Tuesday 31 December 2013

Farooq Sheikh was Aam Aadmi's poster boy, says Rajesh Nagpal

As everyone was preparing to welcome the New Year 2014, there came sad news 'Farooq Sheikh passed away!' He was in Dubai (UAE) when he had a cardiac arrest. He took his last breath in Sheikh Rashid Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

I had an opportunity to meet him personally during one of his outdoor film shoots in Delhi, India and I still remember the day when I met him.

He looked the same that time just like he was at the age of 65. He was reading his book (he loved reading!), while the shot was getting ready. When people approached him for autographs, he obliged them smilingly. Even though he belonged to an affluent family, he never showed it off. Very nice, gentle and down-to-earth!



With his magnetic personality and the acting skills he portrayed, undoubtedly he was the poster boy of parallel Cinema or you can say poster boy of common people (Aam Aadmi). In fact, he could give blushes to the poster boys of mainstream cinema! It is extremely difficult to fill the void he left.



About Farooq Sheikh’s professional life

He was an Indian actor, philanthropist and a popular television presenter. He was best known for his work in Hindi films from 1977 to 1989 and for his work in television between 1988 and 2002. He returned to acting in films in 2008 and continued to do so until his death on 27 December 2013.

He had worked with directors like Satyajit Ray, Muzaffar Ali, Ketan Mehta and Hrishikesh Mukherjee, among others.

He won the 2010 National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor for Lahore. Some of his famous movies are : Garam Hawa, Shatranj ke Khiladi, Gaman, Noorie, Umrao Jaan, Chashme Baddoor, Saath-Saath, Bazaar, Katha, Rang Birangi, Biwi Ho to Aisi and Shanghai.



Just few days prior to his death I had a chance to watch his recent movie ‘Club 60’. If you haven’t seen it, do make it a point that you don’t miss it. Look at his acting and you’ll come to know of his greatness.

By the way, there is a dialogue in this movie (Club 60), where he says ‘I have learnt how to live.’ Do I need to say more?

Let’s just close our eyes, bow our heads and pay tribute to our dear Farooq Sheikh.



By : Rajesh Nagpal, India

Friday 13 December 2013

Nelson Mandela and India : A special relationship, says Rajesh Nagpal

Every second there are births or deaths in this world - from poor to rich, from unknown to well-known, but there have not been many instances in the world's history where one person has left such an impression globally. There has not been such a unity worldwide in honouring an individual on his passing away. This is the charisma of Nelson Mandela or fondly known as Madiba.

After suffering for 27 years in jail, that too for a fight which was beyond him and his family, he fought back to reach the pinnacle. A journey from prisoner to president is heart-warming. It is laden with endless pains and struggles, and provides a lesson on how to overcome such challenges while still retaining your sanity and dignity. Undoubtedly, it was an extremely long walk towards freedom!



Historically, there are three people who fought self-less battles for social causes and are remembered with respect beyond the boundaries where they were born or lived. These are : Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.

With more than 70 heads of state confirmed to arrive in South Africa this week to attend the memorial service and funeral of the late Nelson Mandela, the former president's funeral could surpass in numbers what was considered to have been the biggest gathering of heads of state outside of the United Nations – the funeral of Pope John Paul II. 

Special relationship between Nelson Mandela and India

Indian government's announcement of a five-day state mourning as a mark of respect to Nelson Mandela, is just one of several gestures that reflect strong ties between India and South Africa, with Nelson Mandela in particular. 

Nelson Mandela's special place in the hearts of Indians were officially recognised in 1990, when he was awarded India's highest and most prestigious civilian honour Bharat Ratna, or the "Jewel of India" award. Bharat Ratna has been one awarded to Mother Teresa in 1980. She was a naturalised Indian citizen. Apart from Nelson Mandela, there is only on more non-Indian recipient of this coveted award. He is Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan. He was awarded in 1987. 



On the 50th anniversary of India's independence, Mandela affirmed the powerful connection between the anti-colonial liberation movements in India and South Africa. These were his words:-
"History books in both our countries will forever record India's Independence as a date of enormous significance. It was not just a victory for the people of India but for all those under colonial rule. It inspired and encouraged other liberation struggles around the world. But it is especially significant to South Africans.... As a younger sibling, democratic South Africa continues to learn from the experience of India."

Nelson Mandela was an avowed Gandhian. During his visit to Ahmedabad in 1995, he said:- "I could never reach the standard of morality, simplicity and love for the poor set by the Mahatma. While Gandhi was a human without weaknesses, I am a man of many weaknesses." These words reflect his humbleness. Do I need to say anything more? 

Let's just close our eyes and bow our heads to pay tribute, in true Indian style, to our beloved Madiba!


A humble tribute to Nelson Mandela : by Rajesh Nagpal.