Saturday, May 8, 2010

If I were....

Came across a blog ''A Whimsical Bohemian" , and I found a very interesting post!

I am filling up my details, I would love to read your answers too!

If I were a Month, I would be June ;
If I were a Day, I would be Wednesday ;
If I were a time of the day, I would be Dusk ;
If I were a Direction, I would be West ;
If I were an Element, I would be Mercury ;
If I were a Liquid, I would be Water ;
If I were a gemstone, I would be a Diamond ;
If I were a Tree, I would be a Mango Tree ;
If I were a Bird, I would be an Eagle ;
If I were a tool, I would be a swiss knife ;
If I were a pair of shoes, I would be a pair of floaters ;
If I were a color, I would be Yellow ;
If I were an emotion, I would be Happy ;
If I were a Fruit, I would be An Apple ;
If I were a Sound, I would be Laughter ;
If I were a car, I would be A SUV ;
If I were a Food, I would be A Salad ;
If I were a Taste, I would be Sweet ;
If I were a place, I would be an Island ;
If I were a Material, I would be Lycra ;
If I were a Body Part, I would be the soul ;
If I were Music, I would be Instrumental ;
If I were a Dance, I would be Contemporary ;
If I were an Animal, I would be a Monkey ;
If I were a gift , I would be anything Hand Made ;
If I were an Element Of Earth, I would be the Air ;
If I were a Historical Figure, I would be Jhansi Ki Raani ( :-) ;
If I were A Famous Actor, I would be Meg Ryan ;
If I were a Book, I would be Anne Frank's Diary ;
If I were a Poem, I would be " Even This Shall Pass Away" ;
If I were a Room of the House, I would be The Study Room .

What would you be, If you were....... ??

Anything different than what is listed that describes you better?

Let me know :-)


Here's some more I picked from Sharvani

If I were a smell, I would be the smell of fresh Cucumber ( closely followed by the smell of earth after the first rains) ;-) ;
If I were a Dessert, I'd be a Roshogulla,
If I were a Clothing, I would be an Elegant cotton- pastel shade saaree;
If I were a Gadget, I'd be a Camera;

Some More from me:

If I were a film, I would be " Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi";
If I were a game, I would be "Monopoly";
And,
If I were some other common person other than me,








Naah!
I always want to be me! :-)






Thursday, May 6, 2010

Just when it's time to study...

There seems to be a close connection between studies and creative thinking!
There also seems to be a close connection between studies and important events and experiences!

For every time I sit down to study, I get so many wonderful ideas to write a story, or blog about something interesting, or any hobby I should cultivate. Rest of the time, when I really have nothing to do- my brain is switched off!

My exams are a month away, I know nothing about accounts or taxation which I should know in order to pass, I open the book and look in, and "Bam" - some characters, some stories float away in my mind that I just cannot ignore! That too comparing it to those boring taxes?? No way!

And I always wish, " I should have started studying earlier, I could have got even more stories!"

But you cannot fool yourself! The urgency, and tension seems to be the cause of all the creative thinking! And it will never come if I study 3 months in advance!

I can understand this connection , but what about all the unwanted drama happening in my life right at the time of exams?

1. My close girl friend breaks up with her boy friend a week before my exams!
2. I get a call to join a company which is listed as my "Dream Job" , just 5 days before the exams!
3. Some XYZ group announces its trekking expedition in Leh Ladakh for 15 days , only for Rs.15 K a week before I answer!
4. I have a major fight with someone close and important!

All this and so much like this which sends my mind into a toss! How can I not day dream and in stead concentrate in those boring studies??

But studies seems to be the reason for all the excitement and ideas! Both - creative thinking and studies seem to be inter dependent in order to function well!

I don't know for how long I can keep studying....in order to be creative!
But WTH? There's so much in life that I can never run out of topics to study!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Ooty In Pictures!

Am not much of a photographer, I wonder what pictures one could click in a location like Ooty if he has the right skill and the right camera, because the possibilities are many!

I had visited Ooty as a child, and this was my 2nd visit after more than a decade, and what I saw of it completely broke my heart!

Ooty or Udagamandalam, has beautiful weather and is rich in natural beauty! It is one of those places God makes with great care........unfortunately, our Indian brethren has not respected this god's creation!






I saw these boards at every place I visited! Does our Government think that putting up such warning Boards excuse them of their responsibility to clean up the area in a country like India, where more than half of its population cannot read and write in their own native language and especially in a state like Tamil Nadu where people don't understand English??














This is supposed to be a pine forest! Look at the plastic thrown around. Those Boards were put up in the left side of the road, you turn right and you see this!
























This is the same Pine Forest! And people sell all sort of things wrapped in plastic!

















Dustbins of International Standards ! It's open from underneath! No wonder nobody threw any waste inside. Why bother when the strong winds will blow out everything within seconds??















Tibetan Market packed with people!

Summer being a season, Ooty is packed with Indian tourists! If you are amongst those who hate crowds and pollution- do not visit Ooty during summers, I don't know what it's status is during other seasons!

The main town is filthy with gutter water flowing everywhere! We Indians just don't deserve anything beautiful!! We have absolutely no civic sense, we care about nothing other than our great Traditions, that teach us to do Honour Killings!!


I wonder, are we Humans or Vultures killing and destroying our own species??

Anyway, on a lighter note, Udagamandalam is still a very beautiful place. Just stay away from the crowds and the main city, and go trekking in the woods- you'll find peace immediately! The local people are very friendly and accommodating!



These young fellas helped me find my trail while trekking in the woods!














Lovely location for a dream house!












A formation at a lake in summers when the water level drops!













A View from my Hotel Window!























It is frustrating to see a place as beautiful as Ooty dying a slow death just like many other places in India. How come we Indians act so carelessly in our motherland and the same "us" when we go abroad, are at the best of our civility?


How many more decades till we see a change in this careless Indian attitude?

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Etiquette Of Eating A Mankurad Amo!

You don't just buy one, you have to earn one!!


Okay, I stole that line from Cadbury Bournville Ad! But that's the best way to convey my sentiments about the Mankurad Amo! Now for the non Goan folks, "Amo" means a Mango, and "Mankurad" is the Goan variety or specialty!

They call the Mango the king of fruits, then Mankurad is the king of Mangoes! ( I know each Mango growing state will want to debate that with the best they have, only because they haven't yet tasted the Mankurad!!.......I bet you try one and then debate on this issue, no one can eat just one!! ( Okay, I stole this tag line too..... :-) )

From what I've heard, Mankurad was originally grown in Portugal, and a sapling was transported to their colony in Goa, and today Goa is the only state in the whole wide world to grow this species of Mangoes! Even Portugal doesn't have it anymore. ( Anyone else who knows any other story , you are welcome to share it!)

Mancurado or Malcurado means "poor color".... I don't know who the hell named this species to mean that! I read some Goan lady say, "How can a mango, which when eaten, transports one straight to heaven, be called malcurado which means poor colour ?"....so true!!!

Anyway, if you anytime are honored with this mango, then there are ways or etiquette to eat it! You don't just pick one and eat it!!

First you pick it up and smell it!

No ! Wait! First, you smile......before picking up the Mankurad , you smile.........though that is very natural to all Goans , others have to strictly do it to please the very Mankurad that you are going to eat! ( In my case I simply hop and jump around, especially now that I stay in Bengaluru and I don't get to eat a Mankurad everyday!! )

Step 2: You cut it into neat slices! Remember not to smudge or disturb the pulp!

Step 3: You smell it one's again!

You see, Mankurad is to be eaten at leisure, for that you need to give lots of time, it's not something you gulp down to just finish the task!!

You take small bites, and chew it slowly .......preferably close your eyes while you eat it!

Only after you are done with the slices can you go for the main seed! And you have to eat the seed till the color turns from yellow to white!! Waste nothing my friend!! Waste Nothing!!

You cannot plant the seed after you are done with it and expect it to bear you a Mankurad! You need a graft of Mankurad if you want to grow one, and you need to be in Goa to grow one!

This season, if any of your Goan friends are visiting home, the only thing to ask them to get back when they come is a Mankurad Amo! Each Mankurad should be carefully wrapped in a paper and then all of them put together in a bag....

Well! I hope you follow the rules when you get to eat the Mankurad! If I was in Goa, I would have said all are welcome to come home and have one, but here I treasure each Mankurad that I get!! So sorry, no invitations here! ( This can be another etiquette! You may not want to share a Mankurad, and it's perfectly understood!)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Scary Movie??? Phoonk 2 Experience!


Yesterday night me and my friends finally agreed to go and watch a scary movie. Last month "Click" was released and though we spoke about it, we didn't make it to the theaters. Another reason being most of us had watched the original film " Shutter" from which "Click" is supposedly copied!

"Phoonk 2" was on my mind for quite some time! I knew before watching the film that it's not going to be great......nevertheless it's been too long since I watched a scary movie on a big screen. And all I ever want to do is to get that thrill, to get scared and scream! ( I love to scream!!) The last I watched was 'Darna Mana Hai', and before that I'd watched 'Bhoot'- which was a good film.

I don't know what the makers of this film were thinking when they made this film...... rather, did they think at all before or while making the film?

All that the film offers you are sound effects- big, scary and disturbing one's- at unwanted places....It looks like the guy responsible for putting the sound effects put all that he had in 1 go! ( May be he too was bored of watching the film so he just randomly picked up scenes and put the effects!) The end result is that there's no connection between the video and the audio! Someone's going to sleep and there's a sudden loud scary sound effect!! The visual does nothing to compliment the sound effects!

while you wait patiently and expectantly for something to happen , the night falls...... and........and..........suddenly it's a day! ( tai tai fish!)

I don't understand...in fact I am quite sure nobody understood the flow of the film! There's no progression in the storyline.....no connection between 1 scene to the next. Throughout, it's the same mood! From the 1st scene to the last scene , the film maker tries to scare you and finally succeeds at nothing!

Is it that the film maker was scared to scare the audience? I couldn't understand!

Anyway, I had a good time trying to scare friends who are too scared to watch a scary movie, and the rest of the times commenting on the film.......and a few rare times, screaming... ( Though my sound effects did compliment the film- at least I screamed at the right places!)

Please don't waste your time and money on this film! However if you simply want to hang out with your friends, comment and have a good laugh- then please go!

This film can bond you to your friends , will sharpen your wit and your tongue, can give you lots of opportunities to laugh out loud, will disgust you!! But what it won't do - is scare you!!

A big Cheers to Indian Scary movies......they are in a class of it's own! A genre you can't call thrillers, scary films, comedy ....for that matter nothing!

Rating
: Sorry, What was it I watched yesterday??

LOL

Friday, April 23, 2010

The Changing face of Indian Television!

Rishta.Com

This is a new hindi serial on sony Tv .It aired it's first episode on 3rd Jan 2010.

The very 1st look will tell you that it's a different serial!

I've never been a regular viewer so I don't catch any of their shows, but I did in my free time watch a few episodes on youtube and found it very entertaining!

It's anytime better than those totally senseless melodramatic saas bahu serials!

The Plot:

It is the story of two contrasting individuals namely Isha and Rahul who open a matrimonial agency. But while accomplishing the most challenging job, they encounter extreme cases, and illogical requests of their clients.

It is a Yash Raj Production and is an extremely innovative and fresh concept!

Rishta.com Timings:

Monday: 1.30 pm

Tuesday: 9am

Wednesday 11pm

As you notice, the timings of this show are so awkward that it's not been able to catch its target audience- which is obviously young, modern and urban class! So the TRP's are supposedly very low and the producers are thinking of taking it off the air!

So some people are trying to save the show by starting an online petition called Save Rishta.Com Petition at http://www.petitiononline.com/Rcom4evr/petition.html!( Sign it if you want more sensible shows to come to Indian Television- I did!)

What more? It's been written and directed by Rishabh Seth, who is the younger brother of the main female cast- Shruti Seth!( Who's standing in that photograph there!)

So try to catch an episode, such shows are definitely welcome as they will hopefully change the face of Indian Television for the better!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

About: Interesting blogs !

Over the last couple of months I've been writing less and reading more of what other bloggers are writing!

And here's a list of blogs I thoroughly enjoy reading: And I recommend you to try them out!

( Most of them are links Mr Kiran Rao puts as update messages! So thanks to him for that!)

1. http://neoindian.org/

2. http://indianhomemaker.wordpress.com/

3. http://thetimepassofindia.blogspot.com/

4. http://poomanam.blogspot.com/

5. http://www.hopehorizons.in/

6. http://therestlessquill.blogspot.com

7. http://www.chronicwriter.com/ ( Funny)

8. http://spicyipindia.blogspot.com/ ( Legal writing)

9. http://di-space.blogspot.com/ ( My sister's blog! Writes rarely, but writes very well!)

10. http://deadlykali.blogspot.com/

11. http://harryjerry.com/

12. http://chandni.wordpress.com/blog/

Any blogs you have come across that's worth a read, then please leave the link in the comments section!

Enjoy Madi!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

No place like home!

This time when I visited Goa, I learnt more about her beauty then I ever had before!!

I'd always hated Goan summers because they are hot and humid and sweaty! But at least the sweat protects your skin and keeps the body cool- it doesn't burn like here in Bengaluru!

No restaurants or cooks in Bengaluru can ever match up to my mum's food! I'd almost lost my appetite in the last week before I left for Goa! And all I could dream of at nights were the simple "bhaji's" and "toys" ( It's a variety of daal tadka. Not pronounced as 'toy' meaning a child's toy...it's pronounced....well! Forget it! There are so many words in Indian languages that English can never help in pronunciation- this is one of them! )

The calmness and peace that surrounds Goa is refreshing! And I just trekked in the evergreen forests of Netravali and had a dip in one of its several cool waterfalls- That my friends, is a heavenly experience!!

Goa , to me, is To hear the songs of birds every morning when I wake up!
And to see the happiness in the eyes of my pets when they see me!

Goa is walking any street and meeting people you know ( and occasionally having to face a comment or two!)

It's the freedom to take the bike or the car anywhere I like, without having to worry about the time and the place!

And speeding- yes! Goa is the place ( especially at nights) to speed your vehicle!

Goa- is everything you ever need!

The only problem area is lack of opportunities , especially career wise!
Another major problem is dirty politics which will eventually kill this beautiful state!
And at  last, an orthodox society which vehemently refuses to grow up and walk with the times!

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The first rains in Bengaluru

It's my first "Rains" in Bengaluru!


Yesterday late evening I went to drop my  brother on the bus stand along with my sister. It was around 8.30 pm and we both ( me and my sis) were still stuck on the bus stand , waiting for a volvo to take us back home. It was already windy by then! And within a few minutes it started raining!

My first reaction to every first rain is to go out and drench myself in it! I hate to hide myself when it rains.....that too for silly reasons like "my dress will get wet!" (It gets wet when you wash it anyway!)

But I didn't run out in the rains this time,
First:  It was late and my sis had already got hyper about not getting a Volvo to go back home! I can imagine what would happen if I had drenched myself.......
a. she would catch me by my ear and hit me with the only frail umbrella that we were carrying!
b. Swear that she wouldn't allow me to step inside 'her' home!
c. Pack my bags and send me back to Goa, probably by the same bus that my bro was traveling!

Since I didn't want to be beaten up in the middle of a major bus stand, nor wanted to take the risk of having to sleep outside in the rains nor did I want to go back to Goa- So I resisted stepping out, and enjoyed the showers by only passing under it in the pretext of checking out the buses!

The reason I love rains so much is probably because I was born on a rainy day! I remember each and every birthday of mine used to be so wet! For Every birthday party, I would tell my friends to carry 2 pairs of clothes! The first party wear for the cake cutting ceremony ( till their parents dropped them at my place and left!) and second ( rainy wear!) .

One of our major games used to be "Adventures under the Tunnel!" . We have an old Portuguese house in Goa, and a big tunnel ( for water drainage) runs under the front yard of our house! This tunnel carries the water from the Mont Hill, which is situated at the back of our house or rather my house is at the foot hills of the Mont!

By the time I was celebrating my birthday by mid June , the tunnel used to be filled with water and even tiny fishes! Me and my friends loved splashing in this water or simply trekking through the tunnel from our house to the Mont! There used to be many challenges while we trekked in there- big frogs- And by big I mean really biiiig! The goal of the game was to trek till the Mont- so we had to overcome every difficulty in the way!

Water varied in its depths at some points - so many friends would even take a full dip! There were stories about water snakes being there in the tunnels too........though personally I never saw one, at every game, somebody would scream on top of their voices " Snaaaakkkke!"  and everybody would run for their lives!

In the rush that would follow, some tried to climb up the wet slippery wall, some others lost their footwear- and they had to run downhill trying to catch their floating chappals, some others like me who knew very well there was no snake would take that opportunity to simply push people around and make them nervous!

After we all had screamed and got wet till our heart's desire we would return home to eat and dress up!

Even now when I see the tunnel filled with water, I've the desire to jump in and splash the water- but I miss my childish friends! Now everyone cares too much about their age and what people would say.........Personally, I don't think we are ever too old to play any kind of games as long as it can entertain us! Not that me and my friends have lost our fear of frogs and snakes!

As I grew up, there was only another girl who thought like me and didn't mind going wild in rains- Sharvani! For the last couple of years, every time it rains heavily, we take our bike and wear no rainy gear and go out for a long ride! There's no fun driving a car in the rains- the bike- any kind - is all you need!


"Rains" remind me of the film "Bombay" cause it starts in the rains and the love story looks more beautiful set in rains!
"Rains" also remind me of the film "Taal".
"Rains" remind me of the monsoon treks! Forests are the most exciting places to be in during rains! The greenery, the sound of small water falls , the happy birds chirping fills the atmosphere with so much freshness!  The rain drops falling on big and small leaves have their own rhythm.......all you need to do is sit quietly on a rock,  and listen and feel the monsoons!

Here in Bengaluru I miss a friend like sharvani who would just be ready for any wild activities in a matter of seconds! I miss my bike! And I miss trekking in the wild!

I've heard Karnataka has some of the best outdoors and I can't wait to explore them this monsoons!

Anybody game for some wild activities this monsoons?

Monday, March 8, 2010

On This Woman's Day

I realise, it is not only about expecting the male species to respect the woman kind and treat them well.................It is also up to each one of us- a woman, to respect what we are~!

Not to expect us to be understood and treated well by someone else outside of us, but to look within and like and understand the god's creation that we are!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Where Is The Indian?



An Incident happened today in the bus.

I just got in and took a seat, was listening to music and as always was in my own world.
The TC/conductor was collecting the money, I couldnt see him because I was on the 1st seat. So when my stop neared, I gave the money for the ticket! The TC probably thought I ignored him all this while...( in any case, why should I be paying attention to him?? But whatever...) , he refused to take the money, instead he gave me a lecture on how we North Indians think too smart of ourselves and we, the North Indians take the South Indians for granted and now a days how hoards of us are settling down in Bengaluru and spoiling the city's culture! All in all, I feel he just missed one dialogue- I was expecting him to say, " We should also have our own Shiv sena here who takes care of people like you!"

I only smiled in return and waited for my stop!

Just before getting down, I went to him and disclosed my real identity, " I am not a North Indian!"

" Then? A South Indian?", He looked shocked and worried!

" No. I am only an Indian!"




It's not his fault........now that I am not a localite, I realize how my fellow countrymen treat our own people!
When I've got angry at non Goans , I've definitely called them "Ghatis"!

We all love to divide and rule, don't we?

We Goans feel there is something different about us, some sort of class which these South Indians lack!
South Indians think we Goans only know to show our skin and get drunk!
North Indians pride themselves on their color and build!

I don't really know where I belong?
Map wise , I am a west Indian, then there are east Indians, and are people from the islands- island Indians?


Where is the Indian?Huh?Huh??


An American visited India and went back to America
Where he met his Indian friend who asked him
How did u find my Country
The American said it is a great country
With solid ancient history
And immensely rich with natural resources.
The Indian friend then asked.
How did u find Indians??

Indians??
Who Indians??
I didn't find or met a single Indian there in India.

What nonsense??
Who else could u met in India then??
The American said..
In Kashmir I met a Kashmiri
In Punjab a Panjabi
In Bihar, Maharastra, Rajasthan, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala
Bihari, Marathi, Marwadi, Bengali, Tamilian, Malayali

Then i met
A Hindu,
A Muslim,
A Christian,
A Jain,
A Buddhist

And many many many more
But not a single Indian did i meet

Think how serious this joke is..
The day would not be far off when indeed we would
Become a collection of nation states as some
Regional anti-national politicians want...
Fight back -
Always say I am Indian
Jai hind

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

My Name Is Khan Review

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't be wasting your time and money in watching this film either in the theaters or on your laptops!

1. The story makes no sense! In short the story can be explained in 2 sentences- "My name is Khan! And I am not a terrorist!" Karan and SRK shouldn't have wasted so much of their money on these 2 statements!

2. SRK's acting is pathetic! He's said to have Asperger's syndrome, a disorder which makes it difficult for people to interact socially.......so when he meets his bhabi for the first time, he doesn't even look at her- or avoids looking at her. But the same Khan leads a group of people into aiding some Hurricane victims..........His character doesn't make any sense at all! He's shown to hate the colour 'Yellow' , so much so that he's unable to cross a road cause of yellow lines on the road! But he seems quite comfortable in the company of a big yellow pumpkin!

3. The film goes to show how much love Mr. Karan Johar has for America.
a. Almost the whole film is shot in America.
b. There are more American actors than Indian actors.
c. The film gives you information about the American History and geography.
d. Mr. Johar's love for American Presidents' is almost unbelievable!

4. 2nd half of the film will kill you!

5. It's a boring film!

Lots of other things to dislike about the film, but I wouldn't even waste more time brooding about it! Foreigners might like this film or NRI's maybe........definitely not meant for a true Indian!



What's good about the film?


1. Music is good. Actually its just about okay.

2. You get to see Kajol after a very long time. Though her acting aint anything special, nor is her character, still ......at least- you get to see her, and she looks the same, doesn't look old!

3. 1st half is watchable.

4. The woman playing Jimmy Shergil's wife's role Sonya Jehan ( Guess that's her name) is very pretty !

Any other plus points then please add on!

But that's that!

The critics on TOI ( Goa Edition) gave this film 5 stars........ I think any kind of journalism should be practiced with a lot of responsibility! The critics who've given more than 3 stars for this film - I don't know which is the likable angle in this film. Yes! As always technically the film is good- but what we want is a story!

The last film I watched which was as bad as this one was ' Chandni Chowk to China' .........that film , though pachku- was a comedy, so you could leave behind your logic! But not this one! This film doesn't deserve your sympathy nor your attention! All the hype with the Shiv Sena Controversy is only to make audiences to go and watch this film!


My Rating: * / 1 star.

( Some people might argue about the film being good, as they argued that Saawariya by Sanjay Leela Bhansali was a good film! How each person perceives a piece of art is different, how it touches each one's heart is based on his set of experiences!

Would this film ( My name is Khan) get the same critical acclaim and appreciation if it wasn't for Karan Johar's direction ? If it wasn't For Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role?

Just because it is made by 2 of countries biggest productions ( Dharma and Red Chillies) and stars the countries biggest star and everyone's favorite Kajol can't earn it 5 stars!

Would this film work without SRK in it? Or Kajol in it? Or the Karan Johar factor in it?

Would you still watch it? Would you have still liked it?

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Dil to Bachcha hai Ji!

I havent heard any other melodious song in recent times! This one is just amazing from the film Ishqiya! I'm caught on to it from the moment I heard it on channel V! Its simple, no zhing pang that today's music offers, its soothing and you can sing along with it!

Vishal Bharadwaj has done a great work composing it and I'm sure it wouldnt have sounded as sweet if it wasnt for Rahat Fateh ali Khan singing it!

Go.......Hear it and enjoy! :-)

Friday, January 15, 2010

After a while....

After a while you learn, the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul!
And you learn, that love doesn't mean leaning and company doesn't mean security!
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts and presents aren't promises!
And you begin to accept your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead, with the grace of a woman and the grief of a child!
And you learn to build all your roads on today because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
And futures have a way of falling down in mid flight!
After a while you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much;
So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers!
And you learn that you really can endure, you really are strong, you really do have worth...
And you learn and you learn.......with every good bye you learn!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Born a woman- is it a bliss or a curse?


I always knew I was a misfit...to this social structure and sensibilities!
Somehow I am bad at differentiating between people, whether on the basis of caste and religion or even on genders!

" You are a girl, you've to take care of yourself!".... everyone told me, but I could never get the meaning right!

I am a girl... is this a boon or a curse?

All sorts of rules and limitations enter your life the moment you are born a girl!

I think a lot of times, that I should have been born a boy - for I love nights and hanging around at nights- I am a nocturnal!
I love adventure and moving around alone, all by myself!

But I love my body, my long soft hair, my soft hands and perfect bosom! I absolutely love everything that makes me a woman!

My discontent is not with my maker but my fellow beings who treat me differently only cause I am a female!

I look around at the nature and find all other females enjoying a much better freedom! Whether a female dog, cat or any other female - They are never treated differently by their species, they are never raped, never controlled!

Then why we, the superior race is treating our women like this?

Maybe it is safe to conclude, god created a bliss called "a woman" ,
Man turned her into a " curse"!


Painting at :http://fineartamerica.com/images-medium/abstract-woman-norman-engel.jpg

Speech by Chetan Bhagat at Symbiosis


Following is the speech by Chetan Bhagat given at the orientation programme for the new batch of MBA students at Symbiosis, Pune.

Good Morning everyone and thank you for giving me this chance to speak to you. This day is about you. You, who have come to this college, leaving the comfort of your homes (or in some cases discomfort), to become something in your life. I am sure you are excited. There are few days in human life when one is truly elated. The first day in college is one of them. When you were getting ready today, you felt a tingling in your stomach. What would the auditorium be like, what would the teachers be like, who are my new classmates – there is so much to be curious about. I call this excitement, the spark within you that makes you feel truly alive today. Today I am going to talk about keeping the spark shining. Or to put it another way, how to be happy most, if not all the time.


Where do these sparks start? I think we are born with them. My 3-year old twin boys have a million sparks. A little Spiderman toy can make them jump on the bed. They get thrills from creaky swings in the park. A story from daddy gets them excited. They do a daily countdown for birthday party – several months in advance – just for the day they will cut their own birthday cake.


I see students like you, and I still see some sparks. But when I see older people, the spark is difficult to find. That means as we age, the spark fades. People whose spark has faded too much are dull, dejected, aimless and bitter. Remember Kareena in the first half of Jab We Met vs the second half? That is what happens when the spark is lost. So how to save the spark?


Imagine the spark to be a lamp’s flame. The first aspect is nurturing – to give your spark the fuel, continuously. The second is to guard against storms.


To nurture, always have goals. It is human nature to strive, improve and achieve full potential. In fact, that is success. It is what is possible for you. It isn’t any external measure – a certain cost to company pay package, a particular car or house.


Most of us are from middle class families. To us, having material landmarks is success and rightly so. When you have grown up where money constraints force everyday choices, financial freedom is a big achievement. But it isn’t the purpose of life. If that was the case, Mr. Ambani would not show up for work. Shah Rukh Khan would stay at home and not dance anymore. Steve Jobs won’t be working hard to make a better iPhone, as he sold Pixar for billions of dollars already. Why do they do it? What makes them come to work everyday? They do it because it makes them happy. They do it because it makes them feel alive Just getting better from current levels feels good. If you study hard, you can improve your rank. If you make an effort to interact with people, you will do better in interviews. If you practice, your cricket will get better. You may also know that you cannot become Tendulkar, yet. But you can get to the next level. Striving for that next level is important.
Nature designed with a random set of genes and circumstances in which we were born. To be happy, we have to accept it and make the most of nature’s design. Are you? Goals will help you do that. I must add, don’t just have career or academic goals. Set goals to give you a balanced, successful life. I use the word balanced before successful. Balanced means ensuring your health, relationships, mental peace are all in good order.


There is no point of getting a promotion on the day of your breakup. There is no fun in driving a car if your back hurts. Shopping is not enjoyable if your mind is full of tensions.


You must have read some quotes – Life is a tough race, it is a marathon or whatever. No, from what I have seen so far, life is one of those races in nursery school, where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.


One last thing about nurturing the spark – don’t take life seriously. One of my yoga teachers used to make students laugh during classes. One student asked him if these jokes would take away something from the yoga practice. The teacher said – don’t be serious, be sincere. This quote has defined my work ever since. Whether its my writing, my job, my relationships or any of my goals. I get thousands of opinions on my writing everyday. There is heaps of praise, there is intense criticism. If I take it all seriously, how will I write? Or rather, how will I live? Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up? It’s ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, fall in love. We are people, not programmed devices.


I’ve told you three things – reasonable goals, balance and not taking it too seriously that will nurture the spark. However, there are four storms in life that will threaten to completely put out the flame. These must be guarded against. These are disappointment, frustration, unfairness and loneliness of purpose.


Disappointment will come when your effort does not give you the expected return. If things don’t go as planned or if you face failure. Failure is extremely difficult to handle, but those that do come out stronger. What did this failure teach me? is the question you will need to ask. You will feel miserable. You will want to quit, like I wanted to when nine publishers rejected my first book. Some IITians kill themselves over low grades – how silly is that? But that is how much failure can hurt you. But it’s life. If challenges could always be overcome, they would cease to be a challenge. And remember – if you are failing at something, that means you are at your limit or potential. And that’s where you want to be.


Disappointment’ s cousin is Frustration, the second storm. Have you ever been frustrated? It happens when things are stuck. This is especially relevant in India. From traffic jams to getting that job you deserve, sometimes things take so long that you don’t know if you chose the right goal. After books, I set the goal of writing for Bollywood, as I thought they needed writers. I am called extremely lucky, but it took me five years to get close to a release. Frustration saps excitement, and turns your initial energy into something negative, making you a bitter person. How did I deal with it? A realistic assessment of the time involved – movies take a long time to make even though they are watched quickly, seeking a certain enjoyment in the process rather than the end result – at least I was learning how to write scripts, having a side plan – I had my third book to write and even something as simple as pleasurable distractions in your life – friends, food, travel can help you overcome it. Remember, nothing is to be taken seriously. Frustration is a sign somewhere, you took it too seriously.


Unfairness – this is hardest to deal with, but unfortunately that is how our country works. People with connections, rich dads, beautiful faces, pedigree find it easier to make it – not just in Bollywood, but everywhere. And sometimes it is just plain luck. There are so few opportunities in India, so many stars need to be aligned for you to make it happen. Merit and hard work is not always linked to achievement in the short term, but the long term correlation is high, and ultimately things do work out. But realize, there will be some people luckier than you. In fact, to have an opportunity to go to college and understand this speech in English means you are pretty damm lucky by Indian standards. Let’s be grateful for what we have and get the strength to accept what we don’t. I have so much love from my readers that other writers cannot even imagine it. However, I don’t get literary praise. It’s ok. I don’t look like Aishwarya Rai, but I have two boys who I think are more beautiful than her. It’s ok. Don’t let unfairness kill your spark.


Finally, the last point that can kill your spark is Isolation. As you grow older you will realize you are unique. When you are little, all kids want Ice cream and Spiderman. As you grow older to college, you still are a lot like your friends. But ten years later and you realize you are unique. What you want, what you believe in, what makes you feel, may be different from even the people closest to you. This can create conflict as your goals may not match with others. And you may drop some of them. Basketball captains in college invariably stop playing basketball by the time they have their second child. They give up something that meant so much to them. They do it for their family. But in doing that, the spark dies. Never, ever make that compromise. Love yourself first, and then others.


There you go. I’ve told you the four thunderstorms – disappointment, frustration, unfairness and isolation. You cannot avoid them, as like the monsoon they will come into your life at regular intervals. You just need to keep the raincoat handy to not let the spark die.


I welcome you again to the most wonderful years of your life. If someone gave me the choice to go back in time, I will surely choose college. But I also hope that ten years later as well, your eyes will shine the same way as they do today. That you will Keep the Spark alive, not only through college, but through the next 2,500 weekends. And I hope not just you, but my whole country will keep that spark alive, as we really need it now more than any moment in history. And there is something cool about saying – I come from the land of a billion sparks.
Thank You.

--------------------------
Cheers!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Kurbaan- Some love stories have blood on them


It's a well made film! No doubt about it!

Great performances by everyone -(minus) Vivek Oberoi who doesnt stop over acting!
Great background score!
Great cinematography!
Nice Screenplay and direction by Rensil D'silva.
Good music.

Its a must watch.......I dont understand why the intimate scene is so hyped as it passes you by within seconds!

The film has been hyped too- just because of Saifeena ( we dont stop copying the west, do we? After Brangelina, we've our own version! LOL)

There's no interval point as such in this film , I would've preferred to watch it in one go,. The point at which it goes for an interval- doesnt do anything to the narrative.)

The love story, set in Delhi, isnt that great , but the music,cinematography and the background score elevates the film to a new height!

I didnt feel much pain seeing Kareena suffer, probably cause the love story was rushed....We dont get to know her character too well to sympathize with her, to like her and to really get that attached to her!

The film is seen from Kareena's perspective! The events unfold as she sees them! I would have loved to see and know more of her character as she's the one who's cheated and trapped in the film!

I liked the film, but given the storyline and the capacity it holds- I could've loved it!

New York is a film on the same lines....... and (story wise) Kurbaan is no better or worse then New York!

I dont get attached to 'goras', that's the reason I dont like these Indian films based on foreign incidents and locales!
India has enough problems and emotional drama happening that can be captured! We dont need a Danny Boyle to do that!

2 states- The story of my marriage By Chetan Bhagat


I'll try as much as possible not to make this one into a book review!

I bought this book because:

1: It's cheap! priced at just Rs. 95/- ( Mr. Bhagat- A IIMA student definately knows what sells at what price in India! Indians love all those things that are priced under Rs. 100/-. No wonder he's the best selling author in India!)

2: I've a Reader's Block these days. I dont know if any such thing exists, but I think its almost been 4 months since I read anything useful! Partly cause my life is too exciting at the moment- that I find any book or any film boring in comparison! yes! I havent watched a single movie for the past couple of months too!

So, in order to beat out of this block, something light and funny was needed- so started on this book!

3: I am a big fan of his 1st book " 5 point someone" . I like his funny style and use of language, it runs a smile through my face and I love smiling!

4: He says it's a story of his marriage- I wanted to know if everybody suffers in marriage, or is it just me?

While reading the book:

1: It's funny: Mr. Bhagat has kept up his funny style and similies! I especially love all those times he makes comments and describes his in laws, like this one " Ananya's mother looked as if she had fallen into a drum of golden paint" - she wore a Kanjeevaram sari!

2: It brought me out of the block, now I can start reading the more serious books!

After Reading:

1. Not a great book- nothing compared to 5 point someone!

2. Mr. Bhagat , enough of IIT- IIM......! No more please! It started getting on my nerves, I dont think the smartest brains make it into IIT-IIM! I think the most boring and geeky get into those institutes! Ok, let me not generalise, I know you need to work damn hard to get through, but I am of the opinion that you cant judge a person's intelligence merely with the kind of paychecks they get!Mr. Bhagat is right though, in describing his citi bank job as one of the most boring!

3. This story is about his journey till his marriage! Which is usually fun! :) So, it did not clear my doubts fully!


4. Will I buy his next book?


Yes! Yes! Yes!
A. Because I've bought and read all of them so far!
B. The 2nd was bad, 3rd was ok, the latest being better than the 4th.......but I'll always keep loving his style and
C. I am his sincere fan!

So, if you need a good laugh, or just a casual read, please go and buy this book! It's worth the price!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Can you ever love me for me?

Komal always sends me some of the best fwd's! Today she sent me this poem and I just loved it! I bet you'll love it too!

Written by by: Miriam Campo


Can you ever love me for me?
For the me that I am true and true
Can you love me with my imperfections?
Can you see me as I am and not as what you want me to be?

Can you ever love me for me?
For the me that makes mistakes and speaks without thinking
Can you love me even when I am unreasonable?
Can you see me as I am and not for the Angel you seek?

Can you ever love me for me?
For the me that cries when a stranger child is hurt
Can you love me when I am sad without me having a reason to be?
Can you see me as I am not as what I once was?

Can you ever love me for me?

Monday, November 9, 2009

Life is too short to be anything but happy

"There comes a time in life when you have to let go of all the pointless drama and the people who create it , and surround youself with people who make you laugh so hard that you forget the bad and focus solely on the good . After all, life is too short to be anything but happy! "

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Crossroads

There are moments in our lives where we find ourselves at crossroads.
Afraid, confused, without a roadmap.
The choices we make in those moments can define the rest of our days.
Of course, when faced with the unknown, most of us choose to turn around and go back.
But once in a while, people push on to something better,
something found just beyond the pain of doing it alone,
and just beyond the bravery and courage it takes to let someone in,
or give someone a second chance,
something beyond the quiet persistence of a dream.

Because it's only when you're tested,
that you discover who you are, that you discover who you can be.
The person you can be does exist,
beyond the hard work, faith, belief, and beyond the heartache, and…
fear of what lies ahead.

- One Tree Hill

Powerful Words

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity..
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with
negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates
will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want
you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you
to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those
that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.


Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems
with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who
never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has
a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the
bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone
who's not going anywhere.

With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it. Be careful
where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the
person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with
wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you
will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the
kind of friends he chooses."

The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you
closely associate - for the good and the bad.


"In Prosperity Our Friends Know Us. In Adversity We Know Our friends."

"Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them."
"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit
in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing
attitude..". . ............ ...... ...

Lessons from baby camel






















Shuttling between Mumbai to Goi

As I shuttle between Mumbai to Goa,
I realise that I am trying to keep a difficult balance:
between my past , my present and my future,
between what I want , what I've been, and what I should be!
between my dreams and my reality,
between true happiness and a fakade of smiles,
between social pressures and inner peace,
between love and friendship,
between trust , faith and relationships!


As I shuttle between Mumbai to Goa,
I see a sea of choices sorrounding me...
Should I walk on, Or should I wait for others to walk with me?
Should I take the path less taken or should I keep listening to what other's have told me?

As I shuttle from Mumbai to Goa,
I find my life torn into bits and pieces...
Every bit shouting out my name,
Every piece blaming me for the loss of the game!

As I shuttle from Mumbai to Goa,
I realise... someday...this journey back and forth has to stop...
I realise I cannot keep hanging in the moment,
I realise this balancing act has to drop!

As I travel from Goa to Mumbai,
This time around with no return ticket,
I've told myself, "This is it! Just do it!"
There's no point in living a life which is of other's making,
If its grief and insult you have to bear, just take in..

Life is a journey, we all are travellers,
But it makes sense only if we move forward!
Do what it takes but please keep moving,
In the start it may hurt, but time is soothing!


With dreams in my eyes and faith in my heart,
I set my foot on cold unknown paths....
Hope hopes and wishes come true soon,
Hope my decision turns out to be a boon,
May Some day many a travellers learn from me..
A Hard lesson but one that's worth remembering!

Janaki Shinkre ...

Monday, October 19, 2009

The song on my mind........

On bended knee is no way to be free
lifting up an empty cup I ask silently
that all my destinations will accept the one that's me
so I can breathe

Circles they grow and they swallow people whole
half their lives they say goodnight to wives they'll never know
got a mind full of questions and a teacher in my soul
so it goes...

Don't come closer or I'll have to go
Holding me like gravity are places that pull
If ever there was someone to keep me at home
It would be you...

Everyone I come across in cages they bought
they think of me and my wandering
but I'm never what they thought
got my indignation but I'm pure in all my thoughts
I'm alive...

Wind in my hair, I feel part of everywhere
underneath my being is a road that disappeared
late at night I hear the trees
they're singing with the dead
overhead...

Leave it to me as I find a way to be
consider me a satellite for ever orbiting
I knew all the rules but the rules did not know me
guaranteed...

By Eddie Vedder

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Trust Me....

Mom told me never to trust anybody !

She told me its never worth trusting anybody other than your blood relations, cause they are the one's who care , they are the one's who'll always be there!

But when I fell on the hard school ground, it was another school mate I'd never met who gave me a helping hand!
When I scored terrible marks in math, it was my benchmate who put a hand on my shoulder and said," There's always a next time!"

When I came home and showed my marks, I got shoutings!
When I came home and showed I'd got hurt, I was told I have become too naughty!

Why is it that my close one's are never happy with me? I always wondered!

Whenever I did anything that made me happy- all my close one's were never happy about it!

And the saga continues.....

I wrote dialogues for a full lenth konkani film this september! All I got to hear when I came home was, " Is anybody going to know at least that you were involved in this film? who cares about your small name appearing somewhere in the credits?"

So who do I trust?
Who do I depend on?
People who encourage and support me? Who stand by me and share my happiness?
Or people who call themselves my caretakers and protectors but are never happy about anything I do???

Saturday, September 5, 2009

It has to start somewhere,
It has to start sometime,
What better place than here,
What better time than NOW?


-Guerrilla Radio,
Rage Against The Machine.

The Cow

Friday, September 4, 2009

"Film Making"

One of the most fascinating fields according to me! And I am just loving the process of making one right now!

I dont know exactly when I fell in love with films, nor did I ever think this would become a lifelong passion!

There's no department I am not interested in knowing or learning about- nor any department I dont know anything about! Film making involves so much observation- and I feel everyone and anyone can make one, a film that reflects his/her thought process!

Whether its acting, costumes, direction or art or production..... give me any job and I love to put my flavour in it!

Strange, how I feel about this field! Never have I loved anything or anyone more than this!

Just one prayer to the almighty, let me do this all my life! Let me observe, create, learn and get fascinated with this field till I take my last breath!

Passing Thoughts

A bit busy these days so no time to write long, thoughtful expressions /musings of my mind....but a thought crossed my mind today.....

In life , what you purposely dont do is as important as what you do!
The same as knowing what not to say, and what to say!
Sometimes 'not doing' an act , can take you places!

Say what?
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