Recently, I went to watch a movie Adipurush, to check out what the fuss is all about. It’s so ironical that I had penned a poem on how words have the power to spread black magic and realised that this is exactly what is happening with the movie.

Before its release, it was going to be a family outing and we were excitedly waiting to watch it. But, with the entire negative buzz, my husband opted out and Puchki and I decided to go nevertheless. I had another selfish motive; it was the easiest way to keep her engaged during her summer holidays.

Honestly, when I entered the movie hall, I was being too critical from the moment it started, I could feel being overpowered by others’ opinion; whereas my little one was enjoying every second of it. Then it dawned upon me that I had come to have a nice time and give Puchki a glimpse of Indian mythology’s richness. So I controlled myself and took the reins in my hands. Guess what, I started enjoying myself.

Both of us were humming the songs Ram Siya, Ram Siya and Jai Sri Ram, Jai Sri Ram, Raja Ram. We loved it; if it were on to us, we would be dancing in the theatre. We came home and played the songs in repeat mode and sang them as loud as possible.

Later that evening, Puchki went out to play and excitedly shared her experience with her friends. She was gushing, and animatedly telling them about the lovely time she had, how it is her all her all-time favorite movie now, and how she cannot wait to watch it again.  But, she was interrupted by one of her friends’, who hadn’t watched the movie; she was snubbed and was convincingly told, “No! it’s a bad movie and it should not be watched”. Disgruntled, she returned home, much before her cut-off time and sheepishly asked me, “Maa is Adipurush a bad movie? Did we make a mistake by watching it?”    

I was stunned; how saddened she was after that chat with her friends, how it impacted her, made her question her own belief and sense of judgement.

It made me realise, how our general conversations, where we unabashedly share our views, opinions about people and things; unknowingly, gets transferred to young, impressionable minds. For us it is entertainment, but for them, the seed of negativity gets sowed, it is engraved in their minds and personalities forever.  

Sure, there were a few parts of the movie that I disagreed with; but, that is it. The makers and actors gave it their all, which is clearly evident and it’s not getting acknowledged because of the negative propaganda. It’s an example of how the positives get unnoticed, when the dark clouds of negativity clog our minds.

I cannot change anyone; I do not have any control over others, but myself. Going forward, I’m going to be conscious of the conversations I have and sincerely make an effort to not to engage in loose talk.

I have to do this; she is God’s most precious blessing bestowed upon me and I cannot fail this responsibility.

And guess what, I was awarded too for my efforts. She was going on a short trip with her father and was stuck in a terrible traffic jam; they were running late and were going to miss their flight. When I called to check where they had reached, she told, “Maa, don’t worry, I’m praying to Lord Ram and we will be fine, you know he is my favorite”. And eventually they reached on time thanks to Lord Ram and her father’s ability to seamlessly manoeuvre through Delhi traffic.  

Her faith filled me with immense hope, all will be fine, it will work out eventually; after all, we all have the Lord’s blessings. Jai Shri Ram!