Apr 19, 2013 12:17 AM
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Mohanlal is an actor who is close to malayalee heart through characters he plays let it be as a villain, comedian, Hero & Superhero. Then, the question is whether one's opinion about an actor always stays with what he/she plays onscreen? We live in a closed world. With the use of internet, nobody can live as an island. Now, in this twenty first century, it is not easy for an actor to hide his individuality from the mass. Then, when we get a chance to read an actor in his own words we get a golden opportunity to know the actor more closely. No wonder, I purchased "Hrithumarmarangal Manassu Manassinodu ranjathu" in its first sight only.
For some people, all emotions work as relatives. One person who cries fast may laughs fast, get angry or depressed fast, etc. Similarly, Geniuses too had this blessing of becoming excellent in any area they select. Mohanlal is a best example. He started his acting career from the age of 17, by that time he had proven that he can excel in any area he selects with his mind on right place. He was a successful sportsman in cricket, he was good in wrestling, good in acting etc. Now, it is a known fact that he is an actor with no parallel. We also know his taste buds for good food. The so called 'God's presence' is there in scenes which require real acting skills. With this book, now I can assure that he has this God's signature in his writings as well.
Let us now focus and talk about this small, innocent and simple looking book. The introduction to the book from KP Appan created the right mood to start reading a meaningful book. Mr. Appan essentially put the spirit of the book in one sentence: "Love is an inner journey. It is our spiritual journey to our loved ones." Later, I will find in the book this is true. The book is about Mohanlal's spiritual journey to the loves ones. Here there is one exception. Like a sage who knows the meaning of the greatest human mission, Mohanlal's love spread not only to individuals but to the entire universe; Places, things, trees & animals. The actor's love for spirituality is well known but his ability to approach it practically spreads his wisdom in using the spirituality in daily life.
The book ends with a reflection on death. "A person who lives well and with satisfaction will not have fear about death." This 'will' to live well, doing good and to be in close with things dear to heart is the entire experience we will observe throughout the book.
The book has 83 pages including the introductions, preamble, pictures and extra spaces. This will tell you that you can complete reading it in less than an hour's time. We will do so, knowing that some thoughts from the book will take years to understand in its full meaning.
The thoughts by the actor is been divided into six chapters. Out of the six, two chapters are just a single question and its answer, like 'Mother' & 'Death'. Out of the rest, Mohanlal shares his memorable moments with his 'Father' in a small but an emotionally touching chapter.
In the chapter, 'Love and Friendship' we do not get what you expect but a new good world. In the chapter 'Acting', 'Vision' & 'Controversies', the actor emotionally get involved in answering questions. This makes the reflections more believable though it takes you out of the general philosophical mood of the book.
Now, about the most promising chapter of the book, i.e. 'Yatra', the travel: This chapter invites the reader to be part of the pilgrimage. We enjoy this journey, where the actor takes us with him to feel the magic of a dedicated pilgrimage to Kudajadri. Chanthukkuttyswamy is one character we don't forget after reading this chapter. The description of hot rice with kadumanga picke and yogurt, I had the affect of a real meal while reading the book. As usual, I was reading the book while going for my lunch, and I could only eat half of my usual quota of lunch, probably I too shared the rice curd pickle mix. This is a literary piece of spiritual travelogue inside and out. Sad that veteran director Padmarajan and Mohanlal could not make their planned trip in the beginning. Then, one thing is sure; had that happened, Malayalee viewer would have lost many memorable moments the paid produced in their life. Then, what will compensate a missed chance for a travel like this? So beautiful was the Yathra. In fact, this chapter and the introduction by Mr KP Appan hold the soul of this book.
I have a complaint to the publishers of the book. The book has this merit of having pictures from Artist Namboodiri. Then, the picture are too small even to identify the pictures let it alone to appreciate. This is one point which requires immediate action. Also, selection of few photos, like photos of women when talking about love, but not really about love with woman.
I like pickles very much. Then, I have this habit of eating too much of pickles. A little of it never satisfy my quest and my 'dil maange more', let it be maango pickle or any other. This book, Rhruthumarmarangal too is like pickle. It is tasty and very good, but serves little and serves the purpose. So friends, do read this very good book and the book will tell you what next.
