Taare Zameen Par..
Inside of each grown-up, mature adult with duties, responsibilities and worries, there lurks a playful child, hankering after ice creams and amusement park rides, chocolate and teddy bears, playgrounds and the sheer joy of innocence. Once in a lifetime, a man recognises this fact, decides to worship the child within man, and ditching comercialisation for soul, translates his dream into a reality that leaves one weeping, laughing, wondering, reflecting and determined to do one's mite to changing the world.
Welcome to Taare Zameen Par. Even as I post this, I hum the bars of the title song, and feel moved. For those of us who have been too busy to watch it, please do. In your own interests. If you have, you know what I'm talking about.
The subjects of dyslexic children, insensitive parents, and a mark-oriented academic system are nothing new to the world of cinema. But to gather these subjects up gently with a discerning hand, dispense with all unnecessary drama, bind them together with sensitivity and an innate understanding, and then weave them together into an intensely humane, intensely human tapestry coloured by dreams and real emotions-happiness, worry, betrayal, laughter, innocence, promise-takes more than skill. It takes a love of children, an understanding of the enormity of the subject at hand. Mr.Khan, you win hands down.
At the core, it is a simple enough story- a child with depressing academics and an inclination towards mischief drives an insensitive father and a bewildered mother to deposit him at a boarding school where he is neither understood not loved. His love of and obvious genius at painting are never given the measure of appreciation they deserve. Along comes an art teacher who, mystified by the unusual depth of sadness in this child's eyes, delves ito his life and sees not an incorrigible rascal, but a dyslexic, frightened, nearly traumatised boy. Deeply touched, he takes the initiative that even Ishaan's parents have not, and invests in the boy love, interest and patience. Ishaan makes a comeback that stuns the world.
Taare Zameen Par made me cry, it made my grin, clutch my heart and say Ohmigoodness, but most of all, it opened my eyes to a world that needs understanding- the world of dyslexic children, of handicapped or specially abled children(as is the politically correct term). If the world invested half the time that it did on being politically correct, on the children who really need it, this planet may yet discover the core of childhood buried within it. Love needs no instructor and patience needs no teaching- all it takes is a heart.
Do you have one?
Welcome to Taare Zameen Par. Even as I post this, I hum the bars of the title song, and feel moved. For those of us who have been too busy to watch it, please do. In your own interests. If you have, you know what I'm talking about.
The subjects of dyslexic children, insensitive parents, and a mark-oriented academic system are nothing new to the world of cinema. But to gather these subjects up gently with a discerning hand, dispense with all unnecessary drama, bind them together with sensitivity and an innate understanding, and then weave them together into an intensely humane, intensely human tapestry coloured by dreams and real emotions-happiness, worry, betrayal, laughter, innocence, promise-takes more than skill. It takes a love of children, an understanding of the enormity of the subject at hand. Mr.Khan, you win hands down.
At the core, it is a simple enough story- a child with depressing academics and an inclination towards mischief drives an insensitive father and a bewildered mother to deposit him at a boarding school where he is neither understood not loved. His love of and obvious genius at painting are never given the measure of appreciation they deserve. Along comes an art teacher who, mystified by the unusual depth of sadness in this child's eyes, delves ito his life and sees not an incorrigible rascal, but a dyslexic, frightened, nearly traumatised boy. Deeply touched, he takes the initiative that even Ishaan's parents have not, and invests in the boy love, interest and patience. Ishaan makes a comeback that stuns the world.
Taare Zameen Par made me cry, it made my grin, clutch my heart and say Ohmigoodness, but most of all, it opened my eyes to a world that needs understanding- the world of dyslexic children, of handicapped or specially abled children(as is the politically correct term). If the world invested half the time that it did on being politically correct, on the children who really need it, this planet may yet discover the core of childhood buried within it. Love needs no instructor and patience needs no teaching- all it takes is a heart.
Do you have one?
posted by Ramaa at 5:50 AM
6 Comments:
Amazingly well-written my dear RR >:D<. I decided not to watch the film because I know I wont be able to bear it and will break down :(. And infact, I do have that heart you have questioned. I was one of the pioneers of a small club in REC in 2005 called "apekshaa" which was started causes similar to this. It has now grown into a huge tree sheltering many kids. I am not boasting or anything(as u know i am pretty much incapable of such things) but just sharing my happiness and pride with my wonderful dear friend. Please see this video about the club which my juniors have put together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_kr9klS4Ng
Thank you, my dear Sai. :) It is wonderful to know about apekshA. Were you involved in starting it? My goodness. A finger in every pie. :) I'm so very proud of you. One day, when I'm independent and with more time on my hands, this is just the sort of thing I want to get knee-deep in.
As for watching Taare Zameen, sometimes in life one should really cry. Never mind the heartache involved. This is one such instance. Please steel your tender heart and watch it. You wont regret it. My promise. :)
Atleast listen to the music. I don't understand most of the words myself, but "Taare Zameen Par"(the title track) and "Maa" are must-listens.
Will do RR. I cant understand hindi either but I am sure the stuff goes much beyond language and I will understand it for sure. I will see the film tomorrow or something.
And apEkshA..ya..we(4 of us-2 guys and 2 girls) started this organization and slowly garnered support. Now it has grown into a big society in REC recognized by the city corporation of trichy :). Sure a, we(u and me) will start something like this a few years down the line.. :D
Now, that would be lovely, wouldn't it? ;)
what a mind blowing review for a extraordinar film.your adverse emotional flow are indeed true .. the moment i read your about me column , i know you are a blogger. guess you must be a fan of C&H. nice post. good one:)
Completely Agree with you RR :)
the music also is a class apart!
Its been such a pleasure to go thru your blog. Keep writing :)
Cheers
-Sandhya
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