Dear Zindagi

Haven’t some of us been inspired to write down a ‘dear diary note’ of personal reflection back in time that meant the world to us – say, a mammoth milestone made, a moment of emotional breakthrough or the accentuated, frugal, appreciation of life as it happens – and continues to inspire us to date as a landmark juncture of who we became?

‘Dear Zindagi’ is that note of a girl written in the present and rendered into a film.

If people stories are not your thing or you are looking for ‘Alexander conquered the world’ rendition, this movie isn’t for you. I would have dismissed this myself – not being a SRK fan helps – but some quick reflections on social media from friends (I respect for individuality) motivated me to buy a ticket…

… and it has been the most pleasant Sunday movie watch in a long time.

I was caught up in my own reflections – mostly in the Maya Angelou quote, “… but people will never forget how you made them feel,” – that was ringing home loud and clear with the film. ‘People’ can be a six year old, a twenty six, or a sixty. Isn’t it true that our experiences with the surroundings contribute to what makes the person ‘I’?

Apart from the emotional journey of Kaira as a twenty something old, the ethereal Goa on bicycle rides is a treasure to the eyes. Most frames lend aesthetics by use of stupendous sunshine and slick kursis (chairs) which also happen to be an ingenious metaphor. The movie compels the blend of earth-friendly-minimalist-fashionista find motivation to recycle! How beautifully has Gauri Shinde introduced humor in Lebanese (import from passed on jokes/internet), sensitization of L&G in LGBT, and embraced domestic help as part of family in depiction and zero words. That is an empathetic heart and anybody with empathy is bound to be touched by the film.

I am absolutely blown by the one dialogue that will be an optimistic step forward for all the wrecked lives of the past, “Don’t let your past blackmail your present into ruining a beautiful future.”