Venue: Kitab Khana
Opp Flora Fountain, Fort Mumbai
Date: 15th April 2015
Time 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
On a beautiful sunny day in April, a book consisting of 100 Poems which emote different phases and sentiments of love, Titled "The Purple Moon" written by "Neelam Saxena Chandra" was Launched by Ms Rita Hemrajani who has held many reputed positions in the Indian Railways, and is currently the Director of Administration at the Films Division, Mumbai. In her vast career profile, she has contributed a lot to the Central and the Western Railways, and has directed films titled “100 years of Indian cinema and “Train within 24 frames”. along with, Mr. Mohammed Ali Shah who is a Bollywood actor and a talented theatre artist. He has had a legendary life and a heavy timeline of life. From being an English Literature graduate and alumni of IIM Calcutta, to serving as a major in the Indian army at the J&k border, Mr. Ali has proved his mettle as the most eligible all-rounder we have known till date. He has appeared in films such as Haider, Agent Vinod and is all set to star in Tigmanshu Dhulia’s Vidyut Jamwal starrer- Yaara, where he plays a significant role. He has also been a part of many stage plays, like ‘Caine Mutiny Court Marshall’ directed by famous actor Mr. Naseeruddin Shah, who also happens to be Mr. Ali’s uncle.
Going through the title Neelam Saxena Chandra explained how this particular title was chosen. Its during her courtship days that the poems were written. Many poets idealize moon in form of poetry, and for her the colour of love was purple. This title was given to her by her husband.
As the event continued Mr Ali read out the very first poem of the book.
The moon appears purple
Since I have met you.
What,
You think I am crazy?
Hmm…
In love, the colours change
And the eyes see what they wish to.
I still remember
That it was a Thursday when I met you
And there was an instant connect,
As if some peace of mind
Has descended upon me.
I got a feeling
Of fulfilment – a spiritual fulfilment,
And everything looked purple-
Including the moon.
Yeah, I love you
As much as I love the purple moon.
Rather,
The purple moon
Looks like the symbol
Of our love.
After all,
In love as well as in the purple moon,
There is mysticism and magic
And both are as charming as ever
The poem which has caught my interest in the book is titled "The Ink"
The ink
Shall freeze one day,
Or it may lose
Its colour
And while words get written
They may remain invisible.
It could even be
That the hands quiver
And refuse to deliver
What the mind says,
Or the eyes just can’t read
The written words.
Will you be by my side-
Reading to me,
Writing for me
And give my ink
Some colours?
