On how difficult it is to do both - to forgive and to forget. It is a whole journey and not a quick process. And during this process, can we give ourselves permission to fall back to our previous zakhmi emotional state without feeling guilty or angry at ourselves? Featuring Sahir Ludhinavi's Aap aaye to khyaal-e-dil-e-nashad aaya, and words of Gulzar, Majrooh Sultanpuri and E.M.Forster.

Revisiting this favorite episode of mine that features songs from three classic films portraying three strong female characters - Rajnigandha, Bandini and Guide. This episode takes a fresh look at #BreakTheBias, and opens a conversation on how we can celebrate our choices unapologetically, be it traditional or modern.

#BreakTheBias #Yogesh #Shailendra #womensday #8March

In this episode, talking about love, intimacy, vulnerability, being lost, film Masoom, Shabana azmi, and Emma Thompson, and so much more with the very enigmatic and a hugely defining and brilliant director of all times. #ShekharKapur #shabanaAzmi #Whatslovegottodowithit #masoom #Gulzar #Nusratfatehalikhan

In this last episode of 2022, insights on ailing, crumbling friendships and connections, and why it is so hard to let them go. You may have different views – which I would love to hear. Featuring the classic Chalo Ik Baar Phir se, Pal do pal ka saath hamara and Mann re tu kaahe na dheer dhare by Sahir Ludhianvi, and words of Gulzar, John Steinback, and Oprah.

#SahirLudhianvi #Gulzar #Oprah #AnandBakshisode

If you are condemned, or privileged, to feel this world and everything in it intensely, then this episode is tailor made for you as it makes a case for melancholy and for all types of Soz-e-dil. Danish philosopher/ poet Kierkegaard said that he felt bliss in melancholy and sadness. Melancholy is beautiful, it could be the only secret gateway to a fuller life, and indeed the only way to become music, a poem, dance, art and literature. Do you do melancholy?

Featuring the poignant Jo humne daastan apni sunayi, ankhiyon ko rahne de, dil se re and gham ka khazana...

Dil se cover by Pineapple Express: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Zava5GlDsQ

#rajamehandialikhan #Gulzar #Anandbakshi #CSLewis #Kierkegaard #Jagjitsingh

Follow me on Twitter @ShailjaChandra

Insta: @rj_shailjachandra

A great city is like a great love (Maria Papova). In this episode, claiming the ever-flowing love that our cities have for us, but we mostly remain oblivious of it all. Sheharon ke paas latife bhi hai, marham bhi hain…can we be beholders of her love for us? Created in the lovely city of Brisbane, this episode features ‘Wadiyan mera daman’, Is mod se jaate hain, Dhan te nan, Solah Baras ki baali umar and Karoge Yaad to…

#MajroohSultanpuri #Gulzar #WHAuden #EBWhite #Topophilia #wanderlust #Storybridge #Brisbane #Sydney #Mumbai #MariaPapova

Revisiting Ep 13 (first published on 2 oct 2021) on how much to assimilate and how much to remain distinct as a migrant? This episode discusses the importance of drawing a delicate balance between the two in the context of our migrant experience.

Featuring Anand Bakshi's 'Yahan Main Ajnabi Hoon', this episode explores the generative force hidden in feeling 'ajnabi' as a migrant, and the importance of 'striking roots into Unaccustomed Earth'..Share your stories.

*Unaccustomed Earth - a breathtaking phrase and the title of Jhumpa Lahiri's short stories collection.

#Migrantstories #Diversity #DilHaiHindustani #Gulzar #AnandBakshi #multiculturalism #UnaccustomedEarth #JhumpaLahiri #NathanielHawthorn

This episode explores why it is not a certainty that we will get equal affection, love or respect in our social, romantic, creative relationships. A friend once said that when we seek friendship in someone, they might be looking for a totally different resume than yours. And that’s ok! How can we look at one-sided friendships, relationships differently, positively?

Featuring ‘Phir se aayio badra bidesi’ by #Gulzar.

Vandana Vishwas coevr youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv035xh357w

#Gulzar #JuanElia #Ghalib #DavidWhyte #WHAuden

Often, we feel that sharing someone’s pain (sympathy) is the best help we can offer, that cheering someone in their dark moments is the best way to bring them out of their pain. However, most often than not, we only want our pain to be understood, acknowledged and heard without being talked out of it. Joining someone in their pain is much more healing than trying to cheer them up.

Featuring ‘Tum apna ranj-o-gham’, ‘Agar mujhse mohhabat hai’, ‘Aa Meri Jaan’, and ‘Ye dil sun raha hai’.

#ParkerPalmer #SahirLudhinavi #RajaMehdiAliKhan #AnandBakshi #MajroohSultanpuri

Link to ‘How do you help a grieving friend?’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2zLCCRT-nE&t=7s

This episode is a humble reminder that we all are broken in some ways.

Being broken (flawed, vulnerable, imperfect) is in the core of the human condition. Yet, we spend most of our wakeful hours hiding our brokeness – be it our professional or social interactions, hamari koshish yahi rahti hai ki hum competent, perfect, samajhdaar dikhen. Our obsession with productivity, perfection, power, prestige, paisa, permanence, allows little room for our brokenness to be embraced. Here, Alain DeBotton's brilliant manifesto of 8 reminders of our brokenness offers a great resource. Also the ancient Japanese concept of wabi-sabi comes to rescue. Also featuring 'Kabhi kisi ko mukkammal jahan nahin milta' and 'Jab dard nahin tha seene me'.

#MajroohSultanpuri #Gulzar #NidaFazli #AnandBakshi

Read the complete manifesto here: https://brightvibes.com/2029/en/the-eight-key-rules-of-living-by-alain-de-botton-that-the-world-needs-right-now