Akhila Saroha

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Travel and interactions with other people are considered to influence the personality of a person and shape their development significantly. This experience also contributes to enriching them and impacting the person that they eventually become. Baisakhi Saha's "Life Is Abracadabra: 21 Magical Stories from My Travels to Make You Look at Life with New Eyes" is a literary journey that transcends the boundaries between reality and magic. In this enchanting collection of 21 stories, Saha invites readers to explore the transformative power of hope, faith, and extraordinary possibilities as she traverses the globe in pursuit of her destiny. Beyond the captivating narratives, the book serves as a guide for cultivating a more magical existence and encourages readers to reexamine their lives with a renewed sense of wonder. The strength of “Life Is Abracadabra” lies not only in its storytelling but in its ability to seamlessly blend the magical with the mundane. Saha's writing is both evocative and accessible, creating a narrative that captivates readers from the very beginning. The stories are infused with a genuine sense of wonder and gratitude, painting vivid pictures of diverse landscapes and capturing the essence of serendipitous encounters. Though the stories may find their roots in the author’s life, they have a universal appeal as more people can relate and connect with them while understanding their large scale significance. Structured as a collection of 21 distinct stories, "Life Is Abracadabra" allows readers to savor each enchanting tale independently while appreciating the cumulative impact of the collection. This format also lends itself to thematic exploration, with the central theme revolving around being attuned to the magic inherent in the world around us. Saha's storytelling prowess shines as she navigates between cultures, creating a tapestry that reflects the universal nature of magic. Her skill enhances and appeals more as she delves into intricate details that may otherwise be missed by readers. “Life Is Abracadabra” is not merely a celebration of magical moments but a guide for those seeking to infuse their own lives with wonder. Saha skillfully weaves nuggets of wisdom and practical insights into each story, transforming the book into a toolkit for living a more magical existence. Through her personal journey, the author imparts valuable lessons about resilience, faith, and the importance of staying true to oneself. What sets "Life Is Abracadabra" apart is its inclusivity. Saha's encounters and experiences span diverse cultures, demonstrating that magic is not confined to a particular geographic location or cultural context. By embracing a global perspective, the book becomes a universal invitation for readers from all walks of life to find resonance in its pages. The thematic resonance of the book extends beyond individual stories, creating a harmonious symphony of inspiration. Saha encourages readers to cultivate a mindset of gratitude, highlighting the transformative power of acknowledging the beauty and magic present in each moment. This shift in perspective serves as a cornerstone for inviting more magic into our lives. At the same time, she also gives voice to the many who go through a similar journey as hers and yet remain unheard.

Life Is Abracadabra: 21 Magical Stories from My Travels to Make You Look at Life with New Eyes

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For once, when the readers come across the title, “Pokhran”, by Uday Singh, they get the thought of the book being about the nuclear test that is an important part of history. But, as they take a plunge into the narrative, they realise that the author has taken the real event in the background and concocts a fictional plotline in the light of it. This in itself is enough to give the book a an entity of its own and readers are tempted to grab the book right away. The test undoubtedly brough laurels to India but the story of the other side of the inhabitants is not mentioned as such. This is where Singh takes the centre stage and constructs the plot. The story of the protagonist, Chaintanya and the events of his life form the fragment of the book and due to the presence of the theme of nationalism and the journey motif, the book becomes an interesting reading for all kinds of readers. The simplicity of language and strong characterization are the other charms of “Pokhran”.

Pokhran and beyond

Delayed it quite a lot, but did find the time to watch the second instalment of the earlier comic flick. If the comparison was to be made between the two, or I was given a choice to watch one of them again, I would definitely choose the first one. Why? I have my own reasons. The one major difference to be spotted is the fact that the magnitude of money to be earned (via lottery) is bigger this time. As a result, the lurch the four representatives of the youth fall into is way bigger. Consequently, the female counterparts are just next to invisible. Yet the villain (of the previous instalment) emerges as a round character here (the only one) being caught up in trouble situations and shown to be with less brains than the prequel. The first half is more fun and reflects on the previous flick (advisable: watch the previous one closely first) but the second half seems more stretched and also a tinge of political chaos is shown to affect the lives of the youth of today. One wrong step, and they were on a run for their lives. End lesson: money is what matters finally.

Fukrey Returns

9 likes

Heartthrob

2 likes

Ponga Pandit

As I sat to write this review, the first question on my mind was what I would say about the film? All I could think of was "royalty". Being a film about people whose names have been disputed to even be a part of history or not, I found every bit of the characterization to be lively, humanistic and yet majestic altogether. Despite being a period film, the audience couldn't move from their seats throughout right till the end. As it got over, I heard people saying, "Is it over? ". This is the captivating effect it had on the spectators. Moreover, the audience remains alienated throughout the film, despite their being lively and realistic characters as we get to see them performing feats which are unimaginable in today's time. The madness of empire spreading, the readiness to go to war, the elaborate dressing up and of course living in forts does the work of alienating. The one point where even today's people are intact is of honour and valour. That is not limited to any particular clan or group. It's perhaps for each and every person as that is what defines their self respect and dignity. I was well aware of the basic plot of the movie because as a child, I remembered of a television series based on the same story. But what prompted me to watch the film was which part of it could offend the sensitive sections calling for such violent and extreme protests. Personally, I found nothing offensive. Everything only seems to add on to give respect, grandeur and grace to the group we have only heard about over the times. For all who want to get a glimpse into Indian history and tradition, should definitely go for this romance-drama film.

Padmaavat

4 likes