Showing posts with label Mother. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mother. Show all posts
An Ode to stay-at-home Mothers
House wife, home maker, mother, stay-at-home wives / mothers; you may choose to address them in different ways, but what cannot be ignored is a very simple fact - instead of a regular, mundane 9 to 5 job, she does the "when I open my eyes, till I close my eyes" job. Housework is one department which often goes unappreciated. No one notices when the homemaker does it, but everyone notices or rather, ends up realising their folly, when she is unable to do the same (especially when she is sick). Being a son, living in a house with two other men (my brother and father, respectively), I have grown up admiring the only woman in my house, who chose to spend her life as a home maker - My Mom.
Currently, we are all going through a very tough time, and have been confined to the four walls of our respective houses. The entire nation has come to a standstill after the major outburst of Corona Virus. Ever since the lockdown has been announced, almost every company has been asked to follow the work from home mode of delivering and managing work schedules. Needless to say, this breakdown has impacted many people in various ways. Introverts are living their ultimate dream (kind of, no offence), as they don't need social environment anymore, while Extroverts are dying for social interaction and moving out of their homes. It's been almost 10 days, and we feel things around us have changed a lot. Some feel lost in their own homes, literally find ways to kill boredom, some choose to laze around and crib about the current circumstances. (yeah, despite my partner constantly telling me to avoid this, I've been through situations where I have cribbed and even accepted the situation, with the will to fight through it).
At the same time, many of us have figured out new ways to kill this boredom. While some continue to work hard, some have dedicated extra time to their hobbies, others are re-discovering their passion. Social media is packed with hidden master chefs displaying their new cooking skills and experiments, and some are, well, still fighting against the odds. However, this is just the tip of an iceberg. We still have a long way to go.
Just as I was carefully analysing the situation, an important thought crossed my mind, and struck me hard. My mom came up and I began noticing her routine. I carefully observed how she was taking care of all the small things. At the same time, she was also dealing with our random food cravings, irritation, talks on boredom among others. All this, while maintaining family balance and looking after every individual. Won't deny that we have proactively lend a helping hand, but nothing can match up to her skills. Yes, my mother is a house wife, or rather - a homemaker, by choice. And while we crib about our work from home routine, stay-at-home mothers like her have a work from home every single day. Beat that, will ya?
So many of us, including myself, have been cribbing about the lockdown and work from home since more than a week. But, they have been doing it since the day they chose this role and began looking after the family. It hit me that when all of us leave for work, Mom spends almost half the day alone, facing that same horrible boredom. No one to talk to, except a few phone calls here and there, and maybe a trip to the bazaar, for groceries and essentials. She gets everything together at home, while waiting for us to get back, enjoy dinner together and once again, get busy in the ever churning wheel of life.
Every single stay-at-home mom, whose efforts often go unnoticed and unappreciated, deserve a real round of applause for their selfless efforts. Time and again, every Mother (including mine and even those, who choose to balance work with their home commitments) have proved that none of what we do at our workplace, would be possible without their effort. She is not just a housewife - she is the real hero of every family. Without her, it just wouldn't feel like home.
A massive respect to their efforts, dedication, and selfless support (Remember, stay-at-home mothers don't even get paid to do all this). How about we go out and thank our mothers, wives and partners with a hug and some love? And remember, while you continue to work from home (or even otherwise), take some time out to appreciate them with a kind gesture.
I took the step and appreciated the hero in my life. Now, it's your turn!
The MAMI Report Card | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017 Round Up
The festival of lights is already here, but one of the most important festival in a cinephile’s life has come to an end. The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival 2017 will draw its curtains tonight with the closing film - Omerta, starring Rajkummar Rao. The week long festival gave us some wonderful cinematic experiences and memories, that shall stay with us for long. With 220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages spread across 5 venues, it was nothing less than a cinematic visual treat.
Day 1: The day started with Annemarie Jacir’s Palestinian film - Wajib. It had a simple storyline, that of a father and his estranged son hand delivering the wedding invitation of his daughter. The film gave us an insight into the relationship between the father and son. It also focused on the aspect of a Palestinian living in Italy and a Palestinian living at home. Played by real father-son duo Mohammad and Saleh Bakri, the story explores different facets about how it is different to be an Arab in Nazareth. Up next was Ana Asensio’s ‘Most Beautiful Island’ a tale of an illegal female immigrant who is trying to make a living in New York, but ends up in a dangerous game, all for the sake of money. Director, writer and actor Asensio surely lured the audiences with her effective opening and gripping story, which makes strong comments about the life of an illegal immigrant in New York city. She surely envisioned the film in its cruel reality.
Day 2: We kickstarted the day with a much awaited screening from the Discovering India section titled - What Will People Say? Directed by Iran Haq, the film stars some powerful Indian actors including Adil Hussain, Sheeba Chaddha, Rohit Saraf among others. This Norwegian coming-of-age drama film explores the life of a 16-year-old Norwegian teenager; a carefree girl outside with her friends, but at home, she adheres to her Parents and their culture. When caught red handed with a boy in her room, she is sent to Pakistan, where she is grounded and forced to follow and accept the norms and culture. It is indeed an impactful film with a stellar cast. While the day began with Discovering India, it ended with one of the most talked about films in the India Gold section - Ajji (Granny), directed by Devashish Makhija. This thriller leaves you numb and uncomfortable, especially around the climax. The film does not have a background score. So, one can actually hear the audience gasping and reacting to the proceedings in the auditorium. The silence of the horrendous crime is deafening, but Ajji is powerful and fearless.
Day 3: First on our list was ‘I am Not a Witch’ – a film by Zambian born Welsh director Rungano Nyoni. The plot follows a nine year old girl Shula, who is identified by the local community as a witch and is forcefully sent to a witch camp. At the camp, one can witness how all the witches are treated. They are tied with a ribbon, so that they don’t fly away. The film depicts the corruption and vague display of witches as attraction for humans.
Day 4: All Darren Aronofsky fans in the house got together for an early morning show of the American psychological thriller - Mother! (the title includes an exclamation mark). Right from the opening scene to the climax, Mother! is spine chillingly disturbing and stands true to Aronofsky's style of film making. Jennifer Lawrence kept the audience at the edge of the seat with her terrific performance.
After experiencing seven days of pure cinematic bliss, it's time to get back to the humdrum. But, not without saying - Adios, MAMI! See you next year with many more captivating films.
Did you watch any movie at the 19th Mumbai Film Festival, 2017? Share your experience by commenting below or join the conversation at
The Ultimate Must Watch List - Part II | 19th Mumbai Film Festival 2017
220 films from 49 countries, filmed in 51 languages. The festival has begun and we are back at doing what we do best - bringing you tons of updates and reports from the ongoing 19th Mumbai Film Festival. The list of best films can be endless. Still, we thought of working on a two part series that will give you a round up of some super interesting films at the festival this year. So, go register and grab your seats to witness the magic of world cinema unfurl! Here's our second part in the ultimate must watch list. Create your lists, everybody!
Loveless (Nelyubov)
A couple going through a divorce team up to find their son, who has disappeared during one of their bitter arguments.
Directed by: Andrei Zvyagintsev
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Zvyagintsev’s Loveless has earned critical acclaim. The film was awarded Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was also the Russian entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards. This Russian drama definitely looks poignant.
Mother
A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. The film is a riveting psychological thriller about love, devotion and sacrifice.
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - Darren Aronofsky’s Mother is the much talked about film this year, thanks to its stellar cast and a thrilling plot. Aronofsky is known for his surreal, disturbing films. So, we are sure this one too won’t disappoint us.
Manifesto
Acclaimed visual artist Julian Rosefeldt brings us Manifesto, which features two-time Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett in 13 distinct, must-see vignettes, that incorporate timeless manifestos from 20th century art movements. From anchorwoman to homeless man, Pop Art to Dogma 95; Blanchett's performance pays homage to the moving tradition of artist manifestos.
Directed by: Julian Rosefeldt
Section: World Cinema
#DancebeeApproved - A powerful actress. 13 distinct characters. One film! Well, that's the best thing ever. We surely feel this one deserves a place in this list.
I am not a Witch
Welsh-Zambian director Rungano Nyoni's first feature tells a story of eight-year-old Shula, who is accused of witchcraft. Officials take advantage. send her to state custody and later, exile her to a witch camp.
Directed by: Rungano Nyoni
Section: International Competition
#DancebeeApproved - Nyoni's first feature film looks promising, and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year under 'Director's Fortnight'. The director participated in the Cannes’ Cine Fondation Residency as a major talent in 2013.
Ajji
This year, the India Gold section has a great lineup of films. However, for us, one of them stands out from the rest, and that is film maker Devashish Makhija’s - Ajji. This revengeful thriller has a 65 yr old grandmother as the central character, who decides to take revenge against the rapist of her nine-year-old grand daughter - Manda.
Directed by: Devashish Makhija
Section: India Gold
#DancebeeApproved - The trailer is gripping and dark spiking the curiosity and interest to not miss this film for anything. Ajji premiered at the Busan International Film Festival last month and if the trailer is anything to go by, this one will definitely leave you awestruck.
What Will People Say?
Nisha (16) lives a double life. At home, she is the perfect Pakistani girl with a family life. When out with her friends, she is a normal Norwegian teenager. Things take a wrong turn and Nisha lands in Pakistan, where she is forced to adapt her parents' culture.
Directed by: Iram Haq
Section: Discovering India
