A Conversation with Om Puri

Godot #112,

``Like Water For Chocolate,`` was a great film. I loved it. If you liked that one, you`ll love the Vietnamese foreign film, ``Scent of the Green Papaya.``

Thanks for the names, I`ll make sure to rent them.

ps:

how do you know I wear mostly black?

Zahra #108 Will try to remember to see it (at least for a few minutes, unless it proves good). Saw ``A Perfect Murder`` last night - nice thriller, good acting (Michael Douglas, Gwyneth Paltrow). Movie keeps you quite entertained and tense. One disappointment is an Arab guy as NY detective with whom GP has polite exchanges in Arabic (she works for the UN as interpreter you see), but who does not really do much detective work. Also the plot is a bit too thick I think. Nevertheless, I recommend it in case you have nothing better to do.

Re: scout, #106

Thanks for the recommendation. I`ll make sure I see them. You and I seem to have the same taste (p.s. I wear all black all the time).

Unfortunately, I don`t get to watch too many movies, mostly because of lack of time. Like picking a book to read, then, I`m very particular about picking a movie to watch. Besides, my taste, like my opinions, is very strong. I know what I like and dislike. I saw ``American Beauty`` in my hotel room by accident on the TV in England while I was on a project there, and I loved it. It was such a surprise and a wonderful treat. This was partly due to the fact that, at certain level, I could relate to the guy.

I remember a few movies from past years when I went to see foreign movies a lot in theatres in NY and DC. If you haven`t seen them, check these out:

1. Like Water for Chocolate (from Mexico)

2. Strictly Ballroom (from Australia)

3. Camille Claudelle (from France)

4. Lovers (from Spain)

5. Matador (from Spain)

They are not in order of preference, just random. Watch them with subtitles, it keeps the original flavor. A great deal gets lost in dubbing.

Re: tahmed321, #105

Don`t worry about it, tahmed. No offense taken. My feelings don`t get hurt. I`ve a thick skin. I do apologize, however, if I was hard on you

RE: tahmed

{``Hope you enjoyed the climax (of the movie).``}

Yessir. I enjoyed the climax of the movie (too).

Zahra #108,

Thanks for the info. I`ll try to watch it.

Scout, Godot and TAhmed:

`` It was an excellent movie exploring different facets of the American psyche. ``

I agree with Scout`s above comment. I strongly feel that it ``did`` explore the worst facets of human psyche.

On another note, enjoy watching a controversial but interesting movie that will be aired this coming Sunday. Some details are already here:


Subj: CAIR-NET: NBC to Air Film Feb. 18 About Bahraini Princess Date: 2/15/01 5:40:52 PM Eastern Standard Time


This Action Alert has been sponsored by ALAZHAR SCHOOL in Tamarac, Florida,
where the next generation of Muslim leaders is being raised.

We emphasize quality, safety and awareness. Call us at 954-722-1555 or visit our web site: http://www.alazharschool.org

CAIR alerts reach tens of thousands of Muslims in this country and worldwide via fax and e-mail. Show your support for CAIR`s vital work. To sponsor an alert, call 202-488-8787 (ext. 6052), or e-mail cair1@ix.netcom.com.

-----

NBC TO AIR FILM FEB. 18 ABOUT BAHRAINI PRINCESS
Original commercial for film used stereotypical language and images

(WASHINGTON, DC - 2/15/2001) - On Sunday, February 18 (9-11 p.m. ET), NBC will air a film called ``The Princess and the Marine`` dealing with ``young lovers from two different worlds whose forbidden romance recently made
international headlines in this two-hour original movie based on the true love story between U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Jason Johnson and Bahraini
princess, Meriam Al-Khalifa.`` (Go to: http://www.nbcmv.com. Click on
``Program Information,`` then on the film`s title.)

CAIR has been in contact with NBC since concerned Muslims complained about stereotypical content in a commercial that aired in January. CAIR convinced NBC to change the commercial and the network offered assurances that the film itself would not stereotype Islam, Muslims or Bahraini society. Despite these assurances concerns remain about the film`s content. Excerpts from just a few of the complaints CAIR received: (unedited)

Deanna from Illinois: In the commercial, they portray Muslims as harsh, oppressive, staunchly anti-American and Anti-Christian. They state that in Islam, women must be kept behind veils because ``they are weak and susceptible to temptation.`` The narrator also describes the princess as trapped by her culture, and they show an image of her (the actress portraying her) forcedly making sujood in prayer. It is an extremely horrible portrayal of Islam and Muslims, and all of this can be discerned
from a mere commercial. It is frightening to think what the entire movie will be like.

Jill from Seattle: I am not a sensitive woman, but this made me very angry,frustrated, and more offended than I have ever been in my life. A voice over is saying that women must ``wear the veil as they are weak.`` The girl replies, ``I am a strong Muslim!`` next shot is her in spandex kissing the marine.

Sara: Among the more insulting and inflammatory images and words: ``She was born into royalty`` (images of the actress in palaces, surrounded by
luxurious things) ``and enslaved by tradition.`` (image of the actress in hijab making sujud [praying])...``

NBC`s own press materials use inaccurate and stereotypical language such as: ``I did the worst thing I could do: I have married a white man, an American and a Christian. All are forbidden to me,`` says Al-Khalifa. And: ``Always strong-willed and an independent thinker in a country which defines a woman`s role in the most traditional and strict Islamic sense.`` All of this is said to be ``based on a true story.``

ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be firm but POLITE. Hostile comments can and likely WILL be used to further stereotype Islam and Muslims.)

1. Watch the film if you are prepared to offer constructive critical analysis.

2. Make note of any concerns you have about the film`s content.

3. Contact NBC to express your concerns. (If you did not have a problem with the film`s content, you may also make note of that fact.)

CONTACT:

Mr. Jeffrey Zucker
President
NBC Entertainment
3000 W. Alameda Avenue
Burbank, CA 91523

FAX: 818-840-2559
E-MAIL: ted.cordes@nbc.com, rebecca.marks@nbc.com, shirley.powell@nbc.com
COPY TO: cair1@ix.netcom.com and 202-488-0883 (fax)

4. Also ask NBC to air the highly acclaimed films ``The Message`` and/or ``Lion
of the Desert.``


Take Care

Godot #103: Sorry to have hurt your feelings, about it. Nothing personal, so please feel free to recommend more and maybe we`ll agree on a good one.

ali1 #98: Hope you enjoyed the climax (of the movie).

Zahra #97: I think you`ll like it. Hope you`ll report back on it on chowk once you have seen it.

here`s a little unsolicited movie promotion -- ``american desi`` is being released in the states on march 16th. its a comedy about abcd`s. it was made a year or two ago but is only being distributed now. one of my friends was an extra in some of the garba/raas dances. here`s the description from the website, www.americandesimovie.com ,

```American Desi` is a fun-loving romantic comedy reminiscent of the great teen films of the eighties like ``16 Candles`` and ``Pretty in Pink,`` mixed with the fresh hip-hop style of ``House Party`` with a uniquely Indian flavor. From Kris, an All-American boy from India, to Ajay, an Afro-Centric Hindu homeboy, to Farah, a devoutly religious but modern Muslim girl, `American Desi` tells the story of a unique set of characters and their culture from a decidedly hip and youthful point of view. Like the masala films of India, ``American Desi`` is so full of music and dancing that it might very well do to Bhangra and Garba what ``Saturday Night Fever`` did to Disco!``

Godot,

I absolutely agree with you that ``American Beauty`` deserved the awards it got. It was an excellent movie exploring different facets of the American psyche. No frills, no glamour, just sheer acting strengths and story line.

Kevin Spacey is a brilliant actor. Have you seen his movies ``Swimming with Sharks,`` ``The Usual Suspects,`` and ``Seven?``

Vineet:#100 & 102

Thank you very much indeed.I`ll check that out again.Is the audio of the Bhajan Available?

Is this Bhajan a rendering of Gathairee Mantir?

I must acknowledge here that the music that has really impressed me most is from South India.I`ve been told about the complexities of the ragaas which can just only be a dream for others.

I honestly can say that this is because of its aboriginal roots and almost 100% uncorrupted haunt of the from the depths of Time & Place.

__________________________________________________wassalaam

Mohajir:

I was refering to the film with the english title:

``Shelter of the wings`` which is in BENGALI language.

Shyam Benegal,Iknow,is not Bengali.Thanks gor mentioning it though.Many think that he is so,because of his name.

__________________________________________________

tahmed321, #96

American Beauty was my very strong recommendation. And this is what you have to say about it.

``American Beauty: I though[t] it was disgusting. The middle aged guy with a robot for a wife fantasizes about his daughter`s friend and we are supposed to sympathize with him. I dont know why they gave it so many prizes.``

You`d never know! When I saw it I was unaware that it got any awards. Well, it did, and it deserves all of them and more.

Someone told me a long time ago that it is not the reader that judges a book; it`s the book that judges the reader. Same is true of the movies.

The Morning sun prayer in Ardh Satya is ``Ghanashyam Sundara Shridhara Arunodaya Zhala .....`` . It is sung by Lata Mangeshkar from Marathi film ``Amar Bhoopali`` (Bhoopali is sund in the morning) music by Vasant Desai. This is a Marathi film made in 1952 by V. Shantaram. Starring Sandhya, Panditrao Nagarkar and Lalita Pawar, Amar Bhoopali (English Title Le chant immortel) was shown in Cannes Film Festival and was named for Best Sound Recording from the Centre National de La Cinematographic at the Cannes Film Festival in 1952.

http://www.webcom.com/raag/mar.html

Check for RMM-17

http://members.rediff.com/lata/albums.html

Lokpriya Bhavgeete: Lata Mangeshkar

Ghyansyam Sundara Shridhara ...........

http://www.indian-express.com/ie/daily/20001210/ien10037.html

On Film Amar Bhoopali

http://www.festival-cannes.fr/filmbase/va/films/4/4007.html

Shyam Benegal is not a Bengali as mentioned by Firangi Kush. He is Marathi-Konkani from Northern Karnataka and is related to another Marathi-Konkani Guru Dutt (Padukone). Many folks thinl Guru Dutt Bengali

Farangi_Kush:

The movie you are referring with the Bhajan is `Ardh Satya` based on a Marathi book `Surya` by S.D. Panwalkar. Made by Govind Nihalani . The background bhajan is a Marathi Bhajan by noted Classical singer Kishori Amonkar. (``Shyamsundar Rajasa .......`` Most of the background songs are Marathi given the Maharshtrian background of the movie.

Kishori Amonkar is a very famous Hindustani classical singer from the Jaipur Gharana (daughter of famous classical singer Smt. Mogubai Kurdikar who passed away Feb. 10 at age 96.

URL on Late Mogubai Kurdikar

http://www.rediff.com/news/2001/feb/14spec2.htm

URL for info on Kishori Amonkar

http://news.india-today.com/ntoday/extra/it25/artist10.html

Farangi-Kush #95,

good movies!

Spike Lee`s ``Do the Right Thing,`` was also excellent.

The music from ``The Postman`` was beautiful.

RE # 78

{How about American movies? Anybody seen some good ones lately?}

Part II of Debbie does Dallas is pretty good though nothing comapred to the original. Mobster`s Wife is OK.

hehehehe....