The Vibe Maker

Like countless of human beings all over the world, I have been influenced by Rajinikant. This article is a tribute to him and also to my friend Ashvin. Reasons you'd figure out as you read along.

It was the summer of 1996. I stepped out from my uncle's apartment in the plush Besant Nagar in 'Madras'. I got into a bus that'd take me back to my dad's defence quarters at Fort St George. On the way I peeped through the window, only to chance upon a behemoth poster. This poster comprehensively captured the filmy flavor and more importantly it conveyed what the actor means to South!

All the other passengers tried to get a better glimpse. The next moment resulted in a conversation where they (including the bus conductor) yakked away to glory. With my limited understanding of Tamil, I realized that they were raving about the film and the actor. That moment in the bus gave me an impulse. And that's when Brand Rajini was born!

I was aware of his presence as an actor (Thanks to those 3 Hindi films: Geraftar, Chaalbaaz and Hum) As a kid, I never wanted him to die in the film Geraftar. I saw him struggle while beating the goons, yet manage to puff the cigarette. I had prayed god to help him drop his cigarette and counter the goons. Because I then knew he was capable!

My innocence made me stay away from his films for sometime but return with a greater respect and adoration during the year Dalapati A.D

Albeit, I have very few Rajini films in my kitty, it was only after watching Dalapathi, I understood why Rajini behaves the way he is. Coincidently, Dalapathi was the work of Mani Ratnam, who I consider my greatest inspiration besides RGV and Kukunoor. The character Surya -true to his name, always made his appearance on the screen from East direction, during the course of the film. That's again the greatness of the director who ensured this subdue reality!

During my Rajini Quest I met a number of extremely intelligent people who spoke about Rajinikant and his great personality, not just as an actor. This became one more reason (however absurd it may sound to you) to push me among the people of Rajini League. And I like intelligent people with full of energy! The more I talked and discussed about the actor's stardom, my vibes went high, my thoughts sailed like Sindbad's voyage and needless to say, my perspective towards Rajini's films changed. I wanted to experience the thrill of watching his film in the theater, sitting the midst of the devotees of Rajnikant!

My prayers were answered when my friend Ashvin managed to get the tickets of Sivaji on the very first day- I consider this as an achievement and equivalent to Sunita William's trip to moon! I was excited about my debut. Watching the movie in the theater, of the superstar who I spoke so much, learned so much and raved so much! I was also gearing up to understand behavioral science of this Demi God's devotees, who succeeded in getting the tickets to witness an epic called Sivaji. However, I'd like to describe my experience in one line- It's a well deserving Glorified Filmy Kumbh Mela. I was goddam impressed! And I do not want to write about what happened on that day! You better get in that groove, or get out of the way!

I have never been impetuous about films. However, I care a damn if people talk about Rajini's impossible stunts or gimmicks. I give a shit if anyone regards him as a ham! I'd give two hoots to those who compare Rajini with any other actor. I'd never even worry about the story line, plot or the production values. I have realized what Rajnikant is for me.

He is my Vibe Maker!

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.

Divinity Countenance

Before you read this post- I confirm that the views expressed in this article are my own and I have not been influenced by anyone neither trying to influence any individual or society.

During my growing years, I was fascinated by the stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. I consider it a privilege to be born at the time when India's television broadcasting progress had begun. That's how I learned about the Indian Mythology, the stories of various Hindu Gods. Of course as an avid reader, I also attribute this knowledge to those countless number of books like Amar Chitra Katha which I had read.

Being a Hindu, I got accustomed to certain practices. Some, derived through family rituals, while others, through my own beliefs. I have no idea about the origin of these beliefs, yet I had been following them for quite sometime. I do believe in the existence of the almighty. The breathe that keeps us alive and the force existing on this globe which prevents water to wash away the earth's crust is enough to substantiate the existence of God, according to me.

Now the question here is on my adherence to the established customs and doctrines. Belief, according to me is a respect given to the creator- God. Even though I have substantial devotion towards God, I fail to understand why some rituals have to be followed without any purpose. I can convey my prayers to the God directly by looking into his eyes and not really worried about the procedures and process. Of course, the designer of such process may have seen a reason. However, according to me, those reasons do not seem to be working or justified for today's world. People think today's God also requires Digital prayer by way of SMS, online and lots of hoo-ha!

I may be biased in saying this, but how could I possibly believe a priest who mutters mantras seem to convey my prayer to god? How many of us understand the language that he uses to communicate with god? I believe that the biggest spirituality comes in the form of trust and that trust need not be specific to mantras and rituals.

I have nothing against the belief system of others. As long as I am able to convey God what I want for me and others, its absolutely all right irrespective of the process you follow. Belief system only guides you to look for the righteous path but it does not guarantee you a well being. I think its a fear that constantly evades you from going off track.

Divinity, according to me, it detaching oneself away from the worldly pleasures and praying with a concrete meaning. I would still occasionally visit a temple, look into the eyes of god and pray which doesn't even last for 2 minutes.

However, as long as I remain a non conformist, I would continue my quest to get a deeper understanding about the 'Extreme Devotion'.

© All rights reserved with Abhishek Naini. No form of this may be reproduced without prior permission from the author.