Oh So Filmy!

Films are an integral part of our lives. Whether it is a Bollywood movie or Hollywood, a Marathi movie, Gujarati or any other vernacular one, we all make it a point to watch every good movie that hits the theatre. In fact, the current and modern generations are more inclined to films than any other generation was in the past. Definitely so, movies impact our lives and affect us a lot. Literally, a lot! Don’t believe me? Here’s the proof!

Who doesn’t know the latest news of the kidnap of a young Snapdeal woman employee named Dipti Sarna? Ever since the girl went missing, social media went viral with posts regarding the issue. Snapdeal also began the campaign #HelpFindDipti to ensure their employee was safe and sound. And, after all, the drama for more than 3 days, the girl returned home safe.

So how is the incident related to the impact of movies and media on our lives? Well, the kidnapper in this case, according to the police, is a psychopath who was inspired by the 1993 Shah Rukh Khan movie, Darr. Darr was the story of a psycho lover, played by Shah Rukh Khan, who wouldn’t think of laying down his life for this lady love, played by Juhi Chawla. After over 13 years since the film’s release, who would have thought it could inspire someone and lead to such a horrific crime?

It is fate and the prayers of well-wishers that helped Dipti reach home safe and unharmed. But, what if the kidnappers would have killed her? What if they would have raped her? Who is at fault in this case? Is it the movie or the kidnapper who took a negative inspiration from it?

Well, when asked to comment on the whole incident, Shah Rukh Khan asserted that no movie is made to inspire people negatively. Criminal movies or movies that depict violence and crime are simply made to make people aware about the happenings in the society and help them be more aware and alert. It is sad that people take negative inspirations from films, shows, and TV serials and imitate them in personal life, thus spoiling their own life and disturbing the harmony of the society.

In my personal view, I agree with everything that Shah Rukh Khan has asserted in his statement. Surely, no movie or TV show is ever made to inspire people for crime and violence. We have so many criminal shows aired on the television on different channels these days. Crime Patrol, CID, Savdhan India, Gumrah, Code Red are just a few of them. All of these shows are aired to make people aware of crime and help them be more alert so as to avoid such incidents happening to them. Whether they are based on real life incidents or fiction, all of these shows aim to bring about awareness of crime in the society.

But, in the past few years, the rate of crime in the country has been rising notably. We have also had such examples in the past where the criminals have gained inspiration from TV shows like the ones mentioned above or even from movies and daily soaps. So are these shows and films actually spreading the message of peace and non-violence or promoting wrong ideas among the teenagers and youth of today?

In my view, it depends on the viewer. Taking a negative step and entering the world of crime is purely a matter of choice. We have had these TV shows and movies been aired on the television for years. Not every individual who sees them turns into a criminal. It is one’s personal view and choice whether to enter the world of crime, seek revenge from people or simply forgive and let go.

However, since the criminal shows and films have been inspiring many to resort to the world of crime these days, the question whether these shows should be aired or not still remains under debate.

But, one thing’s for sure! Movies have impacted our lives in more ways than we can list. If you are a regular social media user, you will definitely see those romantic pre-wedding photo shoots of couples, the filmy sangeet function videos and what not! Where does the inspiration come from? Films, of course! This proves the effect of the television and everything aired on it on the minds of people these days. 

Surely, our producers, directors, and distributors need to be extra vigilant about the content going on air these days. A single wrong message can wreck havoc in the society!

Siachen Braveheart No More, The Nation Mourns!

And India has lost one more braveheart to fate, a soldier who taught us to fight for life and never give up, no matter how hard the situation is!

After being trapped under 25 feet of snow for 6 days after a deadly avalanche struck the army post, Lance Naik Hanumanthappa Koppad, a courageous and passionate soldier was discovered alive with a faint pulse by the rescue team. An incident that made international headlines, the rescue came to be known as the Siachen Miracle, for it was impossible for any human to have survived in a temperature below minus forty degree Celsius for as many as six days.

Soon after the braveheart was found alive, the news went viral on social media and all television news channels. Even videos of the rescue were circulated and the entire nation held its breath, wishing the braveheart’s safety and speedy recovery. A ray of hope that he had given the entire world, now, however, darkens with his sad demise. The braveheart breathed his last at 11.45 am today at the Army Hospital following multiple organ failure, according to NDTV.

Hanumanthappa, as quoted by friends, family and colleagues, was a born fighter and a soft-spoken human being. Although he couldn’t return to his services, the soldier within him is immortal and will always remain in the hearts and memory of people. With his courage, he made the entire nation proud and none of us will ever forget him!

Once again, a big salute to Hanumanthappa and all the brave martyrs who lost their precious lives guarding the nation! In fact, we salute each and every brave official who has ever worked or is currently working in the Indian armed forces, be it the Army, Navy, Air Force or even the Police Force. We can never feel the pain they go through and the sacrifices they make out of their sheer love and pride for the nation. These are the people who are a reason behind our safe and stable lives because they put their own lives in danger to ensure a sound life for every citizen of the country.

It is very unfortunate to lose such a brave soldier to fate. But, India is proud to have had these brave officials serve them and they will always be remembered for their courageous deeds!

RIP Lance Naik Koppad!