Your cover story on Vicky Kaushal was interesting. He is an actor with immense potential and will go a long way (‘A star is sworn’, March 24). Kaushal’s portrayal of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was brilliant. Today’s generation needs to know about Manekshaw, and who better than Kaushal to enact the legendary officer. Kaushal proved his acting prowess by nailing the nuances of Manekshaw. The actor is humble. Unlike many stars of Bollywood, success has not gone to his head.
Vyomika Gupta,
On email.
Kaushal knew his calling was in front of the camera. He enjoys acting and is so effortless, as evidenced by the variety of roles he has played. I hope Kaushal keeps the same pace and continues to enthral audiences by his josh (zeal).
Praveen Thimmaiah,
On email.
As a soldier let me thank Kaushal for portraying the role of Manekshaw exceedingly well. I have had the privilege to interact with Manekshaw while I was posted in Wellington cantonment. He had a great sense of humour, and was a hit among many even at the ripe age of 86. During dinner parties he never sat down, and made it a point to meet everyone present, including women, who loved his wit and sparkling eyes. Manekshaw will always remain a hero for the Army, and a pride of the nation.
Col R.D. Singh (retd),
On email.
Kaushal is full of finesse and rawness and that helps him reinvent himself with every character. I am sure he will elevate his performances in the years to come, and will emerge as one of Indian cinema’s most acclaimed actors.
I feel Kaushal should not have married so soon. He should have waited for some more time. Having said that, Katrina Kaif was a great choice.
Anju Balan,
On email.
The Kashmir conundrum
The BJP will face a backlash in Kashmir. There is seething anger there and it is bound to come out during the elections (‘Saffron dreams in paradise’, March 24). Only a section of the media is projecting normalcy in Kashmir, which is far from the truth. Development in Jammu and Kashmir is futile without addressing the problems of the people there.
Nandagopal Raman,
On email.
I am sorry to say this, but Omar Abdullah is cutting a sorry figure these days. Article 370 is never going to come back. Abdullah should fathom that there is peace in Kashmir now. The terrorist-secessionist ecosystem in the country is all but over. Today, Jammu and Kashmir has a new development concordance, and this is visible.
Let everyone know well that the Union Territory is an integral and absolute part of India. The Abdullahs and Mehbooba Mufti should end their hostility with the BJP and be a part of the rising India story.
Neha Sethi,
On email.
People in Jammu and Kashmir have suffered an era of pain, destruction, backwardness and were alienated from the progressive world by political parties like the National Conference and the PDP to ensure their survival. In the last decade the Narendra Modi government has brought in major reforms that has truly changed the face of the UT, which was once called paradise on earth.
Shivi Mehta,
Lucknow.
Thank you
In December 2023, Wakeel Hassan and his team bored through the last 18 metres of debris in the collapsed Silkyara tunnel. It was watched and followed with bated breath by the entire nation. So, such treatment to a selfless, brave hero, shows a sad state of affairs. Admitted, encroachment continues to hinder planned growth, yet Hassan’s efforts were truly heroic.
Let me thank THE WEEK for bringing Hassan’s story into the public domain.
Sachidananda Satpathy,
On email.
Smart politicians
Now that the Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP has joined hands with the BJP, it is a foregone conclusion that all the cases against Naidu will banish (‘Man of manoeuvres’, March 24). It seems that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will instruct Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to go soft on Naidu, or else Shah’s agencies will go after Reddy. Reddy and Naidu may be immensely popular in Andhra Pradesh, but I have my doubts as to whether they are clean politicians. Not so long ago Naidu had criticised Narendra Modi for not doing anything for the state. Modi had also criticised Naidu. There is absolutely no sincerity in politics these days, and this baffles me.
Shah and the BJP leaders have become so cunning by sewing up alliances by hook or crook. It also goes on to say that the saffron party is not confident of coming back to power on its own.
Mayank Manuaj,
On email.
Be a vegetarian
Having food before sunrise, according to me, is not a good habit; that too heavy food like biryani (‘Early bird gets the biryani’, March 24). As they say, you should consume your heaviest meal when the sun is at its peak. If one has biryani frequently, say more than two or three days in a week, it is like consuming junk food, as biryani has high fat content. THE WEEK should not have given publicity to the practice of having biryani at 4am. After reading your story many more could attempt it.
In fact, more and more young people should opt for a vegetarian life. It will make you feel light and you will never regret it. When you become a vegetarian you are protected against major diseases. So why not opt for it, and lead a long, healthy life?
Ratnakar Pandey,
On email.