Films & Starters
The Intouchables
This is one of those feel-good movies, something that can be watched idly on the weekends, a movie that stays fresh and resplendent even after multiple viewings. The majority of that is down to the sheer camaraderie & bonhomie on display throughout the two lead actors.
The premise of the film isn’t exactly novel: an old, wealthy, disabled man, who’s tired and angry being the subject of everyone’s pity, hires a young, working-class man as his daily caretaker. Neither of them expect it to last long: the young carer is simply there to show he has applied for legitimate work and so he can collect his welfare benefits. What blossoms from there on in is a beautiful friendship, based on mutual respect between the two. Both of them enjoy ‘normal’ activities, with scant regard given to the older man’s disability. You will find yourself smiling, crying and generally feeling warm-hearted by the time the film comes to an end.
(Mihir)
Books & Main Courses
A Book of Light: When a Loved One Has a Different Mind (Edited by Jerry Pinto)
A lot of people have read Jerry Pinto’s first book “Em and the Big Hoom,” a beautifully told story about his parents’ relationship during his mother’s struggles with mental health. This book is a collection of essays by people who are related to someone who has struggled with mental health. What I loved most about the collection was the fact that people have been brutally honest about their own battles. For me, it is also extremely personal as one of the essays was written by someone I consider family.
Most of all though, I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to truly understand the different facets of mental health and the issues that come with it. It’s time we break away from the stereotypes prescribed to us by various media and delve into the reality of mental health in India.
(Roshini)
Podcasts & Desserts
Sooo Many White Guys (Episode 4: Phoebe and Hari Kondabolu Reach Peak Confidence)
Comedian Phoebe Robinson’s latest podcast “Sooo many white guys” has been making waves since its recent debut – mostly for its interesting and diverse line-up of guests including Golden Globe award winning actress Gina Rodriguez, Daily Show correspondent Hassan Minhaj and comedian and political satirist Hari Kondabolu, discussing politics, race and everyday life in USA.
This particular episode with Hari Kondabolu seemed like a great share this week, in light of having witnessed all the online violence being directed at actress Leslie Jones. The episode starts out a little wayward but soon finds its groove with Phoebe Robinson and Hari Kondabolu in an honest and hilarious conversation about why conversations around race are so difficult and so dreaded. The episode also speaks to Kondabolu’s latest comedy album on race politics that’s been topping charts and receiving rave reviews.
Link here: http://www.wnyc.org/story/4-phoebe-and-hari-kondabolu-reach-peak-confidence
(Prashanti)
THE GLASS ELEVATOR 