Deepak Rana

Semicolon

A short poem dedicated to a unique symbol in English language. Semicolon.

Writing Meditation – Day 1

Starting a series on Writing as a Meditation/Therapy. This is the first episode.

The Veils of Power

Is veiling women a good idea?

I think we know the answer. Then what’s stopping us?

Before Trilogy

A quick look at Before trilogy – a collection of three movies that takes us through the journey of romantic love.

Alphabets (Farkat)

Today, we start with the alphabets of Farkat – a language I created for a fantasy book.

Tamasha

This image is captured from the movie Tamasha. Let me tell you something about it.

Punjaban

An artist’s work and my words go together. In this case, the subject is Punjaban.

A Case for God

What’s the point of God?

Let’s think about it.

A Mallu Woman

A short, romantic tale with a spice of time-dilation.

Let me tell you a story. When Raza learnt (from his washerman) that Aisha, his wife, had been committing adultery, it seemed like the end of the world. Ammi (Mother) said that he needed to get rid of the unfaithful. Sell her off in exchange for gold coins – she commanded. Raza hesitated. Ammi keptContinue reading “The Narrowness of Being!”

I’m in Imperfections

I see a broken wine bottle on the subway, and immediately, my heart starts to ache. It must have gone through a lot, I wonder. And now–does anyone care about it? Some curse it and call it insidious, but my aching heart tells me that its agonies are far worse. As I lay my eyesContinue reading “I’m in Imperfections”

A Song for Readers

Note: Say it aloud. In fact, sing it. Then go back to reading. Why do we read? We read, because, once upon a time, When we were small, and the world looked tall. Yes, once upon a time… when solo-ride was a crime. Once upon a time, at that precise time, a story wasContinue reading “A Song for Readers”

The Social Media Circus

“All the world is a circus, and all the men and women merely clowns.” ~ William Shakespeare I read the quote as I stood outside the gate. Shakespeare? That does not sound right. “Welcome,” a voice caught my attention. It was the gatekeeper. “How much for the ticket?” The words came out compulsively. InContinue reading “The Social Media Circus”

देशभक्त बनो बुड़बक

Proud feel करो. किसलिए? किसलिए पूछते हो? मूर्ख, देश के लिए, और किसके लिए? महात्मा गाँधी के लिए? नहीं, वो तो मुसलमानो का चमचा था. टैगोर? अंग्रेजों का पिठलग्गु था वो… नेहरू? उसी के तो कीड़े हैं ये सब. इंदिरा गाँधी? पगला गए होContinue reading “देशभक्त बनो बुड़बक”

I Am A Liar

Let me tell you something about myself: I am a compulsive liar. I lie for no reason. I lie all the time, every day. For example, if you ever meet me and ask ‘where are you going’, I will say anything but the real answer. It’s more fun, that way. Maybe because, truth is mostlyContinue reading “I Am A Liar”

An Elusive Place Called Happiness

A lot of people seem to believe that poor people are unhappy. Clearly, these people have no idea about poverty, or happiness for that matter. On the contrary, if you look at rich people’s lives, you will find that the richer you are, the more difficult it is to have a life of fulfilment. Especially,Continue reading “An Elusive Place Called Happiness”

मेरा क्या है?

तंग रास्तों में भटकते हुए, अकस्मात् एक ख़याल आया। मंज़िल तो कभी देखी न थी, रास्ता भी अब खो न जाए कहीं। ये फुटपाथ गरीबों का, और ये सड़क अमीरों की, मेरा क्या है? कुछ भी तो नहीं… मेरे हिस्से में आये हुए, दुःख भी हैं और दर्द भी। सोचा अपनों से परे, क्या पता,Continue reading “मेरा क्या है?”

My Idea of Patriotism

Patriotism: A lot of people talk about it, fight for it, or even die, but, few understand. For most people, more than understanding, patriotism is about a feeling, or an emotion, towards their motherland. But, why can’t we make an attempt to understand it? I, for one, would certainly like to try. The first thingContinue reading “My Idea of Patriotism”

मैं एक पौधा हूँ

मैं एक पौधा हूँ… मैं वृक्ष नहीं हूँ, प्रज्ञ हूँ, लगभग अदृश्य भी, किन्तु विशालकाय यक्ष नहीं हूँ. मैं तो सूक्ष्म हूँ, निर्बल हूँ, चंचल हूँ. हवा के तेज़ झोंको से, कंपकपाता हर पल हूँ. कितने प्राणी, कितनी लालसा, मैं तो सबसे डरता हूँ. भान है यथार्थ का, तभी तो निवेदन करता हूँ. न मैंContinue reading “मैं एक पौधा हूँ”

Are You Free?

Did you decide the school you first attended? Did you choose the sport you first played? Did you get a chance to pick your own fears and anxieties? Of course, you were small then. Which means, you were meant to be protected, but, I am more interested in knowing, what happened when you were noContinue reading “Are You Free?”