The Last Kiss

For a moment nothing moved except for the few leaves that were falling down from the old Banyan tree. The hustle & bustle of everyday activities' seem to prey silent to the mohican adventure of this place. The place located in the confines of Rupert street is often an anonymous adventure, a loafer's den, and some gossip stories's inception. But this day, it is different.

The place, known as Baltizmer's graveyard welcomes another daughter to its abode. Mrs. Smith is no more. She has left for her abode leaving her daughter and son.

As the coffin donned Mrs. Smith with flowers of varied colors, a beautiful Anita Smith in a spotless white gown, eyes closed, nose tilted towards the yonder sky and lips closed, laid. The nose portrayed severe emotion tilted towards the Heaven. It has to be heaven, everyone said.

Anitha was such a sweet child," "oh! she was an angel in her days, said her friends. While everyone spoke and ushered their condolences, Diana kept silence. It is a silence that pervaded her for a long time. A reason that most of the mourners linked up to her mother's sudden death. But it isn't

Mom, I want to get married to this guy. I love him". He is not suitable for you. These words kept on repeatedly on Diana's mind as she had her first child aborted. Philip, her husband could not bear the fact that she had given birth to a girl. He had openly laid two options in front of her- either get the child aborted or leave him.

She loves Philip, She always did and she could not bear to lose him. In times of motherhood, its believed a girl suddenly gets an extra energy to give a new birth, the creation of a baby born itself makes her feel infallibly good. Perhaps, that's why they said "a girl has turned into a woman."

Anitha could not take the news of aborted child shock. She cannot face the news that her daughter has killed someone since she liked her husband. Anitha suffered a stroke, and perhaps in her last moments, she wished her daughter and son could be there. Perhaps her efforts to raise the kids had gone last. She had raised the kids when their father had passed away of a dreaded sickness. Anitha worked endlessly in her role as a teacher.

The priest asked Diana to say her prayers and have a last conversation with her mother. Diana knelled towards towards the coffin. Her hands were covered in black gloves. The same hands that once Anitha caught Diana falling from walking, were today cold and unmoved. Diana looked into her mother's eyes. Anitha is beautiful.

Even in the last few hours of death has not been able to disrupt the beauty of her mother. She smelt so good. Diana remembers how she used to take her mom through out a ride, and she said stop, stop!! How she wish Time stops.

Even at death, people learn a few lessons. Lessons that teaches you how important death can be at times. It instructs you that life is the beautiful creation of God, and only he is entitled to take it at his own right. Diana had no right to abort a child who did not even see the light of this world. And, her she is weeping for her mother, whom she longs to be alive. Such is the adversity of this world.

As she locks the last kiss with her mother, she suddenly feels that her mom said something to her ears. "Diana, I forgave you; I'll be born again as your daughter". Please don't kill me again". Diana shudders this time. Could it be her mom. But her mother lies in the grave. Who could it be? It had started raining.

Striking a Conversation at a Party

Times have changed. People have changed their approach. Their lifestyles and norms of living. But a thing that did not change-FLIRT. People still flirt, and for obvious reasons. You can call it by name as you wish to. Socialising is the new name for it, I heard Neha telling me the other day. Suzzane said that guys have lost ways of reciprocating and approaching women. Really!! I beg to differ on this.

Flirting- ok first of all, leave that nagging thing behind. It is not a taboo and people are open to it. But, flirting is not cheap advances. Here, you are going to address someone with a bit of style and of course with their attitude intact.

Don't be someone else. Rule no.1- Be natural, be yourself. Even the greatest love guru's would say this to you. Girls have this amazing nose. They can easily track down the vileness in your character. It is essential hence to be at ease, when you confront the opposite sex for the first time.

Rule no 2- Get the signals. Yo don't need to be a traffic constable for that. At a party, if you tend to like a girl, give her a glance. Look into her eyes, and not somewhere else. If she likes you or has an interest towards you, there will be a flash of a smile crooning somewhere between the lips. Catch it!

Once you caught the smile, it is turn to approach. Be well-groomed and strike a good opening line. Try to check if her glass is empty. If yes, maybe its time you can buy or get her a drink. See the glass is clean. Girls are born hygienic. God knows, why!

Don't rush towards her with that glass. She is a lady and she is to be treated with respect. Walk softly, all the time looking into this eyes, and a smile beaming (not that full). Go near her, take a deep breath and say "oh! I just figured out that the job of a waiter"...she says "what!" and than you cash in with "to never keep beautiful girl's glasses empty".. You may laugh at me now, but it works.


Next confidence. If she finds that you interesting, she will ask you to seat besides her. Now, don't just sit immediately. Thank her first, and ask her what is a beautiful girl like her doing at this moment?

Converse more. Ask about her and see if she reciprocates. If she doesn't, quietly leave. If she does, she will ask about you too. Your job is more easier if you have a good sense of humor. Trust me! having a good humor breaks the ice faster than anything else.

If you are a good dancer, than maybe you can ask her for a dance, but if you are like me, than talk about her interests. From that interests, try to see if you can be good in it.

Once the talk gets over and she checks watch, ask her if you she is waiting for someone and you should leave. The main factor is being polite. Girls love if a guy is polite and shows immense respect to them. If she has another person coming in, she will definitely let you know.

Once you guys have struck a rapport, take the lead-in. Ask her cell no. These days, people ask "do you have an Orkut ID?" Adventurous girl might give you the number straightway. Some girls might like to check you a bit-maybe not their number, but their email ID.

It's polite to ask her if you can drop her home. I don't think, we in India the success ratio is that higher, but nevertheless, you can ask. Don't forget her to text her when you go back home. Tell her you had a wonderful time. If the text comes within 5 minutes, she is on.

Watch out for the next article-"What should you do on Date"...till than happy dating!

Saffronizing Satyam

I am not a political activist nor a media tycoon nor a police commissioner or a judge. I am Raj, a middle-class citizen who just celebrated his birthday, with his meager salary. I am writing this piece because I feel I have a duty to express my thoughts as a citizen of my beloved country India. In no way, it relates any political parties views or anyone as such.

Where do I work? I am with an Information Technology company based in India. Nope, am not with Satyam. It should not stop you from asking me questions about my work and the various clients interact with. Satyam case in which Ramalingham Raju has disclosed that he cheated the board and employees.

I am going to share the expected treatment of the clients and the so called saffronizing us for the debacle of Satyam.


Firstly, clients are angry. They should be. If they find that the people with whom they are in business have their credentials in deep suspicion, they will be worried. It is their worriness that will result in anger. The client's anger may eventually cancelled the work order or pervade it from dealing with the company in future. This leads to time and a lot of money wastage. And, mostly the reputation of the client is at stake.

I read in some forum of a comment posted by a CEO of an mnc that Indian IT companies would be looked with suspicion after the Satyam lie. My response to that is very simple- let's not be biased. Did we forget the Enron and Worldcom fiasco? these were the companies based out of India and looking to do businesses with India.So, you see the history of companies that have a major catastrophe are not limited to Satyam alone. And some of them have not even declared their blames for it.

The West has always propagated the Asian nations are under developed, and whether they like to see it or not, development of these nations are scrutinized. In the mid 90's and post-Y2k, the IT sector saw a dramatic trend with more and more jobs outsourced to India. Obviously, the lesser cost and the quality workforce is an eye catcher for businesses in India. India flourished in leaps and bounds and the country is talking about businesses from the world market.

Mr. Raju has been one of the influential CEO's of India, and during his stint he has made quite a few high-ranking business friends and associates. He may find them to be a major catalyst in his triumph for survival. The so-called political parties may try to take a political mileage of it.

The IT companies need to understand that the crisis is not engulfed alone to Satyam alone. The need of the hour is to rise above all the petty differences and earn the trust of the customers again.

By the time this piece gets published, a new Satyam board comprising of three eminent persons have been formed. This is a fantastic development. I hope the board will first find out the root cause of this great fiasco, and see that in no way, the employees of Satyam are caused any evil. The customers need to be addressed and appraised of the situation.

Let's see how it evolves. But this blot needs to be taken care of right away. And, it's not just India that have been affected. The NASSCOM needs to take a stand, and yes dully get back to its righteous away.

And huh! for those of you who are wondering why did Mr.Raju surrender. I may be incorrect, but my take on is the US clients have already filed a complaint against Raju. We all know he will be under deep stakes if he has to face the trial in US. Atleast, Indian law would allow me to face the trial. So, you see.

I hope all goes well. May the truth prevail and yes one thing for sure, this incident will definitely make accounting department more agile. Chances are we just may have a blessing in disguise. Amen!

Reviewing SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

I am speechless, stunned and obviously mystified by David Boyle's narration of a movie based on the plot of the television game show Kaun Banega Crorepati or Who Wants To Be a Millionaire. Yes, one thing more- it has no Mr.Bachchan.

Very few films have left me stunned with their script, drama, romance, cinematography, background music, art direction and everything.

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE to date it captures a slum boys' dreams and sets it to a pedestal of a coveted crown.

It surely is a movie that has shades of Mira Nair's SALAM BOMBAY, but this movie is set in 2008 and dealt so differently and brilliantly.

As a kid, I used to whistle in the streets across often collecting marbles, and play with my friends in rain. Some things change with the times, but the memories lingers somewhere, and the visuals depicted in Slumdog captured my childhood so well.

At no point of time, I was apprehensive that the characters Jamal and Salim would not make it big, but that's the beauty of the movie's screenplay.

Jamal rises to the hot seat of KBC front, and each answer in the KBC tells a story of his life. His age of innocence as a kid when he stays in a slum and overleaps in joy at the very mention of Amitabh Bachchan. His childhood love, Lalita stays afresh in his mind and inspite of the various odds and journeys, the love still lingers.

A touch of Bollywood masala, which Boyle dutifully doesn't miss for he knows that the Asian audience needs that cream.


Salim, Latika & Jamal are the three principal characters in the movie, and you are engulfed in these characters that the poverty and smugness of Mumbai lets you never down.

At no point in the movie, did I felt that the director was trying to humanise the slums of Mumbai. I felt Boyle narrated the story with a pinch of humor everywhere. That's why a character like Mahesh Manjrekar existed.

To me there are plenty of scenes that stands out,and the movie itself conveyed a messaged to me. It says at no point of your life, feel that your life is planned. Life is unpredictable to the core, but if you are confident and believe that you can chase your dreams by being honest and upright, no one can stop you. Pessimism never won a battle.

SLUMDOG is not a movie to be missed. Go and watch it with your loved ones. It will change a thing or two. Hats off!

Golmaal in 2009 New Year's Party

"Disaster, disaster" yelled both of us. 2009 New Year night party at Bangalore has left me dejected. I am unhappy because this isn't the first time, and am sure it won't be the last.

I won't take the names of people who has made it bad since they are my friends. But if they go through this piece someday, folks: I am really angry with you both, especially on my ex-roomie.

I don't remember the exact situations that led to a brawl. But let me tell you when you are with opposite genders, it is better to be calm and composed in trying situations.

We also saw how cops who find it amusing to get bribed during the normal working hours, interestingly starts beating people post-midnight on New Year's eve.

Hats off to a friend of mine, who got us at his residence safe and sound. He also suggested that while he prepares dinner for me, I should get some rest. After some time, when I realised that there was pin drop silence, I went to the kitchen.

I found no one. I found one of my friends very nearby to the bathroom sleeping, while the other slept on the chair. I had my food in the wee hours of the morning.

Numerous SMSes flooded my cell. I sincerely thank all of you for the best wishes.I also made some calls and scared a few people. My actions have been treated with much anger and one of them have decided to crush me beneath her treadmill :). And that, too with close eyes.

On a serious note, let us also see that we strive to make this messages (peace & prosperity) into concrete plan. Together we need to make a stand to fight against terrorism in any of its form.

It's not just Mumbai. Let us fight to wipe it out from every place on this earth. The baby born on the New Year's eve should breathe in a world of harmony. I pray for it, and hope that we all can celebrate Diwali, Id-ul-zah and Xmas and various festivals together in unison and peace. Are you with me on this?

My Take on MTV Roadies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviewing GHAJINI

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

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



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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

My Take on Rab Ne Bana De Jodi

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



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

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

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

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

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

Conversation with Sania Mirza

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

When I almost got Married

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

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



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

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

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

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

Emotional Quotient with Maggie Noodles

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

Ingredients

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

Method:

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

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

My Love for Nokia 3310

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Mama's desk- Letter to an Unborn Daughter

To my dearest Daughter,

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Four Hundred Rupees Hairstyle

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

Four Notes of big Hundred Style

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

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

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

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

And thus I say...

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

Knock Knock! Girlfriend in your Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

The Son of a Preacher Man

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

TO BE CONTINUED.

Dada's last stint in Bangalore

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Fashion Mistake

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

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

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

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

Stop Manufacturing Cigarettes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Momentary Lapse of Reason

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kicking Monday Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As I say Goobye to Infosys

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sameer: "Hi, I am Sameer"

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

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

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

Manish: "what Rajdeep? Full name?"

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

Rajdeep: "Rajdeep Gupta"


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manish: “Any nick names attributed by CDG”

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

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

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

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

Manish: “Any Last words:”

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

Reviewing: Google Chrome

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

REVIEWING: ROCK ON

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RAPE ME

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

Ms. Kareena Kapoor Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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



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

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

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

"Pray Continue"...

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



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

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

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

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