2008 Woodie Awards
Work hard for it honey
Blog dispatch from students in India
Sean Milton
Issue: 7/14/08 Section: summer in india
Posted August 11, 2008
Yesterday we attended a panel discussion and party provided by our instructor, Sonora Jha, as well as her mother and brother. Our arduous adventure began by riding the city train--for about 45 minutes--to the suburbs of Bombay and thereafter taking an auto rickshaw to the hotel where the event was to take place. The idea of riding an Indian train struck fear in my heart back in March when I first YouTubed videos of Bombay. The actual ride did not warrant months of anticipation because we traveled during non-peak hours in order to not encounter the crowds and insanity that ensues. Like most things in India, we had to do the work before reaping the benefit.
The panel discussion consisted of three Indian filmmakers and one actor. It was intriguing for me to hear of the differences and parallels between American and Indian films. India seems to be catching up to America as far as corporate interest is concerned, but still lacks meaty roles for women. All three of the directors agreed that women actually are better story tellers and more complex than men, thus favoring them when writing screenplays. It is also interesting to note Bollywood actors aren't expected to possess any political or educational knowledge. They are expected to remain quiet and dumb themselves down in order to be favorable to directors.
The discussion was followed by a party hosted by Sonora's mom. We were entertained by traditional Indian dancers and mingled with Bombay's elite. Ornate costumes adorned women and men as they twirled and stepped to our delight. I was particularly taken by the Kathka dance; it was more intricate and exciting as the performer stomped her feet and employed foot bells as part of the music. It must be a lifetime commitment to learn the intricate moves, and she sustained her precision until the end.
Yesterday we attended a panel discussion and party provided by our instructor, Sonora Jha, as well as her mother and brother. Our arduous adventure began by riding the city train--for about 45 minutes--to the suburbs of Bombay and thereafter taking an auto rickshaw to the hotel where the event was to take place. The idea of riding an Indian train struck fear in my heart back in March when I first YouTubed videos of Bombay. The actual ride did not warrant months of anticipation because we traveled during non-peak hours in order to not encounter the crowds and insanity that ensues. Like most things in India, we had to do the work before reaping the benefit.
The panel discussion consisted of three Indian filmmakers and one actor. It was intriguing for me to hear of the differences and parallels between American and Indian films. India seems to be catching up to America as far as corporate interest is concerned, but still lacks meaty roles for women. All three of the directors agreed that women actually are better story tellers and more complex than men, thus favoring them when writing screenplays. It is also interesting to note Bollywood actors aren't expected to possess any political or educational knowledge. They are expected to remain quiet and dumb themselves down in order to be favorable to directors.
The discussion was followed by a party hosted by Sonora's mom. We were entertained by traditional Indian dancers and mingled with Bombay's elite. Ornate costumes adorned women and men as they twirled and stepped to our delight. I was particularly taken by the Kathka dance; it was more intricate and exciting as the performer stomped her feet and employed foot bells as part of the music. It must be a lifetime commitment to learn the intricate moves, and she sustained her precision until the end.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 18
Veronica Martin
posted 8/14/08 @ 12:56 AM PST
its interesting how that day encapsulated so much of what we have been experiencing here... the contrast of the heavy and the light, the academic and the leisure -- and they often converge into one and the same. (Continued…)
Vinnie
Vincent Hobbs
posted 8/14/08 @ 2:17 AM PST
Sonora's Mom is awesome. She definitely hooked it up with an entire day of non-stop fun. I didn't know Sonora could move like that! I doubt I will ever experience a party like that again :(. (Continued…)
Kevin Wren
posted 8/14/08 @ 4:40 AM PST
That day has been my favorite thus far. From the train ride to the traditional Indian clothing, there was not a dull moment. I imagine Sonora's mom was the Godfather in a former life, but much sweeter. (Continued…)
Erica Webster
posted 8/14/08 @ 8:20 AM PST
yeah that day was like the prom of our india trip.
sonora's mom, sonora's dance moves, and indian festivities are alright with me. my to do list: 1) learn sassy traditional dance moves. (Continued…)
Rand Lutomski
posted 8/14/08 @ 9:21 AM PST
I too believe Sonora's mom bears a striking resemblance to the godfather, I have no doubt if I asked she could find anything in Mumbai. similarly I was quite surprised by the way in which Sonora dances, I am just glad she was not looking at me, flittering her eyes like the first dancer at this party. (Continued…)
Melissa Heintz
posted 8/14/08 @ 9:34 AM PST
I had so much fun at the party and everyone looked good in their traditional Indian attire. Sonora's mom knows how to throw a party. I'm also glad that we got to see a wide variety of dances. (Continued…)
Jessica Miller
posted 8/14/08 @ 9:46 AM PST
I am pretty sure seeing Kevin and Rand dance was the highlight of the party for me. Then again, Laxman was shakin' it too... That party was definitely a highlight of the trip, and I am glad we got henna done too, because it's a constant physical reminder of it. (Continued…)
Laurel Saito
posted 8/14/08 @ 7:26 PM PST
Just as everyone else has said, I also thoroughly enjoyed myself. Having a break from the academia and learning about the culture, especially through dance and music, was great. (Continued…)
anne-davis
posted 8/14/08 @ 11:31 PM PST
The Jha family never fails to impress. They are well accomplished and they know how to throw a party. What I took away from this experience was the fact that everyone joined together. (Continued…)
Gina
Gina
posted 8/15/08 @ 2:01 AM PST
Thank you, Sean. I too felt that the trip to the shore touched my soul. It was the first time I felt free since we've arrived. For the only time in my life I almost believed I could take off and fly on the wind. (Continued…)
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