AAICHI CHAAYA By vijayanta n chitale
Sushila Pawar passed away
She was none other than Vanmalabai who left mark on Marathi and Hindi cinema in her career spanning nearly two decades from 1943. She returned to heavenly abode at the age of 92, but made Aai (mother) immortal as Yashoda in Shyamchi Aai. Shyamchi Aai is to Marathi silver screen what Mother India is to Bollywood.
A milestone in Marathi cinema, Shyamchi Aai is a story of upbringing of Sane Guruji, a distinguished scholar, by his mother. The film was awarded President’s Gold Medal in 1953. It was produced and directed by Acharya P.K.Atre, another gem of Marathi literature, movie and theatre.
The movie is in flashback about Yashoda (played by Vanmala) mother of Shyam (played by child artist Madhav Vaze). Yashoda has very tactfully and diplomatically handled Shyam’s naughtiness, stubbornness and pranks. She leaves an all time trail for mothers on how to deal with child’s emotions, fostering sense of culture, dignity and humanity.
When Shyam is in confused state of mind, Yashoda tells him best way to clear mind is by allowing tears to roll down. Tears according to her are gift of God for cleaning mind. Here it is interesting to note what Yashoda said decades ago is now gradually being confirmed by psychological studies that crying is not sole prerogative of ladies. Even men do need cry and also feel much relieved by doing so.
With Lage Raho Munnabhai, Gandhigiri is new lingo of the day. This aspect has vividly being brought out by Acharya Atre in Yashoda’s behavior. Gajanan, elder brother of Shyam, is tired and ask him to massage, which Shyam stubbornly refuses to do. Yashoda says she will massage Gajanan. This makes Shyam sit up and do massage. Here through song Draupadicha Bandhu Shobhe Narayan she brings out picture of siblings relationship and makes Shyam realize his folly. There is no use of force, still Yashoda transforms stubborn Shyam’s mind to subtle and gentle.
When the situation demands, it also means being firm. Shyam tries to hide himself from his pals who call him out for a swim. Shyam is reluctant as he is sacred of water. Yashoda gently beats him as she tells pals to take him off to swim. Shyam though learns to swim yet complains to his father Sadashiv of Yashoda’s beatings. Yashoda unfolds a contrasting trait, can parent tolerate a coward child. To make him brave and strong so that he can take on challenges any time, it is necessary to get harsh with him.
Shyam fails to see Yashoda breathe last and sums up feelings about an ideal mother in Aai Aai Mhanoni Koni ………
This masterpiece of Marathi cinema involving Vanmalabai and Acharya Atre, a memoir of Sane Guruji has been preserved and brought to people’s reach by RUDRAA HOME VIDEO on VCD & DVD. DVD of Shyamchi Aai also contain documentary on Vanmalabai. The music is composed by yet another legendry Vasant Desai.
DHAG
In the 100th year of Indian cinema, Marathi cinema created sort of repeat history. At the 60th national award, Usha Jadhav was conferred best actress award for her role in Dhag. Her on screen name is YASHODA.
In 1953 Marathi movie Shyamchi Aai was the first Indian movie to be conferred apex national award. Susheela Pawar was the lead actress of movie. Her on screen name was YASHODA.
Apli Apulki in association with RUDRAA HOME VIDEO bring to you collection of Marathi movies which have been recipient of state, national and international awards.
SCHIZOPHRENIA IN CINEMA
By Vijayanta N Chitale
Very often movies be it from Bollywood, Kollywood,, Tollywood, Hollywood
or anywhere are blamed for rising violence in society. On a close look
it will be revealed that picture is other way round. Silver screen only
reflects what is actually going on in society. Even if taken on face
value, if cinema depicts sex, vulgarity and violence it has over the
period also being showing harsh realities of life. There is also attempt
to make masses aware of the problems associated with. Dulha Bikta hae
(on dowry menace), Khilona (mental retardation), Khamoshi (on life of
para medic involved in mental health), Tare Zameen Par (Dyslexia) are
some of the efforts on part of silver screen to create awareness while
raking moolah. The list is endless.
Recently a movie was big hit in India. This was termed as out and out
commercial, romantic film as it had one of the most talked romantic
pair. Starring Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor, Jab We Met is
considered to be lovy dovy romantic masala. But what is overlooked is
that character played by Kareena is not of a normal person. As such the
message of movie revolves around a person who is disabled in someway and
people associated with her. Their perceptions, feelings, agony,
involvement is all cleftly reflected in the movie.
Kareena portrays a character, which has grown up with age physically, but
mentally her growth has not coped up to attain so-called maturity,
projecting a childish behaviour.
Like an innocent child she feels like getting associated anyone who she
comes across. Runs into argument with them. At times she is unable to
correlate the situation and lands up in trouble. It looks humorous but
it is not a comedy. She is actually struggling with problem she has from
within. For her getting married is the sole objective from the onset and
in quest do something thrilling. She feels she is being loved by someone
and goes to any extent to be with that person, who hardly has any
feelings for her. It shows she is unable to distinguish between reality
and unreality dwelling in hallucination. She gets violent and bursts out
on the very person who is trying to salvage her having realized her
problem.
there is no persistent physical symptoms. It affects nearly 7%
population worldwide. In India alone, there are over 4 million people
suffering from this disorder. With no definite cure, understanding the
persons emotional and social needs and help him cope up with shortcoming
environment coupled with lack of awareness on subject, it is often
overlooked or snubbed as childish, unpractical, eccentric, weird
behavior. Even Supreme Court has upheld schizophrenia as a valid ground
for divorce. This ruling will certainly wreck a person further, who is
already wrecked from inside.
Of lately there have been attempts on part of enthusiastic cinema
professionals to take up the issue boldly. Devrai in Marathi was first
attempt to bring forth this disorder. The movie mainly revolves on
relationship between brother and sister (Atul Kulkarni and Sonali
Kulkarni). Dr Mohan Agashe who played role of psychiatrist in movie once
said it was rare opportunity to depict his real profession on reel. 15
Madhoshi is movie on how fiancée handles the situation arising out of
Schizophrenic infliction (Bipasha Basu and Priyanshu Chatterjee ).
However there is one distinct difference that makes Jab We Met apart
from rest. In the whole movie there is no mention of word Schizophrenia.
It is just through the dialogues that problem of character is
unfolded.
NEW TONE IN ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTATION
By Vijayanta N Chitale
To bear progeny for expansion of family linage is one of the important functions of marriage. Inability to bear a child on part of either partner can constitute ground for divorce, according to laws in India . This inability is also called impotency. Impotency can be caused due to several bio and psycho factors. The earliest known instance of inability to bear a child can be found in Ramayana. Raja Dashrath and his wives were unable to have a child. Dasharath performed yagnya by praising Lord Vishnu. In mid fifties of gone century when Ga.Di.Madgular wrote lyric Raanya Kartil Paayas Bhakshan, Udaree Hooyee Vaunsharoopan… (Dasharatha Ghey Hey Paayas Daan) hardly anyone must have thought that mythological story may become a scientific reality in days to come. Reprodocs( reproduction doctors) using their knowledge and skill opened up ray of hope for millions of couple globally, suffering from problem of infertility. On 25th July 1978 world’s first test tube baby was born…
Louise Brown was conceived by IVF (in vitro fertilization) to British couple Lesley and John. Brown couple had been trying to conceive for nine years. Leslie had blocked Fallopian tube. Procedures on her were done by team of Drs. Patrick Steptoe and Robert Edwards on 10th Nov 1977. Louise was eventually born on 25th July by caesarean. On 20th Dec 2006, Louise herself delivered baby boy by conceiving naturally.
Non natural conceiving involves Artificial Insemination (AI). This is a process of sperm being placed into female’s uterus or cervix using artificial method as against natural copulation. When ovum is released, semen from male donor is put inside female’s body. If the procedure is successful the lady conceives. This usually constitutes part of infertility treatment. The emergence of AI can be traced back to 19th century, for enhancing milk and other dairy productions.
While we talk of global advancement in science and technology, it has not been easy to read literature in regional languages. This has resulted in vast amount of really informative and exciting write-ups been restricted to regional stretches. In a country like India with vast language diversity the problem has increased many folds. Dr. Anandi Joshi, first lady in Asia to become a medical doctor, has remained an unheard character in India itself, outside Maharashtra as all write-ups on her have been only in Marathi.
Soumitra Ranade, a gold medalist from J.J. School of Arts, Mumbai and also holding qualification from FTII, Pune was fascinated by Makarand Sathe’s Marathi play Saptnekarache Mool, which deals with subject of child born from AI, issues preceeding it and thereafter. Soumitra, whose Jajantaram Mamantaram hurled him into limelight on silver screen, made his directional debut in Marathi by Saptnekarache Mool, which can also be considered to be pioneering cinema in India on AI.
Kalindi and Dinkar Padhye is a middle aged, well educated, well settled but a childless couple. Kalindi’s brother Raghunath also stays with them. Raghunath is a doctor. But he is somewhat neurally challenged awaiting arrival of Deo (meaning God in Marathi). Dinkar keeps persuading Kalindi to go in for AI, with help of his friend Dr.Katre. But Kalindi declines to do so. She is not comfortable with the very idea of AI and its fall outs.
Around this time Deo sends his messenger Vidushak (Joker) to Padhye’s house to facilitate his arrival at their place. Initially Kalindi refuses to believe them, but as they unfold certain incidents of past, she is convinced about his identity. Raghunath however, who is actually awaiting the arrival of Deo is not convinced and runs into arguments with them over identity. On contrary, Kalindi who is atheist initially but has now started believing god proposes to him to be her paramour and conceive as child. Deo agrees to be born as her child but declines to be her lover. He too advices Kalindi to go in for AI, which she agrees to. Saptnekar a confirmed bachelor donates the sperms.
Kalindi undergoes the AI procedure with the help of Dr.Katre while Dinkar is out of station. Dinkar, who had been insisting Kalindi for AI does not appreciate this act of hers in his absences. Eventually Kalindi gives birth to baby on date given by doctor but she dies, leaving behind the child.
Dinkar though depressed at Kalindi’s demise refuses to accept the child. Instead goes around trying to find a face which matches the child’s. At this juncture Saptnekar comes to see the child born out of his sperm donation. However, Vidushak, who has been messenger of Deo, takes away the child from all.
The movie was shot in 1998 in form of theatrical setting in span of just 17 days. The movie was adaptation of play with same name, by Makarand Sathe. As new trend the movie neither has any song nor any background music to give loathed emotional effect. That actually brings out the expressional vocal clarity of characters.
The movie while dealing with subject who is still in its infancy clearly brings out the suffocation, agony and stigma associated with impotency and more so inability of woman to bear child. The movie has also tried to bring out the hypo racy of Indian society on the subject, even amongst educated people. Though Dinkar who shows he to be knowledgeable of modern science, reverts to age old chauvinism when Kalindi actually undergoes AI. A serious subject has been set in humour and lighter backdrop. Vidushak and Deo use contemporary language while quoting similes and giving examples of A’s relation to B’s, occasionally getting sarcastic of socio, economic and political system in country. The cast includes Ganesh Yadav, Sushma Buxi, Dilip Joglekar, Gajanan Paranjpe, Satish Alekar and others.
Makarand Sathe has been writing Marathi plays for nearly two decades now. He established himself as a playwright to be reckoned with. His efforts to reach the deeper philosophies in contemporary setting with unique brand of wits and humour, he created a niche for himself. Apart from Saptnekaranche Mool his other path breaking plays include Roman Samrajyachi Padjhad, Charshekoti Visarbhole etc. He has been conferred with prestigious Natyadarpan award for playwriting.
With the growing body of knowledge on Schizophrenia, surrogate mothers, AI, the movie which is perhaps first to deal on age old basic problem of married life can interest all sections of society.
Saptnekaranche Mool, play was presented for the first time by Avishkar Theater in July 1989, directed by Ajit Bhagat. The book in Marathi was published in 1993. In 1998 Jayant Deshpande translated it into English. Titled Mr. Saptnekar’s Child, the book was published by Seagull Publication.
RUDRAA HOME VIDEO has brought out VCD of the movie, with English sub titles.
Lastly, if today’s growing violence is linked to cinema then its time to treat this thinking. Cinema is also a medium for propagation of knowledge and creating awareness amongst masses as this medium has maximum penetration amongst masses itself. There is nothing like off beat, parallel, commercial or art film. Some where or the other they deal with happenings within the society on day to day basis. A presentation is a presentation: communicating and bringing to light the lesser known aspect from various fields.
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