Category: Life Notes

Here is what others have said about Ted Lasso.

Claude lists the reasons for the show’s popularity and success:

• Positive tone: The show’s optimistic and heartwarming approach provides a refreshing contrast to many darker, more cynical TV series.
• Likable characters: Ted Lasso himself is exceptionally kind and upbeat, and the supporting cast is well-developed and relatable.
• Character growth: The show portrays realistic personal development for its characters, making them more complex and interesting over time.
• Humor: It balances witty dialogue with slapstick comedy, appealing to a wide range of viewers.
• Emotional depth: Despite its comedic nature, the series tackles serious topics like mental health, relationships, and personal struggles.
• Cultural commentary: It offers insights into American and British cultural differences in an entertaining way.
• Underdog story: The plot follows a classic underdog narrative that resonates with many viewers.
• Timing: The show’s release during the COVID-19 pandemic provided much-needed positivity and escapism.
• Sports angle: While focused on soccer (football), the series appeals to both sports fans and non-fans alike.
• Strong writing and performances: The show features excellent scriptwriting and acting, particularly from Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso.

Alan Smithee: “The one factor that hooked me in the first place was the show’s authenticity. It’s very realistic in terms of the life of a new-comer in a city with an entirely different culture and lifestyle. From Ted Lasso’s initial struggles to understand British culture and soccer terminologies to the team’s skepticism and resistance towards him, everything felt genuine. The characters were not portrayed as perfect individuals but rather as flawed and complex human beings, which made them relatable and endearing… Having the story shift from Ted to others’ stories just shows how powerful a single person’s impact can make a big impact on many people even though this person is dealing with his own struggles.”

Jenny Lim: “You don’t need to like football to enjoy the show. It’s a culture-clash comedy with the kind and relentlessly optimistic Ted grappling with British sarcasm and skepticism. It’s a heartfelt drama about friendship, relationships, and teamwork too – themes everyone can relate to. I love how the show balances laughs with the emotion of serious drama. The show isn’t just about Ted. It’s an ensemble of likable characters who you grow to care about.”

BeSoccer: “Ted Lasso is a fictional character, but one that nearly everyone would want to meet. A truly positive, empathetic and optimistic person who comes into the lives of somewhat grumpy players of a club that is generally underperforming. He is the embodiment of goodness and kindness. He has goodwill, he sees everything from its positive side and he has a good fit solution to every problem, even if this is not too obvious in the first place… It is cheerful and enjoyable, while at the same time it has a lot to tell about human relationships, friendship, family and work-life balance. It is one of a kind… Ted Lasso is one of a kind.”

Here are some memorable quotes from the series.

“Be curious, not judgmental.”

“I think things come into our lives to help us get from one place to a better one.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. If anything, sell yourself tall and get it altered later.”

“For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field.”

“Living in the moment, it’s a gift. That’s why they call it the present.”

“I think that you might be so sure a person is one thing, that sometimes you completely miss who they really are.”

“Doing the right thing is never the wrong thing.”

“You know what the happiest animal on Earth is? It’s a goldfish. You know why? Got a 10-second memory. Be a goldfish.”

“I think that if you care about someone and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together.”

“Believe.”

Abhishek has been home for his summer break, after his first year at Columbia. One of the common activities we do at home is OTT watching. So, there is a constant need to find new content interesting enough for both of us. This summer, we watched a few of the Harlan Coben series on Netflix, but they became a bit repetitive with the broad storyline. Presumed Innocent on Apple TV was another good one, but the ending was a mess – they should have stuck with the one in the book and film.

And so it was that my hunt for exciting content landed us with Apple TV’s Ted Lasso. I was searching for something which has right for both of us, had won awards, and was much-watched (“social proof”). Ted Lasso seemed to fit the bill well. We started with the first and were booked. We binge-watched 3-4 a day and wrapped up the 34 episodes from 3 seasons in just a couple weeks.

What I liked about the series was the combination of Ted Lasso’s character and attitude to life, the sports setting (bringing in the highs and lows of winning and losing), and the exploration of relationships. Season 1 had novelty, Season 2 had a bit of sameness, and Season 3 brought in more variety as some characters wandered wider. Every time one felt a little bored, Ted Lasso’s talk brought the moments alive. I especially liked the way he came up with the “Total Football” innovation. Facing failure, he knew he had to do something different – he had to be entrepreneurial. It is a situation I have faced many times in life. There are times when one has to face up to the facts, and then create winning paths out of difficult situations. One never knows the outcomes – all one can do is to try. After all, the downside cannot be worse than what’s already happening.

What Lasso brings is joie de vivre – delight in simply living one’s life. It is a philosophy that resonates with me. There are plenty of ups and downs – more downs than ups for entrepreneurs. During all this time, one has to keep smiling and motivating oneself and others around. An entrepreneur is like a coach – only as good as the rest of the team. Watching Ted Lasso turn AFC Richmond into winners reminded me of Lagaan and IndiaWorld. It was one of the first essays I had written on my blog in 2001. I wrote: “Lagaan is about people. Ordinary, average people, who are going about their lives – like each of us. Who, when the moment demands, do extraordinary deeds. It is about the power of a Team – the muthi (“closed fist”). As a team, they were fighting for the future of tens of thousands of their countrymen against a heartless enemy (the British). They had few resources, and little knowledge of the game of cricket. What they did not lack was fighting and team spirit, and the will to win. They were not playing a game; they were fighting a war.” I closed with the following: “Movies come and go. Ever so often, one movie comes and leaves a mark, an indelible impression – because it succeeds in bringing out something from within us. Something which has been hidden and perhaps long forgotten. Something whose existence which we didn’t even know about. As we go about our lives, we need to be reminded that each of us matters, that each of us has it within us to make a difference.”

Ted Lasso kindles that spirit of fighting, winning, living life to its fullest, not giving up, being happy, and sharing within us. It is the story of how one person can touch and impact many lives. We all have a Ted Lasso within us. We need to set him free.

Among the staples I carry when I travel are theplas and khakras. In Baku, it was difficult to get Jain food, and the theplas+khakras combo became my lunches and dinners on multiple days. Breakfast is typically not a problem since I get cereals and milk (along with some fruits) in the hotel where I am staying. But after that, as we move out, Jain food becomes a challenge. This is where theplas and khakras save the day.

I asked ChatGPT about their popularity for travelling Indians:

• Longevity: Both theplas and khakras have a long shelf life, making them ideal for travel. They can stay fresh for days without refrigeration, which is particularly useful for long journeys or trips to places where food preservation options are limited.
• Portability: These foods are easy to pack and carry. Theplas, being soft and flat, can be stacked and stored compactly. Khakras, being crisp and sturdy, are less prone to damage compared to more fragile food items. Their lightweight nature also adds to their convenience.
• Versatility: Theplas and khakras can be eaten on their own or paired with a variety of accompaniments like pickles, chutneys, or yogurt, providing a versatile eating experience. They cater to different tastes and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.
• Familiarity and Comfort: For many Indians, theplas and khakras are familiar comfort foods. Having a taste of home while traveling can be comforting and satisfying, particularly when exploring new cuisines or dealing with dietary restrictions abroad.
• Nutritious: These foods are not only tasty but also nutritious. Theplas, typically made from whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and spices, offer a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins. Khakras, often made from whole wheat or millet flours, are a healthier alternative to fried snacks, providing a good source of fiber and nutrients.

Wow! I never realised there were so many benefits.

Theplas and khakras also work good for making new friends. At multiple international conferences, I have found fellow Indians struggling to find the right food to eat. I always keep a few extra theplas and khakras with me, and they become helpful conversation starters. Nothing like some good Indian food to bond over! This wonderful comment from one of Netcore’s customers on the Baku trip is a case in point: “Thanks for also sharing your theplas. The stories that come along with it makes it the most memorable theplas I have had till date.”

I’m struck by how these simple foods have become more than just travel staples for me. They’re a slice of home, a nutritious lifeline, and surprisingly, powerful tools for connection. From satisfying my Jain dietary needs to sparking friendships at events, these humble flatbreads have proven their worth far beyond mere sustenance. They’ve become ambassadors of Indian culture, conversation starters, and comfort food all rolled into one. So here’s to theplas and khakras – the unsung heroes of my travels to new lands, bridging cultures one bite at a time.

I spent 3 days in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, thanks to Netcore’s MarTech Global Summit. I had not really heard much about it until the decision to make that the venue for our MGS. My team said it was becoming one of the hot destinations for Indians – both for tourism and conferences. One of the influencers for our decision was the availability of non-stop flights from Mumbai and Delhi. We spent half a day doing some sightseeing around the city and understanding its history.

Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily dependent on contributions from the oil and gas sector. Baku, boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Situated along the Caspian Sea, it has been a significant centre for trade, culture, and politics in the region. Its name is derived from the Persian “Badkube,” meaning “city of winds.” Throughout history, Baku has been influenced by various empires, including Persian, Ottoman, and Russian. The city gained prominence in the late 19th century with the oil boom, becoming a major hub for petroleum production. Today, Baku is known for its unique blend of modern architecture and historical landmarks, including the UNESCO-listed Old City and the Flame Towers.

Baku has joined the Formula 1 calendar with a street circuit (like Monaca, Singapore, and Melbourne). From the F1 website: “A mixture of wide and open and tight and twisty. The lonnnnng main straight along the Baku shoreline is a slipstreaming mecca, and with cars able to run three abreast into Turn 1, the action often looks more IndyCar than F1. However from there, the track loops around into the city’s narrow, winding Icheri Sheher old town, dramatically wending past Baku’s medieval city walls. As in Monaco, slightest mistakes are punished quickly and severely, while set-up wise, the teams are forced to choose between downforce for the twisty bits and less drag for the straight.” We saw the preparations in full swing for the forthcoming September race.

As we were touring the city, I could not help but think about competition for tourism dollars between countries and cities – and India’s missed opportunities. According to Wikipedia, the top nation is France with 100 million tourists in 2023. India received just over 9 million tourists in 2023. Undoubtedly, there is plenty of opportunity for growth. India has never really focused on tourism, and this is a big miss. Given its rich history and diversity, it can rank among the top 10 countries – if only we can upgrade our infrastructure faster. Many cities in India can become Bakus.  While the country boasts numerous attractions, including world-renowned sites like the Taj Mahal, Jaipur’s palaces, and Kerala’s backwaters, the supporting infrastructure often falls short. Improvements in transportation, accommodation, and tourist amenities are crucial to enhancing the visitor experience. India’s states and cities need to compete to become the Baku of tomorrow.

PS: Thanks to Sanjay for my Baku photo.

Netcore’s MGS (formerly called Hashout) is a relationship building event that combines three good things together – conference, destination, and networking. We take a mix of customers and prospects (about 30-40) for 3 days of learning, local sightseeing, and connecting. We have been doing these events for the past 10 years. They started with Indian customers and have now been replicated by different regions globally (SE Asia, Middle-East and Africa, and Latin America). The 23^rd edition took place in Baku (Azerbaijan) in late July. I have attended about 10 of these events through the years.

The format of MGS is truly innovative in the world of B2B events. It requires a delicate balance to pull off a good event with the right mix of content and experience, and I’m consistently impressed by how well the Netcore team manages this. What I appreciate most is the ability to connect with people in a way that’s simply not possible over a formal business meeting. Whether it’s during a thought-provoking session, while exploring a new city, or over a shared meal, the conversations at MGS have a depth and authenticity that I rarely find elsewhere.

Here is what I had written about the Vietnam event in 2022: “We landed on a Wednesday morning, with colleagues joining in from other Indian cities also. We stayed at Hotel Grand Saigon, right in the middle of the city. The bus ride from the airport took about half an hour amidst peak hour traffic. What strikes you first is the number of bikes. The first impressions were that of orderly traffic movement in a clean city. We had a mini-conference in the later afternoon on the first day, followed by a couple hours of a city tour and dinner. The second day was a full-day conference. We then went on a cruise in the Saigon river for dinner. The next two days were free format. Some chose to visit Mekong, others picked places to see in HCM. Since Netcore has many customers in Vietnam, I chose to meet some of them. I also saw the “Water Puppet Show”, which reminded me of a puppet show I had seen in Bangkok many years ago. The HCM innovation was the use of water. Saturday (Day 4) afternoon was time for the return journey. By now, everyone knew each other well.”

If I am attending, then I begin with the conference with a keynote address. The Maya story was a presentation I had done at our Yas Island event in January 2024. I did a variation of it in Baku, along with a short session on entrepreneurship with themes discussed in my book.

As I reflect on the numerous MGS events I’ve attended over the years, from Bangkok in 2013 to Baku in 2024, I’m struck by the lasting impact these gatherings have had. They’ve not only broadened my professional horizons but have also enriched my personal experiences in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The MGS format has proven to be a powerful catalyst for building genuine relationships in our increasingly digital world. An attendee’s words in Baku – “We came as strangers and are leaving as friends” – encapsulate the true essence of what makes MGS special. What we all take away and remember are the stories which become our memories.

As Netcore continues to innovate and expand this unique concept globally, I look forward to many more MGS events, each promising new friendships, fresh insights, and unforgettable experiences. In the end, it’s these human connections, alloyed in diverse locations around the world, that make our professional lives truly meaningful and rewarding.

Anjali’s determination was what brought the dream of parenthood back in our eyes. If she was not willing to give up, why were we? She was willing to try all options to help us become parents. This never-say-die attitude on their part was what brought us back to their clinic in July 2004 for our second ICSI procedure.

Like the previous occasions, everything went fine. But this time, I was much more guarded in my optimism. I decided I will not think about it at all. No more of the what-if-Bhavana-is-pregnant mind games. If it happened, I would think about it later. Else life would go on. Bhavana and I had decided that this would be our last attempt (something we had not told the Malpanis). Life had to go on.

I left for the US on a business trip a couple days after the procedure. The hectic schedule over the next two weeks left me little time to think. But I knew that the blood test was scheduled for August 16. As the date neared, I could not but think about the outcome. I was not very optimistic this time around, but there is always that glimmer of hope which never ebbs away.

And then came Bhavana’s happy call.

When I look back, my muted response to Bhavana’s positive test was perhaps an outcome of the business ups and downs I had become so used to in my life as an entrepreneur. Failure makes success sweet but it also teaches equanimity. Success and failure are but two sides of the same coin. We had experienced six previous failures over the past three years. Mentally, I was ready for another one. When the news of the success finally came, I was still hesitant to accept that our long wait was over. After all, waiting was something we had become very used to over the years.

On April 19, 2005, Abhishek came into the world as a six-and-a-half pound baby after a Caesarian. I could not believe it till I saw him and held him in my own hands. Five years after our first meeting with the Malpanis and eleven-and-a-half years into our marriage, Bhavana and I were parents.

For me, the lasting memories of that day are when both Anirudha and Anjali came (separately) to Breach Candy Hospital and held Abhishek in their hands. He was, after all, their creation. He was a triumph of their determination as much as he was our dream come true.

**

Anjali has been a friend for Bhavana and me through these years. She exemplifies the joyful spirit of life itself with her infectious joie de vivre. For her, every day is a blessing, every moment to be lived – for a mission. Bringing more babies in the world. Always patient, always ready to answer every question, always persevering, she goes the extra mile. For her, there is no “patient” – only mothers-in-waiting.

The book tells the stories of Latika, Nicole, Jyoti, Lily, Pooja, Durga, Yasmin, Shivani, Lakshmidevi, Kanta, Sushma, Sudha, Rakesh and Arjun, and countless others. Through these pages, you will live their ups and downs, ask their questions, and get Anjali’s answers. As someone who was once sitting across the table from Anjali, I could not help but relive our trials and tribulations as I read through these stories. There is something magical about the birth of a baby. Most are fortunate to experience it in the natural flow of life. Some need help. And for them, God has sent doctors like Anirudha and Anjali.

As I finished reading the book, all I could do was echo the same words from a moment long gone by but never forgotten, “Thank You, Anjali.”  

I wrote a foreword for Dr. Anjali Malpani’s book “Tries, Sighs, and Lullabies.” It is based on an essay I had written 19 years ago.

Abhishek is one of Anjali’s sixteen thousand babies. Born after five years of IVF treatment, he is truly Anjali’s baby. Bhavana and I had almost given up after four years – the emotional upheavals being as much as the medical challenges. But Anjali never gave up. She pushed us for one more try. I was at a friend’s place in Atlanta when Bhavana called to give the good news. For me, the words which came out were “Thank You, Anjali.”

Our journey with Anjali and Dr. Anirudha Mapani had begun in 2000. Bhavana and I had been married six-and-a-half years when we first visited their clinic. I had known Anirudha earlier through interactions I had with them in 1993-94 when I was trying to do an image processing software and needed to analyse ultrasound scans. That time, I went as an entrepreneur. This time, we went as patients.

Going to Infertility specialists is not something one can discuss easily with family and friends (however close they may be). It is a difficult decision to make and it means that both husband and wife have to accept reality and make a joint decision to seek advice and help. While the Web can be a helpful resource in understanding problems and possible solutions, there really is no alternative to spending time talking with doctors. Especially, ones who are as warm, friendly and knowledgeable as the Malpanis.

Our first IUI was in November 2001. Everything went well. Even though one knows the statistics (only a 10% success rate), optimism is always high. So it was in our case. Those two weeks after the transfer were long days. When we finally did the pregnancy test and it came as a negative, it was a blow. But, doctor, everything went well. Why did Bhavana not become pregnant?

That is a question which is perhaps the hardest to answer for a doctor because there are many possible reasons and yet there isn’t one which will satisfy aspiring parents. We were to ask that question four more times over 2002. With each passing IUI, optimism began to get replaced with an acceptance of the reality. Perhaps, a baby was not in our destiny. Bhavana and I also discussed adoption on more than occasion.

We decided to take a break from it in 2003. Even more than the physical pain of all the injections, the emotional stress can be quite unnerving. With each treatment, there is expectation from the family and that only serves to increases the pressure. And then there is the ticking biological clock.

We did our first ICSI procedure in January 2004. Again, everything went as well as it could have gone. Hopes rose again what could be better than having an egg and a sperm be mated together! (We also had the lucky room at the clinic, we had prayed to all the Gods, and even the astrologers had foreseen a baby!)

I still remember the afternoon I went to collect the blood test report from the lab. As I waited, a stream of thoughts flashed before me. While I tried to keep cool, I knew that in the report there lay the magical number that could possibly change our life forever. For a few fleeting moments, I imagined myself as a father.

When the report came, with a bit of trepidation, I opened it. The answer was what I had feared to think about. Bhavana was not pregnant. I made the call home and with a heavy heart made the short long journey home. Bhavana and I sat that afternoon and talked about life beyond. (We had gotten used to living life in one month increments in the hope that the next month would be different.) She was much more accepting of the situation than I was. My scientific mind kept thinking of why a baby could not be created than the eggs and sperms were absolutely fine. Why did we always end up on the wrong side of the probabilities?

Time heals, and so it was this time also. When we went and talked with the Malpanis (who by now had become very close friends), we were willing to call it quits. Going through this tension of the monthly cycles and ensuing disappointments was starting to take its toll. We wanted a finality to it all. We were willing to accept that we would never have our own baby. We wanted life to move on.

A few months ago, I had gone to Palitana with my in-laws. Palitana is of immense significance to Jains as it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites. Located in Gujarat, the Shatrunjaya hill at Palitana has over 900 intricately carved temples. The temple at the top, dedicated to Lord Adinath, the first Tirthankara, is particularly revered. Jains believe that visiting and praying at these temples brings them closer to achieving spiritual liberation (moksha). The journey to the summit is considered an act of devotion and penance, reflecting the Jain principles of self-discipline and non-attachment​. The temples are reached by climbing around 3500 stone steps along a hilly trail.

I have done the climb many times in my life. An early morning start is advisable. The climb takes about 90-100 minutes. As I was doing the climb and nearing the summit where the temples are, I lost concentration momentarily, hit my foot against the next step, and toppled over. A few people nearby immediately rushed to help. I got up and seemed okay. So, I continued my climb. Only later did I realise I had bruised myself on my knees. Nothing serious.

As I reflected later, I realised it was a lucky near miss. Many things could have gone wrong. I tried to analyse what I did wrong. I had started taking the climb for granted. Instead of concentrating on the next step and the journey, my mind had started to wander. Perhaps I was distracted, but what should have been an easy next step could have been a disaster.

This was the second time I had suffered a fall. In March 2023, getting out of the New York subway in downtown and carrying a backpack with my laptop, spiral book, and iPad, I hit my foot against an inflection in the footpath that I had not seen, and toppled away. A colleague was at hand to help, and we quickly walked to a CVS and got some medication to apply. Once again, it was not too severe, else I would have been in some trouble in a hotel (luckily, not a hospital) far away from home.

As I connected these two incidents, I realised that life is full of such “turning points” which could go either way. All it takes is a small mistake to disrupt the flow of life. These were both lucky escapes, and the odds are against being lucky for a third time. I promised myself that I will bring in a sharper focus when I am doing one task (walking in both cases) instead of mindwandering (at the wrong time).

I stay at Kemp’s Corner and work in Lower Parel. While the morning commute is a short 20-minute ride, returning home used to take 30-40 minutes due to the heavy traffic on Peddar Road, which served as the primary north-south corridor. This has changed dramatically with the opening of the Coastal Road. The bypass has significantly eased traffic on the inner roads, making my return journey home just about 20 minutes. The road has been constructed very well, though the Haji Ali spaghetti connectors still need to be figured out!

I remember the time when the Bandra-Worli Sea Link opened. It was a marvel of engineering, allowing traffic to bypass the congested inner roads and providing a smooth route to and from the suburbs. Over time, of course, bottlenecks are never eliminated; they just move elsewhere.

Recently, I took the Atal Setu en route to Talegaon/Pune, and it was another great experience, cutting short about 20-30 minutes of travel time through Navi Mumbai. One also gets to experience some nice views of Mumbai and its environs.

Mumbai is also undergoing a massive transformation with its metro projects across the city. The metro lines are revolutionising public transport, easing traffic congestion and providing a faster, more reliable mode of travel. Although I had hoped for an underground metro system, which could offer better interconnections between lines and with the suburban railway system like the New York subway, the current developments are still a significant improvement.

And then there is the new airport coming up in Navi Mumbai in the next couple years.

As I was thinking about this, I realised that Mumbai’s ability to reinvent itself is not new. The city has a long history of transformation, driven by its strategic importance and economic potential. I asked ChatGPT for a historical perspective in Mumbai’s journey of reinvention:

1. Colonial Era Development:

1. • Bombay’s Formation: Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, was a group of seven islands under Portuguese control until 1661, when it was given to the British as part of Catherine of Braganza’s dowry when she married King Charles II. The British East India Company leased the islands in 1668, recognizing their strategic value​.
   • Reclamation Projects: During the British colonial period, extensive land reclamation projects joined the islands to form the bustling city of today. The Hornby Vellard project in the 1780s and subsequent reclamations throughout the 19th century transformed Bombay into a major port city​.

2. Economic Boom in the 19th and 20th Centuries:

1. • Textile Industry: The establishment of cotton mills in the mid-19th century turned Bombay into the “Manchester of the East.” This industrial boom attracted workers from across India, contributing to the city’s diverse population .
   • Infrastructure Development: Significant infrastructure projects, such as the construction of Victoria Terminus (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) in 1887 and the development of major roads and railways, further enhanced the city’s connectivity and economic prospects.

3. Post-Independence Expansion:

1. • Economic Liberalization: The economic liberalization in the 1990s spurred another wave of transformation. Mumbai emerged as India’s financial capital, with the growth of the Bombay Stock Exchange, numerous multinational companies, and financial institutions establishing their headquarters in the city.
   • Urbanization and Modernization: In recent decades, Mumbai has seen the development of new residential and commercial areas, such as the Bandra-Kurla Complex, and significant improvements in transportation infrastructure, including the Mumbai Monorail and the expansion of the suburban railway network.

For me, Mumbai was and will always be home. And it’s nice to see it becoming better – and going vertical!

A few months ago, I watched “Shogun” on Hotstar. Many years ago, after a recommendation from a friend, I had watched an older version which was available then on YouTube. “Shogun” is based on the book by James Clavell, published in 1975. It is about the events in 1600 and based on the events that led by Tokugawa Ieyasu coming to power and founding the Shogunate which lasted till the Meiji Restoration in 1868. In the book (and TV/OTT series), the main character is Lord Yoshi Toranaga. The web series is exceptionally made, and brings to life the Japan of the 16^th century. It is about the period’s traditions, rituals, and politics. The acting by the main characters is exceptional.

The story follows John Blackthorne, an English navigator who becomes shipwrecked in Japan. Blackthorne’s arrival disrupts the existing power dynamics, drawing him into the complex and dangerous world of samurai and feudal lords. As he learns about Japanese culture and politics, he becomes an advisor to Lord Toranaga, who seeks to become Shogun, the supreme military ruler. The novel explores themes of cultural clash, loyalty, and power, vividly depicting the tumultuous period of Japanese history known as the Sengoku era.

When Bhavana, Abhishek and I had had visited Tokyo some years ago, we made a day trip to Kanazawa on the other coast of Japan. We wanted to do a bullet train ride, and picked a far enough place that would also let us see the countryside. In Kanazawa, we see the castle and the Ninja ‘temple’. I was reminded of that trip as I watched Shogun.

One disappointment (but then it’s not there in detail in the book idea) was the limited time given the Battle of Sekigahara, which was a turning point in Japanese history. Fought on October 21, 1600, it was a decisive conflict that marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate, establishing Tokugawa Ieyasu’s dominance over Japan. This battle ended centuries of civil war and set the stage for over 250 years of peace and stability under Tokugawa rule. It was a turning point that unified Japan and centralized power, transforming the political landscape significantly​. (In the Indian context, it bears some similarity to the Third Battle of Panipat, fought on January 14, 1761, which marked the end of the Maratha Empire’s expansion and the beginning of British dominance in India. Both battles were crucial in shaping their respective nations’ futures by determining the central powers that would rule for decades. The outcomes led to significant shifts in political, social, and military structures, influencing the course of history in Japan and India.)

So, watch Shogun. For me, the star is Anna Sawai as Toda Mariko. She is, as explained by Wikipedia, “an intelligent highborn woman with strong loyalty to Toranaga. She is a Catholic convert who serves as a translator between Toranaga and Blackthorne.” In one episode, Sawai beautifully explains the “Eightfold Fence,” a metaphorical concept from Japanese culture. It represents the layered complexities and strategic barriers within the political and social landscape of feudal Japan. This concept symbolises the intricate layers of defence and strategy employed by characters, especially women, to protect themselves and their interests, creating a sanctuary for themselves.