D: It is written.

Movies have always influenced our perspectives and train of thought, even if momentarily. The closer we identify with the theme of the movie, the more we tend to "want to" associate our lives with them. It is not necessary that we live through those moments, to have lived through such times, or faced similar problems. I have categorically been against people getting a sudden spike in adrenalin levels leaving the cinema hall and letting it fizzle away over the next couple of days, if not hours. But here I am, justifying something to a similar effect, the only difference is identifying with an underlying theme, something that isn't as obvious as the original screenplay or dialogue delivery. It might sound hypocritical, but it isn't. This post is also my redemption for having written about a couple of bad movies in the past, which is why am violating my oath not to write anything remotely related to the paparazzi anymore.

I guess most of my limited readers would have realised that the movie am talking about is Slumdog Millionaire. Am not going to talk about the movie as I trust the numerous film critics and the free time on their hands to take care of all such stuff and critiques. What I did start thinking about after watching the movie was something more related to our "undying passions". We are never satisfied with the way we are, if passionate about that one thing, we yearn for a simpler life when we would not have to try our best to get what we want, if not, we in turn aspire to be one of those who are devoted to achieving that one thing or fulfilling that one dream in life. Neither of the two are wrong, or right. The difference comes in how we understand the limits to which that passion should rule our lives, whether it is sensible to be singularly devoted to attaining that satisfaction, fulfilling that desire to accomplish what we set out for. What sacrifices are we willing to make? Do we or rather should we expect anything in return for our efforts? Such questions will continue to arouse anxiety amongst people who are all for a cause in life.

Lets say we do not have that singularity in life. We cruise and take life as it comes. Then one fine say we ask ourselves - all of my friends are trying for something or the other, yet I take life as it comes, do I have a direction? If I do not have something to be passionate about, to the extent that I test my limits in achieving it, would I ever know what all I am capable of ? Myriads of questions tumble over once we set our priorities straight. Neither side is immune to the barrage of inquisitions which make us make a mess of our lives.

Then there are a lucky ignorant few who believe that their lives are simple because they have nothing of the sort to bother about as it does not affect them. Little do they realise that life may seem rosy while we have other affectations occupying our attention when we're young and surrounded by friends, but later on when everyone parts ways, you're left alone, stranded. Thinking. And by the time we come up with an answer then or even start pondering, its too late, and way beyond our mid-life crises.

I had a passion, a dream. It got shattered. Now I remain and move in the shadows, pondering, whether it was ever worth having such a devotion to one cause. Do not patronise me, or anyone for that matter with statements like "You should move from one passion to another, not to give up", since a passion is what build up with time, with character. Jamal, in the movie, showed what it meant to be so devoted to that one feeling, how it defined what life meant to him, that the essence of belonging to a higher motive drove him forward, never stopping to even look back for a second on what he left behind or what could have been different. Such is the amazing desperation to fulfill your dream and desire, which I aspire to, and had.

Unfortunately, not everyone can be a Jamal. To all those with the million questions, moving in the dark alleys of subconscious anxiety, welcome. Whatever will be, will be, for it is written. And a Happy New Year to you all.