Paperback and Kindle):
https://amzn.to/2Lx00sU
Also available @ Flipkart & Notion Press store. ebook available @ Google books, iBooks and Kobo.com
Written by Siddhartha Krishnan . 4 Min Read
The trailer of the Netflix anthology ‘Paava Kadhaigal‘ promises four gut wrenching stories, and it delivers. However, this isn’t a celebration of pathos nor an overplay of grotesqueries. It’s a film that mirrors the evils that we have created, nurtured and stood by. It shows that the systemic problems and crimes that flourish in a patriarchal order, have put the victim and the perpetrator in a vicious circle, that is difficult to come out of. The film manages to shock you because all that you have considered safe—like your house, your family have become nurturing ground for evil. And, while we think that this will not happen to us, we are certain that this has happened somewhere. It’s this realism which keeps you at the edge of your seat throughout the film, despite its apparent flaws.
Four talented filmmakers have come together to tell these compelling stories, while lending their unique voice to it. Hence, even though there is a common thread— ‘honour killings’, the stories as well as the storytelling are all different in its own way.
In Sudha Kongara’s, ‘Thangam’ (My Precious) a transperson harbours dreams of a different life for which he has been saving money. He is unapologetic about his identity so, he is unaffected by the noise that surrounds him. But things don’t work out as planned and the ones out to cut his wings are his own. While the film resorts to melodrama at places, it still manages to convey the anguish in a way that will linger. The performance by Kalidas Jayaram in the lead role of ‘Sathaar’ was exceptional. The cinematography by Jomon T John and music by Justin Prabhakar also elevate the film considerably.
Vignesh Sivan’s ‘Love Panna Uttranum’ (Let Them Love) is a film about two twin sisters out to break the news of their choice of partners to their politician father, whom they believe has changed over the years. Although, dark humour is the chosen tone for this film, it addresses the deep-rooted problem of casteism while exposing the hypocrisy that pervades it all. In the end, is there really a choice, the film asks? The writing of this film could have been tighter, especially the end which felt a bit abrupt. The performances by Padam Kumar in the role of ‘Veersimman’ and Jaffer Sadiq as ‘Mr. Narikutty’ deserves a special mention.
The third film ‘Vaanmagal’ (Daughter of the Skies) directed by Gautam Vasudev Menon is about a traumatic incident that happens in the life of a closely knit family and how things spiral down from there. The film explores how even so-called regular folks can be driven to insanity by the noise that society creates, thereby, clouding their reasoning and testing their morality. The ending of the film will shock and then soothe in equal measure, which is a result of some clever writing. Simran in the role of the mother ‘Mathi’ does full justice to her part and the music by Karthik creates the desired impact.
The last film ‘Orr Iravu’ (That Night) directed by Vetri Maaran is perhaps the most difficult film to watch in this anthology. While this is clearly the director’s comfort zone, he surely brings on his A-game. It’s a slow burn which gradually proceeds towards a sudden switch that works like a magic trick. From there on, the scenes become nauseous to watch, as the director shows his craft as well as the power of this medium. The performances by Prakash Raj and Sai Pallavi, are going to be talked about for years to come. The cinematography by S. Suresh Bala and sound design by T. Udayakumar was stellar. This was a near perfect film.
If you are to review these films from a pure filmmaking perspective you might find a few flaws, here and there, especially in the writing in some of them. However, what is not questionable is the honesty with which all of these directors have approached their respective films. For some it was a clear departure from what they usually make. However, together, they have been able to ask some important questions without being sanctimonious with their messaging. For this reason, ‘Paava Kadhaigal’ is an essential watch. It throws in all the requisite punches, making you feel uncomfortable at places but keeping you engaged till the end. The film deserves a 4/5. Watch it on Netflix.
Pic credits: the hindu, koimoi.com, quint, binged.com, imdb and pinkvilla
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories.
He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.
All rights reserved by whatsonsidsmind.com
By Siddhartha Krishnan . 4 Min Read
(This essay was originally posted by the author in Purono Kolkatar Golpo FB group)
‘Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu,
Vishnu Mayeti Shabdita,
Namastasye, Namastasye, Namastasye,
Namoh Namaha’ …
(To the Goddess in all beings,
Known as Vishnu Maya,
I bow to her, I bow to her, I bow to her)
The memory of Birendra Krishna Bhadra reciting this ancient hymn, in his inimitable style, on the early morning radio, is still fresh in my mind. His voice, at once, energized all Kolkatans to begin preparations for ‘Durga Puja’. This was true for my Malayali family as well, and we too earmarked the four days of the festival on the calendar at the beginning of the year. We too, on Mahalaya day, readied our to-do lists in preparation for what we believed was the greatest spectacle on Earth. On this Ashtami morning in Bangalore, as I endeavour to write this essay, these and many more fond memories of Durga Puja in Kolkata, flash before my eyes.
I am often asked by people who haven’t experienced Bengali culture — “What is so special about Durga Puja?”. My humble reply to them — “Please experience it for yourself and you will get your answer”. This was the reply to my wife as well when we got married in 2010 and subsequently got down to exploring each other’s culture. She is a Kumaoni girl brought up in Lucknow and I am a Malayali boy brought up in Kolkata. We got our chance in 2012.
However, for me this was a daunting task because I had to step into my father’s shoes and do all the heavy lifting. The thought of being the historian, food connoisseur, art lover and storyteller was giving me the jitters. My motive though was simple; to let my wife experience all that I had experienced as a child. We had 3 days in hand that year — Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami to do all the pandal hopping and our itinerary resembled the one that I used to follow as a child. Day 1 – North Kolkata, Day 2 – South Kolkata and Day 3 – was left to discover the hidden gems within the city. Father’s office car was at our disposal as usual.
Naktala Udayan Sangha Pujo (2012)
As was the practice, we started early in the morning (to avoid the crowds) and reached the Bagbazar Pujo. The idea was to start from one corner and then drive all the way back to Bhowanipore, where we stayed. By the time we reached Kumartuli Park, my wife was brimming with curiosity. She shot a barrage of questions at me mercilessly. I dealt with them cautiously while hesitantly taking dad’s help every now and then. I recollect the secretive glances he traded that day, while sporting an impish grin, as I cleared my wife’s doubts. However, with each passing pandal my wife looked more and more at ease. Her inhibitions (if any) had disappeared into the cool autumn air of the city.
Inside Chakreberia Sarbojanin Durga Puja Pandal (2012)
She walked on the little alleys of North Kolkata exuding a child-like exuberance. Her eyes looked wonderstruck. The artistry on display at Ahiritola, Mohammad Ali Park and Santosh Mitra Square had done its trick. As I narrated my childhood stories of ‘Durga Puja’ and shared whatever little history I knew of these places; I was overjoyed to realize that she had bought into my storytelling. Her expression was the giveaway and it evoked a bout of nostalgia. I travelled back in time to when my little finger clung onto my dad’s as we walked through these very alleys. I wondered — “Did I sport the same expression on my face when my father narrated those stories?”.
On Ashtami day we were in South Kolkata, and my wife was quick to spot the change in the cityscape. The difference between the North and South of the city fascinated her. From Adi Ballygunge, to Ekdalia Evergreen, to Suruchi Sangha we covered all the iconic South Kolkata pandals that day. She being a ‘people person’ I knew that the crowds weren’t going to be a deterrent. But when she rebelled to step out for pandal hopping at night, I broke into a cold sweat. Me, not much of a crowd person was now the spoilsport. But I knew I wasn’t going anywhere with my resistance (actually her energy was infectious). So the two of us ventured out that night on foot.
The Chandelier at Ekdalia Evergreen Durga Puja Pandal
Surprisingly, my wife looked more at ease than me in an unknown city. She bargained with gusto at stalls selling handicrafts, nudged me to beat the crowd and get a cotton candy and insisted on a ‘jhal muri’ at midnight. This was unexpected but I was secretly enjoying it. We merged into the crowd and soaked in the energy. I for some reason had forgotten that the festival was also accommodating of this kind of subtle romance.
At noon, on Nabami, we were at Shiraz for lunch. While relishing a plate of mutton biriyani and recapping all the outlandish concepts and artistry we had witnessed over the last 3 days, I slipped in a question to my wife — what were the most appealing aspects of Durga Puja in Kolkata? After taking a minute to gather her thoughts, she replied — “the sheer love for art and the infectious energy of the people of this city”. I couldn’t agree more!
We were going to leave Kolkata on Dashami morning. So that Nabami night we played all the images we had gathered over the 3 days on a projector. The lights were turned off and we watched the pictures in silence. At once, I was engulfed by a plethora of emotions as images from my past seamlessly blended with those of my present. I shed a happy tear that day.
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.
All rights reserved by http://www.whatsonsidsmind.com
Ruskin Bond with my book ‘Two and a Half Rainbows’ at his home in Landour, Mussoorie
‘The Writer on the Hill’ published by Rupa publications
“As I walked home last night
I saw a lone fox dancing
In the cold moonlight.
I stood and watched. Then
Took the low road, knowing
The night was his by right.
Sometimes, when words ring true,
I’m like a lone fox dancing
In the morning dew.”
― Ruskin Bond, A Book of Simple Living
You can grab a copy of ‘Two and a Half Rainbows’ (available in Paperback and Kindle) at the below links:
India:
Outside:
Please note: The following review was originally posted by Pankaj Giri (author of the ‘Amazon Best Reads’ – The Fragile Thread of Hope) on his FB Page and on the ‘Two and a Half Rainbows‘ FB page. It is being shared on this website with his due approval.
A Thought Provoking, Masterful Collection of Short Stories!
Book Cover – The Fragile Thread of Hope
By Siddhartha Krishnan . 3 Min Read
There goes a saying, “Our pleasures are shallow, our sorrows are deep”. The undeniable attribute of melancholia, is that, it is slow and lingering. Unlike happiness it is never in a hurry to leave. Pankaj Giri’s novel, therefore, is a slow burn and deliberately so, which makes it feel like an ode to melancholia. It’s the story of Fiona and Soham and their traumatic past that is unwilling to give in to their resilient present, which hangs by “The Fragile Thread of Hope”. It’s a tale of love, loss, loneliness, regret and the power of hope. Loss is imminent but the baggage that it ensues often leads to regret and ruthless melancholy. The story moves at its own pace but cleverly leads to gut-wrenching moments of loss, which leaves the reader in a daze.
The first thing that strikes you about the book is the investment into its characters and that each chapter is dedicated to a specific character testifies the effort that has gone in. The characters are well-sketched, especially the leads, Fiona and Soham, and the author jumps timelines to unravel their arc. Another unique aspect of the storytelling is the use of delusions and dreams in vivid prose with the atmospherics playing an important role in them. Like this other-worldly experience that Soham goes through in a hospital in Bangalore after a ghastly accident, “A cool breeze caresses his cheeks, Soham finds himself on a chair in front of a wooden study table. Bright light streams in through the transparent panes of the window in front of him, blurring his vision. Observing the balustrade of the balcony beyond the window, he recognizes the place—it is his room in Gangtok”.
The writing has a rich poetic vein about it, which shows in the author’s choice of words and formation of sentences. There is a languid flow to it all. The other commendable aspect of the writing is its symmetry displayed through some clever use of analogies. As a writer I can vouch that this is not an easy task but they are critical to help the reader visualize a scene in their mind. Only skilled writers can pull this off with aplomb. The following is a good example—“She walked past a streetlight, a swarm of moths hovering around it like a gang of flirts”.
In May, 1886, Anton Chekhov once famously wrote to his brother Alexander, who was harbouring literary ambitions, “In descriptions of nature one must seize on small details, grouping them so that when the reader closes his eyes, he gets a picture. This is where the author excels the most as he expertly transports you to places. The following description of a bike ride in Gangtok is a good example, “The farther away the mountains were, the more their colour seemed to drop from green to blue and then lighter shades of blue. Dark clouds looming above the hilly horizon were on the verge of swallowing the setting sun”.
Melancholy, undoubtedly has its own charm. It is strangely seducing and entertaining in its own way and this book is proof of that. After reading it, I was reminded of lines from a favourite Hindi song,
“Jashn ye raas na aaye,
Maza tho bas gam mein aaya hai.
Maine dil se kahan, dhoond lana khushi,
Na samajh laya gam, tho gam hi sahi!”
(Celebrations are deceiving,
Pain is more honest.
I asked my heart to go find happiness,
But the fool brought back sorrow)
I will recommend the book to all dreamers, brooders, wanderers and eternal romantics. For its well-sketched characters, poetic prose and attention to detail, I think the book is a must read. I will give Pankaj Giri’s masterfully written “The Fragile Thread of Hope” a 4.5/5.
Note – “The Fragile Thread of Hope” has been selected among “Amazon Best Reads” and the author is a finalist of the Amazon Pen to Publish contest (2017). The book has also received accolades from award-winning bestselling authors like Chitra Divakaruni (The Palace of illusions) and Renita D’Silva (The Forgotten Daughter).
The book has been published by Fingerprint publishing and is available at the below places:
India:
International customers:
Siddhartha Krishnan is the author of “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories“. He is also an enthusiastic blogger and on his website www.whatsonsidsmind.com, he regularly puts out his essays, articles, travelogues and film reviews.
All rights reserved by http://www.whatsonsidsmind.com
Hi All,
The trailer of my book “Two and a Half Rainbows – A Collection of Short Stories” is finally out. For those who have read the book these characters will be familiar and for those who are contemplating doing so, this is a sneak peek. Do let me know your thoughts …
A collage of pics sent by readers
Book is available at the below places:
India:
Amazon – Paperback and Kindle – https://www.amazon.in/dp/1648287654/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_i_3K5qFbTDR10T0
Notion Press – Paperback
https://notionpress.com/read/two-and-a-half-rainbows
NOTE : @Notion Press online store currently available at a discount of 25%. Use code EARLYREADERTAHF. Limited period and limited stock offer.
Also available on Flipkart (Paperback)
For international customers the book is available on amazon.com (Paperback and Kindle):
https://www.amazon.com/Two-Half-Rainbows-Collection-Stories/dp/1648287654
Ebook also available on Kobo.com, Google books, Booktopia and iBooks.
Warm Regards,
Sid
