Saturday, December 27, 2008

My Take on MTV Roadies

MTV Roadies is a reality television show which airs on MTV India. The show was created by Raghu Ram and has travel, adventure, drama, touch of voyeurism.

Perhaps Raghu's nickname is Vicious and judging by his 5 years spell with the MTV Roadies it's an appropriate description. The moniker didn't come from his attitude but from the great teeny blooper tradition of nicknames evolving unpredictably - Dude, Vicious. None of them matters to me, but to occasional spring boopers like me, its a healthy sign.

I have been watching this MTV Adventure show, titled MTV Roadies show for the last 5 years. Yes, it makes me quite a senior citizen, which can be pronounced by my LIC Jeevan Policy. I have gone for the Bangalore audition this time, and I don't know if people will believe me, but I just found how focused and determined today's youth are.

Added to the fact that I was pushed by quite a few sovereign females just to come near to the camera. It was funny! not when you remember that a 68 kg fellow has two 100 kg fellas in front of him.

Auditioning for Roadies needs no prior planning. I understand every tom, dick and harry go through the earlier episodes of Roadies, but trust me all this prior planning fails. When you clear the Group Discussion round and sit in front of the two whizkids Raghu and Rajiv, everything goes for a toss.

I think the best strategy is to just be yourself. I think that should be the best strategy to handle the duo. Let me think if I were in that Interview room how would I be myself.Some people may say, "aha! it's an easy to thing to write an article, but when you step into that interview room, its a nut case". I agree to their theory.

But my point is just like MTV Roadies is like more of an bas freaky interview. If you can project what you have to be a roadie, why would you care to project something higher. Take the case of Ahmadabad roadies, Samrat Kaushik. He is a highly confident guy and demonstrated no signs of overconfidence during his interview.

Infact, when Raghu asked him to give them the 9 digit number for the division of 22/7, standing in one leg, Samrat tried to answer that showing no signs of overconfidence.

The next is playing mind games or defeating Raghu in his own game. You see these chaps sitting there are going to scrutinize your life completely, and see if they can pressurize you to lose your balance. The idea is to see how you can survive in trying situations.

So, if I can get into their shoes and try to cause a bit of imbalance, in form of whatever, you survive. Take the case of Delhi's contestant, Neha Kapoor, an air hostess.I love the manner in which she took both the bhai's case is great.

During the course of the interview she retorts and asks them "if you are trying your level best to know me that well, why shouldn't I know of both of you guys". And, if you folks remember, she has been selected for the Hell Down Under largely because she had that attitude. Delhi girls- I wish I had a girlfriend from there, since the Bangalore ones have beaten the hell out of me he he.

Next comes the panga taken during the course of the interview. Firstly, this machoism is deadly but ironically it backfires in most of the cases. Tamanna, a desi born with an angrez accent, took the panga of slapping the bhai's and than for some reasons got scared and backed out.

Post-Interview, Raghu himself said that he himself pushed Tammana to take this step. How true is that, I am not sure? I believe Raghu is no short of gimick.

MTV Roadies looks for interesting characters, and if yes, you can have 'bizzare' character like Poulomi, viewers are for a treat. Poulomi undoubtedly brought so much of colors to the interview panel that she can be a would be fashion designer. of course, she would face a stiff competition from Sonal, last year roadies. By the way, Sonal featured in DASVIDANAI as a secreatary to a director. Who needs knowledge anyway? Shambavi and Anmol have proved it time and again and MTV GTalk is another testimonial for them.

Be resolve. It is clearly demonstrated by the NCR Hills fella Kiri Timung. His confidence and determination is excellent.

Now my questions are, but not limited to, are the MTV Roadies tasks really tests your character? what sets it apart from a Big Boss show? after all you survive there too with enough of back-biting in this show too? what sets Roadies apart? is it because you have lot of youngsters there? I have mixed reviews on it. But I'll like to know what you feel on the same.

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Reviewing GHAJINI

In ages to come they will say Aamir Khan's movies are like old wines. There is a sense of excitement as you uncork another bottle. GHAJINI (hope I spelled it correctly) bears another testimonial to this actor's majestic performance.

Infact, three intellectuals sitting just above me at the theater(who almost narrated the entire picture to us) complained more on Director Murgadoss rather than on Aamir.



The reviews are coming great for Sanjay Singhania (Aamir).A short-term memory lapse guy who seeks to avenge the murder of his beloved Asin. Have you seen Memento, the Hollywood flick? Na! its not a lift-off, but yes GHAJINI drags a bit.

I am sure when you watch a PREMIERE spanning across 3 hours, you assume that you are watching the uncut version of the movie. So, if I witnessed Hindi Ghajini to have a 'LATTU' number pictured on the sexy siren JIA KHAN (remember Amitabh's muse in NISHABAD), I am not sure if that is a justice and adds to the screen.



I wish Murgadoss could have utilised that time of Jia Khan item track to bring some more vitality in the movie. At some point I felt the commerical factor, often coming from the producers cast spell into a picture's doom.

The following scenes could have been shaped or enacted better. When Aamir loses his cues, destroyed by GHAJINI, and finds himself in a hospital, there is a momentary lapse of sadness. I wish the director could have exploited Aamir's trauma in the uncertainty of his life.

Also, I understand Aamir has got lot of cues in the movie. These are essential for the way he behaves and manages himself. Would it have been a bad if efforts were made to check if those cues in his body could be unravelled a bit?

The pictures moves at a very good pace. Asin does a profound job and it could easily be understood that she knows her character in and out. She acted opposite Surya brilliantly in the Tamil version, and equally brilliant with Aamir. Jia Khan, well the oomph factor of the babe is too hard to leave out. But she is OK.



A few scenes that stands out.Aamir getting up in the morning and has no clue where he is, the scene in which Asin gets murdered is chilling, Aamir's clash with GHAJINI in the climax- I love the way he reacted. He is animal at that moment and snorts instead of talking. Wonderful!

Lapses--well, one I could remember making a long distant call from London on Asin's cell, when she is travelling in a train. Yes, I am complaining too much.

Great show Aamir Khan! another varied role. I enjoyed your performance from QSQT to DIL CHAHTA HAI to RANG DE BASANTI to GHAJINI. It's been a great ride with you. Of course, all of us went to watch GHAJINI, praying its a super-duper hit.

I am a big fan of yours, but alas!I could say. GHAJINI is a HIT only. Never mind, thanks for the show! Parents: watch out the violence factor when you take your kids. Time to get up- it's 3 in the Xmas morning and PARAMOUNT hotel is still open.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

My Take on Rab Ne Bana De Jodi

For a few seconds, I wanted to go back to the initial phase of our conversation. I wanted to tell my friend that I am not interested in watching a Shahrukh Khan movie. But, than I found myself in a theater with three girls on my right. Aditya Chopra, the makers of DDLJ and Mohabatte has always baffled me.



It is because I expect a lot from this cinematic lad. He has all the ingredients to deliver movies of par excellence but seems to be stuck up in the world of romances only. Like father Yash Chopra who is the reigning king of romance, but than he did movies like KALICHARAN, KALA PATHAR & TRISHUL too.

Shahrukh Khan, big name, brand ambassador of almost all the products that my idiotic memory could think about does a desi punjabi guy- specks wale bhaisaab, 9-6 duty karne wale. So, when this honest lad marries a girl, jo pyaar nahin karna chati hai, than he is OK with it...

Anyway, see the movie works for me plainly because the chemistry shown by Anushka with Shahrukh. She delivers a power-packed performance. She is beautiful not that glamorous and her magic works.

It could have been much better movie had the director shown pathos of Surendra more when he identifies her wife's love for Raj (that's me!!!). It is a bollywood movie with its reality surmountable.

It will work in couple of centers but Aditya Chopra needs to change his genre. Else, he is another Karan Johar in making. One time wonder- Remember Bollywood has a short-term memory. Wake up Aditya

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Conversation with Sania Mirza



Some people have questioned my nobility of profession, and instead of addressing me as a writer have called me a COMMANDO. If Arnold (surname difficult to pronounce and spell. Apologies! my english has always been poor) would have heard that, he would have committed suicide.:) Anyway, Sania, just don't give a damn heed to what others have to say about us...:)

Monday, December 01, 2008

When I almost got Married

Martyrdom is not only about losing your life in a war for your country. In situations, it could be caused by world's most inevitable thing called Marriage. I have nothing to lie here, but I do defend the basic tenet of marriage.

My cell phone suddenly beeped at thirteen hours. Normally, on Sunday evening I chose to refrain from indulging in any sort of conversational activity. I prefer to sleep like a dead hog, which in some sense is pretty good, compared to my ex girlfriends who thought I was quite active :)



So, here is a friend calling me up to be at the FORUM, a mall in Koramangala, Bangalore. I did not intend to be there, since I was apprehensive after a meal at Barbecue Nation, I would have the energy to date a girl. But anyway, a Capricorn that I am do not misses chances. So, I told her to give me a buzz after 2 hours.

I received a call exactly 2 hours prior to my last call. Two of this girls implored me to come over to the forum. But hang on- if you were wondering that Raj got a chance of hooking up with not one but two girls, you are insane like me. I was surprised when she told me to come down to the forum, so that I could be her married husband to collect a gift on behalf of her friends.

All throughout the short journey of 10 minutes to Forum, I kept on asking myself "why me?". Infact, when we met and sat there in that Marlyn Monroe couch of Country Club, everyone were looking at us. The prospective wife of mine (for a single day)was quiet and shy during the interview taken by the manager. He grilled us with questions, which was ironical in a way since my wife (for that day) is a Lawyer.

Anyway, when we were done with the interview, I looked into her eyes and asked her a question. I popped up that if the club asked for a kid, what would she have done at the situation. As usual, I did not have anything to add anything new here, but just pointed out "I am interested but she probably wants to wait"..we bursted into a roar. Thus ended the day when I almost got married.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Emotional Quotient with Maggie Noodles



(I am penning this while waiting for my plate of Maggie in one of the restaurants of Koramangala. I had just a hectic day in office and none could cheer me more than a plate of Maggie. Yes, not even my girlfriend's songs he he)

"Samrat, ayodik aasho. Tumar Maggie noodles ready." These were the much common clarion in ma hey days from ma mom. For non-Bengali readers, it means My favorite Maggie Noodles is ready to be grabbed. I love Maggie. Its been one of those delicacies that for some reasons or the other fills your mouth with water at the very mention of it. its also one of the dishes that takes hardly few minutes to cook. I am not buying that 2 minutes is exactly the time taken to prepare and relish this delicacy.

But, it takes fewer time compared to most other delicacies. Being the youngest kid of the three siblings has its advantages. I certainly was lucky enough to be mama's pet or as they say in Bengali "adorer chele".

I love Maggie, infact I used to look for excuses everytime to have it. Generally, Maggie were served in tiffin. A tiffin generally means a light refreshment served generally post dusk. A Maggie was a great thing. It means the household was doing great as a unit and it was served with great happiness.

THIS IS NOT MY PIC BUT OF A SELF-DISCIPLINED KID WHO PORTRAYS LOVE AND COMPASSION FOR MAGGIE NOODLES. EMOTIONAL INTEGRATION WITH MAGGIE!



My vivid memory stands of one particular evening when two of us, both brothers decided to cook Maggie. Both of us decided that we will skip dinner and have Maggie. I donned the garb of an apprentice while the brother cooked it for us. I still remember the recipe used to rarely eat it as it is without additives.

Now, As a kid Maggi was served to me as a treat. And I remember nestle used to send some stickers of animals which I proudly used to stick on our cooking range.

Ingredients

1. Maggie - 1 small packet
2. Onion - 1 small chopped
3. Tomato - 1 sliced
4. Oil - 4 tsp
5. Salt - According to your taste
6. Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
7. Haldi powder - A pinch
8. Adrak laisan paste _ 1 tsp

Method:

* Take a non stick pot and heat oil in it
* Put Onions chopped in it and fry it till light brown
* Put Adrak laisan paste, red chilli powder, salt in it and put a glass of water
* Let the water cook,break the Maggie and put it into the water
* Simmer it and put Maggi Masalae wich comes with it
* Stir it well and let it cook till the water is dried
* Serve hot
* Garnish with coriander leaves or boiled eggs and Mayonnaise

I am at loss now and am going for the STRAWBERRY ROCK SHOW-TIMES OF INDIA. So, I will write to you in a few days time. Till than cheers!

Saturday, November 01, 2008

My Love for Nokia 3310

I am please to share a nice poem of a very close friend of mine. A superduper talented girl, she has a bright career. Amen :)

Seven years ago on a rainy night
She walked into my life this petite delight
With each days we slowly warmed up to each other
inseparable to the core

The day begun with her pushing me to rise
She danced and smiled to bring along
Many a happy and sad times
Even when surrounded by a laughing world

Ignominy she too in her stride
Call it Nomophobia , while some looked on with the green monster shinning bright
in their eyes

but I clinged to my dear
for where else could you find a friend
who never forget a single birthday
whispered the musings of a loved one
and bathed u with adulation and criticism alike

Today I part ways with her
I give her away with a tear in my eyes
This is not the end but only another beginning
For I know beloved Nokia 3310
You will continue connecting people
With your bright smiles


Thursday, October 30, 2008

From Mama's desk- Letter to an Unborn Daughter

To my dearest Daughter,

Last night was the happiest moment in my life. You know why? Your dad and I chose to see the doctor for Sonogram report. The beatings of my heart has not stopped a bit since than. As the lights dimmed and a bright funnel of ray emitted on the glass tube, I could see you. Yes, my princess! I could see those tiny legs of your moving. The feelings of your soft hands warming my belly. I cannot express it. I could only say your dad's hands were locked into mine.



My dear, I am waiting for the day, when you will walk into our threshold. This waiting has been a sweethoo for me since the time I met your dad. When the expectant mother braces the news that she is going to deliver a child soon, the joy went leaps and bounds as the d-day progresses. This just went a step further when we saw you in the tube yesterday.

Let me tell you about how your dad and I met. You would anyway ask me at future course of your life. We met each other in Orkut. It is a kind of a social networking community in the world of internet. For the time being, it is OK for you to know only about Orkut. We scraped and than conversed over the phone. Your dad has always been scared of me. He says that I have got large eyes.

Anyway, he came to see your granny and grandad and asked them for my hands. At first, they rejected overight and turned him down. But than, he did not give up. And, after much of the cooing and all the stuffs and my stand for him, our parents agreed. Today, they are proud to have your dad as in-laws. Btw..don't tell dad about it. I know you are going to be his pet. But stil. it's your mommy speaking.

I never expected to be like this. You know during my college days, I was like this hard crack pyscho. I used to love pulling each one's legs ,and used to get really annoyed when somebody pulled mine. And so to watch an expectant smile from me on your birth is more than friends to pull my legs. Last evening I received a call from a friend in Singapore, and he could not stop pulling my legs.

My dear, I chose to bring you in this world and usher you with happiness. I hope that when you walk take those small tiny steps in our threshold it would scatter more happiness in our lives. How I wish! I had conceived you on the onset of Diwali. Your dad has already started constructing a new room for you and will be filled with the toys .

Oh by the way, you need to stop those multi-kicks at night. It is so bad on your part. These kicks hurt added to the squeals you make. I can also sense the dreaded smile on your lips and the continuous grins that make echoes and beats faster. I have suddenly developed an urgeness to eat lot and some people say half of the food is eaten for you. How! i remember this

And you come into my life. Inspite of the pains that I am facing now, its the sweetness of your life that makes me happy. The fact that there is a new born baby growing within me is a joy that cannot be told. I am waiting for the day when you will see this world with your beautiful starry eyes. I am sure you too looking to be embraced by your mother.

When you grow up to read this letter probably you will think your mother was crazy. But trust me, when a girl gifts a mother to her child, she is no longer a girl. She has blossomed into a beautiful woman, and I cannot express that happiness to you in words.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

A Four Hundred Rupees Hairstyle

(These are lines written for a dear friend of mine, who chose to trouble the society at large by her new hairstyle. Let's say a Four Hundred Rupees hairstyle. I hope she does not murder me for writing this, though chances are one hundred percent.:) Have a safe and prosperous Diwali)

Four Notes of big Hundred Style

Flocks of hairs, here and there
Falling on those deep shoulders
Some say its the new hair stylo
I say four notes of big hundred style

Dressed in Black kurta and Red dhoti (I really do not what it is! sorry)
She guile in awesome style
Black hairs smell fine
A perfume coated hair
I call it four notes of big hundred style

Trimmed nicely, the locks fall in the bosom
A nice cute smile wave from behind
It looks like a coated angel
Waving magic through her smile.

Fashion statement she made with those hairs
Mama asks why?
She care to listen.
A singing beauty, rapturous smile
Oh! what four notes of big hundred style

And thus I say...

Flocks of hairs, here and there
Falling on those deep shoulders
Some say its the near hair style
I call it four notes of big hundred style

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Knock Knock! Girlfriend in your Castle



[I am sharing this due to one of my friends request to guide him on the topic of asking his girl to come down to his room. Girls, please in no way I am responsible for any sort of resentment that may arose after reading this.
This is a purely work of fiction and any resemblance to any characters is purely unintentional.]

Firstly, do not jump at the very instant you hear this. A perfect way to accept this great news is "ashana". Do you do meditation? My better half told me once, "Deep, meditate na. Everything will be at peace than."

Important thing is she did not tell me how long do I have to hold my breadth. By the way, I do not have any saying in front of those large eyes :) I'll have passed out had she not knocked at the door than :) Ask her, since most of the times she gives some weird reasons but this is life and death.

Clean your room. The first impression is that she would hate to walk into a house which is an epitome of dirtiness. Clean it. Spray some nice room freshener especially the living room. I am such a hygienic person. Don't trust me! check the police records. And, if that does not satisfy, check all my examination papers till now. Most of them are spotless white.

Now, decide what time she is going come to your place. Have a quick shower! Dress up light. Don't wear something glossy. If you are going to be naughty, dress seductively. A Kerala towel will do wonders.

When she is at your place, and she has come bit early, do not hesitate to invite her to your kitchen. Girlfriends have always this habit of sneaking and snooping here and there. Even, if she is there in the kitchen, she will make it a habit to scan each and every nook. Do not forget to hide those beer bottles and empty cans.



If she is coming to your place for the first time and your staying with a gang of roomies, be a gentleman. Throw your roomies out or politely ask them to take their assess out for a day. Never ever ask her to come before the 'enemies' are outside.

When you are at the kitchen preparing food or anything that may involve separation for more than 5 minutes, please carry any valuable articles or objects with you. Please check that your mobile phone has any traces of your ex-girlfriend's messages. And, huh! most importantly, never ever speak about your ex before them. Sure! turn off.

The first time, she comes, make it a habit to have a lot of conversation. Don't keep staring at her for long time. Most of the girls do not like it.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Son of a Preacher Man

It has been another eventful day for Tom. Eventful-because he has managed to perform umpteenth tasks at minimal risks. These tasks that Tom regularly performs have nothing to do with domestic chores or studies. It has to do with his infighting with his father- Father George, a priest in Kollam, Kerala.

Father George, a stout disciplined preacher took the white gown at a very young age. Like most of the preachers, he too spent a great deal of time in advocating the tenets of Christianity. Father George is a lovable figure to everyone. But, to Tom he was a merciless father who did not have bestow any sort of love or affection to him.

Tom wanted to pursue a life of riches and pleasure. He wanted to dress up like those of the rich kids, and go to school by cars. He wanted to get the first seat in Sunday's mass at church for he was the preacher. But, Father George is a disciplined man. Though Father George was gifted with a car but he hardly used it. He was against any worldly pleasures. He has no qualms if these pleasures were meant for others, but he refrained it from using or anyone by his family.



Tom is the only child. He lost his mother during birth, and though Father George had raised him quite well, Tom found him guilty. He felt he was responsible for his mother's untimely death. George never made Tom realize that.

Tom was sent to the best of the schools in Kollam and given the best of education. Tom also proved to be a meritorious student averaging more than 60 percent in his board exams. But when Tom stepped in college, life took a turn.

He had friends who were constantly interacting and trying to balance the solitude between his college and personal life. Tom is a good student. But the society at large has been pain to check the constant interaction.

Tom fell in love with a girl and within a few days he turned himself completely changed. He wanted to spend more and more time with her. She wanted to give him an usherance of "everything's perfect".

Tom decided to take his dad car. Father George was in the dinner table...

TO BE CONTINUED.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Dada's last stint in Bangalore



Head high, shoulders broad and he walked away- upto a staggering Bangalore crowd that assembled to bade the prince of Kolkata goodbye. Chinawasswamy stadium has bear witnesses to many a befitting cricketers farewell, and the unlucky 13 October witnessed one more.

The aggressive champion, spinners nightmare, darling of the crowds and a fighter played for the last time at Chinaswamy stadium. I was honored to be at the stadium when beloved 'Dada' said "Goodbye' to M Chinawawamy stadium.

It all started with a call from my friend, Sameer inviting me to watch the 1st Test between India and Australia. Though I like cricket, but offlate I've been a little reticent for the game.

I had become busy with my work and maybe don't have that patience of watching 11 cricketers playing for the 90 overs. But, sameer was like "let's go yaar".

The following day I found myself in the B gallery of Chinawaswamy stadium. MG Road bore a look of deserted folks as most of them had assembled to see India batting. Quick wickets of India fell down and it was left to the old horses to see India through. Ganguly and VVS saw that India does not lose the match in any fashion.



It was the day of Prince right from the word 'Go'. He played all around the shots in the book executing each and ever shot to perfection. His timing was impeccable. He even decided to entertain the crowd by dancing down the track and lifting spinners over the long-on area- a characteristic touch of the Sourav Ganguly. The crowd cheered along.

Ricky ponting was on a misson. He brought on Bret Lee and Shane Watson who tried to exploit Sourav's weakness against short-pitch bowling. Shane in particular was lethal when he got a ball to jack from the pitch and hit on Sourav's nose.

The red kerchief came along to wipe out the blood stains. There was a minute break before the match started again. Sourav had a quick chat with VVS and no matter what VVS said the next ball found itself in the gallery. SOurav like old times, had the last smile.

Banners and vendanas depicting Ganguly's portrait as a loved leader of the masses were seen everywhere. It could be nostalgic for him since this is the very venue where he got his previous score of 259. The electronic board had a banner of Sourav saying: DADA WILL NEVER RESIDE AWAY FROM OUR HEART.

He wouldn't for sure, since he is a kind of a player, who infused the fiery spirit in the Indian cricket team, a captain with brains who always instigated youth and played with that passion.

One of the controversial cricketers of the game who played the game. I am so happy to see him playing for the last time in Bangalore. The match ends in a draw, and DADA befittingly walks back.

Michael Hussey calls him to stop and shakes hands with him. VVS Lakshman has a quiet word with him. Off comes the helmet and bandana, and a rotation of hands.

There was little emotion somewhere lingering by. Perhaps, Dada knew and so do well. It was wonderful to see this great player walk away. Perhaps if he had touched the milestone of 7000, it would have another feather in his cap, but it was not to be.

The BCCI seats in the gallery were empty; some police officials were enjoying the view. I chose to speak a lot. Perhaps, Sourav wouldn't play anymore in Bangalore, but the fact is this aggressive cricketer would be missed in the years to game. Truly! the prince calls it a day.

Thursday, October 09, 2008

A Fashion Mistake

Look, when you are between the ripe age of sixteen and twenty-one, lot of mistakes happen. Mistakes that are hesitatingly referred to as 'pain in the ass', and to my friends a fashion mishap. I have always liked wearing nice clothes. Who does not by the way? So, though the incident that I'll relate here has to do with clothes. Care to read.

I had just been to the college in Bangalore, and everything seemed to be 'drop-down'. Drop-down refers to the environment condition in which you feel yourselves pants falling down at will. Priya- freshness in every aspect, a St.Josephs student. Priya was in the eyes of every guy who wishes to have a life partner. I say life partner because you don't wish to freak out with her.

I thought I had to converse with Priya. My friend guided me that everything falls correct on the Valentines day, and I had to wear 'a low-rise jeans'-emphatically masculine. Many people still seem to think that low rise jeans and its blood relative, the ‘dangerously low-rise’ variety, cling tenaciously on in India.

I wore it and went to Priya. The moment she looked at me , she asked "what the hell! what happen to you waist". I ran away from there..

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Stop Manufacturing Cigarettes



"The decision you make today will decide your fate for tomorrow." is aptly true for the Health ministry of India. Mr. Ramadoss who has been leading the Health ministry for sometimes has regulated that from starting October 2, smoking in public places will impose hefty monetary penalty. It may in also in some cases result in imprisonment.

This decision of the government has led to quite a debate with most of the analysts trying to scrutinize the decision as 'right' or 'wrong'. Understandably, the Indian media with the dozens of television channels are trying to make it a more of a prime time issue than anything else and scaling up the TRP ratings.

I am not here to debate if it's the right or wrong decision. This article seeks to find out "why is the govt. not banning the manufacturing of cigarettes at first step?"

I am NOT a smoker though I tried it in once college; I somehow didn't like the odor of it and stopped there and than. SMOKING to me harms more than the AIDS. It results in the entire environment getting polluted.

Research has proved time and again that passive smokers are likely to be affected more than the active ones. In that context, I suggest those active smokers will now more smoke in their premises causing more pollution than anything else. Has the government given a thought about it?

Guess, we all know the revenue gathered from the Imperial Tobacco Company of India Limited (ITC) industry is enormous. The excise duties leveraged on these contributes more to the government's business.

It is a thriving and building business. To call it means a lot of revenue in the exiled zone, and its not that the decision process that needs to be executed properly.

A product that is launched in the market has to be nicely packaged and target properly to the intended audience. The audience are in need of the product. Any impact to the product distribution drastically affects the revenue as well as the package part. So, my question is why is this jeopardy?

In one hand, you are asking the government to keep on manufacturing cigarettes and on the other hand ban smoking in public places?

ITC has imposed a case on the regulatory body to stop this. It's important that certain legislation are passed by the public to quickly work on the ban imposed. To start with, the public should withhold the buying of cigarettes.

That would result in the dealers to stop getting them to the market.The government needs to pay attention to the root cause to the problem.

In a democratic nation like Indian, where every body has the damn right to express and use any sort of product for the personal use.

If you wish to impose the bank, stop manufacturing the cigarettes at the first step. Once we stop manufacturing them, rest everything will fall in place. Let's just do what we should do in first place and not just go on regulating ordinances.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

A Momentary Lapse of Reason



I must ask the readers before all of you start reading this post. What's wrong with me? Will I be ever lucky in love? I guess, a 'NO' would be the answer.

I don't wish to write about this or scribble about it. But than, do I need a reason or ask someone if I do this. What happened in the last weeks of September 2008 were the most beautiful and amazing moments with this little princess who walked into my life.

She not only infused me a belief of love but made me a nicer human being. A complete human being would be the right word. The long hours over the phone, the minute details in our respective lives were shared. For her, I was a baby, a person who infused charm and a belief that "love is special".

Unfortunately, her parent's pressure were too enough for her to withstand. She had to crush her feelings for that guy. I tried my level best to convince her, said I would wait years for her. She just said, "I'll think about it."

Parents play a role in every one's lives; they are special in every sense. They provide us with life's basic needs in terms of food, clothing and shelter. And one day, decides to take the pivotal decision of getting the kid married.

It's all nice and fine, but they just missed the important point-their daughter's wishes. She too dreams of a special person in her life, who gives her all the happiness and makes happy. Isn't that supposed to be important and not this caste and type?

Over the years, we have kept on debating on this ranks and frankly can you tell me how it has contributed? I seriously doubt, if it has help us in anyway. It has made life more miserable. Does money, ranks, caste matters to such an extent that you'll overlook the other qualities in a person.

To an extent, a girl is emotionally blackmailed at times and the girl succumbs to it. What can she possibly do also? She has seen her parents toiling hard for her, and she couldn't speak.

I don't blame her. What could she possibly do? In a society like India, we are dependent on our parents to such an extent that a girl or a boy takes years to get independent. I think that needs to be changed.

Every relationship teaches. This one did too. I guess this taught me how a girl succumbs to the pressure of her parents. She never gets a chance to live her life. What could be more tragic than this? A girl needs to break down the barriers and see her voice is heard and more understood.

As for me, it would be very hard for me to even forget this face. But, I guess I'll wait for her. Yes, I'll wait for her to come out from the shell. Be an independent woman. That's I wanted her. As for my life, well I have already lived it with her. :)

Monday, September 29, 2008

Kicking Monday Blues




Monday mornings are always a nightmare for me. It has ever been since the day one my mother took me to a nursery school. Yes, I know ABCD, and that's supposed to be an equivalent of IIT. See ABCD>IIT.

Of course at times it also meant getting bribed by your own mommy. Getting bribed aha..hell no! it was in the form of kajali mach (a very delicious fish meal with very few crabs).

My mom's specialty is that she is a wonderful cook when it comes to really cooking for fishes and paneer, and I guess from a Bengali household it is expected that fishes flavor just like flavors of sambar from a south indian household, but than that's a different story.

I am right not sitting in an Air conditioned Cabin of a company in Bangalore, staring at an application, that would be used by millions of banking tellers. The screen isn't that attractive at all. It's rigid and performing a usability review of it would be a tedious task. How I wish it would look my girlfriend? I mean it would chat a lot, behave incorrectly, but at the same time look wonderful he he.

Again Mondays; I have given it a much thought over it and thought of listing down couple of tasks or things that one can do in order to beat the Monday blues. Try it at your own discretion:

Wake up really late on Monday. It's important that the weekend should not reflect your disappointment. So, pamper the weekend badly. Try to lengthen it by as much as you could possibly.

If you partied hard on weeknights, it's important that you should give rest to your body.

Spend much time in the bathrooms. Sing as many songs as you can, possibly to the loudest tones.

Lyrics do not matter much, but at the same time you do not wish to disturb the dogs of your tenant, possibly if she has a beautiful girl, who doesn't give any shit to what possibly you are, and how many times you have been to prison.

DON'T POLISH YOUR SHOES! let them look dirty. It's important that your office colleagues and classmates know how much efforts are you putting on your work. It's also a nice excuse to be asked to leave for the day,

When you reach office, look very drowsy. You should give an impression that everything is lost in your life. People should get a feeling of "why does this moron not leave".

Check your emails as soon as you reach office. Keep re-reading the emails and than putting them in the Trash folder. It not only improves your readability but also your skills on MS Outlook office increases.

Drink lots of coffee and develop a report on the "flavors of coffee". Ask others about the scripts. Please send a copy across to RAMGOPAL VARMA or KARAN JOHAR. Who knows RGV can make another spooky flick on this or Karan gets it in COFEE WITH KARAN SHOW.

Last, but the most important: Try giving wrong calls to other office mates :)

This is why I am dressed up like the pic above. Perform all this and you will be called Matrimonial Guruji IInd Version

Saturday, September 20, 2008

As I say Goobye to Infosys


This is purely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any of the characters is purely unintentional. Readers may blame themselves for reading it

Scene 1: CDG Pantry , 22nd June 2006
(Outside: it’s been raining cats and dogs for the last hour or so. Employees with their coffee cups in Terminal bldg.)

(Inside: Two new joiners’: Sameer and Rajdeep, a little nervous by the awe of pyramid building having a conversation. Sheets of Newspapers lying in the round table. A coffee vending machine, which has witnessed both the enthusiasts’ discussion.)

Take 1:
Sameer:”What an awesome building yaar! Great na”

Rajdeep: “Ya I know” (almost falling to sleep)

Sameer: "I always dreamt of working in Infosys. Man! I hope we have a great time here."

Rajdeep: "Ya I hope so". (Now gone almost)

In comes: Manish Nema (music of Sholay with Thakur’s entrance)

Sameer: "Hi, I am Sameer"

Manish: "So, you new joiners’ ahhh! Hey, what’s your name?"

Rajdeep: Giving a look to Manish (what does he think, super senior or what!) 'Rajdeep'

Manish sits now (a 5’4 fellow who Rajdeep felt has been shortened more by the projects)

Manish: "what Rajdeep? Full name?"

Sameer gives Rajdeep an elbow hint meaning "Tell na!"

Rajdeep: "Rajdeep Gupta"


Manish: "So, why you boys have joined Infosys?"

Sameer: "well, why? It’s any person’s dream job? It’s the number IT services
company, and my interest in designing has brought me here. I am sure I am going to have a great time here."

Manish: "And you Rajdeep."
Rajdeep: Almost swearing at Manish (Meet me outside, and I will show you)" I had to join somewhere, so here I am."

2 years and a month later....
Scene 2: CDG Pantry
Outside: it’s still raining outside....people still having coffee at terminal building
Inside: Sameer in Eye Tracking Lab, and Rajdeep filling DART. Manish has become a little taller and has a competitor in Josh.

In Comes Manish
Manish: "So Raj why did you join Infosys?"

Rajdeep: "I took 2 years to answer this. Why not! I joined Infosys to get a brand name attached to me career, and today when it’s time for me to leave the Infosys threshold, I am more than happy to make the choice. CDG not only infused a brand name to my career but made me confident in dealing client projects. I walked into a services unit after working in a product development, so experience in both the units were important to a writer’s career.

My colleagues have been more than supportive to me. Sometimes the projects have been monotonous, but as Sita and Mani told me once “Each project has something in to take off”, and how true you’re Sita."

Manish: "What you quitting! so, would you like to say something before you say bye?"

Rajdeep: "Well, I’ll miss all the fun activities in CDG, especially my colleagues and cubicle mates. I’ll miss the inspiring speeches of Sridhar that lifts me, and I am sure most of the CDGians. To be honest, CDG is a family to most of us, and no one likes going away. But then I have some dreams to chase, and so I need to take a different route. Oh, btw I will miss Casa Piccola- the Chicken Parimgana Yummmy."

Manish: “Any nick names attributed by CDG”

Rajdeep: “I –MAN’ for sometimes by Aakash and Porus, Saty called me “Ganguly Baba”,

Hanuwant calls me “Ki re Dada”, and to some people “Gupta Ji”.

Manish: "So, will you keep in touch?"

Rajdeep: "Love to. Please do email me on rguptaz@gmail.com"

Manish: “Any Last words:”

Rajdeep: "Thank you CDG! Good bye and God bless! As the girlfriend says “excuse Rajdeep for his ignorance”...Hopefully, the next time we meet we have a bagful of success to discuss on"
Curtain Falls: 31st July 2008.

Friday, September 05, 2008

Reviewing: Google Chrome



In Marketing parlance: Once you have a brand name, you don’t need publicity at all. Google must be wondering and thanking stars for they have managed to save cash in not marketing for their latest product- Chrome. These chaps make world class online applications, and understandably are the ruling classes of online search engine.

This was much expected; Google has been giving sleepless nights to Microsoft over the past few years, and with its own Internet Browser ‘Chrome’ – Bill Gates you need to do some serious thinking.

Chrome released this week and within a few hours finds itself in the desktops of a few hundreds of computers. This numbers will keep on adding in the days to come, and much like Gmail- Google’s own internet email application, will dominate the market soon.

My assumptions of Chrome hitting the market and being the very best has got to quite a few factors but namely with the market war on Internet Browsers. Observe the scenario: a few years back when Internet became a household name, Microsoft’s Internet Explorer was the only thing available to the common man.

It was like if you wish to access the world wide web Internet Explorer were the only medium. Though Netscape was the primary browser, it soon fell down. Mozila acquired it. Within few years Mozilla came out with Firefox , which incidentally is an open source browser.



But the interesting part was it had lots of features, faster and bug free (almost). Till date though IE continues to dominate the browser scene with 50 % Firefox has slow and steady and caught up along with Apples Safari.

Faster: Initial days but Chrome is fast- real fast. Its interface is intuitive and just a few keystrokes and joom you are on. Downloading takes a lesser time compared with IE and firefox. Chrome uses Webkit (aka Apple Safari’s Engine) for rendering web pages.

By default, Chrome displays the top nine visited websites on the system on clicking a new tab. This identically gives you a preview to the history of the websites and also allows you the select any of the sites without any additional keystrokes.

The memory usage is very low when you think that it has varied security and javascript tookboxes.

It’s only released for Windows at the moment and will require sometime before its released for Linux.So all those Linux lovers, have patience folks!. Initial days, but I suggest you try installing and playing with it for sometime. You may come across with a few bugs here and there, but nevermind.

I love using Google apps , and I am in Totally for it. Well guys! time will tell, but for now much like the Mcdonald's product "I am loving it"

Saturday, August 30, 2008

REVIEWING: ROCK ON



It's half past one in the night, and I am just back from the Rex theater. I had gone to watch a movie in a theater after a long time. I have never liked watching Hindi movies in a theater suspending doubts over dis likeness for any Bollywood movies, but its just that I can't take these stupid gaana bajana sentiments bentiments for a long time, in these case 3 hours.

But, in this case it had something to do with Rock music, and I had to be there.

Farhan Akhtar has been the nicest thing to happen in Bollywood in 2000. Maybe, he could testify that his craftness skills has something to do with genes. He usurped a seasonal change in DIL CHAHTA HAI that rewrote script writing in Bollywood.

So, I had great hopes in him. I saw him anchoring or a celebrity judge in couple of Television music shows, and feel carried an awe of charmness and dignity in him. Happy to note here: Farhan lives to that in ROCK ON.

Arjun Rampal, long locks of hair with a guitar in hand and superb looks is always a killer. There is no doubt that his magic appeal and voice have infused teenybloopers for ages, and much like my friend Balaji, inspite of everything was not getting the all important LUCK factor going.

Farhan gave him a meaty role in DON followed up with ROCK ON. I am admiting that this has been Rampal's most matured performance. Look at his eyes when he speaks. He has his shades of disappointment for inspite being the talented lead guitarist, he could never make it in the music industry.



Purab Kohli is definitely a very cute and lovable character in the movie. But if I am not mistaken this dude is invaded by his own identity. Right from his telivision soap HIP HIP HURRAY he has over and over again played more and less same character barring. Purab definitely his timings well.

Luke kenny not much to say but he didn't disappoint though. Debbi and Prachi did their jobs well.

I wondered if Farhan would ever make a sequel of DIL CHAHTA HAI. Will he take a risk? Assuming he did, he would have to show the post-married lives of Akash, Sid and Sameer. Here, Akash is Farhan, Sid is Arjun and Sameer is Purab.

The fact is they showed a band which broke up due to indifference of two of his key members (DIL CHAHTA had Akash and Sid clash). Now, they have another reunion (Saif, Aaamir and Akshaye patching up owing to Dimple Kapadia's illiness) and this time for their buddy Luke, who has a brain tumor.

I am happy that this movie came to the market since I really wanted Bollywood to dwell on ROCK music. It's been ages since this industry has given something really worthwhile to take notice on.

ROCK ON clicks in the urban groups; it will be a smashing hit.

I just wish that it brings more musical scripts in place . We have the talent and we shouldn't be afraid to experiment.

This is the new age of Bollywood Industry. Let's Rock on

Saturday, August 16, 2008

RAPE ME



[I have a mother who kept me in her womb for nine months, took uncontrollable pains, just to bring me in this world. Are you going to kill your mother by raping a woman?..]

"Please don't do it, Akhil. Please spare me. I am your girlfriend.AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Those were the last words from Sania's lips. She is lying unconscious for the last 5 days, and her accused boyfriend Akhil has been absconding. Mr. Zameel, their lawyer has been waiting in the Civil Court impatiently. They were supposed to get married today.

"Tick Tick Tick..nurse, the patient is sinking"

I have narrated a true incident that may seem to some people as "surprising." I might also get a few brickbats from men accusing me of putting spots on their characters, but I am afraid this is fact. I am not a feminist, but I do wish that we man could have treated woman in a far superior and dignified fashion.

The dreaded Rape has been in news every now and then. Before I wrote this article, one of my friends, surprisingly told me that for every 27 seconds, a woman or a girl is raped in this world. Shocking!Shocking!



When Akhil was nabbed by the cops, everyone was in for a surprise. He was calm and composed during the interrogation, and here are a few reasons as cited by him:

1)Dominion: Girls are supposed to not voice their opinion in every matters. She kept on telling me what to do and where not to go. I felt so insulted. It was important that she knew who was running the relationship.

2)Controlship: Man like to dominate over their partners, and if it means making a women feel as less weaker, I do it. I took drugs and empowered her. She was resilent. Akhil busted into a laughter that seemed to shake the 'a sweet lover' and overcome it with 'notorious' love.

3)Physical Needs: I always have needs. Don't you have too? I mean, I watch a lot of Bollywood and Hollywood movies. They all are advocating that man should have sex more with a woman satisfy her.

All the above reasons cited by Akhil sounds absolutely rubbish to me. I don't know how rape could be prevented, but yes man have physical needs. But in no fashion, it should mean that you should force on a woman.



Rape to me affects more a woman mentally rather than her body. She not only loses the dignity to live but also the basics rights to enjoy life.

Our society has this logic that it mixes kindness to a potion. It asks a woman to drink that potion to the fullest till her life. Sympathy is good, but oversimplifying sympathy is bad. Do encourage Woman. Treat her with care, but don't make her feel that she is at a down level anyway.

The Law has to take a strict action. I am not supporting death penalty, but am going overboard on this. You have to teach the rapists a lesson. The best thing is to chop their sexual organ. Yes, do this once and than you see how it will affect.

Lastly, common sense. Why all I do it at first case? I have a mother who kept me in her womb for nine months, took uncontrollable pains, just to make me see this world. Are you going to kill your mother by raping a woman? Think about it man- Real man never rapes. Let's all join together to stop this. Now!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Ms. Kareena Kapoor Speaking



Sunday evenings are always meant to unwind and relax at home. Most of the professionals that I know chose to do that, but a certain elite class of profession called Journalists decide to make Sunday the most happening day of the week.

Well! oh aise, kay Sunday happens to be time when these masala journalists forecast the impending week's masala. I happen to know such an anecdote shared by a friend of mine, who works for a leading Bollywood e-zine. Her name is Nusaibha Azeem.

A couple of days back, when Bangalore witnessed a series of blasts to infuse hatred and scare amongst the people, I got a call from Nusaibha. Apparently, it was there in every news headlines, and the tragic news had spread like anything in every part of the globe and Mumbai was one such place.

Anyway, due to the jamming of cellphones,Nusaibha wasn't able to reach me immediately, but finally she did. "Oh Allah! you are hale and hearty, Raj! I am so glad to hear your voice.", the melodious voice crooned from the other end of the cell phone.

I solemnly pronounced "Nus dear, I won't die before producing 12 kids", and both of us busted into a hearty laugh. It so much reminded us of her college days. Anyway, it was really sweet on her part to call.

She did only to share an interesting anecdote. "Hey, Raj! guess what's happening in Ms. Kapoor's life" Star's lives do not interest me as much as cricketer's lives do.



"Hey Saif, I just called up to say that I won't be doing the sequel of JAB WE MET." "Lekin kyun nahin?" Saif asked in his usual crooky voice. I sometimes feel his voice sounded more like Rani Mukherjee counterpart.

"Well, it seems Imitiaz has signed up Shahid again for the coup, and it would be ugly to pair with him again." "Not really! says Saif. I heard that they have been quite a pair in KISMET CONNECTION, and so if you would pair with him, not only you get the limelight, but I get a hook up to."

"Really, hows that?", Kareena's eyes seem to have protruded out as she spoke the words. "You see off late the media has been highlighting on our personal lives, and if it has helped anyone is Shahid and Divya Balan. So, now if our lives are messed up like this, we can see that theirs can be affected too."

"Pray Continue"...

"Now, if we can manage to get the attention towards them instead of us, we can carry on with our work imperturbably and managed to be in limelight."



"Wow" Kareena screamed and added more to it "things will be the same without anyone even noticing the faintest of ideas. Hey you know what to get things much more heated I shall appear in one of the mushy interviews, and show how much I care for Shahid. Added to the twist, maybe show a little bit more of compassion."

“Oh Saif,you’re such a sweetheart, I love you.” And I love you too Rosa, Bips, Lolo".

Break- "So hows the story for the Sunday masala edition, Raj". "Well Nus in a nation where Shahrukh Khan and Sex sells, I won't be surprised that your picture doesn't hit the headlines." Anyway, I have never understood this filmy affairs and world. It’s such a big puzzle that celebrities can stoop to any level of stupidity in order to attain popularity. I just took the instance of Bollywood’s Kareena.

In real life, don’t we stoop to substandard levels. Just think about the last time you have done such thing to get popular. If you do remember, try to think could would you have avoided it any way. The answer is within you. Just seek for it.

Sunday, August 03, 2008

Molested Baby Screams for Justice

“Aami said I shouldn’t visit dark places,”...oom but am I a stranger, beta? I am your uncle Feroz. Nissar knew that her uncle was correct.what if she could go walk upto the amusement park. Her abbu, aami had been always supportive of her going out with uncle.



But this time, it was a raining and the past few days had witnessed scores dark alley. Her uncle had promised to give her something special this 5th birthday. She holds Uncle Feroz’s hand and goes out with him.

“Did you see that there’s something strange with Nissar,” Firdausi spoke as Dr.Shabaz Ahmed looked furtively glanced over the newspaper. Firdausi knew her husband had never paid any attention to Nissar for not because of his professional engagements. But he wanted a son. It pinched me off-lately as Firdausi was expecting their second kid, and looks like the reports showed that it’s a baby girl again.

Firdausi went to Nissar’s room. It was a side wide open. Right from her childhood, Nissar had kept her room open while sleeping. She is scared of darkness. “beta Nissar kaha ho tum?”...”she could hear the gushing of waters from the tub. The door was ajar. She could see Nissar‘s feets.

Those tiny feets had been rinsed in water for some time. She peeped in and was shocked to see her Nissar sitting there with eyes wide-open.

She walked off to Nissar, called her names, but to no effect. Nissar was speechless. She called her husband whom came running back and together they took her to the bedroom. She was rinsed properly with a towel.

As Shabaz went to call for a hospital ambulance, Firdausi discovered something wet and sticky in her daughter’s skirt. Ya Allah! It was blood...she was bleeding profusely.



“I am sorry, Mr. Ahmed but your daughter was forced “. Mr. & Mrs Ahmed were numbstruck. They didn’t know what to say forget about any actions.

They held their hands as they entered into Nissar’s cabin. Therein lays their daughter holding a doll crutched to her arms. Salinated water from bottles had been continuously given to her. Tears were rolling from her dad’s eyes. He knew he had never loved her daughter and now ...he was all in tears.

Who could have possibly done this to their daughter? She is merely 6, doesn’t even understand what she underwent and how could someone be so inhuman. They were searching for the answers. In comes a visitor’s shadow.

It is uncle Feroz. The moment he enters, he greets Firdausi and Shabaz and goes up to Nissar. Suddenly, Nissar starts wrestling her arms and screams. As the doctors rush in to medicate, Nissar lets out a scream “Feroz uncle, please don’t climb on me. It’s paining...”

Dr.Shabaz looks at Feroz. He knows the answer to his every query. Feroz shivers.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Fashion Designers in Rolling Cut

This has been so far the biggest event of the year. Everyone from the whose of whose of the world of fashion has gathered to showcase their 365 days of haute coutre. The venue is one of Mumbai's posh and seductress palace' The Taj Mahal' Hotel.

To be honest, I hardly get a chance to attend such events since as a writer we are always remembered in someone's funeral or not. So, when Neha asked me to put on my party clothes and come there, I had to say out rightly REALLLLLLLLLY!



We reached there as usual a bit early--but here goes the big theory--you don't arrive early to parties, u arrive late. Why? Simple- you derive a bag of attention from the span of people that look at you with green eyes.

If you are a designer, which was by the way Neha's profession (owns a boutique in Mumbai- I often get clothes for FREE from there :)you ought to be in your best clothes, because everyone ought to know your taste of clothing. This than can reflect in the dressed up models walking the ramp. It doesn't seems to know which designer get reflected in the clothes on the ramp or not.

Now, in the party, you never want to be looked with an empty glass. This is considered as an insult to the fashion industry, and better you get used to it. I somehow felt that an alcoholic would find it tough to survive in the party, because chance of his or her glasses remaining empty are pretty less. While Neha slipped into a Bacardi, I looked a fool sipping beer.



Soon the ramp walk started. My eyes were wide-opened as were in the days of my last minute preparation for my school exams. Only this time, it was in the excitement of awe. Some of the big names participated with full gusto. Like Tarun Tahiliani. Rohit Bal. Manish Malhotra. Sangeeta Chopra. Krishna Mehta. Ritu Kumar. Rocky S. Last year, the ramp boasted of several international models and it may also be recalled that a couple of them created quite a ruckus with their no-bra look, but this year, the ramp show looked ike a dry run.

Anyway, the show went past midnight and there was this sumptuous dinner waiting for me. Neha had a flock of friends with whom she was prone to much more of dedication that I expected. I had a very quiet dinner though I could overhear some people discussing the whole business of the FDCI or the Lakme India Fashion Week is to exploit models. I am deeply disturbed and upset with the quotes attributed to me."

But the controversies regarding the models seemed to overshadow the event even before it started. Finally, a couple of days before the D-day, the organization issued a formal statement. It was quite an eventful evening in Mumbai. Not sure I am attuned to the world of glamor , but someday I'ld like to ask a designers " Fashion-is it myth or reality?". Watch this space

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Cheery Moments with a Cheerleader



Finally, I manage to get a place in the 'M' block of Chinawaswamy staduim, Bangalore. It was the best possible seat that one could ever get, and Shenaz had used her PR relations quite well to get the coveted seat. I had thanked her saying that if I ever possibly get married, i'ld make my son get wedded to her girl. She was reluctant to even that a guy like me can make such decisions. But than that's another story. we are here to discuss cricket and so lets stick to it.

The crowd has started to build up in numbers. It was the 3rd finals (best of 3) and Royal Challengers Banagalore was up with Kolkata Knight riders. Dr. Mallya had painted the whole stadium with colors of UB and it faced a competition cause it was Shahrukh Khan, the Bollywood superstar. Sharukh was there with his whole bollywood clan of Karan Johar, Arjun Rampal, Riya sen and whole bunch. By the way, preity's mohali kings had lost so she was there with her beau Ness Wadia to support Mr. Khan.

Ok, so lot of commotion and in this hustle bustle, I caught them. Certain youngsters whose eyes were glued to one thing--skiny cheerleaders. I watched them-- oh! i have only seen them in NBA games and in movies. and here they were, short dressed up in lacy skirts who anyday can give run to the adrenalin spring.


I couldn't believe my eyes. These beautiful awesome buxom beauties dancing to the swirls of every ball. they were dancing, cheering and clapping at every stroke the team played. It didn't matter which teams were cheering for, so long as they managed to catch us with our attention.

Suddenly, I could hear some folks saying "i wish these girls were our friends" and some one said "let's talk to them".. I was like 'talk to them". How was it possible? with so many cops around them it was a next to impossible job. But,then I wanted to. Come on guys! 4 beautiful women dancing in front of you cheering you up and you can't stand by just not appreciating them. But, what if Shenaz THOUGHT abt it?

Shenaz was glued to the match and possibly like most of the girls had "ignore' status for me. I quickly went across and followed those bunch of dudes getting down in front of the seat. Driving towards the ailes of invaders in strong lathis and rifles, we made to the battlefields.




Folks! let me confess here. I am in mid-thrity's and these teenagers are dudes-- spiky hairs, rings in all places and wat not. So, their chances of drawing attention was more rather than me. I looked like an uncle in front of them and jobless as some dear friend once called me.

So, I watched as some youngster finally managed to scream "hey babes, you look hot!" to one of those cheerleader. And, instanly she figured out gave a smile, closed her lipsa and questiond ..no not the right word teased me "do I?" oh man! i was like oh God 'Mena Suvari' . Folks! pls understand it was the most decisive moment. These were girls I dreamt of going out and dating. Infact, in my wildest moment I had always thought when I land in Big Apple, I would go out with chicks.

I stealthely crept in..oh thats another SIX! Sourav has Kallis for a big one and it disappeared in the crowd. What a good time it was. Those cheerleaders sparng into action. 1..2...3 and they swirvled. Tccch Tvjjjjjjjjj..ding dong ---- aaj ki raat hona hai kya ... paana hai kya...hona hai kya? there was her' right in front of me. I wanted to creep close to her and watch that beautiful maiden stealthily walked upto me podium and took a dig at it. He knew there was noone to
I woke up to find the brimness and sulkness of human emotions tanged in ..Get up son! it's time to move gto office...A beautiful dream

Shenaz looked at me and said Raj watch the game. She had caught me red-handed and had that mischievous smile

Sunday, May 11, 2008

'Indian' Premier Leauge- A Thought



There couldn't be a better topic to discuss this days in India than Indian Premier League (IPL). But than so much has already been spoken and written about this game than I am left with hardly any subject to touch upon. So, what do I write on this league.

Firstly, let me congratulate the entire team right from the BCCI strategy group to the players and to the franchise. The show is a huge success and the upcoming days would testify its dividends. Also, it is pretty nice to witness the IPL is celebrated by the entire Indian household. So, good for the game.

So, I thought since everyone spoke and wrote so much about the game I would touch own the Regional factor. The other day during the post-match interview Shaun Pollock, captain of the Mumbai Indians mentioned we thank the Wankhede crowd for their local support. Let's change the picture to a Virendar Sehwag swashbuckling 100 and the stupefied silence of the Rajiv Gandhi stadium, Hyderabad. Sehwag rose his bat to the crowd and waved to say "hey, I am an Indian".

I looked back and analyzed and said this is strange isn't it. We are Indians and when our local teams plays why do we chose to become so emotional or Sreesanthal (an synonym for emotional). No wonder the local team support the game and they came large numbers to watch and support their teams. Good for the game, but in what modern context.

I am a bengali- yes, I love payasam, khicuri, aloo seedho, mach etc...I am a bongali babu. Yes, I idolized Sourav, Kishore da..I would go and scream for kolkata knight riders, but than if Sachin plays a glorious stropke i'ld applaud that also. Could you say now Sachin is from Mumbai and so a Bengali shouldn't applaud. Now way!



Just take Chennai Super Kings for the case. Chennai has a history of anti-hindism. They have had people who don't seem to come out of their mother tongue bar (though things have started changing a lot now), they have a Bihari captain MS Dhoni. In the TV ad Dhoni could be seen dressing up in lungi and saying 'Mind it'. Here, is to the game.

A game is supposed to unite everyone and IPL franchise cannot withstand that. The objective of every product sponsoring the game is to see that their products are used by every Indian. Will it than say- no since we are representing Royal Challengers Bangalore, only the people of Karnataka can claim to use it? No right!

My point is support your region but dont forget to applaud the other teams. In the end it's our country-India that we are supporting. Let us showcase the world that we are not only a superpower nation in terms of our IT Services and Energy but also in Cricket.

By the way to end the note in a jocular tone--which of the cheerleaders are you dancing with? You got MY point, didn't you?

Watch out this space for my '5 minutes with a cheerleader'

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Adventure of Demented Minds @ Pondy in April '08



Obviously, the sun never sets in the holiest of the places in southern India, the capital state for Tamil Naidu, Chennai. After a prolonged conversation with my best friend, where she allowed me to contemplate: do we have such characters? I decided to set off for Pondicherry. My colleague at Infosys Manish Nema couldn’t be better relief to come out of that jail where he is currently doing a project. We decided to take an ECR bus to pondy.

It was hot and I swear Chennai always leaves me speechless with its humidity factor. Everything is at extremes. So when we purchased the tickets and asked the driver “will you get a volvo for pondy?” he said we should wait there. we waited and waited . after half an hour we asked him again, he looked at me as if he had seen us for the first time..(I cannot use those words here)

Anyway, a steaming bus with more than its capacity was started with more than 70 odd people. Everywhere there was commotion, everything was in a mess. The bus started and whole throughout the journey manish and I were singing, jumping and checking out some birds. I was also lost in someone’s thought.

We reached Pondy and as usual manish and I decided to do the best we always do- select the best hotel and have some good food. After finishing the rituals...oh by the way, the hotel that we entered for food was called the 'BEST' and if it means, you'll only get Masala Dosa there and nothing else, GOD knows what it means. anyway, we took some rest and straight off went to the beach.




Now, folks please understand this is my first visit to pondy and as usual we were cluless about the directions. So, when we asked a gentelman (who would in any day give a run to the great Bollywood comedian 'Keshto Mukherjee"..go starrrrrright. That straight would have lead us to a graveyard. I am 26 now and assume that I can wait for some more time to go that place.

So, a straight walk lead us to the ROCKY beach. As the name suggests, its a place filled with rocks. Manish and I had a gala time taking snaps of each other in different angles...we were the only person in the world without a girlfriend and things really get bad when we see couples everywhere...By the way, readers we are very much staright persons. Soon, we thought we would have some food again.

Manish was screaming for some drinks too. Let me tell you something, when you are on a project in a place like Chennai and have a manager who doesn't care a damn soul, you need drinks.

So, heard a lot about it. Hotel Rendezvous take a bow! The place is marvelous both in its food and scenic food. we had awesome time out there getting floored in all directions. The entire evening was filled with sher-o-shayari, anecdotes, bashing of everyone. Manish didn't leave me also. He called me names and after that he said sorry. Anyway, we took a long walk to the hotel again and we don't know what

happened next because the last thing that I remember was someone screaming....

The following day we went to Aurobindo Ashram..we had a gala time..I saw people praying, meditating and all. Good! I will come here in my late 50's. I bought some stuffs from my friends and if they are reading it guys its time you buy me something. At 1 we took a bus ride back to Chennai.

An awesome trip that was filled with fun and amazing comradeship. Keep watching this space for more trips of mine. Till then Sayonara!