Subhreet Kaur Ghumman: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan

Image Courtesy : Facebook Page of HRXbrand

Subhreet Kaur’s story is no ordinary tale; it is a story of her extraordinary grit, courage, determination, perseverance. Am sure, her story which was aired in 7th episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan is going to leave you wondering, can anyone have so much of mental strength? You might have seen her in “India’s got talent” and the latest season of “Jhalak Dikhla Jaa”. I had closely followed her when she was taking part in these shows, and I was aware of her story, but still, I got goosebumps while watching her story unveiled by Hrithik Roshan, narrated by her as well as her family and its perfect dramatic reconstruction left me with tears in my eyes.

Subhreet is known as the ‘One legged Dancer’ who has definitely become a great source of inspiration to many with her strong will, positive thinking and determination. She is extremely talented as a dancer, and nothing stops her from trying various contemporary dance forms.

Hrithik presents her story with a very famous quotation: Where there is a will, there is a way. How appropriately it fits Subhreet’s story. Her effort was to win her own self, beat her pain and grow beyond her physical limitations.

Subhreet was born in Punjab (in 1986). She lost her father very early in life and she was brought up by her mother. She was very fond of dance from childhood itself. Though she wanted to be part of entertainment world, be a dancer and wear beautiful clothes, she decided to pursue nursing profession on her mother Charanjeet Kaur’s insistence. Subhreet took admission in a nursing college.

An ill-fateful day in October 2009 turned the course of her life forever. Her friend was driving a scooty and she was sitting behind her. Subhreet asked her friend not to drive fast, but she continued driving fast. Unfortunately, she lost her balance and both of them were thrown off from the scooty. Subhreet’s leg was dragged under scooty’s wheel. She could feel lot of pain. Her world turned upside down on this day.

Ultimately she was taken to the hospital, where she was left lying in a bed for almost two weeks. In spite of Subhreet’s mother Charanjeet’s pleading the doctors to treat her, they just put her leg in a brace and left her. They did not even try to treat her fracture.

Subhreet already had a congenital condition called Arterioenous malformation, an abnormal connection between arteries and veins. Charanjeet was constantly telling the doctor about this condition of Subhreet. Eventually, Subhreet underwent operation, but the doctor cut a vital vein because of which uncontrollable bleeding started. Although, the surgical team could manage to stop the bleeding, but they cut short the operation. When she opened her eyes, she was unable to feel any sensation in her leg. On being asked, doctor responded that she would feel sensation in a few days. Surgeon’s incompetence meant that Subhreet now had to wait for the veins in her leg to heal before they could even attempt to fix her fracture for the second time.

Image Courtesy: Discovery Channel's page

Subhreet was sent home to recover but her condition was worsening with each passing day. She had lost all the sensation in her leg. She weighed hardly 35 Kgs. She was bed-ridden for more than two months. Mother and sister took care of her.

Now came that part of her story, which I was absolutely unaware of, it really shook me from within. Subhreet narrated with choked throat and teary eyes that one morning when she got up, she found small ants on her bed and when she looked at her leg, she found that the ants were trying to eat her leg. Probably the ants were on her leg for the whole night, but she did not know due to lack of sensation. That is when she realized that her leg is dead and that is why her leg became prey to the ants. She was inconsolable and cried a lot along with her mother and sister. Subhreet was devastated but she took one of the toughest decisions of amputating her leg. This was the only option left to get her life back. She underwent operation.

In spite of losing the leg (lifeless leg), she decided to not succumb to self-pity or depression, but decided to pursue her passion of dancing. She gave herself this impossible challenge to dance on one leg. She trained herself at home, worked hard to maintain balance with one leg, worked to enhance her physical stamina. For formal training, when she decided to join a dance academy, finance was a concern, but her mother sold her earing to sponsor her dream. Initially, the dance academy rejected her due to her physical disability, she expressed her anger to one of them: ‘You will not choose me, rather I will choose you whether I want to learn from you or not and I decide not to choose you”. Finally Subhreet got an opportunity to train with Rockstar Academy.

Subhreet’s mother Charanjeet remarked about her decision to join dance: “I always knew that she was a good dancer, but I had forced her into studies. After the surgery, when she told me that she wanted to dance in TV shows, I was apprehensive but I supported her dream”.

After taking tough training, she auditioned for India’s Got Talent. She got standing ovation from the judges as well as the audience. Her appearance on this show made her a celebrity overnight. The whole country was awestruck with her performance. Her life changed for better. Later on she participated in Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. Now, she is happy pursuing her passion of pursuing dance as a career.

Hrithik Roshan summed up her story in a beautiful manner that how she prepared herself to face the adversities of her life and even in the darkest phase of her life, she worked hard. Beating her physical limitation, today she is living a life which she completely deserves.

Cast: Sakshi Raina (Subhreet Kaur), Kusunita Tiwari (Mother), Apala Bist (Friend), Sukh Randhawa (Doctor), Rajeev Singh (Doctor), Bharat Patni (Doctor), Sushil Kumar Tiwari (Ward boy)

I felt Subhreet’s episode saw one of the best dramatic reconstruction so far in this show. And for this, indeed the whole cast is responsible. Sakshi raina as Subhreet Kaur has so convincingly portrayed her. Rather the whole cast has complemented well their respective characters.

The story of this HRX Hero Subhreet Kaur Ghumman would definitely leave you awestruck, inspired and certainly give you goosebumps. A one-legged dancer, victim of medical negligence, was not ready to succumb to the destiny of carrying a lifeless leg, but decided to get it amputated. She chose not to fall prey to self-pity but to pursue her childhood passion to be a dancer. You might have seen her on ‘India’s Got Talent’ and ‘Jhalak Dikhla Jaa’, still, please read this post to know her story through Hrithik Roshan and also through her own words. She believes that one could only be handicapped in their mind not physically; you are handicap, if you have everything and you are doing nothing. I am choked with emotions while saluting this great lady Subhreet Kaur Ghumman whose story you can catch up in the repeat telecast of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan on Discovery Channel on 28^th November, 2015 at 8PM.

My Mumma sums up her Smartphone experience – “Nothing like Anything”

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Yes, you read it absolutely right, “Nothing like Anything” is the punchline of Micromax brand who have come up with so many variants of Android Smartphones with Octacore and 4G and that too at a reasonable cost. I chose this punchline as part of the title because that is how my mumma sums up her latest smartphone experience.

I remember those days, when a letter sent to someone abroad used to reach that person in 15-20 days, and response to that used to take another 15-20 days. So, effectively my letter used to get its response in a month’s time. With great technocrat's visions, a time came, when we started having desktops and internet connections in our houses, which revolutionized the communication. Then the changes happened further, and now the whole internet has caved into our smart phones. Technology has made the communication so rapid, prompt, instant. The technology has definitely brought people closer.

I started using a smartphone 2 years back. And when I used to share with Mumma regarding how I started using smartphones to connect with people through various social media networks viz. facebook, g+, linkedin, twitter etc. She was also amazed at the power of social media. The instant connectivity through hangout, whats app, skype etc. using smart phones made the concept of Global Village evolve into Global Home. I could see a child-like curiosity in mumma’s eyes to understand these in detail and that is when I decided to gift her with an Android Smart phone on her birthday in the month of October, 2015. This was her first touch phone as well.

Mumma was extremely delighted as well as nervous on how to use her latest prized possession. I got her sim upgraded to 4G. Downloaded the applications viz. Whats app, Google Hangout and Facebook (created a new facebook account for her). With every new additions, I was able to experience her joy in learning new things and using the same. The very first whats app message she sent to me was: “Hello, my beautiful daughter”. I was amidst some work commitments, when her message popped up in my mobile, which left me with a smile on my face.

Along with the regular features, I also explained to her certain interesting features which she could use. She also enjoys using youtube, google now, reading news. One interesting incident which happened was that she wanted to use GPS in her mobile, so, she just fed a destination place 2 kms away from our home, and she chose to walk her very much familiar path with GPS ‘on’. She enjoyed the ‘left’, ‘right’ of the GPS.  

Just to educate her, I also explained to her in regard to the her smartphone and its technology. I added the following information as well:

Android: An open-source operating system used for smartphones and tablets.

4G: A mobile communications standard allowing wireless internet access at a great speed

Octa core: It denotes the number of processor cores in a CPU, in octa core,the number is eight.

My mumma is indeed getting comfortable with the usage of her Android smartphone. Recently I asked her to sum up her experience, and that is when she saw the advertisement of Micromax and got struck with its punchline and she says: “Nothing like Anything”.

#Technocrats #Technology #4G #Octacore #Android #smartphones

Harshini Kanhekar: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan

Image Source: Facebook page of HRXbrand

What a week at HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan. If the 5^th episode shared with us the story of one of the most celebrated entrepreneur Kalpana Saroj, the 6^th episode unveiled the story of the first female fire-fighter of our country Harshini Kanhekar. It is a must-watch story by all people, especially girls. Although, lot of changes has happened in our society in the last few years, still, intolerance to gender diversity is observed. Girls are meant to be submissive, just taking care of the house, or supposed to be involved in mundane kind of work. In spite of the fact that the world is rapidly evolving due to various transformations happening in various segments, and females having broken all the myths about themselves, handling the household things as well as boardroom responsibilities very efficiently, we cannot deny the fact that there are still many households in our country, where girls are meant not to dream. That is where, Harshini dares not only to dream and but also to fulfill her dream in spite of all odds.

Hrithik starts the episode with the same thought that there is discrimination against girls, who don’t have the freedom to dream. Harshini was stopped everywhere but she was so determined that she fulfilled her dream and became the first female fire-fighter of our country.

Her journey started on a very interesting note. During her graduation, one day, she noticed a group of NCC officers practicing. NCC cadets in uniform caught her fancy. The very dream of wearing the uniform made her explore the options for further studies and career.  

She wanted to join National Fire Service College in Nagpur. The situations were strange and challenging right from the very beginning. After clearing the entrance examination, when she appeared for a personal interview, she was told that no girl so far has become a fire-fighter in Indian History, to which she responded very boldly that it does not mean that nobody can become.  

In spite of clearing the entrance and the interview, another challenge was there in front of her to convince her parents, who were very reluctant for her choosing such a career path. They constantly asked her, whether she would be able to study amongst so many boys. She assured them that she would be able to study, but parents were not ready to buy-in her thought. The environment turned out to be grim at home. With her persistent efforts, Harshini ultimately could convince her family members.

Image Source: Discovery Channel

And the big day came, where Harshini’s dream to wear a uniform came true. She dressed up in uniform for her first day of college. She still vividly remembers what her father told her while dropping at college - “Himmat nahi haarna”.

It does not stop at knowing what you want, but you have to fight for it. The first step is always the toughest. One amongst many challenges was that this programme was a residential programme. And there was no hostel for girls till then. One must watch the show to understand how Harshini dealt with this situation, she was not ready to succumb to the situations. How she handled the co-ordinator at college, who mocked at her. Finally she was granted permission to be a day-scholar.

Harishini had less support in her favour, rather more people were there to discourage her. Being the only girl in a boys’ college, she became the talk of the college. Most of the students did not like her coming to the college. She was being told that it is not a beauty parlour, she might not be able to even sustain for 3 months. But Harshini was not going to be deterred by any of these. Rather these comments made her more responsible towards her dream.

Next challenge came in the form of physical activities although she was psychologically ready for the tough trainings. She  could do all the activities as that of her male counterparts. Being a day-scholar, she used to commute to college by a cycle (more than 5 Kms). Harshini’s sister got choked when she was narrating how Harshini used to get exhausted at the end of the day.

Harshini was getting support from the trainers but no positive response from her course mates, which indeed made her journey tough. But Harshini was not ready to give up. She came out with flying colours in her final practical test.

The final scenes of the episode were very heartening. The very same Harshini, who had to face so many comments right from the instructor to her fellow students, later on earned respect from them. With her determination and hard-work, she could win over people.

Cast: Khushboo Atre (Harshini), Swati Singh (Harshini’s sister), Aditi Bahl (Mother), Vinayak Shawerkar (Father), Pravin Pachpore (Doctor), Prakhar Singh (Instructor), Tushar (Co-ordinator)

All the actors have brought the story alive through their convincing portrayal of various characters, be it Khushboo Atre or her parents Aditi Bahl and Vinayak Shawerkar. Tushar in the role of a co-ordinator, who makes fun of Harshini in the beginning and later on wanted to click a photograph with her during the farewell party was noticeable.

Hrithik as a presenter of the show is awesome. With his sheer presence, words and style of presentation, he adds lot of value to the stories of various HRX Heroes.

Lohe ko faulad banne ke liye aag se guzarana padta hai, dil me kuch karne ki aag thi, meet India’s first Female Fire-Fighter Harshini Kanhekar, who fought against the mindset that fire-fighting profession is meant for males only, and succeeded in becoming the very first female fighter. The roads she travelled were never smooth, but with her sheer determination, conviction, courage and hard-work, she could break all the barriers. Here is the story of Harshini Kanhekar, who was so fascinated by uniform that it got her landed in a job which was primarily dominated by male gender. She proved to the world that women are no less than men, neither in psychological nor physical strengths. Watch the repeat telecast of 6^th episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan only on Discovery Channel on 22^nd November, 2015 – 8PM and join me in saluting this real life hero Harshini Kanhekar.  

Image Source: Facebook Page of HRX Brand

Kalpana Saroj: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (5th Episode)

Image Source: Facebook Page of HRX Brand

The inspiring story of Kalpana Saroj about her journey from a child bride, who suffered physical / emotional abuses, to a celebrated entrepreneur makes the 5^th episode of HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan very special. We have lot of girls in our country, who have to suffer physical as well as emotional abuses in marriage. Many compromise for the society’s sake, many end their lives when it becomes unbearable, or many head for divorce. Here is the story of Kalpana Saroj, who was not ready to succumb to the turbulent conditions, she not only fought with the turbulence of her lives, but also made her own identity in the society as an entrepreneur and did not shy away from taking a second plunge into domestic bliss.  

Hrithik begins the episode with a beautiful thought that struggles or challenges are synonyms of life. A girl who had to struggle at her every step, who was from a poor family, victim of child-marriage and societal pressures, changed her fate with her efforts and that is Kalpana Saroj.

Kalpana Saroj was born in a Dalit family in Vidarbha and used to live with her constable father and other family members in the police quarters. Being a Dalit child, she had to face the discrimination at school and colony. Elders in the colony used to stop their children from playing along with Kalpana and her siblings. Even in school, teachers used to make her sit apart from other students. Although she was a bright student, she was constantly prevented from participating in extracurricular activities.

Child marriage being a norm in Dalit families, her relatives kept on convincing her father to get her married off after age 10. Although her father had emancipated views and wanted her to continue with studies, but had to yield to the pressure of relatives and got her married off at age twelve. Her groom was from Mumbai. The name ‘Mumbai’ was sufficient for the family to fix up the match, did not feel the need to do any background checking.

At age 12, she was responsible for all the household works at her in-laws’ place. She was brutally abused physically even for small things. She was not given proper food. Oh, what an ordeal for a twelve year child. Her father when visited her after a span of six months, could not bear to see his fragile and bruised daughter. He just brought her back home. Kalpana was choked with emotions when she was narrating about domestic violence.

In our society, it is often looked down upon girls who leave their husbands’ house and come back home. And the same was the case with Kalpana also. She was constantly taunted by the acquaintances and relatives about the shame she brought to her family, community and society at large by daring to return from her in-laws’ place.

When she felt that she was unable to take more contempt, she attempted to commit suicide by consuming poison. Although critical, doctors saved her. Once she opened her eyes, she felt that she was no longer going to waste the second chance at life which she had got. And she wanted to live her life.

Image Source: Discovery Channel

After convincing her parents, she moved to Mumbai to her uncle’s house, and picked up tailoring job. She even took loan to start her tailoring business. She brought her family members to Mumbai after her father lost the job. She rented a small room and stayed with her parents and siblings.

She was the only earning member of her family, which was not sufficient for the whole family. Many days, they had to face hunger. Her sister fell ill, and due to lack of money for treatment, she dies. He sister wanted to live who kept crying to save her. This tragedy gave her one of the biggest realization that money is important for survival. That is when she decided to earn money and started working for almost sixteen hours a day.

After exploring government schemes, she applied for loan and with that small amount, she started a furniture business. Her tailoring also continued. Financial situation was improving. She also started a small NGO, where she shared knowledge about the various government loans and schemes available to people so that they could also pursue their dreams.

Kalpana was exploring different business opportunities as well and that is when coincidently a proprietor of a litigation locked land at a prime location came to her to sell this property, he needed 2.5 lakhs. Kalpana managed to give him some money and then her struggle started to get the property ownership, which continued for two years. Once the land was clear, Kalpana chose a Sindhi partner who agreed to invest and she entered real estate business. Because of her social work and attempt to enter into real estate business, she also had to face death threats from local goons.

Her pursuit continued. The workers of Kamani Tubes (a sick company with almost 140 litigation company with a debt of Rs. 116 crores, its ownership was given to the workers union due to conflict between the legal heirs by the Supreme Court) requested Kalpana to save their company. The company was almost to be liquidated. Though Kalpana felt incompetent, her thought to save starving families prompted her to take up the challenge. In her words, she had nothing to lose.

An incredible journey began from there. Right from negotiating with the banks to requesting the then Finance Minister to grant some relief in bank loan, she successfully brought the company out of its low phase after an attempt of 6 years. Later, she was appointed as chairman of the company and even the ownership was transferred to her by the court.    

Today Kamani Tubes is Rs. 112 million empire which is growing further under her leadership and ownership. She also married for the second time and is blessed with children.

In Kalpana’s words, it is very important to know self, and then the journey becomes easy.

Cast: Taruna Singh (Kalpana Saroj), Priyanka Sekhawat (Kalpana of 14 years old), Manju Raizada (Mother), Vijay Shukla (Father), Sandhya Kute (Aunty), Anil Raj (Uncle), Abha Bhandari (Mother-in-law), Rani Sinha

Kudos to the whole cast who have made the dramatic reconstruction of the events so much touching. Both Priyanka and Taruna, as the young and adult Kalpana respectively have portrayed her character with so much credibility.

Words of wisdom which Hrithik conveyed during the show:

On her surviving the suicide attempt: Jindagi ka sabse bada dar hota hai maut and Kalpana ke man se maut a dar nikal chukka tha… she was fearless now.

On losing her sister: She stood firm even after the biggest tragedy of her life. She decided not to look back, rather decided to move ahead.

Kalpana’s motto: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

On Kalpana’s pursuit of business diversification: Growth can not happen from place of security.

Summing up Kalpana’s journey: The best way to predict your future is to create it. You can make your dreams come true.

Sharing the story of Kalpana Saroj, the original Slumdog Millionaire, who had to face discrimination against being an untouchable child, a victim of child marriage, bearing domestic violence by her in-laws. She decided not to confine herself within the shackles of society, she dared to dream, started from tailoring. An incredible entrepreneurial journey to own Kamani Tubes Limited. Grand Salute to this great woman Kalpana Saroj, HRX Hero.

Please catch up with the repeat telecast of this episode on 21^st November, 2015 at 8 PM only on Discovery Channel in the show HRX Heroes with HrithikRoshan.

Shekar Naik: HRX Heroes with Hrithik Roshan (4th Episode)

Shekar Naik’s inspiring and incredible journey from darkness to light was covered in the 4^th episode of HRX Heroes with HrithikRoshan.

Let me start Shekar’s story with a disclaimer that from this episode onwards, I am not going to review this show, but my effort would be to share the story. There won’t be any rating for further episodes at the end of the write-ups. I was feeling very uncomfortable rating the episodes and I also felt how I can review such shows where heroes of life are themselves presenting their stories. No review or no rating would be sufficient to express that how much the heroes suffered in their lives and then rose against all odds to be super-achievers. And I am sure Discovery Channel would appreciate my stand. So, here goes the story of Shekar Naik.

Hrithik conveys so beautifully that people want to know the formula for success, there is only one, which is hard work. Shekar represents this statement. He had no support system, had darkness all around, and what he has achieved today is due to his hard work.

Shekar was born in a poor family in Shimoga, Karnataka. Shekar was blind from his birth onwards. Rather he belonged to a family where his mother Suniana, and many of his cousins were blind. It was some genetic problem. Shekar did not know that there is any world different than his world of darkness. He could never form any picture of the external world. His mother always used to inspire him through her words.

He was almost 8, when he fell into Tungabadhra river, and was taken to the hospital in Bangalore. The doctor said that his retina was fine and there was hope that operation could give him partial vision.

In Shekhar’s words, that was one of the best moments of his life, when he opened his eyes after operation to find his mother standing in front of him. Initially he could not recognize his mother. Shekar got his partial vision back.

He did not even get the time to enjoy this bliss that within three months, he lost his father, who was having cancer. The only earning member of the family was no more. The world became more dark for Shekar and his mother. It was difficult for them to survive. They had to fight hunger.

And that is when Shekar’s mother Suniana decided to admit him in Karnatala Blind School. The idea behind his admission was that atleast Shekar should get his food and survive. Ill-fate continued, Shekar lost his mother too.

Shekar was at the lowest point of his life. When you have nothing to lose, you have everything to gain. That is the stage Shekar was in.

The best dreams happen when you are awake. Shekar also got a goal. While in school, he explored cricket. He started taking coaching in school with the help of his PT teacher Mr. Suresh. He was selected in school team, later state team and then national team. His belief was strengthened that he would be able to fulfill his as well as his mother’s dream that he should be doing something in life.

After graduation, he continued with his passion of playing cricket. To survive, he also used to do all kinds of jobs viz. housekeeping, washing utensils, gardening etc. He worked hard for more than 8 years.

He played lot of matches, and the match against Pakistan is very special for him, he scored 198 runs, his highest international score.

In 2010, he was chosen as the captain of Indian Blind Cricket Team and fetched India two World Cups.

His dream is to coach many aspiring blind cricketers and let them fulfill their dreams.

Hrithik conveys Shekar’s story beautifully: “It is not the will to win that matters, it is the will to prepare to win that matters”.

Cast: Krishna Mishra (Shekar Naik), Vijay Saini (Shekar’s father), Chandrakala Satam (Shekar’s mother), Rahil (Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), Rajesh Kumar (Neighbour), Saurabh Sharma (Doctor), Sangeeta Srivastava (Masi), Ranjeet Kumar (PT Teacher Suresh Sir)

It is great to see the actors depict the story. Whether it was Rahil (Young Shekar – 8 years), Yash Chavan (Young Shekar – 18 years), or Krishna Mishra (Shekar Naik), all could add lot of value through their acting. Rather, the cast absolutely fit the requirements.

What to say about Hrithik, the host of the show. He does add his words of wisdom and makes us think that if the heroes can, we can too…

Shekar Naik stood undeterred by the vagaries of life. Instead, he chose to live a life, which is a real inspiration and motivation to many. Rather than cribbing about what he doesn’t have, lamenting over his pain, he chose to grow beyond his struggles to fight and emerge victorious. Captain of Indian Blind Cricket Team since 2010. Indeed an incredible journey from darkness to light. Please join with me to salute this HRX Hero: Shekar Naik.

Watch the repeat telecast of this episode on Shekar Naik on 15^th November, 2015 at Discovery Channel, 8PM.

Review of Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Image Courtesy: www.musicloud.com

Cast: Salman Khan (Prem Dilwale / Vijay Singh), Sonam Kapoor (Maithili), Neil Nitin Mukesh (Ajay), Anupam Kher (Diwan), Armaan Kohli (Chirag), Swara Bhaskar (Chandrika), Aashika Bhatia (Radhika), Deepak Dobriyal (Kanhaiya), Sanjay Mishra (Choubey), Sameer Dharmadhikari (King)

Direction: Sooraj R Barjatya

Produced by: Ajit Kumar Barjatya, Kamal Kumar Barjatya, Rajkumar Barjatya

Screenplay: Sooraj R Barjatya

Story : Sooraj R Barjatya

Music: Sanjoy Chowdhury, Himesh Reshammiya

Cinematography: V Manikandan

Edited by: Sanjay Sankla

Production Company: Rajshri Productions

Distributed by: Fox Star STudios

Release Date: 12^th November, 2015

Duration: 174 minutes

Language: Hindi

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo was a much awaited film by Sooraj Barjatya. Prem is back. Today, I realized that, I am also Sooraj Barjatya’s fan. I have loved his earlier movies viz. Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, Hum Sath Sath Hain, Vivah etc. Sooraj’s USP is to show movies with family values, where individuals grow beyond their self-interest. He does project characters with a bit of grey shades, but dwells more upon the positivity, feel-good factors in his films. It could be possible that everybody may not like Sooraj’s movies. I have always loved the feel of his movies and I must admit that I loved Prem Ratan Dhan Payo as well. At the same time I will not shy away from saying that this film is far-fetched from reality. The film has larger than life canvas, a grand palatial palace, extravagant sets, songs, predictable plot etc. The hero, who gets injured after falling from height, can stand up on his feet with a small bandage on his back within a span of 4-5 days - how is it possible? The villain, who can go to the extent of attempting murder of his family member, can repent and reconcile on the spur of a moment, which  definitely is not so convincing. There is as such no suspense at all in the film. The film uses the formulae of conflicts within the family members, efforts to set things right, clear distinction between black and white, reunite the estranged family members etc. The reasons for the enmity, vengeance by the family members were not properly established, which leaves the audience with a disconnect. I was also forced to think that why Salman in his all latest movies is shown as a devotee of God as well as he is shown to be standing for a cause. Is it intentional? In spite of all these factors, the thought after watching Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is “So What!!!” This film could bring smile on lot of faces. Indeed there are moments of joy, laughter, values, family togetherness etc.

The film begins with Dilwalon ki Ramleela. Chaubey ji (Sanjay Mishra) organizes this Ramleela, who does not have any qualms in making his Ramleela team compromise with inferior materials, shoes etc. The only person, whom he listens to is Prem (Salman Khan). Prem makes a grand entry into the Ramleela venue. Prem collects a part of his income for donating it to a charitable foundation Uphaar. The connection between Prem and Uphaar is Princess Maithili (Sonam Kapoor), whom he had seen while rescuing flood victims. Prem was instantly infatuated with Maithili. He discusses his desire with his friend Kanhaiya (Deepak Dobriyal) to meet her and both of them decide to go to Delhi where she runs her Uphaar foundation. Later, when Prem comes to know that she is coming to Pritampur for the coronation of her fiancée Yuvraaj Vijay singh, he decides to go there.

Frames shift to Pritampur, where preparations are on for the coronation of Yuvraaj Vijay Singh (Salman Khan in double role). Diwan (Anupam Kher) suggests Yuvraaj Vijay Singh that his two sisters should go to station to welcome and receive princess Maithili and that is when audience gets the feel that there is conflict within the family. On Diwan’s insistence, Vijay Singh goes to meet his two estranged sisters Chandrika (Swara Bhaskar) and Radhika (Aashika Bhatia). Chandrika is not ready to interact with Vijay Singh without her lawyer Mr. Bhandari’s presence. Vijay walks out and on his way back, he falls prey to the pre-planned conspiracy and gets badly injured in an attack. While he fights his life’s battle in a secret segment of the royal fort, Prem and Kanhaiya are spotted by Vijay Singh’s close aide and brought to Pritampur. And the suspense is lifted that Vijay’s younger step brother Ajay (Neil Nitin Mukesh) is behind this conspiracy. Diwan plans to bring Prem and Kanhaiya to the fort as Vijay Singh and as an esteemed photographer respectively.

What happens thereafter? How Prem moulds himself in Vijay Singh’s role? Is he able to leave his mannerisms of a nautankiwala and become a sophisticated prince Vijay Singh. Is he able to generate seeds of love in Maithili’s heart? Is he able to reunite Vijay’s estranged step sisters – Chandrika and Radhika and bring them back to fort? Is he able to ignore his own love for Maithili for Vijay’s sake? What happens to Maithili and Prem’s love? What happens, when Maithili comes to know that she is loving Prem who is not the real Prince Vijay Singh? Does the family unite together ever, if yes, how? How does Prince Vijay react and respond to the changes which Prem has brought in? Maithili decides to choose whom- Prem or Vijay? Is Prem able to sacrifice his love for Maithili? Watch the film.

Salman is there in every frame, which definitely sets the entertainment quotient of the film. Whether it is Prem’s child-like mannerisms or Vijay’s serious character, Salman is effortless. Sonam looks pretty and fits the character of Princess Maithili. The chemistry between Salman-Sonam may not be as good as Salman-Madhuri or Salman-Bhagyashree, but they both look good together. Neil Nitin Mukesh has justified his character as an angry step brother. Swara and Aashika have also justified their characters, although I felt that Swara could have been explored more since she is a talented actress. Anupam Kher has played his character of Diwan with very much ease. Deepak as Kanhaiya has definitely done his bit. Arman Kohli fits into his villainous character. Rest of the cast is also ok. This is completely Salman Khan’s film. Rest of the characters have less screen-time. Especially, I felt that Deepak’s character could have been given more screen time, who usually displays perfect comic timing. Salman-Anupam Kher (Prem-Diwan) interactions give lot of humour moments.

Although certain songs are just average, Jalte Diye, Jab tum chaho are good. The set is well built, especially the Palace and Sheesh Mahal are very good.

Sooraj Barjatya has given a perfect Diwali treat to Salman Khan fans through his style of film-making. Sooraj has done what he is best at. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo is indeed an entertainer in spite of its predictable plot and his typical formulae of family based movies in an opulent manner. Prem Ratan Dhan Payo has its own moments of entertainment. 

Rating: 3.5/5 (Good +)