The Indian Weekender, 13 November 2020

30
ENTERTAINMENT
Friday, November 13, 2020 The Indian Weekender
ANUPAM KHER:
Best form of storytelling
done by grandparents
Actor Anupam Kher feels the best form of
storytelling is done by grandparents.
"The best form of storytelling has been
done by our grandparents, mine used to tell me
the same story and just changed the characters
names," said Anupam.
Anupam has narrated Saadat Hasan Manto's
short story "Toba Tek Singh", a satire set in the
time of Partition written in 1954.
"While narrating 'Toba Tek Singh', I could feel
the sadness of Partition and it's only a genius like
Manto who can write from a mad person's point
of view. That is exactly how I have tried to narrate
it, in a way that will make your heart go out to the
character," said the actor.
The story is set a few years after Partition in
1947. In an insane decision, the governments of
India and Pakistan decided to exchange Hindu,
Sikh and Muslim lunatics.
Through the story, Manto highlights the
absurdity of Partition as well as the emotional
struggle and suffering that millions had
to endure owing to the decision.
Although the story is fictional,
an actual exchange of psychiatric
patients between mental hospitals in
Lahore and Amritsar did take place
in 1950. "Toba Tek Singh'', now
available in audio format, is based on
that incident.
Shekhar Suman urges all to light diya in Sushant's memory on Diwali
Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman on Monday
urged all to light a diya in the name of late
actor Sushant Singh Rajput on Diwali
and pray for his soul. Suman also reminded that
Diwali is on 14th November, a date that will mark
six months of the demise of Sushant, who passed
away on June 14.
"14th is Diwali which is bright n auspicious.14th
is also a black date bcoz we lost SSR on the 14th,
six months ago. What a paradox! So plz light diyas
in his memory n pray that his soul shines wherever
it is n forever.
"The path to justice is tough but we can pray,"
Shekhar Suman tweeted.
In a separate tweet, he wrote: "Unfortunately
kisi ke jaane se kisi ki zindagi nahin rukti. lekin
ek androoni ladai nyay ke liye chalti rehni chahiye.
(Nobody's life stops with somebody passing away.
But we should keep fighting for justice), Why
has the CBI still not come up with any inference
or conclusion is a big mystery. There r many
questions dat will 4ever remain unanswered."
Sushant Singh Rajput
passed away in Mumbai
on June 14 this
year. His death
was initially
investigated
first by Mumbai
Police and is
currently being
probed by
Central Bureau
of Investigation
(CBI) along with
NCB and ED.
"While
narrating
'Toba Tek Singh', I
could feel the sadness
of Partition and it's only
a genius like Manto who
can write from a mad
person's point of
view."
No big Diwali bash at
Jeetendra's home owing
to dear friend Rishi
Kapoor's demise
Actor-producer Tusshar
Kapoor says there will be
no Diwali bash at his place
this year. The reason is his father,
yesteryears star Jeetendra, was a
close friend of actor Rishi Kapoor,
who passed away earlier this year.
"Unlike every year, there will be
no big Diwali bash at our residence
because of the sad demise of our very
dear family friend, Rishi Kapoor ji,
and of course the pandemic," said
Tusshar.
Rather, for the Kapoors the festival
of lights is all about spending time
with family this year.
"It's festivities and celebrations
with just the family. I have been
pretty occupied with our film 'Laxmii'
which was released yesterday. Also
my son is on vacation, so I am
spending a lot of time of with him,"
said Tusshar.
"This Diwali is indeed a happy
Diwali but with a difference, where
minimalism will take precedence.
However, the fervour will be kept
alive as we will spend it at home with
our family," he added.