Bollywood too has been a male dominated ... ==== Smita Patil, who expired only 31, was amongst the few who broke away the shackles -- she represented the 'fierce subversion' of the male gaze

Born on Sept 17, 1955, Smita Patil expired on Dec 13, 1986.

She was merely 31. But she left a powerful screen image. He performance completely dismantled the traditional, highly decorative role of mainstream Hindi film heroines. 

Her legacy is therefore characterized by an unfiltered social realism, profound stillness, and a fierce subversion of the male gaze.

It goes without stating that like the rest of the world, the Bollywood too has been a male dominated world of its own or an industry. But as has been the case elsewhere yet again - only a few women stars could break away from the shackles. 

Smita was one of them - fewest of the fews !  

Smita's style and mannerism on screen was defined by an 'economy of expression' - as they put it.

Rather than relying on loud histrionics, she communicated deep internal conflicts through her remarkably expressive, kohl-rimmed eyes. --- 

To make it easier for our readers - she was a classic makeup look that defines and deepens the eyes using black kohl or kajal pencil applied around the upper and lower waterlines and lash lines.  

Most stars are discovery of legendary filmmakers. In her case it was Shyam Benegal.

Smita Patil received her first major feature film breakthrough in Shyam Benegal's 1976 film 'Manthan' - a path-bfreaking 'art' film based on the Amul milk dairy revolution in Gujarat.

She played Bindu, a feisty rural woman and milk co-operative leader who fights against caste discrimination and the local milk mafia.

He co-star included Girish Karnad (playing Dr Rao, a veterinary doctor inspired by Dr Verghese Kurien).

Before Manthan, Smita worked as a TV newsreader for Mumbai Doordarshan, appeared in the FTII student film 'Teevra Madhyam'.

She earlier in 1975 had a minor role in Shyam Benegal's children's film 'Charandas Chor'.  

Smita Patil and Girish Karnad

In 2024, 'Manthan' was back in the spotlight when it was screened at the 77th Cannes Film festival. 

Shyam Benegal with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil 

Smita performed pretty well in 'Bhumika' in 1977 and Bengali movie 'Akaler Sandhaney' - 1981.  

Mrinal XSen's 'Akaler Shandhaney' has a never heard kind plot.

In September 1980, a film crew comes to a village to make a film about a famine, which killed five million Bangalis in 1943. 

It was a man-made famine, a side-product of the war, and the film crew now (will) create the tragedy of the millions who died of starvation. 

The actors live a double life, and the villagers, both simple and not-so-simple, flock to watch their work with wonder and suspicion. 

The uneasy coexistence of 1943 and 1980 reveals a bizarre connection.  

In July 2002, after Shatrughan Sinha and Vinod Khanna were sworn in as Ministers under Vajpayee Govt; some of us had met Shyam Benegal in Mumbai for general reactions from Bollywood. 

It was a brief meeting - but somehow Smita Patil had figured in our discussion.  

At one point, Benegal remarked - "Smita Patil was a force to reckon with. Her acting ability seemed to have matured every passing film or so. Often I thought, she gave jitters and many co stars including heroes would be scared to do scenes with her".   

'Bheegi Palken' was a great film in its own strength. 

Raj Babbar and Smita Patil shared a passionate, controversial, and tragically brief relationship in the 1980s that became one of the most talked-about chapters in Indian cinema.  Understandably, Raj Babbar and Smita Patil first met in 1982 while working on the film 'Bheegi Palkein'.

At the time, Raj Babbar was married to theater actress Nadira Babbar. His decision to leave his first marriage to be with Smita drew severe public criticism, media scrutiny, and labels like "home-breaker" for Smita. Despite the social backlash, the two got married and lived together.   

The song 'Jab Tak Maine Samjha' from Bheegi Palkein sung by Kishore Kumar is among my list of all time favourites.  

The film was based on the story of an Odisha Brahmin family, and dealt with the caste system and marital differences. The film starts with Ishwar Acharya (Raj Babbar), an I.A.S. officer who goes for an inspection of a Roman Catholic Mission school of Odisha. 

There, he meets Shanti, his estranged wife, (Smita Patil) who works as a teacher.  

She gave brilliant performance in many films -

Ardh Satya (1983) – Directed by Govind Nihalani. 

Mirch Masala (1985) – Directed by Ketan Mehta.

• Arth (1982) – Directed by Mahesh Bhatt -- It was a complex emotional drama with Shabana Azmi.

- Bazaar (1982) – Directed by Sagar Sarhadi; focused on the plight of young women sold into marriage in Hyderabad.

She acted in Sadgati (1982) – Directed by Satyajit Ray.

This was a short film based on Munshi Premchand's story.   

She acted along with Rakesh Roshan and Rajesh Khanna in "Aakhir Kyon?" (1985).

It was classic family and social drama film directed and produced by J. Om Prakash. They also performed in 'Amrit' and 'Nazrana'. 

"Isse Pahle Ke Yaad Tu Aayee .... mujhko gam hae tere yadon ka" in Nazrana (1987)  was another melancholic song - everyman would love to sing for a beloved who leaves him in the lurch.  

This is one of those songs -- I often use to blackmail my bitter half.

  

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Blanket internet ban may push children to unsafe websites, says Supreme Court ::: Access to internet fundamental right, even for children: Apex Court rejects age-based ban

The Supreme Court rejected blanket age-based restrictions on children's internet access. It sought stronger safeguards against online sexual abuse without curtailing fundamental rights.

However, the Court called for a stricter framework to protect them from online sexual abuse, including faster detection and removal of child sexual abuse material across platforms.

Children’s safety and freedom to use the internet were not at odds with each other. 

Denying them internet access altogether would be unreasonable, it said, while stressing that safeguards must protect children without taking away their rights. 

The court also warned that age-based restrictions could push children towards unregulated and potentially more dangerous websites. 

Children who are enticed or threatened online may also hesitate to report such incidents to parents or trusted adults for fear of punishment for violating the restrictions, it said.

The development comes two weeks after the Centre told the Supreme Court that it planned to amend the IT intermediary rules to restrict internet access for children under 18. Days before that hearing, the Supreme Court had asked the Centre whether children under 18 should be barred from creating social media accounts without parental consent.  

Earlier this year, Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh said the state government was planning to ban social media use by children under 16. His remarks came days after Australia implemented a similar ban on social media accounts for children in the country.  SC FLAGS FAILURE TO REMOVE ABUSIVE CONTENT

The court expressed concern over the continued circulation of child sexual abuse material online despite existing guidelines. It criticised regulatory authorities and social media intermediaries for failing to take earnest steps to protect victims.

The proceedings were prompted in part by reports placed before the court flagging alleged paid promotions of child sexual abuse material through redirect links and websites on social media platforms.

The court said the existing mechanism for reporting and removing such material remained dependent largely on individual complaints. When one platform detects and removes the material, the same content is not automatically flagged across other platforms. This could delay its removal and allow it to continue circulating online.

The latest observations came after the Centre pressed technology companies to report cases involving child sexual abuse material directly to Indian law enforcement agencies, rather than routing them through a US-based non-profit first. 

Officials argued that the existing process delayed police intervention in cases where children faced an immediate threat. Google and Meta agreed to shift to direct reporting following discussions with the government.

Modi Govt has some 'cards' ::: Centre "has the numbers" to pass proposed Delimitation and Women's Quota bills ::::

 Centre believes it has the numbers to pass the proposed delimitation and women's reservation bills  

After seeking 'regime change' - though in an indirect way - Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge now writes To PM Narendra Modi seeking an All-Party Meet To Discuss Delimitation.

In his a letter Kharge said it has already been 64 days since the Monsoon Session was adjourned sine die on August 13, and both Houses of Parliament are yet to be prorogued.  

Flagging the "unprecedented" delay in proroguing the Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Congress president said an all-party meeting mto discuss any new delimitation proposals, and cautioned him against any attempts to bulldoze a "far-reaching" Constitutional Amendment Bill.  

"... you made the Bills public on the late evening of April 14, and convened a special session on April 16. The Constitutional Amendment Bill on delimitation failed to muster the necessary two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha on April 17 by a decisive margin," Kharge said.

"Thereafter, on July 16 and August 27, I wrote to you again repeating our request for an all-party meeting. I am now doing so for a fourth time. Please convene an all-party meeting to have a detailed discussion on your new proposals before they are finalised for consideration in Parliament," the Congress chief said.

All political parties must get sufficient time to deliberate among themselves, with each other and with all the other stakeholders, he added.

Durga Puja is also known as Akal Bodhon ::::: Hindus believe Earth prepares itself and welcomes the coming of the Goddess and her children ! :::: A 30-foot-tall "Cockroach" effigy will be burned in Delhi

At the heart of Durga Puja is the triumph of good over evil.

The ten arms, the weapons the Goddess carries and the lion she rides symbolise strength and courage in the face of injustice and evil. 

Of course, the Devi represents women’s power. 

There is a simple story as well. 

'Durga Puja' - also means Goddess arriving her parents home with her children. Two daughters Saraswati - Goddess of Learning and Lakshmi - the Goddess of Prosperity - also arrive without their husbands. 

God Kartick is the bachelor youngster -- eternally smart and good looking.

According to the Bengali version of 'Bhagavata Purana', when Ravan awakened Kumbhakarna and sent him to fight in the Lanka war, Ram sought help and guidance from Brahma.

Ram - then a human and the eldest son of King Dasarath - was advised to to worship Durga for success on the battlefield. Ram told Brahma that this was not the proper time (akala) to worship the goddess, Brahma assured Ram that he would perform a puja for the awakening (bodhana) of the goddess. 

That is why the Durga Puja - Bengalis celebrate is also called Akal-Bodhon. 

Basanti Puja or Chaitra Durga Puja is the spring-time 'equivalent' of Durga Puja, celebrated during Chaitra Navratri in March–April.

Durga Puja - 2026, Crossing Republic, Ghaziabad (UP) 

It is considered the original (Adi) time for worship before Lord Rama initiated the autumn Akal Bodhan.

Ram agreed and Brahma was the purohita (priest) of the ritual. 

When ashtami (eighth day) would end and navami (ninth day) would begin, Goddess proclaimed that she would cut Ravan's heads one after another. Finally, she assured that in the afternoon of Shukla Navami, she would destroy Ravan completely.

C R Park Puja - 2025 

Naga-style ::: Modest Mix with Religious Flavour: Dad and Daughter 

Scriptures mention three major milestones of Durga Puja

—Mahalaya, 

Bodhon, and Sandhi Puja. On Mahalaya, Goddess Durga receives the divine mandate to defeat the demon king Mahishasura.  

Mahalaya is considered as ceremonial invocation of goddess Durga -- is observed seven days prior to the initiation of the Durga Puja.

Empowered by the combined forces of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, she emerges as `Mahashakti’, adorned with ten weapons and riding a lion, ultimately slaying Mahishasura after a nine-day battle.  

For Bengali Hindus and even others - non-believers or even for Bengalis among Christians and Muslims -- beyond the prayers and rituals, these festive days bring something people look forward to throughout the year.

-- The joy of merry making, being together, renewing old bonds and sharing moments with loved ones. And lot of good eating. Jokingly called - Bhuri Bhujan. 

For the artisans who make the idols, however, the festival begins much earlier, long before the first beats of the dhak announce the goddess’s arrival.  

The work demands patience, precision and a deep understanding of the craft. Bamboo and wooden frames are bound with straw to form the figures. Layers of clay are then applied and left to dry before the surfaces are smoothed, painted and adorned with ornaments.

A 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy will be burned alongside the traditional effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad during Dussehra in Delhi.  

AI generated image: Deccan Herald 

The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee, which organises Ramlila in Pitampura, said the insect represents "filth and dirt" and the initiative is part of the "Swachh Bharat" and "Swachh Delhi" campaigns. 

Ashok Goel, the committee president and a BJP MLA, said the decision is not politically motivated.  

PM Modi visited C R Park in 2025 

According to the Puranas, when the Gods were overwhelmed by the tyranny of Mahishasura, Goddess Durga emerged from their combined powers. After a long battle, she slew the demon.  

“Ya devi sarva-bhuteshu bhranti rupena samstitha; 

Namastasye namastasye namastasye namo namaha” 

(To the Goddess who dwells in all living beings in the form of delusion, we bow to her again and again). 

ends 

AISA leader Neha Bora released ::: Abhijeet Dipke to be produced before a Special Executive Magistrate ::::: Delhi Senior Journalists Association condemns physical assault on scribes

AISA leader Neha Bora has been released from detention by the Delhi Police early Saturday morning after completion of formal procedures under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act. 

She was detained under preventive sections on the evening of Friday, October 16. The CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was also taken into custody on Friday.  

Police said on Saturday that the action was taken against Dipke under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). 

He will be produced before a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) today.  

Dipke was served two notices directing him not to visit Central Park in Connaught Place, but he allegedly failed to comply. Police said his detention was linked to concerns over a breach of peace.

Police now expected to tell the magistrate that Dipke violated the conditions of a peace bond furnished during an earlier preventive arrest. He had reportedly furnished a bond of Rs 50,000 and been directed not to disturb public peace for one year.  

Two other CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were earlier sent to Tihar Jail for five days for allegedly violating their peace bonds and trespassing at Jantar Mantar.

In a quick reax to repeated protests in high security central Delhi, the centre has "denotified" Jantar Mntar as a designated protest site.

In the meantime, the Delhi Senior Journalists Association (DSJA) has condemned the physical assault and the use of extreme force by the security forces, the Delhi Police in particular, on journalists and media persons while they were discharging their professional duties.
 

Similar reports have come from other places in the country as well, it said.  

The attacks seem to be unrelenting with reports of continuing assaults on media persons during the ‘Tiranga rally’ in Delhi on Friday, DSJA alleged.

The State and its agencies, instead of protecting, enabling and ensuring that the journalists are able to exercise their constitutional rights under Articles 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) and 19(1)(a; g) (freedom of expression; practice of profession without any hindrance), are resorting to excessive violence and obstructing them in the course of exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and livelihood, the media body said.

ends 

Reliance is opening first refinery in US in five decades ::: Trump puts new Russia sanctions passed by Congress on hold amid deepening row with Ukraine ::: Marco Rubio will be in India for diesel

His whimsical nature is back. US President Donald Trump signed the legislation championed by late senator Lindsey Graham last month but waived the restrictions as they were due to come into effect.  

Trump has waived sanctions, restrictions and duties under the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, citing US national interest. 

“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump said in an executive order issued on Friday evening.  

India, one of the biggest buyers of Russian oil, had warned Washington that additional tariffs could affect bilateral ties.  

US Ambassador to India and a aide of President Trump Sergio Gor has said: 

"This time the Secretary [Rubio] will be going to Mumbai, and he will have a lot of meetings there. He will also be going to Jamnagar, where he will meet some of the folks at Reliance. 

Reliance is one of the biggest oil refinery companies in the world... They are opening the first refinery in the United States in 50 years". 

Rubio's visit and the talk about energy cooperation comes as the US faces a diesel crisis, right ahead of the November midterms. The latest CNN Poll of Polls shows that just 34% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the presidency, while 34% disapprove of it

New Delhi has maintained that its energy purchases are guided by the need to ensure secure and affordable supplies. 

China also opposed the proposed measures.

In the meantime diesel prices are soaring in the US just ahead of the midterms. 

President Trump is now trying to stop Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries. Interestingly, amid this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Mumbai and Jamnagar, where the world's largest refinery is located. 

"There's more oil in the visit than it seems," says a report in 'India Today'.  

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting India from October 17 to October 22, 2026, for his second official trip to the country this year.  

In a rather unexpected shift, Russia, one of the world's largest exporters of oil (both crude and processed variants), has found itself having to import petrol from India, a country which imports nearly 90% of its domestic crude requirements. 

The reason behind this is the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, which is now in its fourth year. We are going to tell you exactly what has turned crude-exporting Russia into a petrol-importing nation.  

In September India warned the United States that new 100 percent tariff measures to levy tariffs over the purchase of Russian oil could impact ⁠bilateral ties.  

India’s foreign ministry said on Thursday that it “remains firmly committed to ensuring energy security for its 1.4 billion people”.

The Indian foreign ministry said that it had noted the bill’s passage, adding that New Delhi had raised the issue with various US interlocutors in recent months, and had “very clearly articulated” the potential implications for the bilateral relationship and the international energy market.

“The Indian side has also made clear its determination to take all necessary measures to protect its trade and economic interests,” it said in a statement. The government would work closely with trade and industry bodies to deal with the legislation’s implications, it added.  

According to a report in the New York-based financial news outlet, Bloomberg, Russia received a shipment of about 42,000 barrels of petrol from Indian processor Nayara Energy Ltd on August 5 --- marking the first ever time Moscow has imported the fuel from India.

ends 

Veteran Naga leader S C Jamir turns 96, says - "People mock at Statehood, yet want benefits from State Govt" ::::: "Neiphiu Rio missed a great opportunity"

Jamir turns 96, says "People mock at Statehood, yet want benefits from State Govt"

Born on Oct 17, 1931, veteran Naga leader S C Jamir turns 96 on Saturday Oct 17, 2026.

On this occasion I caught up with him for an e-mail interview and a brief tele chat.

Answering multiple questions, Jamir now on the eve of his birthday said:

"Today, I can say as someone who has seen a younger Neiphiu who had been a Chief Minister for the longest  time could have transformed Nagaland as one of the most advanced states of the Northeast".

However, he lamented: "But  we are aghast to see that the governance is in doldrums and the Naga political solution has become a myth".

"Rio missed a great opportunity. He is running a government in alliance with the BJP. If he delivered and performed well; even the BJP would have benefited and the Naga people and North East would have benefited".

I also asked him, - how was the so-called 'Heart to Heart Talk' with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat - "I liked the headline you gave to the small booklet.  As a journalist I am jealous of your talent".

S C Jamir's response was -- "Good compliment. But more seriously, talks went on smoothly. He was serious. I am glad, Shri Mohan Bhagwat wanted to understand various perspectives. I was specific about one thing ... in these few years, we have seen the situation in Nagaland has reached a rock bottom.  I told him; a day will come when people are going to blame the BJP and also the RSS for propping up an Opposition-less government. This Govt has made a mess in Nagaland. Therefore, is it not time to review the stand ?"

On his demand for President's Rule in the state:

Jamir said - "I have been a constitution's man. As Governors and Chief Ministers - what are we ... ... just the servants of the Constitution. 

Now that the all Legislators of Nagaland officially told the Prime Minister and all Opposition Leaders of the Country that they would resign en-bloc to prepare the way for solution of the Naga problem. 

I simply told the RSS chief to take advantage of this declaration. I did not suggest President Rule in Nagaland as such". 

Answering questions, Jamir said - "We do not have beggars. Everyone is self- sufficient in a Naga village. No one is allowed to go without food even for a single time. The females have a fairly high status in Naga society. 

In contemporary politics - we took some time .... no doubt to elect women leaders. Rano Angami (Shaiza) was the first woman member of Parliament and today we have a BJP woman MP.

The former chief minister also said:

"The village council elections are highly democratic. No one can push things out of turn or by use of force. Elders are always respected. Minor disputes in villages are often settled by village elders. The verdict is often accepted even by IAS officers or ministers. I turn 96 today .. and see around -- people have so much affection and respect for me".  

I quickly countered him - saying - but some leaders are attacking you?

S C Jamir's response was smart and statesmanlike: 

"Dev, you are absolutely wrong. They criticise my politics but as a Naga elder; they all have high respect for me. And those misguided youngsters can be forgiven and even taught softly. 

You all can do it in the media. Today's social media is something of a headache. But as for me, whether I am in power or out of it is almost the same because  a politician continues to serve the people in any status  or capacity .As the proverb says - “Politicians never retire".

On the general socio-political challenges in Naga life and many phases of transitions; he said   --  "That ... even after so many decades, we have not been able to resolve the Naga political problem is also a puzzle in itself. I am in pain about that. During my Matric – we had to walk from Mokokchung to Kohima (a distance of 144 km from Jamir’s hometown to the state capital) to appear for the exam. But Nagas have been political stakeholders all along.

I or even my friends and political rivals of that era saw politics as a different stage of life. It was never about power alone. 

"We tried to contribute politically. I can fondly remember my friends, my elders and also political rivals – Dr Imkongliba, P Shilu Ao, Vizol... Hokishe Sema, Vamuzo and T N Angami and so on. We all wanted to contribute something for our people.

In 1993 - when I said Nagaland elections should be on three Rs ... focusing on Reconciliation everyone liked it. 

Even P Eniye who was in NPC liked some of those ideas. We struggled for Reconciliation. We coined the phrase ‘Peace Offensive’.  

He further added: 

"True, things have changed a lot. Well said, even in my life some changes came pretty fast. In my young days ... the days of the early years of the Naga movement and our struggles. Things changed all of a sudden, my sincerity impressed my seniors. Initial years of my days in the Naga People’s Convention, I was a very good listener. I was no longer just an ordinary politician; everyone thought I would be an unexpected phenomenon. Everyone encouraged me to work harder.

Jamir in 1998 : Raj Bhavan, Kohima after swearing in 

"In my long career  - I found one thing was certain -- I realised that many people would also talk about me and my ideas without truly knowing me.

"All of a sudden, I became the most harassed Naga politician. But amid all that; I found and always believed .. Nagas were united. They would stick together irrespective of any differences. Nagas are united by a shared purpose.

To another question, he said:

"The fight to achieve a lasting peace, development and better days for their children is a goal. The Naga sense of self-determination was a cherished affair. Leaders of yesterday’s years had full commitments towards this cause and they gave their all for this. But today in the name of Naga cause there had been mushrooming of factions and they started exploiting the common people of Nagaland. 

There were people who would often show disregard to our Statehood, mislead people and youths and at the same time demand all benefits from the state government".

ends