Net Protection of Another Kind

net sleepers

net protection of another kind

Saw these people sleeping under protective mosquito nets and the careenings of my mind led me to nostalgic home memories of sleeping on the roof in summers with white sheets and while pillow covers cool in the summer night. Protected by the mosquito net we watched the moon and stars deep into the night. Also reminded me of the beautiful movie concocted by that solid team of Ruth Praver Jhabwala, Ismail Merchant, James Ivory and in this case Satyajit Ray. The movie was Shakespeare Wallah. What a wonderful musical score by Satyajit Ray. Indian Raags, Western Classical music mixed in a tempo which only a resident of Shonar Bongla could conujure.

Shakespeare Wallah trailer:-

https://youtu.be/MP5oWFhTtj0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzqcEoINnr8

The first scene with the rickshaw is so peaceful and joyful reminiscent of the quiet life of the early years after partition. The music is a grand mix of violins and sitars, oboes and clarinets. Indian trains and Shashi Kapoor at his most handsome.

The soundtrack and the scene with Shashi Kapoor watching the mosquito netted beds hit me then like a gentle tsunami.

The movie is still as beautiful now in its black and white innocence as it was then in 1965.

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5 thoughts on “Net Protection of Another Kind”

  1. Reminding me of mosquito nets when I was in India but I preferred fans until there was a power cut! 1970s and 1980s. Must return one day and love Shakespearewallah. Now eat at Delhiwallah, Southall , UK!

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  2. Hi Chandleur, nice to meet you. I too have enjoyed sleeping outdoors under a mosquito net. There’s something very special about it. And I love the Merchant Ivory films so will do a search to see if I can get to see Shakespeare Wallah. It sounds wonderful.
    I know it’s been about two months since you pushed the follow button on our blog. Sorry I’ve taken so long to get back to you. Thank you for following! I hope you enjoy the stories of our journey. And don’t be a stranger – feel free to join the conversation.
    Cheers
    Alison

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    1. Hi guys nice to know you two(I Meant too but it seems both words are correct here, so it is entirely your choice.). I admire your adventurous spirit and I am planning to at least get out and see more of India riding on trains.

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