Matrimonial Guru!

Memories of Down Under!

2012-01-06T08:30:00.000-08:00

I love Sydney. It is one of the most beautiful and exotic places to visit. And if you happen to like water sports, there is no other place that comes close to Sydney. No sooner you reach Kingsmith Airport, a certain birdie will let you know that the airport authorities are very strict about things that you bring in Australia. But then if you tell them that you are visiting Sydney Cricket Ground and Don Bradman is the arguably the best Australian till date, you have a chance to beat them. It is a sports loving nation and which is why all that happens in Australia is anything but dullness.

My earliest memory of Sydney Cricket ground dates back to 1992 World Cup Cricket. We had a Black & White television set in our house. My eldest brother who used to sleep after the crows started morning hymns used to tap me on shoulders and tell me that Ian Chappell is away for the toss with the two captains. It was an advantage in those days to switch on TV and get your channels. Because you just had one channel. Doordarshan inspite of all its commercial breaks and insipid behavior was your savior. You could hear the birds singing and seagulls all across the SCG while Bill Lawry and Richie Benaud used to take the guards. I think Sunny Gavaskar was the first Indian commentator to be included in Channel's Nine commentary team and that was quite an achievement considering stalwarts like Richie Benaud, Frank Tyson, Bill Lawry, Tony Greig,and all the other Johnnycomboys made it an experience.

Growing up in the IT city of India is fun because I had amazing friends with whom I could talk on everything. Friends who had a voice in everything. 1999 when I saw the likes of VVS Laxman and Tendulkar whooping massive runs in SCG. It was the time when Tendulkar's captaincy was tested and we used to lose matches after matches in SCG. MCGrath and Shane Warne had by then became the lethal front of Australian bowling side. And more or less the world was witnessing the insurgence of a cricketing side that went to dominate the world in the next decade.

The next time was in 2003 when I saw Sourav Ganguly determined to make a statement on the Australian scene. If there is anything that I really feel MS Dhoni should imbibe from Sourav is to get that intensity which Sourab has and how to get under the skins of Aussies. Sourav was a champion in that and much like today he thought it was important that India started well in Down Under. And he did. We drew in the series and almost should have won the match at SCG- Steve Waugh's farewell but the umpires had a different story to tell.

Lots of things was happening in Indian cricket. IPL,large merchandise and all. Both the boards realized the importance of Gavaskar- Border trophy which is why you see more matches between the sides. Note that ACB invites team which they feel has got the pulse of the folks going. In the past, it was Lloyd's team.

The series is happening at the moment and India is behind 2-0. I would introspect about the series after the test matches gets over. I'll come up with another memoir then.

When it was never a 'payback' series

2011-10-30T06:59:00.000-07:00

I never agreed upon the wisdom of having a cricket series titled 'payback'. Marketing evangelists would agree that whatever branding you may choose to do at the end of the day if products are not of equal value then it loses its shine. This is why I disagree the labelling of the recently concluded series as 'payback' because the circumstances in which the games were played were entirely different.

India went under the hammer recently when they lost everything they could. MS Dhoni even lost all the tosses. They played in cold weather conditions that they are not bred in, icy cold weather where the players had hands under the trousers more than they had with the cricket balls.

The age old dictum of naive playing seam bowling came to haunt them as they struggled against the English quicks and made Anderson a superhero. But in comes England to India with the hope of a series victory. And they get hot and humid summers. The ball turns viciously and the same players who were recently awarding comments to the likes of Tendulkar and Laxman were mystified by spinners. To make it worse in the last one-day at Kolkata Dhoni brought Manoj Tiwari as spinner and he got a wicket too. It just makes the sides so different.

Here is Alstair Cook who has a batting, bowling and fielding coach travelling with him but he could not make them do anything. Swan who was titled as the next spinning legend was played with so much ease that it made Samit Patel cry. But lets face it- English were overconfident.

It was a disappointing series for the English should have played the spinners well but they did not. India failed to adapt to the seaming conditions recently so I sense unless English comes and play 4 tests in India and India beats them convincingly we should refrain from using that word.

MatchPoint

2011-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

It’s half past nine and am busy sipping a nice cup of ice lemon tea at my favorite den Boca Grande. The place is unusually quiet today. And while I do not mind the occasional tid bits of human voice crooning from some place, I am enjoying this romantic quietness. Sometimes, I could get into the deepest of thoughts and come out with imaginative ideas. These ideas could never solve my problems and yet I enjoy thinking about it. Something was going on my mind for the past few weeks. Today, it sharpened into a belief and a die-hard romantic of Indian Cricket all I could think is 'administrators need to give few answers'.

I take great pride whenever someone tells me you are from a cricket-crazy nation, that you have a billion-dollar product IPL and have a galaxy of stars who captures the billions of imagination onto the field. I reflect for a while and understandably it is true. No one other thing has united the country like Cricket does not even Bollywood movies. In fact Bollywood has over the years tried to associate itself to the game for a multitude of reasons including promotional activities. For how could you make the sense that you have stars from Shahrukh Khan to Shilpa Shetty owning Cricket teams? Nothing bad at all!

I started watching Cricket in the 90s and just like any other kid who has an elder brother and a mat at the backyard played the game. Earliest years were of three brothers trying to outwit each other with tennis balls. In fact such was my passion for the game, years later I used to see other kids playing at the backyard and doing running commentary.

As things evolved over the years and technologies crowded the living rooms, everything associated to sports was marketing. Cricket is a product and we had each one of our cricketers making billions of money just being associated with it. I saw it and I realized that if you are a professional there is no harm.But then you became the No.1 Test Playing Nation and suddenly you are at some peak where others are trying to reach. This is where Indian administrators got it all wrong.

We played tough and very good Cricket with teams that had good players. And it could have not come without the likes of Dravid, Tendulkar, Sehwag, Dhoni, Ganguly, Zaheer and the rest.

The administrators seem to notice that the public were paying more attending to the One Day Internationals and Twenty Overs Games. Those were the avenues where money was flowing. The Indian Cricket Board became a rich board overnight. And as money started to flow the games took a different direction. Every series that India plays we identified more 50 overs than test matches. Somewhere down the link something was amiss. But I did not complain. When we win matches, we do not. Quantity rather quality was BCCI's topmost concern.

When you become world no.1 you will be replacing another team to the throne. India replaced Australians who have in every sense dominated for a decade. They won three world cups in a row, won 18 test matches in a trot and made every other test match playing country look meek to them. In fact, critics had even went to opined that if Aussies were not dethroned it would be very bad for the game of Cricket. But, so many lessons to be learnt from this amazing side? their discipline, hard work, professionalism and above all the passion to win. They never wanted to lose. In fact, when they came down from No.1 position, it was due to partly their players retirement than anything more. Watching Indian team performing/Stonewashed in England I am concerned and wanted to ask the administrators, "are you saying that we can play an one-off practice match and be ready?" its just a joke.

And the apathy is while India were losing games after games, all the board was thinking was how could we have the great Indian team One-Day team announced. I mean the priority seems to be win One Days and even if we lose test matches it is fine.

Somewhere down the line, it hits me badly to see an Indian cricket side performing poorly in all the matches and yet there is not even a sigh of repent. Words need to be spoken and spoken in a tough fashion. As the game's patriot I demand that only the Cricketers but also the administrators should be taken to tasks. If I were to watch India playing I wish to see them trying hard in the field. And in doing so if they lose that is fine with me.

It's half-past ten now and I better leave for my apartment. The place has just started to fill up, and while I walk past the door, a young lady requests for the Cricket score. I could not stop laughing. By the way, do we have a second-string side or we will wait another 5 years here?

Confession of a lover!

2010-11-28T05:53:00.000-08:00

I have been in a relationship for quite sometime now. It has not been that quiet. We had our odd differences and arguments. I have been at faults most of the time. I sometime feel I could have avoided that argument or fight. But it just happen. I just feel I have not been able to do justice to her love. More so, when your lover is an eternal romantic. The only thing that brings smile to her face is me.

I know that she cannot even stand a day without speaking to me. Everything she does is to make me happy. It makes her smile whenever she watches me smiling. My goals, dreams and objects of interest are considered to be her own. I do not how she does it, but she is just too perfect.

She is younger to me in years, and I know this is her age to be as naughty and chulbulli she could be, but sometimes I forget. I would forget and rationalize with her of not being practical. But, Raj how could she be? she is so young and she needs my love and support to make her feel that? I feel this blog post is in a way my reconciliation to the fact of those unspoken words and deeds.

I do not know if there is something called true love or lover. But, even if someone makes you feel that the person is just there for you, then it is love. Love is a beautiful thing and I hope I can do justice to it. It is a privilege to be in someone's arms forgetting all the sadness and pathos of life. I wish to be loved and you fulfill it with all your charms. We will have to travel a lot, but I am sure we will cover the distance with a smile. Thanks is not the appropriate word here, but I am in all awe of you.

John and Raghu's wonderful Chemistry!

2010-10-25T01:39:00.000-07:00

{Pic source:http://mtv-roadies-6.blogspot.com/2009/04/baap-of-popularity-raghu-ram.html}

I wonder why Abbas Tyrewalla had to take Palki for the role of Mishika. Apart from her, I found each one of the characters fitted perfectly to the fore. And, those of you who have watched Jaane tu he jaane na, this movie has nothing new for you. But those of you who have not watched this movie, you will like it for sure.

Shot at the locales of London, the movie is about friendship and love. It becomes interesting when love causes all the problem. Each one of the characters has a love twist in the movie. Starting from John to Raghu to Manasi Scott and Palki- each one has a love angle.

John finally exhibits some emotions; he is a tough-hearted hero who suddenly finds himself in a comical situation. Raghu is the best of the lots with his half-witted humor and sarcasm. Palki is ok. She is sensuous but she is too old to do a song and dance role.

You will get to see a lot of youngsters and couples making their way for this movie. It has a large quotient of love added to sacrifice in it. And, I am sure they will appreciate it a lot. Usually, these movies are Abbas' forte. Abbas usually writes the script for his movies, and you could see that he has used a typical youngistan lingo in the movie. Good job!

Raghu and John are there in 80% of the scenes in this movie. They share a wonderful chemistry. You can easily relate Raghu's character with MTV Roadies. I think it could only be the saving grace of the film. The film will run for some weeks, but I guess it is short-lived. I won't mind watching it-this time with my girl.

RGV'S tribute to Tarantino-Rakta Charitra

2010-10-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Yes and a big No. The verdict for Ramgopal Varma's gory epic. Yes- because, I feel he has tried to create a biopic with a proper star cast without compromising on its value. No-because, blood and gory movies are easily categorized as unsuitable for a major section in Bollywood, and it will thus lose any chances of qualifying for a proper award.

There is one more thing that I think RGV needs to be applauded. He is not scared of trying out new subjects of interest in Bollywood. Hate or like him, but you will always be curious to know the plot of every RGV movies.

I did a little bit of research on RAKTA CHARITRA-The Transformation. I was horrified to read the facts. Characters like Buka Reddy, Pratap Reddy and all are not the major stereotypes characters. Their life has edge written all over. Now, my question is who would make a movie like that in Bollywood?

I am a great fan of the Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill stalwart Mr. Quentin Tarantino. I feel if there is anyone who could closely come to reach his standards would be Vishal Bharwadaj. But, RGV has proved me wrong. It is one of the blood, gory and ugly movie you will have ever get to watch. And, yes, RGV has hailed his Telegu roots very well.

Vivek Oberoi has always been called an one-film wonder. His COMPANY is hailed to be one of the best debutant performances till this date. I expected a lot from him in Rakta Charitha. Note here Vivek does not speak or grin much like Company. He is a nonsense getter, full of vengeance yet smart. The beard looks good on him and adds on to the character. I enjoyed his performance, but I expect more histronics from the second part.

Shatrugan Sinha is a great actor and he delivers a power-packed performance and so does Sushant. But, the person who steals the show is Abhimanyu Singh. He impressed me a great deal in Gulal but this character of a sadist and sexmaniac goes a long away. You could see the lust in his eyes in every of his roles. He does not mince words and personally speaking, I'ld have wanted him to be in the sequel for it would have generated a lot of interest.

For those of you watch Bengali movies, do watch ANTHAHEEN. Radhika Apte is one of the best actresses but pity she does not get much of dialogues.

RGV has made Sarkar as tribute to Godfather, but there are quite a few scenes in the movie that reminded of Godfather II. The scene in which Vivek's mother goes to meet Narasimha Reddy for her son's life is a direct take off from the first part.

I am touch disappointed that Surya is absent in the first-half, but he is there in the sequel. I am a great fan of this Tamilan actor, and I believe he is going to put a rocking performance. Watch Rakta Charitra once but I can assure you that sometimes performances go a long way to get the audience to the theaters.

Far from the Madding Crowd

2010-10-19T07:44:00.000-07:00

I have been working for sometime now. My work location is different from the place that I spent my childhood. A place where I have memories of coming back home only to be in mother's arms, dad's stern face on watching Chitrahaar and Rangoli, brothers who were pain in the ass sometimes and of course the rains. I had a wonderful childhood, and if I could give anything back to revisit, I would not mind. Durga Pooja is one such occasion that reminds me of my childhood.

Everybody has some knowledge or the other that the grandeur of the occasion to the Hindus and especially to the Bongalis. People wait impatiently throughout the year for the occassion and when it arrives from the onset of Mahalaya to Mahadoshami people are filled up with joy.

As a child, Durga Pooja meant new clothes & pistol toys to me. I remember distinctly coming up from an average middle-class family, how baba-maa used to meet our requirements. Maa used to ensure that the first set of clothes were bought for her children. I think of this day and tears come into my eyes. How could we even repay our debts to our parents!

Durga Pooja was a rare occasion when I used to shut down my school books. It meant that I won't touch the school books for the next 4 days. I used to go out Soptomi with maa-baa, Ashotomi again with maa and baba and Novomi with friends. Also, a visit to the Monalisa restaurant was along awaited. The entire family could have Luchi Mangsho for 50 bucks. The atmosphere was also electrifying-Kishore Kumar's music at the backdrop. I still make it a point to visit that place whenever I can.

I wish I could write a little bit more, but I have to run for a project meeting. Sometimes, I wish life would come to a standstill.

Chulbul Connection!

2010-09-10T23:45:00.000-07:00

Itna confuze ho jayoge ke tumi saansh logon kaha se aur.... we had been overhearing these Dabaang dialogues for the past few weeks and it was the same last evening too. As I walked into the Rex theatre for a late night show, I saw history had remained still for this theatre.

As I took a comfortable seat I found myself in an atmosphere unlike multiplexes. There were hootings, screaming, indecent gestures and so on, and you could possibly know that Dabaang had scored and hit amongst the intended viewers. Ironically, this is how Bollywood pundits labels a movie 'hit' or 'flop'-viewers reactions. What Salman did was he connected me with his madness. Well done!

The REX theatre in Bangalore can accommodate 400 viewers. Out of this, last night show had viewers in the range of 18-38 years. And, trust me right from the first intro scene where Salman aka Chulbul Pandey stormed into a goonda's den to the climax, Dabaang has hit the masses. Every dialogue had glimpse of Rajni's avtaar in Salman. But, it is believable for Salman behaves the same in real life too, atleast seen in the television promos.

Sonakshi is graceful and beautiful. She is a hit with me. I love the way she acts and smiles. And, yes I loved her backless cholis and her cute nose ring. She reminds me so much of my gf though she screams less on me.

Dabaang is an out-and-out masala movie. You have to watch it for Salman's appeal. His dialogues and mannerisms have Rajni trademaark. When asked once by Anupam Kher to Salman's reason keeping his googles behind his collar, he quickly reacts taki humhe samna aur peechura dekh sakhe. And , not to forget, hamari meherbani hain to pehle ham shaadi kar le. All these dialogues and much more captured viewers' attention.

Directed by Abhinav Singh Kashyap, brother of Anurag Kashyap Dabaang will not disappoint if you go to the theatres without any expectations. Kids may be kept out of this. I loved the movie but not something that will be in mind, come next week.On the other way, Dabaang will be unstoppable in the first few weeks of its release.

My take on Aisha

2010-08-08T06:42:00.000-07:00

It was one of those precious moments when I kept pin drop of silence. My girlfriend decided to surprise me this evening. Post-lunch, she took out her purse and showed me two cinema passes for a PVR show Aisha. I will not reject the opinion that I was all disinterested. Though the fact that I will be watching Sonam Kapoor again in the theaters in a span of one month was tempting. I just came out from the theatre and while she is on the phone with her friends let me quickly jot down couple of observations of the movie, AISHA.

Observations:

a) It has a large quotient of feminism. Everything from the costumes to the make up, from the color of the walls to the dialogues had a lot of feminist touch to it. I will be surprised if it maintains the interest of men. There is no F word used in the movie, which is quite a surprise when you watch a Hindi film this days. I loved the concept.

b) Yes, it has a different plot and characters but you will not be able to reject the opinion that the movie can remind you of the recent Sonam starrer I HATE LOVE STORIES. Though she played a matchmaker in this movie, people get to see similar shades of Sonam's character- romantic, hyper, self-centered, attitude wali and so on.

c) Delhi has been the city to talk about in recent Hindi films. You do not need to go far. Right from Rang De Basanti to Delhi 6 or Dev D, directors have a fascination to take a leaf out of it. It is bearable though this is not in the ranks of Mira Nair's MONSOON WEDDING, which was incidentally shot in Delhi.

d) The climax is as-if-I-know it. I do not blame the writers for they have been told to write the script in such a fashion that even before the film is finished you know it. This is why a movie like Inception or Borne Ultimatum is only produced in West.

e) The songs especially 'Gal Mithi Mithi Bol' arrives so late in the movie that half of the audience had left.

f) I give it a 2 star out of 5.Join the confusion if you wish to.

A few friends

2010-08-01T05:32:00.000-07:00

Life has been good and bad to most of me. It has been selective in allowing me the freedom to pick and choose the good and bad. But, one thing it has never compromised is giving me good friends. My friends have been the best. Since childhood I have been brought up amidst much shor gol. The youngest lot of the three kids, I was socialable. I used to make friends easily. In the years went by, I chose to make more female friends rather than male friends.

I was not that good looking guy to get the attention of girls, but maybe I know how to talk. I made good friends during those days who have been with me. In midst of miseries that life offers now and then these are the pals who took a great deal of care for me. They pamper me, pull my legs now and then but never forget their concern.

My girlfriend is perhaps the mose beautiful and adorablea thing God has given me. She is a dear friend who undestands me completiely. She knows when I am silent. She hates my silence. She comforts me in times of agony and above all she loves me day and day I am lucky to have a friend who makes her presence more comforting to me and is always there for me.

My best friend, Mickey works in Kolkata.We have been childhood buddies and he has been always there for me.I take often a quick time to call me up and remember our past.

My mother is a dear friend of mine. In a family, where you do not have a sister, she completed her presence. The word MAA means not only devoted and caring mother but it also means the symbol of God. I love you maa.

I will be selfish if I miss out the names of people who have made their presence in my life. But God, for me they are ones who make my life complete. Friendship day and all the best to my loved ones. Thank you for being part of my life.

U should hate love stories!

2010-07-10T07:37:00.000-07:00

There are certain assumptions created largely by media which more or less becomes plots of many stories. I have an assumption that more or less revolves around Karan Johar and Yash Chopra. I wonder what makes them produce romantic movies. Are they eternal romantics or they can't picture a movie without romance?

I think Karan Johar has these thoughts running 24*7 and through this movie he has tried to answer couple of questions, which keeps on coming back to him. I Hate Love Stories is such an attempt and credit goes to the director for making it realistic.

Cut 1: Yes, Karan Johar produces and directs romantic movies and yes, he has a cast that features names likely to be Raj and Simran. Yes, Karan has a crew that obviously feels he has gone nuts. There are depressed souls working for him because for a living.

Cut 2: Yes, there is Shahrukh ala Saif ala Imran who do not believe in pyaar-syaar. For him, its crap, waste of time and ekdom faltu. But he loves flirting and making out with girls. For him love is waking up everyday with a hot new chick, who does everything but not pyaar. One day he realizes that he has fell for someone and is desperately trying to be noncommittal.

Cut 3: Yes, there is Kajol ala Madhuri ala Kareena Kapoor ala Sonam who are those Archie Greetings cards slasher who sees romance in everything. But ends up wih a wrong man at a wrong time.

I have not seen anything new in the movie. Yes, it has some slick dialogues, good cinematography and nice songs but that' it. Obviously, Imran Khan will do what he can do best- Jaane Tu Naa Jaaane Na roles. Sonam Kapoor is pathetic. Her acting sucks big time though I must admit she is by far the best dressed actor in Bollywood.

It has opened well and do good business for some time but just like any other love story it will wizzle out. Take my advice- watch Mr.Singh and Mrs. Mehta. Atleast, you do not have to see the pathetic dancing act of Imran Khan.

I should but sorry I can't!

2010-07-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Raj,
I was surfing net when I chanced to get your number on a portal. Interestingly, the portal speak volumes of your intelligence discussing topic-based issues. I do not think it is an issue at this moment, but I fear it may gradually build up to be an issue. I wish to know what you sense about the topic, and what should I do at this stage.

I have been married for last two years and been blessed with a loving husband. Ritesh is extremely caring and God-fearing man. He works for an advertisement firm in Bangalore looking after the client services department of the firm. At a young age of 35, Ritesh has build a name of his own. I am proud to see that he has build up everything from scratch.

We have a lovely bungalow in a posh locality of Cunnigham Road and he has provided me with every luxury which life can offer. It is at this behest I stopped working and though I take a week off to do some freelance work, I have been detached from professional assignments for a long time.
Honestly, I am enjoying this break- it was getting a long, monotonous journey of working on software applications and I feel good now.

Offlate, I see Ritesh coming late to home. He has also stopped calling me up during office hours and there has been quite a gap in our relationship. Though we make love occasionally the heat has dried up. We seem to be in bed -two bodies but there has been something missing. I have confronted Ritesh on this but he feels that everything is going good, and I have been apprehensive of nothing.

It was at this moment I started browsing Internet and in one of the social networks I met Javed. My purpose of surfing, trust me, was to kill my boredom. How would I have known that I would get into this situation? Javed is a painter, roughly around the age of 26, well-built and carries a beard. He resembles that of a Shantiniketan artistic fellow. Since, I come from a creative junk of people from Chakroborthy family, I liked him.

Javed' profile and albums were interesting. To think from an artistic sense, the paints were all of women who were lonely in their lives and needed some thing to fill in. I sense I understood those superficial acquaintances that can cure social loneliness won't touch the emotional variety, and Javed seem to touch them.

After a few days of chatting, I met him for coffee. It was nice meeting him. But, not something with a love relationship, any close relationship requires a certain amount of "chemistry," that click that comes with finding a kindred spirit. Again, just as with chemistry and love, it becomes a "numbers game." We need to meet a lot of people to find our kindred spirits. Meeting a lot of people requires a lot of effort. And it does not happen quickly. What do you say?

We started meeting and slowly and I have started coming closer to Javed. I am wondering if I am suffering from any type of loneliness, which is perhaps one of the reasons why I am getting so attached to Javed. I hope you have time to go through this mail and patience to respond.
Best wishes,
X

The Mark of a Craftsman-Rajneeti

2010-06-06T00:22:00.000-07:00

For the various political campaigns and social activities that Prakash Jha has veen involved earlier in Bihar, this film comes straight from his heart. You know when there is a National Award winning director delivering a hard-hitting political drama, he inserts his personal ifs and bits of political experiences into the reel. And, that is exactly what Prakash Jha does in his characters.

Yes, Rajneeti' story is set in the backdrop of epic Mahabharata. Prakash Jha has tried to make us realise how the Mahabharata is relevant today in the political dynasty. The Indian political clan is more or less starts with the Gandhi parivar and he tried to show the same with the Pratap familiy. The Pandavas and Kauravas confrontation were to be constantly seen amongst Manoj Bajpai and Arjun Rampal and Ranbir Kapoor. Lord Krishna as Nana Patekar and Karan as Ajay Devgan lends power to the show.

This is not a song-and-dance movie, so you are for some real acting. You have some intense actors like Ajay, Manoj, Nana Patekar and they exactly played their parts to the core. Ajay has played off shaded characters such as this in Yuva so the Dalit hero character suited him pretty well. Ranbir and Arjun are brillaint in their performances.

What do I take from this movie? I see and get glimpses of how Indian party elections are run, how tickets are provided, how you get the vote banks and so on. It is a common truth that politics is dirty and its not for us.But, politics is interesting and needs young people to cleanse it.

Rajneeti is a good movie, but if someone asked me would I ever decide to contest elections or get into politics. My answer is NO. It is indeed a difficult arena where you have to think miles ahead before you consider taking any decision. Prakash Jha-right from DAMUL to RAJNEET you have the 'master of a craftsman' written all over.

Yet Another Excuse!

2010-05-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

This nation should be called a "nation of excuses". Anytime anywhere and any mishap occurs, the nation comes out with a bag of excuses. Whom to trust and whom to not? I sometimes wonder if it would rather make sense to worry about the excuses rather than wasting our time on pondering over the incidents. Let us take for the case- the recent Mangalore Air tragedy in which countless lives were lost or the Indian cricket team dismal performance in the T20 World cup.

The nation witnessed and heard in both the cases administrations who out rightly rejected any blame on the center and attributed causes to counterfeit reasons. While the former known for abstaining itself from any political chivalrous methods and declaring it was the pilot' fatigue, the latter declared the IPL parties.

Are we a nation of idiots blinded by the ideology that our the man in the chair can only speak the truth and so when he does something wrong we have no other options? I am dismayed and sad at the state of the affairs.

The Mangalore air tragedy occurred in the wee hours of the morning that probably meant dusk in many of the families. I am not an aviation expert to sit in the armchairs of NDTV, CNN IBN and so many media channels and describe what went wrong, but I could just tell you that those images disturbed me a lot. The newspapers reported that the pilots could have averted the tragedy by taking off when they had noticed that the thrust would have taken them across the reins.

All I can say is I can hear what the experts, government and rest can say, but you heard just a party. The pilots are no more with you us to tell us their stories. I also read the certain experts had already showcased government of certain airports' standards norms not matching the industrystandards. But still and for what price!

The T20 World Cup and India' exit is nothing new. I am appalled by the way Dhoni blamed the IPL Parties for the debacle. It was like a naive student who wanted all wanted Roti, Kapda and Makan, and when he got in abundance he forgot that he needs to work for it.

India plays most of the time in the sub-continent pitches, and the IPL show is another example of emptying your pockets for glitz and glory. How many players from IPL have come out to play for India in test cricket? All we need was a statement from the team that yes, folks we need to work on the short-pitch stuff. Would admittance have really made the team low?

Look, I am not sadist or hyperactive by these incidents but I am sad. I have lost all the hopes that this country exhibits. I would have still be contented kid had my heroes or the leaders be honest to admit their follies but no! It happens only when you take people for granted. I sense that these chaps feel that the common man is an idiot and all we need to do is sparkle once or twice.

I know every country will have officials and players like this, but not every country can boast of a rich and divine culture like India. All I can pray is that the next time a fellow makes an excuse it would hurt a little lesser.

The Tale of Hrithik' Kites

2010-05-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

One question, Mr. Rakesh Roshan, "how many times have you watched Mexican movies that made you certain of a superhit in Bollywood?" I am sure there have been plenty but please do not tell me that out of the numerous flicks that you have copied right from Khoon Bari Maang to Kites, there has been anything original about it.

Watching Kites made me realised that Bollywood simply cannot come out of its commercial aspect. And, even the best of directors or wanna be ones feel direction under a huge banner is a great thing, think twice. If Anurag Basu feels Kites has done justice to his career, I think he needs to go back to what he does better. Kites is a super boring, faltu and nonsense flick.

Hrithik is our Antonio Banderas who falls for Salma Hayek in Barbara Maori. Then after they have lip locked quite a few times, they discover marriage could be a nice plan. When marriage does not work, then death beckons. To start with the story has been dealt so many times earlier that it miserably impressed me. The dialogues are out of blue, plain and sub-standard. The movie keeps on going back and front as if Quentino Tarantino' aatma has got inside Anurag.

Fair enough, Hrithik has got an awesome figure and he lets the teenyboppers whistle with his dance. The only saving grace of the movie is music. KK lends his voice in Dil Kyun mera shor kare and Zindagi do paal ke, and I must say he stands in contention for most of the awards this year.

I watch movies for entertainment but I do not want to be entertained by Rakesh Roshan over and over again with old formula. And, yes if you shoot a movie in Mexico and you have subtitles running throughout the movie, you stand a chance of missing the target audience. Hope luck prevails and Hrithik puts on a good performance else it will be just brawns only.

As for Barbara, Rakesh Roshan could have got Salma Hayek or Penelope Cruze for this movie. Trust me! they would have been more sensuous for she was only there for the oomp appeal. Do not watch Kites unless you are blackmailed.

What' s Wrong in being a Gay!

2010-05-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

As the Indian media contingent continues to publicize and broadcast this news everywhere, I found myself with four of my colleagues debating on this issue. One of them started with a scrumptiously disgust look in his face,“now, we will see man-man having sex, it is cheap and so ridiculous.“ This debate continued for a while.

My take is and you are open to debate on it:"God has created both man and woman, and they have been entrusted with the responsibility of choosing the right and wrong, good or bad.

Your actions in this world have nothing to do with what other people think about it. You are and you will be the sole responsible for your actions. Therefore, choosing upon your partner should be your own decision. God has given you the right to choose your partner. Then, how does choosing a male or a female partner matter?

I also agree that God created woman to see that this beautiful world flourishes. He gave women the most beautiful gift- to give birth. She struggles endlessly for nine months to bring that precious thing in this world. However, this organ is missing in man.

Man has and never been able to procreate naturally. It is next to impossible. Now, does this mean a man cannot marry another man? I think it is ridiculous to think so in terms of only physical desires. No body is asking every one of us to be turned into homosexuals.

I fear that in India, parents conceive their kids to act by the way they judge one. You are supposed to obey and marry the same boy or girl your parents select. Pre-marital sex and live-in relationships are still considered by the Indian society as a taboo. But, my question is, whether listening to each of their actions is justified? Actually, people are not looking love here. They have already started looking into its evils and loopholes.

The first thing is SEX. The Supreme Court has banned anal sex between males, and I am not getting into there. However, try to analyze that Homosexuality is just another common way of man leading their lives. Questions have started pouring whether Lesbianism is OK? Yes, so what is wrong here? Both are ways of living their lives. A society will not get spoil for them, for God's sake.

The more these social restrictions are erased, the more people will enjoy their livelihood. The moral tenet of any marriage in every religion is ‘to have a blissful life’. So, why should a person be morally discouraged to marry a woman when he likes a man?

Neither the man nor the woman will be happy in that sense. I think it is time the society grows up and accept Homosexuality as a common thing. There will be polls conducted, debates held and what not in television and online media, but you have to listen to your heart, and not go by the polls. Because, the society doesn not come to help you when you do not have work and are living in damned walls.

If it makes two people of the same sex live in peace and harmony, who are we to crib about it? Let’s broaden our outlook. Lets get our educational institutions teach right and wrong. Let's not shield away from truth.

We have enough problems in our country. Let us use our energy getting them rectified, instead of maligning homosexuals.

I am straight, and I hope that when I get married, my wife and I will have no issues if we have a son that grows up to be a gay. It’s after all an individual choice. Let’s learn to respect it." Into that Freedom my father! let me country awake.

The Lakes of Kumaon

2010-05-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

The shoelaces seem to be tied at wrong places. And, the legs were definitely tired after the prolonged classroom hours. Heads bedazzled by the fiery equations and logarithms of professor Pinto'Advanced Mathematics classes. One could not but for a moment compelled to ask: was Alex destined for all this? Beyond this square feet classroom lay his desire, his ambition and his camera.

The greenery, the valleys of Kumaon were his interest. Alex' dad often travel places and he had bought a Pintex 500 from London. Ah! it had remained such an upheaval interest. All day long Alex would go out in the valleys with his camera and kept on shooting photographs at will. He had this knack of capturing the slightest moment and transforming them into radiant beauties. Perhaps, Joseph Chenni, the principal and art teacher of ST. Peters Catherdal School attributed Alex' taste of photography to his 'delight in loneliness'.

Alex was the single child of his parents,which meant due to any siblings he grew up all alone playing with toys and trying hard to embrace the solace. In comes art in his life. The flush of colors and the crayons struck a magical portrayal, and deep down in his heart Alex knew that he was building a world of his own. At first Alex started with his drawing books. He used to open a chapter and start coloring the objects on the chapter- animals, monuments, statues and so on. Then his father got transferred to Kumaon, a beautiful town in the beat of Uttarakhand, India.

Here unlike Jim Corbett,Alex took out his camera and started clicking pics. First it was a hobby and slowly and gradually Alex started taking more interest in the intricacies of the cameras. The technicalities did not seem to be easy for him but he did not mind. He was so good with it that slowly the school found an official photographer.

Alex wanted to pursue his career in photography but he knew that it was not going to easy for him. The family never approved his decision and soon enough he decided to quit his dreams.

Years later after a broken relationship and enough cash in the bank, Alex got a chance to pick up his camera. He had come down to Ladakh to write his new novel. The tall mountains and chillness of Ladakh forced him to take his camera and start clicking the pics. Though it took him sometime to get to the original form, Alex still fancied an award or so.

As he sat down after a hectic day of shooting, he realized his biggest folly. He understood that he was late in achieving his dreams. That he was always destined to be a photographer and inspite of all the odds that life offered he still had the camera with him today. Perhaps, the strength to face your own father while discussing your dreams or careers comes from within and he did not have it anytime. Alex could understood that he could not blame his father for this delay. It was him all along.The reflection on the water bore seem to get bigger every second but much happier to Alex. Perhaps, it was time to click more pics and get them enlarged.

On the Walk to Brigade Road

2010-04-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Old adages are repeated more often when you visit places or address situations that deliver its worth meaning. I sense this is why the adage 'Old Is Gold' is prominently true when you visit the shops and restaurants of Brigade road in Bangalore. At the outset,let me confide: my intentions were not to write some nice words for Brigade road, but accidentally I found myself in no other choice but to use it.

Today was a day for couple of my bachelor friends, and it made more special for us because of many of our girlfriends were away or let us just say out of station. The plan was to hitchhike, play lots of games, eat at our fav den and maybe just maybe a bit of old flirting game. I was a little tired after been standing in the queue for getting the refunds for the IPL Semis, which never took place in Bangalore.

The gang had already joined in Nava Arya, a Maharastian Restro, which is located at the dead end of Brigade road. The gang had already started feasting themselves, and I did not waste much time in ordering my favorite Chole Bature and Masala Chai. Trust me readers, a chole bature worth of Rs. 30 from this place would take you to seven heavens of taste. The bature is very smooth and devoid of oil and choles absolutely yummy. As we ate, I mentioned this to my friend how this same item cost Rs.50 in the Embassy Golf Links, Bangalore.

After this, we hit upon Bowling Zone, an exclusive Bowling zone unit in Vasanth Nagar. We did some shopping in the old pashmia shops in Brigade road. The shop owners had been prominence from the last century and a visit to these shops makes you realise the reasons. Courteous, knowledgeable and helpful-the shopkeepers make you realise why shopping in India is such an interesting phenomenon.

First, there will be the customary smile, the interest of exhibiting their products, then the routine apology of inability to show the best products, and finally a no-no to money. It looked as if the entire cycle of marketing is followed here. And, one more thing, the shopkeepers definitely know the purchasing powers of the customers.

Everywhere we went we saw banners related to IPL merchandise and products. While Empire Restaurant of Church Street invited you try their chicken biriyani and try your luck. How? by a mere purchase of biriyani and if your luck favors it you get a chance to meet player of Royal Challengers Bangalore. And, if that was not enough Nyx offers go to a length more by offering 50% discount on

alcoholic drinks during the IPL matches timings.

A visit to the Deccan Herald office in MG Road, and you can still get a chance to see a library inviting readers to browse and read. History cames alive as I scrolled through the newspaper pages of post-independence era.

Back to the present and my eyes could not stop the glimpse of a box, outside the library but right at the center of the reception bay. It read "Drop your visiting card to win an IPL Tickets." Ironically, a few days back a bomb was found in The MG Road area, which made the organisers shift their venues.

It was a day spent in the company of friends in an alley where I spent a lot of college days. But, maybe the tall buildings constructed these days decementing an India Coffee Day and metro work has taken the charm of my old Bangalore. But, the zing is and Brigade Road still beats as I could find the age old Kohinoor restaurant beating with crowds. Guess, the only thing constant is change, but you cannot change good habits for they make wonderful memories.

Whose Line is it Anyway

2010-04-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

I have a wide friend circle, boys and girls included, and most of them are working in call center organisations. I meet them quite regularly and have long hours of conversations. It was this Sunday when all of us had assembled to Raj' place. Raj stays at a posh residential colony of Indiranagar, Bangalore.

Infact, he owns the place for along time after his elder brother left for States. His house is right next to Indian ace Cricketer Rahul Dravid, which meant that we got a glimpse of the cricketer once or twice. Dravid is a nice human being with no attitude.

After our lunch got over couple of our friends started talking about the week that went by. One after one each spoke and it was the turn of Jitin now. Jitin, a Malaylee born and bred in Abu Dubai had been working @24 hours for a long time now. He also had a French girlfriend, which made couple of us took more notice to him than others. It also made couple of us jealous but then we dare not say that in front of our girlfriends.

Raj was a senior tech support in XYZ process, and it meant he used to do long hours of sales calls for business purpose. In short, he was the late CK Prahlad, a management guru in his own right. But, this job also had its own stress and pitfalls of it. He had to make this deal. I was sitting with him at the moment and quickly notice the name that he was going to call up. It was Mr.Hickley.

"Mr. Hickley, we have studied your organization and we believe there is a good fit in terms of our capabilities and your needs. Our services cover the range of activities from back office management to payroll."

There was an interrupt from the other side as the voice on the other side of Hickley meant to say something. But, Raj kept on speaking. "Mr.Hickley, we will get all the background work done here in India while you sleep blissfully and it would cost much lesser than what you pay for your services in USA. What do you think about this idea?"

There was a minute paused and then Mr.Hickley spoke, "Son, I do not whom you wanted to speak to, but I am Lieutenant Hickley and am going for a war in a month or so. I do not think you would like to offer your services to me in a war.".

Raj was speechless for a moment; the phone fell down from his hand and he looked like a ghost. Till this day we could not stop but pulled Raj' legs for the mistaken identity.

Onsite Opportunities!

2010-04-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

If there is a logic to justify Akram' obsession for overseas opportunities, you may pronounced it as an entry to the solutions department of Rubik' cube. Yes, it is next to impossible and Akram was short of intelligence, which Aamir Khan' of 3 Idiots fame to successfully solved it.

But, in my distant memory, as much it serves me, he was this large hearted character straight from engineering college to the massive giant of IT company "come on! I am ready for all of you!" "Get me all the java tava, webspheres and circles and I am game."

This kind of passion from engineering grads most of the time, do not go missing. Easily noticed by the project managers, their passion are used and energized in every 365 days. Soon enough, Akram realized it was just work and more work. The performance appraisals never displayed any sort of appreciation, and all he got was a pat on the back and continue learning.

It was his first year in the organisation,and he was expecting something pretty nice on his birthday. Instead he received a fatty bill of Rupees 1500 for the pizzas. All along he thought that things would turn up for better sure. While paying the bill Akram politely directed a remark to his project manager that he expected him to remember this pizzaa treat during Akram' appraisal.

Recession struck and the first thing that every IT company decided to follow the other was reducing the work force or a zero hike. Unfortunately, for Akram he was put in a project that demanded him to work late hours. It got worse as he had a manager who was known to take all the credit.

Senior colleagues of other projects told him to push his manager for onsite assignments. The H-1 B Visa application and subsequent the stamping made him a clear candidate for the upcoming project.

Akram knew that there were lot of contenders, but he decided to have a talk with his manager. It was quite cloudy that evening; the sun had decided to make a quick exist and allow the rain Gods to have a peek-boo.

Akram knocked at the manager' cabin only to receive a morose and dry smile. The manager clearly demonstrated that he meant business and any sort of non-chat working hours was not acceptable, atleast to him. "What is it Akram? no work, huh". Akram stammered a little bit, but quickly replied that he had done with the work for the day and wanted a quick chat.

The manager clearly was not interested to have a chat, but asked, "what is it then?" "I have got my H-1 B visa and wanted you to know that I am interested in travelled", Akram applied. "Oh is that so? so where do you want to travel? The Pyramids, I say. What do you think this company is, a Tourism Agency." The manager did not stop here and continued giving gyaan to Akram.

Akram was speechless and to an extent motionless. He did not expect this kind of response. He came out and went to his work station and sat on his chair. A ten minutes paused followed. But, deep down in his heart he realised one big thing- you do not need to have sex every time. Your company f**** you regularly.

Candid Love!

2010-03-27T00:48:00.000-07:00

I love early morning candid conversations and occasionally over a jog. A childhood buddy of mine who had been to the Garden city for a short-time professional assignment accompanied me to these early morning trips. This fine day, when we had finished with our usual round of jogging, both of us sat down on a neat wooden bench.

The park usually at this hour had visitors of all ranges. While some were seen strolling, most of them were engaged in Yogashanas, some found time to sit around a cup of chai and so on. The scene gets a completely different look in the evening when most of the young couples invade the park, and then the mundane routine of laughter is overspread with romance.

Rony wasn't looking in his best spirits today, and I could make it out. He is that out-of-large humorous guy who keeps on spreading love everywhere. Incidentally, he had a breakup sometime back and though he told me about it, I never quizzed him on the serious aspect of it, but I sensed that he was a little disturbed and kept staring at the cell phone for time and again. Unable to resist myself I finally asked, "what is wrong?"

At first Rony was not willing to open up and share the thoughts but after sometime he started talking. It was about his past relationships and how he missed her. This is not something new. I knew Rony was a committed person and spend a great deal of time in adjusting and nurturing his relationships. But, apparently, he did not understand that girls sometime fall in love just to come out of a bad relationship.

And, this was true in his case. His ex had never cared for his emotions, never cared to understand what he had seeked in their relationships and left him all straddle. She came into Rony' life after an immediate break-up in which the guy used her for physical gains. Rony gave her the support she needed in
that emotional relationship, but she used him and left him of a saddle.

It was Rony' birthday and after whatever had happened between them he still thought she would ping her. But she did not. "Fine, we didn’t work out. I’m not gonna talk to her again. Not in a million years. Not even when she sends me a message to say she’s in some trouble. Am I being hard hearted? No I’m not. After whatever happened it’s only logical that I maintain a stony silence. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I’m not a saint .

I can’t behave like one either; forgive/forget and speak to her is not possible any more. If in a relationship one person doesn’t respect the other, calling her/his only in the hour of need then the whole thing stinks- not of friendship, not of lust, but a rotten kind of love. There’s love here. No denying that. But it’s gone bad. And what do you do with something rotten? Throw it away… "

Rony felt relieved now. It was time to leave the place, but this time Rony left with a peace of mind.

That Love for Tintin!

2010-03-20T07:19:00.000-07:00

This post is a tribute to my favorite comic hero: Tintin (http://www.tintin.com/).

As a kid growing up in a middle-class family, I used to impatiently wait for my birthdays. It was a very special day for many reasons, but mainly because my maa would prepare payash, baba brought Elish mach and aunty gifted me another edition of Tintin comics. And, the latter was the dearest to me.
Amongst all the gifts that I have received till so far, Tintin always drew more interest than anything in my life. The comics, its characters, design and layout and the content-everything was so special. It was like I was one of those characters of the creator Herge. Tintin was special to me in many sense maybe because I could easily identify me in him.

Like Tintin' miniature figure, I was of an average height, of feeble strength and good at solving crossword puzzles. But what clicked for both of us were our ability to love mysteries.Tintin was a figure in my bed room; my friends presented me a poster of him, which I believe is still hanging in the wall of my room though these are decorated by the scores of telephone numbers today and my matriculation roll no..
I think I first read Tintin at my aunt' place, and if I am not mistaken it was titled The Shooting Star, and I did not get up from the sofa after reading it. I loved the content especially dialogues of Captain Haddock, friend of Tintin notably 'Billions of Blue Blistering Barnacles' and 'Thundering Typhoons', Snowy', Tintin' dog who could possibly found a piece of bone even on the moon.

The murder mysteries and Tintin adventures were something to read and reread. It was an absolute delight! The manner in which he used to do research, put on his thinking caps, dived into dangers and so on were something to fall in love. Even in my days of childhood, when I used to play chor-police, I was always that clever Tintin.

Time passes and today I have the complete edition of Tintin comics-something that I couldn't possibly purchase when I was a boy. I also read somewhere that ace director, Steven Spielberg is going to come up with a movie shortly on the life of Tintin. It will be worth waiting. And, to conclude with a secret: I love Tintin more than my girlfriend.

The Great Bengali Escape of 1971!

2010-03-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

The 71’ war of East Bengal, now Bangladesh has left miserable rhymes in the hearts of many. Thousands of Bengali Hindus were stranded homeless and fled to India. The word ‘refugee’ came to haunt again and retold a many stories.

One of them was the great escape of a Bengali family in Sylhet- a father in his sixties with seven sons, five daughters and an ailing wife. The family of Purakayasta ensured that life was simpler and enjoyed their companionship.
Their father, a strict disciplinarian to the children and a dutiful husband to his wife ensured that the family upheld the values and practiced every Hindu custom in an Islamic environment. Bangladesh was not formed then, and though there were a sect of people who were anti-Hindu customs then, it still had a large section of people living at peace with other communities.

The moment had arrived when any longer of their stay in Sylhet would mean a sure 'death' for them. Their Hindu neighbors most of them had escaped to India without even telling them. It was a case of fleeing but where to run?

India was the only county who had kept its arms open to East Bengal. The then Prime Minister of India, 'Iron Lady' Srimati Indira Gandhi had been a strong advocate for the formation of Bangladesh, and she had clearly embraced the refugees coming from East Pakistan.

The family had two daughters married in India; the eldest daughter married to an Accountant in Shillong, Meghalaya and the other married to a Banker settled in Silchar,Assam. Shillong would not be the correct option for them as the route was not that easy. So, they settled for Silchar. Their daughter was wired of it. But now how to flee?

They knew that had to escape during the night hours and without any luggages. But, it was easier said then done. How could the family leave everything and flee all of a sudden? But they had to flee. So, they started digging holes in their backyard and stuffed all their objects- sarees, ornaments and so on. They kept the radio switched on at nights, so that armies knew everything was safe.The family hired two boats to take them from Sylhet to Karmigang in India. It was one of the safest routes for them-via water. The women wore burqas and men were in lungis. As they were sailing, the boats used to often encounters other passengers, who were thrown coconuts for FREE. All this were done to avoid any sort of disturbance.

Anyway, the family arrived safely to Silchar and soon the war also got over. Couple of the daughters also got married, and when they went back to Sylhet they were surprised to see the armies didn't touch their backyards and all.

"And, that is how I met your Baba in Silchar." said Maa. There was a sense of nostalgia that crept a shiver of tension in the spine from a far distant. I went to the nearest window and saw a boat sailing by.

The night had just arrived, and I felt maybe it was one of those nights that the family had escaped from Bangladesh by their sheer wisdom and bravery. Indeed, apple and blackberry were just fruits then.

The Poster Kiddo!

2010-03-06T04:30:00.000-08:00

A smirk on his face may be considered by most of the commuters of Sulaiman street of nothing substantial. But, for the barefooted kid wearing rags, a torn pant and a white shirt, enough to cover his lean body, but enough to show his bones, he was the happiest kid in around.

Boys of his age go to the nearby English schools wearing the brightest of uniforms and in fancy cars, but the kid never ever bore an interest. He was contended in his world adoring the walls of Sulaiman street with posters of the Southern film stars. He was provided errands for it, and he loved his job. Everyone used to call him the poster boy, and he loved the name and so the job.Investigative journalists of Kab Tak channel were doing a series of programs on slum kids in Mumbai. It was probably due to the recent success of Oscar winning movie Slumdog Millionaire. And, the channel started visiting the slums of Mumbai to collate more information on them. Sulaiman street housed more than 500 slum kids, mostly cobblers and beggars. Some also had taken the notoriety of turning them into the next underworld Don.

Mahesh Bhatt and Madhur Bhandarkar, notable directors were interested to do a movie on those kids. Sometimes international accolades can nurture national interest, but whether it is limited to Box office business, a case to be seen.

The poster kid those days were busy adoring the walls and theaters for the upcoming Rajnikanth movie. Interestingly,he was one of the few slum kids to be interviewed by Kab Tak channels had no emotion to express. The interviewer quizzed him enough, but she found nothing substantial to be announced as BREAKING NEWS.

Finally, tired and sweat pouring incessantly from her brows, she sat down in a chair. There beneath those curious brows, her eyes could see the poster kid getting inside a five feet municipality cemented pipe. She asked the vendor selling bhelpuri about it and was dumbstruck to hear that the kid stayed in that cemented pipe.

Curiosity she stood to get a glimpse of the place and suggested the cameraman to tag along. A foul smell hit her at the first instant as she came near the pipe. The lady could see everywhere dirt and poverty.

A sewage coming from the nearby apartments passed across the pipe. You could see it inhibited by mosquitoes, and amidst this saw a pipe. A pipe in which you have a small stove, some papers lying here and there, and in one of these you see the kid sleeping. She is left stunned to see how this kid manages to smile and sleep in this place? How?

After a few days, in one of her trips to this slum, she could see that same kido putting a poster on the wall. She could see that smile intact. She could not fathom the reason behind it.

Does he never cram to have a family and happiness or has his tears dried, after all he is just a child. She took courage to ask the kiddo one fine day and when she did, pat came the reply, " Aap to Aadat ho gayi hain". (I am used to it!) . Befitting Bollywood reply from a poster kido.

Reverse Ratings!

2010-03-03T02:41:00.000-08:00

At some point in every man' life, he tends to use his high school Mathematics for a woman. Needless, to say, a man has already scored a quarter of a century figuring it out. But when the time comes, he is left with a sorry statement and an incident. Guess, I am left to share a piece here with you on this.

It was during our evening coffee break when Vikas and I were found strolling near the main entrance gate of XYZ Multinational company. Circles of smoke was coming out from the Viks chamber quite heavily. The client was very demanding and just an hour
ago, 51 customer requests had come. But, we wanted to keep ourselves away from this, even if it meant for a while.
While we were busy having a little chit chat, in came a cab with a new batch of freshers. The tech support team used to sit in the same floor with the engineering team. If you keep straight and take the first left, you will directly come across the tech support team-the only solace for us in the mundane environment.

The cab had some pretty faces and Vikas threw the bait to me-let's rank them kiddo. The Kiddo word had struck with me for a long time mainly to do with my coyness in demanding situations. I did not mind it though. But, at times, I felt I wish I could have changed it. Maybe, this was the perfect occasion to erase the tag. I said, "I'm on."

In walked couple of them from the cab and we started to rank them. Some had a '6' while very few earned a '9'. While we were about to complete the ranking, they walked in absolute gorgeous. We were about to say something, when we heard them saying, '5'. Yes, they ranked us 5. Jeez! I have stopped standing near the entrance gate after that.

The Proposal Policy of a Call Center!

2010-02-28T04:58:00.000-08:00

Dear readers! wishing you all a colorful Holi!

I was in a senior management role when this incident happened. It is one of those incidents that has found a room in my long-term memory aware of the cause that there is always a joke or two life offers you from nowhere. It is upto one to share that smile with others or to be locally confined. I tend to do the former one for this blog is in some way a medium to get united to a family of mine- you and me.
A batch of new entrants to the XYZ process had just arrived. And, being the operations manager of this giant call center organization, I had been entrusted to the setting up and managing of the team involved in the process. In this team of 15, a most noticeable was Shruti. She would be in the age of 20, tall, fair and an extremely noticeable nose. She had fared exceedingly well in her interviews and her angrezi accent, which came from her mother, was just icing on the cake.

From the first day I had taken a likeness for Shruti. She used to sit at a bay, which was not at a far distance from my cubicle. Since, I had been involved with this product and process for a long time,everyone had to seek my opinion/suggestions/help. Shruti did too.

And, I was more than happy to be her friend. As time went, Shruti and I became very close; we were not colleagues only but true bosom friends.

In those days, it was a ritual for call center units to go for trips to a day or two. Shruti and I too went out on a team trip. Amidst all those playfulness and laughter, I discovered that I was in love with her. One night while returning back from a movie, I proposed her, "Shruti, will you be my girlfriend?" There was a stone of silence. But came the prompt response, "No!".

It ended there, and I didn't quiz her the reason. Times went by and I decided to never ask her again for didn't want the friendship to end. But, the damn heart.You can't befool it.

One fine evening, during one of those breaks, I gave her a bouquet of flowers and proposed her again. This time it was a brisk walk leaving me in front of a gang of Hooters who till this date never ceased to amaze me with their retakes on the incident.

The following day I received a mail from the HR. It read, "you have exceeded your attempts of proposing Shruti. The company policy bars anyone from working in the call center organisation if he/she proposal has been rejected twice. You are suspended with immediate effect."

I remained seated in the Nirmala chair for a period of I-do-not-know-how-long only to be awakened by the coarse tone of the security guard,"chaliye sir."

I still laugh over the incident till this day. It was unfortunate that I didn't get a chance to meet Matrimonial Guruji; I hear that he is a master in providing love solutions. Wonder what he would have done at this situation!

Advantage BPO Cab Drivers!!!

2010-02-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

"Ek Mard ko apni job Main Kya Chaiye?" What is it that a man looks for in his job? Good perks, decent salary and excellent environment to work. Do you think, you can only get that in a software industry and not somewhere else?

Get out of the box for you will be surprised to know that the cab drivers of today are enjoying the most hospitable profession in India.

And, especially Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) drivers of India. To this fact, I could not easily nod my approval, but for the sake of humanity, I decided to do some research on it.

Figuratively, I was left stunned as couple of my friends still working in call centers told me that not only the BPO drivers get excellent salary and perks, but also most of them are darling of the girls.
After my research, these are the few points which makes a BPO' cab driver' profession such a lucrative one:

1)He is surronded by more women than James Bond.

2)If you are in driving in Delhi (NCR), most of the times you may end up in an air-conditioned cab. Apart from using it for your regular routine, you can use it get your family on-board for hawa pani'.

3) He is more likely to get FREE snacks and lunch and dinner at the company. Also, after repeated requests of bhaiya are approved, the behenas will invite them for birthday parties and weekend booze.

4) He can soon write a detective novel featuring the gossips and scandals related to the BPO workers. The only requirement is that he should be a good eavesdropper and a conversationalist.

5) He will be friendly with most of the shops selling pans and cigarettes. The behenas will persuade him to make a quick buck by getting them nicotine. In some cases, he may also act as a druggist too.

6) He can make extra money on the side by picking up other passengers. Beware! if you get in a cab at ITPL or Electronics City in Bangalore, you are more likely to be drugged and robbbed. Yes, in that way, you can soon get into an international racket.

7) His mobile bills are paid by the company.

8) He can poach employees for other competitor' companies and thus becomes a vendor.

9) He becomes punctual and is aware of the terms like GPS, Tracking and so on.

10)He can call himself the Batman and drive on those roads and lanes at speeds that even Michael Schumacher would even fancy!

The BPO Industry in India currently has a staggering count of 50,000 drivers and its growing daily. So, if you are planning to start up a profession, learn to drive and who knows you may soon find yourself in a Kingfisher party with Vijay Mallya.

Vishal Bhardwaj VS Karan Johar

2010-02-14T03:29:00.000-08:00

The next time you call me romantic, you have to bite your nails. I am an incorrect choice. I usually end up scoring disastrous notes in romance, and my girlfriend can just pray that God, make him a little romantic. As a result of which I do not advise and practice watching Karan Johar'candyfloss movies. His movies causes me an acute pain, bit like Sinus.

It starts right from the time I hear and watch Switzerland choreographed songs one after one, and gets on higher as I see Shahrukh Khan running after the heroines, usually 3,trying his level best to mimic Dilip Kumar and breaks done as I see all Mummy-ji.

OOf! writing only makes me sad. And, to add on to that, when I find scores of people purchasing tickets to watch the melodramas and coming out in tears, I just can't take it anymore! You have to be in person to understand the pathos.
And then, when all I felt is over in Bollwood in terms of creativity and originality, in comes Vishal Bharwadaj. His movies- Maqbool, Omkara, Maachis, and most recently Ishqiya are hard-hitting dramas with superb starcast, rich in content and style and most importantly, movies have a language which aap or main can co relate. It makes me sit,watch and concentrate on the theme rather than on the costumes and locations.

It has a message and more often than not, it allows you the option to counterattack the theme with your views. For example: would Irfan Khan'character done different in Maqbool had he not listened to Tabu? Would he have killed Pankaj Kapur? The perspective is upto you, and Vishal leaves it us and make a decision.

Yes, but movies are for entertainment and Karan Johar is here to make money out from his movies. He has his distributors who are vying him to take a super-duper starcast and get viewers in the theatres. His best shot is to make movies with romantic actors and who else is better than his partner, Shahrukh.

Both of them understand each other' limitations and strengths, and encash it on their hits. Karan would never try to experiment with SRK in something that he feels he cannot pull it of. Hence, a SRK has to do occasionally do a SWADES, however convincing he may make it sound, it is never a commerical success. Hence, SRK will have to keep in touch with Karan for Johar knows SRK' quotient lies in romantic shades.

If its only for entertainment, then maybe one should start watching movies like The Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Casino, Forrest Gump and so on. Neither of these movies can be labelled as commerical success, but you will be left spellbound watching these movies. I am a fond of Pankaj Kapur and Naseer Bhai' acting. They take a movie to another level, and seriously it works a great deal.

And then the sponsors of film awards- these guys are to be blamed for the current situation. I do not under what basis they adjudicate but seem utterly rubbish to me. My Name is Khan has already been crowned as the best feature film of 2010. How? did you see it? Nope, but it has to be no because it has SRK and Kajol in it.

How does it make other films like Road to Sangam, Teen Pathi and so on? Even if the content and theme are excellent, you can't do anything, because the verdict has been declared.

I just hope we have directors like Leena Yadav, RGV, Madhur B and Vishal B continue coming up with excellent original scripts and create movies which talk a lot. Else, a guy like me will stop watching movies. And huh! Karan one more thing- I know it's all about loving your parents, but it's also about telling the truth.

What's with the 'Firangi' Bahus!!!

2010-02-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

I am penning this piece post-conversation with a friend, who refuses to acknowledge that he would be compatible with Indian girls (hereafter, referred to as 'desis')or girls who are born as Indians. He has been in look out for an 'angrez' or 'European' girl right from the day, he left India for his first onsite trip.

His parents, a scene right from a Bollywood movie, are searching for a bahu, who will bear the mark of sati-savitri. But though he has vehemently denied any request of him getting tied up with a desi bahu, he does not have the balls to raise voices against his parents.

The situation presently is that he has met a single mother from Germany, and is all set to marry her, with yours truly being one of the witnesses.
My friend, who also is one of the domain experts of the Banking product, that I am involved with, is a nice human being. Our friendship blossomed first with work, and then it scaled up with Rock music.

During one of the frequent trips to the Legend of the Rocks, Bangalore when I was hitting on some desis' chicks, I found him to be extremely aloof. Thinking it may be one of his prayer days, I decided to quiz him later.

To my amusement, he sternly responded "mujhe yeh Indian ladkiyas pasand nahin hain". I thought maybe it is a case of the heated moment, but the day he pronounced this directly to another colleague, she was all in red eyes. I then thought "Boy! it is an issue with him."

His logic is simple: I am incompatible with desis, and I do not like the way they think, act and talk. I do not wish to live them and make my life a mess. I have been hearing this for a long time, and I think it is everybody' preference to choose and marry the girl they wish to. Religion or caste should not come as an hindrance. I too like angrez and vidhesi kudiyas, but to demarcate a line and say Indian girls are poor in every sense-I find it extremely hurtful and basically fake.

That he is born of Indian parents- a mother who taught him how to crawl and walk, the first language of his mother tongue. She is even ready to accept a videshi bahu, but she wants to have a talk with her before she does that.

If you have spent some years in Kerala, you will know how orthodox people are there. She also has to stay with the society, and bear the brunt of it. They are even contemplating of selling the property in Kerala and settling down in Ahmedabad.

My ex-gf, a Malaylee told me once that even if she told her parents that she loves me and will not marry anybody except me, her parents will find it difficult to accept. Because:they all have to live in a society, and have to contastly get this nagging. Sometimes, I wonder if we choose the society or the society does.

I feel he is doing the correct thing; there is no point in getting married to a desi, and then getting separated. You are doing a great sin for you have no right to play with a sacred institution like marriage. I think, if he is sure that he will be comfortable with a videshi wife, then let it be.

The big thing is he should not cheat his parents, and should not hide and get married to her. It may come as a shocker to them, but all they want is their son' happiness as does every parents.

As I get prepared to attend another client call, I hear that my friend already has put on an angrezi accent and started talking to the client. Good for him!

Publicity Gimmick and SRK!

2010-02-06T10:32:00.000-08:00

In between the switching of television channels, I manage to view and hear the news headlines, and more often than not the BREAKING NEWS catches me up. In recent times, the Pakistan players disclusion from Indian Premier League, and Bollywood actor, Shahrukh' Khan 'preaching of gospels of brotherhood' in tiding with his latest film, My Name Is Khan.

Obviously, popularly tagged as SRK, his preachings were not taken by an elite group of the society, and as I write flashes of his dimple coated picture are set in flames in certain cities of India.

I am not writing this piece to offer my sympathies to any party- SRK, political parties, Pakistan Cricket team or anyone for that matter, but am trying to understand, why do sometime situations and celebrities means everything to a nation? why do they feature everytime before a film?and, why does a Muslim actor speak and his actions are supported by some more Muslim activists?
Shahrukh is a mass communication grad fella.He speaks eloquently, which even the most of us can only pray. So, when he says that the Pakistani players should have been included in this year' IPL, everyone listens. But, people never questioned about his logic.

Instead, they retorted by asking why on the earth he took five Pakistani players in Kolkata KnightRides in the first IPL. And, certain people requested him to leave India and travel to Pakistan. I am sure, SRK is not a fool to do that, because he knows, he is not allowed to do an event in Pakistan, and staying there, that' not possible.

What I would have appreciated if SRK would have asked the govt. of Pakistan to steep up of the process of taking action against those attacked Mumbai last year. That would have done the world of good. I am sure, he is a celebrity, and people would listen.

IPL is an Indian domestic league competition and its run by people with business-oriented objectives in mind. I do not think, if today the Aussies will be considered for a contention in the IPL games, if uncertainly brews across them. Put yourself in the shoes of business folk, who invests around 150 crores in the game? Pakistan were an uncertainty in the game, and they were avoided. Simple!

It has become a nuisance actually that before the release of any movie the actors and actresses find them in a sleazy mess. It happened this time too. SRK, for sure,does not need publicity stunt like this, but it benefits the entire team of My Name is Khan.

In a recent interview, Mr. Bachchan had said that he had shot 15-20 days for Rann, and rest had been busy promoting the movie. Actors today need media and vice versa, and any publicity like this would create some more business for those people who make movies. And, Shahrukh is also a puppet. The day he does not sell himself, he is out of this market!

I am an Indian, how? just because I was born in a hospital in India of Indian parents? Nope, it is not what identifies me as an Indian. I am an Indian because I was born in a country that has had a rich culture and varied heritage, which I have chose to live within me. Tomorrow, I can migrate to any other country, but it won't nullify the reason that I am an Indian.

SRK preaches time and again that he is an Indian, and I am sure, if time permits, he may get a chance to prove it fully, not be his showcase of a Nasa-returned-Indian, but by his words and his actions. He needs to tell us why should we suck Pakistan' legs, when they have been time and again betrayed us? Untill then, take an advice-keep your mouth shut and carry on with your acting business. Do not take us for fools!

Smoking with a Skeleton

2010-01-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

For many a days, Afreen has been getting this sudden pain. A pain that arrests her stomach for a while and leaves her in complete agony for the next couple of hours. The pain scaled up with the passage of time, only to find the ignominy of a smoke-
addicted husband, Mubarak. Afreen was not possibly sure of the cause behind this pain, but she took a tablet as and when it occurred, and it subsided.

As time went on, she was expecting her first baby to the arrived in the beautiful Ahmed Inn, a bad news arrived. Her husband, Mubarak had some problems in business, and the tension had arrived in the abode. Day and night Afreen started receiving various tantrums thrown by him. But, what was more disturbing were the countless cigarettes smoked by him.

It never occurred to him that those cigarettes were causing a lot of disturbance to them and their relationship. Afreen started feeling this pain more now. The usual routine of visit to a doctor showed that the baby growing inside her body was finding it to breathe.
The day came of her delivery, and though Mubarak took her to the best hospital and showed her the best doctors, he was unable to save the baby. The baby born suffered a major lung disease and died of respiratory disorder. It did not occur to Mubarak for a once that his habit of smoke killed the baby. He remarried.

This real-life story is one of the instances where smoke or smoking kills a newly developed body and relationship bit by bit. What is worse that inspite of the education and awareness of its pitfalls, people do not understand. What is the cause of Afreen' agony? She tried her level best to comply with her husband' situation, but what does she get in return?

This comes to the important conclusion: does smoking really reduce stress? I do not think so because if it was, then people would have stopped smoking after the stress went away. They do not stop. It is more of one belief that one 'kash' can make them happy.

Once upon a time, my dad used to smoke occasionally, and now he does not. The other day, while he was taking a bettle leaf, I asked him "baba, tumi kene paan kaiyrai?" (why are you taking a pan?), and then he said that it helps him to stay away from cigarettes and so on. I think it makes sense to me now, for I am drawing a comparison now- which is deadlier between my dad' habit smoking or taking paans? I think the latter will be little less deadlier, but a fact is both are harmful and should be restrained to the core.

I do not smoke though I tried once in college but never felt that it would make me a hot shot. After all, if a puff of smoke can make you a hot shot then there would have been nothing to fall to. Anyway, the important thing is strike a balance between what you do and how much you should do? Also, important if this is something that can be harmful to a passive smoker, in this case the unborn baby, I think logically we are killers. You have to decide- kill yourself or kill others!

When you Girlfriend Prepares Chilly Chicken!

2010-01-20T02:28:00.000-08:00

The last few days have been quite tension-filled for Prachi. She had never faced this situation earlier, not even during the board exams, but now she has to. Prachi studying in Lady Sreeram College of New Delhi had to cook for Raj.

Interestingly, Raj is a good cook, not in the terms of Sanjeev Kapoor, but well, he knows a few things. Praci’ tension scaled up a few days earlier when she quietly quizzed Raj on the Facebook forum, “What gets you turn on?” Raj, as smartly can told her “your cooking.”

In the deepest corners, Raj knew Prachi would have got the hint. In a few weeks of time, there was not much of activity to be noticed in Prachi’s Facebook forum. Quietly, she had started preparing various menu dishes looking at the various recipes. In times, she invited wrath of friends by cooking various recipes and getting their feedback.
I am not sure if the feedback went fine with her, because there was an attempt to dissuade her from kitchen. Often at times, she used to check her mother’ quotient of recipes, and cook them. Interestingly, her mom was not pretty pleased with her cooking, and told her “tumi raana gharer paase jeo naa” (do not go near the kitchen)! It infuriated her so much that she decided to stay away from kitchen.

But then Raj’ birthday was drawing near; Prachi knew that she had to surprise Raj. That day she woke up early, went to the market and bought some chicken. She decided that she would prepare Chilly Chicken for him.

Fine! so the assignment started- the entire locality had by now known that she was cooking something. The clanking of utensils sounded more than as usual and somehow or the other the dish was prepared. Now, she has to wait for Raj.

Prachi, who has managed to speak 50 sentences hardly, was waiting for Raj to come. Soon, Raj arrived and without exchanging pleasantries or anything, she dashed off to the kitchen and bought the dish, “here, taste it.” Raj, taken aback, by this sudden situation did not know how to react. His facial expressions bore a quizzical look, enough to get Prachi shoot another command, “khao ekhon. (eat now)” Raj for the first time looked at Prachi- the fragile beautiful face showed traits of sweetens and handiwork.

Raj felt it was ugly on his part to turn his sweet little sunshine to a pale cook. He tasted it and told her it was wonderful. “Dhopash! came the sound”…Prachi fell down on the bed. The doctor was summoned and he gave two bottles of salinated water.

After a few days, when Raj saw that Prachi had recovered, he went to her, took her hands in his hands, and told “that was the best chilly chicken, I ever had sweets”. Tears flowed in from her eyes. They collapsed into a hug, only to discover a roasted chicken in the refrigerator to be cooked by Prachi. Guess, it is love!

One Fine Morning with SpiceJet

2010-01-17T03:55:00.001-08:00

The last time, I glanced at my watch, it showed me signs of desperation. A desperation to push it further and get connected to the tidings. News that can bring a smile in the face of a traveler, who seldom likes to grin at things. But, today it is different. I have had enough of it.

Each time, I faced this issue, I kept reminding myself that Aamir Khan too faced certain complexities in life in 3 Idiots, yet reminded to say 'Allz is well'. But, this is different. I had enough of this nonsense with the airports and airlines in India. The same make-shift logic of running the best airlines, yet we have to face some nonsense issues.
The flight to Bangalore from capital city New Delhi by SpiceJet is supposed to leave at sharp 6. I have reached the Indira Gandhi Airport from Vasanth Vihar in a span of 20 minutes, half-numb, half-shocked and half-awoken. Numb for I have never experienced such a winter season in my twenty-six years of life, shocked because I am so used to Bangalore traffic that an empty street looks a distant dream to me and awoken for I never awake before 10 on a Sunday morning. Anyway, the driver dropped me to the airport, and then I had to rush for the trolleys.

I entered inside, and a cheerful yet so fake SpiceJet official gave me a shocker "Sorry sir! the flight has been canceled. We cannot put you into next flight. You can only leave on so so date". She posted this news in such a hurry that it would have beat the flurry of movies' releases that Ramgopal Varma has.

I had not yet overcome this jeopardy when she announced that I should get on queue for more details. I was like 'hello!, are you inviting me for KAUN BANEGA RUDE WITH ME"

I just vented out my whole frustration on her, but she answered that with such a fake smile. The airport looked like a mess to me at that time. No queues for boarding passes, everyone standing wherever they possibly could and no helpline. Luckily, I got a flight to Bangalore but that was a flight via Ahmedabad. I had to shell out some more money to travel.

But that is not the point- the callousness and the recklessness of these airlines for the passengers. It is their duties to report to the passengers about a delay of the flight, and take necessary precautions that they help the passengers to board another flight. But why would they? Because, all the carriers are the same in India, be it Jet Airways, Kingfisher and so on. It is about the price tag that all are concerned about. The rest 'passengers' can go to hell!

Musings of an Idiot outside IIMB

2010-01-11T02:33:00.000-08:00

For sometime now, comedy in Bollywood has turned itself into a slapstick-vulgar note. We witness comedies where in the name of humor, double-standard languages are used. I am quite tired of it, because maa-behen ki gaalibaazi comedy is not my cup of tea, and I am sure it is not yours too.

So, when a Rajkumar Hirani directs a comedy, you know you will get something nice, which you can enjoy it with family. Like Munnabhai, 3 Idiots conveys a very serious message in terms of our educational system, and does that with some brilliant comedy.

It is good to start the year with laughter because where do we get to smile these days.I am running helter-skelter in paying premium policies and documentation stuffs which I am not sure will be of any help to anyone. But, I have to do it. But, when I get a chance to see a movie like 3 Idiots, I am compelled to tell myself, "Allz is well."

The movie has 3 protagonists and though all of them have been brillant in their respective roles, Mr. Chatur Singh steals the show. This movie is incomplete without this guy's presence.

If you watch Sholay today also, you will marvell at Gabbar Singh. His character is that of a person,who is like most of us, in our colleges, dying to secure good position, then get a million-dollar job, and yet cribble over things. He is not satisfied, and that is so common to us-are we? Right when he starts with his intro "I was born in Uganda, but brought up in Pondy" to "Tu ki hain..teacher abhi", Chatur is a master in acting ship.The story has been nicely told and each of the scenes kept me engrossed. The songs are very situational especially "Doobi Doobi"--well-choreographed. Aaamir, very honestly is someone I have marvelled since Bachchan.

After Dil Chahta Hai, I never thought you will play the role of 22+ college going folk with such wonder. Does he anywhere look like a 45+ guy? His quizzical expressions were so natural- he is intelligent but foolish at time. His voice is dubbed a few times especially when he tells Kareena, "Tum apni Maa ko Bahut Miss Karti Ho naa...".

Madhavan as usual does a niche job. I guess my ex-gf would be happier to see her favorite crush. Sharman is one of the best actors of Bollywood now. Like Saif, he does not mind playing second fiddle at time. I am not sure if he is a guy who can carry a film alone in his shoulder, but he is trying.

Kareena is good or may I say I enjoyed her short role. This movie is based on Chetan Bhagwat' 5 POINT SOMEONE. I enjoyed that book, but it is not something that I can recommend you for any serious think. If you want to read it for fun, you can do it. So, if Rajkumar has taken the characters and made it into a powerful story, I think Chetan should be happy for it.

There were so many places that connected me- for example my parents pushing me for Science course, when I am basically an Arts guy, Running and still running after money and so on.

I liked and enjoyed the movie. I hope you can enjoy this comedy with your family. I think parents need to be advisers and not push their kids with their views. Well, fortunately, everyone is not an Idiot like me at Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.

From Delhi with Love

2010-01-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

I am presently strolling in the beautiful North campus of New Delhi, and I simply cannot have much of it. To my disappointment, I could not get a space near Miranda College to blog my thoughts, so am at this moment 12:44 PM inside ST.Stephen's College. I have somehow manage to invade the security of Stephens courtesy my folks in News X channel.
Beautiful! I love this city-the more I get to see of it, the more I fall in love with it. Be it the kacories of Gopal Dambal house in Kamla Nagar or the monstrous meal of Moti Mahal, Delhi had something to offer everyone. Here's what I explored and wanted to share this with you:

There are 2 kinds of people you get to see in Delhi: foodies and f******. There is a section mostly in the North conservative to the core; they would give scant eyes at the very moment they see you with a girl. While it is totally different when you travel to Southern or Western part of New Delhi.

If you have not experienced cold and want to define winter season, you need to visit and stay in Delhi. I have never experienced chillness like this before, and will like to say I am nursing a frozen shoulder now.

You will never get chance to be bored in Delhi since there are so many things to do and so many places to visit. Every four-steps that you take, you land up yourself in a park. I am of the opinion that Kolkata and Delhi are the only few places left with places of social networking and rest have been camouflaged.

The Corporate Love Affair

2009-12-22T03:07:00.000-08:00

In my career spanning some years, breezy hours and awesome seconds,I have never witnessed the tragedy of back stab. It may lead to some brows in a corporate world where often the deals happened in the wee hours of early mornings, parties thrown in the name of projects, sexual ladder are taken to reach certain peaks and so on is done for a price. I have tried to keep myself aloof from a lot of socializing in office.

Even at times, I have distanced myself from having relationships with a colleague, who is one of the hottest looking glamorous woman in town. It is due to this I sometime curse myself for not going with this path.

Then she came. She was Farha- the most beautiful women that I have had seen. Infact there was not a piece of iota of doubt that Farha would be the next spring of sunshine in our boredom official life.

In the due course of time, Farha stepping into my cubicle and discussing things with me made me too a special person. Being a teetotaler sometime can be unusually blessing at times. I was invited to parties that no one would have ever fancied of. And, that is only because of Farha. I chose not to be offended by the ignominious expression of disbelief and shock.

When you are in the presence of someone who make you believe that you are an incomplete person without her touch and presence, you think it is nice to be incomplete. I see myself as a failure rather than an achiever. I am contended or how should I put satisfied with it. Because, I learnt it in 2009 certain things are out of my league.

Over the next few moments, in the uncountable mugs of coffees and teas, I discovered that falling in love with an attractive young woman is not an offense. It is rather a time of elation. But, then when you realise that the very moment used you to as a medium for getting higher in the ranks you are revengeful. I was for a moment speechless when Farha said that certain things could not be worked out, and we were not to be couples. But, then over the next few days, over drinks and pornography movies, I realised that there is a life except love.

I may have been used in this corporate ladder, but such things are redeemable in this world only. Whatever you do, good or bad, you have to pay it back to the society in this life only. I heard that she is seeing Arun now. For a moment, I opened my drawer, there lies the beautiful snap of Farah. She still invades me at will.

Words

2009-12-18T08:22:00.000-08:00

I have some deep feelings inside
Wish I had words besides
Wish I had words besides

Words to make you feel happy and smile
Words to make the long lips wave miles
Words to sail you in the bottom of my heart

Alas! thine is far
And i got to whisper "will you feel my touch?

I have some deep feelings inside
Wish I had some words besides
Wish I had words besides

India: A Nation of Division

2009-12-13T04:21:00.000-08:00

As of today I reside in a country that had once 25 States and 7 Union Territories. I have lost count of it now. I do not even remember the last time I heard a school kid being asked how many states are there in India in the infinite quiz shows that are held in hundreds of private television channels across India. College guys and working professionals do not have much idea of the same, anyway.

Understandably, the quizmaster considers that question to change any day. I say this in a public forum and am totally clueless of how many States does this country has today? But, does this answer really matter since tomorrow every locality will have their own identity. I do not know where all this will lead but one thing for sure I am against it.
Story goes that Gandhiji had told Sardar that if partion happened it will result in more division of countries. His prophecy did not have to wait years; it happened soon and enough. Our politicans made it sure that they will do anything in the book to crush and roll these countries to pieces. After ravaging this nation and crushing it inch by inch, with skyrocketed prices and corruption at every nook, it decided to divide and rule.

I will not want to get into the root cause of why is this division of places? My question is can we not co-exist? Is Telengana separation essential? What happens to Gorkhaland tomorrow? Will Assam became a separate country? My question is if all of the states start thinking of the logic that these are neglected and they need to come out and have their own independent state.

But do these states think that having an independent State will make them free from anything that is remotely past? Do they think the center will be start taking more interest in their welfare and zillions of bucks will be spent to set up and start off with implementation? I am not a financial analyst, but my conscience suggest that a country with GDP ratio of 7.5 has lots of economic instability to look into rather than planning schemes for hundreds of other states.

I cannot understand the logic behind the rationale of a separate State. Why cannot a States co-exist and function as a unit together? Power crazy politicians will not delimit here. Taking a hasty decision such as has invited wrath and more challenges before the government. I have nothing more to add here, but I do not see any future of India. This county has gone to dogs!

Memories

2009-12-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

As I reclined on the couch, my eyes go back to the memory lane,
with sweet memories round the corner creep up now and then,
Memories of sweet and ugly flashes with vigor again.

Somewhere could I still hear the lullaby she sung,
perhaps mom was calling me from dark woods,
Memories of attempts to fulfill my parent' desire
But,could never be the one.

Sweat she bore with all her desire,
left behind is her memories.

Memories such sweet as mine, are
only memories to die for.

I have not Puked Since 93'

2009-12-01T06:51:00.001-08:00

This is one of my all-time favorite scenes from HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER. Try this sometime! It may just work...

Wicked Dreams!!!

2009-11-26T07:14:00.000-08:00

I think apart from being such a beautiful and soulful track, the fact that the video features model Helena Christensen makes it even more hotter. The choreography is also something to look about. Enjoy! It remains one of the most popular chartbusters in my library.

I Love You!

2009-11-22T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've never seen you.
Or touched your skin.
I've never felt your lips
Or held you tight.
But, I know I love you.

Not because of the way you look.
Or because of that sexy voice.
Not because of the things you say.
But because of whom you are.
When we meet I will kiss you.
And hold you all night.

I love everything about you
Because it's you.

The 'Backless' Theory of Kareena Kapoor

2009-11-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

No offence to all those lovely women and girls. I love and adore beautiful women, and to an extent would pray that I date quite a few before I die and go to heaven. And, in heaven, date those beautiful angels.

Trust me! as Akhila tells me: what is Raj if he is not dating? :) Once such prominent personality, and a much talked celebrity is Kareena Kapoor, soon to be affiliated as Saif-leena. I would ask "Miss, what is with your backless theory?"

Seriously, I am all sickened up of watching news channels who have nefarious business but to showcase 'how much is too much' for Kareena. All the channels talk about the bold scenes and her backless postures in Bollywood flick, KURBAAN. But then, it is the adage of marketing:"sex sells', and I am sure we buy it.

There is something inherently sexy about the display of a woman with a sexy unfettered back. Awakening to see the vision of a shapely female naked back, one can easily be transfixed by the sheer beauty of what is surely one of the most sublime aspects of the feminine form.

The contours, outlines and the unblemished skin are all pure poetry in motion.

And so it is at parties, sure your standard cleavages, leggy-ness and pertness will win many admirers, but watch a creature enter any room in an elegant backless dress and the warning signs are on - men and women get drawn to the top of the neck downwards as the woman is quickly elevated to femme fatal status.

A simple backless dress is sure to dazzle. It’s a guaranteed show stopper. Of course, it has to be reasonably well-fitted dress as any slack will retract from the full effect.

I am sure a backless Kareena Kapoor may be the talk of the tinsel town, but then it is the provocation that makes it more striking. I do not find it something big, but then if it makes a statement then be it.

TUM MILE

2009-11-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

I have been 'in' and 'out' of relationships since the age of 18, and thankfully the tears have dried up for me to shed anymore. It makes me an emotional fool in my friends circle, where until today, my friends have never accepted that I had not slept on my first date and that it happened with me: Love. But it does.

Same with Soha and Emran in TUM MILE. Both of them have been emotional fools, Soha to an extent clearly demonstrates that Bharati naari, be it living in Capetown has no issues in sacrificing her career for her live-in-partner chauvinistic Emran. I feel such men are jerks of first-rate, who except that their girls should be running and caring their luggage everywhere.
But, what struck me in this movie is how important is to 'talk' in relationships. At times, when a couple has been seeing each other, they quite frequently ask each other both online or offline " say something' or 'you say'. Often, it makes the other person especially woman impatient. A man on the other hand seeks an excuse to come out of the meeting.

I think it is imperative for a man to share things with his girl. It is where, a good sense of humor comes into picture. Often, in difficult times, as seen in the movie, a crack of joke during the climax relieves the tension.

I think eyes talk a lot; maybe a girl understand the importance of love through the eyes of a man. In this movie, Soha was constantly trying to look into the eyes of Emran and search love there.

I agree that today' generation are calculative in love. We think much more before taking a decision to get wed unlike our parents. The habit of Live-in relationships did not come all of a sudden, but was borne out from the issues of compatibility and financial constraint. But, then can a relationship of today run like our parents for next 25 years?

I am not very sure for a very simple reason- today no one is willing to continually sacrifice for the other. Tell me will you for your partner for 25 years do it? Be honest!It is a nice movie, though became a little dramatic in the end, but then it is Bollywood.

If you love someone, be sure to let her know, but also, understand that you have to respect each other priorities for all throughout your lives and not changed all of a sudden.

The Fear

2009-11-15T03:15:00.000-08:00

You think of situations and maybe the last thing that comes to your mind is FEAR. Yes, fear that strikes a round of anxiety and a sort of commotion that starts making you feel nervous.

Situations that can be left out of box, but suddenly with little objects and earmarked actions, it becomes suddenly dangerous and before you know fear creeps in from nowhere.You start associating yourself with each and everything that has some dark elements attached to it. Before, you know, you are scared.
Meet Neelam, a student of DPS school, New Delhi studying for her board exams. Her parents have gone to a neighborhood wedding. Unlike in Western cultures, it is extremely important that Indians attend their neighborhood weddings and every sort of rituals as a customary thing. Normally, you feel that this also brings gossips to the board tables.

Anyway, after a prolong two-hours of studies, Neelam was thirsty. She went to grab a glass of water. As she opened the refrigerator, there was a thud beyond her back. The door banged! she thought it can be just a flip of wind. It did not get into her nerves yet, but the second time, she went out, the fear struck.

She came back from the bathroom and found something, somewhere misplaced. She could not understand for a second, if she had been feeling the after effects of her drugs. There she had kept her book in the table, but then it was lying across the chair. What the freak! she hooted a scream. The rocking chair was not stationary anymore. She was scared now. She was perspiring. She had no idea what to do. The only place that she felt safe was beneath the bed.

Neelam was reading a book, which had first few lines consisting of words: Thirst, cat, doors and chair. I am not sure if there was really a supernatural figure present in that room, but it definitely was an emotional response to a threat.

Do We look Beyond Beggars!

2009-11-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

Every day and night, as the traffic lights turn from 'Red' to 'Green' or vice versa, another episode in the mundane lives of street beggars start and begin. 'They' are in every fashion, ugly, wretched, nauseated, filthy beggars, yet poor and dependent to the core.

To a city based person, these people make the cities ugly. You and I cannot like them for we are far above from them in every ranks, atleast that's what we think about. I am a part of the society that considers begging to be a social evil, and I pray that one day it ceases to act.
But, I have seen people considering begging to be a pictorial scene of our India. To them a SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE is nothing but bloody India, where still we ride on elephants to office, where it is Malaria infected and kids never go to school. Thus, human existence seem still to be in a dark world.

Some how in India begging has an image of respect since many people in olden days unknowingly claimed they would bring up children even if they have to beg or borrow and charity too is encouraged by many religions.

This has lead to rampant begging around places of worship. Many beggars may be able bodied and capable of even manual work but lazy and find and easy way out. Ours is country of contrasts- one side crorepatis are growing in huge numbers and other side poverty is increasing. There is no sincere effort to discourage begging and make them self-reliant.

My Guide to a Man' Wardrobe

2009-11-08T02:34:00.000-08:00

Let's admit it today: few men have got a taste for good women, and those who do, have a good wardrobe. You may be wondering why did I start of the topic with wardrobe and how does it play in identifying and managing good women. It is not a rocket science, but years of experience made me come to this logic.Na! I am not that papa-sugar-daddy of yours,I am pretty good in taking notices and identifying it.
The first time, I started living on my own and had a girlfriend, she was furious at the way I kept my clothes. On her pressure, I admittedly started taking notice of my wardrobes. And, as time rolls on, with few more feets touching my abode, I discovered them noticing my wardrobe then anything in my room first. So, I decided to put my wardrobe straight into the living hall. Don't tell me later about the danger.

I am not a specialist of clothes, but I generally manage to keep a decent wardrobe. The first thing that you should know is that your wardrobe needs to have in-season colors and clothes. So, if its summer, I would like to see some good-tshirts in there. Maintain a good casual attire of trousers and formal shirts. For people who perspire a lot, good deodorant is a must. Keep it right next to your set of watches.

And because, it's the time of Winter season in India, I chose to keep a party jacket, a blazer and a pullover. If you fancy wearing scarfs, you can buy one from Provogue or Proline showroom. It looks really good.

My wardrobe has always a Black shirt since I love the color. It is sexy and very appealing. So, go for it always.

Wardrobes are the most important item of furniture in your bedroom, bar the bed, so they must look good. Most high street stores now do a good range of wardrobes that have a fashionable look, but if you want something extra special think about buying an antique, or you could get one custom made.

It's fashionable to have a string bikini these days for men. Keep all your innerwears nicely tucked. I suggest Jockey and Levis. And, the colors that I choose are again Black and White.

Maintain a nice wardrobe. It just makes a very good impression. Over to you, Caroline!

Tears of Love

2009-11-06T07:12:00.000-08:00

It is not always that I get upset and start crying. Infact, I am hardly a person to shed tears. But, today it rolls.I am very upset today,and I could not even imagine what went wrong.

After all, it was a decision taken by two matured people. How can then I be so stupid and feel bad about it? Why, why, and why?
It's been a few years that I have broken up with her, and we never kept in touch with her except a few pleasantries.But, when I saw her today with her beau, a chill went through my veins. I could not stand there seeing her with someone else. Is there something still between us? Am i jealous? Naa! it cannot be.

I can only come to this conclusion that I am an emotional guy. I made love with her and spent a great deal of time in exchanging ways to life. She gave me her everything, and was so loyal that this fool could not understand what is 'life without her presence'. It's true that we have come a long way. I have had girls in my life after that, and she has moved on the same.

But, I still think, you feel an emptiness in your heart no matter whomever occupies it. I am gonna miss you. Guess! it was love.

To Delhi with Love!

2009-11-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

I love this city-Delhi. I love everything about it. Be it the beautiful Delhi rains, or the wondrous escapades of morning life, there is everything that a human being longs for.

My love for this city begun when I came as a baby boy in mama's arms. We were in the trip to North at that period. I think dad took us to Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Rishikesh and so on. To me these are not mere places that I visited, but beautiful moments that I keep on reminding myself.
I woke up early today, had managed to get a decent late night sleep in the flight. Jet Airways have always taken great care of passengers. The frequent trips earned me lot of friends and especially a beautiful JetAir hostess..oh! that is another story. Maybe some other day.

I am sitting in this park and looking at the passerby. Some are jogging, some trying to warm their bodies with an early cup of tea and of course, some love birds romancing. I jogged a little bit, not that I have an athletic body, but it is in these period that I manage to capture DELHI in my lenses. Yes, I love photography.

Had not my ex-girlfriend stopped me in Bangalore, I would have been selling moomfallis in Agra or Delhi. Someone actually told me the other day.

Delhi is a historical place; everything seem to happen here. We got Independence here...a walk down the isles takes me to Red Fort, where I can feel myself as a proud countryman. I do not think I am patriotic. No one can call themselves patriotic because we are too busy in this materialistic world to even care about our nation.

We are a bunch of selfish, self-obsessed Indians who wants a pie for them first. How can we be different? I do not know. Delhi also happens to be a place of foodie. Oh! right from Reshmi Kabbabs in Chandni Chowk to Biriyani of Nizamuddin.

I actually freaked out here a few years back with Sonal, who used to work in a call center. We used to come in groups and spend awesome nights sipping coffee and talking..just talking. I am told by few people that I do speak well. That's one of the reasons, I get my coffee sponsored.

I have a program in some hours, but then I wanted to write this. I just wanted to thank this city for all its beautiful histories. It is not always a guy like me gets nostalgic, but then 'Sex' and 'Raj' are good when they are high. So, let me say adios. I am gonna run for my show, and as usual this time it will be with pride. God bless!

The Parting

2009-11-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

Traveled a hundred miles with hope and dreams
Traveled a hundred miles with cherished smile
It was the 5th of April my dear
It was the 5th of April when they said hi

Dressed in a white T and Blue Jeans,
She strolled in a Red Santro
Ten hours and forty minutes, when she said “finally”

She was down with all cold and all
But still the sun’s rays couldn’t keep her from smile
Arms with bangles of all colors
She shined in that nosy ring.

Coffee day with Assam Tea, she started speaking
But! Her fingers were texting while her eyes were searching
As they converse stories of many a fold
The guy couldn’t stop pulling her legs,

They shopped and shopped
Till she said “kuch thikka ho jahee” (let's have something spicy)
He wished she could stay
But she didn’t wish to.

As they departed, she shook his hands
He wished he could just caress her face,
Bye my dear! Bye my touch
She stopped,and winked me.

Traveled a hundred miles with hope and dreams
Traveled a hundred miles with cherished smile
It was the 5th of April my dear
It was the 5th of April when they said hi

My First Kiss

2009-10-28T10:34:00.000-07:00

I held back, I had to resist.
All I wanted, was to be kissed.
By your lips so soft, so very nice.
So very full, So full of life.

You laid me down, And looked at me.
Said, "It's alright, I can see."
Just go to sleep, I'll hold you close."
You touched my lips, and pinched my nose.

You held me close, all through the night,
I held your hand, so very tight.
I felt complete, so full of bliss.
Knowing that I just had, my very first Kiss.

Autobiography of a Navel

2009-10-25T01:06:00.000-07:00

Identifying one's assets at a primal age is important. Navi understood that at an early age. She knew that I am special. I am special for she is within me, and she cannot hate me for that. Initially, she did not like me that much.

I was small and candid, and she was shy. She allowed her mommy to touch me, and I used to hate that. Why does not she touch me? Why does she not understand that navel is where my heart lies? And, then Jagannath came into her life.

Jaganath is Navi's boyfriend. They have been dating for sometime now, and in course of the love making Jagan shivered with each time the wetness of her navel touched his naked flesh. And of course, in the wildness of compassion, Jagan flashed that poppy question "Navi darling, navel pierce kar lo naa".....

And then, Navi got a navel piercing..matlab she pierced me...ah! how I got wounded. But, I feel it always arroused the question : How to care for a Navel Piercing. So, here is Jagan, acting as doctor caring Navi's navel

**Do not wear tight clothing, tights or pantyhose while your navel piercing is healing, as that may irritate your wound. Try to wear soft fabrics and avoid wearing jeans or any other restricting pants if possible.

**Stay away from peroxide or rubbing alcohol when choosing products to clean your navel piercing.

**Do your best not to sleep in a position that puts pressure on your navel piercing and try to sleep with your head propped up above the level of your heart to promote circulation and prevent swelling of the pierced area.

**Avoid strenuous physical activity, especially sports that involve physical contact, to best care for your navel piercing.

And one thing more, seems like take good care of me girls. Most of the Capricorn guys' heart lies within me. What say, Jaganathan?

Where is the Axe Effect!

2009-10-23T08:02:00.000-07:00

“Where the f*** is the Axe effect? I’ve been waiting for it for over seven years. Right from my college to now in my office, no girl ever agreed to even go out for a tea or coffee with me, even though I’m sure they could smell my perfumes, deodorants and aftershaves.

I always applied them in abundance to make sure the girls get turned on as they show in the television.

Finally, I thought I’d try to impress my lonely bai who had an ugly fight with her husband and was living alone for over a year. Axe effect my foot!” Prakash expressed his unhappiness.

Prakash claims that he had been using all the Axe products as per the company’s instructions even since he first bought them. He argued that if he couldn’t experience the Axe effect despite using the products as directed, either the company was making false claims or selling fake products.

“I had always stored them in cool and dry place, and kept them away from direct light or heat. I’d always use a ruler before applying the spray and make sure that the distance between the nozzle and my armpit was at least 15 centimeters.

I’d do everything they told. I even beat up my 5-year-old nephew for coming near my closet, as they had instructed it to keep away from children’s reach. And yet, all I get is a broom beating from my ugly bai.” Prakash expressed his frustration.

Prakash claims that he had to do go a lot of mental suffering and public humiliation due to the lack of Axe effect and wants *** to compensate him for this agony. An advocate in Juhu court, who happened to mistake Prakash for some deodorant vendor when he entered the court premises with all the bottles, has now offered to take up his case in the court.

"There is no data to substantiate the supposition that unattractive and unintelligent men don’t attract women. In fact some of the best looking women have been known to marry and date absolutely ghoulish guys. I’d suggest that the company settles this issue out of court.” noted lawyer Rajdeep Gupta said.

THE BEST INTRO...

2009-10-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

This is arguably the best opening scene in all-time movie history. I am a big fan of Quentin Tarantino, and in this movie RESERVOIR DOGS he shows how characters cannot be classified as big or small. It is just sheer dialogues and acting ship which makes a movie rock.

Come back with an Answer!

2009-10-19T07:01:00.000-07:00

Sitting outside the doctor's cabin, Anmol was finding it tough to acknowledge what she was meant to be doing. "Come back with an answer" is what Dr Asma had told her in last visit. She has an answer now but she is not sure that if it would cater to a correct decision. There is a huge gap between correct decision and a decision.
The needs of an ever growing baby inside Anmol' belly seems to be no body's concern, but she had a motive behind the same. To bring this baby into this world and to show him/her happiness meant that there was a purpose in her existence.

A nullified expression of hope added to her sublime surprise made it difficult. That she was going to be a single mom,whose husband had deserted her was a case. For a moment, the society seem to be an ignored task for her.

She didn't know how to raise this kid coming into the world. A chance of lifetime need not results to a growth of love. To care for her and to do her upbringing in the society was a serious issue but done to the same to compensate for the loss and then the idea of love was losing out.

She tried smiling at bliss but it was meant to be a smile, that could spread only if she could bring this baby to the world.

"Yes, I want to have the baby", Anmol looked into the doctor's eyes as she reiterated her statement. Dr. Asma pressed and gave her compassionate embrace. Why is that every girl has a same story to tell? The sun in the horizon was setting itself for an early set. It may be just the perfect end for a beginning.

Happy Deepawali 2009

2009-10-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,
I wish each one of you a very Happy Diwali.

Let us all be happy and share our life with friends, family and loved
ones. Diwali is all about new beginnings and making sure our spirit of
living, smiling, trying and succeeding always lives on. Thousands of
years ago, whenever people would have tough times and there was darkness
everywhere, people sat together and lit lamps. These "diyas" brought
light and smiles to faces of people.

The true spirit of Diwali is when you feel that you are a part of the
sorrow and happiness of everyone.
Happy Diwali!

When she turned me down...

2009-10-14T08:13:00.001-07:00

Romancing in the Rain

2009-10-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

The rain itself, dances all around
As I kiss my sweetheart, without a sound.

The rain glides through the air and I hold her tight
It’s like the angels are crying, such a beautiful sight

Her tongue touches mine and its ecstasy
A kiss in the rain sets my emotions free.

She pulls my lower lip and it takes its toll
My whole body tingles, like I’ve lost control.

As the rain falls down I just can’t believe
That I need her to move, to think, to breathe.

I take a step back and I look in her eyes
She tells me she loves me and my heart just flies.

You know Rachu....

2009-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

1) When there is a calm breeze flowing, and you are left doing nothing but to wait for a sudden storm.
2) When you are done complimenting her, but still she is expecting more and more.
3) When you are done with the main course of your lunch, and you need a desert.
4) When she looks into this eyes and says "I know what you did last summer!".
5) When she is inconsolable and you know you are going to face a real tough time now.
6) When she makes those simple moments into precious occasions.Trust me! she has made my infinite moments special.
7) When she chooses to dream and make you dream too.
That's my special guidya!

When you get your Girfriend ...

2009-10-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Never allow your girl to see your wardrobe. A guy’s wardrobe is not more precious than the Swiss bank.It is so filled up with dirt and shits,and a very bad impression will be created.

Keep your room clean and tidy. See it is very tough for guys to arrange the clothes properly. So have a lot of time at hand before you call her up.
The kitchen is the most unlikely place that a girl would like to visit on the first day. But then when she keeps on repeatedly visiting your place, she will land up there occasionally. I think for some obvious reasons, a girl appreciates immensely if she checks out her boyfriend is a good cook. But, a good cook keeps his kitchen clean.

Make sure the sink is neat, no grains of food lying here and there, spoons and plates in proper place. Important thing..keep a nice mug with the tea bags, sugar nearby. Do not search for the stuffs when she is in the house. It makes a bad impression. 9 out of 10 girls will tell this to her friends, so make this visit more sweet.

Get your laptop a new screensaver; have her snapshot as a screensaver. She will just love it.

Please have lots of scented candles in the room. Your bedroom should have dimlights. Run some light music.

If you guys are going to do something special, (ofcourse, I will not share how to do it. Someone suggested that I am a boring guy) as a boy, get the protection near at hand. You do not want to be in the middle of the things, scream and start searching for it.

Manners, Manners and Manners first. Do not ever force her for anything. Just because she has come to your place does not mean that she wishes to make out.Give her sometime. If you are smart enough, you will get the right signal.

Breathtaking

2009-10-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I am in love with her. Can anyone of you present me with a birthday gift-just a date with this beautiful angel?

Wake up Sid

2009-10-04T09:09:00.001-07:00

The last four days have been quite unusual. Aap sochenege what is 'unusual'? Honestly, a few people who know me quite a deal, are aware that I am always in an 'action' mode. Bas, click on your camera, and I am ready to roll. But, the last four days were not much 'action' oriented.

I spent nearly sleeping and sleeping. In between, I cooked a great deal ranging from Chicken Biriyani to Puliogare. That's not enough. I managed to invite friends for lunch too. And of course, I was with my special lady on sms', and each moment was special.
I am sitting now in McDonald restaurant in Brigade road. I am just back from watching Ranbir-Konkona starrer WAKE UP SID. Na! I am not sad; I am happy for two big reasons. Firstly, my ticket was sponsored by my friend. And, secondly, I could see my life in theaters.

I was not that ambitious in life, but I wanted to be something...something creative, something thrilling and of course being a writer. Sid is not aimless in life, he is just enjoying every moment of life. He likes his friends a lot and can do anything for them. But he does not want to grow up. I am sure, I never wanted too. I also like to be pampered as a baby. Ask any lady friend of mine.
Konkona is such a natural performer that when you watch her, you feel you are seeing life. She beautifully narrates 'aaj ki naari'. Today's girls are independent. They wish to do their own stuffs themselves. They expect their ambitious spirit to be motivated and not down upon.
WAKE UP SID did not bore me. Karan Johar kept it simple and fresh. You will see traces of Lakshya and DIL CHAHTA HAI, but then he has not dragged it much. He showed how a simple, aimless guy wants to do something on his own, and not get dragged by his dad's riches.

My food has arrived. Go and watch this movie!Ayan Mukherjee, being a Bengali you did me proud dude!

Things NOT to do after a Break Up

2009-10-02T23:19:00.000-07:00

"Capricorns are the most devoted and loyal lovers..."

Alright, so you had a recent break up, and you are feeling miserable about it. You think your whole world has quashed, and there is nothing, really nothing in this world that can make you cheer up again. In a nutshell, you feel that your world has come to an end. But, trust me it is not. It has just begun. You may not heed to any of my advices now, but in future, it will be of some help. Just hear me, huh!I have some statistics that says almost 80 percent of folks specially teenagers find it difficult to recuperate from their first break up. But, interestingly, it also said that they get their loved ones no sooner, and they can come out of it easily.

It also mentions, that teenagers have a tendency of getting physical out of the first love, and then when realization sunks in, there is the 'guilt' cringing in. I believe, first love is special but in no way, it should end your life. I mean it should not stop you from moving on.

Now, I am have been writing this blog for so long, and in my life I occasionally meet people with varied tastes. Now, today I met Nitasha, a beautiful teenager doing her grads in Psychology from Jyothi Nivas college. I met her in Coffee Day near Jyothi Nivas College, Bangalore. She invited me for a coffee and to discuss on 'what she should NOT do post break-up??'.

Here is what I suggest:

1. First and foremost, Never resort to alcohol or drugs. Drinking will never solve your problem and is only a waste of time. Alcohol and drugs will only lead you to making irrational decisions and consequently get you more problems.

2. Think about your FAMILY. It is very tough for anyone to think about their families when they undergo a break up in relationships. And, if a family in which a girl's opinion is never taken into consideration, then it is improbable that she will talk to her family. But then all said and done,do you have the balls to go against your family and carry on with the relationships.
It is wonderful to see Bollywood movies, where a guy and girl meet, romances under trees and elopes to live happily. But, in real life when you are 18 or 19, trust me do not ever think about it also.There is nothing better in the world than your parents' blessings.

3. Get Busy. It will be difficult for you to concentrate on anything and you may get involve in brawls and arguments as such. People, who have no clue about your matter will identify you as a loner and arrogant person. You will lose friends. It is important hence, to avoid hasty confrontations. Read books and lots of books.

4. Avoid visiting places which keeps on reminding about your loved ones. You have to slowly erase their thoughts. It is difficult but manageable.

5. God brought you to this world and so he had a definite purpose. You also have a purpose in life- to become something and make your parents proud. Work towards your goal.

6. Have a table and identify two good decisions and two wrong decisions that you took in last month. I guess or am rather sure, you have taken the right decision.

In conclusion, I recollect my personal experience-When someone leaves you, the worst thing you can do is ask yourself why. Because as soon as you know the answer to that question, you’ll just replace that question with another one—and no one should have that much power over you.

At some point, you have to let it go, and realize that you can’t make someone want to be with you. Either they do, or they don’t. Now if they do, then great; but if they don’t, then move on and believe that God has something better for you. You can trust a Capricorn guy like me on that as some special lady friend told me once "Capricorns are the most devoted and loyal lovers..." So, take my advice. Have a fantastic weekend!

The Experience at # 3 Apartment

2009-09-30T23:02:00.000-07:00

Live
Don't end
Your perfect life

"Hello! Anjali" The #3, 22nd Rupert Street of Worli, Mumbai broke a distant sound. No body in the housing complex had much of an idea on #3 household. The family had been a complete stranger to the folks since their occupancy. Inside the apartment lived Mrs. Anjali with her two little dogs. Mr. Kumar had passed away couple of years back in a plan accident; nobody can understand why Anjali never remarried.Anjali is 36 years old. It was an arranged marriage.She grew up in a small town in Uttar Pradesh, and is quite conservative, quiet and very shy. In many ways, she is the traditional Indian wife. She is a housewife, spends most of her time in housework, knitting, watching Hindi soap operas, and listens to everything what her husband said.

She had the most beautiful dimples and attractive eyes to make any man crazy. Locks of her hair falling on her curvaceous shoulders can redeem a man from his deepest slumber. Yet, why such a beautiful Indian woman of 36 years is has kept her life locked in this apartment. The voice broke Anjali’s thought.

The sentence reiterated--- Anjali, Anjali…it sounded familiar. Anjali is aware of the fact that I’m surrounded by people, but my husband is one of the few that understood me. But the voice that boomed across the telephone sounded so familiar.

It was a voice of authority, familiar and sweet. She had forgotten in ages of someone calling her name in such sweet baritone. Prakash had been dead for long and she was not acquainted with any other voice that had more soothing effect. Ji aap kaun’..Anjali stuttered to answer. There was a momentary silence before the caller’s voice boomed again- I am Raj…your Raj..remember Xavier’s college.

Of course, how could Anjali forget him. Her long lost love. Anjali stands before the mirror, and touches her navel. It has been so long that a male has touched her body. Things keep on coming on her mind. The moments with her husband keeps coming back. Nothing is permanent.

Ah, sometimes it’s a good thing that nothing remains permanent in life! And it’s even better that Anjali' problem was only a state of mind. This situation was a good reminder that the only person that her happiness depends upon is herself. If Anajli just work on changing my thoughts and perception a little, Anjali won’t have to go anywhere or be with anyone to be happy again.

So, Anjali thought of giving herself a kick in the` bum, and jaldi sab thik ho jayega! She took her bags and got out to meet Raj.

Scent of a Woman

2009-09-27T05:24:00.000-07:00

This post is in response to Abhijeet' query of asking a lady to dance. Watch this short clip and you will be marveled by the great Al Pacino's sheer class of acting ship. One thing that you need to understand is when you see a girl at a party or nightclub, observe her eyes carefully, instead on her other body parts. That will tell you a women's inner desires.

A woman will NEVER lie with her eyes. All her secrets are stored in there. See, how Al Pacino marvels with a Tango dance in this clip. You will get a good idea of how a guy needs to approach,converse and request a lady for a dance. All with respect! Nowhere in the scene it will look cheap to you.

Do not be afraid Abhijeet, I am sure your girl will love your company; just be good to her. Also, here's wishing all my dear readers a very fantastic Dusherra!

Long-distance Relationships

2009-09-25T08:19:00.000-07:00

First and foremost, take an advice from me- All relationships take work. But a long-distance relationship is even more difficult and it can sometimes seem impossible to keep love alive when separated. But love can be a powerful motivator and, if you're dedicated enough, you can make a long-distance relationship work.

Here are some tips from my end in order to get your long-distance relationship work:

1. Compose love letters or emails

You don't have to embarrass yourself with gooey sentimentality, but the more detailed your love notes, the better. As long as you're sincere, you really can't go wrong.I have written couple of poems and most of the times, she has been sweet enough to understand it. It helps in understanding each other feelings and more than enough ignites passion, which can be a good enough in the process of love making.

2.Live in the present.

Focus on the love you share every day, and how grateful you have each other to rely upon.Do not brag upon on the future much as it will spoil the times you live in. You should not spoil the present.

3) Build trust

If both of you agreed to be true to each other while in separate cities, states or countries, or continents, then you should trust that neither of you will risk your love too easily.

So if you let him know you're confident in your relationship ' and reinforce that you're happy to wait for your partner ' the two of you will have more of a chance of succeeding.

4) Surprise your partner now and then

Sometimes you just need a little reminder of the physical connection you two have, not just the emotional one.Save up for a weekend ticket and surprise your partner

A long distance relationship does have its differences as well. It takes away your ability to see each other on a frequent note, as well as the choice of being intimate whenever you desire, not to mention that there would be major trust required. Being unable to spend time together in a physical presence makes it harder to hang on to, but does not spell out doom for your relationship.

How to earn a Date in 5 Minutes

2009-09-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

Asking someone out for a date doesn't require rocket science or an expensive car. Get to know her and ask her about her interests. It would help if you are an all rounder, meaning that you know lots of stuff, even women's stuff. This way she'll be attracted to you and you will have something in common.I'll share some insights though I am a shy guy and have never tried it out in real life.

"It only takes a minute to get a crush on someone, an hour to like someone & a day to love someone, but it takes a lifetime to forget someone."
- A letter R to a letter RAction, action and action! Most of the time we always brag that we can do so many infinite and impossible things in our life, but as usual, we lack action! Of course dating a girl requires action and the action requires you to actually ask her out. You might freeze up usually when we get close to a girl that you like, it seems like there's nothing or no thoughts in our head.

When you do have something in common, just look for some excuse to ask her out.If you just met her or just got to know her, she might be a little uncomfortable going out with you. In that case, look for an excuse like your birthday or a friend's birthday.

The most important thing in my list of dating tips, is that you should be yourself. If you try to be someone else, then you may have to keep up pretenses for real long. It is always advisable to create a very good first impression, hence, arm yourself with really good first date questions.

If you have been dating for a while, start doing some really good activities together, such as cricket, fishing, oh and the best one, shopping. Well girls, this is the best way to know that your guy, for not only will you understand his tastes very well but you can also enjoy the shopping. One must also bear in mind that one must avoid some awkward dating questions, such as asking your partner about previous relationships.

Also, never plan out a conversation, because it often leads to one person getting bored. Asking opinions or narrating some hilarious incidents always helps. And most important of all, never get worked up or even nervous for that matter, just be comfortable and cool. In the first few dates, get to know your partner. It is quite
possible that the person sitting in front of you is the one you were always waiting for.

Have great fun! I wish all of you success with your loved ones, and yes, don't forget to get a date for me. I am still single.

Interesting!!!

2009-09-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

I have been kicking this stone with my feet for a while. And though, I do not belong to the class of NERD-YANA, I am little disturbed that it is not going towards the intended direction. I am so lost in my thoughts that I have failed to notice a big black Honda Ford hitting my bums.

I am of course in the streets of Pondycherry, and though they are hardly any faces, which can scream "oh! my God! that is Raj!" I am actually thinking about my people.Life has always been an interesting ride for me. Since my schooling days, I have always been in pursuit of things that have an appeal. I do not like mundane things. I still remember in class 7,there was this beautiful and hot babe called Sakshi. Everyone wanted to go on with a date with her.

I was in fierce competition as there were seriously some hunks riding in the isle. I had lost any interest for her. But then when I came to know of her interest for me, I was why me? though in my heart, I wanted to date her. Honestly, she could not believe when I turned down to go out with her.

My family is very special and I owe a lot to them for whatever I am today. But then some of my special ones forget it. They have completely forgotten what parents are all about. A small meager of financial amount will not and never buy my parents happiness. Respect is what they crib for and would my special ones understand their folly before its too late.

My life has been interesting and quite unpredictable. And as I pen this blog piece on my Nokia Blackberry device, I view a ship on the distant waters. Slowly, its invisible. I hope I burn out soon before I fade away slowly.

A Walk in the Hatred Zone

2009-09-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

The truth is I made a mistake. No,it is more bigger and greater than a mistake. It is a blunder. I have done something that has made me ashamed. Yes, I tried all this to express my anger. An anger that comes unlikely to me, and yet it came. No one likes to be ignored by someone whom you consider special; someone whom you thought to be special.But even if I have committed the blunder, I am surprised of the negative feelings that she has against me. She kept on abusing me,calling me all sort of names. Why is she doing it? Is she finding it amusing? I have never questioned her and neither have anytime asked her why did she behave like this. But, what she did was shameful. She even called me a fiend.

It is not something that I am not sorry for, but the fact is I have done it. It is a fact, and I guess I just have to live with it.

We are Just Friends

2009-09-13T04:02:00.000-07:00

My ex-girlfriend had a habit of being humorous at odd times. I recall an incident during our break-up when she said no matter whatever happens, we will continue to be good friends. That we will still be calling up each other regularly, exchanging notes here and then and then meeting at odd times.

It looked to me practical during that period, but no sooner she walked out of my house, she behaved just the reverse. She blocked me on her social-network portals and tried behaving as if it was difficult for her to keep in touched. When I quizzed her friends about them, they all told me it was difficult for her to keep in touch and be friends.That is my story. I have had friends, who are mostly girls and they are all very genial in nature. But, I have to admit that it has been not easy to just 'be friends'.

Imagine spending a Saturday night with a best friend, who is stunning looking and is just irresistible. I have found it extremely difficult to face these situations and more so when I had break-ups. I think I feel guilty.

Yes, it is a guilt that makes me feel so boorish of how could I even think of fancying my best friend like this, but then it happens.

I have been working for some time now and make enough to have a decent living. At workplace I tend to easily make friends who are extremely cordial in nature. The ladies whom I encounter at workplace do not mind having a drink at the end of the day.

During the conversations, these ladies feel that when you spend exactly more than 8 hours in a day with a male counterpart, obviously there is a channel of communication flowing between two individuals, that ultimately results in a bonding, physical may be just one more thing that happens.

I think a man and a woman can be good friends, but in friendship it is liable that you share a lot of things with a fellow human being. These thoughts and feelings are unshareable. Often when you share at times, a small peck on the cheek, a cuddle on the arms gives a different name to the friendship.

The subject of male/female friendships is intriguing and debatable, and everyone seems to have an opinion. What both men and women should keep in mind is, as someone told me, that true friendship requires shared experiences where trust and loyalty are proven over time. "It's harder for men and women to get to that place, particularly if they become lovers," he says.

Well, I guess I have to simplify my life a bit.

KAMINEY does not Arrest Me!

2009-09-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

It can be frantic tired to be in a loop of movie admirers and still have nothing to admire upon. Being realistic is a natural thing for me, and more or less, I am trying to low-down with the hype for the movie KAMINEY.Seriously, there is nothing to go ga-ga over the movie. A Vishal Bharadwaj movie is always awaited with rapt attention, but honestly, it fails to impress me and is far below the stature of class of MAQBOOL and OMKARA.

Shahid Kapoor, a rising star, is in the front headlines of every newspapers these days, and he attempts to do what Ajay Devgun did brilliantly in PRIMAL FEAR remake DEEWANGEE.

Undoubtedly, Shahid spent hours in trying to pick up the hakla na, but then, it does not look realistic at all. There are places where Charlie, the protagonist speaks at a higher pitch, pushes his character to go that extent, but alas! It leaves no impression on me.

It is a dark movie shot at locales, which smells of underworld booh and middle-class lifestyles. The locations impressed me. It was realistic to see a bathroom door of a chawal having a caption “apna haath jaganath”. Priyanka Chopra is good; I found her extremely natural and spontaneous in her dialogue delivery.

Quentin Tarantino and Guy Ritchies movies have made a strong comeback in this movie. I sense,Vishal took a cue on the darker aspects of the movie from these directors' movies and has tried to portray their darker vision in the movie, only to discover the audience a little amiss.

I am sure, the movie has caught the nationwide attention and critics have loved it, but then I could not relate it much with the story. There were ifs and bits of the stories clubbed together to make this movie.

Whether the junta will be ready to digest and understand such a movie is to be seen, but then these days no one can say what can click in Bollywood. All the best, Vishal!

Sylehti times with Maa and Baba

2009-08-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

Sitting in a hair salon could be as terrifying and grandiose. It can be equally painful as I find my beloved mom testing my patience. It needs to go in my hall of fame, mom. I love my mom. She is my best friend. But sorry mom, waiting for u in the reception alley is tougher than batting for my college team.

This last weekend of the month of August 2009 was made special by by home-cooked Elish maach. Together we hopped to Madiwala market since most of the days I am stuck with ma routine work in office. So as baba kept on saying "ki bhalo hoyeche..ki syad syad"..I had to take maa for shopping.Also, Durga pooja is coming, and for we Bengalis, it is the much awaited major attraction of the year.so after purchasing stuffs for maa, baba, it seem obvious that I eat like a badhyo chele n sleep like a shubdho balak on a saturday night.

This morning, I called up Shruti and inquired about Benarashi silk shops in Bangalore and then went to purchase couple of sarees for Maa from Angadi Silks. It was worth checking out. Thanks a lot Shruti for helping this stranger out in the city.

In the evening,I am sitting here getting maa a facial pack. It seems great for here is a lady who toiled endlessly in her life for/her kids..and to give back to her means so much.God I love ma mom and thanks to Nokia E 63 for putting my thoughts in.

Pain of a Cellphone

2009-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

I have been lying in the bed for the past two days. But,it seems that it has been eternal. My cellphone has been a source of companion to me. It keeps me regularly updated me with my Facebook, Orkut and all my friends.Sometime, it is nice to be pampered and especially when your parents are at your side, I do not mind at all. I always enjoyed female company and attention; it makes me feel special. She has been to Oman for sometime now, and though there is not even a single dictum of connection between us, I wish she understood and come back.

The clock ticks 12 of the noon. It is generally when she is online, and I used to wait for her to login and ping. As a general tendency of a Capricorn guy, I used to wait for her to ping me instantly. I was in office, but then taking time out for her was something that I loved. Each and every instant,every bit of smile, her talks, her actions and so on was funny, but yet it had so much of love in it.

The deep passion with which they embraced each other was something that we shielded away from the internet zone and broke the tidings. Compassionate phone calls and messages at night made each of their heart beats faster. There was an attempt from each of us to get more closer than it seems. And, now there is a void.

Questions keep on trickling on my mind- what happen? is she fine? has her parents found about me? Random messages that used to flash in his screen were missing. It begin to hurt me. Questions poured whether I was showing more attitude to her that it pained me? have I ill-treated her? Could I change it? Yes, only if I could.

There is a sudden beep in my cellphone. A message flashed:Dawgy, dawgy!!1

Yellow Journalism at its Best

2009-08-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

It is the 62nd year of our democratic Independent I N D I A. Like every Indian, I am proud of my nation and woke up to witness our beloved Prime Minister, DR.Manmohan Singh addressing the nation. In this world of Satellite television, people become confused when it comes to viewing, for people has so many channels to select.Anyway, as I continued to watch the program, a BREAKING NEWS flashed on the screen. What could be more breaking than the Independence Day of India? The news is Bollywood star, also known as King Khan had been detained and interrogated for two hours at the Newyark Airport,United States of America.It is believed as Mr.SRK told almost all the networks that he had been quizzed because of his name-Khan.

SRK is that rare individual, a mediocre performer who is also a great communicator, an actor who understood his acting acumen better than most, and a sharp thinker who, like a chess grandmaster, consistently thought half a dozen moves ahead. He is also fun-loving, a mimic, accessible, and wears the crown of greatness lightly.

I take this incident an insult and as a democratic citizen requests authorities to please take it as a major action item, so that anyone need not undergo the pathos in the name of religion and name. But, my piece is not against US. I am surprised as to why Indian media has had made it more important selling item than our Independence Day?

Over the entire day, the media be it Aaj Tak, Headlines India, NDTV India, CNN IBN and so on kept on televising SRK' interviews and were doing post-morterm on what Muslim stars undergo at US. But, there was hardly 5 minutes of discussion on why this country is celebrating this occasion, how did we attain this independence?

Musings upon these concerns will not result in anything. But, highlighting these incidents and selling them as much as it could be in the name of social causes is a deep blunder. As I write this piece, one of the journalists has been dying to get a a piece of masala from SRK that if he would seen an apology from US.

Late up!

2009-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Late mornings have always resulted me in performing things at a peril. Things that actually could be done in slow and steady rhythm are now chalked under the burning suns.

I observed a grave momentary silence when these things happen, but then during those moments of observation, I have nothing but words of consolation, that good things are happening round the corner.My roomie and I both share a common bathroom-infact we share a 2bhk apartment, so obviously there is a common bathroom. He gets up at 9, while I wake up at 8, and though long stretches of exercise makes me get up to that bathroom, it is not usually before 9:15 that I come out of the bathroom.

In between that period, if my roomie gets to find the bathroom vacant, he sneaks in. Of course, the urgency of the situation makes me tackle the issue very mildly. There are no harsh words exchanged. Only a cold stare that can mean a lot of things. It is a stare that says: "dude! seriously, understand my plight."

So, now we have decided that we will keep our alarm clocks a lit bit louder, so that I can get exactly at 8 and start my morning rituals. My roomie has also been a little understanding in waking me up if I have been a touch late. Things have been going well for now. But, with the onset of weekend, everything changes for sure. Watch this space for updates.

My Take on Love-Aaj-Kal

2009-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

I do not like watching Bollywood movies and am a very boring company too. Staying confined to a theatre for 3 long hours is a tiresome job. But, I am sure my ex-girlfriends would kill me for it, but then darlings- I just wanted to be with you. Enough said.

Last week I managed to get myself a free ticket for a movie called LOVE AAJ KAL courtesy my PR friend Sowmya. Her exact words were- Raj, write a beautiful review of the movie. You must be joking for I am known to murder movies. I am a staunch critic.
Anyway, I found myself in an alley of beautiful hot looking girls in PVR. I said chalo, timepass ho jayega. The movie started and I have to admit I loved it. It has been such a refreshing change to watch a movie with practical being its theme. And, nowhere in the movie, I found anything that had been taken off the mark or something congenial to the bore.

Imtiaz seem to be a master in handling today’s youth-oriented love stories. A successful JAB WE MET has given Imtiaz the confidence to direct Saif and Deepika. Normally, the movie can be clubbed into nothing major but a serious drama bazi, but then this movie has shades of interesting personas. I wonder if Kunal Kohli would have directed the movie better.

Deepika has a great smile, dimples and all, but that's really it. I feel for Imtiaz to see his dialogue butchered by his heroine, heartbreak heightening when she murders a lovely 'break me' line. Both Imtiaz's earlier films featured heroines of tremendous talent, and one wishes this one also had an actual actress.

Saif does well but his character is wishy-washy, offensive in both the brash way he speaks to Rishi Kapoor as well as the callousness with which he takes his British girlfriend to India.Saif is a much better actor, but I am still not confident if he can carry a movie all on his own. The depth of the movie lies in its music.

Love Aaj Kal is a refreshing change. Go and watch it with your loved ones.

The Break-up

2009-08-02T09:26:00.000-07:00

Does a broken relationship mean The END? Nope. No way. Life goes on and on and on and on…Maybe a little faster, now that I have so much time for myself. The weekends are so jam packed with activities; every Monday morning I wonder where the last two days went!

But in the middle of all the hustle bustle, laughing, giggling, shopping, partying, I stop for a few seconds and think of the past….
Speaking to her friend I say “us” like I’m still a part of the gang. Seeing something that’s similar to the one she’s viewed with me sends a jolt of realization down my spine that I’m not her companion any more. When I go to a restaurant, and am deciding what to eat, the menu very rudely reminds me of the stuff she hates eating… list too!

I miss hearing her groggy voice when she used to call to wake him up in the morning. I miss the chocolates she used to get me sometimes. I miss lazing around with her. Deleting her pictures from my phone can’t erase her memories from my mind…I just wonder if she feels the same way for me. Does she miss the way I smell? Does she miss my whining? Does she miss my touch?

Does she miss our Cricket matches? Does she miss the way I used to crinkle my nose at the mention of her “friend”? Does she miss the way I keep blabbering? But does it even matter now? Maybe it does. And that’s why I’m writing about it!

Fine, we didn’t work out. I’m not gonna talk to her again. Not in a million years. Not even when she sends me a message to say she’s in some trouble. Am I being hard hearted? No I’m not. After whatever happened it’s only logical that I maintain a stony silence. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. I’m not a saint .

I can’t behave like one either; forgive/forget and speak to her is not possible any more. If in a relationship one person doesn’t respect the other, calling her/his only in the hour of need then the whole thing stinks- not of friendship, not of lust, but a rotten kind of love. There’s love here. No denying that. But it’s gone bad. And what do you do with something rotten? Throw it away…

Musings outside the Operation Theatre

2009-07-28T18:56:00.000-07:00

As busy as life can get, it was one of those chaotic morning in Bangalore. Amidst this traffic of human commotion,serenity is a rare thing to look for. Prem is not looking for serenity, but was searching if life could be more hospitable to his father.

His father is an ideal man, someone who lived his entire life based on principles and ideologies. Someone who vented out his emotions seeing oppression and injustice. Honesty is his clock, and he wore it with pride though he had a price to pay for it; a price that had financial stigma attached to it.A father of three kids in early 90's is a big responsibility added to a wife. Perhaps his wife inspite of all the grievances is his support, and stood with him in all his times. All his thoughts made Prem wait outside the Manipal hospital operation theatre much easier.

His father diagnosed with Chronic Pancreas ailment have to undergo this treatment. Prem had been on his toes running helter skelter for many weeks now. That he has been working professional made things tough bit at times, but an ever supportive girlfriend and a great mother had things easy.

His ladylove was younger to him in age, but her innocence and loving nature made things easy for him. Also, she had lost her cousin a few days back did not stop her from caring about him. It was due to this reason that their love blossomed.

As Prem discussed things at his own peril, his mother intimated him that he had been an unwanted child. They thought that after two boy kids it was no longer necessary for them to have a third boy child. They wanted a girl.But then the doctor pleaded them to have the baby and then decide.

But his parents feel that that would have committed a blunder for Prem watches the world in their eyes; he has made them realize the existence of happiness...struggles in life has made him weak to the core, but he has never let himself feel gloomy for that. As he sits outside the theatre, a silence mixed with memories of far and near creeps up.

The warm embrace of a compassionate father, the mercilessness in helping the kid take the first steps, unforgettable teachings in the form of plays, dinner and lunch table discussions slowly creeps in.

"Congratulations! your father is hale and hearty," the doctor's voice broke to get Prem out of the thoughts. It has been a sweet musing. Prem clasped doctor's both hands and rushed to intimate his mother of the news.

When you say Hello!

2009-07-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

Make her feel special; she should feel that you are indeed caring and nice in love. Only when she allows you to enter the gate of temple, then only be ready to worship. Else, never never force a girl for anything. Always respect her!

Do you recall the first time you had spoken to that special boy or girl of your life? How did you feel then? And. If you could go back, would you change something? I recently conducted a survey in my website and was surprised to see almost 70% of the guys felt that girls are not self-starters and take a while to get engaged in a conversation.

While 20% of girls found that a guy can be a good conversationalist, 40% felt that they were totally different from the way they chat over the Internet, while the rest are so vulgar that dropped the phone at the first instant. So, what is it then to be kept in mind so that someone is interested to pursue a long-term interest to speak to you over the phone.I researched a little bit on this and here are few findings:

Boys: You have to be a good conversationalist; actually, you have to be excellent today if you want that special girl to talk further to you. You need to understand that she has given you her telephone number for she found you a nice guy to chat with, and she expects that you are equally good over the phone. You should be courteous and friendly over the phone.

Even if she does not speak much, it should not stop you from being polite and gentle. Remember: if you are going to ask her out, she should have some trust developed in you. She should find you interesting and not a boring date.

Girls: I understand not many of you would be hyper at the first time but if there is a less of drug overdose, try to speak a little bit. Boys assume a girl ‘uninterested’ when she does not talk and uses ‘hmmm’ more often. And, please do not use that standard line “I am a listener”.

Talk about the things that interest her rather than you. I understand it is tough for boys to talk about Paul Walker and Jude Law, but it is better to not get bashed by her, and then taking hours of messaging saying ‘sorry’. Airtel and BSNL have an agreement of making life hell. Ask the Agra people if you have questions.

It is an examination; you can laugh at me now, but preparation is so essential for most of us like me are unsmart fellows who hardly know a few things. When she talks about her interests say music, then keep on talking things about her. She will talk, pause and then ask you “what do you like?.” Do not say ‘sex’ please.

They say the heart of a man lies in food. I do not agree to it. I modified it and changed it to the heart of a man lies in his male organ. Seriously it is. He fancies it the most precious thing in the world. I mean he has just a single piece- blame it on God! So yes, it is tempting for him to get on that topic. Boys be careful of what you say.

Miscommunication may cause the relationship to end drastically. Even if you wish to be romantic, be a little inventive in your approach. Make her feel special; she should feel that you are indeed caring and nice in love. Only when she allows you to enter the gate of temple, then only be ready to worship. Else, never never force a girl for anything. Always respect her!

I hope you will keep the above points in mind, and hopefully I will see most of you boys and girls falling more and more in love. Summer vacations are getting over. It’s time you fall in love. As always you can write to me on the same email address. I will try my level best to solve your love problems.

As for me, well I believe in the above observations, but I don’t practice those since I believe I am more happy to be an imperfect dog. You can keep guessing on how I speak over the phone. Let it be a mystery until then. Till next time! Have a wonderful monsoon. Love and peace

Tears of Love

2009-07-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

I’m sorry for my selfish love
I’m sorry for not caring enough
I’m sorry for my restlessness
I’m sorry for the losing grace

I’m sorry my friend I made you mad
I’m sorry darling you are so sad
Sorry for not giving you any happiness
Sorry because it’s my disgrace

I’m sorry for thinking of you so very much
I’m sorry I always miss your touch
I’m sorry of being so mad about you

I’m sorry and sorry again
I’m sorry of being insane
But believe me that I love you
Should I say sorry for that too?

When I Proposed Her...

2009-07-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

I have always believed that sex is a token of love, a feeling of completeness and oneness. Agree that it is also a need for the body, but when you have sex with some one you dearly love then it is a completely different experience as compared to any lust-full relations.

At that time love overtakes lust, and sex is just a way of expressing this love. When you are in the arms of your loved one,then there is no better feeling than that.

Then arrived 'the day'. It was Valentine’s Day and luckily for us her parents were out of town. I some how convinced her to stay at her friend's place for the whole night. I went to her place.There was a watchman outside her bungalow, and we wanted to make sure that he does not come to know that there is some one else at the place apart from her. So I jumped the boundary wall and entered the house from the rear door.

I had prepared a lot of surprises for her. As soon as I entered the place she immediately closed the door. I could see how tensed she was and to ease it off I gave her a big and warm hug. That helped her in staying calm. She held me tight, and I could feel her breathings, brushed across my chest.

She was wearing a Pink night suit with her hair let loose,and she was looking very cute and beautiful. She asked me to freshen up. While I was back from the wash room, I saw the room was all lit with candles and some music was on. She came near me and said that the dinner was ready.

We had a very romantic candle light dinner, holding hands and lost into each others eyes. As she was tiding up the dining table, I held her hand and asked her for a couple dance. She agreed immediately and held me tightly. By the way, I am a pathetic dancer. Most of my dates have never met me again due to this.

She kept her feet over mine and we just rested into each other's arms dancing to the rhythm of the romantic music being played. I remember the song. It was 'Songbird' by Kenny G.

As the song ended I asked her to close her eyes. Bending down on knees I opened the box containing the ring,which cost me 2500 Rupees.I worked for Pizza Hut during the summers to earn it.

I asked her to open her eyes and as she did, I proposed her “Will you marry me sweetheart?”. She was speechless for some time, and then tears started rolling down her eyes. She said that she had been waiting for this moment since a long time.

She raised me up by holding my shoulders, looked into my eyes for some time and hugged me tight. I said, “You haven’t replied yet”, and she slapped me lovingly saying, “do u still want a reply? Of course I will marry you little doggy...”.And she kissed me passionately.

I woke up. I was rolling in the floor.It was just a Sunday dream.

A Tale of Heart

2009-07-09T06:39:00.000-07:00

Why do you make me cry, o Raj!
Why do you make me cry continuously
Seventy-two beatings in a minute ,
and you make hard every sec of it.

When I first beat, you're in school,
The English teacher was your crush
Alas!I beat double-when she
strolled you along the path.

You went and then fell for Priya,
Your musings never told,
Afreen cajoled me with her enticing talks
And Golu smothered it with kisses.

I still remember when you cried in pain
Morning tidings and December cold
You saved me barring smoke and drink,
I wish I had touch that old.

Now, I wish to beat more, but why can't I
That mask of yours I fathom why.
Why do you make me cry, o Raj!
Why do you make me cry continuously
Seventy-two beatings in a minute ,
and you make hard every sec of it

In Conversation with Shruti Hassan

2009-07-06T08:29:00.000-07:00

You generally do not relate or identify me with a tall, vivacious, slender, and ‘hot’ looking girl everyday. Infact, to be more honest, you rarely will see this simpleton with a good-looking girl. No! I am being seriously honest.

Maybe, I do not look or have that charming factor to date beautiful looking girls. However,as the girlfriend says, "excuse him for his ignorance, he will be better informed next time".Anyway, last week was different. I think my luck has been quite misleading over a couple of weeks. I got chance to meet some interesting personas in my line of work, and she definitely was an icing on the cake.

I had gone to the Radio City office for my usual routine of audition only to find couple of whisperings in the air. The office bore an unusual look of excitement. I went over to the reception alley and in a flirting manner ask Joaana if I could smell something in the air. Joanna wished me luck and said you for a real surprise this time. Surprise it was!

When it was my turn for my recording, I saw this beautiful damsel Shruti Hassan. Boy! What a sight. At first notice, she looked straight from her father, the great Kamal Hassan closet.

Shruti wore a Black T and a Blue Levis jeans. Infact,dark Police shades had made her more strikingly attractive. There is something about girls in shades. There is this distant appeal that comes out.I can't express it in words.

She kept on or pretended to be chewing a gum. I said stars with an attitude. Anyway, after this I had a one-to-one round with her. By that time the feeling had sunk. I generally do not look a girl for long time, but if she knows how to talk, I definitely get attracted towards her.

After the conversation lasting not more than 10 minutes, in which she quizzed me on certain voice modulation and what else, we were about to break. But, I could not leave a girl without pulling her leg.

As she shook my hands, I quizzed her “you smell Channell” ..She was struck with audacity. She said “good’, how do you know it?" I just lied- saying that I was one of her greatest fans and read it in a magazine. She said what else? I told her she sounded awful in her performance in the Rock show at National Law School at Bangalore. She gave a witty look and said she knew it. Well, before parting, she complimented with ‘good voice’ and left.

Not bad! I would say. She has little more attitude than Sania Mirza, lesser than Nauheed Cyrusi, but is way ahead in being the siren hot queen. I guess it was worth meeting the awesome Shruti Hassan.

Thinking of You!

2009-07-04T07:51:00.001-07:00

When I think of you
I instantly smile
With that smile
There are so many memories.

You are always on my mind
on the days the sun shines
When million tiny stars
light up the darkest skies

And though we be separated
by miles upon miles
of wide rivers, deep oceans
higher mountains and dark valleys

Our souls are connected
sharing the bond of Love
To express feelings isn't easy
cause "Its Beyond words

My Take on Legalising Homosexuality in India

2009-07-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

It is a historical day in the land of Vatsyan. Homosexuality or Gayism has been tagged off from the brand of ‘achutness’ and 'criminal offences’. Long parades of demonstrations and celebrations of juveniles have been exhibited by the homosexuals in the various parts of India.

Bollywood stars have come in full support with actors like Celina Jaitley standing arms in arms with gays, pictures being displayed in the front covers of all the leading newspapers and magazines.

As the Indian media contingent continues to publicize and broadcast this news everywhere, I found myself with four of my colleagues debating on this issue. One of them started with a scrumptiously disgust look in his face,“now, we will see man-man having sex, it is cheap and so ridiculous.“ This debate continued for a while.My take is and you are open to debate on it:"God has created both man and woman, and they have been entrusted with the responsibility of choosing the right and wrong, good or bad.

Your actions in this world have nothing to do with what other people think about it. You are and you will be the sole responsible for your actions. Therefore, choosing upon your partner should be your own decision. God has given you the right to choose your partner. Then, how does choosing a male or a female partner matter?

I also agree that God created woman to see that this beautiful world flourishes. He gave women the most beautiful gift- to give birth. She struggles endlessly for nine months to bring that precious thing in this world. However, this organ is missing in man.

Man has and never been able to procreate naturally. It is next to impossible. Now, does this mean a man cannot marry another man? I think it is ridiculous to think so in terms of only physical desires. No body is asking every one of us to be turned into homosexuals.

I fear that in India, parents conceive their kids to act by the way they judge one. You are supposed to obey and marry the same boy or girl your parents select. Pre-marital sex and live-in relationships are still considered by the Indian society as a taboo. But, my question is, whether listening to each of their actions is justified? Actually, people are not looking love here. They have already started looking into its evils and loopholes.

The first thing is SEX. The Supreme Court has banned anal sex between males, and I am not getting into there. However, try to analyze that Homosexuality is just another common way of man leading their lives. Questions have started pouring whether Lesbianism is OK? Yes, so what is wrong here? Both are ways of living their lives. A society will not get spoil for them, for God's sake.

The more these social restrictions are erased, the more people will enjoy their livelihood. The moral tenet of any marriage in every religion is ‘to have a blissful life’. So, why should a person be morally discouraged to marry a woman when he likes a man?

Neither the man nor the woman will be happy in that sense. I think it is time the society grows up and accept Homosexuality as a common thing. There will be polls conducted, debates held and what not in television and online media, but you have to listen to your heart, and not go by the polls. Because, the society does not come to help you when you do not have work and are living in damned walls.

If it makes two people of the same sex live in peace and harmony, who are we to crib about it? Let’s broaden our outlook. Lets get our educational institutions teach right and wrong. Let's not shield away from truth.

We have enough problems in our country. Let us use our energy getting them rectified, instead of maligning homosexuals.

It’s after all an individual choice. Let’s learn to respect it." Into that Freedom my father! let my country awake.

Shadow of Leechers

2009-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Priya sat before the mirror and examined her breasts. She was angry and quizzical of her body. She took that comb of hers and started brushing her hairs rigorously. It is this body which has become her enemy, once epicenter of million hearts , is today being leeched upon. Tears rolled down from her eyes and shivered her a bit.

At about 10 in the morning, the Madiwala market in Bangalore seem to stop functioning. There were whisperings all around as she made her way into the market. Dressed often in a Pink saree draped nicely over her slender figure, Priya was the onlookers delight.

Locks of her officially complimented long hairs were something to be looked by men, and envied by women. Cherry full-lips, curvy brows, a protruding nose and deep black eyes made her one of the most attractive females to walk into that market.Shopkeepers would give anything to have her in their shops. Her one glimpse was enough to melt the coconut hearts of the vegetable vendors. Long after she left, there were still fuming with ecstasy with most of them still unable to take out their hands locked inside their lungis (a cloth worn by men down). At nights the vendors while making out with their wives would fancy her in the beds.

But, no one had the guts to actually speak against her. She was the wife of an Indian Navy officer. But! gossip mongrels would never stop. That she was the wife of Indian officer and staying alone in that big house of Koramangala often raised questions. She had a maid who when asked told that Priya was an extremely nice woman who kept her busy with cooking and household stuffs.

But they were quizzical of her other activities. Had she got a man visiting her house? she is so hot', how can she not have a man? oh! she must be a treacherous female'. There were comments flying round everywhere.

It was Friday. Pakistan and India were fighting for the pursuit of Kargil. News flashed that in the process of it fighting, Priya's husband had laid down his life for the cause of nation. Priya was shocked. Her life was finished. She had no one in world to turn to. And over that the man seem to find a way to get into her.

The onlookers now had developed courage to apprehend and question her. In the name of sympathies, they would touch her. Older men had got more time now to leech about her, younger men wouldn't mind anything to ogole at her body.That she had a beautiful body added to her status of widow made her an example of 'pittance & compassion'. Priya was tired of all this. In the job interviews she attended, there were an extra ease of comfort from the interviewer. They would not mind to ask her to meet outside for the job.

Priya sat before the mirror and examined her breasts. She was angry and quizzical of her body. She took that comb of hers and started brushing her hairs rigorously. It is this body which has become her enemy, once epicenter of million hearts , is today being leeched upon. Tears rolled from her eyes and tucked her a bit.

She had a look into her womanhood, and thought if she required a man to at least balance in this world of man. But Man!! who would not leech upon her? But what! if he did? Fine, at least she would get some support. She wiped away her tears. There was no point in crying. It had just started raining. The monsoon had an early set in. Priya stepped outside in search for a job.

Ho Gayi Hai Mohabbat Tumse

2009-06-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

I am not a good writer, so apologies for any mistake. I wonder if anyone of you have been in love, but if you do, then maybe you can read the following lines.

A day that was never to be seen
A week never remembered
A second that passed without notice
A life broken into two
Love actually lived there

The porous body evoking emotions
Color conversion to dark
Eyes that only saw you
The lips always praising you
Love actually lived there

Words that never touched her heart
Roads that led to her house
Flowers that never lost their moisture
Her golden skin that never lost the shine
Love actually lived there

The Orkut scraps with her name
The muscut perfume bearing her fame
The fear of losing you
Love actually lived there

Morning prayers for her long life
Places meant to be together
Intertwined destiny
A reason to live
Love actually lived there

An Ode to MJ

2009-06-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Dear MJ,

I woke up this morning to receive one of the worst pieces of news to my youthful life: The King of Pop is no more. Usually,I have this habit of checking my emails and scraps early morning to respond to any important businesses.

However, this news, which flashed on Rediff and later on NDTV, made me completely down. I am not a person who shows random emotions, but I fell that MJ-you would be missed badly.

In my younger years, I have watched THRILLER and BAD videos so much that my mom had to cajole me with chocolates to persuade me to go to school. In later years, I wanted to show a few moves to girls, but badly turned a sorry figure. I never could dance.This is a fact.
I think I missed a chance to meet MJ in real when you came down to India. Unfortunately, you met a few dumbo Bollywood stars in Mumbai. I was in Bangalore at that time studying for my examinations and missed the chance to meet you, or see you performing live.

Well! I am still choked with emotions, but being a star you had seen everything-from poverty to a crazy stud THRILLER video, which sold 50 million copies worldwide. Your style and persona from which even Bappida and Prabhu Deva imitated is known worldwide. When you speak about Dance, you talk about MJ. History will always remember you.

There are a few celebrities that I would have wished to met- Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and you. Unfortunately, God has called all of you up. I guess whom the Gods love they die young. May MJ you rest in peace!

I conclude with my favorite song lyrics:

Liberian girl . . .
You came and you changed
My world
A love so brand new
Liberian girl . . .
You came and you changed
Me girl
A feeling so true

Yours ardent fan
Raj

ALL ABOUT ME

2009-06-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have been quizzed most of the times by curious people. I guess my obscure little figure demonstrated curiosity. I tend to be simple and in the following set of questions that have been randomly asked to me, I have tried to be as honest as I can.

Sometime back, my ex-girlfriend while browsing one of my posts told me that I was not being honest in responding to questions. Here, I am being honest and as usual will be waiting for your responses. It's titled ALL ABOUT ME. Enjoy!

But if I were to describe myself: I am adventurous and live my life to the fullest. I am not afraid of a challenge and tend to be on the competitive side. Although I am a person who can get physical with this comical figure, I never neglect the wise attitude I carry. I am smart and when it comes to making decisions, I always think before I act. And last, I always love learning from my dates.

Your ex and You: Kinda friends
Which relationship sounds more appealing?: Someone who would want to start a family with me
I am listening to: Black Sabbath
Maybe I should: Think about my future and be a less sensitive
I love: small things
I don't understand: Women
I have lost my respect for: People who cannot stand against for their rights
The meaning of my display name is: Love guru
I will always be: the best and a simple guy
Love seems to: hurt
I never ever want to lose: ma family and friends
I get annoyed when: people show off
Do you like parties?: yes
Today I: wrote a new post on ma blog
I wish: I can be the same mama's boy he he

First best friend : Mickey
First sport you joined : Cricket
First vacation : Shillong
First concert : Aerosmith
First crush : Class 4 for ma English teacher

What were you doing at midnight last night: reading the holy bible
Name something you CANNOT wait for: Kisses
Have you ever talked to a person named Tom: Yes
Most visited webpage: http://matrimonialguru.blogspot.comnds

Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Height: 5'7
Profession: Writer
Relationship Status: very much single
Religious Views: come one and come all

Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Car: Maruti 800
Favorite Movie: Pulp Fiction
Favorite Hobby: Dating
Favorite Song/Singer: Kishore Kumar
Favorite Book/Author: RK Narayan
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Vacation Destination: Goa
Favorite Food: Chinese and whatever mom cooks
Favorite Store: Marks and Spencers
Favorite Celebrity : Mr.Bachchan and Robert De Niro
Favorite Childhood Friend: Mickey
Favorite Childhood Memory: The first time I proposed and that was to my teacher
Favorite Baby Name: Golu
Favorite Person In Your Life: All my ex girlfriends

Rape Continues....

2009-06-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

It happened yesterday, it happened today and it will happen tomorrow. On the records, it happened before I came to this world. R.A.P.E- four-letter deadly venom keeps on scattering its poison with each second, and every time it happens, MAN looks immensely coward and shameful bastards. What are we MAN upto?

Are not we a civilized enough to display our bravery in a war zone rather than forcing a weak girl, or a woman for a forceful sex? I am not going to say against Shiney Ahuja, the latest Bollywood actor to hit the scandalous world of shame, but to ask a simple question- When it will stop.

A friend of mine once said, “Man can never allow or view a woman to be superior to him in any ranks. His ego hurts. “I never understood this until and unless I had my first break-up.

When my ex-gf got a job as a fashion designer, she came to my home, cooked lunch for me and after we made love, she started speaking about her salary. Interestingly, I felt a little remorse. I am a simple writer and in those days, I earned enough to keep myself happy. Therefore, I was little jealous of her.

Also, her routine allowed her to meet a lot of male counterparts, which after sometime became objectionable to me. I started questioning her more and things became such that I could not trust her more.

I think it is because of my immature behavior and male-ego that this relationship failed. What! I was doing was also raping her soul more and more. It necessarily need not be physical but even mistrust can begot rape.

Shiney confessed that he had consensual sex with the victim, but he was surprised that she had filed a case against her. I am surprised with the media. Any celebrity performing any actions becomes a news breaker item to them. They cajole it in every channel and brand him as a victim. My question is why don’t you do it for every other woman who has been raped?

Just because the accused is a celebrity, it necessarily does not account to such double-standards? Yes, we are witnessing double standards. And this is projected by only the people who self-proclaim to be the eyes of the common people. But! These folks are also masala driven.

Any news channel spends half-of the time talking about Aishawary and Abhishek’s sneezing than describing the potholes in Bangalore. Why? Because it sells!.. Then call yourself an entertainment channel rather a news channel.

I am fuming with anger, but I cannot do anything. Just like another random guy speaking and criticizing about atrocities in the society, my actions will be limited to.

I hope we see our government rising up and the courts passing a decree that the rapists irrespective of rich or poor, famous or just another guy face the same consequences. After all Justice delayed is justice denied. I can only hope. My commiseration to that poor girl; I can only hope that she gets the justice.

Every Woman Needs 3 Man

2009-06-15T08:20:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine once said, "every woman needs 3 men-one for adventure and fun, one for stimulating conversation and one for Good sex." Peter was all three. It was good to be true though.

Peter's love for adventure took him to the isles of Macau. That was 5 years back.Relationships cannot be tied to a rope and let it hung there for all along.

Carol's tryst to make a relationship work often made things difficult for it to sustain. She wanted every relationship to be similar experience as with Peter. In and out she knew it was impossible but she kept on trying.

Sometimes during the initial conversation with a stranger, she felt that this guy was caring in his talks; at best when they kissed she found him to be extremely affectionate, in their moments of ecstasy he seem to know where to go slow and when to be fast.

But, in the morning, when she woke up and found herself with a stranger, she didn't know why, but a lot of questions used to pop-up in her mind- Had this stranger been unfaithful to her? Had she enjoyed the love-making with this stranger? The oblivion answer to that question lies in her closed door 2 hours shower.

Sinked in the bathtub, carol is motionless. She has cried a lot so much that the tears in her face seem to have dried away. Her passionate romance with Peter seems to be an obstacle today to move on with her life. How she had longed for the time.

Unlike Peter, sex is always a physical game for most men. During Carol' survey of wild sex she encountered ninety four percent of men seeking sex in the animated form. For them sex need not prescribe to the notion of being loved. Yes love is a part of it, not the heart of it. Sex was always a beast-like affair. One that involved huge fight-like encounter, with both partners wanting for more.

This is so because for them, sex is only sex and nothing more. Its more like a pornographic movie, the more the better.

At times Carol finds herself amiss. She thinks that too much of thinking towards sex has made her a real pervert. Men perceive her to be an instrument of joy. Has her logic of 3 man in life portrayed a degree of 'lustiness' ? Carol does not know where to look for the answers.

Ignorance in a Transition Project

2009-06-10T07:55:00.000-07:00

Deep is back from the office- a place that he has been going punctually for some time off late, and trust me it sucks big time. Na na!! do not think that Deep is not a workaholic. It is just that Deep preferred alcohol and work separate,and trust me it worked wonder. Deep just got over a transition project. The entire project which ran in the gore-lagon-ki duniya main has come offshore to Bangalore.

Needless, to say such a transition does not happen without an iota of suspicion. We are running into the 62 years of Indian Independence, and still the doubt- can these third world countries execute core development work from offshore? It feels good when all of these suspicion are laid off to rest. In this piece, I will share a conversation that happen over a meeting between Deep and a manager in offshore.

Deep is always surprised when managers calls him to their cubicle. Deep is happy if there is an opposite gender female ready to offer me a cup of coffee at any day or evening, for that he is ready to drink any bashing. It is a fact that he gets more bashing from his girlfriend than love.

But anyway, the manager called him up, and he gave Deep a brief outline of the project and asked him a random question: how is it going? Now, "how is it going" and "you are an asset to the company" are two random statements from any manager. Deep didn't know at what sense he has judged him, but felt good. Also,Deep is not used to compliments, so whenever and whatever comes along, he accepted it gleefully.

After initial haansi mazak he asked Deep how was the work going. Deep told him what he felt. But, then he dropped a bomb. He said that since it is a transition project, it has to be done in a very discreet fashion. There were onsite people in the project who were losing and had lost jobs because of the transition. In a nutshell:he told Deep to be careful. The knowledge transfer needs to be completed smoothly, and even if he had identified any issues, it has to be tucked inside the coffin. Interesting, Interesting!!!Deep thought his post-lunch sleeping secret would also come out.

Deep came back out of the room understanding a major point- in the near future if there are issues, and you go back to the team citing an earlier observations from the onsite team, they would blame you for not taking it earlier. Deep sat on the chair and started thinking. For the first time, he understood that politics has found a place in the IT Projects. The cellphone beeped: "come down for tea". Like every other IT fella, Deep took a walk with a mug of tea. Only this time, the tea-break wasn't late as usual.

A to Z of Bengali

2009-06-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

No pun intended, but couple of the observations make sense.

A is for Awpheesh (as in Office). This is where the average Kolkakatan goes and spends a day hard at work. And if he works for the 'Vest Bengal Gawrment' he will arrive at 10, wipe his forehead till 11, have a tea break at 12, throw around a few files at 12.30, break for lunch at 1, smoke the 7th unfiltered cigarette at 2, break for 5th cup of tea at 3, sleep sitting down at 4 and go home at 4:30. It's a hard life!

B is for Bhision. For some reason many Bengalis don't have good bhision. In fact in Kolkata most people are wearing spectacles all the time....Bhishon Bhalo and Bibhotso.... though means opposite ...used for same situations.. .depending on the Beauty of fairer sex...are close ...almost in a tie for second spot....

C is for Chappell. Currently, this is the Bengali word for the Devil, for the worst form of evil. In the night mothers put their kids to sleep saying, 'Na ghumoley ebar Chappell eshey dhorey niye jabe.'

D is for Debashish or any other name starting with Deb. By an ancient law every fourth Bengali Child has to be named Debashish. So you have a Debashish everywhere and trying to get creative they are also called Deb, Debu, Deba with variations like Debopriyo, Deboprotim, Debojyoti, etc. thrown in at times....as creations of God himself !!

E is for Eeesh. This is a very common Bengali exclamation made famous by Aishwarya Rai in the movie Devdas. It is estimated that on an average a Bengali, especially Bengali women, use eeesh 10,089 times every year. 'Ei Morechhey' is a close second to Eeesh.

F is for Feeesh. These are creatures that swim in rivers and seas and are a favourite food of the Bengalis. Despite the fact that a fish market has such strong smells, with one sniff a Bengali knows if a fish is all right. If not, he will say 'eeesh what feeesh is theesh!'

G is for Good name. Every Bengali boy will have a good name like Debashish or Deboprotim! and a pet name like Motka, Bhombol, Thobla, etc. While every Bengali girl will have pet names like Tia, Tuktuki, Mishti, Khuku, et cetera.

H is for Harmonium. This Bengali equivalent of a rock guitar. Take four Bengalis and a Harmonium and you have the successors to The Bheatles!

I is for Ileesh. This is a feeesh with 10,987 bones which would kill any ordinary person, but which the Bengalis eat with releeesh!

J is for Jhola. No selfrespecting Bengali is complete without his Jhola. It is a shapeless cloth bag where he keeps all his belongings and he fits an amazing number of things in. Even as you read this there are two million jholas bobbling around Kolkata, and they all look exactly the same! Note that 'Jhol'with mysterious condiments.. . as in Maachher Jhol is a close second. Jhaamela and Jachhetai are distant 3rd and 4th

K is for Kee Kaando! It used to be the favourite Bengali exclamation till eeesh took over because of Aishwarya Rai.Kee mushkil is a close second.

L is for Lungi, the dress for all occa! sions. People in Kolkata manage to play football and cricket wearing it not to mention the daily trip in the morning to the local bajaar. Now there is talk of a lungi expedition to Mt Everest.

M is for Minibaas. These are dangerous half buses whose antics would effortlessly frighten the living daylights out of all James Bond stuntmen as well as Formula 1 race car drivers.

N is for Nangto. This is the Bengali word for Naked. It is the most interesting naked word in any language!

O is for Oil. The Bengalis believe that a touch of mustard oil will cure anything from cold (oil in the nose), to earache (oil in the ear), to cough (oil on the throat) to piles (oil you know where!).

P is for Phootball. This is always a phavourite phassion of the Kolkattan. Every Bengali is born an expert in this game. The two biggest clubs there are MOHUNBAGAN and East Bengal and when they play the city comes to a stop.

Q is for Koshchen (question) as in "Mamatadi! koshchens Cheap Ministaar in Writaars Buiding."

R is for Robi Thakur. Many many years ago Rabindranath got the Nobel Prize. This has given the right to all Bengalis no matter where they are to frame their acceptance speeches as if they were directly related to the great poet and walk with their head held high. This also gives Bengalis the birthright to look down at Delhi and Mumbai and of course 'all non-Bengawlees'! Note that 'Rawshogolla' comes a close second!

S is for Shourav. Now that they finally produced a genuine cricketer, that too a captain, Bengalis think that he should be allowed to play until he is 70 years old.

T is for Trams. Hundred years later there are still trams in Kolkata. Of course if you are in a hurry it's faster to walk....Trams are still existing in Paris too.......you see !

U is for Aambrela. When a Bengali baby is born he is handed one.

V is for Bhaayolence. Bengalis are the most non-violent violent people around. When an accident happens they will fold up their sleeves, shout and ! scream and curse and abuse, "Chherey De Bolchhi" but the last time someone actually hit someone was in 1939.

W is for Water. For three months of the year the city is underwater and every year for the last 200 years the authorities are taken by surprise by this!

X is for X'mas. It's very big in Kolkata, with Park Street fully lit up and all Bengalis agreeing that they must eat cake that day.

Y is for Yesshtaarday. Which is always better than today for a Bengali (see R for Robi Thakur)?. It is also for Jubraj Shingh and Joga.

Z is for Jebra, Joo, and Jipper.

Champions League 2009

2009-05-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

I am dead against late night Champions League matches. It not only makes my habit of staying awake late but routinely upset my stomach. The atmosphere in 2009 European League Football was electrifying.

I have never seen any spectators in the stadium who was less colorful than the other. Be it the red devils’ uniform glittered throughout the stadium or the Barcelona’s amazing dresses. It was great.

The closing ceremony witnessed a spectacle opera tune from the Gladiator and then the drama begins. It was always Christina Ronaldo competing with Lionel Messi. I guess before the start of the match everyone had already predicted the outcome of the match to be 3-0 or 2-1 from Man United, but I had a different view.

Intuition works in some times, and I felt that since Man United were clear favorites Barcelona would have very little pressure. It proved correct. I had predicted my friend Saty 2-1 for Barcelona, and it was 2-0.

Ronaldo missed quite a few chances right from the start, and it seem that Man U will score now and then. They played very supreme football. Owen, Ferdinand got busy and saw Park Suen in action. But it was Barca who scored first.

All through out the match it played the game they are known for pass-pass and pass. Of course, looks ugly in paper but it is this kind of game, which they are not afraid to hide.

The opposition practically knows their limitations, but sometimes you are caught unaware. Maybe Barcelona has this unique ability of scoring where it should be. They got a few chances but they made the most out of it. Eto and Messi demonstrated brilliance in their games.

Messi reminds me of so much of Maradona. Falling and dribling over, yet never losing the ball.

The point is that Man U are a good team, but nobody can deny that Barca are a better team even though you say that Man Utd are better. Surely did Barce get lucky against Chelsea but in the final against Man Utd we saw Barca play at their best and when they do that, it doesn't matter how well the other team plays, they are still going to lose. Everyone keeps saying that something was missing in Man Utd's game but the fact is that Barca never gave them a chance and that is what winners do.

It was a match that I will remember in the years to come, and as my friend said who knows in the next European League Finals, I may just be there to witness it.

Management lessons from the INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

2009-05-25T02:48:00.000-07:00

I am penning this piece 12 hours next to the 2009 Indian Premier League (IPL) Finals. A tournament like IPL displays brilliance in the departments of batting, bowling and fielding from high-ranged international and domestic players from around the globe.

It is an occasion for the Indian Cricket fraternity to exhibit their supremacy in the game. Money flows from different quarters and there is no short of fun be it a cheerleader bootlicious movements or any Bollywood actor act. After watching the tournament from the last 2 years, I chose to arrive with couple of management lessons that I could take from the tournament.

1)If you have a popular brand that has stakes in the market, then you are bowed to use it all quarters. India is a brand now. It’s supremacy is felt in most of the international places. The opportunities of it getting it recognizable with other brands is easy. Everyone wants to be associated with it.

2) If you have an idea, never keep it in your mind. It just gets wasted. Share the brilliant idea with people who can be the horses to drive-in. Of course, be prepared with your questions, which are going to be asked. You'll have to get the ideas floating and have solutions to back-up.

3) Be it Cricket or any other sports, engaging prime-time audiences is very important. So, also in a business catering to customer services, it is essential that the product meets the requirements of the end-users. Once you know who your users are and match your services to the requirements, your product can be an amazing success.

4) Always keep an optional plan backing you while executing your plan. Changes may arose at any point of time; you should be ready to execute the plan in toughest of the situations.

5) Marketing is essential for a product to succeed. What is in it for me- you don't just give them the product, but you give the oomph factor. Tieing up with celebrities is another way of making the product' presence in the market.

6) Always be loyal to your customers; owing to much success of the latest IPL in South Africa, the BCCI has decided to have a mini-IPL in the upcoming years. This is your way of backing up your customers. Remember, you are here in the business because of the customers.

7)Have a nice pool of individuals in the committee; experience talks in most of the situations.

I am sure folks can add-on to the list.

An Adventure in Hard Rock Cafe

2009-05-18T08:27:00.000-07:00

Many of you who have written to me off-list suggesting me of spicing up my blog, I intend to bring cardamom from the market to do it. For those who think I am lucky, the answer is 'By lucky’, I need not explain what I meant but in every course of life you have some share of experiences, and I got my share with a pinch of love.

Anyway, coming back to this latest episode that happened in a Hard Rock Café in a very popular Indian City, I offer my humblest apologies to my so-called competitors in a bid to converse-whose-the-spiciest-girl amongst competition

The evening had been a wonderful one and it had everything right from music to amazing food and drinks. Women can be seldom ignored at these situations and every norm of superlative form can be attributed to them. In these situations, they are usually addressed as Sexy, but I chose to address them as Smoky!!!

Situations lead to interesting results, but I believe it’s good to have low-expectations set in order to get the desired results. If the café had nearly 300 people that night, out of which 200 were guys, then the girls as expected would be 100. But what makes numbers interesting are the numbers 100 viewed by 2*200 man’ eyes, so almost 400 eyes were viewing the 100 odd girls.

Now, consider these out of these 100 odd girls on a Saturday night, in a Hard rock café, I guess 90 of them would have arrived there with their guys (it’s a different story of whom they leave with)..so that leaves only 10 girls. Now these 10 girls will have either a combination of 5 groups of 2 each, or say 2 groups of 5 each. Am I making sense here?

Now, we have to leave 90 committed guys out from the 200 men..so that will make 110 men of which 10 will be likely to be homosexual. so now, 100 odd guys will be up for the competition for 10 girls. This number becomes more interesting when you check the homely appetite of 100 odd guys with Tequila, Whisky, Beer and so on.

After bracing all of these, I sensed 5 chicks in a table, extremely smoky and each with attitude. We were 5 guys if my memory serves me right; my memory had suffered a great deal after my ex-gf started eating my head he he…So, unlucky throughout the night and a reputation of being a dude, I was approached by couple of my friends to go ahead with this competition.

The round table conference that we had for 5 minutes witnessed various levels of high-pitched emotions. All around the table there were sparks flying of who would go first and approach the girls. Someone in the group mentioned of how smitten he was of the girls’ beauty and how his mom would fancy her as his eligible bahu. Some expressed their fanciful desires of candle night dinner with her.

It all started as a challenge of who can pick up one of the 5 chicks’ no. God himself was reluctant to initially of the plan. Bhaktjan squad decided to wait and watch. I quickly assessed the situation, understood our limitations and changed the plan a bit. As stated earlier being practical always helps.

After looking at those smoky hot chickens, we knew where we stood. We were neither models or hunks, but simple fellas whose fame can be compared to paunches of their stomach. I saw no chance of getting a vibe from the girl forget about the cell no. So, I changed the deal a bit. Now, I was given a cult status of a guruji here, so my words are taken as solemn.

I said guys let one of us go and speak to one of them, while the rest can watch the fun. Everyone nodded their heads approvingly. Bhagwan added on a bit of twist saying that he will be the second lead to this momentous expedition.

We were 20 steps away from the table of girls. In front of us lies the border strength of handsome hunks and would-be-actors. I knew it is a tedious task to go and approach them all. I picked up the nearest girl to the door. As I started, the God next to me also started walking.

I went ahead of him, and almost every time wondering if I will be able to deliver a perfect line. From far across the distant, I think she got scared as this divine creature walked upto her. It almost felt like the world froze for the instant. I went straight, stood near the table and waited for her to look. The chances of being procrastinated as a waiter seemed not bad, but wavered a bit for since the waiters had a uniform and thankfully! I wasn't wearing one.

She looked up and so far as I can remember I uttered certain lines. Trust me! it wasn't the best of the few lines that I ever spoke, but she somehow turned towards me and said thank you. God later told me that she showed a very disgustingly thanks. Chalo! maybe my trick didn't work. But to be honest, I think I conveyed the message to her. We left the place, but all throughout out the journey my friends kept on applauding the adventure.

I myself felt a bit I don't know comical, serious and out of touch. But hindsight, I knew it was a job well-done. Jab dil main hain kuch baat, then folks go ahead and express. Have confidence. We all can't be John Abraham, but if we can present our self with a good sense of humor the chances of getting a girl is more. Trust me..some years of experience this guy has doing the dishes.

Revisting Panache With Godfather

2009-05-17T05:20:00.000-07:00

"Michael, your father loves you very much, very much".

I was watching Godfather for the umpteenth number of times, and each time there is something new to take from the movie. I grew up watching Al Pacino and Robert De Niro's movies, and dreamt of someday to deliver a power-packed performance like them in a stage. That of course, never happened...so far.

The beauty of Godfather is in the powerful script. If you start analyzing Godfather trilogy, you will see that none of the characters had lot of dialogues. Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone spoke more through his eyes and meant it. Maybe the director Francis Ford Coppola was forced to get Marlon's anger sparkled in the screen when he threatened the five families of utter consequences had anything happened to Michael Corleone, exiled for murdering Solloze and the chief cops.

Al Pacino, undoubtedly the greatest of all time actors, plays the son of Vito Corleone with a certain deal of panache. He too moves and scales up his life and family with a certain degree of calmness.

Robert De Niro, playing Vito Corleone in his prime shows the determination required to grow up in life. He is a family-oriented man, who loses his job, because the shop owner had to give his job to a local mafia's cousin. He is disheartened by all this, but he smilingly accepts the decision. His humility is astounding.

In life the road to success is filled with hardships. I understand it is not going to be an easy one, but if with all my humility I can walk ahead in my life, believing that I ain't hurting others in my actions, and helping others to succeed in their careers, it would be worth one. Everyone wishes for success and I believe the day it comes to me, I have all the humility to accept it.

The Parting

2009-05-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

How should I put this episode? The calm before the storm, I guess.

The boxes have been packed. Each thing that requires attention had been sent across the border. Kumar household bears a disappointed look. 10 long years in this home have made them nostalgic. The chipping of the birds from the terrace, sounded more of a farewell tune to the household.

The family witnessed moments of happiness with the marriage of their two daughters, and the bereavement of the passing of their old grandmom and grandpapa.

"Let's go Anitha,time to leave". Just a sec, mommy. Anitha climbs up to the staircase and in between the racks, searches for a dabba. She takes out the dabba, and in that lies a photo. A photo of a person she loved and she cared. She knew that she won't forget that person anytime, and that person won't her also.

Tears rolled down from her cheeks. "I'll miss you, Deep!!! I'll miss you badly"...Down somewhere in Koramangala, a wreck felt her tears. He knows that he was going to miss and love her more with the progression of time. The radio broadcasted her favorite song.

Tips for Office Romances

2009-05-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

Office romances have had been happening from ages. I myself found couple of instance where romances have their roots in the office boardroom or cafeteria. These romances are not all appreciated by the management, and here is what I advise folks who are in romance with their office mates:

1. If before Cupid made its mark on you, you were the type who believed in eating solo, not socializing too much with colleagues or leaving office solo, then stick to the same. Don’t ever change your regular routines. You are constantly watched and a little bit of negligence from your side may land you in trouble.

2. Do not use office stationery to send love notes, if it gets into the hands of your manager, you will surely get another note from him or her, which will not have anything to do with love! Do not send email from your official addresses, it can easily be tracked down and the next thing you both will see will probable be the door!

3. The best way to behave would be like complete strangers. Never ever walk in or leave office together. No offering lifts, unless accompanied by a third party.

4. Avoid dining or having lunches if not in a group. You can do this once or twice, but the moment you are seen having lunch together for more than once, you are for some questions and trouble.

5. Never spend much time discussing personal things with her or him at cubicle. If there is a project that makes both of you work together, try to sound as serious you can be.

Idly with a touch of Love

2009-04-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

The people of Nagesh Apartment in JP Nagar need no reason for celebration. They celebrate for any activity or festivals that one can think of. If Mr. Ghosh has a kid, they celebrate. If Rani passed the board exams, they celebrate,

Quite a special achievement is it,hai na uttered Swaminathan finishing the last bites of Idli. Lakshmi his wife for the last 25 years, seem to remember the idli making him fall for her.

The next day, Swaminathan parents were there at her pedestal asking for Lakshmi’s hands. Lakshmi, now a proud mother of two daughters-Prathiba and Gayatri smiles at the very mention of the past.

There is something more to the Idly story. (Idly is a savory cake. The cakes are made of urad dal (lentils) and rice, which is steam cooked).Lakshmi has over the years been asked by her kids to share the part of her story, but she had a blush. In her 25 years of celebration,Lakshmi had dutifully been a part of Swami’s lives
offering him solace and support in everything.

Today as they stood hands in hand there is hope and expression of faith in both of their lives. Ideally, at this point of time. nothing would have mattered to this family except this awkward situation. For some reasons, known to a few Laksmi's Idlies were not tastier of yesteryear's.

They seem to taste something different. Swami had been reluctant to say this to Lakshmi. He loved her immensely. It has been with them for ages. But now
the love for Idly has taken it over.

In office, lazing with his friends, Idly was a concern for him. If he dare to speak of the situation it might earn him a divorce or apathy from their daughters or wife. Some might even question his love his idly more than his wife. Should he or not express this? Should he just ignore the matter? He was in a dilemma.

The stage was all set. Lakshmi woke up in the morning and ritual wise she prepared Idly for the family. She quietly went to her husband's room and kept those Idlies
in the table.

Swami woke up, took up a bath, wore his mundu and then very rulanctly took the Idly plates. HMMMM!!! the taste of Idly was something different.

But how would you express this to Lakshmi. He somehow manage to get her alone, but didn't how to say it. For some reasons, he was feeling ashamed. How can be he
so selfish? Swami still saw Lakshmi's face smiling-something that's been intact for the last 25 years. Swami could not believe his luck.