I know you drive me crazy as much as i drive you over the brink. I know you are possessive and have your expectation. I know you have your insecurities and often get disappointed with what I do making want to contemplate the status of us. But the truth is My Life would suck without you.
I know I often drive you nuts with my moods my swings and behavior. My eccentricities makes it difficult for you to be with me. Often sending you panicking with what I say. I know that I am not the easiest person to be with.
Together we make quite a dysfunctional pair. I know you may wish you were with someone else but me. But I wouldn't want to have it any other way, because my life would suck without you.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A Voter's Dilemma
With the general election just around the corner, you have celebrities, political parties, prominent personalities, urging citizen to exercise their right to vote. But the million dollar question is who exactly do you vote for. You look at which candidates each party is fielding for the post of the Prime Minister, it does makes you shudder.
The Congress probably gave us our most educated and un-tainted Prime Minister of our country interest. But at the same time gave us one of the most meek and humble Prime Minister, someone who was manipulated once too often from the opposition as well as the people from within the coalition itself. The other thing that worries is that the current government really didn't meet any expectation that it set.
Then you have the BJP who is fielding a candidate who has time and again fanned the communal hatred and is responsible one of the worst communal riots and its aftermath that the country has suffered. An the other person who is campaigning for the party is another person responsible for the worst riots in the country's history, although one may argue that he's one good entrepreneur. Should you be voting for a party and it's allies into power who single handly have been responsible for the worst communal carnage that the country has faced, since the partition?
And then on the other hand you have the third front with a leader of the backward classes at its head who also has aspiration for the hot seat. What worries me is the lady and her party probably pretty corrupt as the rest of field and her follower keep behaving like a class who never wants to be uplifted because they like where they are. And then you have the Left party who do not want to see what is right or even right.
so this leads to dilemma who do I vote, that if my mom has managed to change our vote registration to our current address. I must admit that the last two time voted for someone (the only time I've ever voted) was because they were providing funds to repair my beleaguered building. One of them was former convict and a self proclaimed Don of the area. Fortunately both of them lost that election (but the Don won the Assembly election). so that brings me back to my big question...who do I vote for???
The Congress probably gave us our most educated and un-tainted Prime Minister of our country interest. But at the same time gave us one of the most meek and humble Prime Minister, someone who was manipulated once too often from the opposition as well as the people from within the coalition itself. The other thing that worries is that the current government really didn't meet any expectation that it set.
Then you have the BJP who is fielding a candidate who has time and again fanned the communal hatred and is responsible one of the worst communal riots and its aftermath that the country has suffered. An the other person who is campaigning for the party is another person responsible for the worst riots in the country's history, although one may argue that he's one good entrepreneur. Should you be voting for a party and it's allies into power who single handly have been responsible for the worst communal carnage that the country has faced, since the partition?
And then on the other hand you have the third front with a leader of the backward classes at its head who also has aspiration for the hot seat. What worries me is the lady and her party probably pretty corrupt as the rest of field and her follower keep behaving like a class who never wants to be uplifted because they like where they are. And then you have the Left party who do not want to see what is right or even right.
so this leads to dilemma who do I vote, that if my mom has managed to change our vote registration to our current address. I must admit that the last two time voted for someone (the only time I've ever voted) was because they were providing funds to repair my beleaguered building. One of them was former convict and a self proclaimed Don of the area. Fortunately both of them lost that election (but the Don won the Assembly election). so that brings me back to my big question...who do I vote for???
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Change
Sometime you wonder why in the hell did the government made currency of greater denominations like 500 and 1000 and even 100s, when shopkeeper don't keep change and treat you like a leper, an unwanted, an untouchable. Ok I admit that's bit overreacting to situation, but hey it felt irritating and in a way even pretty pissing. What do you do when someone asks you to give change and you don't have a single currency note with you. Wanted to ask them whether they thought I was the Reserve Bank of India to have change on me. Sometimes I wonder what's the use of having 100s , 500s and 1000s rupees notes, when trying to use it can be such a pain.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Respect at Sacred Places
As a person who regularly visits St. Anthony's shrine, in Pune, every Tuesday, I've noticed there are many people from other faiths who visit the Shrine. What I've seen is that these people pay much more respect to the holy place much more than anyone present there has ever showed to the place. It not like we do not respect the sanctity of the place. It's actually wonderful to see their action. Like facing their back to the alter, bowing in reverence to the altar, kissing the bible or the statues, even placing their forehead on it. Hope we can follow their examples and in some way show a greater respect to our sacred places.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Holi at Aptara
When you think Holi you think of bright colors, colored faces, people intoxicated in colors and yes bhang, sometimes even bordering into hooliganism. You think about unknown entities pelting water balloons (not something that's good). You think twice before you step out of your house afraid of being colored, especially if your wearing white.
But on Tuesday the 10th of March the people at Aptara, Pune, found a different way to bring in Holi. It did involve colors, but in a good way. You did have people with colored faces, but it was all in the fun of the event. Each bay in the company was assigned a color. The bay had to come up a way to decorate their bay using the color assigned to them. So you had the blues, reds, greens, oranges, yellows, and the purples.
What started initially with just a couple of groups enthusiastically decorating their bays, slowly caught on through the entire office. Everywhere you had people working with chart paper and kite paper, cellophane paper and paints and brushes, glues and newspapers, sticks and strings, lights and laces, heart shaped balloons and green ferns, and of course colors. You had themes that ranged from social messages to religion to some just decorating their bay to make it look nice.
Greens were used to obviously depict messages to save the Earth and yes money, but then you also had them depict envy (using a cool looking mosaic devil) and shamrocks. Blue was used to create an out of the world theme, space and robots. Those who got yellow used it to depict road signs and yellow pages and help desks. Purple was used to create a gigantic, cool looking spider web, and a decoration using the poetry 'Madhushala' as its central theme. The reds were used to depict love and blood donations. Yes the orange was used as usual to create a religious, phalki.
Everywhere you looked you could just see colors (this could also be due to the fact all the lights were colored paper). You had people visiting areas they hadn't been to before, admiring the decorations and clicking photographs. When the judges came around they were not spared with the colors. The judges were even bribed with fake notes.
At the end of the day you had the orange Phalki group and the red Blood Donation group, taking the 1st and 2nd place respectively. You had various other prices like best wall hanging, best message, best wallpaper, etc. All in all it was fun and colorful way of celebrating the festival. But I am afraid to say there was very little work done. But then all work and no play makes Aptara a dull place. So eagerly waiting for the next Holi to come around.
But on Tuesday the 10th of March the people at Aptara, Pune, found a different way to bring in Holi. It did involve colors, but in a good way. You did have people with colored faces, but it was all in the fun of the event. Each bay in the company was assigned a color. The bay had to come up a way to decorate their bay using the color assigned to them. So you had the blues, reds, greens, oranges, yellows, and the purples.
What started initially with just a couple of groups enthusiastically decorating their bays, slowly caught on through the entire office. Everywhere you had people working with chart paper and kite paper, cellophane paper and paints and brushes, glues and newspapers, sticks and strings, lights and laces, heart shaped balloons and green ferns, and of course colors. You had themes that ranged from social messages to religion to some just decorating their bay to make it look nice.
Greens were used to obviously depict messages to save the Earth and yes money, but then you also had them depict envy (using a cool looking mosaic devil) and shamrocks. Blue was used to create an out of the world theme, space and robots. Those who got yellow used it to depict road signs and yellow pages and help desks. Purple was used to create a gigantic, cool looking spider web, and a decoration using the poetry 'Madhushala' as its central theme. The reds were used to depict love and blood donations. Yes the orange was used as usual to create a religious, phalki.
Everywhere you looked you could just see colors (this could also be due to the fact all the lights were colored paper). You had people visiting areas they hadn't been to before, admiring the decorations and clicking photographs. When the judges came around they were not spared with the colors. The judges were even bribed with fake notes.
At the end of the day you had the orange Phalki group and the red Blood Donation group, taking the 1st and 2nd place respectively. You had various other prices like best wall hanging, best message, best wallpaper, etc. All in all it was fun and colorful way of celebrating the festival. But I am afraid to say there was very little work done. But then all work and no play makes Aptara a dull place. So eagerly waiting for the next Holi to come around.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
The Futility an Indian TV Soap
Firstly let me clear this point. I hate Hindi soaps from the very core my being. I seriously can't stand them and feel that they are mind numbing. Even though I am never in way forced to see them, somehow my curiosity gets the better of me. So the bottom line is, in the end I hate these shows.
Well very recently these shows have begun the trend of using social message to entertain. At the sight of it it seems good that they are trying to pick up some socially relevant messages like child marriages, plight of widows, abortions, compared to saas- bahus and the villonous vamps and relatives. But then this joy is short lived because in the end they do nothing to highlight the pont they should be getting across. It's not enough that you bring the point up or even mention it, but then what are you doing for the issue. Just mentioning it in the show just won't do, where is the solution? How do you make sure that your viewers are not interpretation it in the wrong way, the case in example the attacks and murders being planned using ideas from movies.
Shows that starts off with child marriage, only to put it in the backseat. Then takes up the right to abort a pregnancy because of the danger it would cause to the mother, only to find the character to give in to her in-laws and all the time acting like a dead duck and not like a lady that is about to revolt. The same goes to widowhood.
Although these shows started off as something different, they have slowly steeped into the same tactics to gain audience, for example killing off the main characters. I complain about the relevance these shows have for todays time. But aunt curtly tell me that this happens in villages. Even if it happens in villages do I need to watch it on prime time television and be tortured by it for hours together on the only days I have access to the television.
I seriously hate these shows.
Well very recently these shows have begun the trend of using social message to entertain. At the sight of it it seems good that they are trying to pick up some socially relevant messages like child marriages, plight of widows, abortions, compared to saas- bahus and the villonous vamps and relatives. But then this joy is short lived because in the end they do nothing to highlight the pont they should be getting across. It's not enough that you bring the point up or even mention it, but then what are you doing for the issue. Just mentioning it in the show just won't do, where is the solution? How do you make sure that your viewers are not interpretation it in the wrong way, the case in example the attacks and murders being planned using ideas from movies.
Shows that starts off with child marriage, only to put it in the backseat. Then takes up the right to abort a pregnancy because of the danger it would cause to the mother, only to find the character to give in to her in-laws and all the time acting like a dead duck and not like a lady that is about to revolt. The same goes to widowhood.
Although these shows started off as something different, they have slowly steeped into the same tactics to gain audience, for example killing off the main characters. I complain about the relevance these shows have for todays time. But aunt curtly tell me that this happens in villages. Even if it happens in villages do I need to watch it on prime time television and be tortured by it for hours together on the only days I have access to the television.
I seriously hate these shows.
How much does a Dufus Lead Matter?
Your work life can get pretty complex, monotonous and boring, and yes above all irritating, especially if you were filling my shoes. What would you have someone who is junior to you (at least designation wise) leading the project?
First thing first, as a senior on the team you are used to leading the team. These include even if you come on the project later. I really hate when the other person says he should be lead because he was put first on the project. Sometime you get this overwhelming feeling that you want to kick and abuse this person, or even bash this person up for the misconceived notion they have about themselves.
What makes matters worse the client feel like that they are doing a really great job, a perfect ten, while you are just eight. Call this envy or jealousy, or that my luck is really bad, or you could just say that they are getting away with murder. Well not exactly murder, but then client doesn't see it.
What you hate the most is the growing arrogance that this person and the they don't check it. The funny thing is this behavior of their reflects in their dealing with the client. I feel they deserved it for thinking this dude was the best thing for them. The funny thing is the chap realizes it but doesn't do anything much to correct it. Guess they don't have enough of experience to deal with client and how to lead a team. Wonder what they would do if they were leading another team? Anyway only time will tell.
Till then I need to keep holding on and staying strong. Ok I am not that tortured. But hey I got to make my dissatisfaction know to my senior, at least from Seniors. Till then I need to be good and make sure that I avoid the minor pitfalls/ blunders that I make.
First thing first, as a senior on the team you are used to leading the team. These include even if you come on the project later. I really hate when the other person says he should be lead because he was put first on the project. Sometime you get this overwhelming feeling that you want to kick and abuse this person, or even bash this person up for the misconceived notion they have about themselves.
What makes matters worse the client feel like that they are doing a really great job, a perfect ten, while you are just eight. Call this envy or jealousy, or that my luck is really bad, or you could just say that they are getting away with murder. Well not exactly murder, but then client doesn't see it.
What you hate the most is the growing arrogance that this person and the they don't check it. The funny thing is this behavior of their reflects in their dealing with the client. I feel they deserved it for thinking this dude was the best thing for them. The funny thing is the chap realizes it but doesn't do anything much to correct it. Guess they don't have enough of experience to deal with client and how to lead a team. Wonder what they would do if they were leading another team? Anyway only time will tell.
Till then I need to keep holding on and staying strong. Ok I am not that tortured. But hey I got to make my dissatisfaction know to my senior, at least from Seniors. Till then I need to be good and make sure that I avoid the minor pitfalls/ blunders that I make.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Ever since it swept the 81st annual Accademy Awards, also know as the Oscars, on the 22nd of February, there has been plenty of debate on whether the film actually deserved all the accolades. Well they was always going to be a debate about that from the very first. Firstly because it wasn't you typical Oscar type movie, at heart it was a much better version of a Bollywood movie. And secondly it was an outsider's view of a situations. So there was definetely going to be a debate.
Many scoff movie as an attempt to further stereotype the nation's poverty, to the extent of glorifying it. True we are known as a 3rd world country and for poverty, but we can't deny that it isn't present. for those who say this haven't much been to these places let alone seen these. What you got to admire about the director is that he had the guts to film the movie on real location. Where Indian directors like the Chopras and the Johar constantly use foreign locales and sound stages as a stand in for actual locations, here you had a foreign director actual filming the movie in actual locvation with people from those areas. You got to commend Danny Boyle for that.
Many say that the movie earned these awards based on sympathy votes because of the attacks on Mumbai. Others believe that movie was marketed well for it to earn these awards. Well firstly I wouldn't say that these were sympathy awards and don't think promotion of the movie had anything to do with it. Then we need to remember that movie swept all the major awards like the Golden Globe, the Critic Choice, The BAFTAs, the SAG, before the Oscars. So that does count in favor of the movie. Secondly the movie's message of hope against all odds was was pretty uplifting and boded well for time when all the major economy is in the state of depression.
Many say that this wasn't A R Rahman best work, he's done better before. I would say "so what if this isn't is best work, it did earn him two Oscars, that does stand for something. Plus it is the first time that an Indian music director was given such a platform and succeeded in winning alot of admiration.
On the whole everyone is entitled to their own views, but then its not right to put down the picture so badly. I did watch the movie and I truely loved it.
Many scoff movie as an attempt to further stereotype the nation's poverty, to the extent of glorifying it. True we are known as a 3rd world country and for poverty, but we can't deny that it isn't present. for those who say this haven't much been to these places let alone seen these. What you got to admire about the director is that he had the guts to film the movie on real location. Where Indian directors like the Chopras and the Johar constantly use foreign locales and sound stages as a stand in for actual locations, here you had a foreign director actual filming the movie in actual locvation with people from those areas. You got to commend Danny Boyle for that.
Many say that the movie earned these awards based on sympathy votes because of the attacks on Mumbai. Others believe that movie was marketed well for it to earn these awards. Well firstly I wouldn't say that these were sympathy awards and don't think promotion of the movie had anything to do with it. Then we need to remember that movie swept all the major awards like the Golden Globe, the Critic Choice, The BAFTAs, the SAG, before the Oscars. So that does count in favor of the movie. Secondly the movie's message of hope against all odds was was pretty uplifting and boded well for time when all the major economy is in the state of depression.
Many say that this wasn't A R Rahman best work, he's done better before. I would say "so what if this isn't is best work, it did earn him two Oscars, that does stand for something. Plus it is the first time that an Indian music director was given such a platform and succeeded in winning alot of admiration.
On the whole everyone is entitled to their own views, but then its not right to put down the picture so badly. I did watch the movie and I truely loved it.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Film(Un)Fare Awards
As the Oscar season slowly draws to a close and hopefully Slumdog Millionaire would have capped a fruitful award season, our very own, and self proclaimed Hindi film Oscar, announced their nominations. And seeing the people that have been nominated really perplexes me. But then ones got to realize that these are not really awards, but they awards in disguise of ego stroking ceremony. These awards are nothing but an act of butt kissing.
How else would you explain some of the people nominated and in the end the people who take away the actual awards. How else you would explain the same actor taking an award each and every year. Are yso dearth of talent in the industry. How would you explain actresses claiming to be the next big thing ni Hollywood when all their international ventures have been B-grade films and even flopped miserably. But let alone Hollywood, their very own Bollywaood films don't do well. How would you explain how an actor receives a best actor trophy even though when you examine his body of work it feels like you are looking at same character over and over again. How do you explain a filmaker who is so celebrated by these awards show when all he does is create over the top characters, that are louds and brash, who promotes other countries and whose character are always lavish and living in luxury. Or another filmaker who is so obsessed with the US and Archies that he creates a his world around it.
I guess the Indiam award shows will never change and we has slaves to them will continue to applaud them and really start believeing the lie that they are good.
How else would you explain some of the people nominated and in the end the people who take away the actual awards. How else you would explain the same actor taking an award each and every year. Are yso dearth of talent in the industry. How would you explain actresses claiming to be the next big thing ni Hollywood when all their international ventures have been B-grade films and even flopped miserably. But let alone Hollywood, their very own Bollywaood films don't do well. How would you explain how an actor receives a best actor trophy even though when you examine his body of work it feels like you are looking at same character over and over again. How do you explain a filmaker who is so celebrated by these awards show when all he does is create over the top characters, that are louds and brash, who promotes other countries and whose character are always lavish and living in luxury. Or another filmaker who is so obsessed with the US and Archies that he creates a his world around it.
I guess the Indiam award shows will never change and we has slaves to them will continue to applaud them and really start believeing the lie that they are good.
Questions
Recently two of my ex colleague, and yes I can call them friends, returned back to the office. These two had been given the boot from the organization in January, so they had come to collect their settlements from the office. Both stated how happy they are with what they are doing currently and how the doing so much better now than what they doing before. And with the prospect of a much better work environment, how happy they were to get out, or shown out, at the right time.
What struck me about their situation is what was I doing in here in this organization. If the world outside had much better things to offer than what this organization gave me, what was I doing here? Were they truly happy with what they had or was it just an act put up for the benefit of others? Whatever their reason behind their feeling, it made question myself if I was doing the right thing? If I was in the right place? OR what was doing with my career? Am I steering myself in the right direction or am I just getting stuck in one place?
I am truly happy for them...but the question that rises in my mind what are we doing with ourselves??? Question loads of questions, with the answer not in sight.
Monday, February 09, 2009
We all go through life's ups and downs. We all have our own way to celebrate when we are on the upper, brighter side of life. But what do we so when we need to pick our self up. What do we do when we need a little cheering up.
There are many things that we we could do. First look for that number of that one person you know who would cheer you up and lift our spirits up. We do this very often. This person could be a family a member, a chaddi buddy, a lover. We turn to them as a crutch would support a crippled man.
Many would drown themselves in various activities. When of the activities I love to indulge in is gymming. It not only lets me take my mind of the trouble but also helps me channel that feeling into building a good physique for myself. Then there are activities like sports and video games that you could involve in.
But then there is one way which I love. Actually if you think about it there are two ways that I love to do. One of them is to watch a movie where don't need to think, that's light refreshing, fun and entertaining, plus there is no sadness associated to it. For example, you have the movies Mamma Mia and Hairspray. When I want to cheer myself up and have a nice time I just watch them and I know by the end of the movies it would seem like my troubles would seem faraway...like yesterday. The other way would be what I am doing write now...blogging. I am actually giving vent to my emotions, releasing and letting what if people our reading it...I just want to let it out of system.
Whatever may be your method of getting yourself out...my wish is...it should work for you :)
There are many things that we we could do. First look for that number of that one person you know who would cheer you up and lift our spirits up. We do this very often. This person could be a family a member, a chaddi buddy, a lover. We turn to them as a crutch would support a crippled man.
Many would drown themselves in various activities. When of the activities I love to indulge in is gymming. It not only lets me take my mind of the trouble but also helps me channel that feeling into building a good physique for myself. Then there are activities like sports and video games that you could involve in.
But then there is one way which I love. Actually if you think about it there are two ways that I love to do. One of them is to watch a movie where don't need to think, that's light refreshing, fun and entertaining, plus there is no sadness associated to it. For example, you have the movies Mamma Mia and Hairspray. When I want to cheer myself up and have a nice time I just watch them and I know by the end of the movies it would seem like my troubles would seem faraway...like yesterday. The other way would be what I am doing write now...blogging. I am actually giving vent to my emotions, releasing and letting what if people our reading it...I just want to let it out of system.
Whatever may be your method of getting yourself out...my wish is...it should work for you :)
Who Do You want Me To Be???
"I can be brown, I can be blue, I can be violet skies. I could be purple, I could be anything you like...Why don't you like me without making me try."
Growing up I rememeber my aunt telling me why can't I be more like my elder sister, quite, not mischievous, less talkative...why couldn't I be like her. As I grow older I know my mom would want me to be like my best friend. Married, settled, with a good paying job, and most importantly with kids.
Well I myself wanted to be someone else. Someone who I thought would be more acceptable to others. Someone who wouldn't appear dull and boring. Someone who would be handsome and good looking and would have everyone swooning over me. Someone who would get the job done and get the bouquets and throw the bricks at others.
We all want to be someone better, someone more acceptable than we are. Or at least that's what we think. We want to be someone else for others, someone more in tune what other want us to be. But that may not be what is good for us.
We want to have that body and look like the men's health magazine cover model and so we work ourselves into a muscle spasm for that. When we go for an interview we try to be someone who pleases the interviewer. At work we are people who our bosses wants us to be. Everywhere you see we are being people for the sake of someone else.
So when are we ourselves. The person behind the mask. Actually we ourselves when we are with the people who lets us be who we are. Kids, romantics, lovers, idiot, neurotics and so much more. It's when we are with them we can behave like who we really our.
Growing up I rememeber my aunt telling me why can't I be more like my elder sister, quite, not mischievous, less talkative...why couldn't I be like her. As I grow older I know my mom would want me to be like my best friend. Married, settled, with a good paying job, and most importantly with kids.
Well I myself wanted to be someone else. Someone who I thought would be more acceptable to others. Someone who wouldn't appear dull and boring. Someone who would be handsome and good looking and would have everyone swooning over me. Someone who would get the job done and get the bouquets and throw the bricks at others.
We all want to be someone better, someone more acceptable than we are. Or at least that's what we think. We want to be someone else for others, someone more in tune what other want us to be. But that may not be what is good for us.
We want to have that body and look like the men's health magazine cover model and so we work ourselves into a muscle spasm for that. When we go for an interview we try to be someone who pleases the interviewer. At work we are people who our bosses wants us to be. Everywhere you see we are being people for the sake of someone else.
So when are we ourselves. The person behind the mask. Actually we ourselves when we are with the people who lets us be who we are. Kids, romantics, lovers, idiot, neurotics and so much more. It's when we are with them we can behave like who we really our.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Memories
Memories, these are something that remain with us forever. People may come and go but their memories remain forever. They form the base on which we live life, the crutches that we lean on when we are lonely and sad. They help us get through though and rough time, when we are down in the depths they help us to pull ourself up. They are something that never goes away though at times we try and want them to to. They can be about the good time and the bad times, happy times and the sad times. They gives us the strength but can also be our weakness. We can either let go of them or hold on to them tightly. We either store them or banish them. But whatever they maybe they form an important part of life.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Indian Culture
Recently there was an attack on a pub in Mangalore and the woman were molested because they felt that pub culture is not Indian and by man handling these woman they were teaching them a lesson. Earlier thye have attacked valentine days, dances because they didn't feel like it was Indian culture. And there are so many things they object because they do't feel like it's Indian culture.
So this brings us to the question, 'What exactly is Indian culture?' Is it Indian culture to molest woman to prove who you are? Is it Indian culture to go around bullying people, destroying, injuring, in other word to be a hooligan. Is this Indian Culture??? Lord Krishna used to tease the village belles and steal curds from the milkmaids. So is eve teasing and stealing a part of the Indian culture. The Lord Ram doubted the virtue of his wife Sita because she was kidnapped by Ravan and banished her under the pressure of his subject. So is doubting your spouse and giving into pressure a part f Indian culture. I can say the second is true in case of Indian culture.
Throughout Indian history we know of ruler quarreling against each other going into wars with each other. We learnt about trachory, brother against brother, father being imprisoned, bigamy. Are these part of Indian culture. At least these were tolerant and people did live together in harmony. but then how the situation have changed today???
In current time we are living with people who are narrow minded and intolerant. It no that they believe they are doing te right thing, what they really want is to have their way, by might. Wish they could put all these energy in trying to get the nation right.
If you say that the children of today are getting out of hand, then is banning pubs a solution to reign them in??? Remember the forbidden fruits are even more tempting. There are so many issues that needs to addressed. Wished they spent more time on solving that.
So this brings us to the question, 'What exactly is Indian culture?' Is it Indian culture to molest woman to prove who you are? Is it Indian culture to go around bullying people, destroying, injuring, in other word to be a hooligan. Is this Indian Culture??? Lord Krishna used to tease the village belles and steal curds from the milkmaids. So is eve teasing and stealing a part of the Indian culture. The Lord Ram doubted the virtue of his wife Sita because she was kidnapped by Ravan and banished her under the pressure of his subject. So is doubting your spouse and giving into pressure a part f Indian culture. I can say the second is true in case of Indian culture.
Throughout Indian history we know of ruler quarreling against each other going into wars with each other. We learnt about trachory, brother against brother, father being imprisoned, bigamy. Are these part of Indian culture. At least these were tolerant and people did live together in harmony. but then how the situation have changed today???
In current time we are living with people who are narrow minded and intolerant. It no that they believe they are doing te right thing, what they really want is to have their way, by might. Wish they could put all these energy in trying to get the nation right.
If you say that the children of today are getting out of hand, then is banning pubs a solution to reign them in??? Remember the forbidden fruits are even more tempting. There are so many issues that needs to addressed. Wished they spent more time on solving that.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
The Great Movie Award Show
As the Hollywood award season slowly winds down to a close with the Oscars, we here in Bollywood are just beginning our so called award seasons. So while the Oscars is all about critical acclamation and how well you can market your film to the Academy voters, here in India to win awards it's your last name that matters.
For the past many years the Oscar's have gone to movie you can slot at boring, because they are too slow and more the thinking masses, kind of our parallel cinema. Nice meaning full movie but for a niche audience. Apart from Titanic and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, none of the movie's have been quite the box office money earners or you could say thorough entertainers. Even the people who act in them, not very often will you find an A-Lister winning the award. But eve then their characters are complicated, complex, well etched and beautifully created. And at times it does help them come in the spot light and give a boost to their movie careers.
And then you have the Indian movie awards. These couldn't been different from the spectrum compared to their Hollywood counterparts. The Indian awards are mostly given to people who have clout in the industry. To win an award it matters what your name is and who you associate it in the industry. That's why if you note the list of winners you just find the same names appearing over and over again. But do they deserve their win, the answer is no. These awards are only meant to stroke the egos of a few and keep them happy. And if the person can't get an award then you create a category for them. That's how the Indian awards work. Even if you see the padma shri awards, which are the highest civilian awards, they have gone to people who don't even deserve it.
Well if the Oscar need to lighten up then the Indian award show needs to get more critical and need to be given to deserving candidates. Hope this happens real soon.
For the past many years the Oscar's have gone to movie you can slot at boring, because they are too slow and more the thinking masses, kind of our parallel cinema. Nice meaning full movie but for a niche audience. Apart from Titanic and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, none of the movie's have been quite the box office money earners or you could say thorough entertainers. Even the people who act in them, not very often will you find an A-Lister winning the award. But eve then their characters are complicated, complex, well etched and beautifully created. And at times it does help them come in the spot light and give a boost to their movie careers.
And then you have the Indian movie awards. These couldn't been different from the spectrum compared to their Hollywood counterparts. The Indian awards are mostly given to people who have clout in the industry. To win an award it matters what your name is and who you associate it in the industry. That's why if you note the list of winners you just find the same names appearing over and over again. But do they deserve their win, the answer is no. These awards are only meant to stroke the egos of a few and keep them happy. And if the person can't get an award then you create a category for them. That's how the Indian awards work. Even if you see the padma shri awards, which are the highest civilian awards, they have gone to people who don't even deserve it.
Well if the Oscar need to lighten up then the Indian award show needs to get more critical and need to be given to deserving candidates. Hope this happens real soon.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Great Political Advertisements
For the past so many years we have been seeing so many political ads springing all over the city like unwanted weeds in a garden. Not even a single inch of the city has been spared. And this is not limited to just Mumbai, I've seen plenty of these ads in Pune too and I know at this rate they would be all over in India.
But what so wrong with these ads??? They just a huge eye sore. Images of people looking like a thug, some of it could easily look like mug shots. People wearing chains that are thick, looking like total goons, wishing people, you didn't know exist and would care less if they ever exist, for some very stupid occasion. Wishing everyone for festivals in the worst English or any other language.
And who are the people who puts up these ads??? Useless political parties who have nothing better to do. Students body who prefer to flaunt their power. I wish these people could do better things with their cashes...or I guess they don't even pay for these hoarding.
In short these hoardings are nothing but a nuisance and make the city look untidy. How wish the municipality would just tear these uselessness down. Unfortunately for all you know they would put up one themselves
But what so wrong with these ads??? They just a huge eye sore. Images of people looking like a thug, some of it could easily look like mug shots. People wearing chains that are thick, looking like total goons, wishing people, you didn't know exist and would care less if they ever exist, for some very stupid occasion. Wishing everyone for festivals in the worst English or any other language.
And who are the people who puts up these ads??? Useless political parties who have nothing better to do. Students body who prefer to flaunt their power. I wish these people could do better things with their cashes...or I guess they don't even pay for these hoarding.
In short these hoardings are nothing but a nuisance and make the city look untidy. How wish the municipality would just tear these uselessness down. Unfortunately for all you know they would put up one themselves
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance (Cont.)
These are some of the routine I absolutely love from the dance reality show So You Think You Can Dance.
Allison and Ivan Contemporary to Why by Annie Lennox, choreographed by Tyce Di'orio
Allison and Ivan Contemporary to Why by Annie Lennox, choreographed by Tyce Di'orio
More too come soon...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance
So You Think You can Dance is a dance reality competition from the creators of American Idol. It follows a similar format to American Idol with the only difference being that the people do not have a complete say of is eliminated, at least not until the top ten dancer. Till the top ten is announced each of the participant compete votes as a couple. After the top ten stage is reached then they compete for viewer votes as an individual.
What makes this show fun and great is that each week you get see couple perform different styles that are performed at times beautifully, sensuously, and at s downright weird. What's awesome is the fact that the dance form that the couple performs may not be what they are trained in and these couples need to master them within a couple of days and have to perform in front of an audience and the judges. Bottom three couples perform solos for the judges who decide which gal and guy should be sent home.
I have been following this show for a season and a half and I can say I have absolutely fallen in love with this show. Though the telecast started from Season 2, currently season 3 is being telecasts here. Season 2 I absolutely loved Benji and Donyelle performing. Whether it was was the Cha-Cha, Viennese Waltz (or as Donyelle would say the Vietnamese Waltz), but most of all I love their Broadway performance to You Can't Stop the Beat. But the performance that will be forever in my head would be the contemporary routine by Allison and Ivan to Annie Lennox's Why, which was absolutely beautiful. I would say Allison was best female and Benji was the best male dancer (he actually won it). One thing that the season lacked was sex appeal. Yes they did have Dimitry and Natalie and Musa, but still it lacked in sex appeal. This is something that season 3 doesn't lack. There are soo many hot couple to choose from. There is Lacey (Benji's sister) and Kameroon, Jessie and Pasha, Aanya and Danny, Sabra and Domnic. I can truly that the performance are also heating up too. Danny and Lacey 's Samba (choreographed by Dimitry) to Domnic and Sabra's Rhumba to Lacey and Kameroon's Broadway routine. Though Sabra and Domnic's Contemporary routine to the Pretender's I'll Stand by You was abolutely beautifully choreographed and performed, Danny and Annya's performance of the Viennese Waltz to You and Me by Lifehouse was just heavenly.
And then you have the judges. The resident judge and Executive Producer Nigel Lythgow and the scream queen and in her own words the hot Tomholie, Mary Murphy, giving a great shout out to the performers. The third judge is a guest judge who actually are quite fun. Loved having Adama Shankman, Debbie Allen, Mia Michaels. Last but not the least you have the beautiful Host Cat Deeley.
Can't wait to see what the current season has in store for us and can't wait for the future seasons to be aired.
What makes this show fun and great is that each week you get see couple perform different styles that are performed at times beautifully, sensuously, and at s downright weird. What's awesome is the fact that the dance form that the couple performs may not be what they are trained in and these couples need to master them within a couple of days and have to perform in front of an audience and the judges. Bottom three couples perform solos for the judges who decide which gal and guy should be sent home.
I have been following this show for a season and a half and I can say I have absolutely fallen in love with this show. Though the telecast started from Season 2, currently season 3 is being telecasts here. Season 2 I absolutely loved Benji and Donyelle performing. Whether it was was the Cha-Cha, Viennese Waltz (or as Donyelle would say the Vietnamese Waltz), but most of all I love their Broadway performance to You Can't Stop the Beat. But the performance that will be forever in my head would be the contemporary routine by Allison and Ivan to Annie Lennox's Why, which was absolutely beautiful. I would say Allison was best female and Benji was the best male dancer (he actually won it). One thing that the season lacked was sex appeal. Yes they did have Dimitry and Natalie and Musa, but still it lacked in sex appeal. This is something that season 3 doesn't lack. There are soo many hot couple to choose from. There is Lacey (Benji's sister) and Kameroon, Jessie and Pasha, Aanya and Danny, Sabra and Domnic. I can truly that the performance are also heating up too. Danny and Lacey 's Samba (choreographed by Dimitry) to Domnic and Sabra's Rhumba to Lacey and Kameroon's Broadway routine. Though Sabra and Domnic's Contemporary routine to the Pretender's I'll Stand by You was abolutely beautifully choreographed and performed, Danny and Annya's performance of the Viennese Waltz to You and Me by Lifehouse was just heavenly.
And then you have the judges. The resident judge and Executive Producer Nigel Lythgow and the scream queen and in her own words the hot Tomholie, Mary Murphy, giving a great shout out to the performers. The third judge is a guest judge who actually are quite fun. Loved having Adama Shankman, Debbie Allen, Mia Michaels. Last but not the least you have the beautiful Host Cat Deeley.
Can't wait to see what the current season has in store for us and can't wait for the future seasons to be aired.
Friday, January 09, 2009
Shocker for a New Year
They say what happens to you at the beginning of a new year would continue to happen to you throughout the year. However, looking at the way things have been going for me in the past week, I am really praying this isn't true. There have been events that happened in the past week that have really shaken me that I can truly say that I have a shocking beginning to the new year.
It all started when I learnt that one of friend lost his dad. What was terrible was that the cause was not natural and was violent. His dad was robbed and assaulted. Knowing that this friend had to go and claim the mortal remains of his father really shook me up (I have been there and experienced that). Loosing a loved one, especially a parent can be really hard, but then loosing someone in this manner is really painful.
Then the next day when I was leaving for Pune, I overslept in the local train only to wake up at a distant station with just a couple of minutes to catch my train. And if that wasn't all I had forgotten my house key along with Scooty keys at home. And to add to that my roommate was still in Mumbai. Lucky for me my Bhai had a key that I had given her. And yes there was no sign of work, the reason why I left Goa in a hurry. Only to find out that the company is giving a flat 5 per cent hike to all and pushing the appraisal cycle to later in the year (they say June).
And then today I learn that my roommate has been given the boot from the company. Once again i was shocked, shaken (don't know if I was stirred) and I really couldn't work (as if its a possibility to work on Friday to knowing that the weekend ins upon us). Anyway, this quite upset me and trouble, firstly because he was a good friend and kind of a foster dad who looked out for me, and secondly (and mainly) now I have to either look out for a new roommate or find a new place. So that would men trouble once again.
So there you have it, the first working week of my new year. I just pray to God that the rest of my year doesn't follow the same pattern.
It all started when I learnt that one of friend lost his dad. What was terrible was that the cause was not natural and was violent. His dad was robbed and assaulted. Knowing that this friend had to go and claim the mortal remains of his father really shook me up (I have been there and experienced that). Loosing a loved one, especially a parent can be really hard, but then loosing someone in this manner is really painful.
Then the next day when I was leaving for Pune, I overslept in the local train only to wake up at a distant station with just a couple of minutes to catch my train. And if that wasn't all I had forgotten my house key along with Scooty keys at home. And to add to that my roommate was still in Mumbai. Lucky for me my Bhai had a key that I had given her. And yes there was no sign of work, the reason why I left Goa in a hurry. Only to find out that the company is giving a flat 5 per cent hike to all and pushing the appraisal cycle to later in the year (they say June).
And then today I learn that my roommate has been given the boot from the company. Once again i was shocked, shaken (don't know if I was stirred) and I really couldn't work (as if its a possibility to work on Friday to knowing that the weekend ins upon us). Anyway, this quite upset me and trouble, firstly because he was a good friend and kind of a foster dad who looked out for me, and secondly (and mainly) now I have to either look out for a new roommate or find a new place. So that would men trouble once again.
So there you have it, the first working week of my new year. I just pray to God that the rest of my year doesn't follow the same pattern.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Goa
I have always envied who spent their New Year's Eve on the beaches of Goa, or even been in Goa during that period. It's probably the hip thing of being in Goa to bring in the new year. So my Friend Noella's wedding provided the perfect reason to be there this 31st. And the added bonus is that you had your love accompanying you, to be with you at the bewitching hour when you say goodbye to the old and hello to new.
So what so special about being there. Goa has everything a beach town needs and yes even more. Beautiful beaches with pristine clear water, architecture steeped in history. Friendly people and and that laid back feeling. And what away for me to ring in the new year by visiting religious place around Goa, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa, the Shantadurga and Mangeshi temples. Especially when you have that someone special with you and both of you praying for blessing for the other. Each of these places holding us in awe of their beauty and architecture and that feeling of reverence by the sanctity and peace these places offer you.
Though only managed to go only to Calungute beach but was taken in by its beauty. The clean sand and the alluring blue waves and people walking about freely. A unique mixture of people from all over the country and even the world, just walking about on the wet sands, swimming in the water, indulging in sunbathing and water sports, snorkeling in the shallows. Newly married couples busy clicking each other and indulging in some PDA, elderly couples, families with children running in and out of the water, making sand castles or randomly digging in the sand. People trying to lure tourist to their shacks or their restaurants or their wares. People getting temporary tattoos (me and my love included). All in all people enjoying a beautiful day on the beach in the sun. And yes not forgetting the beautiful lunch at Souza Lobo of chicken biryani and sausage fried rice, while looking at the beautiful shore.
But most importantly participated in one of the most important days in Noella's life, with my love by my side.
So what so special about being there. Goa has everything a beach town needs and yes even more. Beautiful beaches with pristine clear water, architecture steeped in history. Friendly people and and that laid back feeling. And what away for me to ring in the new year by visiting religious place around Goa, like the Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa, the Shantadurga and Mangeshi temples. Especially when you have that someone special with you and both of you praying for blessing for the other. Each of these places holding us in awe of their beauty and architecture and that feeling of reverence by the sanctity and peace these places offer you.
Though only managed to go only to Calungute beach but was taken in by its beauty. The clean sand and the alluring blue waves and people walking about freely. A unique mixture of people from all over the country and even the world, just walking about on the wet sands, swimming in the water, indulging in sunbathing and water sports, snorkeling in the shallows. Newly married couples busy clicking each other and indulging in some PDA, elderly couples, families with children running in and out of the water, making sand castles or randomly digging in the sand. People trying to lure tourist to their shacks or their restaurants or their wares. People getting temporary tattoos (me and my love included). All in all people enjoying a beautiful day on the beach in the sun. And yes not forgetting the beautiful lunch at Souza Lobo of chicken biryani and sausage fried rice, while looking at the beautiful shore.
But most importantly participated in one of the most important days in Noella's life, with my love by my side.
Monday, January 05, 2009
2009
Once again we find ourselves at the beginning of a brand new year. Gone is 2008, here to stay is 2009. So what can we expect from this brand new year??? Obviously all we can pray is for less terrorist attack. We don't want to live in a constant state of fear. Just wished people would understand that we can't take what's not ours to take in the first place. Just wished that the political leader understood their responsibilities and duties and state and religion sponsored terrorism would stop. But of most of all we need to realize that the we ourselves need to change and stop trying to find someone to pin the blame on. We need to improve ourselves and then only proceed to improve our surrounding. How I wished these celebs would shut up and stop their raving and ranting on how they lost their friends and how inept the present Government and the police force. Just wished they'd go away and do their own stuff.
On a personal front there is a lot I know I need to achieve in this year. Firstly on that list to achieve a good, no great physique. I know I've gone from good and lean to bulky and fat over the past year. Now is time I need to reclaim and surpass my past glory, so that I can flaunt it (not in the Salman Khan kind of way) and make my love proud of me. 2008 brought my first trip out of India. I know I, and yes, along with Ganesh were able to prove ourselves to the client. Now I need to capitalize on it I need to go forward and yes up on the corporate ladder without loosing my morale. I need to be a better human being. I need to be a great friend, a good son, brother, and great and trustworthy lover. I made mistakes in 2008 now is the time I need to learn from it.
So I hold my glass up high and toast to a new and beautiful and yes peaceful 2009.
On a personal front there is a lot I know I need to achieve in this year. Firstly on that list to achieve a good, no great physique. I know I've gone from good and lean to bulky and fat over the past year. Now is time I need to reclaim and surpass my past glory, so that I can flaunt it (not in the Salman Khan kind of way) and make my love proud of me. 2008 brought my first trip out of India. I know I, and yes, along with Ganesh were able to prove ourselves to the client. Now I need to capitalize on it I need to go forward and yes up on the corporate ladder without loosing my morale. I need to be a better human being. I need to be a great friend, a good son, brother, and great and trustworthy lover. I made mistakes in 2008 now is the time I need to learn from it.
So I hold my glass up high and toast to a new and beautiful and yes peaceful 2009.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Love: A Many Splendid Things
They say that love is a many splendid things, but then the truth be it, love is more than a many splendid things. At times it can be a many painful things. But then there is pleasure in pain and there is no gain without pain.
When you love so deeply every seconds seems like an hour when you are not with them. A dull room is seamlessly lit up when they enter it. A beautiful stretch of beach becomes even more beautiful when you walk with them hand-in-hand down it. You are more aroused by their very presence than any other human form in all its nakedness. You notice the way the smell and feel sensitive to their touch. all you want to do is to hold them tightly and never let go, and hoe so that their smell rubs on you. All you want to do is to bathe in their fragrance and in their love.
You go out of your way to make them. Sacrifices is a two way street, but you really don't mind going that extra mile down that street. They have their flaws...but then who is perfect???? There is perfection even in imperfection. Though you don't overlook their shortcoming, you help them overcome it (and hope they do it for you too).
All you want to do is to see them happy...because you find your happiness in it.
When you love so deeply every seconds seems like an hour when you are not with them. A dull room is seamlessly lit up when they enter it. A beautiful stretch of beach becomes even more beautiful when you walk with them hand-in-hand down it. You are more aroused by their very presence than any other human form in all its nakedness. You notice the way the smell and feel sensitive to their touch. all you want to do is to hold them tightly and never let go, and hoe so that their smell rubs on you. All you want to do is to bathe in their fragrance and in their love.
You go out of your way to make them. Sacrifices is a two way street, but you really don't mind going that extra mile down that street. They have their flaws...but then who is perfect???? There is perfection even in imperfection. Though you don't overlook their shortcoming, you help them overcome it (and hope they do it for you too).
All you want to do is to see them happy...because you find your happiness in it.
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