eloQuence Issue No 56: Showtime

eloQuence ISSUE NO. 56

SHOWTIME

NOVEMBER 2020

OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION PAGE 1, PAGES 2-3

PERSPECTIVE

PAGES 10-27

'MY FAVOURITE MOVIE'

FEATURE CINERGY

REFLECTIONS PAGES 28-34

PAGES 4-9

TMI NEWS PAGE 35-37

WMC TOASTMASTERS CHARTERED IN 2003| KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN CLUB NO: 603459| AREA 9 DIVISION D| DISTRICT 20

WMCToastmasters

wmctm

WMCToastmasters

The President's Desk

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TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

fter the release of the fourth edition, someone raised a question during our Excom meeting. Are members really enjoying the monthly eloQuence? Are we “forcing” members to write every month?

As we were not sure if we were going in the right direction we decided to ask the members themselves about what they wanted.

Another question was if wanting to read the eloQuence every month also implied a willingness to write a few paragraphs every month?

We are glad that 80% of the members voted "FOR" the monthly edition. Let us continue the good habit of writing. If you want to suggest a topic, feel free to contact Excom. After all, it is YOUR eloQuence.

Cheers!

VPPR's Note

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lot of who we are is because of our character and character comes out of our actions. Actions are caused by belief and belief is in place because of values.

As much as our loved ones, friends, school and workplaces shape who we are, books and mass media too play an important role in shaping our beliefs and values! It was true then and it is now!

TM Sukumar Swaminathan

This edition brings us a repository of ‘titles’. We get to know what many of us loved watching and why. In that process, we also get an insight about them and new perspectives that enrich us. Some of us have written while some of us have not. Yet when we read what others have written, we will subconsciously be taken on a journey. In that journey we could rediscover moments that we lived up till now, the times that we enjoyed and the people that we have become. At the same time, we will also be able to comprehend a journey or two of others and be able to relate to them better! After all, we are human beings and we are made up of values, beliefs, characters and actions! It’s showtime!

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WMC Communication

Membership Corner

WMC Toastmasters Club wishes its member TM Asif Sheikh A Happy Members Day (1st November 2020)

Awards

WMC Toastmasters Club congratulates our member and Area Director TM Bilal M Hussain for achieving A7 Dynamic Area Director Award 2

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Awards

eloQuence editing Panel PR Sub-Committee DTM Thuraya Juma DTM Manoj Pandey TM Apurva Divakaran Contributing Editor DTM Rekha Utham Designer & Editor Sukumar Swaminathan

WMC Toastmasters Club congratulates our VP Public Relations TM Sukumar Swaminathan, for achieving four PR Awards in October 3

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Feature Cinergy

Jean Luc Godard, the father of the French New Wave Cinema, once said, ‘Cinema is truth 24 frames per second’. I believe so is the Toastmaster’s speech- the truth in 7 minutes, where the speaker puts his heart and soul into it reach out to his audience. We ambitiously set forth to bring these two mediums together to forge a new wave of communication.

TM Regy Xavier President of WMC TMC for the term 2008-09

WMC Toastmasters Club conducted a short Film Festival in Bahrain to coincide with the National Day celebrations in 2008 as part of its innovative approach to explore and discover new avenues of communication and to empower individuals to be better communicators and leaders. The Short Film Festival was titled CINERGY 2008. A call went out into the community for a short film festival and the response was simply overwhelming.

Mostly novice move enthusiasts and some passionate photographers embarked on this adventure. WMC TMC organised a workshop on ‘Communication through the Audio - Visual Media and the art of film making for the participants’- the award winning Indian film director Shyamaprasad. After that empowering workshop off the participants went to create their own truths within a timeline of a month.

Cinergy 2008, the Short Film Festival organized

by WMC Toastmasters, was the culmination of the singular vision of Suresh Karunakaran that became a collective dream which was achieved by team work of the members. Each one of us in WMC Toastmasters have willed this to happen and the realization of that vision came true on 16th Jan 2009. This opened up the windows of opportunities for amateur film makers seeking to define new frontiers in communication. Even today the movies that are being made in the Kingdom of Bahrain are mostly by the teams who participated in Cinergy.

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The theme of CINERGY was to explore new avenues of thought, find new mediums of expression, discover new path, question the ordinary, reject the mediocre, bring in a synergy with the old in a new age attitude of empowerment: WHY NOT…. the possibilities are endless!

CINERGY was open to all Toastmaster Clubs /Creative Individuals & Social Clubs who worked towards discovering new medium of communication and help realize Dr. Ralph C. Smedley’s dream of empowering individuals to be better communicators and leaders.

CINERGY was launched in November 2008 with a workshop on film-making conducted by renowned Indian film maker, Shyamaprasad.

32 participants registered for the festival and embarked on a concerted effort to bring their dreams to Celluloid. With December 30 as the final deadline for submission of films, 23 participants submitted their entries. An eminent Jury with Bassam Thawadi, the first Bahraini film maker by as Jury Chairman, announced the winners at a Gala Award ceremony held on January 16, 2009 at the Gulf Air Club, Salmabad.

Cinergy 2008 was gandiose ambitious effort in capturing the synergy that exists between people of different origins, nurturing their hopes and aspirations and sharing a universal dream. Cinergy thus was a tribute to Bahrain, its people, its culture and its unique hospitality.

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Press Archives

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Glimpses of Cinergy

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Glimpses of Cinergy

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Glimpses of Cinergy

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Perspective: My Favorite Movie

TM Muthu Valarmathi

'96 is a 2018 Tamil-language Indian romantic drama film written and directed by C. Premkumar, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Trisha in lead roles.

The movie starts with an underwater scenic scuba diving sequence with a song in the background and the lyrics sets up the tone for the movie.

Watching the scenes would make you feel as if you are capturing nature's wonders in a photograph or going on a road trip and drift driving in the sand with your SUV. The song Kadhale...Kadhale’s flute and violin combo music mesmerizes you and is all heart!

Govind Vasantha’s music is a melodious treat for the ears and offers warmth to the soul.

The movie is so immersive that we could relate it to many of our own life incidents. ’96 is a movie to rekindle memories and emotions. It is a throwback of one’s younger self.

Ram and Janu make us feel as if we have known them for ages. Their acting is very casual yet indepth.

Live Love Forever! #96TheMovie 10

DTM Rekha Utham

More than a movie aficionado which I like to think I am, as time passes I have to confess that I am a silver screen addict. To go for a movie was the most exciting event in my life and still is. When the story unfolds on the screen, I lose myself completely from who I am to someone who is journeying along with the characters. It is the best stress buster I know that works for me all the time. It was when I visited Universal Studios in Los Angeles that I realized that every single movie, however badly made it is, is still a work of genius. It is a blend of technology, innovation, creativity, ingenuity and above all project management. Only if people work together, work hard together, work creatively and innovatively together, to fulfill another person’s vision can a movie be made. It is an amazing coming together of a team which contributes individual talents to the fruition of the dream of a single person wherein each of those talents do stand out independently to be appreciated.

I remember sobbing away through a Malayalam movie called ‘Doctor’ snuggled on my mother’s lap. I can still hear my mother laughing as to why I was crying because neither did I know the language then, nor was I old enough to understand what was going on!! I believe as a two year old at the Jabalpur cantonment I used to go, sit and watch the matinee show at the army cinema hall every day!! The symbiotic bond with movies stretches that far.

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“Incredible Journey” is a movie that remains etched in my memory which shaped the way I looked at animals. It is the story of two dogs and a cat who decide to find their way home to their owners after being left with a friend. They undertake the journey of 400kms through the Canadian wilderness and manage to reach home.

The innumerable lessons in perseverance, determination and unconditional love have followed me through my own journey in life.

Crime, psychological thrillers, war and action movies remain my favourite genre. So from A Fistful of Dollars to Godfather, Apocalypse now to Dunkirk, One flew over the Cuckoo’s nest to Amistad, Torah Torah Torah to The Deerhunter, from The Jackal to Saving Private Ryan from The Bone Collector to Drishyam (Malayalam version) are all my favorites. However, Schindler's List remains carved into my psyche as the pits human depravity can go down to.

Yet surprisingly the one movie that stays with me, as a true north, is a romantic one.

Thoovanathumbikal is a 1987 Malayalam film directed by Padmarajan -author,poet,filmmaker based on a short story written by himself, starring the super star of Malayalam films Mohan Lal. Two beautiful, talented actresses Sumalatha and Parvathy and a versatile cast support Mohan Lal in delivering his best. The movie is like a lyrical poem on a visual canvas where lighting, seasons, colors, sound are characters and have something to say. The only other movie which used the elements as skillfully is the same language film ‘Perumazhakkalam’. Thoovanathumbikal means dragonflies caught in water droplets during the rains. It is the poetical expression of the fleeting yet exhilarating freedom, the singularity of focus yet the duality in our existence, the facades that we wear to live yet our commitment to all of them.

The movie revolves around Mohanlal’s character who has two faces. The one in town of power and possession and the one in the village of love and gentle compliance.

DTM Rekha Utham

Two women come into his life and each one of them appeals to those two sides of him. The movie shows how as organisms there are instincts and intuitions working within us both at a physical and metaphysical level that make love happen. It is a lesson in allowing love to happen or rather flow through our veins and not just rest in our mercurial heart or the logical brain. How the characters navigate through their lives in a practical, matter of fact ways become the central themes. There is humor not as an addition, but because humor peppers our daily life. The poignant truth is love, and our capacity to love is sensitively portrayed here.

It is an unforgettable lesson in life and I carry this movie within me every moment of my life.

When my spirits are down, when I feel betrayed by my own expectations, when I feel the cacophony of life shatters my ear drum, when human beings drain my energy I sit and watch Thoovanathimbikal. Every single time it teaches me new lessons, gives me new insights and rejuvenates me to believe in love and humanity all over again.

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TM Pragathi Nagendrakumar

Barbie Princess charm school is literally one of the best Barbie movies ever!!! I've watched it at least three times .

Barbie stars as Blair, a kind-hearted girl who is chosen to attend Princess Charm School. In this magical place, she makes new friends and discovers that she is accepted at Gardania's prestigious Princess Charm School, where girls can train to become princesses or royal ladies.

As Blair learns the ways of a proper princess, the academy's imperious teacher, Dame Devin, realises that this beautiful young woman resembles the missing heiress to the throne of the realm -a title she intends for her daughter, Delancy to have.

Could Blair be Gardania's true queen? Princess in every girl!

My favourite character in the movie is Blair. The character I did not like is Dame Devin.

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TM Sukumar Swaminathan

How can we pick a favorite among red roses?

They are all red, aren’t they?

They all spread the fragrance, don’t they?

Yet, as with all exercises of WMC Toastmasters club, we have to pick one red rose. That’s a challenge, because there are so many movies out there and with each movie I have a vivid association of my own personal life to it.

For instance, “Shiva”- The Nagarjuna starrer was a sensation in my childhood, but my parents would not let me watch due to the violence, “Maine Pyar Kiya” – was a movie which was lucky enough to cross the parental rating and I remember crying in pain as Salman and Baghyashree suffer.

“Ator- The Fighting Eagle”- the first movie I remember watching in Bangalore’s Symphony Theater, “Azhagan”, a Tamil movie starring Mammootty was the first movie that I watched when we moved from Bangalore to Chennai, “The Mask”, the first movie I bunked school for, “Baazigar”- was the one we friends ran out of money after overspending on tickets and walked 15 KMs home, “DDLJ”- The SRK starrer which I watched 15 times in different movie theaters, “Minnale”- Madhavan was Maddy in love and we guys used to bond over Minnale’s evergreen songs overnight assisted by many ‘not-to-name-drinks’…my list is endless and spans across age, language and genre! Simply picking one is just not right!

Yet, to keep up with the spirit (pun intended) and to name one Movie for this particular exercise I will pick ‘our’ most memorable movie together, me and my wife, which is “3 Idiots”! The movie needs no introduction and does not need any description, plus the book “Five-Point someone” is also well known and a best seller. What makes it special to-date for us is the circumstances which culminated in us watching the movie.

It was December 2009, we were already having a difficult few months. It was a climax of sorts on December 7th 2009, a day before my wife’s birthday, as she was fighting for her life in a hospital in Taif. It was such a small town that no hospital had ‘AB Negative’ blood in their Blood Bank. In the dead of the night and in front of the OT, the Arabic speaking Egyptian Gynecologist, God bless her always, was trying to explain me to find a donor. Many attempts were made and I met with failure. She took the call of proceeding with the surgery and putting my wife on Blood Generators!

December 24th: A weak but recovering wife and I took the flight to Dammam. There was a SUV waiting at the Airport to take us to Bahrain. I had an interview with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Bahrain (CCBCB) for a Sales Manager Position, we wanted to leave Taif and Saudi Arabia for good, given what we went through personally.

On December 25th, leaving my wife at the Gulf Gate Hotel, I went into CCBCB’s office for many rounds of tests and interviews. I had toiled hard for proving my worth and finally was dropped back to the room. Narrating the first hand details to my wife I began getting ready as we were planning to cautiously head-out, given her condition, to ‘City Center Bahrain’.

Having spent the whole day in the hotel room, she was bored and had read in the papers that “3 Idiots” had released and was playing in the Cinemas at City Center.

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TM Sukumar Swaminathan

We were at the lobby asking for some directions to my surprise the phone rang, it was a local number and I answered the call. Rajan- the final interviewer, Training Head of Bahrain and Qatar had called me to give the good news. I was shortlisted and was called-in the next day for the job offer. Yay!!! Time for celebration. We were overjoyed, we did not expect change would come to us so soon! After all it was just a few days before we had decided to move on after undergoing absolute personal chaos. We shot up to the Cinema, got the tickets for the movie (a 8.15 PM show). We had about an hour and a half and given the mood we were in, we decided to celebrate the day. We asked for the nearest hotel that served some spirits for me to indulge upon (my wife hates this habit) while having dinner and were directed to go to Mercure Grand in Seef! A taxi and 15 mins later we were there; I downed about 3 drinks as we had dinner and celebrated. 1.20 hours had just swished past!

Another hop onto the taxi and we were back to City Center Cinemas and entered the hall. The movie had already started and we were finding our way walking with torchlights and a giggling audience.

We settled down and got ready to watch ‘3 Idiots’.

What transpired on screen was magic, every scene was well-etched out and I only remember myself laughing and laughing! My blood chemistry was perhaps making me do more… I surely was slightly tipsy from the drinks and excitement but much to my wife’s embarrassment, I was not just laughing but was guffawing! Every few minutes she would turn to me, with widened eyes and a sheepish smile, pinch me and then shush me but by then the next funny thing would have happened on-screen and she would settle back watching the movie!

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Thankfully, as my luck would have it many in the audience experienced similar emotions (my wife to date feels I was drunk on the count of 3…sigh) so I kind of blended!! We did not know how the two hours and forty mins went, but it did and we walked out having the best time of our life and an air of anticipation for the next day.

December 31st: We were back to Taif and our plan was for a solitary home confined new year celebration (what else could we do!). I had written back to Coca-Cola in the morning rejecting their offer it was the least what we had expected and did not want to compromise. I came back home and we watched ‘3 Idiots’ again that night as we ringed in the new year over Saudi Champagne, the mood had lightened up and we resolved to move on…!

TM Ovin Crasta

1992 became an epochal year for Hindi Cinema when a novice sports theme movie “Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar (1992)” was made. I consider the movie as a fabulous predecessor, in many ways, to the current trend of inspiring sports theme movies. It showcased cycling as a major sport and made BSA SLR bicycles very popular to the extent that I, an owner of that bicycle brand, felt like the proud owner of a Harley Davidson bike. The Film had a beautiful soundtrack, thanks to the mesmerizing yet soothing music provided by Jatin-Lalit, along with perfectly picturized songs, brilliant acting, direction and a great story.

The second song of the movie, “Pehla Nasha” went on to boost the movie and made the song as one of the greatest songs of all time in Hindi cinema. Choreographed by Farah Khan and shot amongst the lush tea valleys of Ooty it remains a cult classic. The song was also the first to be shot in slow motion, setting the template for a million music videos that were to follow in the '90s. The sight of Aamir Khan in a red sweater remains as the most iconic moment of the film in my opinion. Add a Pooja Bedi having a 'Marilyn Monroe' moment it is understandable why teenagers like me went ga-ga over the movie!!

The crux of the movie was a coming of age tale of an underdog who goes on to win against all odds, a story of grit and determination. Aamir and Mansoor refused to give up on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, which went on to become a 1990s classic, and my all-time favorite movie.

For those of you who haven’t watched the movie, I urge you please do so and for those who are a fan of the movie, have another go and reminisce those moments down the memory lane…

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TM Masood Shah

“Wilson……Wilson…….”

He was crying and struggling desperately.

“I am sorry……. I can’t reach you!!”

He screamed out of utter agony.

His sailing raft was broken down, he was hungry, thirsty and stranded in the middle of an ocean. His only friend and companion ‘Wilson’ was also washed away from him by the cruel and mighty waves. He swam towards it but by then his arms and legs were dead tired in his struggle to fight the waves. Finally, he had to say good bye to Wilson as it was taken so far from him that became impossible for his exhausted body to bring it back.

“Good bye Wilson……” He was crying his heart out, clinging to the broken raft in the Pacific Ocean.

This is a scene from one of my favourite movies “Cast Away” by Director Robert Zemeckis and the main role played by Tom Hanks.

I love this movie and it stands out from many other movies that I have seen because of many reasons.

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TM Masood Shah

“The story, sharply captivating, is about an ambitious young man for whom his work is beyond everything in the world. He was determined to reach the pinnacle of success. But…destiny has an entirely different plan for him.

He is an employee of FedEx and had to fly to Malaysia for a trouble-shoot. On his way, while passing over the Pacific Ocean his plane meets a deadly accident and crashes down into the ocean. With the help of his life jacket he manages to reach to an uninhabited island.

He is not able to escape and goes onto live four years in the island. The struggle of life and living that he goes through in the jungle within the island and on the seashore is amazing (should not be missed if you haven't till now)! The dramatic outpour of emotions that he performs are captivating. His level of happiness was worth watching when after a bloody effort he finally succeed to light the fire for the first time.

“In another scene when after hundreds of his attempts he learns to catch a fish from the water, his joy is transcending. Tom Hanks exhibits the heights of emotional acting while showing feelings of intense pain and grief during many a suffering to survive on the island while recalling his erstwhile life and loved ones.

“His relationship with a Football named ‘Wilson’, his longingness for his girlfriend when he constantly carasses the watch that she had gifted to him; the list goes on…

The story and the sublimity of emotional presentation brought me to tears at many places.

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TM Masood Shah

The landscape, scenes and cinematography are exceptionally breath taking. Acting is very strong, inspiring and realistic. The story is intense, captivating and thought provoking.

Besides all that enjoyment, I have learnt many ways to keep living in any situation.

All in all, this movie has left me spell bound and imprinted memorable characters in my mind that I will never forget.

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TM Rajeshwari Chouhan

Starring Shahrukh Khan and Kajol.

The message behind the movie is what captivated my attention and made it to the top on the list of my favorite movies.

The way the hero waits for the family's confirmation to marry their daughter despite having the option of eloping away with the heroine.

This is something that we should apply to our day to day lives.... not hurting our family's as they will never have any ill intention towards you.

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The 1999 Malayalam movie “Veendum Chila Veetukaryangal” (which translates to ‘again some household issues’) has remained one of my all-time favourite movies.

TM Abdul Rahim

Set in rural Kerala, the movie tells the story of Kochuthoma, a theatre actor and his family, which consists of his wife, his three sons and two daughters.

Kochuthoma has seen hard times in life but has brought up his children well. But the youngest son (Roy) having had an easy childhood, is spoilt. He has a diploma in engineering but doesn’t look for a job. Instead he is active in church choir group and is aiming to make it to the showbiz world.

His partner-in-crime is his own Dad who shares his dramatic pursuits. The duo goes to drama rehearsals together and often end up coming late, leaving the mother waiting and worried.

However, deep within, the father is concerned for his unruly son.

Our pretty heroine, Bhavna is a poor girl who is into door to door selling business to support her mentally unstable mother and younger siblings. While on such a sales mission, she bumps into our hero, Roy and they fall in love.

To cut the story short, they decide to marry. The father is outraged. Roy is kicked out of the house. The once lovable father-son duo has now become arch enemies.

Roy is now thrown into the wide world and obviously is forced to look for a job.

The most beautiful part is the amazing climax where we come to know that the entire story is not real. In fact, the whole film is a play staged by the father, the veteran actor, to discipline his wayward son…wow!

Great humour, earthy characters and a gripping screen play makes every minute of this movie absorbing.

In fact, this is not a movie.

It is an experience!

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TM Prabodha Kumar Sarangi

I love to watch movies as I am a movie addict. One of my favorite movie is “Taare Zameen Par�. It is an emotional movie in which the relationship between a child and his mother is portrayed. In this movie, the child suffers from a disability called 'Dyslexia' due to which he is unable to excel in academics and even in sports. However, he is a great painter. The child actor Tanay Chheda and actor Amir Khan took the movie to great heights.

In the movie, the child gets expelled from school due to his poor performance in studies and for being indisciplined in school like bunking classes, not doing homework etc. His parents send him to a new school where he is put in the hostel. There, the child slowly gets motivated in the school environment. At the end, he gets selected as the school topper in the Art competition.

The morals we imbibe from this movie: 1. Every child is special; we must give them free hand to explore themselves.

2. Healthy relationship with the children must be maintained by the teachers and parents.

3. Our schooling system should change and teachers should create an environment where learning is fun.

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TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

First I thought that the answer was very simple. But as I started thinking more about it, trailers of many iconic movies started running in my mind and I got totally confused.

I am an avid fan of Bollywood movies and do not miss any chance of watching new and old movies. This is one of the very few things that is common between my wife and I. We book our tickets as soon as any new movie is released. I often write what I liked or did not like about the movie on Facebook. Many friends of mine wait eagerly for my views to decide whether they are going to watch the movie or not. I have saved the time and money of my friends for movies like Prabhas’s "Sahoo".

Enough of blowing my own trumpet. Now let's go back to the original question. What is my favourite movie? Any movie that entertains me for 3 hours and one where I do not skip the TV channel if that movie is played again on satellite TV, is my favourite movie. There is a very famous dialog in the movie "Dirty Picture" - फ म सफ तीन चीज क वजह से चलती ह, एंटरटे नमट, एंटरटे नमट, एंटरटे नमट (Films run because of three main elements…entertainment, entertainment, entertainment)!

Two relatively new movies at top ranking in this entertainment category are "Lage Raho Munnabhai" and "3 Idiots". If we talk about old movies, it will be difficult to beat "Golmaal" or "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro". I have watched these movies countless times on some channel or the other.

Ranking second would be movies of Rohit Shetty. If you want to enjoy Rohit Shetty’s movies, you need to keep your brain outside before you enter the cinema hall. Do not ask any question like what, why and how. Just enjoy the nonsense. If Newton sees any of the fight scenes in these movies, he will have to rewrite the laws of physics.

If we look beyond the entertainment value of the movie, we like movies because of a few more important aspects like storyline, acting, songs etc. Let us deep dive in these categories.

Storyline: The story of the movie should touch your heart. Whether it is light comedy or tragedy, the audience should get involved in the story. Naseeruddin Shah and Shabana Azmi’s "Masoom", Kamal Hasan and Sridevi’s "Sadma", or Ayushmann and Neena Gupta’s "Badhai Ho" are good examples in this category. If the story is backed with superb acting, it takes the movie to another level. Rajesh Khanna's "Anand" made us sob while Sanjeev Kumar and Deven Varma’s "Angoor" make us laugh till our stomachs hurt!

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TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

A good story has to be presented in a good manner.

Screenplay, dialogs and editing play a vital role here.

After the movie gets over, you should keep thinking about the movie. While watching the movie, you should not get a chance to think about anything else.

One such good movie I saw recently was "Badla" starring Amitabh and Taapsee Pannu.

It goes without saying that acting is one of the key elements of the movie. We may not remember the name of the writer or director, but we do not forget the actors from the movie.

This is because we see them on-screen while all the others work behind the screen. Some actors have a god gifted ability of expressing themselves through their eyes. I like actors like Sanjeev Kumar, Kamal Hasan and Alia Bhatt because they speak through their eyes. Some actors are well known for their voice. Although Amitabh Bachchan is a prominent figure in this category, it will be unjust to not mention actors like Nana Patekar and Amrish Puri. Good acting along with glamor changes an actor to hero / heroine. Anil Kapoor, Amir Khan, Madhuri Dixit are the best examples.

There are some actors who lack good looks, but can carry the entire movie on their shoulders with their acting capabilities. "A Wednesday" starring Naseeruddin Shah and Anupam Kher is the best example in this category. One such good actor was Irfan Khan. Early exit of Irfan Khan is definitely a big loss to Bollywood.

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TM Yashodhan Abhyankar

Melodious songs are the soul of Bollywood movies. Actors like Joy Mukherjee or Rajendra Kumar became famous solely due to their songs. Earlier in the 50s and 60s, having eight to ten songs in a movie was very common. "Indra Sabha" that was released in 1932 had 72 songs, which is a world record. I still watch Dev Anand’s "Teen Deviyan" or "Hum Dono", Raj Kapoor’s "Awara" or Shammi’s "Teesri Manzil" only because of the songs. All the Kapoor’s were good dancers as well - Raj, Shammi, Shashi, Rishi, Ranbeer. Every Kapoor has his own style, which added a different flavor to their songs.

Directors like Shyam Benegal and Satyajit Ray always tried something different and we can see the similar trend in relatively new directors like Anurag Kashyap or Ashutosh Gowarikar. I watch their movies only because they have directed it.

The movies and names mentioned above are only symbolic in these categories. The list of my favorite movies will go on and on. I tried to pick one as my all-time favorite, but realized that I am doing injustice to many others. I like different movies for different reasons. Each one of them entertains me.

Bollywood, I love you.

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TM Norman Dass

When was the movie released? 2004. But I watched in Oct 2018.

Movie Genre: Drama, Romance Why My Favorite? Beautiful memory / moment of my life is linked with this movie.

What was so special in that moment? One late evening, after my daughter got slept early. I & Mishal (my wife) sat next to each other. Lights were off. We both watched this complete movie of 2 hours having chocolates and hot coffee, on mobile phone.

Why I liked the movie? The movie begins with an old man telling story to a woman (patient) who suffers from dementia. The story of Allie and Noah who gets separated by fate. Allie gets engaged to someone else, but destiny brings them back together.

Later we come to know that the old man is telling the love story of none other than themselves.

The movie ends with a scene, where both of them die together in each other’s arms.

I recommend you to watch this movie with your spouse atleast once in your lifetime.

Thank me later

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TM Kiran Poithaya

'Watching movies' was one of the constant responses to the hobby question during interviews throughout my life so far. Realistic movies and movies based on true story always attracted me. It gives a visual experience of true event and help to broaden thinking and knowledge (especially for lazy readers like me). In the current ‘Stay home’ period, I could watch some good ones through OTT platforms and would like to highlight a brief about a movie watched during this period.

"Lion", is a touching movie based on the story of an adopted son in search of his biological parents separated by miles. Movie starts with a five-yearold boy Saroo from Kandhwa, central India accidentally reaching Kolkata, eastern part of India after boarding a wrong train.

Saroo survives harsh reality of the large Indian city without knowing the local language and ends up in an orphanage. After multiple failed attempts of contacting Saroo’s parents through newspaper announcements, Saroo gets adopted by an Australian couple. Saroo grows up in Australia and joins a University in Melbourne. During one of party hosted by his Indian classmates, his childhood memories gets revived after seeing the Indian delicacy “Jalebi”.

Then the movie develops into how Saroo locates his hometown through vague memory and with help of technology (Google Earth in specific). After days of effort he finally locates his hometown travels all the way to India where he finally meets his biological mother, who still hadn't lost her hope of meeting her son again.

Icing on the cake is when they show the pictures & videos of real life ‘Saroo’. Special respect to the Australian couple who decided to adopt and raise Saroo (instead of giving birth to their own blood). Determination of Saroo to find his biological mother need to be lauded. Finally with the blessings of technology companies like Google who makes it accessible to everyone.

All actors did a great job in execution and special mention to Sunny Pawar who played young Saroo.

Overall, really a heart touching watch.

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Reflection

Recap: Meeting 402

by TM Yashodhan Abhyankar "Lights.. Camera… Sound….Action!"

This meeting was an excellent learning opportunity to transmute ourselves into being a better presenter.

Zoom expert DTM Cajetan graced the meeting with tips on how to use technology effectively while speaking in front of the webcam.

Irony: During the meeting, we were supposed to learn about new technology, but we ended up wasting some time at the start due to technical difficulties. Initially, the timer was unable to change his background, while the break room was not available later during the workshop. This reminds me of the launch of 'Windows 95' by Bill Gates. During his very first demonstration, 'Windows' froze with a blue screen. LOL. Sergeant of Arms TM Asif started the meeting by emphasising on moulding ourselves by learning new techniques. President TM Yashodhan narrated a story with the moral - “Everyone reacts differently in given situations. It's up to you if you want to be a potato, egg or coffee bean.”

This meeting marked the Area Director’s official visit to his home club. TM Bilal updated everyone about the club standings and emphasised on the need of strengthening the mentor - mentee relationship.

TM Nidhi introduced herself as a combination of 2 states - Kerala and Maharashtra. My goodness, what a versatile person she is. She is a dancer - Bharat Natyam as well as Kuchipudi. She is a poet. Writing a poem is in itself a herculean task, and she has acquired mastery in Shayari.

Despite her Dad getting hospitalized last week because of a heart attack, she managed to deliver a speech. Take a bow TM Nidhi.

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Now we have a dancer and a couple of singers in our group. Does anyone play any instrument?

Maybe next time we can have a concert instead of meeting.

VPPR Sukumar tested the water by hosting an online poll - whether members wanted to continue reading eloQuence on a monthly basis. Editing panel was praying for a break but 80 percent of the members confirmed that they want to keep the editing panel busy throughout the year. Sorry dear panel. You cannot escape now!!!

Biju my friend, I can only imagine a situation where all of a sudden you are asked to speak to a crowd of two thousand people. However, you showed courage. You stood firm on your feet and addressed the crowd. Man, you are already a Toastmaster. If someone loses his job, what will he do? He will search for another job. But you used this break to develop an application to transfer money. Let me quickly open an account in Swiss bank. Your speech was filled with humour. Hmm, competition to me…!

During the evaluation of TM Nidhi’s speech, TM Anil congratulated her for her confidence and was mesmerized by her facial expressions. He also mentioned “looking at the camera” - did he appreciate her for looking at the camera, or advised her to look at the camera? Sorry guys, I don’t remember. In my notes, I just wrote “looking at the camera”. Phew.

During the workshop, DTM Cajetan gave some very useful tips. For instance, you should have sufficient light in front of you. Use wireless devices instead of Bluetooth mike. Set the camera properly and most importantly, look into the camera while speaking. Once again it was proved that behind every successful man, there is a woman. His better half, TM Priscilla assisted him by demonstrating all features.

TM Abdul Rahim praised TM Biju for incorporating drama and humour in the speech. While commenting on an incident from the speech, he gave a wonderful tip to everyone - “Try to act on the advice you give to others.” Thanks TM Abdul Rahim, henceforth I will not give advice to others.

Yogaguru DTM Manoj did the general evaluation while he was still in the state of meditation. He demonstrated the technique of getting frozen. He even saw the table topic session taking place, even though it was not there in the agenda. Only a Yogi can have powers like this.

Business session was filled with a series of good news like: YLP for Gemford World School will start from 17th October, AMH has approached us for a monthly leadership forum, and 4th AMH Speechcraft was inaugurated on 5th October.

DTM Rekha announced the result of GMAC 2020.

Gavelier Elma won first place in the International Speech contest and Gavelier Soumya Rajeev won third place in the Humorous contest. It was a perfect gift from Gaveliers to their mentor Ponnambalam, who was celebrating his 50th birthday. We congratulated the winners and sang a birthday song for TM Ponnambalam.

Dedicated Toastmaster Kiran & perfectionist Toastmaster Sukumar performed their duties as Grammarian and Ah Counter very well.

Timer TM Ovin showed presence of mind by using an alternative to colorful background as the timing device.

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President was in a hurry to adjourn the meeting in time. So members had to remind him to declare the awards. The winners were: Best speaker - TM Nidhi, Best Evaluator - TM Abdul Rahim, Best of TAG - TM Sukumar and Best of Three - TM Masood.

Oops, did I forget to mention the TMOD? No, I kept the best for the last. TM Masood, the coffee bean of WMC TMC, refreshed everyone with the aroma of his smile and showed his leadership skills by taking up the critical role yet again. A true leader and a perfect example of leading from front.

That’s it from me. Please remember, you have to write about your favorite movie and send your article before this weekend. Cheers.

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Recap: Meeting 403

by TM Priyanka Gaikwad An informal chit chat between the members and guests exchanging pleasantries before the meeting set the right mood and ambience for the upcoming power packed Toastmasters Meeting at WMC. ‘Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding’ - a motivating quote from the acting Sergeant at Arms TM Jefrey was just perfect to commence the meeting.

Our ever smiling President, TM Yash (Yasho ) through his presidential address emphasized on how the Toastmasters platform not only helps in effective speaking but also effective listening through evaluations.

He never fails to impress us with his innovative ideas and for this meeting he came up with a unique way to introduce the role players by stalking their Facebook accounts for their introduction. He also gave us a snippet from a real incident to be completed with our infinite imagination.

Acquiesce (to accept something reluctantly without protest), a sophisticated word was chosen as the WOD

by Grammarian, TM Norman. Initially, I was struggling with the pronunciation of the word, but by the end of the meeting, our speakers and role players used it so effectively, that now I can pronounce it fluently.

It is never easy to be attentive throughout the meeting and capture overused words or filler sounds used as a crutch by the speakers. But the Ah counter TM Biju introduced his role and performed it diligently.

The evening became brighter when our beloved DTM Dr. Thuraya Juma, the TMOD for the evening took over the show. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, she steered the meeting thereon. She spoke about the change of the weather, various international days celebrated in the month of October and introduced and welcomed all the speakers, role players and guests with love and warmth. The evaluation workshop was conducted seamlessly by TM Vivek Thilakan.

Some of the key points from the workshop to be noted – Keywords - Encourage, Elevate, Evaluate Analytic Quality – analyzing contents of the speech Recommendations – solutions and benefits of the solution with examples Technique – managing time, impactful beginning and ending Summation – summary of analysis and recommendation The evaluation workshop concluded with an interactive and very informative Q&A session.

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The test speech titled ‘The day after’ was presented by none other than veteran DTM Rekha – An unique subject ‘Art of negotiation’ gave us the message that we should never fear to negotiate in life.

TM Jefrey followed his quote for courage and took up the evaluation for the test speech on the spot and as always, did an exceptional job.

Two powerful prepared speeches with inspirational messages enlightened the evening further.

TM Sathish with his speech titled ‘My PHD’ gave us a message that no number can define success. To succeed in life we need PHD – Planning, Hard work, Dedication.

Whereas, TM Sukumar with his speech titled ‘Who shook the Jar’ reminded us to ‘Press Pause’ in our busy schedules and enjoy the beautiful things life has to offer, ‘live with gratitude’ and most importantly ‘Why Worry’.

The general evaluation session was conducted by our beloved founder President DTM Dr. Babu. He gave us valuable feedback about the meeting and urged the Excom to aim for 100% attendance for the upcoming meetings.

The individual evaluators gave insightful evaluations for the prepared speeches. The reports presented by the Ah counter and the grammarian were crisp and to the point.

Although few of the Excom members were not present for the business session, it was well presented by the President, VPPR, VPPM and Secretary. TM Sukumar highlighted our growing presence on social media and TM Jefrey thanked all the role players and encouraged members to attend and participate in the upcoming meetings.

Although the meeting was virtual, the commendable efforts by the Excom and role players, meaningful and effective workshop conducted by our guest TM Vivek, presence of some ex-WMC members and the inspiring speeches brought learning and fun together, just perfect for a cozy Friday evening!!

Signing off! See you all soon!!

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A President, his STORY & our Learning!

RESPONDENTS

the ENLIGHTENMENT

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Birthday Celebrations

November 2nd

November 11th

November 28th

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TMI News

November 2020 Issue is out!!

Adapted from Toastmasters International website: https://www.toastmasters.org/-/media/files/department-documents/magazine/magazine-pdfs/2020-magazine-pdfs/magazine-november-2020.ashx

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With employers looking to develop and improve the soft skills of their employees, nearly 300 of the 2020 Fortune 500 companies now offer in-house Toastmasters clubs to help build their employees' communication, leadership, and public speaking skills.

Adapted from Toastmasters International website: 37

https://mediacenter.toastmasters.org/2020-10-27-Fortune-500-Companies-Count-on-Toastmasters-to-Develop-Employees-Skills

Disclaimer: eloQuence is a club newsletter

Editor: TM Sukumar Swaminathan

meant for stimulating learning and education

Contributing Editor : DTM Rekha Utham Editorial Panel (PR Sub-Committee) DTM Dr. Thuraya Juma Abdulla

for WMC Toastmasters club members only. This is not a commercial newsletter and is not published for mass circulation. We respect all trademarks, copyrights and intellectual property

DTM Manoj Kumar Pandey

rights of the brands, logos and content used

TM Apurva Divakaran

within the newsletter. We would like to reiterate that any content is solely used for stimulating a

Feature & Prespective Contributors

learning environment for the club's members.

WMC TMC Archive : Photos TM Regy's Personal collection: Photos Various Movie Production and Media houses: Posters and Movie Shots

Stock photos: Canva.com Designer: TM Sukumar Swaminathan

WMC TOASTMASTERS CHARTERED IN 2003| KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN CLUB NO: 603459| AREA 9 DIVISION D| DISTRICT 20

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