What Sachit Thinks

And ladies and gentlemen, I soldier on, in my quest to write about my observations and thoughts on the 1975 cult classic, Sholay. If you've landed on this page directly, do check out the thirteen nuggets that I've unearthed so far: One - Oont Pahad Ke Neeche Two - Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar Three - Loha Garam Hai, Maardo Hathoda Four - Joon Nahin Rengti Kaan Par Five -Zamindar Ki Bekari Six - Ghoda Ghas Se Dosti Karle To Khayega Kya? Seven - Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai Eight - Aam Ke Aam Guthliyon Ke Daam Nine - Khota Sikka To Dono Hi Taraf Se Khota Hota Hai Ten - Maine Aapka Namak Khaya Hai Sardar Eleven - Ek Galti Ki Thakur Sahab, Humein Tijori Kholkar Dikhadi Twelve - Kabr Mein Paanv Latke Hona Thirteen - Munh Chadha I've chosen a phrase, or a kahavat from the film this time. Phrase: Parinda Par Bhi Nahin Maar Sakta (परिंदा भी पर नहीं मार सकता) In the 28th minute of the movie, we are introduced to the ' Angrezon Ke Zamane Ke Jailor ', played by the veteran actor, As...

Why do people snitch? In Hindi, there's a nasty word for it - चुगली खोरी - that sounds a bit adolescent, but that's beside the point. Really, what motivates a person to give someone away? Is it a flaw in character, or is it a compulsion? The word 'snitch' and synonyms like 'ratted on someone' indicate that it's not a very nice thing to do. But the act can always be explained or justified. Isn't it? The topic of this blog is not chugli khori , but a scene that depicts this act where a proverb from Sholay is used. Muhavra: Munh Chadha (मुँह चढ़ा) In the 29th minute of the film, new jail inmates Jai and Veeru are left wondering who the jailor's jasoos is. That's when the late actor Raj Kishore (unnamed in the film) steps in and says, " Main bataaun? Woh hai na apna Hariram Nai. Jailor ka bada munh chadha hai mua. Haan ". Here Hariram Nai is referred to as the munh chadha or the blue-eyed/favourite/ laadla fellow of the ...

AK Hangal is an actor I admire, no, I worship. In Sholay , his role was that of a blind man, and to practice, he employed a method he called "psycho-technique". He felt what it was to be blind by traversing eons back to the very beginning of life, when blind amoeba swam in dark waters. That helped him get that 'gaze'. Imam sahab , the character he portrayed, was the conscience of the film and had some memorable dialogues. One of them is the subject of this post. This time, I'm trying something different. A well-wisher, whom I admire a lot, gave me valuable tips on writing. I hope I have been able to incorporate some of them. Muhavra: Kabr Mein Paanv Latke Hona (कब्र में पांव लटके होना) At 1h 57m, Gulzarilal (the postman) is reading a letter from Mukaitullah (the Imam's brother-in-law) that Ahmed's job has been confirmed and to send him to Jabalpur. Ahmed (Imam's only son) walks in (after having shampooed his hair that day) and impl...

Ek Galti Ki Thakur Sahab, Humein Tijori Kholkar Dikhadi (एक गलती की ठाकुर साहब, हुमें तिजोरी खोलकर दिखादी) I'll be upfront with you. There are a few, in fact very few, scenes where Jai and Veeru don't do justice to either their brains or their brawns. I'm ashamed to bring you one such scene from Sholay. Being a massive Sholay fan myself, my hands tremble as I write this, but the reportage is important, even if only to show that the makers of Sholay were human. Analysis of the Phrase This particular phrase is often used in corporate situations, mostly when one party unknowingly reveals vital information, giving the other party leverage. For example, in a competitive RFP situation, if you accidentally see that the client placed you as No. 1, you might say: ' Ek galti ki Thakur sahab... ' Act 1: Enter, the Tijori Jai and Veeru arrive at Thakur's haveli in Ramgarh. Ramlal opens the tijori and hands Jai ₹5,000. While open, Jai and Veeru peek a...

I must confess that bringing this series of Sholay nuggets to you has been an immensely joyful experience. The many hours and days of research, thinking, and writing have provided me an escape from the otherwise dull period of the wretched lockdown. And I hope you are enjoying reading it too! In this episode, I'm digging out a proverb that is neatly ensconsed in the famous ' Kitne Aadmi The ' scene. Muhavra: Kisika Namak Khana (किसिका नमक खाना) Did you realise that Gabbar Singh (the Late Amjad Khan) is introduced well after the first hour of the film? Surprising, considering the import and gravity of the character, but Salim-Javed were true masters at the art of storytelling. Anyway, when Gabbar is diabolically playing Russian Roulette with three hapless dacoits, at 1h 10m, Kaalia (the Late Viju Khote) stammers: S-S-S-Sardar, Maine Aapka Namak Khaya ...

And ladies and gentlemen, I soldier on in my quest to write about my observations and thoughts on the 1975 cult classic Sholay . If you've landed on this page directly, do check out the eight nuggets that I've unearthed so far: One - Oont Pahad Ke Neeche Two - Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar Three - Loha Garam Hai, Maardo Hathoda Four - Joon Nahin Rengti Kaan Par Five - Zamindar Ki Bekaari Six - Ghoda Ghas Se Dosti Karle To Khayega Kya? Seven - Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai Eight - Aam Ke Aam Guthliyon Ke Daam And so here I am, on the ninth nugget, talking about a phrase used in the film that has some fascinating perspectives: Phrase: Khota Sikka To Dono Hi Taraf Se Khota Hota Hai (खोटा सिक्का तो दोनो ही तरफ से खोटा होता है) During Jai’s death scene, Veeru exclaims: "Jai, tune meri jaan bachane ke liye, itna bada dhoka diya hai?" He realizes that Jai had been fooling him all along by flipping a coin with...

Nuggets of Sholay — Aam ke Aam Guthliyon ke Daam A proverb, a mango orchard, and a lesson from Sholay This happens to be one of my favourite proverbs used in the film Sholay . Why, you might ask? Well — a) I love mangoes, and b) I actually own a mango orchard. 🥭 And there’s an interesting story connected to this muhavra . Read on. Muhavra: Aam ke Aam Guthliyon ke Daam (आम के आम गुठलियों के दाम) In the scene, Imam Saab is climbing down the steps of the mosque when Basanti catches up with him. Imam Saab requests her to convince Ahmed to take up a bidi-making job in Jabalpur. At that moment, Basanti says (at 0h57m ): "Yun to humein bephijool baat karne ki aadat to hai nahin, lekin sochlo yeh, karkhana bidi ka hai, jab tak dil chaha kaam kiya, nahin to aaram se bidi pee li. yaani ke yeh to wahi misaal hui, ke aam ke aam guthliyon ke daam." Loosely translated, she says you can work when you like — or just re...

Nuggets of Sholay — Seven: Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai | Sholay Proverbs Explained Nuggets of Sholay — Seven: Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai In case you’ve not been following, I’ve been writing about nuggets hidden in the movie Sholay , that are being presented a bit hatke (differently). And in this episode, I’m choosing a proverb that always has me puzzled. Muhavra: Loha Lohe Ko Katata Hai (लोहा लोहे को काटता है) During the 40th minute, Thakur Sahab and his minion Ramlal meet Jai and Veeru at the halfway house. Thakur is giving a supari (contract) to them for catching Gabbar Singh — the first time his name is mentioned in the movie. Jai, ever the sharp one, asks why Thakur chose them even though they’re rogues themselves. Thakur replies triumphantly: “ Isliye, ke loha lohe ko katata hai. ” The English equivalent is “diamond cuts diamond.” It means it takes something of equal strength to defeat another. On a humorous note, Gangs of Wasseypur extended the line with Piy...

Nuggets of Sholay — Six: Ghoda Ghas Se Dosti Karega Toh Khayega Kya? Nuggets of Sholay — Six: Ghoda Ghas Se Dosti Karega Toh Khayega Kya? Back to muhavras. And this time — the sixth in this series — I’ve picked one that’s profoundly philosophical. It’s not just witty, but quietly teaches us the meaning of life. I’ve also reimagined its origin with a creative twist — hope no one minds! The Muhavra Ghoda Ghas Se Dosti Karle Toh Khayega Kya? (घोड़ा घास से दोस्ती करले तो खाएगा क्या?) This line appears when Basanti drops Jai and Veeru at Thakur Sahab’s house in Ramgarh. Around the 46-minute mark, Veeru offers her ₹2 — the fare agreed upon at the start. But Basanti refuses, saying that while she doesn’t feel like taking money from good men, “if the horse befriends grass, how will it eat?” On the surface, it’s a reminder that service deserves compensation. But beneath that, it hints at something far deeper — a reflection that echoes through the Bhagavad Gita . ...

Nuggets of Sholay — Five: Zamindar Ki Beqaari Nuggets of Sholay — Five: Zamindar Ki Beqaari (ज़मींदार की बेक़ारी) Breaking tradition, this nugget isn’t a muhavra but a rare phrase from Sholay that showcases Basanti’s wit and linguistic flair. If you’ve landed here directly, you can explore the earlier entries: One — Oont Pahad Ke Neeche | Two — Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar | Three — Loha Garam Hai, Maar Do Hathoda | Four — Joon Nahin Rengti Kaan Par Phrase: Zamindar ki Beqaari (ज़मींदार की बेक़ारी) Around the 42-minute mark, Jai and Veeru arrive at the station (which one? — trivia for later). Outside waits Basanti with her tanga , launching into her signature nonstop spiel. Instead of simply asking where they want to go, she delivers a mini-lecture: " ...ab koi zabardasti ka sauda to hai nahin. baithe baithe, nahin baithe nahin baithe. arre yeh to Basanti ka tanga hai — k...

Nuggets of Sholay — Four: Joon Nahin This fourth nugget brings us a muhavra that most people don’t even realize features in Sholay . Muhavra: Kaan Par Joon Na Rengna (कान पर जूँ न रेंगना) At the end of the 54th minute, Basanti is feeding Dhanno when Mausi calls out, “ Ari o chhokariya, din bhar hawa-hawai ghoomti ho. Magar main koi kaam boloon, to joon nahin rengti kaan par. ” Mausi scolds Basanti — “ Joon nahin rengti kaan par .” I’ve looked everywhere for the origin of this proverb — nothing. So here’s my theory! The expression essentially means that telling someone something makes no difference — the English equivalent being “falling on deaf ears.” Literally translated, it means “Lice don’t crawl near the ears.” Odd, right? Lice feed on human blood and usually stay near the scalp, especially behind the ears. (Yes, you read that right.) Lice usually gather behind the ears. So imagine — the lice are comforta...

Nuggets of Sholay — Three: Loha Garam Hai (लोहा गरम है, मार दो हथौड़ा) The third nugget in this Nuggets of Sholay series is another muhavra — and a shining example of Salim–Javed’s writing brilliance. Muhavra: Loha Garam Hai, Maar Do Hathoda literally means “Strike while the iron is hot.” The English equivalent captures the same essence — timing is everything. In the film, the line appears around 1h 49m . Girija from Pipri brings word that Gabbar’s nomadic arms suppliers — Hira aur uske saathi — have been spotted nearby. Thakur predicts Gabbar’s next move and says, “ Loha garam hai, maar do hathoda. ” The phrase comes from the craft of the lohar (blacksmith) — who must strike the iron when it’s red-hot. Once it cools, it loses its shape. The same idea appears in Latin as Carpe Diem — seize the moment. The brilliance of Salim–Javed Why does Thakur use the proverb? Because he senses the timing is perfect. Who brings the news? Girija from Pipri...

Nuggets of Sholay #2 – Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar | Sholay Proverbs Explained Nuggets of Sholay #2 – Kala Akshar Bhains Barabar (काला अक्षर भैंस बराबर) So, I'm not going in any particular order of the muhavras (proverbs) in Sholay , but the second one that caught my attention is this gem. To be technically right, the usage in the movie is " kale " instead of " kala ", and it appears near the end of the film (at 2h 26m). The scene unfolds when the gaonwalas have allegedly killed Jai and Veeru and sent their bodies to Gabbar as proof. Five dakus gather around. One dismounts his horse and finds a letter strapped to Veeru. He says, “ Arre, yeh kya hai? Chitthi? ” To which another daku replies, “ Kale Akshar Bhains Barabar. Chitthi nahin to kya hai? Padh! ” Here’s where it gets interesting. The proverb literally means “Black letters and black buffalo are the same.” It describes an illiterate per...

Ellis Boy "Red" Redding : I have no idea to this day what those two Italian ladies were singing about. Truth is, I? don't wanna know. I would like to think they were singing about some thing was so beautiful it cant be expressed in words and make your heart ache because of it.I tell you this voice soared higher and farther than anybody in a Gray place dares to dream it is like some beautiful bird flapped into our drab little cage and made these walls dissolve away. For the briefest moment every last man in Shawshank felt free. Andy Dufresne : Remember Red! Hope is a good thing, may be best of things and no good thing ever dies. These two passages from the 1994 icon The Shawshank Redemption streamed through my head as I was watching brilliance unfold in front of me through 'Every Brilliant Thing'. EBT is an intimately inspiring format of theatre, directed by Quasar Thakore Padamsee (or Q), written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe and performed by Vive...

Nugget of Sholay #1: One Oont Pahad Ke Neeche (ओँट पहाड़ के नीचे) Meta Description: Discover the meaning and story behind the iconic Sholay dialogue "One Oont Pahad Ke Neeche". Learn how this phrase became legendary. I must confess, starting this series of Sholay nuggets has been immensely joyful. Every line I researched, every scene I analyzed, brought me closer to the genius of Salim-Javed. Muhavra: One Oont Pahad Ke Neeche (ओँट पहाड़ के नीचे) This proverb literally means "a camel under a mountain," describing something impossible or absurd. In Sholay, this phrase was delivered with perfect comic timing. "One Oont Pahad Ke Neeche" – Sholay dialogue scene This phrase is used to exaggerate an absurd situation. Gabbar Singh’s use of hyperbole here made it a classic. For more Sholay nuggets, check out Po...

This is the fifth chapter in my series on travelling around in Bangalore . This time, I'm writing about all the wonderful new options available to getting around in the city. I say wonderful honestly, having used each one of them, and realising how important they are as a transport method. While I have listed a few below, I'm certain that newer ways will manifest in times to come. Also, perhaps because of the nature of the city (IT, tech, innovation) these systems are available only in Bangalore. Some, like OLA, Uber, etc are pan-national, but many, especially that provide localised or last mile connectivity are unique only to the silicon valley of the east. So, if you don't want to drive your own car, don't want to take the bus, train, auto or metro, nor want to walk, will you be stuck at Point A, pining for Point B? Well, no - there are many, many ways of getting around. Here's the current list: 1) Ridesharing/cab-booking apps : Namely, Uber and OLA. Si...

This is the fourth chapter in my series on getting around in Bangalore . And this time, I will be looking at railway trains as an option to move around. For the last 6 months, I've been using the Indian Railways to go back home from work. There are a few nice options available, if I get the timing right. So, here's how it works, considering that I live in Yelahanka New Town (A sector) and my office is at the beginning of Lavelle Road. I first buy an unreserved 2nd class ticket between SBC (KSR railway station) and YNK (Yelahanka), through the Unreserved Ticket Service (UTS) app. There's also a website . Cost is Rs. 10. Payment is via the app wallet (which can be topped up through Paytm) Note: if it's a superfast/express train, the fare is higher. Make sure you know the train is an ordinary passenger or MEMU To reach SBC station, I walk to the Cubbon Park metro station, and take the metro towards Mysuru Road, and alight at KSR Railway Station In the evenings,...

What a breathtaking beauty Saoirse Ronan is! Firstly, her first name is pronounced 'Ser-Sha'...just like inertia. Secondly, according to me, she is the most beautiful face to grace the silver screen since Madhubala. Coming to the film itself, Little Women is not a movie. It is a poem written on a lazy day by the beach. It is a plethora of emotions bundled into a lovely flower bouquet. The story is quite simple. Four sisters and their lives, and how love finds and leaves them. But it's the manner of the story telling that leaves one spell bound. This movie should have got at least one Oscar, and that of the best actress...but that's me:) If you want to uplift your mood, go watch this!

In my series on Getting Around in Bangalore , here’s perhaps the oldest form of public transport – the Bus.  Here’s some history - buses were first launched in Bangalore in 1940 under the branding of Bangalore Transport Company (BTC), to later assume the name of Bangalore Transport Service (BTS) in  1962 and then on to being called Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) in 1997. For many of my generation (in their late 40s), BTS was the standard way of addressing buses. Kannadigas will also fondly recall the alternate full form of ( biTTre thirga sikkalla – ask your localite friend for translation!). For some reason, BMTC (or for that matter BTS or BTC) has never been able to assume the role of being Bangalore’s go-to for public transport. I know many people who have never set foot in a BMTC bus, even though they were born here. But it remains an important cog in the wheel of moving around in Bangalore.  Of late, I’ve been using buses a l...