I know I am very late in posting about my ‘Word of the Year’ as we are into February as I start writing this. Fact is, I had decided on the word in 2023 but I took the month of January to analyse what it would really mean; start living in accordance to that and see whether it is something I can carry on not only for this year but for rest of my life. Whether it is something truly feasible and sustainable. 

I have always been proud of the fact that I can see multiple perspectives in a situation. I may not truly understand each of them, but I do see them and try to understand them. When I got this Tattoo, it was to remind myself that there are multiple perspectives in every situation and that it doesn’t make my personal experiences wrong or insignificant. That I had every right to believe in my own perspective of my experience. That my feelings weren’t wrong just because someone else couldn’t see it nor were other people’s feelings wrong because I couldn’t understand it.

Back then I used to take pride in the fact that I could see the perspective of the person in front of me and cut them slack because of it. Yes, you read that right. I USED TO take pride in that. I no longer do because I came to realise that while I was trying to be kind and understanding towards other people - it meant (most of the time) being unkind and unfair to myself. I was the collateral. When I realised that late last year, I turned inwards and started being kind to myself instead. It wasn’t a conscious decision - it just started with ‘I don’t want to deal with this negativity anymore’ and it has brought me more peace than I expected.

 

Asian dramas have taken the world by storm; K-dramas in particular. One that stands out as a must-watch for any Asian drama enthusiast is "Healer." If you are new to the world of K-dramas (or Asian Dramas) I need to put a disclaimer for you - this one is going to ruin you for a while. I know, because I started my Asian Drama journey with Healer and it took me a while to like anything else. It is THAT good. 

“Healer” is an action-packed series with an amazing romance running in parallel. It is sure to keep you hooked from the very first episode. Whether you are a newbie to this world of dramas, or a veteran - “Healer” is a must watch for you and I will give you 5 reasons why without too many spoilers!

1. Unconventional Protagonists: 

Our male protagonist is Seo Jung Hoo (played by Ji Chang-Wook) is a chameleon of sorts. He is a ‘night courier’ who runs unconventional errands for money. At first glance, he is not your knight is shining armour. But he is someone who plays any role required convincingly - from the night courier who is an expert in martial arts to a scaredy-cat reporter to a son trying to find out about his past. Our female protagonist is Chae Young Shin (played by Park Min-Young) is a fiery but ‘failed’ reporter. She aspires to be the best yet puts other people’s safety before her own aspirations. She is not fearless, but she is someone who do what is necessary despite her fears.

2. Well-Developed Characters:

It is not just our protagonists and antagonists that are well developed in the series. Each character brings in something to the plot. 

For instance, Kim Moon-Ho (played by Yoo Ji-Tae) is an ace reporter who refuses to access certain resources that are available to him because his sense of honour tell him that those resources are tainted. He is haunted by the past and wants to do what’s best for the victims even if it means that he has to go up against those close to him. Then there is the character of Chae Chi-Soo (played by Park Sang-Myeon) who through his actions show how blood doesn’t matter to be a family. His kind moments with his adoptive daughter will touch the audiences heart and ultimately is what shaped our female protagonist. 

Overall, there is a diverse set of characters who add depth to the over all plot.

3. Intriguing Plot and Thrilling Action:

The story revolves around secrets from the past of a group of friends, that not only affect the cast of characters in the present, but also the political situation of the country. As the characters dig up the secrets, they realise what they are really dealing with. The fight scenes involving Ji Chang-Wook are stylish and exciting enough to make you want to see more action sequences. The romance element of the story really works because of the chemistry between the characters is palpable as they really compliment each other.

4. Heartwarming Romance:

If the action sequences and the mystery angle of the plot gets your blood roaring, the romance in the series will get your heart thumping. If you are someone who loves ‘love-at-first-sight’ tropes, only then maybe this may not be your cup of tea. Our protagonists fall for each other slowly and steadily. They build a camaraderie that is bot fun and sweet. Their personalities are so different, yet similar at places that really matter. As a viewer, you will hoot and cheer for them to be together.

5. Memorable Soundtrack:

I don’t think I will ever be able to listen to ‘Eternal Love by MLTR’ and not think of this series ever again. Other than that ‘I will protect you by Ji Chang-wook’, ‘You by BEN’ and the Healer theme song just adds to the overall ambience of the series in a way that it is impossible to separate them.

Bonus Reason: Ji Chang-Wook! Yes he is easy on the eyes as most asian drama heroes are. The reason why I like him is because he is an expert at micro-expressions. Small things that he does in his acting really make you involved in the story telling. 

“Healer” is a favourite among K-Drama enthusiasts because everything about the series just falls into place to take the audience on a journey of action, thrills, heartbreak and love. I assure you that once you start the series, you will not be able to stop. Happy binge-watching!

The concept of self-care and self-love has gained immense popularity. It is everywhere. People are talking about it across all social media platforms and  you hear about it in everyday conversations. However, if you really pay attention, it becomes quite apparent that many people discuss it without fully understanding it.

We have all been guilty of this at times - talking up things that we learn before understanding it completely. Personally, I too have been advocating for self-care for almost five years. Though with each passing year I have learnt and discovered more ~ its been a journey of continuous reading, watching, and learning.

Defining Self-Care / Self-Love

Discovering True Self-Love

Embracing Self-Love: A Call to Action

I bought Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st Generation) back in mid-2022 during a Prime Day Sale. I have it set up on my work desk as I often have music playing in the background when I am working. And that is what I use my Amazon Echo Show for most of the time.

It has been a smooth sailing experience for most part. That is until May this year, when one evening I started hearing some disturbances while playing music. So, I did what all 'normal people' do 😜... I switched it off for 10 seconds and switched it back on. That usually solves half the problems, right? But it did not work this time unfortunately. So, I tinkered around and realised that there was some wear-and tear on the cable. I went on a search for new cable on Amazon itself, but couldn't find one. My next step was to contact Amazon Customer Care because I did not want to order a wrong cable (and I am a noob when it comes to electronics). That is when I realised that my device was still under warranty. It took about 15 minutes of chatting with the customer care to have an Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Generation) delivered to my home the very next day & a pick up of the old device the day after - completely free of charge!

You see, they first offered to replace the cable but then realised that both the cable or the 1st generation device was no longer in stock. So, the upgraded me to the 2nd Generation device without any issues or red tapes.

So, I have used both the 1st gen. & 2nd gen. devices now. This review will focus on the 2nd generation as the older model is no longer available.

Stunning Display Quality:

Improved Audio Performance:

Seamless Video Calls:

User-Friendly Design:

Alexa, the Ultimate Assistant:

Entertainment Hub:

Productivity Booster:

Compatible with Smart Home Devices:

Just to recap before the wrap up:

Pros:

Stunning HD display
Enhanced audio performance
User-friendly design and setup
Responsive Alexa capabilities
Productivity-enhancing features
Quick & hassle free service response from Amazon

Cons:

Alexa app for both android and ios is slow and clunky

A torn jacket belongs to someone else

Smells like old spice and sweat

Giving me all the warmth needed to survive this lonely, cold night

While I dream of the dream.

An overused t-shirt, 

So big, it could fit both of us…scent of tears and ocean

Hugged me in those nights

You were too busy to look at the starts

A second-hand copy of my favorite book

With blemish yellow pages and taste of old monk

Provided me with the comfort, I was looking in you

While I sleep, in the lap of clouds

 The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there. - Ellie Rodriguez

A messy hair bun, a laptop, an overused notepad, a mobile with a Joker back cover, and a blue pen, this has been my life for the last 3 years. No matter where I am, these treasures never leave me to take a hard day alone or to smile with me on the sunny ones.

I am sitting on my bed, thinking about squeezing in some workout (well, thinking about it for the last 5 years, still haven’t started) while a familiar face is smiling at me. Mr. Khan (The King Khan), has been there on my wardrobe for as long as I could remember, and he has never failed to make me feel good about myself, even on those days, when I can’t even get out of bed.

This bed, this wardrobe with Shahrukh pic on it, used to be my home, not my room, but home. However, last few years, there is a thought in the back of my mind, hiding in the dark corner, peeping from time to time.

And finally decided to address it head-on.

Where is my Home?

Since I could remember, the room, I had in our old, dampy, half-broken railways quarter was my world. I had an old radio. I used to listen to Radio-Mirchi nonstop on it. My favorite show was when they used to play old Hindi songs (I forgot the show's name). I loved that tiny corner beside the radio, listening to songs, dreaming of dreams, and hoping for a place of my own to call HOME.

That dampy room was the witness to all my firsts, endless chatter with friends, my first journaling, first love, first heartbreak, my exams, sleepless night, and on and on.

And then the inevitable came, I left my hometown; Kolkata, to pursue my MBA in Hyderabad. I stayed in college hostels, and working women’s hostels, and shared a flat with roommates. But never, ever, I felt at home.

Then I got married, and rented beautiful flats for living, still, what was the thing missing…I still couldn’t figure it out. It’s like…

I have been to the unknown and felt most lost when I reached home.

No matter how comfy the bed is, and how familiar the faces were, I was not home. I have taken deep dives into the darkest corners of my mind, yet could never find an answer to the ever-haunting question…where is home?

I am still looking for my home, and I have no idea….

what is it or where is it or never the less who it is?

Over the years I have realized, my home was that corner beside the old shabby radio, my home was the salty torn bedsheet, the picture of Shahrukh.

What I have been looking for, for the last 13 years is not an address, but rather a warm cozy hug from you (Who are you?) to drench my soul with love.

The teenage girl, in that homey little corner, with stars and moon in her eyes listening to “yeh tera ghar, yeh mera ghar”, will not stop, until she finds her home, no matter where it is or who it is.  

“I am homesick for a place I am not sure ever exists. One where my heart is full. And my soul is understood. I am homesick for you my LOVE”

It’s too much, 

Thing after a thing

Drowning in this black hot coffee, not enough

Being in that super-hero suit is not good anymore

Golden liquid doesn’t burn me as it used to.

The smoke coming out of my lungs are a voiceless scream

Living life in break and escape rooms are…well, not living

Holding my breath so I can breathe one day is merely surviving

My shivering frozen heart waiting for you seems like a lifetime

I forgot what is normalcy 

Hiding behind the sound of my bluetooth seems exhausting

The dark cozy room fails to provide comfort

Writing about it doesn't vent as it used to

The sound of your voice is lightyear far...

It’s just too much, 

Thing after a thing, and a thing 

This post is for the very few people who are sitting on the fence about watching the Pathaan in the theatres.

Fair warning to all: I am an unapologetic Shah Rukh Khan fan and I have been since 1990. So, as a person who has been fangirling through all the phases of his career, I have no qualms about admitting that I am highly biased when it comes to the King Khan.

But, I am also an INFJ who calls a spade a spade. So, trust me when I say that this post will give you the truth. 

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres if you are a Shah Rukh Khan fan.

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres if you are a Deepika Padukone fan.

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres if you like SRK-Deepika chemistry.

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres if you love John Abraham.

• Watch this movie if you are a Salman Khan fan.

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres because it is a total fan service movie.

• Watch Pathaan in the theatres if you love over the top action.

• Watch this movie if you have always wanted a macho spy, but with a vulnerable side.

• This movie is for all those who enjoy spotting easter eggs.

• Pathaan is a mass entertainer that doesn’t pretend to be anything else.

• Make a statement.

This negativity has been spreading for a while and I know that I felt like a non-entity and wondered how could someone as small & insignificant as me can make a difference. But now SRK is making a statement (without speaking a word) with this movie that has made the way for a lot of other influential people (who probably feared a backlash) to come out and stand in support of him

Let’s do it - let us go and watch Pathaan and start claiming our basic rights back with this step. It’s no longer just about watching a movie - whether you love or hate the cast & crew or the kind of movie it is - doesn’t matter… It has now become a matter of whether you are going to let people continue to dictate our lives, encourage threats and vandalism in the name of nationalism and whether or not YOU believe that YOU have a right to decide what is right or wrong.

I rest my case. Now it’s your turn to tell me whether you will watch it in the theatres or not. And if you have watched it in the theatres, what was your experience?

What a day it has been for me today.

So, the Pathan Teaser dropped today around 11am and its kind of breaking the internet and drowning out Boycott Bollywood and Boycott Pathan noise - as its should. Have you seen the teaser yet? What did you think?

‘Zinda hai’ is more likely him confirming what us the SRK-ians have been saying all along. He is back and it seems it will be with a bang! With an action packed trailer and him looking better than ever, we are going to have fun. You naysayers can keep saying stuff, it hasn’t mattered to us in the last 30 years, and it won’t matter now.

With ‘War’ as a reference, I am not expecting a good storyline. In fact I am almost expecting a flawed story. At the same time with SRK & Deepika on screen, the acting will be much better than War for sure. And I hope that the action is as good as War if not better. I am excited!

I also had the awesome opportunity to go watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge on the screens today. People kept telling me that you have already watched it so many times, why go to the theatres again? Well, I am glad that once again I did not let the naysayers stop me because it was an experience of a lifetime!

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