Rani gave one of her finest performances in Black

Shall I say Big B rules? And if I am allowed to say that much then I must add that one of the best films by Amitabh Bachchan has been Black.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali is an intelligent director, who has used excellent character artistes for each and every role in his film.

Then he took a simple yet exceptionally engrossing story of human triumph and combined it with excellent cinematography. The result was an award-sweeping film that was as critically-acclaimed as it was a box-office hit. And I know quite a few boys who were moved to tears by the film.

However, talking about the film is not complete unless one mentions Rani Mukherjee, who plays the role of a visually-challenged and speech and hearing impaired young lady, who fights against all odds, especially society?s pity, to become a graduate and finally an independent woman with a voice of her own.

Animesh Srivastawa,
Class VIII, Section C,
St Xavier?s School, Ranchi

I can, I cannot

Individual merit is judged not only by the effort that a person puts in but even more so by the result that the endeavours and efforts produce.

Behind every successful ?result? lies dedication and some more dedication, to an aim or a purpose.

There are quite a few examples of people, who have given their entire lives to a singular aim.

But, first and foremost I am tempted to mention the Wright Brothers, who may be credited with the invention of the first flying machine in 1903. This invention took them an awe-inspiring 25 years. In 1878, they first hit on the idea of a flying machine from a toy made up of cork and bamboo, which their father gifted to them. Kudos to the courage and patience of the two, who never gave up hope even after repeated failures.

I believe dedication follows a cyclical change. A newborn child is dedicated to growing, a young man to conquering and an old man, to live again. But one quality of a dedicated man never changes ? that is the hope of achieving something in life.

Shiban Asim,
Class VIII, Section C,
St Xavier?s School, Ranchi

Reality check

Indian television is witnessing a new trend of reality shows, which are becoming more and more popular in today?s world. SaReGaMaPa is one such example. The programme enjoys coverage throughout India and it is also one of my favourite shows.

Hosts Shaan and Ishitta add to the glamour and talent quotient of the programme. The judges Hariharan and Lesli Louis play an important role in the programme by sharing important tips with the participants. Other major shows include Zee TV?s Kam Ya Zaada and Sony?s Fear Factor and Deal Ya No Deal. These shows vary from down right lucrative game shows to tests of stamina and courage. They all encourage the otherwise lazy Indians to sit up and participate in TV shows. These programmes also make TV a more interactive medium than it ever was at least in India. People like me, addicts, hope for more of such fun-filled, heart-throbbing and attention-grabbing shows.

Ishita Gupta,
Carmel Junior College,
Jamshedpur

An amazing home

Ever seen a house that stands tall on a treetop and has been so for the past decades? The house of Gajadhar Paridha in Orissa is what I am talking of.

It may sound amazing but this man from Orissa has been living in the tree house in his private garden since 50 years now. It has, however, not caused much difference to his lifestyle and he does not even have any plans to return to ?regular? life.

This unique abode is between two branches of a large tree. The tree house may pose various difficulties but one thing is for sure, the owner is not complaining. And I swear that this is not a tall tale as this unique treehouse is one of the major tourist attractions in Kaligaon village near Balasore.

Shreya Bhattacharjee,
Carmel Junior College,
Jamshedpur