Bollywood icon, director/producer Yash Chopra, died unexpectedly today. Chopra began making films in 1959, many of which are now considered "must-see" classics in Bollywood cinema. Although, I must admit, my experience with Yash Chopra only begins much later, with his collaborations with SRK, I find the loss to be surprisingly saddening. In some ways, this marks the end of an era in Bollywood film.
His final film, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, had one more scene left to shoot, a trademark sweeping dance number to be set in the Alps. Everyone is left to wonder how SRK and Chopra's son Aditya will resolve this...I know that, as a fan, I'd like to see them honor his memory with the scene shot true to his vision.
In the BollyWHAT forum today, a member commented that Chopra "died with his boots on". I think that's a perfect sentiment. I replied with lines from the famous Dylan Thomas poem:
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Thank you, Yashji, for a life well lived.
Breakfast - Atkins bar
Lunch - grilled salmon
Snack - kiwi berries (too many)
Dinner - cheese and coffee (eewww, I know)
Exercise - competitive TV watching and light housework
