Rodevra Republic

Kamleshwar, a key voice from the early years of Doordarshan During a WhatsApp chat, a friend shared a post mentioning several names associated with the early days of Doordarshan. We remember them today not merely out of nostalgia, but because they represented a certain standard — they gave us content of real quality. She mentioned Kamleshwar, who was among the finest of that group. He belonged to the top league of Hindi writers, and this gave his work a distinct literary edge. He also served as editor of well-known Hindi publications such as Dainik Bhaskar , and in that role contributed to the revival of Hindi magazines like Sarita . Not many know that Gulzar’s film Aandhi was based on his novel Kaali Aandhi . He later went on to write scripts and dialogues for films like Mausam , Chhoti Si Baat , and Rang Birangi . In those early years, our media was under significant Soviet influence. There were attempts to shape Indian public opinion during the Cold War, particularly by promoting a...

Ananda and Tanusree with their daughter Sreenanda Ananda Shankar, pioneer of Indian fusion music blending classical traditions with modern sounds You must at some time have heard the music compositions of Ananda Shankar . He came from a distinguished musical lineage — the son of Uday Shankar and Amala Shankar , and the nephew of Ravi Shankar . He was among the first musicians to experiment with East–West fusion, but notably he approached it from the East rather than merely adapting Western forms. Though criticised by purists, he maintained a clear conviction: “We must preserve the classical styles of dance and music in their authentic form. But we can go ahead and create our own styles.” He was truly an original. In many ways he was creating what we now call world music long before the term itself became popular. Open-minded and farsighted, he opened a door to possibilities in music that continue to feel relevant even today. For those of us who grew up in the 1980s and 1990s, i...

At the Flower Market , by Henry Victor Lesur “At the Flower Market” by Henry Victor Lesur. Lesur’s work reflects scenes from everyday life, often set against the backdrop of a changing France. In the years following the Franco-Prussian War, artistic expression had begun to move toward a harder realism. And yet, in paintings like this, one senses a lighter note — a quiet return to the ordinary. To choose a subject such as a flower market is, in itself, telling. It suggests a moment where people turn again to the small, everyday rhythms of life. There is a certain levity here — not in the sense of triviality, but as a gentle counterpoint to what may have come before. The act of buying flowers, simple as it is, becomes a way of reconnecting with life. The artist captures this immediacy with restraint and grace. There is also a careful attention to detail. The cobblestone street, the slight slope toward the gutter, the worn texture of the buildings — all are rendered with quiet precisio...

Bill Bryson — wit, language, and quiet humour Here is something that some of you may enjoy — listening to Bill Bryson. An American-born author, Bryson has written across a wide range of subjects, from the English language and science to travel and general non-fiction. Though born in the United States, he moved to Britain in his twenties and eventually settled there. If you enjoy the English language, his speaking style itself is a pleasure. It carries an interesting blend — the base notes of an American accent, shaped by his upbringing, layered with the cadence and tone of British English. Even in simple words like “fast,” one can hear the American inflection, while the overall delivery remains distinctly British, including his understated humour. Some have compared him to P. G. Wodehouse , though their styles differ. Wodehouse’s humour often leaned on irony, absurdity, and playful exaggeration — phrases like “Jeeves’ superhuman equanimity” come to mind. Bryson, on the other hand, is m...

Abdulrazak Gurnah — telling stories across continents With the selection of Abdulrazak Gurnah , he becomes one of the very few Black writers to have received the Nobel Prize in Literature. Looking at past recipients, this award stands out for the way it recognises a body of work that brings sustained attention to a deeply human concern — the experience of refugees, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Much of Gurnah’s writing is shaped by these themes, exploring displacement, identity, and the emotional distance between cultures and continents. As is well known, unlike awards such as the Booker Prize, the Nobel Prize in Literature is not given for a single work. It recognises an author’s entire body of work — the depth, consistency, and impact of their writing over time. When the literature prize was first instituted, it was meant to honour those who had “conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.” Seen in that light, Gurnah’s recognition feels appropriate. Through his writing,...

Birendra Krishna Bhadra’s voice in “Mahishasura Mardini” has awakened Bengal at dawn on Mahalaya for generations A little bit of history, culture, and a radio programme. Today is a very special day for Bengalis the world over. It is Mahalaya , the day that marks the beginning of the Durga Puja festivities, with an invocation to Goddess Durga to descend upon Earth. What makes the day even more special is that every year on this day, at 4 am sharp, practically every Bengali household tuned in to AIR for the Mahishasura Mardini programme. My Bengali friends still remember waking up early on this day, sleepy-eyed, all gathered around the radio. The programme was first aired in 1932, and until 1966 it was broadcast live. The iconic voice was that of Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Birendra babu would bathe in the Ganges at Babughat, just a short walk from Akashvani Bhavan, before coming to perform the programme. Such was his dedication, and it shows in his rendition. Year after year he did it....

A moment where voice and expression become one Here is a really beautiful song to start your day. It is from the 1982 film 'Vijeta' by Govind Nihilani. Asha Bhonsle has done full justice to this pure classical song. Rekha is in perfect synchronization with the singing, an indication she may be a trained singer herself or at least learnt singing the song from Ashaji or the music director, Ajit Varman. The overall impact is sublime. While on this point, we know actors go to great lengths to achieve perfection in every act of theirs and try to do full justice to the demands of their role. The method actor that Dilip Kumar was, he actually learnt playing the sitar for the song, 'Madhuban mein Radhika nache re'. [02/10/2021, 07:59] Raj Mahimkar: https://youtu.be/kPc_dyJbs1U

Faust and Mephistopheles: the eternal image of ambition striking a dangerous bargain With the developments in Afghanistan and reports like this coming in, I have often been reminded of the parallel with Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's tragic play Faust . It is regarded as his magnum opus and a gem of German literature. The plot centres around the protagonist, Faust, who sells his soul to the Devil, Mephistopheles, in exchange for untold wealth and power. It is an allegorical tale that warns of the dangers of giving up one's principles and values in a headlong rush for power and success. In the Afghan context, as a parallel, we are seeing the Taliban driving such a Faustian bargain. In the end, through karmic justice, despite having gained all the power and wealth in the world, Mephistopheles drags Faust to Hell to serve him for eternity. The central lesson that Faust teaches us is that incessant greed for power, wealth, or even knowledge can lead to downfall. In many ways, the ...

Afghan poet Khalilullah Khalili, whose verses remain deeply cherished across the Persian-speaking world Amidst the crisis in Afghanistan , what cries out the most is its poetry. It is the heart and soul of life in this land and a source of inspiration for many. It is cherished by almost every group in Afghan society. Both in Persian (Dari) and Pashto, Afghan poetry dates back thousands of years. Khalilullah Khalili , born in 1908 in the Kabul province, remains one of Afghanistan’s most beloved twentieth-century poets, historians and novelists of the modern era. Considered one of the last of the great Persian poets, his works, although almost entirely unknown in the Western world, are still recited by heart across the Persian-speaking world and remain a source of national pride for Afghanistan. Writing on themes ranging from the power of faith to the beauty of love, Khalili touched the hearts of many, including legendary figures such as Ahmad Shah Massoud , Afghanistan’s national hero...

A popular painting often circulated online as “The Picture of Happiness,” though incorrectly attributed to Abidin Dino Had received the above forward from a group. But, strange as it may seem, the painting “Picture of Happiness” is not actually painted by Abidin Dino . The background to the painting is, however, interesting and worth reading. His close friend, Nazım Hikmet , was a renowned poet and well known in political circles in his homeland, Turkey. At one stage he was asked by its ruler of that time, Mustafa Kemal Pasha , to write poetry that would inspire Turkish volunteers in the fight for independence. However, due to his strong Communist leanings he later fell out of favour and was exiled, and eventually imprisoned. During this difficult period, he asked his dear friend Abidin Dino to paint a picture of happiness. Being a poet, he framed his wish in poetic form: Can you paint the picture of happiness, Abidin? But without taking the easy way Not the picture of an angelic...

Sahir Ludhianvi — poet, lyricist and one of the most distinctive voices of Urdu poetry in Hindi cinema Today, 08/03/2021, marks the 100th birth anniversary of Sahir Ludhianvi . Though widely known as a lyricist in the Hindi film industry, he was essentially a poet of great merit. He wrote passionately about the underdog, and his poetry acquired a sharp edge when he addressed the declining values of society, the senselessness of war and politics, and the growing domination of consumerism over love. Even his love songs, often tinged with sorrow, reflected his realisation that there were other, harsher realities more important than love. Thus he could write these memorable lines on the Taj Mahal , questioning the arrogance of monarchy: Ek Shahenshah ne daulat ka sahara lekar, Hum ghareebon ki mohabbat ka udaya hai mazaaq. Jawaharlal Nehru and Sahir shared a mutual admiration, and with his strong socialist leanings Sahir naturally resonated with Nehru’s vision of a new India. That sp...

Women huddle together during a dust storm in Rajasthan, photographed by Steve McCurry This lovely photograph above by Steve McCurry , of National Geographic fame, tells a story that is very apt for International Women's Day . Steve was passing through the Rajasthan desert by taxi on his way to Jaisalmer when he was caught in a furious dust storm. It was then that he spotted a group of women huddled together, trying to brave its fury. The only way they could protect themselves was by taking support from one another. It had not rained in the region for thirteen years, and a dust storm like this often foretells the coming of rain. While life hung precariously in the midst of this devastating storm, together they were able not only to endure it but even to sing happily at the prospect of possible rains. What better metaphor to show that women have the inherent strength and resilience to literally brave any storm — and at the same time rejoice in the positive side of even the most ...

Different languages, different expressions—but the same quiet wisdom about what truly matters in life What does it matter, क्या फर्क पड़ता है Qu'importe શું વાંધો છે Que importa এটার মানে কি அது என்ன விஷயம் काय फरक पडतो What does it matter to have money, fame, or recognition. What matters is creating—creating for the sheer joy of creating, and then sharing it. क्या फर्क पड़ता है about the number of followers you have, or the likes, comments and shares your posts receive. What matters is the number of people who will be there when you are sick, who will wipe a tear when you lose a dear one, who will remember you on a special occasion, or who will make a special effort to be with you. Qu'importe worrying about things that do not really matter. What matters is spending more time with people and activities that you truly love. શું વાંધો છે when the past is over. What matters is believing in carpe diem . In the circumstances we are given, is there love in your heart? Ar...

If our understanding of money begins to shift, then the way we organise our lives and our economies may also begin to change. In times such as these, when both the individual and the larger economy are under strain, it is the spirit of cooperation and a willingness to share and sacrifice that can uplift us collectively. In our monetised world, almost every action carries an assigned value. Individuals seek to convert their efforts into economic gain, and in doing so, keep the wheels of the economy turning. During periods like a lockdown, when many activities come to a halt, this flow is disrupted. Money, which acts as the fuel for this engine, depends on exchange. When that exchange stops, economic indicators such as GDP begin to fall. But what does a “falling economy” really mean to us as individuals? Our lives do not come to a standstill. We continue to act, to contribute, to care. What changes is that much of this activity is no longer monetised, and therefore remains invisible to...

I was delighted when I was granted an appointment with Money. He did not seem to have an official name. People, it appeared, addressed him as they pleased. When I introduced myself, he smiled and said, “I don’t have a particular name. You may call me whatever you like.” I thought for a moment and asked if I could call him Daulat . He agreed at once. “That suits me,” he said. He was tall, well-built, and carried himself with quiet grace. Clean-shaven, with a clear and gentle expression, he was casually but neatly dressed—in chinos and a checked shirt. There was a pleasant fragrance about him, and yes, he wore a mask. By our definitions, he would fit what we call a metrosexual individual. His manner was expressive and engaging, yet there was a softness to it. But what stayed with me were his eyes—deep and penetrating, as if they could see through everything. Wasting no time, I asked the question that is on everyone’s mind. “Daulatji, why are you so elusive? Everyone seeks you. You seem t...

Our society has developed an unusual, almost unnatural, preoccupation with money. Originally, money was simply a means of exchange—a substitute for goods being traded for goods. Barter, as we understand it, was need-based. There was little idea of accumulating beyond what was required. As long as basic needs were met, life moved on. Money, however, is a human construct, a product of civilisation. Over time, it came to represent not just present needs, but also future, known and unknown. Since these could never be clearly defined, the tendency to acquire and hoard took hold. Gradually, money became a symbol of social status and a claim to imagined superiority. Its ostentatious display made it both desirable and a measure of success. In the process, the means of acquiring money were often compromised. Alongside wealth came its familiar companions—corruption, power, greed, and a gradual erosion of values. In today’s consumerist society, no amount of money seems enough. A vast array of pro...

Engelbert Humperdinck in The Last Waltz —a timeless voice that continues to resonate  It is always a pleasure listening to Engelbert Humperdinck, and this remains one of his most enduring hits. Those who have enjoyed this song may find it interesting to listen to the French version sung by Mireille Mathieu. She has an exceptional vocal range and brings a distinct character to the rendition. Petite and understated in her presence, she has a natural charm and an instinctive sense of style. When she sings in French, she rolls her r’s in that inimitable Gallic manner, lending the song a unique texture and flavour. Born in 1946, she was the eldest of fourteen children, and her family lived in considerable poverty. Those early years left a lasting impression on her life. If her style at times lacked polish in the conventional sense, it was more than compensated by the sheer power and individuality of her voice. Listening to both versions offers an interesting contrast in style and exp...

A still moment on the river—calm on the surface, yet part of a larger journey Here is a beautiful Bengali song sung by Hemanta Mukherjee, better known to many as Hemant Kumar. It is one of my favourites. Do listen to the soulful rendition and the rich tonal quality of his voice. The song is also superbly picturised. For a full thirty-four seconds—from 2:06 to 2:40—the camera rests on the actor’s face, slowly moving closer, capturing each shift in expression, the breath, and the quiet play of emotion. It is handled with great sensitivity. While the English translation appears alongside the song, there is a deeper resonance beneath the words. The river, as it flows, becomes a quiet metaphor for life. At times it meets resistance; at others, it moves in calm and stillness. Yet it continues with a single purpose—to merge with the ocean. Along the way, it gives, it serves, and it accepts all that comes its way. It moves forward with a quiet urgency, aware that in reaching its destinatio...

The Starry Night —a sky alive with movement, beauty, and an undercurrent of unrest The link above is a wonderful use of technology, bringing together some of Vincent van Gogh’s most celebrated paintings into a seamless visual experience. It begins with The Night Café , and as one scrolls across, it moves through Portrait of Doctor Gachet , Café Terrace at Night , The Starry Night , Starry Night over the Rhône , and At Eternity’s Gate . Each work flows into the next, creating the impression of a single, continuous canvas. There is, in many of these paintings, a quiet but unmistakable melancholy—a reflection perhaps of a deeply troubled and sensitive mind. Van Gogh’s life was marked by poverty, emotional struggle, and mental illness, yet from this turmoil emerged art of extraordinary beauty, intensity, and feeling. Much of his most significant work was created during his time in an asylum. He died young, at the age of 37, from a gunshot wound, widely believed to have been self-inflict...