Aham Brahmasmi

“ Appearances to the mind are of four kinds. Things either are what they appear to be; or they neither are, nor appear to be; or they are, and do not appear to be; or they are not, and yet appear to be. ” – Epictetus Joydeep Ray-Bhattacharya’s The Storyteller of Marrakesh  begins with the proposition that there is no truth, only opinions and their diversity. Hassan, the story-teller and the first person in his narrative, states as much when he ploclaims – “ Truth is that which inevitably contradicts itself. Perhaps that is what is borne out by my story in the end. That might explain why, instead of the truth, I offer you a greater consolation: a dream. ” This Hassan is more than a mere narrator – he is a guide, a witness, a showman, a chronicler of Moroccan legend and folklore. His stage is the central square of Marrakesh, Djemaa el Fna, where the myriad wonders of this great city surround and inspire him. “ All around me the city spreads out its wares — its many nar...

If you’re in love with BBC’s jetsetting series Sherlock primarily because of its state-of-the-art adaptation and set design, or Benedict Cumberbatch for that matter, perhaps this movie may not be for you. But if you’re willing to be taken back to the Holmes’ heydays, the days of yore complete with breathtaking shots of the countryside, this movie is for you. Watson may have embellished his accomplishments, but this elderly Sherlock is as adorable as he is accomplished. Flawless acting from the ageless Ian McKellen and a refreshingly different modus operandi of storytelling, this movie is one for keeps.

I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. I understand that you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do. And if our paths cross, let’s hope I can bring a smile and you can bring a tear. After all, what’s life without a dose of nostalgia?

It is a very nice feeling to be alive on a Sunday that has Roger Federer featuring in another Grand Slam final. Even better when it is a Wimbledon final. After last year, like many of us, I too believed that the Swiss magician ’ s last chance at Slam glory was well and truly gone. This year, with the calmness of a Zen master and serves laced with generous amounts of mesmerizing beauty and asphyxiating  venom, he has been a study in old-school magnificence. This Wimbledon, he has rolled back the years. This Wimbledon, he has made us dream again. Regardless of who wins today, Roger Federer has given me yet another Wimbledon to remember him by. All men must worship him. Valar Federeris.